2.02.2011

design mail - do ya like 'em real or fake?



Taxidermy art that is.  Is there a happy compromise for the love of taxidermy but without using (read shooting) the real thing? Another design dilemma.  Let's read my letter from Kenny to see....


Problem:
"Michelle, I have been wanting to enhance our decor around our house by using wildlife artistry in the form of taxidermy. I know not all homes can pull this style off, but I believe our home has the right personality. What would be the best way to "bring in the outdoors" while not being kicked out to them, if you catch my drift. Your help would be awesome."

Solution:
Wow.  That's a challenge alright.  Let's face it, there is a bit of controversy over real or fake these days.  And it has trickled into the taxidermy world too.  :) I myself am not a big fan of the real deer heads and antlers and animals under a bell jar 'cause I think about how one got them.  BUT, the trend of mixing the outdoors with interiors, rustic with modern, and collected "lodge chic" is just not letting up.  Now, there is something quirky and a bit kitschy cool about adding these elements to your space in an artificial way.  And it's a way that would make you and your significant other happy Kenny.  Check out some examples of ways to incorporate the look inside without getting booted outside. Note no animals were harmed in these stylish settings....







AND, you're not just restricted to deer.  Think about introducing the fellow brethren in the animal kingdom such as the deer's friends horse and fowl:


The key is to mix the faux animal accessories with modern elements to keep it fresh and hip.  The goal is to avoid this:



NOT cute.  


Send me your design questions and dilemmas for a creative, fun and modern solution. 
Until next time friends...


images: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

By the way, how cool is the knitted deer by Rachel Denny?!  Pretty incredible if you ask me.

9 comments:

ASHLEY said...

that last photo is just scary! I would seriously be freaked out to see that in my living room every day. YUCK!

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

That knitted one is semi amazing! Wow.

Estelle Hayes said...

O.k. so you know I'm struggling with this one, right? Even when I see the pretty knitted one I think of the real thing. I'm such a sissy.

christina said...

The horse one is so pretty, and I love the shades of white.

Beautiful blog!

Suzanne Anas Jurich said...

I left a long ass comment yesterday and I must not have actually posted it. Boo!! Anyway, many years ago we went to a wedding in Texas and went to a party at the home of a friend of the mother of the bride. She had deer heads all over her house. She was some wealthy oil woman and was proud of her hunts with her sons. It seriously creeped me out. I might be able to handle the fake ones, but I'm not sure. :)

Uncle Beefy said...

I am ALL about the fake ones. Let the real ones be where they should... outside. Plus, fake can be beautiful and fun, but real is just morose. My 2¢. :)

Kristen said...

these are great ideas! i think you can definitely pull this off in the right way w/o looking like that last image there - that's just awful! not my thing. good call :)

Karin Grow said...

This may be the only case where fake is better than the real thing.

BTW, deer shed their antlers naturally which are then collected in the forests and made into chandeliers etc. Still don't really care for the look though...just thought I'd share.

Unknown said...

Love, love your alternatives....but, I won't be sad when the antler trend finally bites the dust ;)

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