Fish, Fish, Fish |
A design hero
Fish are ancient symbols - movement, abundance, intuition, but they are also, quite simply, beautiful shapes. It’s a form that designers have returned to time and time again, often without us even clocking it.
Look closely and you’ll see it everywhere.
A woven fabric might echo the geometry of a shoal; a printed linen might scatter delicate, darting silhouettes across a surface. Even when not explicitly “fish,” the influence lingers in the repetition and flow.
In furniture and objects, the fish reveals itself through line. The curve of a chair back, the narrowing of a table leg, the soft asymmetry of a ceramic vase, all hint at something organic, something that feels alive. Good design often borrows from nature, and the fish offers a particularly elegant blueprint: streamlined, balanced, effortless.
And then there are the more literal appearances, which I’ve always had a soft spot for. A ceramic fish dish on a table, a piece of art, a wall ornament or a beautifully detailed textile piece.
Lately, interior design has been embracing a richer, more tactile aesthetic that blends folk and cabin influences with mid‑century modern sensibilities. These spaces often feature wood cladding and exposed timber, creating warm, layered interiors that feel both grounded and more personal. Natural materials and textured surfaces, from wide‑plank flooring to vertical wood panelling, lend a sense of shelter and calm, while mid‑century elements and more contemporary pieces keep the look more polished.
A defining characteristic of this trend is its nod to outdoor life and craft. Nautical motifs, fishing gear‑inspired objects, and coastal memorabilia are frequently woven into these interiors, echoing landscapes and traditions beyond just decoration. Whether in a lakeside lodge, a seaside restaurant, or a home inspired by nature, these details bring narrative and personality to the space.
This blend of rustic comfort and curated design is visible even in high‑profile residential work. Take the mountain home designed by interior designer Heidi Caillier, a retreat that rejects stark minimalism in favour of bold colour, vintage patterns, and textured layers.
The Bode store in Paris, which opened during Paris Fashion Week in March 2025, draws quiet inspiration from the world of fly fishing, weaving fish-related elements into its design narrative. Hand-tied fishing flies, bamboo rods, and carved wooden trout appear throughout the space, transforming traditional angling tools into decorative objects. These details echo the meticulous craft behind both fly-tying and Bode’s garments, where small, handmade elements carry stories of heritage and patience. The fish motifs subtly evoke the rhythm of rivers and outdoor traditions, creating a boutique that feels less like a retail space and more like a carefully curated fisherman’s lodge, where fashion, craft, and nature intersect.
I’m always saving restaurants around the world, imagining that one day I’ll travel to all of them. Some I bookmark for the food, others for the interiors. I saved Sullivan’s Fish Camp a while back because of its nostalgic atmosphere, the kind of place that feels like a scene from an old coastal American film.
The restaurant is on Sullivan’s Island, just outside Charleston, South Carolina. It’s design takes inspiration from a classic boat cabin, with lacquered wood, checkerboard floors, and maritime details throughout. Fishing culture and American folk décor are central, with nautical imagery, stained-glass lighting, and coastal objects filling the space. The overall effect is relaxed, slightly retro, and steeped in seaside traditions.
My best fishy finds |
Hand carved Wooden Nutcracker | Charming piece that would look great on any coffee table
Plenty of Fish | Art by Martin Knight - This piece would be very welcome in my home
Tawashi Little Fish Dishcloths - | I wouldn’t use them, they’re too nice - I would just have them hung next to all my trivets
Ceramic Handmade Fish Wall Art | Love the green fins
Trout & Fly Needlepoint Hip Flask | I have never used a hip flask but I have a real soft spot for needle point designs
Uzbek Traditional Fish Pastel Suzani Pillow Case | I have one of these cushions in a different design which I bought many moons ago and I can say the embroidery is unbeatable - I have paid silly amounts for small pieces of embroidery that is not anything near this detail and quality
Pewter Fish Platter | A forever piece - that will always make every meal look restaurant worthy
1970’s hand-painted fish plate | Great colour palette to hang on any wall
Vintage fish bottle opener in Teak by Carl Auböck | Quite obsessed with cool bottle openers
River Fish, 2023 - A very cool piece - I love David’s work
More soon
Ella x
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****Disclaimer - I have used Etsy Creator Collective for some pieces - this means if you buy these pieces via my links I will receive a very small amount from that sale - This does not affect or influence my selection ! ****