Interior Style

Alex Walls shows us how to create a cosy nook with natural materials

This snug corner has a rugged vibe created with materials only a few steps removed from their raw state

Alex Walls shows us how to create a cosy nook with natural materials

Living in New Zealand, we’re spoilt by our remarkable natural surroundings. Even if you live in the middle of a city, you’re never too far from an idyllic beach, forest, mountain or river, and this inspires me every day in my styling decisions. Whether it’s the materials, textures or colours I choose, the interiors I create always reflect my love for the raw, untouched natural landscapes that abound in this beautiful country.

This month I’ve dreamed up a cosy corner with a rugged, ‘eco retreat’ vibe – the kind of spot for curling up in the sun with a book and a herbal tea. Here are my tips for creating your own nature-focused nook that pays homage to the beauty of the wild.

Natural, sustainable pine plywood makes a great wall lining or flooring solution that is not only practical and economical, but a great design feature, too. It adds a beautiful warmth to a room.

Timber features work well with an earthy colour palette of olive green, warm brown and dark charcoal. Here, the Dulux ‘Invercargill’ floor colour perfectly complements the golden woodgrain of the ply wall.

Raw textures add a homely and calming touch, like this hand-knotted rug in pure wool. The natural imperfections in the yarn add to the character of the room.

One of the easiest ways to bring a taste of the outdoors into your home is with a large landscape print. I’m currently enjoying photographic desert scenes and bright bursts of foliage.

Styling by: Alex Walls. Photography by: Bayly & Moore.

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