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Loathe or Love? Decorating with Antlers and Transferware

Antlers.  Love them?  Loathe them?   I posted about antlers a few years ago and there were lots of comments but very few of you were sitting on the fence when it came to using them as design elements.  Some of you flat out said, "no way".   Some of you loved them and use them yourself.  Antlers make a statement in a room for sure.   I have really grown to love the very European, organic, natural look of antlers.  They feel so English Country to me, so old world.   Though they are currently a design trend with manufacturers producing them in resin and even starkly painted white, Charles Faudree, just to name one very famous designer, used them for years in his timeless interiors and they've been used to decorate the finest of European homes, and castles, for hundreds of years.  These days they are seen in everything from modern, high rise apartments to the very traditional English trophy room.  

Because I'm so keen on transferware, I've decided to share mostly  images of rooms combining both antlers and transferware, though I've snuck in a few that don't have any of my beloved dishes.  All of my selections are quite traditional in aesthetic combining a wonderful recipe for R and R (rustic and refined). 

I fell in love with this kitchen the first time I saw it, I believe on Amy's blog (Maison Decor).  Purple transferware and small, Roe deer antler mounts over the sink.


Blue and white is always in style.  I like the use of the antlers flanking the blue transferware plates in this arrangement by Jen Owens

This hallway showcases a wonderful brown transferware collection and antlers.
I think the idea of topping the secretary with the large antler mount is great.  Love!

Fantastic collection of yellow / brown two color transferware!

An antler chandelier hangs above the dining table in this lovely living / dining room combining majolica and brown transferware.

source Michele at Dreaming of A Farmhouse


I like Savvy Seekers asymmetric arrangement.


Eddie Ross' entire bathroom is black and white…I loved this feature and loved the use of the antlers as a towel holder.
Eddie Ross




These antlers were in my old dining room…
but are now above the fireplace in my office.



I can't say how much I love Delores's styling. 
source Delores, Vignette Design

Okay, so this pic might send some of you over the edge but I had to show it anyway.

No transferware in this next shot, but I think this foyer is absolutely charming.  A few plates here and there would be nice; but of course I would think that!


There are antler mounts over the stove in this stunning kitchen…and check out the chandelier!

I love the symmetry of the arrangement over the sofa in Uptown Acorns sitting room.  This room is void of color but has so much texture and is rich in interesting, beautiful objects.  I like the hats by the door as well.

Kim, at Savvy Southern Style, has a wonderful antler collection displayed all around her home.  

Another view of the kitchen in the first photo.  I can't find a thing here that I'm not crazy about.

Here is another fantastic room by Francie Hargrove with which I can find nothing I don't like.  It is anchored with a heavy antler chandelier.  I love those red chairs!  

Brambly is a blog I discovered a couple of years ago and fell in instant love with her decorating style.  She's got a great display of transferware in her breakfast nook, and look….an antler mount as well!



Antlers make interesting table top accents too, especially in Fall or Christmas settings.  I used some naturally shed antlers in this tablescape I did a couple of years ago, mixing them with holly, pine and berries flanking an antique tray of leather decanters. 

Most of us don't think of pink as an accent color in Autumn but not Everyday Home.  This is a stunning use of pink in an elegant Fall table setting. 


Susan, at BNOTP, set this stunning table and used antlers around the table.

So, have you seen enough antlers or are you wanting more?  Do you decorate with them?  Do you want to decorate with them?  Are you a lover or a loather????  Of antler decor that is!



Joining some of these wonderful parties in blogland:
The Charm of Home Six Sisters Stuff
Sundays at Home at Thoughts from Alice
Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings of Your Heart and Home
Share Your Creativity Party at It's Overflowing




Comments

  1. I just don't get the "antlers as decor" thing unless you have a mountain cabin or ski condo, or unless you have someone living in the house who hunts. If you have to use them, please utilize the faux ones, made of resin, ceramic, or plastic. I am against hunting in general, but am OK with it if you eat what you kill. Decorating with motifs and materials that glorify the killing or maiming of animals merely for sport is antiquated and inhumane, and I tend to be skeeved by anything bordering on that level.

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  2. I can appreciate their decorative appeal, but I am just not sure that I can use them in my own home. I sure do see lots of them in homes here in Texas though!


    Big Texas Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  3. I've got lots of antler sheds that I decorate with all over my house. I love 'em! It's an easy way to get that rustic/chic look. And the fun thing is, my antler sheds have all been found on my property!

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  4. I LIKE THEM USED IN MODERATION! SOME TEND TO GET CARRIED AWAY! I LIKE THE PINK WITH THE FALL DECOR,VERY PRETTY!

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  5. Great post Nancy. I have antlers hanging in my dining room and in creamware on my hearth. In S.C. it is against the law to sell them however. I do see them for sale in Georgia booths though.

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    1. I didn't know there were any laws regarding the sale of them. I bet they are pretty with the creamware~

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  6. Question that I hope you can answer - in the room with the game table - the barkcloth black floral pillows are gorgeous and although i have lots of barkcloth pillows it is almost impossible to find them with a dark background - they are Gorgeous!! did you have them made or did you buy? and where? Thanks sooo much - and - your home is lovely Thanks

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  7. Any way you can tell me where you got the black floral pillows on the sofa in the room with the game table. I own lots of barkcloth pillows but none with that dark background - love, love them - did you buy or have them made - many thanks and you have a lovely home.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mimi,

      Those are at the Brambly blog. I think I put a link to her blog so you could probably email her and ask. I don't know that she still blogs though.

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  8. No, I don't like them or turtle shells as table decor. Ok in a cabin on the walls. I live by the beach so it would be totally out of place here.

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  9. All of the rooms you have shown are beautiful but I just don't want antlers in my home. I don't mind others having them if that's their style - it' just not mine!

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    Replies
    1. That is how I used to feel as well, and then somehow the look began to grow on me…but I prefer moderation with them myself. Thanks for commenting!

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  10. Love the transferware; loathe the antlers. I grew up looking at the deer heads that adorned my grandfather's walls. I'm just not into dead animals as decor.

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  11. Love every one...so much inspiration! Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY...
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  12. I don't want antlers in my home either. I never pin a photo with them on Pinterest either. I find them rather grows.

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  13. Found your blog via Pinterest and so glad I did!! Wonderful post!

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  14. I love the combination especially in the fall! All your photographs are beautiful!
    Miss Bloomers

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  15. I don't have any antlers in my home, but I can't say I will never have any. I do love the antlers being used as a towel holder. I worked in a restaurant in college that had giant antler chandeliers and I did love that look, especially when the rest of the room is quite refined.
    This is a great collection of inspiration!

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  16. I don't have any antlers at the moment, but I like the look. Loved this post!

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  17. Hi Nancy,
    I really don't have an opinion on the antlers.... Its just one of those rare trends that I never got into. Love seeing your dishes though! :)
    ~Liz

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  18. Oh Nancy what wonderful inspiration pics! I have a few antlers around the house. I was not so sure of them at first but I came around. Thanx for joining THT!:)

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  19. Nancy, beautiful blog (I read through several!)~
    Antlers are such a big trend right now, but as of yet,I haven't used them in my home. Who knows though, because I love to change things out. Knowing how popular they are, I almost purchased a bunch at a recent flea market.
    My favorite way to see them is in a stately home's library or den...especially if the homeowners hunt. You know the look; rich, deep colors, leather, Oriental rugs, cigars and a huge fireplace.... However, if a client asked me to utilize antlers in their home, I would and it would be fun.
    Of course I LOVE the transfer ware.....

    Donna~Faded Velvet

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  20. What do you see when you look at the antlers? I see the beautiful creatures they used to belong to; and why?? with so many choices for decor? why???? How about puppy skulls? I really just don't get it.

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  21. Nancy, guess I'm one of those on the fence. I'm drawn to natural objects for the home. Love the texture and the organic esthetic such elements offer. That said, shed antlers incorporated in a vignette appeal to me, but mounted trophy pieces not so much. I do like Eddie Ross' use as a towel holder, and I have friends who have magnificent antler chandlers in their homes. So guess it just depends for me. '-)
    Great post!
    Slowly trying to catch up after my return from France. Have missed everyone in Blogland.

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  22. I do love your blog and all your beautiful transferware. However, I really dislike antlers of any kind in home decor. Especially wall mounted pieces. I've never understood the attraction to it. I want something pretty, warm and comforting in my home and these things don't express that at all to me. Just one of those things I have a strong opinion about and I also dislike animal hides as well. Like another commented these things. whether real or faux, remind me of the beautiful animal they used to be.

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  23. Nancy beautiful inspiration photos!! I only have one antler...it's mixed in the gallery wall I have in my living room but I would use more.

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  24. Yes, I too have got the antlers with my transferware. It is a charming European look that is easy to style. Here is my buffet in this post with antlers. http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2013/09/fall-around-house_30.html
    Sherry

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  25. I love the mix of rustic and refined.....an awesome look, thanks for sharing !!!

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  26. Had to hop back over to let you know your being featured!
    Thanks again for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY...
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  27. Hello, I am visiting from Amaze Me Monday. Love all the photos of decorating with antlers. I am a Victorian decorator but I do like taxidermy, even though I only have a taxidermy hummingbird dome, no antlers any where. But I am liking that masculine look. Especially with transferware plates. Love your office fireplace decorating, wonderful! I'm off to check out your older posts.
    Have a great week,
    Gina

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  28. Love antlers in decor! And as you have featured it is not just for the cabin. Beautiful photos and post....of course I am a little biased because elegant antler display is what I do for a living! Theses are going to the pin boards.

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