Bringing Natural Curiosities Into Your Home

By Catalina Nielsen


Bringing objects found in nature into the home is becoming increasingly popular as people become more conscious of maintaining a flow between inside and outside. Random shell collections and pressed flowers of the past have been replaced by inspirational and elegant ways of bringing these elements into the home. Natural curiosities are valued for their ability to create this organic feeling inside the home.

Long ago when explorers discovered a new species, they would have to draw the item as they could not just take a photograph like we can today. These drawings were then engraved onto plates and many of these are still in existence today. These prints are sought after and have found their way into many modern interiors.

As far back as the Renaissance, the desire to collect objects from the natural world was apparent. Wealthy monarchs and merchants filled cabinets, or even entire rooms, with bizarre and beautiful found objects. These small collections of extraordinary objects are now often found in museums.

Although curiosities are still kept in cabinets by some people, the trend now is to place them throughout the home, adding interest in many different rooms from bedrooms to lounges. Sometimes the addition of a single object found in nature can make all the difference to a vignette. For example, an old suitcase with a stack of books and a twisted branch with tendrils on top can create an eye catching display.

A good way to bring nature into the home is through the use of prints. A single print of an octopus, alligator or turtle can create major design impact when enlarged. Botanical prints have always been popular and work well with the variety of natural materials like wood and stone being used in homes.

Grouping a set of prints is very effective, particularly when the subject matter and the color palette of each print in the group is complementary. For example, prints of different stones in colors of black, white, blue and grey can look stunning when grouped. These prints may be bought with identical frames and hung on a wall to create a balanced composition. With the increased use of natural materials like wood and stone in homes, beautiful prints of items found in nature work very well.

From seahorse skeleton scans to moss collages, unusual decor items are being produced today that add an intriguing design element to any home. There are those who do not like skulls, bones and other elements as they associate them with death. Others love these elements with their bleached white color and intricate shapes, finding them particularly suited to modern, minimalistic interiors.

Natural curiosities serve as endless creative inspiration for those involved in making these into items that can be sold. The beauty of colors and shapes found in feathers, leaves, butterflies and flowers is highlighted by the way in which they are combined and displayed. Feathers may be given touches of gold and a single leaf or piece of seaweed may be dramatically enlarged for graphic effect. These items that can elevate an interior beyond the ordinary are for sale at many online stores.




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