Shells Take Over Florals as the Decor Motif of Spring

03.05.2024 - 14:24 / bhg.com / Sharon Greenthal

Brie Williams

Picture yourself on a beach: Whether your mind goes to balmy breezes and swaying palm trees or somewhere with rocky cliffs and clouds in the distance, one thing's for sure—you'll find some seashells on the shoreline.

A longtime favorite for a nature-themed addition to coastal design, shells are experiencing a resurgence in interiors. You can find them on lamps, in collections displayed in bowls or on trays, and as a motif on upholstery fabric. While you can always rely on floral prints to trend in the spring and summer, shell-focused decorating gives a fresh take on that same playful-yet-sophisticated look.

«Shell and coastal decor evoke a sense of tranquility and serenity, bringing the essence of the sea into our interiors,» NYC-based interior designer Jennifer Stephan told homesandgardens.com. «The appeal lies in its ability to transport us to idyllic coastal retreats, where the gentle lapping of waves and soft sandy shores inspire relaxation and calmness.»

Similar to holding a conch shell to your ear to hear the roar of the ocean, adding shell-shaped accessories automatically takes you to a day at the beach.

Edmund Barr

As design trends continue to prioritize relaxed and cozy, many designers are incorporating blue into their palettes and using taupes and beiges over grays and whites for a more calming, neutral effect. These colors and the peaceful, serene environment homeowners are seeking make shells a sweet addition to a coastal style.

The secret to using a shell motif (whether indoors or out): Keep it subtle, not literal—unless you're creating a Little Mermaid-inspired room. Rather than layering shells in a fish scale pattern on a wall, which shouts «beach life,» look for a capiz tray to bring the