Nature makes us happy. But since living outside full-time is not ideal for most of us, we invite our plant friends in.
We have ample natural light from one side only in our home. We can properly care for a few plants so long as they're the right type and in the right spot. Obvious but the limitation is worth noting.
Our large rubber plant tree began to deteriorate after four years of incredible growth and health. My husband and I thought about how to achieve a similar scale, look, and feel with a non-living thing. We got thinking...
If the goal for bringing plants home is to enjoy nature inside, how else could we create a visual botancial experience? What other method or medium could bring the outside in and perhaps also meet a functional need?
The obvious solution, but not our practice, was to bring nature in through textiles, wall surfaces, sculptures, and art.
Here are some inspirations for scenes and designs where flora and fauna thrive. Photosynthesis not required.
Wallpaper works, but there's something about tile... Designed by Italian tile company, 41zero42, this collection uses high definition digital printing on porcelain stoneware with fibreglass backing for wall application. Some styles are playfully poetic while others look impressively realistic. My eyes got particularly wide (and yes, I gasped) upon seeing the bathroom and kitchen installations above.
Mooi's Garden of Eden rug collection grounds us in the magic of flora and fauna. The motifs draw you in as if the birds and petals might start floating and gently swirling around you. That's an experience I'd love to have at home, or anywhere, wouldn't you?
(you may also be keen to explore their Biophillia Collection)
As evident in the first two examples, the versatility of surface design is something to be appreciated. Erica Gimson adds her touch to textiles through hand-drawn illustrations and traditional cyanotype techniques. Bring in botanicals with her pillows or get creative with her selection of fabric by the yard. Her work feels effortless, just like Mother Nature herself.
