From the first few pages I was hooked into the world Han's portrays and his philosophy of life: interiors inspired by nature. Life in the modern world is full of pressure with twenty four hour news, social media and a work life balance that is harder and harder to find. So we all need a place that can be a sanctuary to enjoy our precious free time in. Hans was lucky to have grown up in a ' mystical ever-changing world where you can get lost for hours and hours just being yourself with the trees, the sun the wind the smells and the beauty of the natural world.'
 
The book shows how to bring nature inside the home with plant life, found and foraged objects, scents, colour, textures and different natural materials. Materials such as wood, stone, textiles and metal. Found treasures are displayed with nature to become decorative still life art. He particularly loves the patina of age, ' when something bears the traces of time it is jus too beautiful to throw away ... modern society encourages us to throw away things once they grow old, or stained, chipped or scraped and this is not something we can keep on doing ... we have to start to love and value ... for the sake of ourselves, the environment and our planet.'
 
One example in the book of an interior designed with natural texture is a house, based in Marrakech, where Hans instantly feels calm. 'Not many places make me feel that I never want to leave.' Nicole has created a home with a seemless design of open plan simplicity. Added in are custom made features such as the organic shaped aged wood dining table. The bathrooms are designed to be spaces to really pamper yourself in. The use of a traditional technique of Tadelakt plaster, a polished lime plaster treated with soap for a waterproof surface, combines a modern shower with natural elements. There is another roof terrace bath tub with a view and shower behind an antique wooden door.
 
There are many other examples of timeless design. A home and shop workspace created from an old school bus depot in Catskills, New York. Here there was, 'an infinite variety of the unique' with beauty everywhere. The wood panelled kitchen with open shelving covered by a vintage painting cloth is a delight. Another a French apartment furnished with antique and salvaged objects. This home has been created without buying anything brand new, ' instead seeking out items that have already had a previous life, used and owned by someone else prior to you.' The sofas are reupholstered with vintage linen, the bed made from reclaimed wood and a coffee table made from salvaged planks resting on old trestles.
 
I can recommend you sit in your favourite chair and totally relax to read and enjoy all the images in this book. It will truly inspire.
 
Hans Blomquist is a leading art director and interior stylist. Hans grew up in Sweden and from the age of sixteen worked for IKEA. However after moving to London he became a freelance art director. He now lives in Paris but works worldwide.
 
Inspired by Nature by Hans Blomquist, published by Ryland Peters & Small (£19.99)
Photography by © Ryland Peters & Small