The seashell is a timeless motif for home decor. It turns out early humans were creating form and function from sturdy shells at least 430,000 years ago, with what researchers now reckon is the oldest piece of art on Earth. In short: we’ve been coveting shiny bivalves for a very long time now.
These picks are a little less antique, but no less compelling. Here are some of our favourite shell-shaped homewares for when we want to be beside the seaside.
Corey Ashford oyster incense holder in brass
Melbourne-based designer (and Dinosaur Designs alum) Corey Ashford wants you to remember that the world is your oyster, so he cast this luxe incense holder from a real shell plucked fresh out of the sea. Based on an iconic Sydney rock oyster, the handmade vessel has a small opening for incense sticks and can also do duty as a salt or jewellery dish – or a spicy sculptural object hinting at aphrodisiacal adult themes. $80
Bonnie and Neil marina tan napkins
Sporting original artwork from label co-founder Bonnie Ashley printed onto crisp white linen, these marina-themed napkins are made for summer feasting – wipe them on fingers sticky from peeling prawns and chins dripping with watermelon. The Melbourne label designs its tabletop textiles to mix and match, so there are plenty of stripes, ginghams and zesty fruit motifs to pair with – or go all in on shells with matching prints on tea towels and cushion covers. $135 for set of six
Eun Ceramics Ripple pedestal bowl
With graceful ridges and a scalloped rim, this Ripple pedestal bowl gives shell-like form in a textured lava glaze outer, with a clear gloss finish inside. Handmade by Korean small-batch ceramicist Jessica Eun Kyoung Choi in her Melbourne studio, the bowl is just the right size for fruit and veg, or as a catch-all for wallet and keys placed next to your front door. There’s a seaside sophistication here, without the usual rope-and-anchor nautical vibes. $295
Garden Glory shell cushion
Swedish label Garden Glory – known for its cult brightly coloured hoses – is all about bringing fun and luxury to outdoor items. We imagine the brief for this witty shell cushion was “off-duty mermaid” – just enough Ariel for Disney fans, but not so cartoonish that the rest of us can’t enjoy it too. Available in solid colours, as well as a couple of unexpected prints (zebra and chintz), it can be used solo or attached to an outdoor chair. $199–$229
Kip & Co x Jessica Nguyen spicy clam check linen tablecloth
A collaboration between Aussie home and lifestyle label Kip & Co and home cook Jessica Nguyen, this hot little number looks good enough to eat. Featuring chillies, tomatoes and vongole clams in checked print on a 100 per cent French flax linen base, the tablecloth is an appropriate backdrop to raucous feasting any time of year. Pair with a rustic seafood pasta and plenty of limoncello for afters. $165
En Gold shell dish
Melbourne interior designer Steffanie Ball knows how to curate eye-catching homewares via En Gold, a collection featuring items she designs herself as well as interesting pieces sourced from around the globe. This dish is from the latter category – a natural capiz shell handcrafted by traditional Filipino artisans to bring out its shimmer and shine. $40
Robert Gordon pearl sconce light
We don’t have too many heritage brands that are still Australian-owned. Happily, family-run pottery business Robert Gordon is one of them – and in addition to plenty of mugs, crockery and decor items, it’s now churning out interiors products like this beautiful pearl sconce light. Handmade to order in Australia, the pearl sconce brings a sense of quiet whimsy to indoor lighting. Available glazed in a choice of two calming colourways. $550
Manara Home shell candle
Melbourne creative Katie Milne launched Manara as a lockdown-era side hustle offering quirky homewares in pastels and brights. She makes all the candles by hand in her St Kilda studio – including these pretty shell-shaped numbers. Crafted in a soy wax blend, they’re available in six soothing colourways and a variety of scents, including jasmine and lily, sandalwood and patchouli and Balinese mango. $24.99
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