Cultivating New Mother Nature into a Design
So, who is or what is Mother Nature really?
“Nature personified as a woman considered as the source and guiding force of creation" - Merriam Webster
Hey, that sounds like me, at least in the decorator sense. I thank you for joining Mother Nature and I for a beautiful display of art and artisan talent that you may, otherwise, have missed.
As an interior designer, I take such great pleasure in sharing my new discoveries. Whether we're talking plants, animals, or people, they all serve as stewards to my New Mother Nature designs-new ideas for translating nature into your everyday surroundings.
New Mother Nature Taking Over
Let's talk people, shall we?
I'm immensely proud to introduce you to my featured photographer/artist, Brandon Luther, owner of Southern Bit.
I met Brandon when he decided to reach out to me earlier this year. There may be 1100 miles between his Georgia home base and mine, Vermont, but that didn't stop our lightning bug opportunity to collaborate. He said, “Any time I see talented people in the industry, I always make it a point to introduce myself in hopes of joining forces…” and “the relationships that I have with all of my Interior Designers are invaluable. For they are our advocates and, in most cases, the catalysts that help put us Artists on the maps in the world of beautiful interior styling and aesthetic.”
Not only was I taken aback by Brandon's artistic ability and love for animals, I was also surprised by the striking similarities between where we live and what we love: the both of us living in areas surrounded by nature and all kinds of livestock, and the obsession with capturing their beauty through art, creativity and design. You can check out his unique artistic process right here.
My first design features He and His Queens from Luther’s sheep collection. A vibrant pasture green wallpaper is the perfect backdrop for the rustic brown-tone sheep artwork. Notice how other brown tones blend into this natural dining room scene: a handcrafted buffet with decorative flower hardware and an Argentine hairless cowhide rug, another one of my fabulous finds at Overland.
More great finds...Neiman Marcus brings the forest to you with a set of "faux bois" (literally false wood) chairs, designed to mimic hand carved trees. Plus a dining table with a base made from a natural tree trunk mold. Now, if you're still pining for something really different, JG Switzer offers an artisan, hand-felted wool cocoon pendant. Sprinkle potted ferns around freely…real or faux-they're all part of Mother Nature's new circle of friends.
Cinnamon Girl
Meet Runner!
I think this cinnamon-coated equine does an amazing job spicing up this contempo slash rustic living room. Hung above your sofa, this bold and beautiful piece of art will definitely become the focal point of your living room.
The Heritage sheep artisan throw is something I've certainly never encountered, and I'm so happy to present it along with a plush sheepskin runner and another collection of pillows. But...if more faux is what you're looking for, you just may just wind up wanting these three imposters.
Here's a coffee table imitating a real tree trunk, weathered barn board print wallpaper and even a vegan sheepskin chair...mercy!
Sweet Compromise
Just so you know...
Luther's art also looks great even in the most feminine of spaces and here's the proof!
Thanks once again, Neiman Marcus, for offering up the reliable style I love to share with my readers and clients. This Old Hickory Tannery sheepskin settee, no doubt, would be considered a "big splurge" for most, but isn't it crazy fabulous? So, to be fair, what I've done here is...I swapped out N.M's soft, abstract art for Luther's manly guy, Bowman.
For a more dramatic look, imagine replacing the paneled walls with the pinky bronze rustic wallpaper I chose to frame this lovely, inspiring room.
Confection Perfection
Saved this piece of confection perfection for last.
The truly splendid lady, Maddie, sets the cozy tone for this black and white bedroom. Black and white rooms always make a bold statement, but if you're not careful, it can lack warmth and personality- not the case here.
By adding contrasting elements like natural rattan, hand-braided jute and woven cane, you instantly create a naturally warm aesthetic. Check out more hand-felted pillows, bedding and an ottoman from JG Switzer, no two are ever alike! Then consider a white brick wall for your bedroom. Not many of us are fortunate enough to have the real deal, so here's some faux brick wallpaper- you gotta love this surprisingly affordable peel and stick option!
And...because I always include some sort or comfy seating arrangement in my bedroom designs, you can indulge yourself by sinking down into this chair wrapped in authentic sheepskin, feel free to take a look see here.
Since you’re already here…why not indulge yourself a little more by listening to this carefully chosen just-for-you tune!
No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature - The Guess Who
