Trend alert: get in touch with your wildlife side

Wildlife has been fluttering its pretty wings all over the place, from fashion magazines, textiles, accessories, jewellery and cushions to our office’s windowsills (baa!) and even our stylist’s t-shirts!

Image credit:ecogreenandinbetween

The wildlife trend is all about getting in touch with nature, whether that involves getting out in the garden or bringing it into your living room. It celebrates the wildlife around us, protecting animals and getting up close to all the bugs and creepy crawlies.  And being natural doesn’t necessarily mean floral. The designs we’ve seen are aimed more towards hedgerow, incorporating more wild and spiky motifs.

In the garden you can be a responsible gardener, creating thriving habitats for ladybirds, hedgehogs, birds and many other little critters. As well as invading our home’s style, this trend provides a great incentive to get outside and learn about the garden and the wildlife that lives there.

Image credit: ecogreenandinbetween

The wildlife trend is everywhere at the moment and touches on a wide range of angles. One that you can’t help but notice is the recent surge in bee-inspired looks. (unless you’ve had your head stuck in a hive – sorry, couldn’t resist!)

These bee-influenced looks have been showcasing the bolder and edgier side of the trend, and may not be what you would immediately associate with the wildlife theme. See what we mean by looking at the many great examples of bee-inspired looks that our community members have created.

There’s also been a greater awareness of bees in the media lately, regarding the importance of protecting bees and their numbers. This offers another fantastic excuse to educate yourself about the garden, and do some good at the same time.

We’ve come up with a variety of interesting ways to help different species and to provide housing and habitats for them. Take a look at our wishlist of wildlife products.

Image credit: ecogreenandinbetween

I also love all the bug related products that have come to the fore of the wildlife trend. I find it to be a fairly rebellious interiors theme, and something that can look quite surprising when used in the home.

Such bug-influenced designs and products make great statement pieces, and also great talking points if you are entertaining. Some people will absolutely love them, and others may find them garish and childish –  I have to admit to being a fan, with several wildlife trend products on my profile wishlist.

Image credit: Amaroni and Maudb.me

Thinking about wildlife colours, browns and greens are an obvious suggestion but they can also have accents of turquoise blue and terracotta. The choice of material can be a really diverse mix as many of the key pieces take on a contrast, i.e. they use natural wood with a highly finished manufacturing or a natural texture with a contemporary motif.  Some of my key wildlife finds include:

Amaroni’s seasons cushion: This brings together many of the trend’s colours and uses an abstract flower shape so that it is in no way twee.

Abigail Borg’s ‘Mr Chrysanth’ wallpaper at mydeco botuique (above, left): I think her wallpaper is wonderful and it is a perfect example of floral with an edge. She is very popular, and by looking at her great range of designs you can see why.

The Natural Collection’s ladybird and insect tower: This is a great way of encouraging nature into your garden, which is nice for you and provides them with a living environment.

Maudb.me’s bug table napkin at mydeco boutique (above, right): This is a really simple napkin that incorporates the bug motif in a contemporary form.  I like how they have created the modern patterns on the shell which lends it a pop art feel, and is a great finishing touch.

What do you think about the wildlife trend? Love it or hate it, tell us below!