The Nigerian Mvies

The Nigerian Mvies
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Thursday 10 October 2013

The Use Of Natural Curiosities In The Home

By Catalina Nielsen


People have always enjoyed bringing fascinating objects from the natural world in their homes. In days gone by this was probably limited to random shell collections and bunches of dried flowers. Today strikingly beautiful natural curiosities are being sold that bring all the mystery and beauty found outside into the home in an inspiring way.

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.

Most people no longer relegate these curiosities to cabinets or single rooms. They are carefully displayed in many different rooms, from the living room to the bedroom. Single objects may be used to pull together a vignette adding the perfect organic touch. Objects may be displayed in groups too, such as displaying antlers and twisted branches together on a wall or placing a skull on top of a vintage suitcase with some old books.

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.

Prints work well in groups. Botanical prints grouped in identical mats and frames create a striking composition. Prints work particularly well together when the colors are from the same color palette. For example, different stones in greys, blues, whites and blacks make a pleasing display in a minimalistic, modern interior.

Moss collages and scans of the skeletons of seahorses are some of these unusual items that can add instant fascination to any interior. Some objects like skulls, bones and antlers are considered rather creepy by some people whilst others love them. Antlers have become very trendy of late, being seen in many interiors where they are used in many different ways. Groups of antlers on a wall can have an effective impact, whilst a single pair teamed with other objects from nature like branches can be just as striking. They are even being used in other unusual ways, for example as chandeliers. Skulls and bones with their interesting shapes and neutral color also suit minimalistic interiors.

Natural curiosities have always inspired us. We love looking at them, collecting them and today they add that organic element we desire to our homes. The sources of inspiration for creativity found in the colors and shapes of objects like leaves, flowers, birds and butterflies are endless. These elements may be used individually or combined in interesting ways. Such items are available at interior design stores, many of which can be found online.




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