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| decorandyouhr.com |
I was fortunate to have a Florida vacation this winter and brought home a collection of seashells. One of Nature's special treasures, the seashell has been a decorative icon since the beginning of human civilisation and one we continue to feature in our homes today.
New England design trends have always included seashells from the carvings on an 18th-century chest of drawers, to a mid-century modern shell chair as in the photos below.
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I think seashell motifs are so appealing, it's tempting to include them in design schemes throughout
the entire home. While perfectly suited to coastal design and beach decor, seashells are beautifully
represented in many different styles of furnishings including sophisticated country, casual, traditional and modern. In the photos below, shells are used to enhance the spaces in subtle ways without dominating the decor.
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| articles.baltimoresun.com |
In the family room above, shells embedded in the fireplace wall create sculptural interest.
In the living room below, decorative shells accessorize all the surfaces and add elegance to the room.
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| everythingcoastal.com |
In the photo below, seashells add a lighthearted touch to the porch filled with black and white
furnishings.
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| carriesdesignmusings.blogspot.com |
The kitchen dining area in the following photo has a contemporary beach theme with modern shell chairs and marine-inspired art.
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| lovelyhomedesigns.com |
A dramatic display of seashell artwork creates an exciting wall arrangement in the living room below.
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| thewalkupblog.com |
Seashells are always very effective when used in lighting. The following photos of dining rooms display stunning chandeliers fabricated from a variety of actual shells.
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Bathrooms provide a favorite setting for seashells in the home. Often applied to mirror frames,
the shells contribute to a relaxing and spa-like atmosphere as seen in the examples below.
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| elegantnest.blogspot.com |
Bedrooms in the following photos showcase the influence of seashells in very different design schemes. In the first photo, clam shell motifs appear in the furnishings including the headboard, the mirror and the chair. In the second photo, shells create a variety of patterns and textures in the bedding. I love the bright colors used in the third photo, all derived from the seashell accessories in the room.
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| maddecorating.blogspot.com |
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| themerooms.blogspot.com |
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| pinterest.com |
In the following photos of a home office and a foyer, seashells provide a visual delight to enhance both spaces. In the first one, shells and coral are decorative accessories which complement a colorful blue and white scheme. In the second one, they create stylized details in the carvings of the lamps and mirror with a neutral palette.
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Seashells offer an endless variety of design possibilities in modern fabric and carpet. The following are but a few examples available in today's market.
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| frankielovespattern.blogspot.com |
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| completely-coastal.com |
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One of my favorite ways to feature seashells is in table settings and centerpieces. I use them year-round for both casual and formal displays and appreciate their versatility and natural beauty.
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| whitneygrayphotography.com |
Many designers and architects throughout the ages have used seashells for inspiration. In particular,
the Sydney Opera House in Australia and the Guggenheim Museum in New York City are examples
of their enduring appeal. How do seashells inspire your home design and decor?
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