Bringing nature in...

A definite trend in the design world is utilizing natural motifs in decorative accessories, finishes, and patterns to bring nature into an indoor space. Everyone seems to want to bring what they love about the outdoors into their homes, and who can blame them with all the beautiful shapes, colors and forms found right outside the window. This trend is now emerging in ways that go beyond just scenic art work and floral prints. Nature inspired forms are appearing more and more in chic and whimsical ways. Most home decor stores are now carrying a wide range of accessories, storage goods, and furniture pieces that reflect this growing trend. Here are some items I have pulled from the websites of popular home decor stores.

Animal Prints. Cheap or Chic?

Designers know that animal print and pattern can really help to add character to a space. Prints and pattern help to add not only physical texture but also a visual point on interest in a room.

Of course there is right and wrong way of adding animal print to a space that can either give it a sophisticated and polished look or in the other case a complete visual disaster.

Here are some guidelines and tips on using animal prints:

+ Make sure that print is natural or looks like it would in nature. We never see a neon pink leopard or electric blue tiger running.

+ Minimize the usage of print to a few key pieces. Whether it be a couple of well tailored upholstered side chairs, a couple throw pillows, or in a few well placed decorative accessories.

+ Look at the print in context to the rest of the room. There are many factors to consider when choosing an animal print, including scale of the print, positioning, and interaction with other pieces in the room. The print should follow the color scheme of the room as well as the scale set by the other pieces in the space.

+ If the print is a distraction, ditch it. A chic room is one where all the pieces come together and flow as one (even if the nature of the objects are unique and eclectic). If the print is competing the the main focal point of the room, it's not the piece for the room, or if the print itself is the focal piece (as in a bold area rug) it should still speak to and coordinate with the rest of the room.

The following are some examples of the dos and don'ts when using animal prints (along with why):

Do:


This works because the the strong print of the rug is working to anchor the light upholstery pieces in the room. Also, this room has minimal print aside from the rug itself.


Although the idea of such a major print applied to the wall may not appeal to everyone, the reason that it works in this case has to do with the styling of the room. The decorative accessories used in this space relate with the nature of the print. The overall color palette also helps to subdue the impact of the wallpaper.

Don't:

This is a prime example of what to avoid when it comes to print. In a bedroom the main focal point is often the bed itself. Adding bedding that is completely styled in animal print draws way too much attention to the bed area, and frankly looks a little cheap. Calling too much attention to a single piece in any room brings too much emphasis on one object and steals the attention from everything else. A simple throw pillow with this print paired with neutral toned bedding would have stronger impact with less distraction.

Amigurumi... crocheted cuteness

I first noticed these little crocheted animals about three weeks ago at a small cafe in Pacifica while having breakfast with my sister and niece. Upon returning to the same cafe this morning, I noticed an even larger collection of crocheted animals and dolls on display there.

The maker is a server at the cafe and when I spoke to her about them she said that since she put them on display for sale in November of last year she has had a lot of request for special order Amigurumi.

Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting small stuffed animals or anthropomorphic creatures. The word is derived from the Japanese words for knitted or crocheted and stuffed doll. Amigurumi toys are characterized by their playful forms. Typical amigurumi animals have an over-sized spherical head on a cylindrical body with undersized extremities.

I picked up a giraffe, cat, lamb, and duck that I plan on adding to Easter baskets for my nieces and nephews.


The following examples were found on a site called Amigurumi Kingdom and are available for purchase:

Snails?

Urban Outfitters seems to have an affinity for these slimy wanderers.

Have a looksie for yourself at urbanoutfitters.com for more shelled goodness.

Here is my personal favorite:

Notable Whimsy

I thought I'd share a recent discovery of mine. I first came across this artist when I was doing research of Urban Outfitters for my Corporate Design class.

The artist is Russian born Masha D'Yans.

Her watercolors have furnished products lines for Target, Urban Outfitters, Barneys NY, Bergdorf Goodman, among others.

D'Yans' work is an exquisite blend of delicate whimsy, euphoric abandonment, childlike imagination, and the beauty of imperfection. Enjoy!

A few examples from Space interiors, Kuala Lumpur

Fun finds from Wallpaper* Magazine

Cabinet by DeLorenzo














"Family Lamp" by Atelier van Lieshout














Missoni Vases by Stephen Burks

Where Does Inspiration Come From?

As a design student I am often required to submit a pre-design presentation with a set of "inspirational" images to help establish my overall design concept. These images can be as straight forward as a collection of clippings from a design mag or a as abstract as snap shots of colorful socks pinned to a clothes lines (yes, I have used such an image in one of my presentations). Educationally, this exercise helps me (the design student) to conceptualize and formulate a stylistic approach to every project.

As a means of inspiration, the collection of images can help a person, trained designer or creative do-it-yourselfer, to pick out elements that they are attracted to that will in turn help to create the design's color story, style, and most importantly the design concept.

While images are a great resource, they are not the only source of inspiration that can be drawn from. Often time design is a reflection of so many outside influences. For example, a trip to an exotic location can leave such an impression on some one that they choose to recreate the tropical getaway at home, or the flavorful expression of an savory Italian meal can set the town for a warm Tuscan Style kitchen make over.

Regardless of where the inspiration for a design comes from, the important thing to keep in mind is that allow yourself enough creative freedom to really personalize your space to make it your own personal santuary.

And while we are on the subject of Inspiration:

Imogen Heap