All repeat after me, she sells sea shells on the sea shore. To celebrate our imminent move to the seaside (OK, we already live a 20-minute walk to the seaside, but our new house is actually ON the beach), I thought I’d write a little blog post about a trend that I’ve seen popping up everywhere at the moment… Shells!

I’ve never been one for the typical coastal interior style, I find it a little bit too cliched. I’ve been in many seaside cottages where the décor is all blue, striped and shiplap with the odd driftwood sculpture placed on a coffee table. I have nothing against the decor itself, I just find it a bit unimaginative.

But, I think the shell, or scallop-edged shape is extremely versatile and can fit into any interior design style. We all love to be beside the seaside so this is the perfect way to inspire and remind you of the hot summer days on the beach.

Although, you don’t have to live by the sea to appreciate the beauty of shells. Scallop shaped furniture has been hugely popular in the interior world this year with plenty of stores selling scallop velvet headboards for your bed and beautiful scalloped velvet chairs in jewel tones. 

The trend has also seen itself move into the homeware accessories section with many cushions, vases and mirrors taking on a scallop theme. They are a perfect addition to any sofa or shelf and their curved nature helps to soften the overall look of any room.

My 40 favourites…

Furniture

Clam shell design has been the most prevalent shape this year and draws its inspiration from one of my favourite design eras, Art Deco. This interior style is all about bold geometric shapes, bright colours and beautiful craftsmanship. The curved nature of Art Deco is instantly recognisable and can easily fit into any décor style providing a touch of luxury.

Soft Furnishings

From intricately designed cushions, to scallop shaped bedding, the trend has really taken off in the soft furnishing world this year. They are the perfect accessory for your sofa or to give your bedroom a luxurious feel.

Wallpaper, Tiles and Rugs

Shell inspired wallpaper is perfect for a bathroom or downstairs toilet and can add drama to a room that often gets overlooked. Scalloped shaped rugs are also the perfect pattern when you’re not trying to overdo the coastal look in the living room or bedroom. You could even hang a rug on the wall and make a piece of art out of it. Scalloped shaped tiles have been immensely popular over the last year with Topps Tiles naming the Syren scallop tile their Tile of the Year 2020.

Mirrors and Art

Framed mirrors would look perfect in a bathroom creating a seaside or spa like theme. Partner your mirror with seaside inspired artwork or create a gallery wall out of different prints.

Lighting

One of my favourite items I found whilst researching this blog post was this amazing take on rattan ceiling lights, shaped like a shell! You can also find chandeliers and pendants which would look decadent above a dining room table and little ceramic shell wall lights which would look fantastic next to a bathroom mirror.

Tableware

From placemats to mugs, you can also find an array of patterned tableware for your dining spaces. This scalloped shaped tableware set is an inspired twist on the classic white dinner plates and bowls and adds a touch of individuality to your dinner table. 

Shell Accessories

And last, but not least, some wonderful accessories. If you don’t want to go all seaside in your home, these are perfect to add a little on-trend personality to your home.

So, there you have it, not a shiplap wall or blue striped soft furnishing in sight! I love the beauty of scallop shaped interior design, it can add a touch of glamour and opulence to your home without it being to over the top. Let me know what your favourite piece is!

Mel x