For many of us, the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors convey a subtle message of relaxation. But often our homes, whether large or small, have no connection to the world outside. Here's how to bring the relaxing elements of the outdoors in.

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Relaxing Sights

Outdoor Pictures

Scenes from nature are poignant, particularly if you live in an urban center. Luckily, you have many options for art.

• Scour antiques or thrift stores for landscape paintings and prints, and keep your eye open for botanical prints, such as have been culled from antique books.
• Display professional photography or your own snapshots, such as a favorite outdoor spot in different seasons.

• Cut out and frame pictures from calendars or greeting cards; enlarge on a color copy machine if necessary.

• Use stencils or hire a decorative painter to create a woodland or beachy wall mural.

• Use sun-sensitive paper (available at art stores) to beautifully record the negative image of items such as leaves, twigs, and grass.

Plant for Window Views

Treat every window as a frame, and choose yard plantings that compose the best view.

• Include framing vertical elements, such as a columnlike cypress tree or a diminutive dogwood tree.

• Decide on a focal point, whether that be a bench, birdbath, or hydrangea bush.

• Accent both the foreground and background with complementary plants, flowers, or shrubs.

• Keep treatments simple to maximize an outdoor view.

• In addition, consider installing a window box inside the house. Something growing on a windowsill can help you stay in touch with the outside world. Flowers, cut or growing, add color and sometimes even scent to a room. If you lack a green thumb, realistic silk plants can add a garden touch.

Animal Magnetism

Being attentive to animals keeps you in touch with the rhythms of nature.

• Within a window's view, hang birdfeeders and scatter seed to attract squirrels and chipmunks.

• Where conditions permit, plant a garden to lure butterflies and dragonflies.

Earthy Mementos

If you collect natural souvenirs -- driftwood, sand, rocks, seashells -- from sentimental locations or exciting vacations, put them on display.

• Stack shells and rocks, or layers of different-color dirt, in clear glass cylindrical vases. For interest, use different-size vases and stack items at various heights. Group the vases together on a mantel, side table, or bookshelf.

• Mount items inside a shadowbox frame, or create a mini-landscape beneath the glass top of a curio table.

• Don't collect natural materials? Department and home stores carry a wide selection of fountains small and large that keep a trickle of water flowing. Choose from tabletop, wall-mounted, or freestanding styles.