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  1. Home
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  3. How to Decorate Your Home Like Australia's Great Barrier Reef

How to Decorate Your Home Like Australia's Great Barrier Reef

By Dobrina Zhekova
March 13, 2017
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Great Barrier Reef Australia
Credit: Sean Fennessy
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is not only one of the world’s most beautiful and exquisite natural wonders (and that’s official, by the way) but it is also the only natural site visible from space. The living formation along the northeastern coast of Australia is comprised of over 900 islands and 2,900 separate reefs where over 1,500 species of fish swim, making it one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.

Unfortunately, last year the reef suffered the worst coral-bleaching event ever recorded in Australia due to warming waters. And for Aussie Darren Palmer, one of the country’s most influential interior designers who grew up at the reef's southernmost point, its damage has also changed the conversation about the interior design it inspires.

“The interior approach to working with the tropical feeling of the area of the Great Barrier Reef is not as colorful as it once may have been. The reef itself is still largely alive, but it is in repair now and needs time to re-grow all the organisms that give color to the reef, providing oceans don’t continue to get warmer,” he said.

Palmer has managed to bring awareness to the issue through his work as well as adapt his designs by incorporating whites and organic forms that aren’t as vibrant and rich. He suggests drawing inspiration from Australia's wildlife, its beach culture in general, and the motifs found in its seaside homes.

“I recently created a home...with lots of comfortable furniture, made with bleached or limed timber, soft white cotton or linen upholstery, nautical motifs, and ship-inspired lighting and interior details like hooks, handles, port holes, and paneling,” he said. “A natural palette of colors and materials works well in creating the organic feeling inspired by the reef.”

As far as home accessories and art go, framed coral pieces and coral fans add to the raw and organic look that is important for a reef-inspired interior.

“You can get amazing faux corals and resin clam shells that give you a very realistic representation of the living elements from the reef,” he said, adding a warning to stay away from starfish and dolphin motifs.

Of course, as with any style influenced by the beach, it’s important to keep things relaxed. If something feels forced to you or you don’t feel comfortable around it, then it doesn’t belong in the room.

Now check out some beautiful home décor items that will forever remind you of the most beautiful natural wonder in the world.
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Sea Fan Coral Print

Sea Fan Coral Print
Credit: Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, from $10

1 of 40

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Water Stained Coral Wall Art

Water Stained Coral Wall Art 2 Piece
Credit: Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $100

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Making Waves Framed Prints

Making Waves Framed Prints
Credit: Courtesy of Pottery Barn

To buy: potterybarn.com, from $119

3 of 40

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Coral Red and Gray Geo Woven Throw

Coral Red and Gray Geo Woven Throw
Credit: Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $15

4 of 40

5 of 40

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Lyrica Pillow

Lyrica Pillow
Credit: Courtesy of Lulu & Georgia

To buy: luluandgeorgia.com, $46

5 of 40

6 of 40

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Moselle Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

Moselle Indoor Outdoor Pillow
Credit: Courtesy of Lulu & Georgia

To buy: luluandgeorgia.com, from $36

6 of 40

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Tommy Bahama Bahama Coast Pelican Grey Blanket

Tommy Bahama, Bahama Coast Pelican Grey Blanket
Credit: Courtesy of Bedding Style

To buy: beddingstyle.com, from $50

7 of 40

8 of 40

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Souda Kreten Candelabra

Souda Kreten Candelabra
Credit: Courtesy of AHAlife

To buy: ahalife.com, $195

8 of 40

9 of 40

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Crate and Barrel Jarvis Teal Blue Jute-Blend Rug

Crate and Barrel Jarvis Teal Blue Jute Blend Rug
Credit: Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, from $149

9 of 40

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Mallorca Dinner Plate

Mallorca Dinner Plate
Credit: Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, $20

10 of 40

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Wooden Boat Candle

Wooden Boat Candle
Credit: Courtesy of AHAlife

To buy: ahalife.com, $84

11 of 40

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Laura Ashley Coral Coast Coral Quilt Set

Laura Ashley Coral Coast, Coral Quilt Set
Credit: Courtesy of Bedding Style

To buy: beddingstyle.com, from $80

12 of 40

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Linen Randen Upholstered Chair in Talc

Linen Ranen Upholstered Chair in Talc
Credit: Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $530

13 of 40

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Round Beaded Coasters

Round Beaded Coasters Set of 6
Credit: Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $9

14 of 40

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Coral Esme Printed Velour Bath Towel

Coral Esme Printed Velour Bath Towel
Credit: Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $17

15 of 40

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Aqua Ombre Ceramic Set

Aqua Ombre Ceramic Set
Credit: Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, from $5

16 of 40

17 of 40

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Bleached Ivory Basket Weave Jute Rug

Bleached Ivory Basket Weave Jute Rug
Credit: Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, from $25

17 of 40

18 of 40

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Metal Peyton Barrel

Metal Peyton Barrel
Credit: Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, from $50

18 of 40

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Cortez Coffee Table

Cortez Coffee Table
Credit: Courtesy of Pier 1 Imports

To buy: pier1.com, $400

19 of 40

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Crate and Barrel Willow Sofa in Snow

Crate and Barrel Willow Sofa in Snow
Credit: Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, $1,899

20 of 40

21 of 40

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Distressed Savannah Lounge Chair

Distressed Savannah Lounge Chair
Credit: Courtesy of Terrain

To buy: shopterrain.com, $598

21 of 40

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Live Edge Stool

Live Edge Stool
Credit: Courtesy of Terrain

To buy: shopterrain.com, $198

22 of 40

23 of 40

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Blake Grey Wash Chair with Fabric Cushion

Blake Grey Wash Chair with Fabric Cushion
Credit: Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, $799

23 of 40

24 of 40

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Edgewood Round Side Table

Edgewood Round Table
Credit: Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, $199

24 of 40

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25 of 40

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Capiz Round Pendant

Capiz Round Pendant
Credit: Courtesy of West Elm

To buy: westelm.com, $149

25 of 40

26 of 40

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Pearl Glass Vases

Pearl Glass Vases 3
Credit: Courtesy of West Elm

To buy: westelm.com, from $24

26 of 40

27 of 40

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Palecek Nautilus Shadowbox

Palecek Nautilus Shadowbox
Credit: Courtesy of Horchow

To buy: horchow.com, $265

27 of 40

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28 of 40

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Fluval Edge Aquarium with LED Light

Fluval Edge Aquarium with LED Light
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $138

28 of 40

29 of 40

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Ida Chair in Natural

Ida Chair in Natural
Credit: Courtesy of Lulu & Georgia

To buy: luluandgeorgia.com, $449

29 of 40

30 of 40

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Rope Salt & Pepper Shakers

Rope Salt and Pepper Shakers
Credit: Courtesy of Pier 1 Imports

To buy: pier1.com, $15

30 of 40

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Driftwood Bowl

Driftwood Bowl
Credit: Courtesy of Pier 1 Imports

To buy: pier1.com, $50

31 of 40

32 of 40

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Oversize Coral on Stand

Oversize Coral on Stand
Credit: Courtesy of Williams Sonoma

To buy: williams-sonoma.com, $195

32 of 40

33 of 40

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Zara Home Turquoise Marine Vase

Zara Home Turquoise Marine Vase
Credit: Courtesy of Zara Home

To buy: zarahome.com, $70

33 of 40

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Zara Home Sea Green Raffia Place Mat

Zara Home Sea Green Raffia Place Mat
Credit: Courtesy of Zara Home

To buy: zarahome.com, $15

34 of 40

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Mirror ‘Silver Beach’

Mirror Silver Beach
Credit: Courtesy of Novica

To buy: novica.com, $192

35 of 40

36 of 40

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Capiz Round Drum Coffee Table

Capiz Round Drum Coffee Table
Credit: Courtesy of Pier 1 Imports

To buy: pier1.com, $300

36 of 40

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37 of 40

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Glisan Table Lamp

Glisan Table Lamp
Credit: Courtesy of Rejuvenation

To buy: rejuvenation.com, $499

37 of 40

38 of 40

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Fields Of Flora Candle

Fields of Flora Candle
Credit: Courtesy of Anthropologie

To buy: anthropologie.com, $24

38 of 40

39 of 40

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Nautical Rope Mirror

Nautical Rope Mirror
Credit: Courtesy of Serena & Lily

To buy: serenaandlily.com, from $398

39 of 40

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'The Great Barrier Reef: A Journey Through the World's Greatest Natural Wonder' Book

The Great Barrier Reef, a Journey through the World's Greatest Natural Wonder, Book
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $37

40 of 40

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    Everything in This Slideshow

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    View All

    1 of 40 Sea Fan Coral Print
    2 of 40 Water Stained Coral Wall Art
    3 of 40 Making Waves Framed Prints
    4 of 40 Coral Red and Gray Geo Woven Throw
    5 of 40 Lyrica Pillow
    6 of 40 Moselle Indoor/Outdoor Pillow
    7 of 40 Tommy Bahama Bahama Coast Pelican Grey Blanket
    8 of 40 Souda Kreten Candelabra
    9 of 40 Crate and Barrel Jarvis Teal Blue Jute-Blend Rug
    10 of 40 Mallorca Dinner Plate
    11 of 40 Wooden Boat Candle
    12 of 40 Laura Ashley Coral Coast Coral Quilt Set
    13 of 40 Linen Randen Upholstered Chair in Talc
    14 of 40 Round Beaded Coasters
    15 of 40 Coral Esme Printed Velour Bath Towel
    16 of 40 Aqua Ombre Ceramic Set
    17 of 40 Bleached Ivory Basket Weave Jute Rug
    18 of 40 Metal Peyton Barrel
    19 of 40 Cortez Coffee Table
    20 of 40 Crate and Barrel Willow Sofa in Snow
    21 of 40 Distressed Savannah Lounge Chair
    22 of 40 Live Edge Stool
    23 of 40 Blake Grey Wash Chair with Fabric Cushion
    24 of 40 Edgewood Round Side Table
    25 of 40 Capiz Round Pendant
    26 of 40 Pearl Glass Vases
    27 of 40 Palecek Nautilus Shadowbox
    28 of 40 Fluval Edge Aquarium with LED Light
    29 of 40 Ida Chair in Natural
    30 of 40 Rope Salt & Pepper Shakers
    31 of 40 Driftwood Bowl
    32 of 40 Oversize Coral on Stand
    33 of 40 Zara Home Turquoise Marine Vase
    34 of 40 Zara Home Sea Green Raffia Place Mat
    35 of 40 Mirror ‘Silver Beach’
    36 of 40 Capiz Round Drum Coffee Table
    37 of 40 Glisan Table Lamp
    38 of 40 Fields Of Flora Candle
    39 of 40 Nautical Rope Mirror
    40 of 40 'The Great Barrier Reef: A Journey Through the World's Greatest Natural Wonder' Book

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    How to Decorate Your Home Like Australia's Great Barrier Reef
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