apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Plants are so much more then decorative accents! They are good for you and they're alive! BTW the high gloss paint on the ceilings is a great touch.

Pity about the dead cow lying on the floor.

I have plants because I love the way they look, but I don't really think of them as decor. More like really sedentary pets.

that room is lovely

i love this room! and that couch..the petrie??

I find them to be part of our decor...my husband and I recently noticed that plants are almost never shown in any design magazines/books and we wondered if having plants was "dated" or maybe they are simply removed from all photos for others reasons...maybe its just the mags we have?

I agree. Way more than just a green accessory in my space... they are the perfect decor element. They give way more than the effort taken caring for them.
Healthy in every way: living & breathing, and NOT man made!

mind my grammer. plants excite me.

oh dead cow! didn't even see that!
now that's how to add bad energy to a space!

so, I've noticed a lot of articles on AT about plants lately. yay! but can you please do a feature on planters/pots? I have trouble finding any I like, especially ones that aren't mass-produced in China. I would especially love some vibrant glazed pieces, (something along the lines of Gladding McBean, but smaller, more affordable, in a wider range of styles, and with no need of special ordering).

living breathing plants?
but a slaughtered cow on the floor (once living breathing)?
what irony.

plants are beautiful. I agree about the lack of plants in design magazine images. Perhaps it is too country, eclectic, hippy...
And yikes is right about that skin. Dead cow alert!
Bad energy and BAD KARMA!! No amount of plants can take in that ugliness and replace it with compassion.

This room has a wonderful feel to it. I like to cool white and green.

Cow hides are not my taste, but I don't find anything wrong with mixing plants and animals (so to speak). Just because you own plants doesn't make you subscribe to an entire set of beliefs. Just sayin'.

me too. Just sayin.

lol! Just because you own plants doesn't make you subscribe to an entire set of beliefes. You own a cowhide, on the other hand, and that does make you subscribe to *some* of an entire set of beliefs. Evidently. ;-p

nice to see somethings (ahem..cow hide) used in their entirity.

foodefafa, you might like these:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/glassware-ceramic/glazed-pots-at-paxton-gate-048532
-lily

Isn't having wood (dead plant matter) in an apartment disturbing at all to the plant lovers? ;)

And if y'all have talked the owners out of that black and white cowhide, can I have it??

Even though I don't like the cow... I really like this room.
The plants are beautiful and they add a lot to the clean White look.

I've always had plants everywhere in my home; living room, kitchen, bath, and bedroom because they are part of the design and breath so much life into any room, especially during the long winters. I've had some of them for up to 20 years now and they just keep growing so they are a sound investment.

I'm not sure if that's a real cowhide or a fake but this is one of the most beautiful rooms I've ever seen on AT! And that's saying a lot becaues there are so many beautiful ones daily.

I also second foodefafa except that I find there aren't enough beautiful, affordable planters for big houseplants and indoor trees. I've seen quite a few planters for commercial office buildings that either cost an arm and a leg or that weigh a ton.

Just read this fun piece on Victory Gardens

http://chdmag.com/daily-finds/2009/01/20/inspiration-for-the-white-house-garden

Gorgeous room.

Plants are great but the secret here is "cushions." Grab some nice colored cushion covers, a nice combination of blues and greens and the room will look great.

Simple, cheap and it will make a difference.

Mafan
green laser pointer RULZ

For us, plants are a necessity. We recently moved too far to bring our plants along (they couldn't make the trip) so we gave them all away. One of the first things we bought for our new place was plants.

So are all the people who are against the "dead cow" rug, also against all leather? It's the same thing, just not as obvious about its origins. (I'm not a fan of the rug, but I'm just saying...)

Um, I echo what monroe said. Are the people who object to the cow hide all vegans? I'm a vegan and yes, dammit, I'm going to take this moment to be self-righteous. If you're wearing leather shoes, eating steak or enjoying a hunk of cheese, I'm not sure what you have to complain about re this rug. If anything, at least this rug isn't coy about its animal origins - unlike shrink-wrapped T-bone steaks, tinned salmon or metallic leather gladiator sandals. It's certainly unnecessarily cruel, but at least it isn't hypocritical.
Just saying! If you do all eschew dead/exploited animal products in other spheres of your life, please forgive my presumption!

I love decorating with plants. Succulents are my favorites as they are so structural in appearance and the varieties are endless.

Melba123--you said it!! People who attack the use of cowhide but who eat meat and wear leather are total and complete idiots. It's like the joke about the vegetarian who only eats animals that weren't cute. As long as you can't tell that it was once a frolicking beast it's okay. Dumber than dumb.

I buy plants for aesthetic reasons but much like other decor items I bring home, they don't always fit in with any vision of the space as a whole.

Anyway, yes, please, more about plants, containers, small-space gardening, etc.

You know, cows eat plants...

Meat is murder. Tasty, tasty murder.

;-)

Sorry to all the vegans for my last comment...I'm feeling rather sassy this morning and had to poke the tiger a bit.

I have a TON of plants in my home and always have. I adore them and my rooms would be nekked without them.

I would like an article about houseplants that look good AND are not tasty... for cats. I have a few plants but the last one I brought in became the newest stain on my chair

Monroe/Melba123, I am vegan.

Even if I weren't, and before I was, I still find dead animal skin distasteful and certainly not something to 'decorate' the home with.

I know I will be in the minority on this one, but I am just not into plants all over the place. This particular room is very pulled together and the plants fit well, but in general whenever I see a lot of plants I always think of an old lady house. Maybe it's the combo of a lot of mid-century modern furniture and long dangly plants, but my mind instantly goes to some memory of a basement estate sale. I have a dog. That's enough living, breathing, joy-distributing goodness for me.

thanks for the link sflily, but they're not quite what I had in mind. I should have been more specific:

- by smaller, I meant not landscape sized. windowsill pots are fine, but I'd also like something to house a 12" nursery pot.
- contemporary can be nice, but some style options would be great (most of what I find is either completely plain or very ornate and fussy).
- I would love, love, love glaze with depth and variation as opposed to the really opaque glazes. even some matte glazes can be very beautiful.
- non-ceramic options? I saw a woven basket planter in the last pottery barn catalog (but I'd prefer to support local artisans). metals, wood, etc. or any ideas for resourcing other objects?

please, someone make an entire post dedicated to this!

I like plants, but I can't keep them alive, so I don't have any at the moment.

people who attack the cruel, inhumane industry of animal slaughter are vegans.
so drop the lame comebacks.
sorry if it offends y'all that our vegan hearts are brimming with compassion & empathy.
yikes.

Ok, I have to say it.

To all those attacking the vegan pro-animal comments here:

Sorry if it offends you that we choose to accept the fact that animals are *breathing-thinking-learning-feeling-living* beings, just like us. Too bad some of us lack heart.
We have a right to voice our principles. And we will stand up for our beliefs when we see this unnecessary *pain & suffering* in the design industry.

We have a right to comment.

We are a minority so stop discriminating, battering, loathing, tormenting and assaulting the vegans of AT (a lion's share of carnivores are skillfully good at that!).
Enough with the bloodbath & hyprocrisy!

So go ahead and slit, slaughter n' skin Daisy the Cow *yourself* if you want her pelt so badly as a patterned rug on your floor.
I happen to think your Golden Labrador Retriever has a gorgeous coat.
Her hide would look lovely under my Georgie coffee table...
Hmmm. Touché

haha. Well said.
Plants and animals are great. Both are living, breathing specimens. Both are life.
I have never been one for cut flowers (or ponyskin, steak and leather handbags). They represent death to me.
It believe it is important to bring vitality and an energy of peace & aliveness to your space, your all-important home sweet home.

Didn't we just have a pro/con dead-things-on-the-floor post? Please can this post concentrate on: plants pretty.

I too would love to see more indoor plant/gardening/potting posts. As much as I love plants, most of mine are just sitting in rows on the windowsill because I can't quite get figure out how to better integrate them into the rooms.

One thing I love about this room is the big blocks of greenery.

Although I wonder if those ferns would tickle if you were sitting on the couch.

skimming through the comments, I really didn't notice any 'attacking' vegans...

what people did is pose the question, "why do people get offended to the point of commenting when AT posts a picture showing animal products in a more 'natural' state, but not when AT posts photos containing traditional leather products?"

I think this is a very valid question and one that should be able to be answered civil and intelligent manner. rather than becoming defensive and assuming that people are being hostile in asking this question, take this opportunity to educate others and present your argument. you certainly have the right to voice your opinions, and others have the right to question them.

also, not everyone who dislikes the use of hides and fur is a vegan, and that is why some people brought up the issue of hypocrisy. I, for one, have met many people who find fur offensive, but wear leather and eat meat. I am curious how this fits into their morals, how they are at peace with themselves, etc. there are many, many differing opinions about this subject: how is asking for clarification and explanation a bad thing?

Comments bombarding vegans and anti-fur advocates are scattered all over AT posts, not just here on "Adding Color with Plants" (sorry I have to chuckle)

The fur debate is not just isolated to cowhide, but the animal production industry in general which includes mink, ponyhide, rabbit, coyote, cats, dogs (you know about the Great Asian Fur Trade, right?).

To me, it is the inhumane treatment of animals which is disturbing on so many levels. I have seen with my own eyes the dark innards of the animal processing industry (my uncle-in-law --note: not blood related -- owns a mink fur farm/fur trapping company/ leather manufacturing tannery).
Oh my, how it changed my life.
It is a toxic industry in every respect, environmentally and ethically. From the lethal liming process of tannery, to the brutal speed of process line killings by use of captive bolt pistols and exsanguination, to the merciless conditions of live export, to savage foothold traps, to barbaric fisting of the pelts.
(Ever wonder why there are no windows at these places. Try to book a private viewing/tour. There are cold-blooded reasons why these sites aren't open to the public!)
Education is key. Seek and thou shall find.

I must respond to a statement.
And how is cowhide a more natural state than leather?
Odd. I find that a very compelling assertion.

The soft, furry, patterned hide becomes a visual reminder of what this area rug (so pliable and pretty under my freshly painted toes) once was: a living, breathing animal. Some rugs (gasp!) are even shaped in the silhouette of a splayed cow. The faux urban hunter: I didn't kill it, but it is fanned out on my floor just like I did. See, see!
For some people, this image temporarily reminds them of the atrocities of humankind to animals. For a fleeting moment, the cold hard truth slaps you in the face. Those spots, those markings, that pattern once belonged to...to... that beautiful cow I see in the field grazing on grass as I ride my bike in the countryside (one lucky cow to have that freedom might I add!). That cute cowlick, adorable face and curious eyes which can be described as like a "puppy dog". Mind the domestic correlation.
The leather industry has successfully desensitized people. There is no visual reminder like the bovine hide. The leather looks nothing like what once was the outer covering of a living, breathing animal (Oh God, a mental flash of Silence of the Lambs!)
Leather (and suede) are everywhere as they takes the shape and form of a Gucci handbag, a fetish whip, or a Barcelona lounge chair. The source of this leather jacket is conveniently forgotten.

A visual is the most profound trigger.
Who here grimaces at the sight of a whole pig rotating on a spit skewer? Or "pet preservation" via taxidermy? (oh come on, you want ole Cujo around forever!) Or the sight of stuffed pig intestine (aka haggis) on Robbie Burns Day?

I digress.
So how is asking for an explanation a bad thing?
It isn't. It's a wonderful thing. It means curiosity. All the world is a laboratory to the inquiring mind. Dig to get to the facts (that is where the delicious stuff is at!)
Discovery is the root of learning. Education molds and shapes our character, our perceptions and belief systems. This makes us who we are and why we insist on commenting on something that speaks to us in a compelling manner on Apartment Therapy!

Afterall everyone knows, in the words of Socrates, "the only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance".

So... if I study anatomy and work with farmers animal ethics, and have been in a slaughter house.... It IS OK for me to buy animal products. Glad I'm off the hook (so to speak)

2009sunshine, thank you for your very passionate response.

I've yet to personally see truly hostile comments against vegans/anti-fur advocates, (though I'm sure they do exist somewhere, I don't read every post, after all). however, I felt that people making accusations in *this* comment section, where there really weren't any 'attacks', was bringing unnecessary negativity to the discussion and appeared prematurely defensive.

and yes, for all of the reasons that you mentioned, it is easier for people to get offended by animal products in their more 'natural' state. but my question remains: why is this (the presence of obvious animal products) the only circumstance (that I've seen) that seems to warrant protest here at AT? many who comment assert they are vegans and against the use of any animal products, yet I only see such comments made when things like the cowhide are depicted. why when a leather chair is featured do the anti-animal product advocates not mention anything? if the comments were coming from people who feel that only fur is not 'PC' this would make sense-- they have no problem with leather, and thus would not comment. but it seems to me that the anti-animal product advocates only comment when the target is easy (i.e. when it's something fluffy that easily tugs at our heartstrings).

is it because even they have become desensitized? have they given up on that battle because it's too overwhelming? is it a strategy: leather is too accepted to fight, so we'll go after fur, an easier target, and slowly chip away at the industry that way? is it a sort of 'peace offering' or compromise? obviously, the reasons vary from person to person, but I always wonder what they are. I think the psychology behing what we choose to stand up for and what we accept passively is very interesting

also, sunshine, I'd like to make a note regarding your dialogue, which I sincerely hope you interpret as helpful and not hostile. I noticed that you, like many anti-fur advocates, frequently use violent imagery in your discourse. I recognize that, given, the subject, it is relevant and I am by no means saying that anyone should try to deny the existence of violence in the industry. I also recognize that the use of this violent imagery is often intentional, meant to 'shock people into reality' and force them to acknowledge said violence. this is often effective. however, I think that advocates such as yourself would also benefit by diversifying their argument style. many people, upon hearing/reading/seeing such things are so put off that they go into denial and refuse to hear anything you say. this can also lead to the negative stereotype that all anti-fur activists are extremists and cause people not to identify with them (similar to the fact that many women, despiste wanting equality, do not want to identify themselves as 'feminists' because the term carries a connotation of bra burning and man hating, among other things, which leads to lack of unity and lack of progress). I would encourage you to expand your arsenal to appeal to people on levels beyond their most primal, (their intellects, their morals, even their wallets), in the hopes or reaching more people.

but this isn't very design-related, is it?

This latest brouhaha reminds me of a tiff I had with a friend back in the early '90s. We were meeting at a bar. When I walked in wearing a vintage (circa 1943) coat with a fur collar, my friend scowled.

"Nice dead animal you've got there," she said. I looked her over, assessing her NEW leather jacket; NEW leather boots; NEW leather cowboy hat.

"How many animals did you have to kill for your outfit?" I asked, "because it looks fabulous."

To which she teared up, demanding, "Why are you ATTACKING me???!!"

So.... um... yeah. I don't think every person criticizing cow hides on AT (while remaining silent on leather couches and chairs because they're not furry 'n' cute) is a vegan. Just lame. Real vegans = good people.

P.S. I got rid of the coat. Last time I checked, my faux animal-activist friend was still wearing mass-produced leather. The end.

Ok. Here it is.
The big "HUH"
I don't fully understand the grounds of discussion/debate here.
Are we examining those who oppose cowhide, yet wear leather?
The notion of hypocrisy right? (Ironically, that which we don't fully know about!)
Rosenatti can attest as she experienced this deception first hand!
But how the heck do we know this about these "double standard" apartment therapy peeps based wholly on posts?
This is strictly hypothetical, unless there is a spycam somewhere unbeknownst to me (oh it would be shocking for you to see I am wearing... men's pajamas!).
Can we jump to conclusions if we don't know the facts?

And this leads me my comment.
Why do animal lovers/vegans/anti-fur/pro-animal life/PETA supporters dwell on the graphic existence of the animal slaughter industry?
Well it has everything to do with an adapted state of mind in popular culture...
It's called DENIAL. Easy, convenient denial.
The perfect disconnect.
The FACTS of how humans (mis)treat animals are indisputable and speak for themselves.
The principles of veganism is automatically a repellent for so many people as they simply do not want to know the ugly truth!

That is why vegans choose this harsh argument angle.
It's bloody, yes. Disturbing, yes. Intentionally.
What else is so compelling and persuasive than cold hard facts? Especially when they are so graphic. Ouch! Straight to the heart!
Here's a soft fact:
The footage and transparency of many animal factory-borne diseases like Foot and Mouth, Mad Cow and Avian Influenza have drawn attention to the dangers of raising animals for human consumption. We have learned the disturbing facts behind the spread of these diseases; bad things happen when humans mass produce animals for human indulgence. Many people have realised that the only way that they can protect themselves is to adopt a vegan lifestyle.

The argument should not offend, but the FACTS should.
That is a pillar of veganism.

People turn a blind eye to the brutal truth of the slaughter of animals. Why? For their own comfort & convenience. It's a fact. They protect themselves from any outside information so not to interfere with their very preserved way of life.
Just how INTENSE is the suffering we inflict on the animals we kill for human benefit? Do you REALLY want to know?
The disclosure and revelation of the horrors of animal slaughter could potentially unsettle your comfortable, guarded existence. It could even haunt you for the rest of your life! I am certain a tour of one of these animal processing plants would be indeed life-altering! (as sunshine2009 suggested)



The greatest ignorance is to reject something you know nothing about!
"To go into denial and refuse to hear anything you (vegans) say. this can also lead to the negative stereotype that all anti-fur activists are extremists and cause people not to identify with them"
There is nothing more frightening than witnessing ignorance in action! And the recipe for this perpetual blindness is to be satisfied with your opinions and content with your (limited) knowledge. What a shame.

Might I say, from personal experience, there is a very deep peace of mind that comes from removing yourself with the inherent violence of turning beautiful, living, feeling beings into butchered bodies.
To say "no" to that, to refuse to be a part of the horror and the slaughter that many of us turn away from releases you from that burden of guilt that so many experience - that low, constant, underlying hum that causes us to make every excuse in the book to JUSTIFY our actions, in order to release us from our complicity. To be released from that is nothing short of liberating - it's peace of mind. Yes, peace with oneself and my surroundings. I am at peace. Sweet heavenly Peace.

I am an advocate of nonviolence to all living things. But I also take the standpoint that veganism is a "green" way of living. And it proven that this lifestyle has a softer footprint. Another fact (gotta love truthiness! haha)

Sunshine made a strong point. Education is power!
It is important to learn about your world.
How do you impact this Earth and it's inhabitants?
Be informed about what is around you.
Look. Pay attention.

Now enough of this. This hide-boundedness is very old.
And this lack of tolerance is growing stale.
Go read. The more you learn, the more you will know.
If you take anything from my post (and I doubt anyone is wholeheartedly translating this vegan ramble!), trust me on that.
Ignorance is NOT bliss.

Oh and wear sunscreen.

lol. These comments!
In the words of Tony the Tiger:
"They're grrreat!"

;-p

liveinpeace, you either didn't take the time to carefully read what I wrote, or you didn't understand it.

I fully acknowledged that discussing the violence of the animal product industry can be effective. I specifically stated that the violence that exists should not be denied. I never said this style of argument should not be used.

what I did suggest (in a spirit of helpfulness) is that this argument not be the only method used to try to convince people not to use animal products (if that is an individual's wish).

for the exact reasons you carried on about-- that people like to go into denial and because violent arguments make them uncomfortable and thus even more likely to go into denial and that we are comfort-seeking creatures-- other argument styles may be more effective at times. the part of my discussion that you misquoted was, in fact, simply pointing out this tendency of denial. people make assumptions, they stererotype, they take the easy way out. you can't always fight it. but you can accept that it exists and then work with it.

people have a natural aversion to violent images-- some more than others. we recoil at blood and death and other 'gross' things. (this is often believed to be rooted in self-preservation: hanging around dead, rotting bodies can make you sick). some people have more tolerance for such imagery-- they are the people that can see the blood and relate it to the more important issue behind it: that of cruelty to animals. other people, however, will see the blood and completely turn away. they will close their eyes and plug their ears to get away from it, and consequently will not be exposed to the related cause.

it is also difficult to admit to playing a part in such violence, even if it is a passive role. people psychologically distance themselves (denial) to protect themselves, as guilt is not only an unpleasant feeling, it's also a harmful one. plus, nobody likes being told that they are wrong. to be confronted with the graphic reality, to be accused, to have the feelings of guilt suddenly become stronger, can have the adverse effect of causing the existing protective wall to be fortifed, the denial to double.

there's also the case of those who prioritize other things over the issue of animal rights (for a multitude of reasons). take, for example, the die-hard fashionista who loves wearing couture fur. she's made her choice and it would be difficult (though not impossible) to change her mind. she will likely role her eyes and tune out the rest of the argument.

and guess what: there are, in fact, people out there who do not believe that harming animals is wrong at all. some people think it is their right to do so. and true tolerance means tolerating that opinion, too, even if you find it absolutely revolting. but this doesn't mean that such people are 'lost causes.' with the right argument, even a person who thinks they can rightfully kill an animal may choose not to do so.

for these reasons and many, many more, one argument is simply not enough to make a difference. one could stand there and shake one's head and think 'how can people be so terrible and ignorant and go into denial?' and watch as nothing changes, or one can evolve and develop other strategies in hopes of finding something else that will be effective and erase that ignorance, where one method previously failed.

all people are like children: some will sit quietly and listen to everything you say. some are fidgety and might need to run a lap before they can pay attention. some need to see pictures, some need to read words. some need to be challenged, some need to be encouraged. but you shouldn't just say 'that child won't listen when I tell the truth!' and wonder why he can't learn. if you want the child to learn, you change how you teach him.

I don't expect anyone to agree with everything I've said. I put my opinions out there to be taken into consideration in the hope that someone might find them helpful on some level. maybe someone will only think I represent everything that is wrong with this debate, but hey, at least you can see what you're up against. and if you have an issue, ask a specific question. I view questions and challenges as opportunities to strengthen and refine my arguments and beliefs.