Bringing the Outdoors In: Natural Décor Ideas for Your Rural Home

Upcycling is the process of taking an old product destined for waste and reusing it. Unlike recycling, it is not broken down and used for its original purpose, but upgraded and refreshed, often for a new one.

We see upcycling across many different areas such as fashion, interiors and gardening. For example, a pre-loved t-shirt might have holes cut out to become a produce bag. Upcycling is better for the planet and can be a cost-effective way to put your stamp on your home.

A hot trend for 2025 is biophilia – the idea of bringing natural beauty from the outside world into the home. Expect to see plants and organic materials dominating home décor mood boards. You can create your own look with these recycled, outdoors-inspired ideas.

Chest of drawers planters

Have you got an old chest of drawers that’s no longer your style? Bonus points if it was made from sustainable timber in the first place! Start by cleaning and sanding the old set of drawers, then treat with a weatherproof wood varnish.

Next, fill each drawer with compost – you can use multi-purpose or compost for specific plants, such as peat-free rose compost. Arrange the drawers with the bottom drawer sticking out farthest, then less and less to create a staircase effect. Add plants and take care of them as you would any other plants in your garden – a unique and beautiful addition!

Ladder shelves

Another use for reclaimed wood (taking wood from its original purpose and upgrading it) is ladder bookshelves. If you’ve got an old wooden ladder lying around the garden, bring it inside for a sturdy storage piece.

The beauty of wooden step ladders is that they’re designed to support weight – so even the heaviest tomes won’t cause them to buckle. Take a freestanding ladder and treat the wood before applying brackets and mounting on the wall. Alternatively, if it’s a folding ladder, treat the wood and open it out to create a stationary shelving unit.

Wine cork bulletin boards

Breathe new life into your wine cellar with a cork bulletin board. Once you’ve amassed a generous collection of corks (depending on the size of your board!), line them up in a photo frame.

You’ll need a little precision and the help of a glue gun, but you can be experimental with the patterns. Measure out your photo frame (bonus points if it’s an old one) and calculate how many corks you’ll need. Arrange them at 45° angles facing opposing directions on each line. Mount to the wall and voila – all those parties immortalised in a bulletin board.

Bamboo lampshades

For a rustic cylindrical lampshade, you’ll need a few sticks of bamboo, some wire, a hammer and cutting tools. The amount of bamboo and wire you’ll need will depend on the size you’re looking for – it may be best to start small if you’re a beginner!

Feel along the bamboo to make sure you’re not cutting any weak areas, as these could split. Use a hammer to make a crack and then cut to make sure they’re all roughly the same size. The good thing is they don’t all need to be the same height. Remember, we’re after that homemade feel.

Arrange them around a wire bent to a circular shape, then fix together with a glue gun. Be mindful of the edges when you’re cutting as bamboo can be razor sharp!

Terracotta garden furniture

While terracotta garden pots are technically made from natural materials, they cannot biodegrade. This is due to the high temperatures they’re exposed to in the manufacturing process. They are also porous, so it’s essential to treat them with a non-toxic finish if you’re storing them outside.

Repurpose shallow plant pots into bird baths (treated) or consider making taller pots part of the furniture. Add a shallow dish as a lid to create a sturdy side table – great for complementing your outdoor seating.