Custom Wave Series Shell Art for a Sanibel Residence
- Katarina Tifft
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
This custom 42” x 42” artwork from my Wave Series was created in collaboration with interior designer Bridget from Bridget Interiors for a beautiful residence in Sanibel, FL.

The goal for this commission was to create a contemporary coastal artwork that felt soft, textural, and layered while still remaining calm and minimal within the space. The designer shared wallpaper samples from the project along with inspiration for the room so I could carefully select shell tones and materials that would complement the interior palette.
For this piece, I used natural screw shells in mostly white and off-white tones to create movement and variation throughout the composition. One of the things I love most about natural materials is that no two shells are ever exactly the same. The subtle shifts in color and texture are what give the artwork depth.

Before beginning the commission, I mailed physical shell and linen samples so the designer could see the materials in person and confirm that everything worked beautifully with the home’s finishes. This is always an important part of my process, especially for interior design projects where texture, undertones, and materiality matter just as much as the artwork itself.
The final composition was designed to feel like movement flowing across the surface, inspired by repetition. The shells were individually arranged by hand, creating subtle texture throughout the piece.

Bridget and her team handled the framing locally, selecting a beautiful white floater frame with a gold accent detail that tied in perfectly with the surrounding finishes and elevated the overall presentation of the artwork. The combination of the soft neutral shell tones with the gold detail gave the piece a refined but relaxed coastal feel that worked beautifully within the Florida residence.
After installation, the designer shared photos of the completed space and let me know that the client was thrilled with the artwork, which is always the best part of the process for me. Seeing a finished piece installed in its final home is when everything truly comes together.
Projects like this are a reminder that contemporary coastal art does not have to feel overly themed or literal. Through texture, natural materials, and thoughtful composition, shell art can feel modern, elevated, and deeply connected to the environment around it.



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