Chelsea's Garage: decorating with antlers

May 21, 2013

Refinished antlers

~All pieces available for sale can be found here~

A couple weeks ago I posted this picture of some antlers that I snagged at a flea market for $7, (despite my husband's efforts to leave them behind).

I don't think there are many hard rules with decorating. We don't have an obvious home decor style for antlers...but why not throw them in the mix? What caught my eye with these was that the horns had been sitting outside for what seemed like a while and were nicely weathered. I painted the plaque Old White by Annie Sloan Chalk paint, and recovered the red velvet fabric with antique linen.

Here they are on display in our bedroom!

More additions to our bedroom coming soon.:)

~Chelsea

May 10, 2013

For my doubting husband: Decorating with antlers

So, a few weekends ago my husband, Matt, and I spent a beautifulperfectwonderful weekend away in Harpers Ferry, WV. We had perfect weather, a beautiful place to stay, (the Anglers Inn B&B), hiked the Appalachian Trail to a breathtaking overlook, played Yahtzee, and spent time being lazy and enjoying each other's uninterrupted company.

Our reward after a good climb: the Maryland Heights cliff overlooks the quaint town of Harper's Ferry.

When one of our afternoons slowed down and we had already taken a little nap on the porch swing, we ventured over to the Pickers Paradise flea market. Since we arrived near closing time there wasn't much left.

Then I found antlers. Could. Not. Contain my excitement.

Matt couldn't contain his disbelief that I would want antlers.

So around and around we went. I couldn't make him picture how they could look in our home. And for all of his amazing gifts and talents, seeing potential in certain objects isn't a particular strong suite of his. Sorry, love, but you know it's not.:) After I bargained the price of my antlers from $10 to $7, I won him over. Well, won might be a strong word. He still wasn't thrilled. But he (halfheartedly) agreed to take a picture of me with my prize.

Meet my 8-point buck for less than 8 bucks

So, I am still working on bringing my antlers up to par with the decor in our home. In the mean time, I thought I would share some inspiring photos of how others have accented their homes with antlers. I like these pictures because the spaces are not overly rustic or even remotely themed around hunting and game. Yet, the antlers work. They're architectural and interesting.