Thursday, May 10, 2012

SHELL GAME

Elle Decor
The ubiquitous large clam shell--its been out and about as a decorative element for quite some time now, but I'm still in love with it.  Stylish and versatile, my shell has been used as a chic floral arrangement holder, a design accessory in the fireplace in the summer, and just looking pretty "au natural" on a cocktail table. How do you feel about this nature inspired design element?
My summer porch vignette
Winter-I used the shell for paperwhites 
chic shells set for a party...
 and other great shell inspiration...







31 comments:

miss b said...

As you say, the shell is so versatile and I like both your summer and winter displays. The pop of pink in the first photo looks stunning too!
http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

michele said...

oooooh, i have always wanted one like this, but you know what? maybe it is the land locked midwest, but all i see is manmade replicas. and they're so sad when the real thing is such a work of natural art!

best to you.

michele

Anonymous said...

I love them! I've seen them all around and love your idea to use them in the winter too!

jeanette from everton terrace said...

They are a classic. I love them and can't imagine ever tiring of them. I have shells in my house, even though I'm landlocked here in the middle of the Arizona desert. They are nature's art. I have friends who keep theirs in a giant plexi box, seems a shame when I see how lovely yours looks in all its different displays.

Anonymous said...

LOVE the photo of your summer porch! Now where does one find such an awesome shell?! xo

HAMPTON HOSTESS said...

hi! you can buy the clamshell at zgallerie-
thanks for your comments!

I Dream Of said...

I love your shell full of paper whites. So pretty. At Christmas, mine held a few vintage mercury glass ornaments. Today it rests flipped over on my breakfast nook table - a few red freckles on its surface play perfectly with other pops of red through out the room. I never get tired of a little natural beauty in the house.

Garden, Home and Party said...

Hi Barbara,
I have restrained myself from the "shell game" thinking that since I don't live near the beach it might seem silly...this post has changed my mind. I love the subtlety and understated use of the shells in the pictures...I need a pair of large ginger jars. :-)
Happy Mother's Day, have a great weekend.
Karen

Splendid Sass said...

I love these clam shell, especially at the beach! I love the images of the bath side and the paper whites! Great ideas.
Teresa
xoxo

CDS said...

I love the huge clam shell. I know someone who has one as their bathroom sink! xoxo

Anonymous said...

OMG LOVELY PICS:) I really like your blog and I follow you..I hope you will follow me back:)

Have a great week.

LOVE Maria at inredningsvis.se
(Sweden)

zanetastyle said...

Hello! I did not even think about it but love the relaxing feeling the shell gives in its appearance as if one is by the ocean! Very cute with your flowers in it and next to the blue and white vases... And the bathroom idea is just amazing.
Thanks(:

The enchanted home said...

Love a giant clam shell....also great to serve food in like shrimp cocktail on ice! I love how you have used it Barbara..so beautiful. Wishing you a wonderful and peaceful Mothers day! I hope we will have our lunch very soon:)

Jo said...

The first living room is lovely.

Anonymous said...

Hey HH,

These are great, chic not nautical- want to bring a little of the beach to the big city.

Thanks

Splenderosa said...

OMG, that 1st pic is just glamourous, I love it. Come over to enter my jewelry giveaway. xx's

Splendid Market said...

I love it, I think it is a classic. With plants, candles, candies or au natural, it's a nice natural structure to add to any setting. Keep it!

Unknown said...

I love them! A friend of mine used them for a party; she lined them so the food wouldn't ruin the clam shell.

www.donnaviningblog.com

designchic said...

I just love a giant clam shell and have one in my kitchen atop the refrigerator...the perfect touch!!

Barbara@HausDesign said...

I adore anything from the sea in a room - you just can't go wrong! It looks lovely in your home!!

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

I have that same shell and LOOOOVE it! In fact, today I found 2 shell pictures to use to "stage" one of our bathrooms and I plan to use shells as decorative elements too. The large one like yours will probably go on the coffee table in the living room. Loved all the pics but your porch pic made me swoon. XO, Pinky

Mary Ann Pickett said...

I still love them, too.

Mary Ann Pickett said...

PS. Love how you switch up using yours...and your wainscoting!

Taylor Greenwalt said...

I love clams and corals in design. Lovely images.

Unknown said...

Shells are the best have always loved them. In these displays you could say it is a design essential! I do love it too!

Unknown said...

Love shells...especially those oversized clam shells for icing down drinks! :) And, is it scary that I recognized that 1st photo immediately as Ali Wentworth and George Stephanopolous's home! I think they've since moved to NY...so I wonder if they still have it?!

Happy Mother's Day, Barbara!!!
xoxo Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

MMM LOVELY PICS:) I really like your blog and Im now following..I hope you will follow me also:)

If you want some swedish decor inspiration, you can check out my blog:)
Have a great week.

LOVE Maria at inredningsvis.se
(Sweden)

Mona Thompson Providence Ltd. said...

Love, love the huge shells. I want one...Happy Mother's Day.

quintessence said...

Yes, I love them too - what a great decorative detail. Hope you had a wonderful mother's day!!

Anonymous said...

I love shells, and that large one looks great in a variety of settings.

Deborah Johnson said...

I love clams and corals in design. Lovely images.