Decorating
Decorating: Make Your Home Shimmer With Mother-of-pearl
Mother-of-pearl is one of the most beautiful natural materials, so let the lustre in with nature’s finest
Ever since the day I was given an antique baby brush inlaid with glossy highlights of mother-of-pearl, I’ve always loved the shine and shimmer of this mesmerising natural material and the way it can inject a dash of opulence into any item, room or décor. Bathrooms and cloakrooms are the obvious places to use mother-of-pearl mosaics and tiles, with their mix of subtle lustre and neutral colours, but don’t be afraid to use such pearly treasure in the kitchen, hallway and bedroom, too (Moroccan-style inlaid furniture is still so captivating).
Saltwater shells come in a natural palette of pearly whites, buff and soft rose pink, but freshwater shells can also be dyed if you want to make a different statement. Take a look at these schemes and see how mother-of-pearl can be the ultimate decorating eye candy, with a shine and shimmer that will never fade…
Saltwater shells come in a natural palette of pearly whites, buff and soft rose pink, but freshwater shells can also be dyed if you want to make a different statement. Take a look at these schemes and see how mother-of-pearl can be the ultimate decorating eye candy, with a shine and shimmer that will never fade…
Add shine to the kitchen
Despite its obvious associations with water, there is no reason to keep mother-of-pearl simply for the bathroom – the beautiful lustre can add so much design clout to other rooms in the house, particularly the kitchen.
Use shimmering tiles to create a striking splashback and, even if your kitchen is decorated top-to-toe in neutral shades, the interplay of matt and gloss will create as much impact as any flash of pattern or colour.
Despite its obvious associations with water, there is no reason to keep mother-of-pearl simply for the bathroom – the beautiful lustre can add so much design clout to other rooms in the house, particularly the kitchen.
Use shimmering tiles to create a striking splashback and, even if your kitchen is decorated top-to-toe in neutral shades, the interplay of matt and gloss will create as much impact as any flash of pattern or colour.
Accent with a pretty lustre
Just a strip of mother-of-pearl mosaics is enough to transform the plainest basin area into something decadent and oh so covetable.
Mother-of-pearl mosaic tiles come in several shades, from warm, earthy tones to pale and iridescent to shades of grey. They suit traditional and modern bathrooms alike, and the incredible lustre belies the durability of the surface, which is naturally waterproof and tough, particularly when coated with a hardwearing glaze.
Just a strip of mother-of-pearl mosaics is enough to transform the plainest basin area into something decadent and oh so covetable.
Mother-of-pearl mosaic tiles come in several shades, from warm, earthy tones to pale and iridescent to shades of grey. They suit traditional and modern bathrooms alike, and the incredible lustre belies the durability of the surface, which is naturally waterproof and tough, particularly when coated with a hardwearing glaze.
Create a Moroccan mood
There’s no denying the luxury mood mother-of-pearl will bring to most bathroom styles. These beautiful, circular mosaic tiles, made from shimmering white mother-of-pearl, add a subtle glint as striking as any precious metal when used to cover large surfaces. The effect is powerful but not garish thanks to the sophisticated, pearlised finish.
Pair with dark wood furniture and monochrome towels and dream of Marrakech…
There’s no denying the luxury mood mother-of-pearl will bring to most bathroom styles. These beautiful, circular mosaic tiles, made from shimmering white mother-of-pearl, add a subtle glint as striking as any precious metal when used to cover large surfaces. The effect is powerful but not garish thanks to the sophisticated, pearlised finish.
Pair with dark wood furniture and monochrome towels and dream of Marrakech…
Take the idea overhead
This interesting idea will become a talking point the instant guests look up. The prettiest layer of blush, white and rosy pink mother-of-pearl mosaics cover this ceiling, for an eye-catching change from plain white paint.
When the light is switched on, the glimmer and shimmer of the delicate colours and natural veining flash to life. Who would have thought seashells could look so precious?
This interesting idea will become a talking point the instant guests look up. The prettiest layer of blush, white and rosy pink mother-of-pearl mosaics cover this ceiling, for an eye-catching change from plain white paint.
When the light is switched on, the glimmer and shimmer of the delicate colours and natural veining flash to life. Who would have thought seashells could look so precious?
Use as a decorative highlight
You don’t have to blow the budget with wall-to-wall mother-of-pearl to benefit from its natural iridescence and playful sheen – even a single panel of pearlised tiles will add impact to your scheme. This bath has been transformed thanks to the pretty mix of pink, soft gold and pearly white mosaics, injecting a low-key shimmer that’s far more pleasing to the eye than a standard plastic panel.
Seek out mother-of-pearl tiles on a mesh backing, which can be cut-to-size and simply installed, then grouted. Do some research on different grout options in order to create just the finish you’re after.
You don’t have to blow the budget with wall-to-wall mother-of-pearl to benefit from its natural iridescence and playful sheen – even a single panel of pearlised tiles will add impact to your scheme. This bath has been transformed thanks to the pretty mix of pink, soft gold and pearly white mosaics, injecting a low-key shimmer that’s far more pleasing to the eye than a standard plastic panel.
Seek out mother-of-pearl tiles on a mesh backing, which can be cut-to-size and simply installed, then grouted. Do some research on different grout options in order to create just the finish you’re after.
Clad your furniture
For another distinctly Moroccan idea, hunt out furniture inlaid with delicate mother-of-pearl. Even the simplest table, bog-standard stool or plain chair is almost unrecognisable when dotted with pieces of pearly shell.
If you want drama by the bucketload, go for a striking combo of ebony or dark wood highlighted with patterns of white mother-of-pearl. Or, for more of a statement, choose furniture covered top-to-toe in pale shells for a sophisticated luminosity.
For another distinctly Moroccan idea, hunt out furniture inlaid with delicate mother-of-pearl. Even the simplest table, bog-standard stool or plain chair is almost unrecognisable when dotted with pieces of pearly shell.
If you want drama by the bucketload, go for a striking combo of ebony or dark wood highlighted with patterns of white mother-of-pearl. Or, for more of a statement, choose furniture covered top-to-toe in pale shells for a sophisticated luminosity.
Bathe in luxury
Now this is decadent. While doubled-ended, roll-tap baths offer a presence and luxury all of their own, how about cladding the exterior with tiny squares of mother-of-pearl for an added blast of glint and glimmer? Stick to dark floors and pale walls as a backdrop and let the light show begin. And don’t risk an amateur finish – do call in the experts for such specialist work.
Be inspired by more fabulous freestanding baths
Now this is decadent. While doubled-ended, roll-tap baths offer a presence and luxury all of their own, how about cladding the exterior with tiny squares of mother-of-pearl for an added blast of glint and glimmer? Stick to dark floors and pale walls as a backdrop and let the light show begin. And don’t risk an amateur finish – do call in the experts for such specialist work.
Be inspired by more fabulous freestanding baths
Max out on shimmer
This is fabulous with a capital F. Why stop at walls with mother-of-pearl when cladding every surface looks this spectacular? By covering the walls and ceiling with slim, pearlised mosaics, the end result is striking, daring and supremely cocooning – and the effect is multiplied with the addition of that huge fitted mirror. If you don’t have the budget to go all out on such a vast quantity of tiles, why not try a more purse-friendly glass version or even a pearlised ceramic instead?
This is fabulous with a capital F. Why stop at walls with mother-of-pearl when cladding every surface looks this spectacular? By covering the walls and ceiling with slim, pearlised mosaics, the end result is striking, daring and supremely cocooning – and the effect is multiplied with the addition of that huge fitted mirror. If you don’t have the budget to go all out on such a vast quantity of tiles, why not try a more purse-friendly glass version or even a pearlised ceramic instead?
Paint on the lustre
OK, so I may have slightly cheated on this one, but if you love the whole mother-of-pearl look, why not take the idea through to the boudoir by highlighting furniture with a pretty slick of pearlised paint? The cream-coloured, carved headboard and side tables in this bedroom are sumptuous enough as they are, but accented with a few dabs of pearly paint the effect is subtle yet expensive.
TELL US…
Have you used mother-of-pearl in your home? Share your tips and ideas in the Comments below.
OK, so I may have slightly cheated on this one, but if you love the whole mother-of-pearl look, why not take the idea through to the boudoir by highlighting furniture with a pretty slick of pearlised paint? The cream-coloured, carved headboard and side tables in this bedroom are sumptuous enough as they are, but accented with a few dabs of pearly paint the effect is subtle yet expensive.
TELL US…
Have you used mother-of-pearl in your home? Share your tips and ideas in the Comments below.
This might be a bit sparkly for some tastes, but personally I love it. The shimmering crust of seashells injects a high-shine accent of glitter and glamour to the slick, geometric lines of the vanity basin, and enhances the all-over luxury of the scheme.
Jewelled wall highlights: check; flashes of pewter: check; pearly splashback: check – luxury in a nutshell!
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