Guest Picks: Science-Inspired Design Finds
Look to geology, chemistry, geography and other sciences for inspiration in home decor
Life is one big long renovation. I blog about design trends, inspiring spaces and my own experiences of renovating houses on both sides of the pond at FourWallsandaRoof.com.
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Art and religion have influenced interior design for centuries. Science, too, has impacted our homes, but often in such subtle ways that we don't notice. Advances in chemistry, physics, medicine and technology have given rise to new styles of furniture and impacted popular aesthetics.
Now we're seeing the world of science pop up in our homes in more obvious ways. Vintage scientific instruments and prints are right on trend. These science-inspired products are a great way to add character to your home. — Lucy from Four Walls and a Roof
Now we're seeing the world of science pop up in our homes in more obvious ways. Vintage scientific instruments and prints are right on trend. These science-inspired products are a great way to add character to your home. — Lucy from Four Walls and a Roof
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Botanical prints from the 1800s are all the rage right now. They have rich colors and exquisite detailing. Plus, they're usually very affordable. Framing multiple prints is a great way to cover a wall. I'm particularly drawn to those with black backgrounds.
by Anthropologie
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No botanist is seen without a magnifying glass. This would be great as part of a tray of curiosities on a coffee table. It would be handy for reading the small print too!
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I am seriously wowed by ceramicist Heather Knight's collection of pieces inspired by botanical forms and marine life. Her work reflects the details you might see under a microscope. These are called Scallop Bowls, and you can see the shape of this creature clearly defined. I love the ocean-colored glaze too. I could happily find a home for her entire collection.
by Paper Butterfly
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When I was a child, I remember a family friend who had a vast museum-worthy collection of butterflies. I was stunned by how beautiful these creatures were up close. I would never have a real butterfly framed, but these paper versions, made from vintage magazines, are a lovely alternative.
by Anthropologie
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Moving on to geology, these coasters look like slices of stone. They're actually ceramic tile, but the effect is quite spectacular.
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If you're a geology fan, these pieces of meteorite, which apparently fell to earth 4,000 years ago, will pique your interest. Whether you'd recognize them as objects from space or not, they make great mini sculptures. Be sure to check that any samples are legally obtained, as these are.
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Moving on from geology to geography: these vintage globes are still as popular as ever. I'd love the black globe in a stylish office.
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| We've all seen maps used as wallpaper, but blackout maps bring a new twist to an old favorite. Rendered in blue or black so that streets and other details stand out, I think these are a wonderful fusion of modern and vintage. No doubt these will soon be as popular as the ubiquitous black bus signs. |
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If an earthly map is too mundane for you, how about a celestial one instead? These maps are based on 19th century prints showing planetary motion. The theories they are based on are outdated, but I still think they're beautiful pieces of art.
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If you're into stargazing, you need one of these. A telescope does the same thing for a room as a grand piano. It tells visitors that this is no ordinary home — no TV dinners here, only great conversation and exciting company.
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Space travel itself had a huge influence on interior design. The Satellite Chandelier was inspired by Sputnik, which was launched in 1957. There are numerous designs based on this shape, but this one is still my favorite.
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Geometry is, of course, a fundamental aspect of interior design. Every few seasons, geometric shapes make another comeback and appear on everything from bed linens to vases. For more enduring style, how about these early 20th century wood blocks used for teaching geometry in schools?
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Phrenology is the study of the brain, and phrenologist heads have been a big hit in recent years. This one by Roost is a particular favorite. The butterfly motif softens the look and makes it a pretty talking point for any mantelpiece.
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This wouldn't be a scientific roundup without test tube vases. Hang several of them against the bathroom window, or use a row of them with cheery Gerberas in the kitchen.
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These vintage lab stools would add scientific cool to a kitchen. I can imagine them complementing open shelves made with reclaimed wood and a display of medicine bottles. What a great way to encourage culinary experiments.
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These jar pendant lights look like they came from a chemistry lab, and they would look great in the kitchen — perhaps over a scrubbed wood table?
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Here's a modern spin on an old egg timer. Based on lab beakers, it would complete a science-inspired kitchen. I love the unusual touch of green sand.
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Moving on again, this time from chemistry to biology. This chandelier looks like clustered cells. It has sparkle and form, and I imagine it would cast an other-worldly light on any dining table.
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And now, on to medicine. Did you know that Charles and Ray Eames perfected the molded plywood technique (the one that led to their iconic chairs) by making WWII splints? A few of these splints have been made available for purchase, and Eames fans are displaying them as wall art and sculpture. These splints are not for the faint-hearted, but they do make a striking display.
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Leaping forward to today, think about the influence that computer science has had on design. Well, that is probably the subject of another ideabook entirely, but I'll leave you with these pillows that are designed to resemble a pixelated image. Pixels are to design today what atoms were in the Atomic Age: a source of inspiration and wonder and a vital part of popular culture.
More: Science Meets Design
More: Science Meets Design
Comments
kobishima Not sure what I am supposed to do after seeing this ideabook, do I want to pay $15,000 online without able to see or touch the Meteorite in person first ?
16 months ago · Like
Casart Coverings Lucy, this is what we saw at High Point this past fall -- scientific illustration and butterflies and Nature's objects were all over the place. We expect they will be popping up in design: http://www.casartcoverings.com/casartblog/show-rooms-and-socializing-at-high-point-market/
16 months ago · Like
mlholeman An on-line definition of phrenology is "the study of the shape and protuberances of the skull . . ."
15 months ago · Like
Madison Modern Home What a fun article! We love using scientific items in our designs: globes: Eclectic Office Detail scientific illustrations: Vintage Shell Prints and anatomical curiosities: Eclectic Kitchen Storage
by Madison Modern Home
by Madison Modern Home
Eclectic Office Detailby Madison Modern Home
by Madison Modern Home
Vintage Shell Printsby Madison Modern Home
by Madison Modern Home
Eclectic Kitchen Storage15 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Feb. 14, 2012.
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