Totally Tortoise

(Mark Sikes's tortoise shell coffee table via Habitually Chic)

There are always a few design elements or finishes that, despite a resurgence every few years, never actually go out of style. They remain chic regardless of the way they are used and defy the word "trend". Today's post is dedicated to one such design element: tortoise shell. Are you a fan?

While connoting luxury, tortoise shell finishes can be found in high and low price ranges. Natural accents like this add a worldly touch to any room without stealing all of the attention; in fact, the subtle print of tortoise shell is understated enough to blend into almost any setting. 

Here are just a few of my favorite tortoise shell decor pieces. And don't worry animal-lovers, these are faux!

(one / two / three / four / five / six)

(seven / eight / nine / ten / eleven)

Talented interior designers have been incorporating tortoise shell elements for a long time with rousing success. As the images below demonstrate, items in this finish don't shout, they whisper.

(Grant K. Gibson's pair of tortoise shell Parson's tables from Architectural Digest)

(Molding painted in a tortoise shell finish by Jeffrey Bilhuber via Sara Gilbane)

(Tortoise shell bedside boxes and frames via Pinterest)

(Bamboo molding painted to mimic tortoiseshell via My Notting Hill)

If you're feeling ambitious and want to try to DIY your own tortoise shell piece, I recommend checking out the phenomenal tutorials Jenny of Little Green Notebook and Danika of Gorgeous Shiny Things have offered their readers projects utilizing resin and paint, respectively. Why not give one of these projects a go?

(via Little Green Notebook)

(via Gorgeous Shiny Things)

I found my own tortoise shell-inspired side tables from Overstock and I think they add a unique touch to our guest bedroom without the hassle of having to DIY it myself.

(via Meet Me in Philadelphia)

Are you totally into tortoise? Do you own any pieces in your home?