animal accents

A while ago, I showed you home décor that followed in the fashion of The Book of Plants. To balance all of that flora with some fauna, today I have some décor ideas that seem influenced by Albert Seba's Cabinet of Natural Curiosities. Since his book sits right below The Book of Plants on my coffee table (it's a great distraction for kids at dinner parties), it seemed only reasonable to follow up on my first trend alert.

Seba's book is one of the 18th century's greatest natural history achievements and has been reproduced by Taschen for everyone's viewing enjoyment. It features an incredible (and often fantastical) collection of animals, plants, and insects from all around the world. Check out the widget below for some of my favorite Seba-inspired finds.

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I love buying charming little plates and repurposing for something nonkitchen related. These Novelty Cocktail Plates ($12.99, normally $19) come in a set of four, which includes two frogs and two birds. Though they're dishwasher safe, I'd forgo placing edibles on these and use them for other house-decorating purposes. I'm loving the idea of seeing these cute plates on an entry table, used to hold change, keys, or mail. How would you use them?

Oh, Overstock, sometimes you tempt me with items I wouldn't normally order for my rather laid-back, nonanimal-hide-decorated home. For instance, it seems a shame to pass up this Zebra Stripe Rug (on sale for $239.99, originally $749). At an expansive 5-x-8 feet, this hand-tufted wool rug will add a safari flair to your home. If you need some inspiration on how to make it fit, Desire to Inspire has rounded up some lovely photos. So pretty! Darn it though — I'm afraid there's no floorspace for it in my house; how about in yours?

Add some animal magnetism to your bedroom with this West Elm organic cotton snow leopard duvet cover (full/queen on sale for $69.99, originally $99 ). This duvet cover is in a 250-thread-count organic cotton, and comes with matching shams (sold separately). I love the brown color scheme, which helps to tone down a potentially over-the-top pattern. What about you? Would you dress your bed with a leopard print?

The other day I talked about my love for a lizard-shaped bottle opener, and today, as I was browsing the Yum Market on TeamSugar, I noticed a wide variety of animal extras. Animal accents add a touch of whimsy to a stark kitchen and a hint of humor to a formal table setting. Look for small pieces in the form of salt and pepper shakers, coasters, napkin rings, or place card holders. I personally adore these durable, pewter bird cheese markers that shelleymonster saved. The set comes with additional cheese labels so you can write or print your own label in a font and style that matches your party. Browse below for more animal accents.

To learn more about the bookmarking feature of TeamSugar please read GeekSugar's explanation.

Menagerie motifs and animal accents are all over home decor these days, but I never would have thought to decorate with pitbull until I saw this painting by Malin Abrahamsson on Design Milk. The dog is delicately rendered alongside graceful cranes and an industrial-looking backdrop, making me want to expand my animal horizons.