Put A Bird On It!

We’ve been seeing a lot of birds indoors recently.  Am I right?

(images, clockwise from L via: Burke Decor, Thomas Paul, Eleanor Grosch for Urban Outfitter )

Lately it seems that every popular designer has sipped some KoolAid from the birdbath…if you get what I’m saying.  If you want proof just take a look at Jonathan Adler, Thomas Paul, Angela Adams, Urban Outfitters, half of the stuff on Etsy, and all the popular catalogs like West Elm and CB2.  Even Dwell Studio has been using aviary themes for their bedding for adults and children for years.

Chinoiserie-chic for adults on the left (image via Dwell Studio), and kitschy-cute birdies for kids on the right (image via Dwell Studio).

Don’t get me wrong: I like birds.  Well, actually, I don’t care much for real birds (I’ve been known to call them Sky Rats) but I do like them on pillows, bedding, and melamine plates.  I even have birds on my shower curtain at home!  Also, some of the most successful nurseries I’ve seen have had anywhere from subtle to super-prominent bird themes.  I mean, if we’re being honest we all agree that the bird theme is EVERYWHERE.  When done right it’s lovely; but when overused and done haphazardly it’s become a symbol of “cute” that doesn’t really translate to good design.

Nothing captures the comical application of birds to dishes, teapots, pillows, and tote bags better than the new IFC show “Portlandia” which aired last week and made me laugh more than a few times.  You can see the clip of their “Put A Bird On It!” sketch below.  Enjoy, and remember to choose your birds wisely!!

P.S.: In the spirit of full-disclosure, I love and have recommended the wallpaper that’s very briefly featured in the first few seconds of the clip.  It’s called Blackbird and it’s by the lovely people at Cavern Home.

Cavern Home's Blackbird wallpaper. (image by Mark Finkenstaedt via Apartment Therapy)

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