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Give Your House Some Natural Curiosities
Botanical prints and paintings bring the wonder of nature to your walls
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
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.
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Soft greens and warm browns are enhanced by a Natural Curiosities turtle print.
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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.
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by Vendome Press
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| Katie Ridder used antique Swedish bird prints against this bright green dining room wall. More about Katie Ridder Rooms |
This proud pelican adds personality to the toned-down coastal style of this living room.
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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.
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Pressing leaves and flowers is a tradition that continues today. Finding antique framed pressed plants are always a real coup at the flea market.
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| This 8-legged creature from the deep is a perfect fit over the headboard, and is the most interesting item in the room. |
by Cristi Holcombe
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More fascinating and bizarre sea creatures pack a design punch, like the jellyfish represented in the Languishing Drifter prints.
by Emily A. Clark
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This composition is peppered with images of oceanographic curiosities. The group works well together due to the black, white and deep blue color palette.
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Sweet botanicals in identical mats and frames create a beautiful composition in this entryway.
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| These subdued botanicals play off the floral upholstery on the dining chairs. |
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Shell prints are another genre of nature drawings and paintings. These colorful plates are enhanced by gilded frames.
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by Phoebe Howard
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| Vintage bird prints topped with tortoise shells add subtle coastal style to this home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. |
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| 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. |
by AllPosters.com
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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.
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| This octopus triptych from Natural Curiosities makes a a big impact on a wall. |
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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
Comments
Rough Linen I have the Audubon coffee table book, bought to cut up, but I couldn't bring myself to do it! Beautiful, beautiful prints (for insomniacs: a picture book is better than print for letting your mind wander at 2am).
18 months ago · Like
Becky Harris Tricia, I bought some oversized version of it at Borders from the $9.99 bin a few years ago to do the same thing and I couldn't do it either! Too funny! It's so big that it won't fit on a shelf, so it floats around my dining room to various surfaces.
18 months ago · Like
Bright Bold and Beautiful The framed shell prints are just beautiful. For more nautical or beach art prints http://www.etsy.com/shop/lauratrevey 
18 months ago · Like
kathyforcum Becky just absolutely love all your posts...
18 months ago · Like
pcchanson Cabinet of Natural Curiosities: eBay, £20-30.
18 months ago · Like
Casart Coverings At High Point Market Lo Forti Fine Prints had a wonderful assortment of hand-colored prints from Albertus Seba's Cabinet of Curiosities and we included a section on the subject in our last newsletter. I would have loved to buy an armload! http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102224430548-95/Casart_Nov_eNewsletter2011_2.pdf
18 months ago · Like
aks8 My mother had an enormous book of Audubon prints which was kept open in the dining room on a music stand. It looked elegant and allowed us to turn to new prints.
10 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Nov. 25, 2011.
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