There aren’t many of us who would welcome an enormous bug into our homes, but this amazing hand-carved wooden armoire from Latvian designer Janis Straupe is a definite exception. The beautiful cabinet takes the shape of a huge beetle that opens into a plethora of cubbies, drawers, and storage spaces.

The magnificent scarab-shaped closet is a one-of-a-kind original that was inspired by an actual beetle the designer encountered while out on a walk. The bug’s rounded shell and elaborately shaped legs are recreated in the warm wood, making the piece of furniture an incredible work of nature-inspired art.

When closed, the armoire looks almost seamless, like its natural counterpart. But its wings open to reveal a huge storage area with seemingly endless storage spots. The bug’s head lifts up to reveal even more storage cubbies.

The ample storage is enough to tuck away mountains of home and office supplies, but the armoire also holds some secrets: two built-in hidden compartments nestled within the myriad alcoves, nooks, niches, and pigeonholes.

The incredible object is more than a piece of furniture; it is a functional work of art that pays homage to the magnificent beauty of nature in all its forms. From the wind-swept sand to the tiny beetle crawling upon it, the Bug Armoire brings a reverence of nature into an indoor setting.

About Janis Straupe

“I’m working with wood for more than 35 years – making sculptural objects, design pieces, decorative objects and also fully functional pieces of custom made furniture. I used to own a small furniture making workshop employing up to 8 people, but since a few years back we are just but a few colleagues and friends – working together, focusing  on artistic creation of unique design pieces made of wood.”

“I like to play with optical illusions and gravity force. Some people say my custom furniture is more like a sculpture. It is true, though, that in the early years of my work I was indeed making also sculptural objects from wood. I’ve participated in 50 art exhibitions since 1983 out of which 12 were solo exhibitions. I am a member of Latvian Artist’s Union since 1990 and of Designer’s Union of Latvia since 2009.”