Dripping with natural quartz crystals on a gold tree-like form, designer Aviva Stanoff’s oversize Forest Dawn chandelier for Currey & Company is more than lighting; it is a work of art evoking the beauty of the old-growth redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains where she grew up. “The veiled, speckled light there is magical and majestic,” she says. “The chandelier was my way of honoring my roots and sharing the magic that forest instilled in me.”
Such intricate, botanically inspired designs are not rare at Currey & Company. From its beginning in 1988, founders Suzy and Robert Currey of Atlanta prioritized the use of natural materials, time-honored craftsmanship, and designs influenced by authenticity.
While not exclusively botanical, these ideals have unfurled in designers’ imaginations to yield chandeliers and sconces bearing blooms, leaves, and branches; metal birds perched on twigs that sprout from lamps and drink tables; and sleek, curvy storage pieces each adorned with a showy flower-shaped brass knob reminiscent of a little black dress complemented by a spectacular cocktail ring. Here Flower‘s editors take a closer look at the company’s botanically inspired designs for our homes.
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Agave Americana Gold Chandelier
Both a gardener and a garden lover, designer Marjorie Skouras often looks to her travels to famous gardens around the world for inspiration. However, the muse for this grand fixture for Currey came from her own backyard—the century plant (Agave americana) of the American desert whose towering blooms can reach heights up to 20 feet.
“I have been fascinated with the Agave americana blooms for years, and finally was able to get a full size one from one of my 80-year-old Blue Agaves behind my house in the Hollywood Hills cut down and brought to me. It took six months to dry, so I had a long time to consider it, and the outcome was the Agave Americana Chandelier.” The glamorous fixture boasts 22 lights surrounded by clusters of faceted crystals to resemble the intriguing flower.
Fern Emerald Vase
Exquisitely rendered fern patterning dresses these hand-thrown ceramic vases in a rich emerald glaze. The pattern is painted on with wax, then the pots are sprayed with glaze and baked. As the wax melts, the natural ceramic color and fern pattern are revealed.
Calla Lily Table Lamp
With its clean chic lines and intricate hand-formed ceramic flower petals that cover the surface of the base, the Calla Lily Table Lamp caught the eye of Flower Editorial Director Alice Welsh Doyle. "I love that from far away, you don’t know that is is covered with miniature calla lilies; it’s only when you get close that you discover this lovely surprise. I would place in on a side table near a sofa where people can enjoy the wonderful detailing," she says.
Catrice Chandelier
Rose-colored natural Capiz shells are crafted into blossoms to ornament the Catrice Chandelier. The use of natural shells is a trademark of Currey designs.
Briallen Black Demi-Lune
The impressively sized brass flower pull on the Briallen Black Demi-Lune is a stunning ornament against the caviar black stain on the chest. This design is also available in other sizes and finishes.
Blossom Three-Light Wall Sconce
Interior designer Denise McGaha was inspired by magnolia blossoms when she envisioned the Blossom Three-Light Wall Sconce for her collection at Currey. "I am super excited that my Southern heritage and love for the magnolia is bringing nature and lighting together in such a beautiful way," she says. To see more from this designer, check out the guest room of her Dallas home featured in Flower magazine's May/June issue.
Apollo Chandelier
The extravagant and regal Apollo Chandelier hails to its mythical inspiration in its unique form—a crown of meticulously crafted metal laurel leaves, finished in gold leafing and paint.
Piaf Drinks Table
Add a dash of whimsy to a sitting area with the Piaf Drinks Table between two chairs. Two little birds perch on the “twigs” that form the base of this sweet accent piece.
Metamorphosis Table Lamp
One of Currey’s earliest lamp designs, the Metamorphosis Table Lamp celebrates the company’s love of natural motifs with an unfurling leaf that opens to reveal the lighting. Both graceful and understated, it is no wonder this design has stood the test of time.
Forest Dawn Chandelier
Here we see the Forest Dawn Chandelier, also featured at the top of this post. Designer Aviva Stanoff, whose collection at Currey showcases her love of the natural world and her Japanese background, won the industry's prestigious ARTS Award in 2017 for this creation.
Bellerive Wall Sconce
Clarence Mallari, one of Currey’s talented in-house designers, created the nature-inspired Bellerive Wall Sconce with freeform flowing arms and clear glass votives cupped by blossoms in a gold leaf finish. Better still, this fixture is certified for damp locations, making it a lovely option for the covered outdoor areas of your home.
Forget-Me-Not Table Lamp
With a stately bouquet of optic crystal buds forming the base, the Forget-Me-Not Table Lamp will grace any room with year-round floral beauty.
Menefee Chandelier
Swirls of long, slender leaves made of wrought iron in an antique gold leaf finish bring a level of sophistication to Menefee Chandelier's organically inspired design.