Octo-Inspired

I don't know about you but I watch a lot of HGTV and have been a big fan of David Bromstad's since he won the first season of HGTV Design Star in 2006.  One of the best parts of his decor in my humble opinion is the signature art pieces he creates specifically for the homeowners he is designing for.  So imagine my surprise when I found out via Apartment Therapy that reproductions of his art can be purchased!  This particular piece just awes me:

I've had this piece on my brain for a while and because I know this exists, I get all giddy now whenever I come across octopus-inspired home decor.  In fact, I think the picture in this room from DecorPad is pretty darn cool:

Now, I must stress here that I have an aversion to squid (calamari included) and most marine life in general.  Octopus decor can be cute (as in children's decor) or downright freaky because let's face it - they are pretty scary!  So the fact that I'm slightly drawn to these items below makes me think I'm going crazy.  But I think they make for interesting decor and one of them just might end up living in my house.  Maybe.

A dinner plate from Anthropologie:

A hook from Anthropologie:

A pillow from Etsy:

A cookie cutter from Amazon:

A decorative accessory from Z Gallerie:

And a fun recipe from Family Fun Magazine:

I don't expect octopuses (octopi?) to invade my home the way the elephants have but I might have to get one.  I especially like the hook but I should probably buy something for my home that isn't gray/black/white for once.  Unless it's a cookie cutter.







Elephant-astic!

I heard a long time ago that elephants are supposed to be good luck.  This was based on Ganesha, the Hindu Lord of Success or, as he is sometimes known, the Hindu God of Good Luck.  Some people say the trunks have to be up.  Others say it doesn't matter.  I'm not even going to pretend I know the traditions of Hindusim but I think the creatures are well, cute, so I thought bringing one or two into my new home for a little good luck shouldn't hurt.  Next thing I knew I had one in almost every room.  Here are the little guys who now keep me company:

These two are in my dining room and make sure I don't eat or drink too much ;).  I got the wine stopper on sale from Zgallerie and the other is another bargain from HomeGoods:

I found this sugar bowl on Amazon.com and put him in my kitchen on my stove.  His sweet grin (no pun intended) makes me smile:

These two are both in my living room and adorn the fireplace.  I found the odd and somewhat creepy decorative one on the mantle at HomeGoods and the planter on the floor came from Zgallerie:

 This little guy from Cardboardsafari.com sits on top of the tv in the guest bedroom:

And this ring holder from Red Envelope is in my bedroom.  Small but pretty and functional:



I don't own this guy but I found him at Urban Outfitters.  It's an ashtray but I don't smoke...so we'll see if I find a need for him. 

Eventually I'll have to say enough is enough.  I don't want to be know as the crazy elephant lady :)