The sounds of blues and the slow movement of swimming fish looking for food at the bottom of the artificial “ocean” - what could be more soothing, introducing “calm”, giving a sense of harmony? Although the freestanding aquarium is impressive and fascinating, it certainly cannot be compared with the built-in aquarium. The latter offers much more space for large fish and beautiful water landscapes. There are many ways to use the aquarium in the interior of an apartment or house, both for practical purposes and exclusively for pure aesthetics.
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Aquarium in interior design
In the kitchen of this house in Florida, witty named by Nemo designers (NeMo from New Modern), you can see the best kitchen apron you can imagine. Mounted in a stone wall, the aquarium shines in intense blue, showing a magnificent water landscape. This, of course, is not as practical as tile, but it definitely surpasses the latter in terms of aesthetics. It is also a great way to compensate for the lack of a window in the kitchen.
NeMo by Phil Kean Designs.
If you have little space, a large aquarium can remain a dream. Although One Studio has developed the concept of a tiny apartment (36 square meters) with an aquarium, you can use this idea if you wish. The space of this dwelling is carefully thought out, as a result, the aquarium was placed in the bathroom, under the cabinets. The aquarium in the interior of a small bathroom is perhaps one of the most unusual ideas that we have so far seen.
Tiny apartment in Kharkov.
Do such aquariums seem a little boring to you? How about an “ribbon” aquarium that stretches and stretches from wall to wall? Similar "water strips" look great in any room. Moreover, due to their size, they will be able to decorate several areas in open-plan houses at the same time. White neutral walls are ideal as a frame for such an aquarium, but black will also work well.
Calm modern interior from Discus Fish Tank.
The interior of Notting Hill Residence in London was designed by Staffan Tollgard Design Group. The most interesting design decision in this interior, of course, is an impressive-sized aquarium located in a wall-mounted storage system. If there is a better way to transform this huge built-in wardrobe, we have not found it yet.
Notting Hill by Staffan Tollgard Design Group.
The narrow aquarium from Aquarium Architecture extends from wall to wall and becomes the focal point of the room. The perfect accent for a minimalist contemporary home.
Wall mounted aquarium in River View.
Designed by Dirk Denison Architects, this Chicago home boasts not one, but two aquariums. They are built into the wall and only slightly protrude. Liven up the room with their beautiful landscapes, these aquariums look bold against the backdrop of a neutral color scheme of the interior.
One of the Chicago houses from Dirk Denison Architects.
Aquariums are most often rectangular, but custom designs can be more flexible in terms of shape. For example, this aquarium from Aquarium Architecture has rounded corners and looks a bit different than regular aquariums. In addition to such "oval", hexagonal aquariums are also often found, but usually they are in the form of separate objects, but not built-in.
Aquarium from Aquarium Architecture in one of the houses of Oxford (UK).
Aquarium partitions
Aquariums sharing a room is not a new concept, but it is great in many ways.Due to its transparency, the aquarium as a partition in the interior of an open-plan house is simply perfect, because it adds a sense of privacy, while keeping the space bright and spacious.
Connecticut's Rockwood Estate is staggering with views of Rockwood Lake of the same name. Designers from Wadia Associates decided to enhance the impression by installing a huge aquarium dividing the room here. His beauty can be enjoyed being in both parts of the room that he shares. And the transparent glass walls allow natural light to "travel" throughout the house.
A huge aquarium separating the dining room from the kitchen. Rockwood Manor in American Greenwich.
This aquarium that separates the two parts of the office is simpler but no less beautiful. Filled with purple and green plants, it adds vibrant accents to the modern interior. The partition itself is small in size, which in a small room only increases its value. You must admit that not every office can boast of such an addition to the interior.
A dividing aquarium from Aquarium Group.
The Okeanos Group aquarium does not extend all the way to the ceiling, but it also perfectly zones the space, separating the living room from the dining room. The blue water landscape is in good harmony with the neutral black and white palette of the room, bringing a much needed splash of color to the interior.
Aquarium from Okeanos Group.
Such a separator aquarium makes you feel like you are at the bottom of the sea, or at least in the aquarium. Its ideal location divides the open-plan space into zones, adding to each of them a delightful design element.
Luxurious aquarium in a luxury home.
A private house located on the shore of a pond in Italy, designed by Persico Studio, boasts a beautiful aquarium that separates the kitchen and dining room and undoubtedly enlivens them.
House with an aquarium in Italian Cachine from Persico Studio.
This incredible freshwater aquarium from Aquarium Architecture also essentially serves as a room divider. It separates the dining room from the rear glass staircase. The aquarium fits perfectly into the interior of the room, and its water landscape looks like a work of art on the wall.
Freshwater aquarium from Aquarium Architecture.
The Okeanos Group Reef Saltwater Aquarium is incredible. He doesn’t just divide the room: under the impressive aquarium there is also a functional storage space. Of course, an aquarium with a simpler water landscape will cost you less, but the reef is one of the most picturesque ones that you have ever seen. With such an aquarium, the appearance of the room no longer matters.
Reef Marine Aquarium by Okeanos Group.
The partition dividing the room greatly benefits from the aquarium built into it. Clayton Aquariums have integrated this relatively small but effective aquarium into the partition, making the second part of the room visible. It can significantly transform your interior. That you thus bring a piece of nature to your home, we will not even talk once again.
Partition aquarium from Clayton Aquariums.
If you have the opportunity to use your aquarium as a space divider, for example, two rooms, then there is no better way to show it in all its glory (and at the same time save space). One of the aquariums featured on the Design Rulz website actually uses the existing open arch, while the other, which separates the dining room from the living room, is mounted in a large wooden cabinet to the ceiling.
Large aquarium in the arch.
An aquarium used to separate the dining room from the living room.
Another example shows a pair of upper and lower cabinets with an aquarium in between. This design is used to separate the kitchen from the hallway or living room.
Built-in closet aquarium, zoning the room.
Wall mounted aquariums
Wall-mounted aquariums are very popular today.They can be integrated into almost any room, including the kitchen and dining room.
At Milan Residence you will find many glass interior elements and eye-catching objects, such as a black piano or a cowhide deck chair. A wall-mounted aquarium is on the list of eye-catching details of this modern home.
Aquarium in a modern interior.
Aquarium Architecture has created the opportunity to introduce this amazing addition to the wall of a small dining room. The aquarium, although small, but this does not become less impressive. The built-in backlight gives a soft glow, due to which it can serve as a night lamp.
Freshwater aquarium at Nettleton Villa.
Aquarium Architecture creates artificial mini-oceans for any room - from the kitchen to the hallway. For example, in Richmond Residence, a built-in aquarium was installed in the kitchen, resembling a huge flat screen TV, which makes the room more lively.
Richmond Residence.
Architectural aquariums
Architectural aquariums are something different from all that we have already seen. Being an integral part of the building structure, they seem to us to have come from another world.
The well-named “Aquarium Villa” was created by the Centric Design Group and is located in the Netherlands. Aquariums, acting as a fencing of the mezzanine floor, make the interior of the house completely unique. Each of those on the lower floor can simply raise their head to look at the fish swimming above their heads. What a great alternative to ordinary railing! The glass fireplace on the ground floor echoes the aquarium and makes the space bright and airy.
Villa with an aquarium from Centric Design Group.
Designed by Ward + Blake Architects, the EHA Family Trust Residence in Wyoming was completed back in 2011 with a stunning outdoor aquarium. The latter plays the role of a partition between the dining room and the hallway leading to the remaining rooms.
EHA Family Trust Residence by Ward + Blake Architects.
The most unusual aquarium locations in the house
An aquarium with salt or fresh water can be a great addition to the interior of any room, regardless of its size. The main thing that is required of you is the desire to bring a little exotic to your home. Obviously, the larger the aquarium, the more it will affect the appearance of the room. You can purchase a stand specifically designed for a container containing tens or hundreds of liters of water. However, it should be noted that such cabinets are rather bulky and often take up too much space. So why not build an aquarium in your furniture or even the walls of your home? Here are some interesting ideas that will surely inspire you!
Kitchen aquariums
Placing aquariums in the kitchen has become a trend lately. And some bold ideas and concepts came to the head of some designers.
Take for example Robert Kolenik and his project Ocean Kitchen, which made a lot of noise a few years ago. This incredible island kitchen table is not only practical, but also beautiful, because it is an aquarium table. What a competent use of space! Agree, the kitchen, which houses such a huge island table, including a spacious aquarium, hardly requires anything else in terms of decor. Feeding the fish may seem difficult, but in fact, the countertop rises with a simple click of a button, which provides access for all the necessary manipulations.
Ocean Kitchen.
In a similar example shown on the Piatti website, the aquarium is smaller. It does not occupy the entire island table, but is still gorgeous.
Aquarium built into the kitchen island table.
Aquafront had a great minimalist kitchen concept with a reef aquarium built into the furniture. Playing with contrast, the designers emphasized the beauty of the purple reefs. In the background, everything looks as practical as in an ordinary kitchen. As if supporting the general concept of a “floating” kitchen, the thinnest stainless steel shelf for dishes and spices (or maybe there are jars of fish food there) “hover” at the far wall.
Kitchen design developed by Aquafront.
Marc Gaches, designing a kitchen in Central Beach House, decided to install a blue aquarium mounted in a wooden cabinet, which stands out from the beautiful water landscape. Recessed lighting focuses on every element of the interior, including a stone countertop and an island dining table.
Kitchen design by Mark Gachez.
The Tamed Nature project, developed by Mood Works, provides an amazing detail - a magnificent reef aquarium built into the wall. It contrasts strongly with the minimalist design of the kitchen, but at the same time supports the given concept.
Tamed Nature by Mood Works.
Kitchen cabinets often stretch from floor to ceiling, leaving in the middle free space for countertops. If you can afford to donate a piece of work surface, why not use it to place your aquarium there? This aquarium, built into the kitchen furniture, leaves a small area of the countertop free for eating.
Aquarium built into the kitchen and occupying part of the countertop.
Coffee tables
If you find kitchen island tables with built-in aquariums elegant, you should like the idea of using coffee tables for this purpose. 4 Fish Tank company produces and sells such magnificent tables of various shapes, sizes and styles. Their countertops are made of glass so you can enjoy watching the fish!
Large coffee table with integrated aquarium.
Round coffee table with aquarium.
Rectangular aquarium table.
Around the fireplace
There are many different ways to decorate a boring looking fireplace, but perhaps the most creative of them is with an aquarium. Only if you decide to put this idea into practice, do not forget to monitor the temperature of the water whenever you light a fire.
A notch up is the massive aquarium featured on the If It’s Hip It’s Here website. It completely surrounds the fireplace in the living room or lobby, most likely in some luxury hotel. Can you imagine something as unique in your home?
Fireplace and aquarium in the living room interior.
Above the bed
Who needs a headboard if there is a huge aquarium in the bedroom instead? Presented as an example on Real House Design, this hotel room literally lets you sleep with the fish. If it is too big for you, you can save your head and set up a smaller aquarium, comparable in size to the picture.
A huge aquarium takes place at the head of the bed.
A small but elegant aquarium above the bed.
Acrylic Tank Manufacturing has created the best headboard you can imagine. With its unusual shape, this aquarium can definitely make a person believe that he or she is one of the sea creatures napping on the bottom of the ocean. Designers made two nightlights a part of the water landscape, but in practice they turned out to be not very functional, therefore, luminous illumination is used instead.
Furnitureland South 2012.
Inside furniture or home decoration
If you feel creative, you can install a unique aquarium built into furniture. For example, right in the middle of this modern shelving unit there is space for an aquarium.
Aquarium built into the rack.
Here is what you hardly ever saw - a floor clock with a very modern design. This is mainly water and fish. If the fish could speak, they would inform you about this every time you were late to feed them.
Floor clock with a vertical aquarium.
If you no longer need an old piano, consider pulling out all the strings and turning the top into an aquarium, as in the example on the Buzz Buzz Home website. It looks much more elegant and interesting than a regular stand for an aquarium.
Aquarium built into a white piano.
Built-in aquariums require not only careful planning, but also complex maintenance. But if their soothing blue glow and light movement help you relax and unwind at the end of a long day, then it's worth it.
Photo ideas for using an aquarium in interior design
