Luxe Nature Trend

Hey curiosity chasers – welcome to episode 9 and today we’re chating about the luxe nature trend!

There is a Pinterest board you can reference while you listen to this podcast over at www.pinterest.com/arnoldandbird/luxe-nature. Or go back to after you’ve listened to get some more inspiration. What I love about this board is that is lots of gorgeous colour and texture in it so do check it out!

So let’s chat nature and what makes it luxe – hint metallics feature a lot! And if you like this luxe nature trend then I would totally recommend going to see the Fashioned From Nature exhibition at the V&A. It has some great examples of this theme. Plus it takes you through so many decades of using nature and sustainability in fashion.

Crystals

Crystals are becoming so popular now and they tie in with the wellness trend that’s been popular for the last few years. Plus crystals are the ultimate luxe nature trend!
From agate slices to polished mineral stones and raw crystalised forms they create gorgeous colour, shape, texture to draw inspiration from.
I would definitely suggest tying crystal meanings and healing properties into products for an added personal touch. It’s a lovely move on from birthstones as well.
Goldirocks on Instagram has a modern approach to crystals and their healing properties so check her out for inspiration.

Wood

Wood can come in so many different finishes from being cut into smooth pieces, natural rough & raw blocks or branches. And I love the addition of it being gilded in metallics for a luxe finish.
Look at painting wood – from all over or just sections to add pops of colour or pattern. Adding other materials such as fabric, yarn, resin or mirrors also adds a unique touch.
Consider how luxe wood can be used in jewellery, display stands, home accessories, bags, children’s toys, wedding decor, frames, storage. The list could go on the more you think about it.

Stones and rocks

Following on from crystals, raw stone and rocks can be elevated with metallic detailing, mother of pearl or smooth finishes.
Think about how these finish can continue to add grandeur and longevity to stones that already have been around for many years.

Shells

Shells are such pretty objects and a lot already come with mother of pearl finishes so totally suit being elevated with metallics or painted details.
Expand the nautical trend that is ever popular with shells.
Think about using them as fashion accessories, serveware, in baby keepsakes, vases and inspiration for patterns and motifs.

Feathers & insects

There’s no denying I love a feather – there is one in my logo for Arnold & Bird!
Addition of glitter, gold edges or recreating feathers in paper, fabric, wood, resin, leather or stone works well.
Look at how you can use colours from feathers such as hummingbirds or peacocks.
Also, consider how you can take inspiration from insects such as beetles and recreate the myriad of colours from their shells in your work.

Rope

Rope is natural material and can be elevated by the way it’s tied or the finish it has on it.
Think about either really fine rope for a simple Grecian style look or chunky rope as a contrast. And look at all the different knots and ways to tie the rope to create unique shapes, tassels, handles or edging.

Worn natural & textured surfaces

Finally, I wanted to talk about texture and really worn and naturally eroded finishes.
Look at naturally weathered materials and how you can build this texture and finish into your products to create an unusual surface.
So from rust, flaked, peeling or worn surfaces revealing layers of materials or different colours are a good place to start.
This idea can be used across all product categories and works well to create tactile products or pieces that have added visual interest.
The tactility trend is definitely sticking around.

And that’s the main inspiration points for you today for the luxe nature trend. Please do look at the Pinterest board either now or later for lots of visual representation of these concepts over at > www.pinterest.com/arnoldandbird/luxe-nature

And do think about how you can apply them to your products – be this in surface pattern designs, prints, jewellery, baby toys, home or fashion.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and take on the luxe nature trend. Do you like it and if so will you be using any of it in your work? And don’t forget if you ever want any 121 advice then do get in touch. It would be great to develop product ideas specifically for you. Happy to have a chat first to see if we’re a good fit too so do get in touch.

Until next time I’m sending inspiration your way. And don’t forget to elevate your curiosity today and every day!