Art We Love

Design Inspiration: Boundlessly Appealing Butterflies

When your rooms are ready for a touch of spring, bring in some butterflies! According to the trend spotters at Elle Decor, these uplifting beauties are set to be a big motif this year, noting that “a symbol of grace and optimism, the butterfly is no longer designated to children’s rooms…” We’ve collected a few of our favorite contemporary artworks and inspired interiors to show how unleashing a few butterflies can only transform your home design for the better… Enjoy!

Explore a selection of butterfly art in our sidebar or visit Saatchi Art’s New This Week Collection to find more contemporary art you’re sure to love…


An oversized butterfly artwork brimming with energy and elegance by Saatchi Art One to Watch artist Lily Greenwood makes an undeniable statement when paired with a modern pink sofa and mint green accents. (Image: Butterflies on Warm Ochre, an original painting by Saatchi Art artist Lily Greenwood)

Philadelphia Penthouse

To stir things up this spring, try incorporating butterfly pattern into bedroom and guest room decor to liven up accent pillows, upholstered headboards, and window shades while complimenting your art collection with joyful pops of color. Imagine what kind of art you could show off in this welcoming blush bedroom! (Image: Photo by Caitlin Wilson Design, courtesy of Houzz)


Neutral but noteworthy… An earthy butterfly takes center stage in this striking photographic portrait by Saatchi Art artist Christian Tremblay. (Image: Butterfly Effect – Limited Edition 1 of 10, by Christian Tremblay)


Into the wild blue… The delicately textured wings of a butterfly provide a prefect focal point over the fire in a modern living room.  (Image: Blue Butterflyan original contemporary oil painting by Saatchi Art artist Kirstin McCoy)

Beach House on Long Island

To pump up texture, color, and dimension in a modern home design try a wall sculpture made of individual butterflies, like the painted metallic blue installation shown in this beautiful beach house. (Image: Photo by West Chin Architects & Interior Designers / Eric Laignel, courtesy of Houzz)


Fun and figurative… A swirl of colorful butterflies brings energy and interest to an ethereal full length figurative photographic portrait. (Image: Butterfly, limited edition art photography by One to Watch Saatchi Art artist Flora Borsi)

About the Author

Daryl Gammons-Jones is a contributor to Saatchi Art's blog. In addition to writing about art and design, she specializes in collecting, creating, and producing images for a diversity of creative endeavors.