I would say if your soul longs for the coral, go for it. Coral isn't just for by the beach. It would look pretty on your night stands.

It never ever occurred to me to decorate regionally, and thinking about it now I heartily disagree with that concept as a rule. If you want to decorate that way then that's fine, but I'd hate to be told I have to decorate according to where I live. (not that you're telling us that, I'm just making a point)

I'm with marg411 -- if you like it, love it, think it'll work in your room with what you have -- then go for it!

However, if you want an opinion as to whether the lamps will work in your room, could you post pics of the other pieces, please? In my mind's eye the coral lamps (I'm assuming they're shaped like coral branches?) seem discordant with the giraffe chairs, but in reality they might be splendid. Is it the midwest reason your gut is telling you no, or do you think it could be an overall decorating reason?

Go for it. Do what you love!

Think of all those unfortunate souls who decorated in French Country and have never even been out of the country. I suppose they are left with Pottery Barn. sigh

If you like it as more than a 'trend' then I don't see it as an issue.

Dear Genevieve recently reran an episode where the woman didn't live by the coast (she did grow up near one) and she incoprporated some 'beach' items in her decor. It was very low key and in fact until certain items were pointed out I didn't even notice them. It all blended perfectly.

I am a Miami native, and I grew palms in my Chicago yard, and had 20 other tropicals I brought inside in winter and outside during the summer. Silly in Chicago? Perhaps.

NOBODY who drove by knew if I was just nuts or homesick....both are true ;-). Either way, they made me happy!
I decorate in coastal and it makes my heart joyful. I could careless that we live in west Alabama. And, I won't tire of it when it is over the trend.

I say go for it. If it works, it works! As a pp mentioned, should people who have never been to Paris be using all the decorative items out now?

juliekcmo sez about coral "Mostly because it is a somewhat trendy item now."

What?! Are you kidding me?!! And here I have been treating my pair of coral sofas as a dated liability to work around...

Trendy, huh? Go figure.

Also, I think coral reads "beachy" when paired with lots of white and aquas/blues/greens.

With all your black, I think it will be more like a nice unexpected color pop. (the way you see turquoise used a lot recently)

I'm assuming the lamps you're referring to aren't simply coral in color, but designed to mimic the look of coral (that you'd see in a reef). I agree with juliekcmo about coral being a trendy item right now. That doesn't make it wrong. Just makes it popularly marketed. That said, I see nothing wrong with living with something that reminds you of the sea, even if you live in cow country. I've a large basket of seashells on my living room table (collected on trips, though we're miles from the shore) and an antler chandelier (though we're in a semi-urban area and the only wildlife we encounter is the occasional possum that sneaks onto the front porch to eat the cat's food), among many other items that are not at all native to my current environment. Live with what you love and I firmly believe that it will "work" and not look out of place at all.

Able to check this for the first time today...yes, lamps are shaped like actual coral. Not just coral colored. They are red in color, and the overall lamp height is fairly tall. They would have some presence, that's for sure.

marg/birdlover/ttodd- Yes, definitely like the coral stuff and have for awhile. If they weren't so pricey, I would buy them in a heartbeat and just store them if I got sick of them.

julie- thanks for your honest opinion:)

rmkitchen- I know it sounds somewhat wacky with the printed chairs and all that jazz. I like your theory, maybe it is my conscience trying to tell me they would look funky with my other decor, LOL. I will try and post pics of my bedroom. Once I dust and pick up (kid's toys, clothes, extra pillows, extra blanket, suitcase that is still sitting there unpacked from our last trip, etc.)

finz2left- I love that you grew tropicals! I have always wanted a potted lemon or lime tree to keep in the house. I think you just gave me the courage to finally do it:)

celticmoon- Yes, coral with white and blues definitely seems beachy. My bedding has oatmeal, red, and lots of blue. Not exactly a beachy pattern, but I do have blue curtains. You are right though- lots of black to ground it. It would probably be more of an issue if I had white painted furniture or rattan, LOL.

auntjen- thanks for the words of encouragement. And yes, you are correct. lamps are coral shaped and bright red. And on another note: those darn opossum just love cat food! We used to see them all the time on the back deck, munching away.

I think people should use anything they wish for inspiration regardless of region. I just think it has to be an essence and not actual literal items. This takes thinking of the concept in a more abstract way. So coral hued lamp base rather than a lamp with a coral figurine.

Live with what you love ... whatever tickles your fancy. Simple as that.

tinycastles, I live in rural western Canada, surrounded by cows and white tails and wheat fields, and I love the look of dark wood, coral accessories, and rich RL bedding, in part because for much of my life my parents had a house in the West Indies and I am so fond of that style. Darker in tone and more West Indies/Caribbean style than beachy/coastal style. And for what it's worth, there were cattle, and donkeys, grazing just outside my parents' garden gate -- which we had to keep closed all the time to keep them from chewing the flowers and palm trees.

If you want to try some plants and add to the look you have going, I'd suggest a Boston fern, or even the citrus tree, in a blue and white planter, like the one below.

Please post pictures when you're done -- it sounds grand!

Becky

Here is a link that might be useful: Blue and white planter

I hit the submit button too soon. If this is your lamp, i think it goes wonderfully well with your furniture. It doesn't look beachy at all to me, just interesting (and maybe a PITA to dust).

If for whatever reason you decide against the lamps, or want to augment them : ), a pair of Kerri Shipp's coral prints, in dark wood frames rather than painted white ones (which would be very beachy/coastal), would be lovely,
{{!gwi}}From October 13, 2011

She's an Australian with an etsy shop, Driftwood Interiors. She has another coral print in the same color here,

www.etsy.com/listing/61436432/sea-coral-in-ruby-print

and many in other colors.

Becky

Here is a link that might be useful: Kerri Shipp art on etsy

pam-that is my usual motto. Just didn't want to commit a decorating faux pas. I wouldn't say I couldn't live without them. I think they're neat and would make a statement and add a nice spot of color. (Notice I didn't use pop;)

beckysharp-totally get what you're saying about the difference between beachy and that whole West Indies/Caribbean style. My nightstand is actually from the Lexington Tommy Bahama Kingstown collection. I think (judging from advertising) this is the look they are aiming for. I wish my parent's would buy a house somewhere exotic. You were a very lucky girl! I will post pics when I get the Master Bedroom photo ready:)

suero- thanks for posting pic, but that is actually not the right lamp. I have posted a picture of the lamp in reference below. Yes, dusting would pose a problem. Guess I just won't dust it. Maybe it will help create a 'patina', LOL.

Not at all! I adore coral anywhere!

[eclectic hall design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-hallway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_743~s_2104) by boston interior designer Amanda L. Reid

[traditional bedroom design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-bedroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_715~s_2107) by miami interior designer Brown Davis Interiors