Design with Dragonflies

Design with Dragonflies

If you want to add charm and sophistication to your home and make it Feng Shui-friendly, incorporate dragonfly-inspired elements in your decor.

Of  late, dragonflies have become quite a popular theme in both fashion and interior design. That’s because of its versatile nature. It can be used in anything ­­­­­­­­­­­­­— right from bedsheets, curtains, walls, dining and living areas, accessories, suncatchers, doors, etc. Made from different materials like glass, metal, alloys, wood and so on, dragonfly, as a motif, was first  incorporated by Rene Lalique, a French jeweller of repute in early 19th century, in his corsage ornament (brooch) for women. His favourite motifs were women - represented with sensuous hair and diaphanous drapery — and animals, especially snakes or insects.   

Explaining more about the trend Rajat Singhi, creative director, Address Home, a luxury home and décor brand, says, “A ‘dragonfly corsage ornament woman’ was first sported by Lalique between 1897 and 1898. Made of gold, enamel, moonstones and diamonds, dragonfly is one of the oldest forms of design inspiration. The dragonfly motif, was popular since the Victorian era, but it wasn’t until the Art Nouveau period that dragonflies landed onto dresses, wrists and fingers with a newfound beauty. It is quite popular considering it is being used in garments prints, silk embroidery, dining inspirations and wall art. The vintage brooch has made a modern comeback with Tiffany & Co’s  new jewellery inspired by dragonfly.”

The first few references can be found in Greek mythology, where an organism was named as dragonfly, inspired by the Romanian dragons. “Throughout history, the symbolism of the dragonfly reflects its agile movements. In certain cultures, it is believed that dragonflies reflect change and transformations in life. In Japanese paintings, dragonfly’s ability to spread light and joy is depicted. The Chinese believe that it represents the soul of the dragon in this modern world,” adds Singhi. 
Its ability to usher in positive vibes in your living space is thus reinforced.

“It is a symbol of prosperity, strength, happiness, change, wisdom, harmony and peace. Given that it is a symbol of ultimate happiness, its presence in Feng Shui is also very potent. There is no specific location where it should go in order to work, so use it freely in your living space,” he adds.

Here are some ideas suggested by Singhi:
The versatility: The delicately winged form of the creature, can be reproduced through various techniques like enamel, decal, embroidery and foiling, ensuring that the product turns out light and very chic. Use the fabric prints in your living room like in cushions, etc and as wall art. 

In cutlery: Bring the trend to the dining area too, by incorporating it in napkin rings, stirrers, place mats, serving ware and glassware. Dragonfly napkin rings made of metal are in vogue currently. Dinner plates with oversized gold dragonfly right in the centre can elevate the dining experience for your guests. It will also give an eclectic touch to the space.

Home linen: Even in home linen, beaded and embroidered dragonflies on cushions will liven up a bed ensemble. You can also use abstract prints on the linen.

Make a statement: Perching dragonflies on boxes, photo frames and candle holders will be eye catching pieces. Wallpapers having embossed tonal dragonflies can give any area an airy ambience. If your are looking for something to add a touch of charm to you blank walls, dragonflies fluttering will certainly make a great wall art.

The author can be followed on Twitter @amu_prasad

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