An interiors trend that you never saw coming
12.8.2019
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
As an interiors nerd, I thought I'd virtually seen it all. But even I'm surprised by the latest peculiar microtrend: crystal balls. I asked glass designer Justin Bodovsky what it's all about.
I first saw crystal balls as decorative items at a furniture show in Paris back in 2015. I thought they were the exception at first. Designers and manufacturers always think of something to set their stand apart. This is why they're fond of unusual accessories that draw in visitors and combine them with their furniture collections to create desirable living spaces.
At some point, though, I started to notice the flower-filled glass spheres more and more, whether as a paperweight on a desk in photos or as an ornament on a bookshelf. Soon afterwards, I also started seeing them pop up on my Instagram feed via suggested accounts to follow or related posts. I would never have thought that these unusual ornaments would become so ubiquitous that even Scandinavian brands such as «Hübsch» would be including them in their summer collection.
Microtrend: «flower marbles»
So I gladly continued to follow this microtrend on social media until I finally came across Justin Bodovsky's account. The designer makes objects out of glass, which mostly hold petals from a variety of flowers. He and other users share photos of their creations on Instagram using the hashtag «flowermarble», creating a small but mighty movement. Justin told me where his personal passion for glass globes comes from.
How did you get into design?
Justin Bodovsky: I've loved working with my hands ever since I was young. Nevertheless, glasswork kind of found me. I applied to study glassblowing at art school in Austin, Texas. But I only decided to put all my energy into glasswork and make it my career after I developed Crohn's disease.
What do you like about the marbles?
I love marbles as much as I love the glass itself. Both represent my ever-growing dedication. There are many kinds of glasswork, but my favourite method is creating spheres.
Why focus on flowers?
Flowers are my passion. I've always had green fingers and love gardening. One of my favourite subjects is the dandelion. «Some see them as weeds, others as wishes,» as the saying goes.
Where do you look for inspiration outside of your garden?
My inspiration comes from all the people around me. I've built so many great friendships that have taught me a lot. I'm also grateful to all the artists who are always pushing the limits of glasswork and fascinating me.
The magic of nature
The excitement about crystal balls that Justin shares with other flower power fans seems to be the result of a longing for nature. Even other designers' glass ornaments depict nature-based subjects, such as jellyfish and other marine life. Some designs even look like snow globes, filled with water and ready to shake. Simply magical.
However exotic the next trend may be, I'll keep you up to date with developments in the interiors industry. Just follow my profile.
Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.
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