Monday, December 1, 2008

Animal prints

I have a confession to make: I really dislike animal printed anything. Sure, it may be 'fun'....but...I just think they're sort of Atlantic City; Plus they glorify the killing of exotic endangered animals. I know they've been trendy for awhile now and I've kept silent...but I couldn't keep it in any longer!
I'm LOVING this room by Palmer Weiss though! This color combination is just beautiful -what a cheerful room for winter! The white accents such as the lamp keep it from going over the top.

That printed cushion in the center of the sofa though.....ugh. Thats the best he could do?? What do you think? Like the pillow? Love animal prints? I'd love to hear!

19 comments:

David said...

I'm not a fan of animal prints either. I know they get hot from time to time, but they're just not something I could live with.

I have a bit of a thing against excessive pillowing too. The trim on the sofa's back cushions is wonderful, why muck it up?

pve design said...

You do bring up a very good point. I love the rich green of the sofa and the lamp, the fresh lilies and the pale pistachio drapes. As for the animal print pillow, it does add a "bit of fun" to an otherwise traditional interior. I would also love a needlepoint monogram or something in a contrasting color.

Anonymous said...

I agree with you completely re: the animal prints. Yuck.
Kathleen

Renée Finberg said...

I only use faux prints, using endangered skins is just evil.

when you consider how large a lamp shade is ......
so....my issue is with the lamp shade,
he couldn't find something nicer than that boring thing ?

cyber xx's

Kwana said...

I'm with you on the animal prints. I'm not a fan. But I don't mind the very small touch here. I think it works. I makes me think what else could have worked.

libba said...

Funny, I'm more put-off by the couple in the box than I am animal prints.. go figure!

Karen Orr said...

Animal prints and animal skins look beautiful on the animals themselves. Not so much as rugs, pillows and upholstery.

I have no objection to the use of animal prints on plant based fabrics from an ethical perspective.

>From my aesthetic perspective, there are many other prints that are prettier for rugs, pillows and upholstery.

See ~

The Horror of the Global Leather Trade
http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/US_indian_leather

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Thanks for the comments, everyone! I thought this might hit a tangent. I think it's pretty obvious that this is a printed fabric pillow, so was mainly talking about the aesthetics of animal print rather than physical animal cruelty issues.
I agree Renee, the lampshade itself looks cheap and boring, but I do love the white accent!

An Aesthete's Lament said...

I love animal prints. And as long as the artificial silk velvet versions are so ravishingly pretty and wear so well, I don't see how their existence glorifies the killing of animals the prints are meant to obviate. A fake is a fake, not an encouragement to commit mayhem.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

AAL, I see your point! I posted about this to hear people's opinions because I've always had such mixed feelings. I'm not sure if I like them, dislike them, think they're tacky or fun. I agree some of them are really beautiful but the cheap versions can be especially awful!

Tess Kincaid said...

I'm not a huge fan of animal prints, either, but I'll have to say the pillow looks perfect against that fabulous emerald green sofa!! It adds a little interest to a basic room.

Loda said...

I don't mind animal print but that one I'm not a fan of. I do love the ivory rectangles on the green couch.

DC David said...

I love the room, but to me that pillow seems out of place. It's great to mix things up a bit but the animal print is a little too Mrs. Wiggins for me.

Unknown said...

I think your right....I don't think the animal print is necessary in this case. However, I do love certain animal prints (faux of course) - like zebra print & giraffe. Thanks for sharing.

cotedetexas said...

I couldn't disagree more! but I still love you!!! I adore animal prints - especially loving silk velvet tiger these days. and zebra and elephant. I'm sorry!!!! I think that pillow kind of pops the room for me.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

I knew this was a hot button! Everyone loves them or hates them, I don't know anyone 'indifferent'. I'm still torn!
Joni, you have fabulous taste and I knew you loved animals prints, I like them but they're just a little too over the top for me. I think differences in people's tastes is what makes the world an interesting place ( that sorta ryhmes!)

Topsy Turvy said...

I too am conflicted. I actually love animal prints, especially this silk velvet tiger, but would never use real skins. I hate anything to do with killing creatures and prefer to think that 'faux' glorifies the beauty of the animals but doesn't encourage using the real thing. It's sad to see real furs coming back into vogue in fashion.

-Lana

Alex said...

Thank you! I've never liked animal prints. SO kitchy.

Thomas said...

i have seen animal prints done right but they are not for me...real or fake. the animal prints are here today but tomorrow they will be gone.