It seems like the flat style of design is everywhere now – from mobile UIs, to web sites and icons. I’m a big fan of the flat design aesthetic, and I believe that it has it’s place – but I’m also a massive fan of the opposite side of the spectrum. Standing in stark contrast to flat designs, are ultra-realistic, skeuomorphic designs that add a level of realism.

I wanted to create a collection of some of my favourite app icons that make heavy use of realism to show that not everything needs to be flat. Some of these designs have been created for fun, while others are for real apps that are out there in the wild – but keep in mind that each one stands in stark contrast to the wave of flat design icons that are out there. These icons take realism to a new level, and imitate real objects that help to explain the app’s function.

If you know of any other realistic icons that deserve to be included in this roundup, I’d love to hear about them in the comments.

Radio

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/382379-Radio-iOS-Icon

Camera

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/747002-Camera-Icon-Design

Mountain Hiking

Source:

Wallet

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/864872-Wallet-Icon

Bun

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/851880-The-Bun

Horoscope

Source:

Camera App for Travellers

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/1024538-Camera-App-Icon-for-Travelers

Wallet App Icon

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/671143-Wallet-app-icon

Dusty Hat

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/655653-Dusty-Hat

Organiser

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/991194-LJ-Hooker-Internal-iPhone-App-Icon

THX Speakers

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/580003-THX-Speakers-App-icon

Clock

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/1181882-iOS-icon

Drinking Fountain

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/743380-Drinking-Fountain-App-Icon

Real Drum

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/627830-Real-Drum

Boxing Glove

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/150614-Boxing-Glove-iPhone-Icon

Donut

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/1075304-Donut-App-Icon

Teleprompter

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/1218312-Teleprompter-Pro-Icon

Whiskey

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/1218891-Whiskey-iOS-icon

Suitcase

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/1317181-App-Icon

Camera

Source: http://dribbble.com/shots/1109945-Say-Cheese-Camera-App-iOS-Icon

Which of these realistic icons do you like best? Let us know your favourites in the comments!

Dan writes for The Handpicked Collection and The Handpicked Foodstore. Outside of work he studies graphic and web design and tries to improve his Photoshop skills.