by Anna Wildman

Created on: March 29, 2009

Using natural materials in your home is a great way to bring the outdoors in all year long. If you collect your own materials you can even decorate your entire house for a few dollars instead of hundreds of dollars. Many people think that to use nature in your home you need allot of greens and woodsy colors in your decor. Nonsense you can use nature in your house even if you have bright red walls and a gold ceiling. There are two ways to look at using natural elements. The first is to make your home a nature retreat using wood and stone for a warm homey feel. The second is to use natural elements to accent your style. If your style happens to be a nice rustic lodge feel by all means use the first way. If you are like me and you want to use natural elements to convey a theme but you really like your red walls then here are some ideas for you.

Bamboo:

Probably among the most versatile natural elements aside from wood , bamboo can be used in flooring wall hangings, to make furniture or as an accent. Bamboo comes in many colors and sizes and can be easily painted into any color you like. My favorite is black bamboo which has a natural ebony color to it. Bamboo can be picked up free on craigslist or bought inexpensively at a craft store. It lends itself well to Asian design styles. Try using the stalks trimmed of leaves for curtain rods or even shower rods.Try making a bamboo water fountain.

Create bamboo shelves by cutting 6-7 pieces of bamboo into the length you want. This needs to be bamboo about an inch to an inch and a half in diameter. Use liquid nails to glue them side by side. Tie them tightly with twine and let the glue dry for 24 hours. For a sturdier shelf for heavy objects take the first length and run glue along it place the second length against the glue and tie them at each end with hemp or leather cord. Continue doing this until you have a shelf the depth you need it. Once the shelf is dry you can paint it or leave it for a natural look. You can then hang it using brackets just like a wood shelf.

You can use this same technique to create a dinner tray. Once the tray is dry measure the side and ends and cut pices the correct length and glue them around the top to create a lip. Try using the technique with smaller bamboo and shorter pieces to create coasters and pads to put hot pots on.you can even use this technique to make a nex top for an existing coffee table and glue it on top for a new look. Candle holders can be made by screwing a piece of wood

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