Coral Creativity

When we were debating our second design theme there were many contenders, but with summer coming and our yearning for the sea, we decided on the idea of corals!  (Don’t worry, the other contenders are still in the works – something to look forward to in the near future from JOYIA LIVING!).
 
But, back to corals and why corals.  Simply, we love them!  They evoke summer and happy times in exotic places.  We’re intrigued by their almost naïve and sometimes pre-historic looking forms.
 
Corals are a diverse range of species representing a vast ecosystem on our beautiful planet.  Coral reefs also support further ecosystems in the world’s oceans. Climate change is putting these complex habitats in great peril and we have much to do save these amazing reefs.
 
And we were amazed to discover that certain species of coral secrete anti-microbial compounds and it is believed that dolphins love to rub up against these corals for their skin health. Studies are currently underway looking at the anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancerous properties of corals. Coral reefs if protected, may become the medicine chests of the future.
 
Corals are actually invertebrate creatures and consist of identical individual polyps which live in compact communities. Coral reefs are built by certain corals which secrete calcium carbonate to form a hard protective external skeleton – it is this skeleton that gives rise to the beautiful and weird structures so associated with corals.
 
If you’ve ever had the joy of snorkelling or diving in tropical seas and have seen corals “in the wild” you’ll appreciate the scale of what these tiny creatures are capable of building.
 
Corals have been used by humans for millennia, both practically as building materials in coastal areas, as well as for jewellery and decoration. Both their shape and colours providing endless inspiration for creativity.
 
In modern interiors coral shapes and motifs have been incorporated into a range of objects – in lamp stands, wall sconces, pendant lighting and as sculptural items for display.  Coral patterns are also gorgeous when used in textiles ranging from tiles to fabric and wallpaper – perhaps it is their association with the sea and holidays which create such a pleasing and relaxed vibe in interiors.
 
From a design point of view they’re an inspiring and versatile theme – at JOYIA we’ve played around with coral designs, illustrations and simplified solid prints.  More options for you and your personal style!
 
We hope you love discovering our range of coral-inspired items.  We’ll continue to expand both the designs and the items that carry them in the coming months – let us know what you think so far.
 
With love
JOYIA LIVING