How do you incorporate the things you are drawn to into your décor? Have you noticed any decorative themes emerge? What do you like to look at in your art pieces? What shapes or things do you see that make your heart happy? Themes I’ve seen in other’s homes include animals, florals, geometric shapes or patterns, landscapes and climates (mountains, desert, tropical), portraits, natural elements such as water, plants, or rocks, and pop-cultural references. Themes can be as simple as recurring color pairings or textures.
Everywhere you look in my home you’ll find some decorative element that involves trees. In reflecting on what draws me to arboreal depictions, I’ve discovered that it’s a mixture of many aspects, including shape and color, as well as notions of constancy, romance, family and nostalgia. Trees visually set a mood for me that is organic, welcoming, and peaceful. It’s also a nod to bringing the beauty of nature indoors, a Victorian element of traditional design. I have a deep respect for naturally-stained antique wooden furniture. You might also notice that versions of Grandeur on Grove’s logo include trees (in urns, no less!) and even the word “grove” implies a group of trees. So, it’s safe to say I’m a little tree obsessed.
Not surprisingly, there is a long tradition of trees in traditional décor. One of the oldest and most ubiquitous depiction is the symbolic use of the Tree of Life. A folk myth found in most world religions is the idea of a sacred tree that represents fertility, the lifecycle, and/or the connectedness of things on earth with the sacred. It is portrayed visually in many ways, my favorite being the style found on these tapestries.
The Tree of Life tapestry in three different colorways
A tree of life tapestry repurposed as upholstery fabric
Here I present ways I’ve incorporated my preferred tree theme into my home. Perhaps it will give you ideas on both subtle and more confident approaches to surrounding yourself with the shapes and items that appeal to you and bring you comfort and joy in your home.
Let’s start with the boldest, most-evident use of the arboreal theme. I’ve used wallpaper to create a distinctive, English countryside mural in a dining room and a climbing, leaf and branch pattern in a guest room and office.
“Cotswolds Sky” wallpaper mural by Susan Harter Muralpapers used as an accent wall in a dining room
“Branches” by Albany wallpaper used in guestroom and office
While I’ve not ventured this, you could go so far as to utilize actual trees grown in the shape of furniture, as is stunningly done with willow trees by designer Gavin Munro at his company Full Grown. There is also a trend for live edge furniture.
On a subtler note, I’ve chosen kitchen tile with a wave pattern reminiscent of leaves that sits alongside a muted tree wallpaper in the kitchen nook. Above the nook is a light fixture with decorative branching elements. In another example, understated leaves grace coordinating light fixtures in an attic office.
Emser tile with a subtle leaf-like pattern coordinates with tree wallpaper; used in a kitchen
“Blyth Grey Toile” by Brewster Wallpaper used on accent walls in a mudroom and kitchen nook with a coordinating, branchy light fixture
Leaf light fixtures used in a home office
A traditional way of displaying on-theme items is with wall hangings and art pieces, including wall quilts, oil and watercolor paintings, resin relief pieces, and stained glass windows.
This quilt top was designed and sewn by Grandeur on Grove as a wall hanging. Still need to add backing and quilt it.
Tree watercolor prints by “EveryDayShenanigans” on Etsy and topiary watercolor print by Lydia Carns; used in a home office
“Morning on the River,” Oil painting by Marta Necurat used in a home office
A special-commission stained glass window in a dining room
Watercolor painting by Joanne Jarry used in guestroom
I updated these limestone, resin and stone composites from Frontgate with touches of color.
Beyond the walls, accent items can be placed on tabletops (such as the lemon tree at the top of this article), mantles, shelves, and even in front of a fireplace.
This fireplace screen is great for the seasons when we don’t need its heat.
I often have tree-related décor in the works. Right now, I’m finishing up a velvet quilt in a William Morris print that exhibits the green leaves of willow and other trees. I’ve also procured this Raphael wallpaper for an attic landing.
Project in-process: A velvet William Morris print, “The Brook,” is being hand-tied to a fleece backing to create a king-sized coverlet.
“Raphael” by Sandberg Wallpaper will be installed in an upcoming attic landing project
Stay tuned for more arboreal additions and share your decorative themes below.
