How to Use Shells in Your Home Interior

Coastal themed interiors are as popular as ever and with spring swiftly approaching its time to breathe a breath of fresh into your home and create a relaxing space that drives away the grey and gloomy British weather. Shells are a fabulous natural item that can be used widely throughout your home interiors to create a beach side ambiance that is delicate and feminine.

Shell print fabrics look fabulous on curtains, cushions and bedding and can give a fresh and illuminating finish to a neutral interior space. Crisp white and aqua blue make a fabulous colour combination on shell patterned fabrics and embrace traditional nautical colour schemes that look particularly striking against a white painted bed frame or neutral fabric sofa. Cushions with embroidered shell details will create a visual and textural effect that look both cosy and stylish while neutral cream and gold will give a more sumptuous feel that can be combined with a dark chocolate leather sofa for a twist of contemporary style. If you are a lover of colour then select an array of tropical toned cushions and fabrics with a combination of shells, starfish and pebble detailing for a pop of Caribbean zest.

Ditch the traditional wooden or painted mirror and photo frames and opt for bold and eye-catching surrounds with an assortment of shells that create a 3D effect on a plain painted feature wall. Neutral white and cream shells will create a soft and subtle visual focal point that looks particularly stylish in a living room or conservatory area. More colourful, pearlescent and metallic shells look fabulous on smaller photo frames and provide a pop of colour to a sideboard, mantelpiece or bedside table. The colourful tones change with the light so will give a unique effect in different parts of the room and at different times of the day.

Classic shell print wallpaper will embrace the elegance and opulence of Art Deco home interiors and give a hint of glamour and sophistication to a central feature wall or alcove area. Opt for traditional fan shaped shell designs in rich and refined colour schemes such as black and white, black and gold and white and gold. Metallic elements will create an illuminating backdrop within your home and create a softer and more shimmering addition to darker Art Deco tones. More familiar coastal style wallpapers in cool blues will give a more seaside feel to your home and look fabulous in conservatories, bedrooms and bathroom areas.

Shells make fabulous home accessories and can be readily found on a stroll along the beach or collected by your children while enjoying a day by the sea. Smaller shells can be used to decorate candles, vases and lanterns and give a stylish designer look for a fraction of the high end cost. Take some simple pillar or square shaped candles and decorate by sticking a selection of shells around the edges (these should not be lit due to the flammability of the glue). These candles can be displayed along a table or windowsill and give a fabulous textured appearance. For another coastal themed accessory take a selection of glass storm jars or lanterns and fill them with natural or coloured sand that will compliment your chosen decor. Place a candle in the centre and scatter a selection of shells and pebbles around the edge for a miniature beachscape. If you are lucky enough to find a large clam shell then they make a fabulous ornamental bowl that can be filled with smaller shells, pot pourri or metallic orbs for a stylish and eye-catching table centrepiece.

Finally if your want to add a coastal touch to your old or tired furniture designs then you can create a fresh beach themed look with just a few simple steps:

Sand down your old furniture to remove any old varnish or paint that may be covering the surface area.

Add a coat of primer to prepare the surface of your item for a fresh coat of paint.

Paint your item with your choice of paint. Pale blue, white and dove grey look particularly elegant and are in keeping with traditional coastal colour schemes. Add three thin coats of paint, allowing the item to dry fully between each layer.

When your item is dry you can slightly distress the edges of the item for a weatherworn look (if desired) and finish with some eye-catching shell shaped door handles and knobs for a unique and personalised look.

For more ideas on using shells in your interior design then take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Shells