Crow Inspired Interior Design
Nature supplies us with endless inspiration for interior design, and a cast of characters with beauty and personality that adds special nuance, especially when considering the bird kingdom. In particular, the crow has an interesting backstory that adds depth to its role as a muse for interior design.
The crow is an often misunderstood bird. It’s mysterious, quietly and intensely intelligent (some experts say it’s as smart as a seven-year-old child, and is the subject of many duplicitous symbols: it can represent doom and gloom, but also new beginnings and hope, depending on the cultural context. It’s also viewed as a trickster, in part because its high intelligence helps it outsmart foes. Even their coloring is varied, depending on light conditions.
All About Crows
Crows have a kind of gothic, ethereal look, with all-black feathers, legs, and beak. At a closer look, though, the crow’s feathers reveal iridescent coloring, with shades of purple, blues, green, and more. Rather than being a true black, light plays across their feathers, casting an almost metallic sheen.
Their eyes are a steely blue, and baby crows have pink coloring around their mouths, called a gape, which helps parents identify them, aids feeding, and marks them as youngsters to other crows.
Behaviourally, crows are known for mobbing, where gangs of the birds gather together and dive-bomb and squawk at perceived predators. They might be protecting a nest or territory. This is often effective against larger predators, who often give up and leave, simply because of the number and frenetic behavior of the crows- it’s not worth the predator’s time.
The most common species of crow in the United States is aptly named the American Crow. They are highly communal, often gathering in large roosts of upwards of 100 birds to sleep together for warmth on cold nights.
Cultural and Symbolic Meaning of the Crow
Crows represent many different things across various cultures and folklore, some of which are oppositional. It’s no wonder the crow has such a duplicitous reputation.
In Native American folklore, crows have a deep spiritual connection and are considered messengers from the afterlife, serving as a connection to deceased ancestors.
In Celtic folklore, crows are associated with a warrior goddess who could shape-shift into a crow. She would appear prior to battles and hint at the outcome.
In Greek mythology, crows are associated with Apollo, the god of prophecy, and are seen as symbols of insight. In the Greek myth, Apollo sent a white bird to watch over his lover, who later betrayed him. The white bird delivered this news, and in his fury, Apollo curses the bird, turning the feathers from white to black.
How Crows Can Inspire Interior Design
“Given the cultural and scientific context of the crow, along with its physical properties, the crow can be a meaningful aspect of biophilic design, especially as a motif in textiles, wallpaper, or in artwork,” says Sarah Barnard, WELL and LEED-accredited interior designer. Barnard is an expert in biophilic and wellness-focused design. Her projects are nature-inspired and consider the physical and emotional benefits when the built environment meets biophilia.
Beyond using its beauty to distill beautiful patterns and decor, “Considering and replicating some of the behaviors of this intelligent bird can add nuance to interior design,” she says. Here are some ways to use the crow’s qualities to inspire interior design.
Look at Color in Different Ways
When choosing colors, consider how light might affect perception. As with the crow’s feathers, light conditions literally alter the colors, creating a totally different experience. Remember things like light sources, surface finishes, and the size of the space.
Design for Community
Crows are community-centric and deeply interconnected, fostering supportive bonds and yielding benefits. Designing with the same intention, including spaces that foster connection, gathering, and socialization, from furnishings that cluster for conversation to kitchen design that encourages gathering.
Pensive and Patient
The crow is so smart, in part because of its stop-and-think approach to the world. Granting oneself permission to pause and to create space for patience to observe and consume the surroundings can be grounding. Create space at home dedicated to stillness before action, whether a meditation room, a window seat framed by a view, or a cozy reading nook.
The crow is intelligent, inclusive, and willing to reveal its dark beauty to patient viewers. In a world of digital overwhelm and surface-level impact, the crow is a reminder of the richness of layers, the rewards for patience, and how instincts are centering.
Sources:
https://eugene.wbu.com/american-crow
https://urbannature.blog/2019/11/13/crow-collective
https://www.audubon.org/magazine/meet-bird-brainiacs-american-crow
https://www.centreofexcellence.com/spiritual-meaning-of-a-crow
https://www.learnreligions.com/the-magic-of-crows-and-ravens-2562511
https://birdastic.com/are-crows-bad-omen-symbolism-meaning-explained/#:~:text=Conclusions,you%20choose%20to%20interpret%20them.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Crow/overview#:~:text=Basic%20Description,rarely%20broken%20up