To Do or Not To Do: Bring Branches Inside

When I was out to brunch the other day, the restaurant decor distracted me from my Eggs Benedict.  If you know me at all, you know that anything that comes between me and Eggs Benedict has to be pretty awesome. What was this decor you ask? It was a large branch hung in the middle of the restaurant.  It had little origami cranes hanging from it, almost like a mobile.  It was understated, and, I thought, beautiful.

Eggs Benedict and a branch at The Farmhouse

Ever since then, I have noticed “indoor branches” everywhere.  The example below most closely replicates the branch in the restaurant.  Although this is sleeker, it still evokes a feeling of natural and effortless festivity. I like the thought of using a branch for Christmas (or any holiday/season) by hanging relevant objects from the branch.

Branches make for some gloriously easy and cheap DIY.  Just find a branch in your yard/woods/park/wherever.  Rip off the smaller branches if you prefer.  You can hang it from the ceiling, as pictured above.  Or group a few on the wall (see below) for an elegant and understated look.

Too lazy to take off the smaller branches?  No time to hang the branch?  No problem.  A large branch brings the corner of a room to life and presents a great opportunity to display (light) seasonal objects or keepsakes.

If you’re up for a DIY project that’s a bit more involved, try making using a branch to display your jewelry.  The chic and organized reward is well worth the effort:

Maybe you live in NYC and can’t find any branches/would probably get arrested if you were caught chopping one off of a tree in Central Park.  Well, don’t worry, there are plenty of branch products to be purchased. Take this iPod docking station, for example.  I love the juxtaposition of technology with the overwhelming amount of nature.

This simple shelf is practical way to work branches into your decor. Simply add some colorful favorite books and tchotchkes and this shelf will come to life.

Like the idea of branches, but want something a little more glamorous?  This twig table gives the idea of nature, while being so much more chic.

Finally, with spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to bring blooming branches inside.  Spring trees are blossoming all over Kansas City and there’s no reason that beauty needs to be kept outside.  Snip a few branches, put them in water, and let the smell of spring permeate your home.

What do you think about decorating with branches? Are you grabbing the saw and heading out the door? Or do you believe that trees grow outside for a reason and that’s where they should stay?

As always, click on the pictures for the source.