As the years pass and I’m growing older, hopefully a little bit wiser too, I’m starting to understand that there are no absolutes in life. Some things I’ve said I’d never do have come back to remind me never to say “never” again (especially to people who can keep you accountable for it 🙂 ) For instance, for about a decade now I’ve been a vegetarian by choice 98% of the time, with the occasional slip once or twice a year – crispy bacon, I can’t resist you – and I used to say I don’t eat meat and then realized that it was a lie because I do in fact eat meat, at least a couple of times a year when I really crave it. Writing this blog for so many years has taught me the same thing, even in things as “trivial” as decoration. The latest example? I could never, ever accept taxidermy and animal trophies as elements of décor!! is something I’ve repeatedly made clear to friends and family over the years. Nothing formerly alive, no stuffed and mounted game trophies in our house. Never!
And, lo and behold, two of my all-time favorite rooms, rooms that I have obsessed about and analyzed over and over and over again, have animal trophy displays and I hadn’t even realized it until someone who knows me well pointed it out. Go figure! Very conveniently, my brain edited these details out… Talk about being in denial! 🙂 So, I thought it would be fun to poke around a bit into your “never ever” decorating moments and find out things you’ve said you’d never try and yet have been drawn to, intrigued by or have tried? Perhaps a natural cow or zebra hide, or lavender walls or faux plants??! (All tempting to me right now!!) Come on, don’t be shy! 🙂
I am totally with you on taxidermy and animal trophies. Maybe in a gentleman’s den that I would rarely go into! Fake plants used to be a “no no” — but now in the waning winter months in Northern MI awaiting Easter blooms – not much choice – and some fakes are quite lovely. Your column is a joy.
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Hi, Loretta!! Thank you so much, I completely understand the need of faux flowers… I have two on my mantel :))) Take care!! xo, Eva
I appreciate the original rooms you share with us. Thank you
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Thank you so much, Lorraine!! xo, Eva
I used to think wallpaper was a big NO (thinking back to my mother’s choices from the 1980’s with lots of loud floral prints). I’m a big fan now😁
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Happy to hear that, Sarah! Wallpaper has sure come a long way from the 80s! Take care! xo, Eva
…fake flowers…never ever…well…i have discovered…if you strip fake flowers of the fake leaves…and then mix the flowers in with lush real foliage from the yard it is very easy to fool the eye (especially if you allow a few of the real leaves to shed!)…this works pretty well with real orchid plants…and fake orchid flowers…
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Hi, Laney!! Thank you for sharing!! I am with you on fake flowers because sometimes you just have to compromise, right? Thankfully there are some lovely, real-looking ones out there. Take care!! xo, Eva
Hi Eva, I’m late in responding to this post! But I have to say that I do love taxidermy in a room, to a certain extent. I have a few roe antler mounts and just love them! I have a pheasant that I have displayed in my “ nature center”( collected shells, nests, butterflies, turtle shells, feathers, etc.) for the fall and winter Like Maura Enders style)/and I also have a taxidermy egret for display in the summer..maybe to some a little unusual but it’s my style! Really contemplated getting a deer mount but in the end, just couldn’t do it but I LOVE them in the rooms that you showed. Anyway, just love your blog and your style, it’s right down my alley!! Keep on posting and good luck with your living room, just know it will be amazing!
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Hi, Jane!! Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a sweet comment. I do understand the appeal of taxidermy, it is just not for me. I believe that homes are at their most beautiful when they are authentic, reflecting their inhabitants’ lifestyle and passions. And your home sounds lovely and personal, thank you for sharing a bit of it with us. Take care! xo, Eva
Hi Jane. I too am a vegetarian, for most of my adult life (50 years now).I look at rooms on instagram or magazines and say to myself, “that room is beautiful except for that mounted animal head. Ugh!” That poor animal 😮! And now I’m at the age where things were in style, then out of style, and now back in style again. 🥴 So, do I but up wallpaper again?🤔
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Hi, Catherine!!! Thank you for stopping by and leaving such a sweet and fun comment. About the wallpaper, it’s tricky… depends on the pattern of course, and the color way and room 😉 But it is definitely back… Take care! xo, Eva