The Latest Trends in Fairy Houses

I introduced the topic of fairy houses on Houzz five years ago, when rustic reclaimed-wood accent walls and rugged stone fireplaces ruled woodsy cabin design. Woodland fairies have long been trendsetters, so we look to see what they are doing to forecast the next big things in design. These are some of 2016’s biggest fairy house trends, as seen in their chic abodes in the coastal forests of midcoast Maine.

Moss green. Fairies have embraced their earthy and soft surroundings, eschewing bright lime and preppy kelly for a more organic, back-to-nature green backdrop.

Local materials. Preserving the delicate coastal ecology is paramount to forest creatures. Using readily available, sustainably harvested local materials minimizes the carbon footprint of their homes.

Birch bark. One such local material is birch bark. The peeling, papery quality and Scandinavian vibe it exudes make it a fairy favorite.

The rich texture of birch bark is versatile — it goes with everything from the busy patterns in granite to the more subtle ombré​ in a mussel shell.

Wreaths. This year, fairy house design isn’t about sharp corners or sleek modern lines; circles and curves rule instead. Fairy homes are inviting, and greeting visitors with round wreath-shaped designs is a welcoming gesture. Here, a wreath adds friendly curb appeal.

Clever layering. From overhead, this appears to be a stack of forest and beach materials.

But fairies design their work to be appreciated from different angles. Looking at the elevation, we can see that it’s a three-story fairy treehouse complete with a shell-adorned roof deck.

Nods to the Blair Witch. Fairies are not impervious to popular culture. With a new sequel to the terrifying woodsy indie film slated for a September release, the edgier fairies have incorporated some of the creepy stick totem aesthetics into their designs.

Playful florets. Shells add a fresh twist to this traditional take on botanical patterns. Whether arranged on a boulder, path or log, mussel and clam shell florets are a fairy garden must-have.

Resilient design. Finally, the work of fairies is built to withstand the forces of nature or, in this case, of Pilot the Jack Russell terrier. He scaled the tall rock outcropping where this fairy enclave is located, but the design endured.

Show us: Have you run across a surprise miniature construction on your walks through city, forest or garden?

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