In conjunction with yesterday’s post about flowers and decorating with all things Mother Nature, today I’m going to narrow in …. specifically, how can you use the lowly rock to make a design statement? Anyone can harness the beauty of a few garden blooms in a mason jar for instant color and charm. But…..rocks? You bet, and here’s how:
Rocks as an Accessory
A tablescape I created using rocks.
A few roses, a couple stems of bottle brush and a stack of rocks adds interest to my entry chest.
This great lamp of stacked rocks in the Views Boutique Hotel via ElleDecor
Rocks, twigs and candles for unusual mantel decor; pic via Sunset.com by Christina Schmidhofer
Inspiration rocks as gifts from SJ Engraving, ETSY.com
As you can see, sometimes just a scattering of smooth, flat river rocks helps ground an arrangement or simple vase of flowers from the garden. Or, I collected some flat rocks from the yard (lots of rocks in the southwest!) and stacked them next to my vase of flowers.
My rock collection.
Over the years Dan and I have collected rocks from all over – some just pretty, some are collectibles. They fill up a shelf in my bookcase wall to add some relief and interest to the wall of books. Sometimes when you have a showpiece specimen, it deserves a shelf of its own – like our amythest geode.
My good friend Bobi sent me some photos of some Zen rock creations she made one day. She said she was in a creative doldrums so pulled out a box of rocks and some from the yard and played with them to reenergize her creative juices. I loved the idea that rocks could spark creativity so had to give it a try myself. Bobi’s efforts are in the collage picture and a couple of my efforts follow. Who says rocks can’t be art?!
Bobi's rock art.
Rocks and fruit = unusual table art.
A bridge of rocks on my patio.
How about a more literal interpretation of rock art? A framed photograph certainly qualifies.
Titled Pebbly Shore via BringingTheOutsideIn.co.uk
Rocks as a Focal Point
In addition to using rocks here and there in vignettes and to supplement floral arrangements, rocks can be a focal point in your home. Take a look at these creative ways to use rocks….
Rock focal wall via ElleDecor magazine.
Boulders in a bathroom via TrendsIdeas.com
A Duravit tub advertisement - not too practical but a fun idea.
Create a Zen garden tucked into the nook of a yard; photo via Space by Fay Sweet
Photo via BrightBoldBeautiful.blogspot.com
Rocks of varying sizes piled in front of a fireplace serve to reinforce the focal point and really maximize the natural feeling of the room set by the sisal rug and wood table.
Rocks as an Accent
Ocean color river rock via NaturalStoneOutlet.com
- Asian river rock via NewAgeVanityAndTile.com
River rock (smooth flat stones) are available in pre-set sheets that have a mesh backing, ready for grout. There are lots of colorways available, so it’s easy to find something to fit your style and the look of your room. While often seen in a bathroom setting, this flooring is versatile and can be used anywhere you can envision it. Use it as a border, in the shower, to build a BBQ center, to edge a patio, on an accent wall and more.
A whole shower/tub area in river rock via TrendsIdeas.com
- A rock border via TrendsIdeas.com
River rock used on a BBQ from NaturalStoneOutlet.com
Photo via NY Times for a backwoods log cabin
Rock On
This taste of rock decor should serve to whet your appetite. It’s not difficult to find ways to introduce this touch of nature in your home whether you choose a subtle use of one or two rocks or to make a grand statement of a whole wall. Do you see rocks in your future? Cindy and I would love to see the creative ways you can find to incorporate this lowly natural element in your decor. Comment, email, send photos, whatever you’d like – we’d like to hear from you since that lets us know whether you’re enjoying what we’re writing.
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