Yes, Animal Figurines Can Be Chic
Elizabeth Pash, designer and owner of Elizabeth Pash Antiques & Decoration, shares one item you should be on the lookout for when shopping for antiques. This week, it's a specific type of vintage French pottery. We are aware that many are currently practicing social distancing, but we will continue to publish vintage shopping content (and ideas for online sources) in anticipation of the day we are all able to return to our favorite markets!
Live in a building that doesn't allow pets? Wish your house could be a menagerie but have a family member who's allergic? Well, you're in luck. It seems that animals are popping up everywhere in home decor. Not only in fabrics and wallpapers, but full-sized, in three-dimensional living color! Sometimes adding some friends from the animal kingdom can be just what a space needs to give it an element of fun, a touch of whimsy, and maybe a friend to talk to during the long days of quarantine. The best part? These animals don't need to be fed, groomed, or walked! So have a little fun and bring some life to your home.
Last time I was on a buying trip in France, I saw animals around every turn:
This one stopped me in my tracks—a bit foreboding, but I’m sure someone out there would like to welcome this guy, complete with his ankle bracelet, to stand guard in their home.
If you are looking for something that is a little less intimidating, this adorable ceramic cub will add a more friendly, lighthearted note. He would look fabulous anywhere!
And who better to shoot the bull with than your very own larger than life metallic friend?
This menagerie just makes me smile—if you don’t want to give your home over to these friendly beasts, even adding just one or two to a space brings life, humor, and playfulness to a room.
Not everyone has space for this kind of decor, but maybe we are all in need of something not so serious, something that is purely for fun, like this little flock of sheep, reminiscent of the animal sculptures of French artist duo Les Lalannes.
And if you have a sense of adventure, maybe take a chance on a little monkey business, especially the ceramic variety. It might just be the right finishing touch!
I have also been seeing animals of all kinds showing up in small and understated ways. It doesn’t matter what size they are in real life, as illustrated buy this sweet ceramic turtle and this pair of ceramic lions, which would make perfect bookends.
I actually did bring this stately zebra home and he is holding court in our shop! The great thing about black and white is that it goes with every style, modern or traditional, and every color scheme. I love this one for its size—it would look great in an entry console or in a sunroom—a perfect finishing touch!
Pro tip: While stores are closed, many antiques dealers will sell online—or even through Instagram. Reach out to see what's possible, or search animal listing on Etsy, Chairish, and Ebay.
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