This is the second AT place I've seen this month that features taxidermy items...is this a new trend? I hope not! But I love the assemblage objets d'art with the mirror an doll's head. :)

More wide shots would be good, to see what the rooms look like as a whole. But the dead things are creepy for sure.

Although I love most elements in this home, i think there are too many, just piled on... It's all about moderation. I also like taxidermy, however there is too much of it and the quality of the taxidermy is poor, they look like diseased animals.

I love the old vintage boxes and that map of alaska.

It's actually the third place with taxidermy by my count.

So much for Keep Calm and Carry on.

Ditto the comments on the taxidermy. When did this become a trend? I come from the Midwest - grew up around taximdermy all my life. But I still think it's gross and cruel.

Just because we feature a home (or several) that have taxidermy in them, doesn't mean that it's a trend. It just means we liked their space and were proud to show it to all of our readers.

Please respect the homes of others, even if you don't have the same taste they do and your decor and style choices might be different.

Apartment Therapy is all about the love.

I can take the taxidermy or leave it but patrick's reference to Keep Calm brought a smile. You see I never joined the haters on that issue. I like the damn sign. :)

sarahrae--

Um, if several of the editors in various regions are finding homes to post, and subtly, surely, and on (stuffed) cat's feet in it tiptoes... it's a trend.

It's not necessarily an *AT* trend, or an editorial trend... but I daresay it is actually a trend... almost by definition.

I agree about respecting people when they offer up their homes for tours (and lobby among the ranks here for that cause on a fairly regular basis...) wholeheartedly. But none of these comments are at ALL out of line, or terribly disrespectful of anyone, or anyone's home. And certainly not worthy of such an early-in-the-thread scolding.

And I am not even anti-taxidermy. I'd be a hypocrite, with my cowhide pillows, to point fingers. I was just making an observation.

i love it all! but i am a big fan of bones, mannequins, taxidermy, and all that good stuff. the owls everywhere are great, that white lamp is awesome.

*notes presence of taxidermy*

*looks at comments section*

*makes popcorn and settles in*

PS: If I could go the rest of my life without hearing or reading the phrase "Granny Chic," I would be a VERY happy man.

I adore this apartment... looks livable, creative, and affordable. I first saw it on SFgirl by bay. I don't think I would have taxidermy in my place, but can appreciate how others live. Chill, AT-ers.

please
less photos of vignettes
it is very hard to get a sense of the space
i know people like their "things"
and want to share
but it is called "house tours"

The iguana makes me lol and I think that's the point of a lot of what they've showcased here. Their place is kind of what I imagined my favorite quirky high school Spanish teacher would have going on in her house.

Great, tour. I wish for natural light and a cute dog moddle just like Libby & Ryan's someday. I love the bedroom paint color like woah. Invite me over so I can admire your teak candlesticks in person! I would let you pat me down before I left, even.

If you can't offer a critique of a posting, why don't you change the "comment" space to "praise" space. I am always interested to hear what other people have to say good or bad when I offer up something in my life to review.

Oh please, AT shows a sheepskin on EVERY single expensive chair and/or a cow hide on the floor of pretty much EVERY house tour featured..but the deer head people think are tacky? DOUBLE STANDARD. Hunted animals die in a much more humane method than the farm animal skins you fill your houses with.

They are definitely not for my apartment, but the having them in such close proximity to the human figure sculptures are really interesting!

I'm pretty sure that this fireplace mantle is one of my favorites... ever. And it's totally not my style, but it made me smile and giggle- in a good way. :)

It might be a diversion from the norm of AT, but this place looks lived in and LOVED. These are people who have fun in their house and aren't worried about what everyone thinks- even if that means all the taxidermy. Bravo!

It is refreshing to see a place with so many plants. ... it makes me feel like there might be more than a few of us with quasi-jungles in our homes! I love the beaver skull on the coffee table, though I'd worry about cleaning dust out of all the feathers and fur from everything else.

I do have to agree with chesterntrudy: however cute or sweet or chic or charming the vignettes may be, they tell me absolutely nothing about your home. A sense of how everything works in the larger space is so much more important than how everything looks on a 2x1 foot table top, for example.

Tell us how you land a place with such glorious daylight, a bay window and stained glass!

Hey guys,

For those who are interested, Ryan landed the apartment through Apartment People. We got very lucky. I've never had a better landlord or space to mess with...

I also see that some would appreciate wider angle shots and that makes total sense. Honestly, direction of light and no tripod made for less than ideal wide angle shots... Too much coffee! That said, if you're feeling frisky you can see a few wide angles on my Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/23303492@N06/sets/72157619720271677/.

In any event, have fun with the post. It's just stuff and sometimes stuffed.

rosenatti, I'm with you! My first thought after seeing all the taxidermy "I gotta see the comments on this one."

Thanks for the link to the flickr! Seeing the wide angled photos made me love the place even more (and your dog!! oh my gosh, the dog!!!).

Beautiful space. I personally long for a beautiful pair of antlers. :)

I agree about the taxidermy. And I think it's weird how everyone jumps on the criticism as though it's just preachy for the sake of being preachy, because it may be hypocritical to criticize taxidermy and not leather upholstery, but ethics aside, aren't you allowed to not like the way it looks?

That said, I was surprised that I didn't enjoy this tour more, because I am a big fan of curiosity-shop type spaces, salvage, antiques, etc. I guess part of my not connecting with the space was the layout of the living room - everything seemed like it was pushed against a wall. And there just seemed to me like a lot of clutter (including the messy papers on the desk), and a lot of brown. Perhaps if the sofa was a bit smaller there would be more layout options? It seemed like it was overpowering the space. I would like to see the pieces in an arrangement that looks more intentional, and shelves to display the curio instead of things sitting on windowsills and available surfaces. I do love the plants, persian rugs, and the quilt in the bedroom, though.

And I agree with patrick about granny chic.

The dog sure looks comfy on the chair.

Thanks for the flickr link. The wide-angle shots made me like your place a whole lot more than I originally did. I enjoy the overall feeling your belongings and arrangements convey.

AT has had several homes with taxidermy over the last year and a half. I'd have to call it a trend among ATers, but what's wrong with it being a trend? AT features things many of us like, so we put those things in our own homes, and it becomes a trend. So what???

And someone made the comment hunted animals are killed more humanely than others. Um...I don't understand how a deer shot but not killed and trailed through the woods for a mile only to be shot in a more effective spot is a better way to die than a cow in the slaughterhouse, but whatever. Maybe I should do research on slaughterhouses, but I don't think hunted animals are killed any "better" than farmed ones.

Well, speaking of grannie chic, when I was a kid in Chicago (Andersonville as well) my grandma had that same hanging statue that when turned on appears to be taking a shower with oil streaming down the wires surrounding it. I always thought it was tacky. Wondered what happened to that thing, maybe it is the same one!

Galleries of curios have always intrigued people-- but living with them is not for all. When an art student in Toronto 25 years ago I lived in a rather odd private museum/rooming house (The Elder Museum-- now lost). The museum spaces were filled with just about everything imaginable; art, ethnography, taxidermy, lizards in jars etc... It definitely influenced my sense of style-- no-- taxidermy is not for me, but lots of art and other curios are!
There are a few links listed from the homeowners that are interesting and they do point towards some trends. I have listed a few more from the fine art world for those interested.

http://www.markryden.com/

A bit morbid but--
http://www.edelmangallery.com/witkin.htm#5

You can link around from here to some very interesting objects that are lit and displayed very well.

http://www.natsara.com/expositions/10ans/10ans-index.htm

I love that this place is different, and that it marches to the tune of its own drummer!

Of course, you had me with the first image -- I'm a sucker for a cute dog (name? story?) and a leather school bag...

My leather schoolbag expired a few years ago, and I have been hunting high and low for a replacement, but haven't found anything that is quite what I am looking for... Where did you find yours? What make is it?

I assume you are familiar with Deyrolle in Paris? Lovely article here -- an update after the tragic fire:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/15/arts/design/15taxi.html

My only beef is the goldfish... it definitely needs more water, and a bigger bowl (and in Rome, those sorts of bowls have been banned for goldfish).

Otherwise, love it! And I hope that your bar idea gets off the ground one day -- sounds like it would be a great place.

Love the house! But my favorite part....the block of wood holding up the window!!!! That combined with all the plants reminds me soo much of my childhood home.

Interesting place.

P.S. In case you hadn't noticed, your fish is ready for the taxidermist.

The fish is a Betta, actually. He's a new addition to the house and I am looking for a larger bowl for him, in fact. At the time this photo was taken he did need some more water.

As for the dog, she was rescued from a kill shelter in the South by Red Door Animal Shelter. We adopted her about 2.5 years ago. Her name is Midge and she is a nervous nelly. She does love that chair.

Appreciating the layout comments. I like to move things around.

I think AT should make a distinction in the house tour posts. Too many are really vignette tours lately and while some love it, I would really like a house tour with maybe a few closeups of special objects. Preferably unstuffed.

Sup, cutest freaking puppy ever! Cute house, too.

Also, I was just starting to wonder- with all of that taxidermy, I wonder if that dog thinks he might be next? My dog used to whimper and cry when he saw anything dead and stuffed. Its gotta be stressful!

I myself thought the dog looked a little worried he may be getting stuffed!

Is anyone else suddenly loving chintz? That chair with the tassel fringe looks so fresh and fun.

What is granny chic, anyway? Certainly no grannies I know would be likely to have dismembered doll parts around their house.

This is a lovely home with a lot of character and charm. Taxidermy is not for everyone (myself included) but it seems to work very well in this space, mainly because there is so much more to look at here than just the taxidermy. Love how you mixed modern and vintage furniture with a little touch of grandma thrown in. Plus, your dog Midge is adorable.

Instead of weighing in on taxidermy or granny chic, can I just say i love that statue, I'm absolutely trying to find one that would work in our space, but maybe I should just find a cool one and force it in!

ps. tassel fringe should come back, and not just for the grannies!

I like the cozy but dark feel. Although I don't know that I would fill my own home with stuffed animals, it adds to an already present feeling of nostalgia for a different time. I love that. This is definitely a place I would love to visit and make myself at home in. Its vintage and homey and a little bit morbid all at once.

Granny chic? Huh?

Very Edward Gorey/Tim Burton, in a good way. Nothing "granny chic" about that!

Midge is adorable.

Umm, where did you say you found that school bag?

This rocks. Your flat looks like it belongs to someone who does his/her best thinking while re-arranging furniture.

Demand for antique taxidermy has shot up. It is a love it or hate it category. Most items that I see have survived banishment to basements or garages because of changing tastes or poor workmanship.

Part of the appeal - to me - is that these trophies have outlasted their slayers.

Another great part of the display is that I now hang party hats & shit off another man's symbol of virility.

@mschatelaine Forgot to mention the bag source, I found it at Brown Elephant in Andersonville. Unknown maker...

Poor pooch, can't but wonder if it lives in fear it'll be stuffed or have its head up on the wall one day. I saw a lot of dead animals in this abode. Will be glad when Palinese hides are out of style.

I'd love it more if I could actually see the space instead of just vignettes. A write up doesn't help if it talks about things we aren't actually shown.

Melissaann has a good point. Where do we draw the line between a fur rug or throw and taxidermy?

I don't. So since I love cowhide (and wear leather shoes), I never criticize people for owning or displaying taxidermy.

I also secretly long for a mounted swordfish at some point (when the right place warrants), so I can't throw stones. :)

It's not my taste, but I love that it feels like a home. You can tell people live there, and though I've never met them, I'd bet that their friends and family instantly say "It's so you" when they visit. As for the argument over taxidermy v. fur/leather-I wouldn't have animals products of any kind in my home, but it isn't my place to tell other people what they should do. I also don't eat meat, but if I want to be respected as a vegetarian, I have to respect carnivores, even if I don't understand their choice. I think that's a good idea in all things, and that includes design.

Wonderful! I love the Andersonville neighborhood -- it's stacked with beautiful apartment homes, and with so many little mom-and-pop shops and salvage boutiques lining Clark St., you hardly need to venture to find something splendid and unique.

I only recently made peace with my great-aunt's and great-grandmother's furniture and knick-knacks, and as such, I am working to wholly embrace my apartment's brass-doorknob weird-granny vibe. "Turn your weaksauce into a style," or so they effectively say in compassionate art classes, and that is what I intend to do in my wee apartment, crowded with stodgy hand-me-downs.

Incidentally! I am also the happy new owner of an old mounted deer head: I figure the deer head, which is mostly fiberglass, is about as infuriating as a leather jacket, anyway, so that is my pro-vintage-taxidermy argument. So if taxidermy is the hippest new thing, high five! I'm cool, too! A painter I like, who composes quirky pastoral scenes, offered me the deer head, and since I'll likely never afford one of the artist's pieces, I was pleased to receive an heirloom item that may well have posed for (or inspired!) a painting.

What I'm saying is, there are so many ideas in Ryan and Libby's home that I can't wait to reappropriate and pass off as my own! I feel totally inspired. So thanks, you guys -- homes are such an intimate and personal thing, and it's so gracious and emotionally generous to let us steal a peek at your home's inner cogs and workings.

OH MY GOD! IS THAT A SMUDGE STICK NEXT TO THE SPIDER PLANT?!!?

I used to share with a student herbalist who, returned home to find me traumatised (that's spelt in UK English, in case anyone's tempted to sic my 's' again! ;) ) after discovering another, then-to-be-evicted 'flatmate' had been in my room and added a few decorative touches of his own. "Don't worry, I have just the thing!" she told me but, as I braced myself in anticipation of a steaming cup of god-only-knows, she flew past and into my room, brandishing something resembling the burning bush, and proceeded to "smoke out any evil"..... Well, not that I wasn't grateful for the kind thought but, whatever 'evil' smells like, it could not be any more hideous than the overpowering stench of a smudge stick. It took several washes of everything that could be washed, to get rid of the stink but, even after several years, I still get a whiff of it whenever I open one of my books... so much for healing powers!

Anyway, my advice to Libby and Ryan is, DO NOT LIGHT THAT THING!!! If my beloved books are anything to go by, your furry-dead-thing collection will reek like the devil's skunk for the rest of eternity...

....oh, and did I mention that I even had to switch rooms......?

Love the bust, chairs, and bedspread. You did a great job of stylishly pulling together the vintage, thrifted and distressed. I'm not a fan of the taxidermy trend at all, but I think it works better here than in most of the places I've seen it used. It doesn't feel trendy or forced or overused, but fits right in. Some of the pieces are looking a bit too raggedy tho, and not in a good way.

Although this is one of the more unique collections, and many artfully composed vignettes, I think the owners should cut back on their dosage of LSD and buckshot before their next project.

I like the place. It's a bit over the top for me, but it's cool. I loved the fireplace mantle.

as for the taxidermy- good thing none of you come to my house- it's full of taxidermy- heads and skins, antlers and skulls- plus voodoo dolls just for fun......

Agree with "mschatelaine".....Very Tim Burton.

Could use some editing though.

dear AT,
for future House Tours, could you ask folks for fewer close-up/vignette photos? it's such a disappointment when all you see are cute little close-ups and can't get any meaningful sense of the space as a whole.

AcrossthePond - I think it's sage. Many people like the smell!

BigTab - I agree with everything you said. :)

I think that perhaps the trend for taxidermy and animal products in decor comes down to two factors:

1. The texture and history of old leather, pelt, bones and other materials can be interpreted as a backlash against the recent retrofuturistic trend for sleek foil furniture, plastic chairs and stainless steel.

2. Bits of animal, whether they be skulls, skins or whole taxidermed creatures, are a big extended middle finger to middle class notions of good taste and decorum. It's edgy, and thus cool.

Probably 1. is more of an element than 2.

I should also add that "Eclectic naturalist with a bit of MCM and LOLs" is a perfect description for this place.

The stern owl lamp in the living room, the disembodied legs, and the gold statue who looks as if he's about to clobber someone with his lamp are all favourites.

I very much agree with mschatelaine - "everyone DOES march to the beat of the own drum" and if they don't; they should. But more importantly, the poor little goldfish sort of ruined an otherwise wonderful and fascinating house tour.
Please remember that goldfish/carp, if given the opportunity to decide, would not choose to live alone. They are sociable creatures who REALLY NEED tactile stimulation. This poor little fish could hardly be living in more horrid circumstances. PLEASE at least allow little fish to live among his own and to have some plants or something in the water to touch off of and hide behind.
Thanks for sharing.

Yes livc, you're right about it being sage. I think that it's fair to say that I'm definitely not one of those people! ;)

lorijo.... did you say Voodoo dolls? =O
Remind me not to disagree with your comments!!!

By the way, I just stumbled upon some more photos of this house at BackGarage, and I feel like those pictures really help give a better feel of the living room. For some reason, the space makes a lot more sense to me with the help of the picks on that blog:

http://www.backgarage.com/2009/06/at-home-with-libby-ryan-in-ravenswood/

So perhaps my layout comment earlier is really just a response to the way the photos or the sequence of photos was done here rather than the way the space is actually put together. In either case, it gave me a different appreciation of what you've done with the space, and because there are fewer vignettes close up on the things that some people found objectionable here, it gives a better impression of the space as a whole rather than a few objects.

I think that one should not call taxidermy cruel if your diet includes eating food from the undeniably cruel meat industry.
In a way it seems more respectful to accept the death of the animal in order to enjoy its beauty in your home then to enjoy the taste on your lunch break with no thoughts of where it came from.
The criticism may be more acceptable from vegetarians or those who support only small/ free range/grass fed/ humanely raised meat farms.

Is this what they mean when they say a room has "good bones?"

libby- i LOVE your space! so much character. it feels like each piece has a story. it's not smothered in expected, check-listed items. i would love to nestle in and be over-caffeinated and hear all about it. i'll bring my stone marten.

This is a wonderful home! It looks like each piece is wonderfully thought out and placed perfectly. I love it!

i miss chicago - a lot.
and i've been following this a bit.
vignettes: houses, homes & apartments are made of of them.
granny chic: headlines use catch phrases to draw people in. it worked, eh?
taxidermy, pets, and plants: lots of people have pets and plants - living and not - they forget to clean the tank and water the plants - so what?
so-called clutter: have you heard of salon style? mostly for wall display but it flows onto surfaces, too.
not everyone lives the same way - you don't have to like it just because it's on AT.

and btw i like it

I have friends in NY who have done their place in EXACTLY the same style and I love it. Very cozy/nesty and always a comfortable place to sit.

I LOVE that TheoJ said that Chicago is backwards in terms of design. That's awesome! I guess he's never heard of Mies Van der Rohe or Frank Lloyd Wright. That ignorant comment offended me more than any of the taxidermy in this post.