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| Birds used in various decor applications. |
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| HGTV Magazine October 2012 |
There is no doubt birds are HOT right now. So hot in fact, it's difficult not to run into a decor item featuring a bird anywhere in retail. And why shouldn't they be? They are cute, create calmness and anything nature inspired you put in your home will aid serenity. You may as well get used to them because they have been trending up since 2010 and really don't show signs of stopping.
Looking to your right at the October HGTV magazine image of David Bromstad cheerfully discussing art you might be thinking, "Hold on a sec! What do you mean birds are trending? I've been seeing owls everywhere for years!" Well, that's true. Owls really never go out of style and have been cyclical in popularity. This bird trend is much broader than owls but does include him nonetheless. Bird trend gets a mention in the caption and David's designer owl wallpaper was on the opposite page.
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| Elle Decor October 2012 |
Outside of the obvious the bird is also a very versatile subject for decoration and design. You may have noticed the huge success Restoration Hardware had when they introduced the birdcage chandelier. A product that has spawned endless imitations and a truck load of other birdcage inspired products. Clear proof that when a hot trend hits you can design around the edges of it and make new related trends. A great example of that was brought to light in the October issue of Elle Decor Magazine (left). They put out this interesting collection of items that use the feather as the primary theme. Before you get any weird idea's about using beaks or bird feet as related elements let me stop you there. I already vetted those out for you and they aren't going to work! Try looking at nests and eggs instead. :)
For designers and artists it's a perfect time to try working with birds in your products and art work while it's on the top of the trend curve. For decorators, it's a perfect time too since there are already so many items to choose from. Birds will be with us for awhile so you have some time.
Alternatively, if you like to live a little on the edge and in front of the curve there is something else bubbling on the horizon. Horses are starting to pop up here and there as well. I have seen it both in person at the trend shows in Paris as well as in retail. Right now it's subtle sporadic uses as small accents here and there. Almost as if to plant subliminal mental impressions for a ramp up to 2013 or 2014. The most blatant use I have seen were these horse head sculptures placed in a grouping of four. Horses are beautiful creatures and I'm confident this will pick up steam. I'll be keeping a watchful eye on this one though the next year. Again, if you like horses I don't think you would be wrong to go ahead and jump on this one without knowing if it sticks.
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| Ballard Designs October 2012 | Note the horse painting. |
Next: Humanized Animals & Stencil Forms
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