Posts Tagged ‘california’
Decorating with Giant Clam Shells
As an interior designer in Orange County, California, I have worked on several beach homes along the coast. During this time, I’ve grown to love many of the materials and colors used in coastal interiors. One of my favorites uses of sea life is the giant clam shell. I’ve been collecting and clipping photos of these and today decided to share some of my findings. I have always loved some of the applications for their use in interior decorating and last year when I started a project in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico overlooking the ocean, it only made sense to bring some of the vibrant blues and varieties of sea life into the home. I really wanted to incorporate one of these giant clam shells into the interior of the home. As I began my search I found the price of these giant clams to be quite costly…up to as much as $900 for half of the shell! I used the giant clam shell on the side of a large spa like bath tub and put sponges and towels in it. In my search I came across several different uses for these beautiful giant clams from sink vessels to planters. Below are some of my favorite photos that I collected during my search. Have you used a giant clam in your interior design project? I’d love to hear what you think and would love to see some of the different applications you’ve used!
Giant Clam Shell in Shower
This is a bathroom by Barry Dixon. I love the neutral colors, zebra ottoman and giant clam shell in the shower.
Giant Clam with Succulents
A beautiful clam planter filled with an array of succulents. This would make a great center piece on top of a buffet or dining table.
Giant Clam Shell on Dining Room Table
Speaking of center pieces, this giant clam serves as a planter with greenery in this black and white dining room.
Cast Stone Giant Clam Shell Filled with Succulents
Beautiful outdoor vignette showcasing a giant clam with succulents and surrounded by an array of stone accessories and accents.
Giant Clam in Front of Fireplace
(Elle Decor)
Giant Clam Sink in Powder Bathroom
In this powder bathroom the clam is used as a vessel sink on top of a mirrored vanity. The backsplash is mother of pearl tile and the mirror is framed using small shells and starfish attached to the frame.
Giant Clam on Rustic Buffet
Giant Clam on Mirrored Credenza
Giant Clam with Sea Sponges
Giant Clam Shell Vessel Sink
Interior Design Showroom Bliss Linens
One of my favorite places for home furnishings, bedding and home accessories in Orange County, Calfornia is Bliss Home located on Pacific Coast Highway in Corona Del Mar. The owner and interior designer behind it all is Ohara Davies-Gaetano. If you’re an interior designer or just someone looking for inspiration, there is always something new, fresh and exciting at this store. It’s easily seen from the street with its bright orange painted storefront. All of the pieces there seem to have a story behind them. The finishes are impeccable and only achieved by time and weathering. From old stone pots to coral and sea life, one is bound to be overstimulated visually by all there is to see. And not only are the pieces beautiful they are arranged and set up in wonderful displays and vignettes. Some of the other highlights of the store are the luxurious bed linens and pillows. The way they’re made up makes you want to jump right in. Many of the walls have bright beautiful colors of Venetian plaster and the entry wood floor looks like an old distressed, hand painted fresco.
- Aqua Blue and White Clock Vignette
This is one example of the many beautiful vignettes you will see. Here a large rustic clock in white and aqua blue backdrop this vignette flanked by old rustic candle sticks and coral.
- Coastal Living Room Design
- Coastal Living Room Design
Using the same color palette as the photos above, neutrals with an accent of aqua blue give this coastal living room design a pop of color. If you’ve got a beach cottage you’ll love this place for all of the sea and ocean artifacts they offer.
- Butterfly Artwork and Zebra Ottoman Vignette
Nature is brought into this vignette with butterfly artwork and a zebra ottoman
- Transitional Dining Room Design
In this dining room design, rust colored leather chairs surround a large, dark wood table. The modern, abstract art mixes nicely with the juxtaposition of the old distressed columns.
- Tall Armoire Vignette
Love the scale of this armoire with the detailed front doors and the large wooden spheres.
- Rustic and Neutral Vignette Design
Another beautiful example of one of the many displays…love all the neutral colors, finishes and the large giant clam.
- Shelving Unit Vignette
An iron shelving unit shows off more sea inspired accessories.
- Blue and Green Bedroom Design
A colorful bedroom design using blue and green bed linens and pillows.
- Bliss Store Display
A rust sofa is backed by an antique mirror displayed in the Orange County interior design showroom
Now that I’ve given you a little taste of this Orange County interior design showroom, do yourself a favor and go check out what interior designer Ohara Davies-Gaetano is up to. Trust me you won’t be disappointed and more than likely you’ll leave inspired with new ideas.
All photos via Bliss HomeOrange County interior designer Chris Givan takes a field trip to Bliss Home in Corona Del Mar, California. Interior design topics such as living room design, dining room design, bedroom design, Venetian plaster and butterfly artwork are featured.
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