Picture yourself on a beach: Whether your mind goes to balmy breezes and swaying palm trees or somewhere with rocky cliffs and clouds in the distance, one thing's for sure—you'll find some seashells on the shoreline.
A longtime favorite for a nature-themed addition to coastal design, shells are experiencing a resurgence in interiors. You can find them on lamps, in collections displayed in bowls or on trays, and as a motif on upholstery fabric. While you can always rely on floral prints to trend in the spring and summer, shell-focused decorating gives a fresh take on that same playful-yet-sophisticated look.
"Shell and coastal decor evoke a sense of tranquility and serenity, bringing the essence of the sea into our interiors," NYC-based interior designer Jennifer Stephan told homesandgardens.com. "The appeal lies in its ability to transport us to idyllic coastal retreats, where the gentle lapping of waves and soft sandy shores inspire relaxation and calmness."
Similar to holding a conch shell to your ear to hear the roar of the ocean, adding shell-shaped accessories automatically takes you to a day at the beach.
EDMUND BARR
As design trends continue to prioritize relaxed and cozy, many designers are incorporating blue into their palettes and using taupes and beiges over grays and whites for a more calming, neutral effect. These colors and the peaceful, serene environment homeowners are seeking make shells a sweet addition to a coastal style.
The secret to using a shell motif (whether indoors or out): Keep it subtle, not literal—unless you're creating a Little Mermaid-inspired room. Rather than layering shells in a fish scale pattern on a wall, which shouts "beach life," look for a capiz tray to bring the essence of shells to a vanity or dresser. If you most gravitate toward the shape, find a vase that mimics the fan-like design and fill it with lighter-than-air florals like white roses, baby's breath, and delicate ranunculus for some greenery.
If you live near the water, collect shells of your own to display on shelves and console tables. If you're landlocked, you still have plenty of options for buying real (and faux) shells to update your tablescape, fill a bowl, or create a mosaic or collage. When you're ready for a change, you can either return your shells to the beach or add them to your garden, where they can once again be part of nature.