Striking Gold: 9 Ways to Add a Touch of Nature’s Riches
Flora and fauna are never-ending sources of inspiration for home decor, and never more so than when they’re in the golden embrace of summer’s sun. This showcase of golden treasures will help you celebrate summer regardless of the season.
1. Dragonfly Doorknocker
The dragonfly represents change, transformation and a call to shed more light and joy in the world. That makes the Dragonfly Door Knocker by Michael Healey a meaningful addition to the home. It’s handcrafted in solid cast brass and comes in four finishes and two sizes: 4½ inches high, 6¼ wide, 1½ deep for $69, 6 inches high, 8¼ wide and 1¾ deep for $130. Artistic Hardware LLC in Northfield, The Closet Pros in Wall Township or Michael Healy.
2. Gilded Garden Wall Covering
Gilded Garden, from the new Japonaise Collection by Fairfield-based Phillip Jeffries, is an homage to Japan’s rich landscape. The simple beauty of nature inspires this botanical design with metallic accents and artfully composed lush leaves. Shown in pewter on Persian silver silk (left) and abaca and gold on Shetland horsehair (right).
3. Queenbee Palm Ring Chandelier
The Queenbee Palm Ring Chandelier by Currey & Co. pays tribute to the graceful movement of palm leaves blowing in the wind. The fronds, finished in contemporary goldleaf and painted gold, curl gracefully around the circular frame. $6,740. In New Jersey, find it at Blue Raccoon in Lambertville and West Essex Lighting Studio in West Caldwell.
4. Metallic Willow Velvet Pillows
You might imagine summer picnics under the draping branches depicted in Metallic Willow Velvet pillows by Kevin O’Brien Studio. The whimsical and elegant design appears on both sides. Available in several sizes and colors, the design is shown at 22 by 22 inches in Gold/Beige (left) and Copper (right). Available in New Jersey at Blue Raccoon in Lambertville.
5. Sunflower Catch All
The Sunflower Collection available from Michael Aram honors the flower so named because it constantly turns toward the sun. The collection, Aram says, is intended to remind us to “look toward the light and be forever optimistic.” This catch all, 5 inches in diameter, is made of natural and oxidized brass. $65.
6. Arrow Shell Drawer Handle
For the vacation home or anywhere you want to add a nautical look, Arrow drawer handles replicate the whirling nature and rounded details of seashells. Arrow is available for $290 in polished, aged or brushed brass from Pullcast Jewelry Hardware.
7. Peony Bowl
Just like the flower for which it’s named, the Peony Collection from Julia Knight features scalloped petals that suggest a fragrant summer garden. The collection, which includes this food-safe, 16-inch bowl for $150, is hand-applied mother-of-pearl enamel on sand-cast aluminum. Shown in Gold Snow and available in other colors.
8. Hummingbird & Amethyst
A brass hummingbird spies a white selenite flower with amethyst buds in this charming sculpture (JRA-13164) by John-Richard. John-Richard designs are available in New Jersey at Safavieh in Livingston and Paramus.
9. Butterflies & Parasols
Butterflies float high above parasols in this hand-knotted Tibetan wool (70%) and Chinese silk (30%) rug from the Metamorphosis Collection by Emma Gardner Design. Each rug in the collection has a winking Haiku to express its essence. In the case of the Parasols rug: “butterflies float high/above the heavy rain drops/quite unafraid.” Emma Gardner rugs are handmade in Nepal to your size and are GoodWeave certified.
