Global Styling: Birdcages in Decor

I abhor birds. More accurately, I abhor anything that was birthed out of an egg. I think it´s because I used to live in NYC and I´d occasionally have to do a little sidestep on my morning commute to avoid a mangled pigeon on the sidewalk. Also, when I was 6, I was under the giant pine in our Wisconsin backyard and for some reason I looked straight up into the branches and got shit in my eye. That was also my first run-in with eye drops, which I also hate. (Thank you for this moment of therapy, I promise I have a point.)

Ever since the Mercado de Pulgas I´ve been thinking about what I could do with all those lovely birdcages (sans birds, of course). How do you keep the birdcage looking visually rich and globally-inspired rather than shabby-chic meets suburbia?

I prefer the shock of unexpected elements to a room. The more grandiose, the better. I love how the scale of this oversized birdcage forces me to pay attention to the lines of what is essentially mini-architecture.

I love the idea of a collection of birdcages. A large group that´s big enough to make a visual statement, create symmetry and draw your eye into new lines and shapes.

The combination of these very rigid and straight Chinese chests alongside the voluptuous lines of antique birdcages is brilliant. With the addition of a few colorful throw pillows, I would say this room is pretty close to perfection.

Again, a collection of antique birdcages in a cluster like this add warmth to what could have easily become a space too clean and perfect.

And, of course, you know I would love any type of birdcage that reminds me of Mughal architecture or the Taj Mahal. This one (above) comes from a hotel in Morocco.

Its amazing how a simple vignette suddenly feels exotic with the right looking birdcage.

I'm still not sure why birds on the loose freak me out, but this photo of birdcages in a city park (in Guangdong, China) makes me smile every time. Take note, New York.

Image Sources: 1. via Rajee Sood; 2. via The Style Files; 4. via Living Etc.; 5.via Interior Design; 6. Photo by Maryam via MyMarrakesh; 7. via Shoot Factory 8. via The Travel Stylist; 9. via Sunday In Bed; 10. via DigsDigs; 12. Photo by Gedawei via Flickr

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