MNN - Mother Nature Network

It’s a common mantra of interior design that Mother Nature never gets it wrong and when looking for inspiration, she is the best decorator to borrow from. Whether it’s the gorgeous colors found in beach sand or the intricate patterns of leaves and snowflakes, the inspiration is endless. In addition to inspiration, it’s not uncommon for designers to use actual natural elements in their products for the home. Here is a collection of nature-inspired lighting that would brighten up any space.

 

Iridescent Capiz shells, which come from the Capiz province in the Philippines, are a popular choice for lighting, as the light radiates through the shell, casting a soft romantic glow. Even when not lit, these shell lights are beautiful to look at and will sway gently in a breeze.

 

 

 

 

Iconic designer Tord Boontje partnered with Swarovski to create this stunning “Ice Branch” chandelier that is so brilliant, it doesn’t need to be illuminated from within. The thousands of crystals refract the light coming from other sources and simply lights up. Simple spot lights can be employed as well to really set the piece ablaze.

 

 

 

 

Abalone shells, the nacre or “mother of pearl” from inside mollusk shells, are highly iridescent and throw off an ever-changing rainbow of colors depending on the light that hits them. This lamp features a base covered in mosaic tiles made from abalone shells of many different colors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This standing floor lamp calls to mind a bundle of sticks gathered in the woods, or some knotty driftwood washed up on the shore. The lamp would fit perfectly with many different design styles. The piece is earthy enough for a country dwelling, yet sleek enough for modern spaces.

 

The Crystal Bud chandelier is a beautiful recreation of a blossoming vine in brass and crystal. The natural, free flowing form perfectly emulates the wildness of a budding springtime, yet the elegance of the materials makes this piece a perfect accent in a formal dining room.

 

This gorgeous table lamp is made from natural rock crystal quartz. Its soft pink color is made up of many different colors from white to pink to peach, creating a beautiful piece that will change color throughout the day and into the evening, depending on how the light hits it.

 

If the wild beauty of the ocean is your thing, this Oyster Shell wall sconce will fit perfectly in your beach house, or your “wish this was a beach house” house. The riot of small shells is applied to look as if the sconce was buried treasure and the shells had grown there naturally while buried at sea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coral and other natural objects from the sea have long been popular motifs in interior design. These Creamy White faux Coral sconces perfectly capture the ethereal beauty of natural sea coral. The fixture is white with natural sand applied and would be the perfect complement to an all white décor, or a decor with a strong nautical flavor.

 

 

 

Antlers have recently become a popular design motif, but they are not without controversy and are certainly not to every taste. However, shedding of antlers is a natural process and reputable dealers use the antlers of deer, elk and moose that have been shed only under natural circumstances. Many manufacturers, ike Cast Horn Designs, also offer faux antlers, made from resin that is molded and painted to look like the real thing. Antlers aren’t just for ski lodges these days — they show up in modern designs and European country styles.