18 fun decorative items you can find in nature

Tumbled to a perfect smoothness over time, river rocks can be used in a wide variety of home decor DIY projects. Use these stunning stones to craft a DIY bath mat, or simply layer into a vase or dish for a modern, natural aesthetic. 

Long used in decor on the coasts, driftwood is now making its way into homes far, far away from the ocean. The next time you're at the beach, source a smooth stick of driftwood to display on a table as a decorative piece or use it to make a boho-chic macrame wall hanging. 

With the holidays around the corner, there's no better time to head out into the woods and source some pine cones for your Christmas decor. Make sure pine cones are free of bugs or rot, then bake on a cookie sheet at a low temperature (180 or 200 Fahrenheit will do) to do away with any other microscopic bacteria or mildew. 

You might have seen seashells in tacky '80s bathroom decor, but there's a way to incorporate these colorful gems from the sea into a modern, sophisticated design aesthetic. Fill a hurricane vase with small seashells and tuck a candle inside, or use larger shells to store trinkets on a side table. 

Whether fresh or dried, flowers bring tons of color and life into a space. Grabbing a fresh bouquet occasionally is a given, but consider dried flowers like lavender and pampas grass to bring a chic touch of the indoors inside. 

If you've got a gorgeous tree outside, bring some of those leafy fronds indoors! Evergreen fronds are especially great for this during the holiday season, as do pine needles and other greenery. 

There's no reason why the vibrant color of fall leaves should only be relegated to the outdoors. Use dried leaves to make a wreath, or make fun wall prints that can be used for many years to come. 

Super trendy in decor right now, scour your local thrift shop for antlers and other taxidermied finds that fit in perfectly with a masculine, midcentury aesthetic. 

If you've got white birch trees in your area, their bark can be used in a wide range of decor DIYs. Cut short logs and carve out holes for candles, or use scraps to make a rustic wreath that can be decorated with berries, garland, and other festive accouterments. 

Terrariums bring a tiny little ecosystem indoors, and they're fun and easy to maintain. Using soil, moss, rocks, and other natural elements, you can create a gorgeous little garden that will stick around even when the weather isn't great. 

Arguably the most obvious choice for bringing natural elements indoors, you just can't beat a good houseplant. If you're new to plants, start off with something easy, like a pothos, or go for the glamorous foliage of a monstera deliciosa if you've got a sunnier space. 

Add a little French farmhouse vibe to your kitchen with dried herbs and greenery, which both smell wonderful and look charming. Hang flowers or herbs together in bundles until fully dried, then use glass jars and vases to display them beautifully. 

Able to be transformed into a stunning serving tray, table centerpiece, or even coasters, cross-cut wood slices are an affordable way to bring natural elements into your home. Make sure the slabs are clean and free of rot and consider oiling with mineral oil to make sure the surface stays clean and gorgeous for years to come. 

If the beach is always calling your name, bringing a little sand indoors is a good way to keep it top of mind. Fill a decorative bowl with sand, seashells, and succulents for an eclectic vibe, or layer contrasting colors into a bottle for something more classically coastal. 

There's nothing that announces the arrival of fall like colorful, bumpy decorative gourds all over your favorite farmers' market. These gourds keep for months and look great as part of a porch display, Thanksgiving table centerpiece, or piled inside a decorative bowl on the coffee table. 

It may seem a little strange, but acorns actually make for a seriously cute decorative element. After cleaning them thoroughly, layer acorns into a mason jar and top with a tea light for charming fall luminaries, or create festive napkin rings with twine and acorns. 

Both fragrant and visually stunning, eucalyptus fronds look gorgeous in tall, slender vases atop entryway tables or bookshelves. It's also a nice touch in the bathroom — tie a few fronds to your showerhead and enjoy the calming scent while you shower. 

Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, citrus fruits can be employed in a wide variety of DIYs. After cutting into thin slices and dehydrating in the oven or a dehydrator, use limes, blood oranges, and oranges to create rustic DIY garlands, wreaths, or even totally eco-friendly Christmas ornaments.