On Tuesday’s Design Star premiere, judges Vern Yip and Genevieve Gorder gushed over how contestant Rachel Kate’s glossy white moose head sculpture stood out against a matte black background. (Catch the full episode here.) But over on the Design Star blog, readers are speaking out about their taxidermy fatigue.
I have to admit, the real, live (or formerly, I should say) mounted “trophies” kind of freak me out. (Can you imagine rounding the corner and confronting this?) But the best sculptural pieces nod to the classic lodge look and lend a bit of whimsy to an otherwise serious space. Browse the inspirational spaces below, then weigh in: Is this trend overplayed, still on the way up or is it just plain wrong?
Rachel's High-Contrast Moose Head
The piece that started the chatter: Rachel’s high-contrast moose head. She brought it on the show as a fun way to nod to her Minnesota roots and nature-inspired design aesthetic.
Britany Simon's Wall Menagerie
Fellow contestant Britany Simon is also a faux taxidermy fan. For a bit of unexpected glamour, Britany added a feminine touch of gold to typically masculine antlers.
Design by Brian Patrick Flynn
Designer Brian Patrick Flynn also used a high-contrast treatment here. The juxtaposition of a white resin moose head against this bedroom’s tailored walls creates a lighthearted element of surprise.
Bedroom Design by Britany Simon and Mikel Welch
Not into glossy white? You don’t have to stick to a neutral palette when using sculptural animal heads. Designers Britany Simon and Mikel Welch used hot pink sculptural rams as a focal point above each bed in this deep blue and citron space.
Paper Mache Animal Heads From West Elm (left) and Anthropologie (right)
If you’re ready to jump on the trend, pick up a hippo, rhino or ram from West Elm, or try Anthropolgie for rarer breeds like zebra. Or DIY the rarest breed of all: the unicorn! (Get the tutorial from lil blue boo.)
DIY Paper Mache Unicorn via lili blue boo
Are you sold on faux taxidermy? Tell us in the comments below.
I'm not a big fan of hanging animal heads, but I will admit the moose is less objectionable than most. If for some reason I felt the need for animal head décor, I think I would go with something like this, which is just the merest suggestion of a head on the wall:
http://www.cmybacon.com/2011/09/steel-bear-head-s…
I did like Rachel and Hilari's room, though — it was my favorite!
I love the hanging animal heads – especially the more modern acrylic type ones that are full of color! I think they really add something to a room…could be a vintage cabin touch, could be a modern / contemporary touch, etc.
http://www.purehome.com
I'm sold! I love that moose.
That taxidermy…deer…bride…THING made me gasp.
Yes! It's like: Why? Just, why?
I say, if you're going to hang a head of any kind, make sure it is not real! I love the sculpture and artistic presentation of the moose head. It is a wonderful, multi-dimensional art work and I love it. I also enjoyed the zebra and, a collection of animal heads would be a cool conversation starter.
Would rather have a WHOLE animal…..carved wood, alabaster, marble…not a head fan….
I like them as long as they weren't alive.
Taxi-chic! Like the faux 'dermy look, it is the only way I would let the hubby have a deer/moose head in the house!
~Rachael http://www.thethriftypicker.com/
I don't like any of the heads! Keep them out of my house!
I don't like the animal heads. Seems demonic or something.
Its about the contrast of the "head" against the black – anything would have worked here
I don't like the animal heads, kinda strange and would totally creep me out if I was home alone at night and the shadow of animal horns reflecting on the wall… yea not my at all!
I like the look of these mod animal "trophies". They are sculptural and modern. And fun.
I have a cardboard rhino from cardboard safari. Fun stuff!
where can i buy one of this Moose heads?
I agree…no animals allowed on the wall!
Enough with the animal heads. David B. did hot pink ones when he was on the first Design Star and I have seen them over and over since then.
If they were taken after death, I think it is okay as it is no different from those wedding ice sculptures, they have no life. But those that kill to have those, I strongly disagree with it. Stop the killing man!
scott, get real. become a man. you all are gay woman that want the 'feel' of cabin and rustic and taxidermy but are afraid to do the real thing. you all eat out of boxes and buy replicas. basically you are all posers. be real. if you want an animal head, hunt it. its not as easy as you might think. you'll get great meat for a year, you can use the hide for warmth at home, and you can see animal immortalized in your room to remind you of that day for the rest of yours. this world is heading into a gay state of fear led by woman and non men.
this faux trend is very cool and most definitly on the way up!
Hi Liz, I love this particular moose head, very smooth and glossy. Is it available to purchase anywhere?
I sell faux taxidermy animal heads on Etsy and can customize them in whatever colors you want. Check out my shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/nearanddeer
How do you hang the ceramic ones on the wall. Mine just has 2 holes in the back but I am worried it will fall off the nail in the stud. Any suggestion so it is secure?