Give Your House Some Natural Curiosities
Botanical prints and paintings bring the wonder of nature to your walls
Hundreds of years ago when explorers discovered new species of flora and fauna, they couldn't whip out their iPhones, take a snapshot and email it back home. They actually had to study said plants and creatures, draw them, or bring back specimens and have them represented by hand, whether in drawing or painting. Because engraving plates were made, many of these prints are still in circulation and add organic beauty to homes all over the world.
Soft greens and warm browns are enhanced by a Natural Curiosities turtle print.
Nile Voyage Turtle 1 - Natural Curiosities
The charming turtle print seen above is still available for purchase. The turtle was discovered by Scottish Explorer James Bruce while exploring the Nile River in 1768; the image has survived for hundreds of years.
Katie Ridder used antique Swedish bird prints against this bright green dining room wall.
More about Katie Ridder Rooms
More about Katie Ridder Rooms
Spying an alligator or a crocodile for the first time must have been quite a shock to explorers. This majestic creature is a great choice over this console.
Pressing leaves and flowers is a tradition that continues today. Finding antique framed pressed plants are always a real coup at the flea market.
More fascinating and bizarre sea creatures pack a design punch, like the jellyfish represented in the Languishing Drifter prints.
This composition is peppered with images of oceanographic curiosities. The group works well together due to the black, white and deep blue color palette.
Sweet botanicals in identical mats and frames create a beautiful composition in this entryway.
These subdued botanicals play off the floral upholstery on the dining chairs.
Vintage bird prints topped with tortoise shells add subtle coastal style to this home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Those explorers I mentioned in the intro brought back original specimens when possible. Continuing this spirit, fan-shaped pieces of coral have been matted and framed. This works especially well with the other organic sculptural elements on the adjacent shelves.
American Flamingo Giclee Print by John James Audubon
In 1820, John James Audobon took a boat down the Mississippi River, which inspired many of his Birds of America drawings and watercolors. Because he tracked down a top-notch foreign printer, his work survives today. One of the most well-known prints, this proud flamingo, is a classic image that draws a lot of attention.
Lord Bodner's Octopus Study Triptych Print
This octopus triptych from Natural Curiosities makes a a big impact on a wall.
Cabinet of Natural Curiosities
Back in the 18th century, Amsterdam-based pharmacist Albertus Seba amassed an incredible collection of specimans and commissioned illustrations of them. A wonderful way to enjoy gorgeous renderings of flora and fauna is by leaving a copy of his The Cabinet of Natural Curiosities out on the coffee table. I like to leave mine open, studying a page for a few days and then flipping to a new one.
More:
Flea Market Finds: Botanical Prints
Your Decor: Creature Comforts
Using Shells in Your Decor
More:
Flea Market Finds: Botanical Prints
Your Decor: Creature Comforts
Using Shells in Your Decor