I also like to see these insects in my home

Little crawlers are not exactly everybody's darling. Especially not mine. But creative minds are currently polishing up their image. Whether Patricia Urquoila, Flavie Audi or Kickie Chudikova - all three choose insects as a source of inspiration for their product design. They use the shapes and colours of the animal world to turn any piece of furniture, no matter how simple, into a rare piece of jewellery. At the same time, the designers remind us that insects are also a rare commodity and important components of the food chain.

Oh honey, honey

To draw attention to insect extinction and the importance of the little creepers for biodiversity, designer Kickie Chudikova has created six insect-inspired objects. The collection is called "Insectum", which means "to cut open or divide into segments" in Latin. The title is reflected in the design of the individual objects: "Alvea's" ball-chain-like backrest is separated from the seat by a thin wire structure.

The stained glass window "Elytra", on the other hand, is divided by black lines. It was produced using 3D printing technology and has a pattern that resembles the wings of the Picasso beetle (Sphaerocoris annulus). And the "Fovea" glass lamp has three vertically misaligned glass tubes enclosed in the centre by a ring of brushed brass. It represents an area of the compound eye of insects.

Sticky confetti bugs

Actually, the pincers of a real stag beetle look threatening. But Flavie Audi manages to defuse them. The designer gives her resin version a delicate lemon yellow, purple or turquoise and a few black strokes. Then she decorates objects with it like others decorate their soft ice cream with colourful sprinkles.

Whether it's a mirror or a shelf - everything gets a few crawlers and thus a touch of colour. Without the bright grasshoppers and co., the white objects made of marble dust would only be half as striking.

Snappy butterfly

The latest lamp by the Italian manufacturer Flos looks like a butterfly and floats as elegantly above the ground as one. But that is only thanks to a filigree suspended construction. Patricia Urquoila is behind the design of the minimalist, modular lighting system. The designer is known for combining everything with her objects: aesthetics, atmosphere, sensuality and function.

Each module consists of two wing-like parts and is held together by a central pin. It is mounted either on a straight or on a curved metal strut. In both versions, the light is diffused evenly over the entire open surface of the "wings". This creates a cosy atmosphere instead of a floodlight feeling.

Works like these help me to see insects in a different light. Whether more figurative like the grasshoppers by Flavie Audi or very abstract like the beautiful butterfly by Flos - all designs celebrate the beauty of the insect world and are a good reminder indoors not to leave nature out.