It seems that antique busts are the new antlers. They are
everywhere, from the most classically romantic domiciles to the trendiest of hipster lairs. And perhaps its because, like their deer head predecessors, sculptural busts in the average contemporary home will always be a little out of place, and therefore just the right kind of unexpected...
First Row:
•1. I spotted these oversize cast busts and heads at a recent trip to
Old Luckett's Design House. In another setting they'd be tacky for sure, but in that country spot lining the walkway up to the house, they definitely achieved the desired effect of making you feel like you're approaching some old beautiful forgotten place...well aside from the fact that there is a big plastic cow lurking just beyond.
• 2. In this white on white arrangement, the busts almost read as actual built in architectural details.
• 3. Adding humorous touches, like the hat and necklace, turns a traditionally formal design element into a lively focal point in a contemporary room.
• 4. Strength in numbers! The sheer quantity of busts make this dining room a complete show stopper.
• 5. We love the juxtaposition of the refined sculptures set above the industrial styled pantry.
Second Row:
• 6., 7., 8. We also like busts in their traditional setting, set prominently on display as the room's dominant focal point.
Are you digging the trend?
(Images: 1: Leah Moss, 2: Nuevo Estilo, 3: Domino, 4: Country Living, 5: via , 6: Cottage Living, 7: via Splendid Willow, 8: Lars Bolander via Cote de Texas)
Ugh. I loathe this look. It's hideous. Tacky. White trash gone rich... Just NOT a good look ever. Too Caesar's Palace. Vomit. Barf!
view bittergaymark's profile
Well, if they are "everywhere", I think it's fair to say that those who haven't filled their yard with busts and heads already have missed the boat and should better wait for the next big thing (or try to come up with something original). Still, beats taxidermy.
view particlebored's profile
Here's an idea - classical busts with antlers. The design mash-up trend for 2010!
Hell, I'd buy one :)
view Blandwagon's profile
I want a bust made of myself but I can't seem to find any place that does this
view Futurovox's profile
Well, picture no. 2 manages to include busts with antlers ... so Blandwagon, you get your wish.
I like the busts -- but like anything, it has to be done with wit and restraint.
Goethe had some scathing remarks about the German trend to have busts of the composers in every refined home ...
Still, you see busts in very beautiful English and French rooms.
If a trend towards plaster busts gets the design herd to give up antlers ... I'm in favor of it. Down with taxidermy in all of its forms!
view AustinSarah's profile
This reminds me of an outdoor sculpture exhibit in my town right now: Javier Marin's massive, frightening busts turned on their heads. Interesting, but not something I would want staring at me in my garden. http://www.denhaagsculptuur.nl/2009uk/2009sculpture.html
view crispywaffle's profile
Its like calling yellow aerosol goo "fromage". Do your trite displays- its what makes you American- decorative sensibility comes cheap here and requires no more history other than a trip to the magazine section of Borders or studying a.t. EVERY DAY.
view swagdujour's profile
Geez Number 4 looks like eating in a mausoleum! No thanks
view webherring's profile
If you had the right setting, and had one or two...ok, maybe. To have them grouped together, it would give me the feeling of being 'talked at' and is too creepy. Like a bizarre doll collection....
view junklover's profile
Oh I absolutely love them and have busts in random shelves all over my house. In a house today I think they bring in a quirky factor that's just perfect!! They can also be a little haunting in a more serious setting. So many uses/ moods!
hahah according to other comments, maybe I just like creepy??? ;) but i love them.
view Pure Style Home's profile
There's a difference between having a fine old bust that you appreciate as a work of art in your home and 'decorating' with cheap, plaster reproductions because you're going for a certain look. The latter is much more common, hence the negative reactions above, I think.
view slowdown's profile
I love them, in classic settings, but MY house doesn't showcase that architecture so they seem very out of place here.
The picture of all the heads, around the dining table, cracks me up! I had visions of a dinner guest having an acid flashback and thinking all the heads are talking to him...
view Rucy's profile
I think the busts in the yard are great, sort of a surreal quality, but once they were brought inside, the whole idea went overboard, kind of like my mother and her knick knacks.....
view cliokitty's profile
NO to fake (or real) body parts -- human or animal -- in the home.
view mirandabee's profile
Swagdujour,
what a boor.
Off with your head!
view Vincent B.'s profile
Agreed, Vincent B.
Swagdujour:
- If our American design sensibility is so trite... why exactly have you stooped to reading AT?
- Your username strikes me as ironic if you're not into the uh, "trends of the day."
Outright nastiness like that puts a bad taste in my mouth.
Anyway- I LOVE the busts. Because I have a sense of humor.
view shockthebourgeois's profile
Does anyone have a good source for busts? I'm in the middle of designing my over-the-top postmodern Victorian library and it won't be complete without a bust of Derrida or something.
It's obnoxious, yes, and I'm having *so* much fun.
view Chester Shoeshine's profile
I heart you, Chester Shoeshine!
view Vincent B.'s profile
I just got a female alabaster bust in auction: http://tinyurl.com/alabasterbust. I agree that it could look tacky in the wrong setting, but I think mine looks gorgeous on top of my dark wooden bureau in my bedroom.
view ChloeSF's profile
Oops, AT formatted the period in the URL. Here it is again: http://tinyurl.com/alabasterbust
view ChloeSF's profile
Futurovox, check this out: http://www.marblearte.com/Personalized%20Busts.htm
view ChloeSF's profile