Integrating handmade elements into natural home decor has always been my passion, but I recently faced a major problem when I realized my latest project was clashing with the organic flow of my living space. I spent nearly three years pouring my heart into a massive sunflower crochet afghan, but I had a severe mental block regarding the layout.
I have a strong aversion to rigid diagonal lines and repetitive patterns in my home, preferring a look that is scattered and wild. Every time I tried to arrange the 256 squares, my brain instinctively spaced them out evenly, creating a stiff, manufactured grid that felt the opposite of “natural.” I’ve written an article about earthy home decor accents, but this large-scale piece was threatening to look more like a mathematical equation than a field of sunflowers.
To solve the puzzle of “planned randomness” for this piece of Natural Home Decor, I actually turned to an unlikely digital tool: an Excel spreadsheet. By mapping out the 16×16 grid on my computer, I could visualize the totality of the piece and intentionally break up any emerging patterns before I ever picked up my hook. I don’t want any obstacles in the future.
I also chose a rich, earthy green as the base color, a shade that many fellow crafters noted reminded them of handmade mossy tiles found in European castles. My biggest technical hurdle was the joining process, so I’ve always viewed it as a chore, but I discovered a “flat braid join” tutorial that transformed my task into a vine-like texture that felt right at home among my other plants and wooden accents.
The final solution was a flawless, sprawling afghan that now serves as the centerpiece of my natural home decor collection. By using the continuous flat braid join method, I added a braided texture between the squares that mimics organic growth while significantly reducing the number of loose ends I had to weave in.
Despite using nearly 40 balls of yarn over three years, the tension remained perfect, and the scattered arrangement of the sunflowers makes me smile every time I walk into the room. It survived its first gentle wash cycle and now sits draped over my sofa, a perfect testament to the idea that even the most free-spirited, earthy designs benefit from a little bit of behind-the-scenes organization.
17. Handmade Clay Vases
Handmade clay vases are a warm and authentic addition to your home decor. They can be customized in size and color to match wooden furniture and earthy tones, creating a cozy, natural, and stylish atmosphere.
16. Wooden Wall Shelves
Wooden wall shelves provide a clean, organic look. They pair perfectly with clay pots or small sculptures and allow you to display natural items while keeping your space balanced and grounded.
15. Clay Pendant Lights
Clay pendant lights add a rustic or bohemian vibe to your home. They cast a soft, earthy glow that complements wooden beams or tables, creating a soothing and relaxing atmosphere.
14. Wood and Clay Candle Holders
Combining clay and wood in candle holders creates a simple yet elegant decor piece. The contrast between warm wood and textured clay adds peace and organic beauty to any room.
13. Clay Wall Art
Clay wall art brings an artistic and tactile element to your decor. Handmade textures reflect natural imperfections, making walls feel alive while pairing beautifully with wooden furniture and warm lighting.
12. Rustic Wooden Tables
Rustic wooden tables serve as the heart of natural home decor. They bring warmth and strength to a room while providing the perfect surface to display clay vases, bowls, or handmade pieces, creating a welcoming natural atmosphere.
11. Clay Planters
Clay planters bring the outdoors inside. They allow you to mix greenery with wooden shelves or stands, creating a peaceful, balanced, and fresh natural home environment.
10. Wooden Ceiling Beams
Wooden beams add architectural beauty and warmth. When combined with clay walls or pottery, they transform a room into a rustic haven that feels natural and timeless.
9. Clay Tile Accents
Clay tiles, used as accents in the kitchen backsplash or around a fireplace, bring warmth and depth to your decor. They pair perfectly with wooden cabinetry or furniture for a soft, earthy look.
8. Wooden Bed Frames
A solid wooden bed frame creates a strong connection to nature. Pairing it with clay lamps or wall art transforms a bedroom into a peaceful retreat that blends natural materials with cozy simplicity.
7. Clay Tableware
Clay plates, cups, and bowls add charm to your dining area. Paired with a wooden table, they create a natural and welcoming atmosphere, making every meal feel warm and authentic.
6. Wooden Mirrors
Mirrors with wooden frames add natural texture and warmth. Placed near clay accessories, they reflect light and highlight the beauty of natural home decor with clay and wood.
5. Clay Sculptures
Clay sculptures bring creativity and depth to any corner. Displayed on wooden shelves or side tables, they stand out beautifully while expressing handmade artistry and natural elegance.
4. Wooden Picture Frames
Wooden picture frames keep memories alive in a natural and organic way. Paired with clay wall decor, they create a harmonious, peaceful, and grounded balance in your space.
3. Clay Lamps
Clay lamps provide soft, warm lighting that complements wooden surfaces. They create a cozy, calming space that unifies your natural home decor with clay and wood.
2. Wooden Flooring
Wooden flooring is a classic way to bring nature indoors. Combined with clay pots, tiles, or lamps, it creates a cohesive design that feels authentic, pure, and timeless.
1. Clay and Wood Centerpieces
Clay and wood centerpieces—like a clay bowl on a wooden tray or a small sculpture on a wooden base—bring harmony to your home decor. They tie together natural elements in a simple, elegant, and grounded way.
Conclusion
Creating natural home decor with clay and wood is an easy and beautiful way to fill your home with warmth, simplicity, and nature. Try incorporating a few of these ideas, and feel the difference in your space. For more inspiration on creative home decor and natural living, subscribe to my blog for regular tips and ideas.
