Clients often ask me where I get my inspiration for the colors and textures for the rooms I design. The world outside my door is a constant source of inspiration, especially the sea. (Read an earlier post on my color inspiration here.) I also love to read, and my library is full of beautifully illustrated books that fill my hands and my heart when I can’t be on my beloved Nantucket.
It’s no secret that I have always loved seashells; the logo for my company is a Nautilus shell, a beautiful example of what is called a golden spiral (also known as a logarithmic spiral). Choosing the Nautilus shell was not accidental: it perfectly represents a profession where proportion and balance are key to achieving a pleasing design. We may not need to understand the science behind a masterfully (and mathematically) balanced design, but we are naturally drawn to elegant and balanced compositions, repeatedly found in nature.
This is a close-up photograph of a spiral palm leaf.
The concept of what makes the proportions of the chambers of a Nautilus shell so beautiful is explained by something called The Fibronacci series, often referred to as nature’s numbering system. It is displayed to perfect effect in the bracts of a pinecone, the heart of a sunflower, the scales of a pineapple, a grain of wheat, a hive of bees, the spiral palm, and even in the proportions of the human body. Leonardo Da Vinci portrayed this concept with his sketch of Vitruvian Man.
Many architects and artists have proportioned their work according to geometric principles known as the golden rectangle, the golden mean and the golden ratio, aesthetically pleasing proportions found over and over again in nature, in stems of plants and veins in leaves, and of course, in seashells such as the Nautilus.
In a golden rectangle, the smaller rectangle is the same shape as the larger rectangle, in other words, their sides are proportional. The curved design of the chambered nautilus shell and the ratios between each of the spirals reveal the fascinating connection between nature, geometry and architecture. Read more here.
Each single shell represents the world of nature’s intricate and mysterious designs, and is a work of art in itself. It is no wonder their shapes are frequently mirrored in our homes and lasting pieces of architecture.
I frequently place shells where they can be seen and admired, especially in beachside homes. In case you’re looking for a little inspiration yourself, here are two seashell books you might find on my coffee table if you were to visit:
The World’s Most Beautiful Seashells won the Coffee Table Book Award of the National Association of Independent Publishers for 1996. Filled with stunning pictures by photographer James H. (Pete) Carmichael, who is especially well-known for his work with shells, butterflies, and rainforests, the wonderfully-written text is by Leonard Hill, a lifetime shell enthusiast, and a biologist employed by the US government who monitors the health of the oceans.
If you’ve ever come home from the beach with a pocket full of seashells, then this book was written just for you! Written by Marlene Hurley Marshall, it’s filled with inspiring ideas of all the wonderful things you can do with your beachy treasures. Frames, chandeliers, boxes, mirrors: they can all be enhanced with memories of your time spent seaside.
“I send thee a shell from the ocean-beach;
But listen thou well, for my shell hath speech.
Hold to thine ear
And plain thou’lt hear
Tales of ships.”
“The rushing of the sea–tides of the soul; And inspirations, that we deem our own.”
An “upside down” house, in traditional island style, is one in which the living areas and master bedroom are on the second floor, in order to take advantage of stunning water views best seen from a higher vantage point. This secluded home has a beachy charm overlaid with elegance, where precious antiques and original artwork are blended with personal mementos. The dining table above is an antique lacemaker’s table, surrounded by a set of painted 19th century chairs.
This Swedish Apothecary chest is one of the unexpected treasures found throughout the home. Although its owners are challenged to fill every one of the twenty drawers, we knew it would be perfect here. We re-envisioned the space for this striking piece!
Unusual artwork that doubles as a conversation starter works beautifully in an entry way, when guests are being welcomed. Their first view of the home should be an enticing one, promising equally interesting and elegant rooms to come. Created for Dujardin Design by artist Christian Thee to suggest a pirate’s treasure map, the couple’s favorite spots on the island are pinpointed: the basket museum, the Great Harbor Yacht Club, and the airport where they joyfully make their island arrival.
I’m delighted that my summer home on Nantucket is featured in the April issue of Traditional Home Magazine, on stands now. My husband Frank and I fell in love with this older home in Madaket, near the most beautiful beach on the island, and began a renovation project to make this house perfect for relaxed summer living. I consider it a blessing to live in a house that’s just big enough: big enough to invite friends and family to join us for lazy weekends, and small enough to be manageable. I call it my new “cottage living” phase of life.
Because my beach house is on Nantucket, it’s that island’s unique slant of light (rivaling Giverny) that I draw upon for inspiration in my design work. In decorating no two projects are alike. They’re client-driven, personal and unique. But there’s a reason for my love of blue and white (Chinese Export Porcelain) with touches of pink (New Dawn roses) and yellow (daffodils dancing down Milestone Road on the island.) There’s a reason for my love of sand and sea colors: to forget the shades of water and sky is impossible when your home is nestled somewhere near a beach.