Decorating
Decorating: Ecofriendly Ways to Bring Coral into Your Home
Love the delicate shapes and pretty colours of coral? Be inspired by these ways to use coral-inspired designs in your home
The beauty of natural coral is seen in its variety of colours and intricate shapes. An environmentally friendly way to pay homage to its appeal is through coral-inspired designs. Coral’s unique formations provide a stylish inspiration for wallpaper, fabric coverings, lighting and many more designs. Coral is actually a translucent animal, but it takes on a variety of hues due to the billions of colourful algae it hosts. Today, 22 coral species are listed as threatened per the Endangered Species Act.
Coral reefs begin when a coral larva attaches to a rock on the sea floor, then divides and grows into thousands of coral polyps. Polyps connect to one another to create colonies that expand over time and join other colonies to become reefs. Today’s coral reefs began growing up to 50 million years ago.
Coral reefs begin when a coral larva attaches to a rock on the sea floor, then divides and grows into thousands of coral polyps. Polyps connect to one another to create colonies that expand over time and join other colonies to become reefs. Today’s coral reefs began growing up to 50 million years ago.
Lighting
The intricate formations of coral and the way light plays with its shapes have made coral-inspired designs a popular choice for lighting designers.
The Diallo chandelier from Arteriors Home hanging in this home takes inspiration from coral’s natural beauty. Each sprig is coated in a smooth lacquered resin.
The intricate formations of coral and the way light plays with its shapes have made coral-inspired designs a popular choice for lighting designers.
The Diallo chandelier from Arteriors Home hanging in this home takes inspiration from coral’s natural beauty. Each sprig is coated in a smooth lacquered resin.
This contemporary living room features a pair of Kiki coral sconces above the fireplace. The red sconces add a colourful focal point in the otherwise neutral-toned room.
The sculptural Coral Branch lamp from Anthropologie is made of resin and blends well with the modern furnishings in this home.
Parsons desk, West Elm.
Parsons desk, West Elm.
Perfect prints
The wild hues and shapes of coral have inspired many artists to draw its likeness. A collection of nine coral-inspired prints creates a wall of art for this transitional living room.
The wild hues and shapes of coral have inspired many artists to draw its likeness. A collection of nine coral-inspired prints creates a wall of art for this transitional living room.
The coral-inspired original artwork makes a big statement in this bedroom designed by Lori Smyth Design.
Bathing beauty
With coral’s sea origins, coral-inspired designs and bathrooms are a natural fit when combined. These coral-patterned tiles create a stunning shower wall in this bathroom.
With coral’s sea origins, coral-inspired designs and bathrooms are a natural fit when combined. These coral-patterned tiles create a stunning shower wall in this bathroom.
This nautical-inspired bathroom includes a coloured conch shell and coral-patterned wallpaper.
Coral Gables wallpaper, Thibaut.
Coral Gables wallpaper, Thibaut.
The design of this coral-inspired mirror made of resin adds texture and dimension to this mostly white cloakroom.
Coral Coco mirror, Made Goods.
Coral Coco mirror, Made Goods.
Fabric feature
Coral-inspired patterns on cushions, furniture fabric and rugs are a great way to bring the beach into your home without dragging in any sand. This coral-patterned bolster cushion sits atop a custom rift-cut white oak bench designed by Fiorella Design.
Coral-inspired patterns on cushions, furniture fabric and rugs are a great way to bring the beach into your home without dragging in any sand. This coral-patterned bolster cushion sits atop a custom rift-cut white oak bench designed by Fiorella Design.
This beachfront dining room features dining chairs covered in a blue and white coral-inspired fabric.
Chandelier, Currey & Company.
Chandelier, Currey & Company.
A coral-inspired design imagined by artist Simon Periton was used to create this custom rug runner for a London home designed by Precious McBane.
TELL US…
Do you like these coral-inspired designs – and would you use one in your home? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
TELL US…
Do you like these coral-inspired designs – and would you use one in your home? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
Name Coral
Phylum Cnidaria
Class Anthozoa
Formula Mostly calcium carbonate
Colours White, red, orange, pink, grey, brown and black
Precious coral, or red coral, was once a popular gemstone commonly used to make jewellery. It was customary for many young English gentlemen in the 19th century to take a grand tour of Europe, collecting trinkets along the way. One popular collectible was the precious red coral found in the deep waters of the Mediterranean off the Italian coast. Today, the harvesting of coral is highly frowned upon, and in many areas is illegal due to the damage it causes to the environment.
However, the bold hue of red coral can still be achieved in an environmentally friendly way. US paint brand Sherwin-Williams named Coral Reef its 2015 Colour of the Year. Here are four more great ways to blend coral-inspired designs into your home.