From baroque to biophilia and every period in between, interior designers have been influenced by the pull of nature to create spectacular—and soothing—indoor environments that connect to the natural world. The Victorians were masters, relying on earthy pigments mixed from plants and dark woods such as mahogany, burl walnut, oak, and rosewood, and a mad obsession with collecting, cataloging, and mounting colorful butterflies, insects, and bones in glass boxes.
Biophilic design, extremely popular over the past few years, is a way of connecting indoor spaces with nature by incorporating elements that evoke the calming aspects of the outside world: terraces and gardens, fountains and indoor plants, oversize windows that frame views of the landscape outdoors. Here are some lovely decor items inspired by the world’s flora and fauna.
Found & Foraged Kitchen Towels
Imagine the most deliciously soft kitchen towels, made from 100-percent flour-sack cotton, screen-printed with eco-friendly inks. Then conjure a pattern of lovely foraged wild plants like horsetail shoots, leeks, sweet clover, and ostrich ferns, also screen-printed, on the long-lasting, generously sized 25-by-26-inch towels. Prepare to be delighted by the Found & Foraged Flour Sack Towels, which you can find in Enchanted Living’s Enchanted Kitchen Collection! enchantedlivingmag.com
Gazing at the handcrafted Emilio Robba Purple Vanda Flower Bowl from Belle & June Home Decor creates a moment of pure joy and brings a Zen tranquility to any room. Robba, known as the “sculptor of flowers,” is a photographer and floral designer who creates stunning floral designs in collaboration with designers, architects, and luxe hotels. The thick glass bowl is available in three sizes and comes in a precious gift box—because it is a perfect gift! belleandjune.com
The mise-en-scène embroidered on the Forest Witch Duvet Cover (shown above) from Sin in Linen is a botanical image with a golden-thread spiderweb, spider, moth, insects, and foliage that took many thousands of stitches to create on an eggplant-colored background. In rich gem tones that evoke a sun-dappled forest, which was the inspiration for this dreamy vision, with spiderweb shams in 300 thread count, 100-percent cotton sateen. sininlinen.com
The Linebaugh Studios Corner Hanging Spider Web Suncatcher (shown at right) holds and refracts the light coming through the window to create a gorgeous kaleidoscopic effect. The asymmetrical piece features iridescent clear glass in a variety of textures, made with lead-free solder and an antiqued zinc frame with two loops for hanging. An intriguing piece that plays with light in a uniquely magical way! linebaughstudios.com
Victorian-Style Kim Seybert Arbor Placemats
The Kim Seybert Arbor Placemat Set (shown at right) from Alchemy Fine Home might be over the top in its hand-beaded gorgeousness, but that is why we want it immediately—and you will too! Inspired by the romance of Victorian greenhouses that have been abandoned, the Arbor Placemats (set of two) feature exquisite work with glass and acrylic beads and sequins, hand-folded to create a three-dimensional effect. They need and deserve to be treated very gently, but they’re worth the extra care! alchemyfinehome.com
Designer Beth Russell creates the loveliest needlepoint kits based on nature designs from William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement. We love the Acanthus & Birds cushion in a dark or light palette, and her interpretation of William Morris’s famous Strawberry Thief fabric for a chair seat or cushion, and the Bee Miniature from the Rose Garden collection for pollinator fans! Create something truly special, stitch by stitch, with one of these needlepoint kits. bethrussellneedlepoint.com
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