I'm so inspired by natural beauty found on simple paths, flower beds, or while strolling on the beach. A pebble, a fallen leaf, a pinecone... everything so beautifully designed and special that you can't help but appreciate these free gifts all around us. Often when I need to collect my thoughts or just draw inspiration, I go into the woods on a short hike near my house or I venture to the coast and just walk the beach where the world seems to go on forever as you look over choppy waters as far as your eyes can take you. When I was little I thought that if I looked hard enough, maybe I'd see France!

I've been thinking about nature a lot this week because it's been raining for so many days now, and cold, that there seems to be no end and I can't get outside as much and I'm starting to feel it in my bones. Like I need to get out and just be with nature! My town does not have sidewalks and I live on a very busy road so I can't just go do a few laps around town with an umbrella in hand so I'm thinking of just grabbing my raincoat in a moment and head into the apple orchards or the forest to breathe in that fragrant scent of apple, wet wood and brush combined with pine.

Because nature has such a healing power over those who let it work it's magic and who make time to really enjoy it, I reason that this explains my attraction to bringing the outside in through patterns that mimic nature. I'm a lover of florals and leaf prints, so the moment I saw Simron towels over at the Le Souk Shop I felt an instant attraction to them.

I love their simplicity and beauty, rooms that feel very connected to the outdoors give me a sense of calm but also my mind becomes more centered when I'm around simple beauty and small luxuries. It's confirmation of the truth that less is more, don't you think?

What do you like about bringing natural fibers, textures and patterns indoor - what connections to do make, feel, remember from the past that causes you deep appreciation for the natural world?

UPDATE: Daneille from Le Souk just informed me that she'd love to give decor8 readers a discount on the Simrin products that she carries in her shop. She's giving you a 20% discount, just place your order via email: info AT soukshop.com and she will reply with the total after discount and shipping costs.

(images: simrin and le souk shop)