polarising accessories - love 'em or hate 'em?

I have always been drawn to the colour, symmetry, texture and beauty displayed in nature. Raw forms such as skulls, shells and antlers, the contrasting vibrant hues or earthy tones of feathers, butterflies, insects or animal hides.

As a designer, I'll happily incorporate faux or real accents of nature in my décor which may become a point of conversation. Interior design should provoke thought and appreciation therefore sometimes it's refreshing to step away from vases, candlesticks and usual display ornaments. Taxidermy is a point of difference and it definitely creates divide and duality - beauty and unease.

Though I do have a love and appreciation for taxidermy vintage pieces making an eye-popping statement, I do draw the line at full size grizzly bears, rare or endangered species that have fallen prey to poachers. I understand such accessories are not for everyone yet below are some stunning and quirky displays of some beautiful objects.

The clever groupings here create interest with organic texture and beauty.

Wall collection 2

Wall Collection 3

Wall collection 1

No need to stick to a neutral colour palette though - this chandelier is stunning!

Deer with Colour

Colourful Taxidermy Chandelier

Mexican skull

And the average skull, antlers or bird display does not need to be average at all. Think outside the square and they can be quite unexpected!

Organic skull

Drake

Antlers and feathers

Go for a spot of drama with an albino peacock. Show off your forage finds like this collection of feathers. Beautiful butterflies displayed in a glass dome.

White peacock

Feather collection

Butterflies

So where can you find such treasures? Antiques shops, secondhand stores, places like Auckland's Junk & Disorderly, retailers such as Koko Classics.

Finally, here's my pheasant, kindly given to me by a dear friend whose uncle is a taxidermist. He takes pride of place on the lounge fire mantel.