Animal Magnetism

For the month of March, I want to encourage you to have fun with all of the animal accessories out there - and I don't mean animal prints on fabric... Get that real stuff (or faux real pieces) on your walls, floors and sofas. Enjoy the texture and dimensionality they create in your home: they're both playful and trendy and yet in many ways have stood the test of time.

Heads and Horns - with a twist.

These animal heads are everywhere - and what a great way to add a bit of the unexpected to an otherwise blank or bland wall! Take a similar color palette and group a variety of materials together. OR, take the same one in different colors and you've got a fabulous focal point. Another option is to place a singular unit over a doorway even in a traditional home, for that element of surprise. Here are a few sources and inspirations to get your creative juices flowing:

Whether from West Elm (to left) or Stray Dog Designs (right - and don't miss all of their other fab items), these papier mache trophies as solid colors work in a variety of spaces. (See below how I installed some at a decorator's dining event called Dining by Design in 2011).

Wallpapered Deer head

Steer Horns in Resin

Talk about fun, this Etsy artist
Ruby's Lounge, has added wallpaper to their animal trophies. Just imagine the possibilities with your own color-coordianted wallpaper.















Reminiscent of Georgia O'Keeffe, Restoration Hardware has a few more realistic pieces to add to your walls - the simple lines of this set of steer horns can stand on its own in a variety of settings.

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 Antlers, antlers everywhere! Just try a few, they're addictive!

I have always coveted this white resin antler chandelier. Whether mountain modern or city rustic, these would look superb over your dining room table.

 And for your table-top, find either Roost's candle holders or place a few raw or treated antlers on top of some books, in your bookshelves and near a table light for some unexpected texture.

Antler coat racks - fun and functional!

 

And I end this post with a set of large, bright green antlers - celebrating the color of the season and encouraging you to add a bit of whimsy to your rooms.