Jul 15

Jul 15 Interior Accessories: When items you love become a micro trend

Features, Inspiration, Interior Styling, Product Features, Accessories

We’ve seen many micro trends over the years haven’t we? From flamingos inspiring whole tropical themes, branching out to pineapples, cacti and palm trees, available in wallpaper, cushions, candles, vases, ornaments, napkins, glasses, stationary… Frida Kahlo, llamas for Christmas AND summer, mermaids, there’s been a lot of novelty hasn’t there?!

And now as I’m flicking through the current magazines and researching what’s new in my favourite online stores, we’ve arrived at an object that will remind us of walks along the beach, holidays, (something that a lot of us could do with right now!) romance and souvenirs, yes the new micro trend is shells.

The Shell Pot by Ferm Living, beautifully styled in the gorgeous home of Interiors Blogger & Stylist, Melanie Lissack

I’ve always been a lover of shells and fondly recall the time I bought a three tier shell lamp back from a holiday in Crete. I loved it, and it stayed with me for the duration of my student years, even though my friends thought it was a bit creepy! When I visited a friends house pre-Covid, I noticed her ceramic shell lamp with a ‘pearl’ inside, and it reminded me of the lamp I once enjoyed in my uni days. Then before I knew it, I was seeing shells everywhere! Not only in the magazines but on Instagram used by interior stylists, within food photography and lighting design.

After a bit of online research I was over the moon when I found a similar ceramic shell lamp called Light Up Clamshell from Argos (that I’ve included on the style board) which is now £7 in the sale from £14 by Doin’ It For The Gram. It’s actually a lot nicer in real life compared to the images on the Argos website, it has an opalescent finish and feels heavy and substantial which doesn’t really come across in the online photography.

Styling up vintage with a hint of novelty, including the Light Up Clamshell by Doing It For The Gram at Argos

When it comes to trends, I’m a bit wary what I buy into as they can soon become ubiquitous and you may get tired of seeing them in your home. But I think that if I liked the icon or object in the first place, then why not use the opportunity to buy what you love whilst you have the vast array of choice available in the shops, during trend time!

Like I always say I think its really important to have fun in your home and not take design too seriously. I enjoyed styling up my clamshell light next to the beautifully painted Geisha, mini bar and cut gin glasses. Something a bit unexpected amongst high brow and vintage items can look really interesting, and unlike what you’ll see in your friend’s homes because the choices are unique to you.

I like to mix up old with new with unexpected items

I’ve always been a fan of the shell serving spoon and cutlery, it has a really cool vintage vibe and reminds me of one of my best friends, who refused to use any spoons other than her shell spoons when we lived together in our youth! God forbid I would ever use it to stir a cup of tea! (she hates tea!)

The 5321 Gubi lamp is definitely somewhat a luxury buy, but when I look at the gold shell lamps that are available, this one really stands out.

If you’re looking for a hint of micro-trend in your home but don’t quite know where to start, take a look at my services page. I’m all about helping you reflect your unique personality & style within your home interior, with the aim to achieve the home that you deserve. I also offer a Digital Interior Design Service which is a fabulously convenient and contact free service. You can read all about that here and email me to request a full pack explaining the process in the Get In Touch area.

Below is the shopping list for you. Let me know how you feel towards the shell micro trend and if you’ll be investing in anything long term, or an inexpensive token for a bit of fun.

Shopping List

5321 shell table lamp by Gubi at Nordic Nest

Velvet shell cushion "Marsala pearl" MoiMili - Etsy

Gold Shell Shaped Mug - Asda

HK Living Shell vase M - Nordic Nest

Kitchen Tongs - HAY - Nordic Nest

Shell Shaped Golden Spoons - Set of 4 in a Giftbox - Trouva

Shell Water Repellent Seat Pad - Flower - Garden Glory - Amara

Shell-shaped lamp base - H&M

Shell pot - Ferm Living - Nest

Luke Edward Hall Shell Bread Plate - Pink - Amara

Doin it for the Gram Light Up Clamshell - Argos

Ciao!

I’m Laura La Gambina, an interior designer, set designer & interior stylist based in Manchester. I create meaningful spaces for homeowners and brands.

Read more about my services and values by clicking on About Me below.

About Me

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