A Shiny New (Old) Trend
Mother of Pearl Makes a Comeback
When we think of Mother of Pearl, we think of buttons, guitar inlays and your grandmother’s jewelry! There is a definite trend of Mother of Pearl in the design industry. We’re seeing this shimmering material all over the place!
You’ll find this striking substance in many unexpected areas. There is some absolutely stunning wallpaper created out of Mother of Pearl (think about how that twinkles in candlelight!), mosaic tiles and everything from accents on drapery hardware to bathroom accessories.
Mother of Pearl is the beautiful, iridescent lining of some fresh-water and some salt-water mollusks. Cultivated primarily in Asia, most companies that provide Mother of Pearl strive to maintain a sustainable industry to protect the mollusk and provide for the demand in a responsible fashion. Used for centuries as mostly mosaic inlay material, Mother of Pearl has resurfaced in the decorating world with an air of sophistication.
When designing a room, reflective surfaces are an important part of moving light around and giving your space life. The pearlized surface not only reflects the light but has a depth of warmth and tone that cannot be duplicated.
Its lustrous patina gives a distinct feel of luxury and elegance. No other natural material looks quite like Mother of Pearl. In its natural state of silver, pearl, gray and violet coloring, it lends itself to retro glam, traditional and contemporary designs. It can also be dyed to any color. In other types of applications, thin layers are adhered to ceramic tiles as well as lightweight fiberglass mesh and then these sheets can be cut to any size. Mother of Pearl sheets may be used on interior floors, exterior and interior walls, countertops, doors and ceilings. Insertion into architectural elements, such as columns or furniture is then easily accomplished. It’s a naturally strong material.
When designing a room, reflective surfaces are an important part of moving light around and giving your space life. The pearlized surface not only reflects the light but has a depth of warmth and tone that cannot be duplicated. Unless you are using it to line a ceiling or wall, for a feeling of instant affordable glamour, a little of this luxurious substance goes a long way. You might add it as a lamp with an accented base and a picture frame to bring a little something unique to a living room. The wallpaper would make a wonderful, shimmery accent wall in a bedroom or dressing area! Or add a shot of glam to your bathroom cabinets by using these brass and inlaid knobs!
Next time you want to add a little something luxurious to your space, try some of this ethereal component. It’s not just jewelry for your body anymore, but a sparkling accessory for your home!