Natural Curiosities

I have been noticing a huge resurgence in the popularity of botanical lithograph prints as well as natural history engravings from the Victorian era. My obsession with the book "Albertus Seba: Cabinet of Natural Curiosities" and the fact that I cannot afford this $200.00 book led me to Ebay, where I found a gregarious amount of goodies. Seba was an animal enthusiast whose collection was unprecedented and world famous. In 1731, he commissioned artwork of every single specimen in his collection; the result was "Cabinet of Natural Curiosities".

The various prints that I found on Ebay are much more affordable, ranging between $20.00 USD to $100.00 USD and above. I went a little haywire towards the end and found some great anatomy prints as well as some creepy beetle illustrations. My vision is to create a bathroom of curiosities, covering the walls of a powder room with these prints in outlandish and pompous frames. It will definitely give our guests something to keep them occupied!

Falling for Faux Bois

Faux Bois, which translates to "fake wood" in French, is a big new trend for accessories and home decor. Like a person who loves the outdoors yet hates to camp, Faux Bois lends the beauty of nature without its nuisances.

Perhaps the popularity of the Lord of the Rings and the newfound interest in the "fantasy" genre have sparked the Faux Bois trend. I personally love the organic aspect of the style and the "hunting lodge" feel that it lends to any home.

Check out Gumps and Anthropologie's home decor sections for a forest of Faux Bois.

Villian Chair

designer: suck UK
price: $$$$

The ultimate chair for a stylish bachelor pad. Or for your secret headquarters.

Droog Optical Glass

designer: arnout visser for droog design
price: $ (50.00 for a set of 4)

Reminiscent of fun house mirrors and acid trips...who knew a glass of water could stimulate conversation and an occasional flash back?

"Carlos" Nightlight

designer: kathleen walsh for walteria living
price: $$

freak out your pets with this porcelain nightlight by placing it near a bathroom, night table, litter box, etc.