King Lear, in Shakespeare’s famous play says “Give me an ounce of civet, good apothecary, to sweeten my imagination”. Yet, the word ‘apothecary’ means much more than a mere medical practitioner in the times gone by. The apothecary style and culture, along with its unique decor came from the many merchants of spices, wine and herbs in medieval Europe and in the Far East. The special demands of their lifestyle threw up some unique furnishings and accessories that are today popular across the globe for their vintage style and value.
by Jessica Bennett Interiors
From clear glass apothecary jars that provide an easy and inexpensive way to accessorize in style to amazing apothecary cabinets and chests that set your interiors apart; the choices here are simply endless. While some might like the authentic apothecary look, others might prefer a more modern take on this timeless classic. Here are a few ingenious inspirations that show you how to embrace the apothecary appearance with elegance –
by Plow & Hearth
by Buckingham Interiors + Design
by Summer Thornton Design
by IMBUE Merchandising & Design
Style meets Storage Options
The apothecary chest might not be as common in contemporary homes as those sparkling glass jars, but it sure offers a whole lot more than mere aesthetics. This convenient and space-conscious cabinet comes with a series of small drawers that help you in staying organized with effortless ease. Apart from the unique visual that it offers, the apothecary chest also doubles as a lovely display when used right. While most homeowners are happy with using this vintage piece to create a dramatic entry, it seems like a more practical addition when placed in the dining room, bedroom or the bath.
by Patricia Benson
by Julie Ranee Photography
Available in a multitude of sizes and styles, you can even paint the chest in a hue that matches the existing color scheme of your home. The local flea market is probably one of the best places to find a truly original and vintage apothecary chest. Yet, there are plenty of modern recreations that offer the same look even while managing to appear authentically dated! Decorate the chest with photo frames, vases and other accessories to turn it into a striking focal point.
by Northwick Design
by Holly Marder
by Adeeni Design Group
by Wellbuilt Company
Inspired by the Timeless Design
If you are not one of those who is very keen on adding a vintage-looking apothecary chest to your home, then there are plenty of other options that you can choose from. Inspired by the classic, are modern kitchen cabinets that mimic the drawers of the apothecary chest. These exclusive and often custom-designed cabinets add a sense of visual contrast to the kitchen and enhance a rustic, transitional, industrial or farmhouse theme. While the apothecary style cabinets in lighter tones fit well with more modern kitchens, the ones in darker shades help create a remarkable centerpiece for your special kitchenware and china.
by Kristin Drohan Collection and Interior Design
There are plenty of contemporary bedside stands that adopt the apothecary design and give it a clever, modern twist by using materials like glass and laminate. You can even have them custom-painted to complement the color scheme of your bedroom or the dining area. Floating apothecary-styled closed vanities in the bathroom save up on space, even while giving the bath a more sophisticated, spa-like ambiance.
by Kimberley Bryan
by Amy Lambert Lee
by Pennville Custom Cabinetry
Fun-filled Glass Jars!
Unlike apothecary chests and cabinets, the fun and playful apothecary jars are a design investment that all of us can afford to make. It is amazing how these transparent jars have become such an integral part of Christmas and New Year decorations. Yet, they can be used to breathe life into your home much beyond the holiday season. The simple silhouette of these jars is easily recognizable and they come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. From having a terrarium in the apothecary jar to filling it with sweet, candy delights; use your imagination to fill these jars with in a creative fashion.
by jill Shevlin – Intrinsic Designs
One can use the apothecary jar in the kitchen not just as a visual addition, but to store spices and other condiments. Fresh seasonal fruit in the apothecary jars is another wonderful way to easily alter the accent color in the kitchen without any fuss. In case you wish to accentuate the theme of your choice, fill these jars with embellishments that add to the overall look of the room. Perfect for every room in the house, decorating with apothecary jars is all about tapping into your creativity!
by Neiman Taber Architects
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