Color Trend: Holy Peacocks!

Is it just me or has there been an infestation of peacocks that is invading the design world as of late? Every time I turn around there is another peacock fabric or decor? Don't get me wrong, peacocks are gorgeous. They should be named as one of the natural wonders of the world. but I wonder how much of this plumage I really want to be exposed to. Maybe I am jaded from my past.....

You see, when I was first married, my husband and I resided in an apartment in Palos Verdes, Ca. A beautiful town overlooking the Pacific Ocean, high up on the cliffs. One of many cute and quaint little aspects of this location is that for some reason peacocks resided there amongst us people. And though they are beautiful creatures, they make the most annoying bird call, a screech so high pitched and loud, there was no need to have an alarm clock. Maybe that's why they are so extraordinarily designed....so we don't terminate the species!

But...I digress, I really meant to share this ongoing phenomenon that has been infiltrating interior design for years, but seems to have exploded in the past year or two. The September issue of Elle Decor pushed me to post about peacocks (I've been collecting peacock inspired design for 6 months now) after they featured an interior with another stuffed peacock and peacock feathered walls.

This home, owned by Alexis and Trevor Traina, is a collaboration of designers . In the corner perched on a branch sits a stuffed peacock!

Here in the library, interior designer Ann Getty applied a tapestry of feathers . I'd love to see this in person. 

This is not the first the first time I've run across taxidermy placed in the interior of a home.

This is Ana Sui's New York Apartment. The room is decorated primarily in black and white. The bird gives a pop of color.

This is interior is from Celerie Kemble. I am a big fan of hers, and I think it's pretty cool in here.

This interior is actually from 2007, from Jefferey Bilhuber.

You can actually purchase a stuffed peacock at Jayson Home and Garden, if you so desire....

Without the cascading train of feathers like the interior above, it's not worth $1500.00. (my opinion)

Peacocks have also filtered into other aspects of design. Take textile design, for example. I have encountered endless amounts of fabrics that incorporate this colorful feathered friend. Here's a few examples:

This is Duralee's plume fabric in a black and white. I actually think this is extremely interesting. In this positive/negative  application you can really focus your attention on the beauty of a peacock feather's design as opposed to getting lost in  the brilliance of their colors.

Dwell Studio for Robert Allen has taken advantage of this pheasants popularity in this whimsical floral.

This is from Lee Jofa Fabrics. Again here, I can appreciate the lines of the bird and the way the feathers cascade from each vine. Unfortunately this picture does not do it justice as the print is all done in crewel.

This fabric is from Trina Turk. I love her contemporary  interpretation of the peacock, from the brightness of the colors and the simplified shapes (hard to believe that this is simple, but compared to an actual peacock feather it is). It almost has the ethnic feel of an ikat.

These three fabrics are called Punjab Peacock from the Iman Home fabric line for Calico Corners. I love the design, it's contemporary but can be used with traditional furnishings as well. All three colorways are lovely. From top to bottom: Radicchio, Noir, and Porcini.

How about wallpaper??? Like the tapestry shown in the interior above, there is wallpaper to the trade available.

This wallpaper is an example from the Nest Collection  from F.Schumacher and Company. This is actual feathers applied to a backing....unbelievable! Super cool but how does one clean this??? Am I the only freak that is envisioning eyes opening from within the wall like Black Swan!!!! Ew, chills!!!!

Peacocks have also been seeping into our rug designs. Mostly contemporary in nature, I can see how the feather can create an interesting design whether it's a line drawing or a repetitive pattern.

This rug is from Anthropologie. It has a primitive feel  to it. I'm not sure I'm a big fan, actually. It could almost  be confused with a hook rug project from the 3rd grade.

This rug is an Art Deco style with peacock inspiration from Company C.

Matthew Williamson designed this rug for The Rug Company. The color combination is unexpected and I like  the composition.

Even mainstream retailers are jumping on this trend, like this rug from Pier One.

This rug is from an online source, Rugs USA.

Accessories and decor have not escaped this obsessive fascination with our fine feathered friend. From pillows to dishes, there's something for everyone.

Metallic feathers from Eastern Accents

Horchow offers their own.

Anthropologie with a contemporary version.

Yikes!!!! I think this goes too far.

Trays from Fringe, at Bloomingdale's.

This wire bowl is from Crate and Barrel. Not so literal.

This wreath is from Jayson Home and Garden. I am not into wreaths, but this would make a pretty holiday decoration.

Neiman Marcus offers a line of peacock designed furniture from dining chairs to benches.

Even Shades of Light carries feather encrusted shade.

Mikasa has a peacock feathered line. What next??

So, you get the picture. It's out there. It's everywhere. The good, the bad and the ugly. But I think I understand why. For centuries the peacock has been known in various cultures as a spiritually healing creature. It also symbolizes nobility, holiness, immortality, good luck and love among other things. Plus, it's just darn good design. I think the bird is here to stay for eternity....if only we could extract it's bird call. SCREEEEEEECH!

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