Most of us, when we think of using butterflies in decorating, envision a child’s room or nursery. There are some very elegant and gorgeous children’s rooms that use butterflies in a artful and tasteful way. However, it is so easy for the “butterfly theme” to end up taking over the room. For example, I have seen some rooms that have butterfly wallpaper, butterfly bedding, lamps, carpets, light fixtures, etc. It becomes too much for the eye to handle and thus puts everyone on butterfly overload.
There are elegant and tasteful uses for butterfly decor that give just a hint of this creature’s majesty. Throughout history, the butterfly has symbolized transformation, the human soul, resurrection, a journey, grace and eloquence. I have pulled together several photographs that represent artful interpretations for interior design. I hope you enjoy the post and think about the true symbolism of the beautiful butterfly.
Design by Katie Ridder
This is a beautifully modern office space set in a highrise penthouse overlooking the city. Notice the sleek ivory desk, graphic rug, and large floral print chair, all very modern. The wood strip art desk lamp is fantastically chic, but it is not a stark area by any means. The wainscoting on the walls, with the barely there aqua/blue paint, against the brown and beige tone of the furnishings brings in a little tradition as does the floral arrangement and other desk ornaments.
My focus here is how the three little butterfly boxes add a beautiful touch of nature to this highrise living office. These can be very expensive to purchase, but can be a very easy DIY Project using store bought matching frames, printed butterfly images, glue, wood putty and paint. Check out this link for step-by-step directions: http://www.thelennoxx.com/thelennoxx/mirror-wall-acessory/diy-double-framed-butterflies/ The result is a gorgeous butterfly box, you can use any size frame, double or single butterfly prints and not have to harm a single living thing!
Anna Rue Interiors
It is one of Mother Nature’s most inspiring and beautiful mysteries; the migration of the Monarch butterfly from North America to the Michoacan forest in Central Mexico and back again. It has happened for thousands of years and will continue, but no one really knows why.
This gorgeous vignette in a dining room is anchored by a beautiful painting depicting this very event. Notice that it is leaning against the wall and not hanging, giving it a casual elegant look. The painting is flanked by tall wooden candlesticks with pillar candles to the left and black and silver footed boxes on the right that picks up the colors of the frame.
I cannot seem to pin down the artist, but Shari P Kantor at spkcreative.com will create a reasonably priced similar canvas print. Prices, of course, increase with the size of the print, but it would be well worth it have such a beauty! Now this is a classy and elegant way to incorporate butterflies into your decor.
Martha O’Hara Design
This is such a serene room, done in shades of gray, white and cream, with pops of brilliant color. The graphic-style rug gives a sense of Ikat block printing in a luscious ivory and gray which picks up the gray of the walls perfectly. Anchoring the room is an upholstered Chesterfield-style sofa, with beautifully turned, dark wood legs.
Completing the setting are two gorgeous dark gray velvet chairs, exquisite lighting fixtures, word wall art, and the fantastic pop of red from the button tufted ottoman and shade.
What I love in this very sophisticated, neutral and somewhat formal room are the piles of butterfly pillows and cream pillows on the sofa. The lovely butterfly pillows coordinate with that pop of red and contains shades of gray and ivory.
I personally would have chosen to make the shades of the butterfly material, thus minimizing too many colors. The shades have a brighter red and blue, which, to me, detracts from the overall look of the room. Nevertheless, the pillows are sophisticated and chic in this elegant room.
Now for some individual butterfly decor items that can either be purchased or great DIY Projects!
Anthropologie
This is a real butterfly displayed in a glass dome with a wooden base from Anthropologie. The price: $625.00. Now, if you wish, be my guest and head on over to Anthropologie and you will end up with a beautiful specimen displayed in a stunning way.
However, this can be made for a fraction of the cost by visiting your local craft store. Most stores have beautiful feather and fabric butterflies and well as the dome and base. You can use a wooden dowel, painted either silver or gold for the butterfly to rest upon. Simply drill a hole through the center of your wooden base the size of your dowel and set with wood glue. Attach your butterfly with with hot glue or craft glue, put on the dome and you will have an equally beautiful specimen displayed in a gorgeous way!
West Elm
This is a gorgeous and very affordable plate from West Elm. The price: $32.00.
It can be displayed on an easel within a vignette on a side table, along with a beautiful vase filled with flowers and perhaps a flat bowl filled with moss.
It would look equally as stunning displayed on a bookshelf or perhaps hanging in a group of butterfly plates over a buffet in the dining room. You can find gorgeous vintage plates or saucers at most thrift shops and antique malls.
Rebekah Zaveloff
What a lovely statement piece! The Price: $75.00.
This is a beautifully upholstered side chair that would be lovely in a mostly neutral room with pops of matching color.
It is such a versatile piece, it could be used as a desk chair for the office or kitchen, and a side chair for a bedroom. Imagine how beautiful this would look as a dressing table chair! Simply sublime and elegant.
I hope you have enjoyed your journey through the elegant and sophisticated use of butterflies in your decor. I have hundreds of additional pictures and ideas for DIY Projects with a butterfly theme. Perhaps there will be a Float Like a Butterfly – Part Deux! In the mean time, thank you for joining me and I truly hope you try some of these ideas in your own home…..
Leslie Savannah Design
leslie savannah design 