Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Tortoise shells are the new...

Everyone knows (if you read this blog) how much I adore fur. Well, I've taken a liking to another home decor item that comes from "nature:" tortoises! The shell of a tortoise is very beautiful in color and texture and has a certain richness and depth. They can be hung on the wall, or you can use the shell itself in an accessory.

My, that's a substantial shell! Susan Chevalier leans this one casually (but obviously thoughtfully) on this folding chair. The swirling pattern mimics the deep dark floors, too.

This one is hung on the wall. The lamp right next to it reflects light on it showing the curve in the shell. By Joe Nye.

Inspired by a turtle, this lovely drawing or print shows off the gorgeous pattern on the shell. By Joe Lucas of Lucas Studio.

In this very open room by Celerie Kemble, she uses this sideboard to display many beautiful objects and tops it off with a large tortoise shell!

My design hero, Albert Hadley used this Schumacher tortoise wall covering on the back walls of this cabinet. The light reflects off this wall paper so beautifully. What a genius.

Another aspect to this accessory is the idea of collecting. It's not as if you can just pick one of these up off the side of the Third Ave in Manhattan so I think it gives the look of traveling to an exotic location, being well traveled, and a more eclectic look. Thoughts? Also, sorry for the brief silence, I took a three-day weekend and then I'm back in classes for the Summer so I'm pretty busy SO BACK OFF. Just kidding, come back to me!

Alicia B.

6 comments:

High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

Oh so pretty. You know I had never really given tortoise shells much of a thought, but I'm totally going to now. Beautiful and I love that wallcovering. Too perfect!

Raina Cox said...

The children's discovery room of our local museum has an enormous tortoise shell on display.

Every time I take my daughter, I am trying to figure out a way to discreetly tuck the shell under my coat and make a swift exit.

Alicia said...

The wallpaper just whispered to me...Line your fathers cbinet with me...thank you, so much for the hidden messages with the great images to boot!!!

Things That Inspire said...

Clever post! Suzanne Kasler has some gorgeous tortoise shells in her home:
http://www.suzannekasler.com/index.php/component/option,com_kaaportfolio/Itemid,13/projid,10/imgid,3/

Alicia B. Designs said...

TTI--I love her, why didn't I think of that? Thanks!!

Tommy Bahama Bedding said...

I've never noticed tortoise shells used as decorative accessories - really clever.