{tagging turltes}

Tortoise shells have been making a slow but steady run in the design world as of late. These graphic, statement accessories sure do give a space a sense of natural history. Kelly Wearstler used antique tortoise shells en masse to create a bold statement on the walls of Miami's Tides South Beach hotel.

While some, such as John Rosselli and Bunny Williams, are purists, and use the shell of a turtle that has (hopefully) lived a long and happy life in the sea, others choose the eco-friendly route and use well made resin "reproductions."

Placed against a crisp white wall, these organic, beautifully shaped accessories are breathtaking.

Suzanne Kasler chose a pair of turtle shell shaped sconces in her gorgeous living room. Aren't they stunning beside the antique tapestry, zebra console and eclectic accessories?

These turtle shell shaped pulls would be the perfect embellishment for a chest of drawers in a beach home bedroom.

{1- via style.com photographed by francios halard; via cote de texas photographed by fritz von der shulenberg; 3- via mecox gardens; via flickr; via suzanne kasler; via material girls; via knobs, hinges and more}