Accessories
Guest Picks: Watercolors in the Home
The undulating pigmentation and flow of watercolors makes its way into decor
There has been a major trend in using watercolors, paint textures, ombres and dip-dyes in design. I have been seeing it a lot in graphic design, on websites and in paper goods, and also a translation of it into wedding decor. I have been using the techniques myself in a few of my own projects and find that the texture is what makes it so intriguing. It adds a dynamic layer that flat color lacks.
I was craving more of these paint techniques, so I set out on a search to find pieces that went beyond two-dimensional paper. I found these watercolor-inspired pieces for the home that do double duty as beautiful artwork and functional pieces for your space.
— Lauren from Lauren Elise Crafted
I was craving more of these paint techniques, so I set out on a search to find pieces that went beyond two-dimensional paper. I found these watercolor-inspired pieces for the home that do double duty as beautiful artwork and functional pieces for your space.
— Lauren from Lauren Elise Crafted
Prussian
The wash on this cushion by Bluebellgray is so organic and I can almost visualize the color pigments slowly creeping up the fabric as it is dipped into the color. The color is moody and soulful, perfect for a more mature palette.
Turquoise And White Ceramic Bowl Set By VitreousWares
This ceramic bowl set exemplifies why I love handmade items. Each piece is a bit different and you can cherish each bowl for its quirks. I like how the turquoise has settled at the bottom and there is that ring of deep color.
Ombre Blue Woven Basket Hand Dipped By Wind & Willow Home
Fruit baskets are the perfect kitchen accessory for spring. They have a hint of country farm nostalgia. These ombre baskets are larger so they can fit all kinds of goodies as Easter baskets as well.
Splash No. 4 Rug
This bold rug would make such a statement. The splashes of color feel so purposeful and deliberate, reminiscent of the strokes of a Jackson Pollock painting. It would be hard for guests not to take notice of this piece.
Teddyfish
One can never have too many totes. I like to have a bunch around my house as well as in my car so I can avoid accumulating plastic bags. This design by Teddyfish is a little more sophisticated and would work well as a school bag or as a carry-all for day trips.
Watercolor Fashion Illustration Nerdy Chic By JessicaIllustration
Watercolor can still be for your walls and that is exactly where you'll want this beautiful print by Jessica Durrant. What a glamorous touch to your decor!
Rosie Fabric Panel
Bluebellgray has translated this floral painting into a fabric panel which can be hung as a window treatment, space divider or even a modern tapestry. The flowers seem to spring up out of your home, which is exactly what the designers intended. Floral curtains seem to evoke something stuffy and outdated, but the white backdrop helps these flowers feel fresh and young.
Nani Iro, Colorful Pocho, Blue
The sky is the limit with this fabric since you can buy it by the meter and make whatever you like with it. The blue dots feel like paint droplets and remind me of those happy accidents you get while being creative and experimenting with materials.
Organic Dip-Dyed Natural Blue Indigo Linen Fabric Storage Basket By JeanieDeans
Typical storage baskets are often lacking in design, but this linen version is quite the opposite. Baskets like this are great for shelving and I use similar ones to stick in my bookcases.
Tea Time Limited Edition Print By Lucile's Kitchen
Watercolor artist Lucile Prache has a way of painting delectables and conveying the mastery of food and food preparation. Her prints make me want to hop in the kitchen and fix up something delicious.
Mezzo Vase
The ombre effect of this vase is soft and ethereal, but the piece is also a bold pop of color. With a few simple blooms it will be just the right touch to liven up a modern, neutral space.
Crinkled Paper Print Linen Cushion, Indigo Blue
This linen cushion has a print of crinkled paper plus dipped blue hues at the top. The crinkled effect adds a whole new dimension of texture.
Thunder In Our Hearts Tote, Blush Dip Dye
This ombre tote has a sweet message from a song by Kate Bush. Fieldguided designed these bags and they offer them with and without the pink hue. I think the color makes them all the better.
Polaroid Transfer Of "Girl Blowing Bubbles" Print
This dreamy piece of artwork, despite being printed on watercolor paper, is not a painting, but a Polaroid picture transfer. The graininess of the Polaroid and the texture of the paper combine to make something beautiful. It really does seem like a painted wash of colors.
Fine Bone China Ink Blot Series Mugs By We Love Kaoru
Ink blots may not be thought of as watercolor, but this mug definitely highlights the painting technique. Like any Rorschach, the work is abstract, but this series of four mugs does reveal hidden animals: A rabbit, horse, butterfly and fox.
Striated Band Tumbler
The colorful band on this tumbler is like a brushstroke across glass. This artistic cup is actually made from recycled glass and handblown into this twisted design.
Handpainted Linen Pillow In Light Blue
This version of the blue-gradient pillow feels light, airy and almost beachy. The linen fabric adds to that rustic Cape Cod appeal.
Large Oval Teal Platter No.14
Michele Michael, the designer behind Elephant Ceramics, is masterful with textures and color. Her first step is to incorporate that linen texture by pressing it into the surface of the clay. She then brushes, drips and pours color over the pieces, which gives her work the quality of brushstrokes and makes it feel like art.
Bleu de Lectoure Linen Cushion, Light Indigo
The blue gradient on this cushion is not only beautiful, but also unique since it is made from woad indigo pigment. Woad is a natural dye that has been used for thousands of years in Europe and the Middle East. It comes from a plant that can produce that true indigo color.
Greenfynch Settee, Padrina
This settee is a definite splurge, but it is a piece of artwork. A lucky Anthropologie buyer snapped this picture in Brazil and the designers translated it into fabric for furniture. It is a true masterpiece, because of the added level of texture the fabric flaps bring to the side and back. It not only feels like a painting, but like a whole art installation.
Next: Room Color Ideas from an Ice Cream Shop
Next: Room Color Ideas from an Ice Cream Shop