Decorating with Peacock Taxidermy

There’s a title that is sure to appeal to all. Who isn’t looking for ways to integrate a peacock into their home decor?

Yesterday was the last Elkhorn Antique Flea Market of the year. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, and by the end of the day I had only bought a shallow blue and white bowl for $1. There were lots of old wood bins and metal organizers. Plenty of antique dressers and some mid-century modern pieces. Splatterware, mismatched china, and colorful glasses. Cool stuff, but nothing I really needed to own.

Then I saw the vintage peacock taxidermy.

The seller wanted $800 at the beginning of the day (which is fair — I have price-checked mounted peacock specimens out of curiosity before). I spotted it at the end of the day as vendors were starting to pack up and I offered the $293 I had on me in cash. Sold! Dare I say this is my best flea market score yet?

Now I need to figure out where to put him. I’ve seen a few examples where it’s almost tucked away, like ‘this old thing?’ but they are equally fabulous on a fireplace mantel. Let’s look, shall we? I have shared this photo before.

IMAGE: • Be Your Own Decorator, Susanna Salk • Design: Annie Brahler • Photography: Bjorn Wallander

Nonchalant in the corner. (I still have many butterflies that need to make their way into some sort of display too, maybe like that dome.)

IMAGE: Architectural Digest, Spain • Design: RP Miller • Photos: Belén Imaz

Amazing on a fireplace with graphic patterned tile.

IMAGE: Domaine • Design: Mat Sanders of Consort Design • Photography: Daniel Collopy

And Brandon says he can’t be worked into my seasonal decor changes! Psshaw.

IMAGE: • Lonny • Photography: Genevieve Garruppo

I think I need to figure out a better perch for mine to give it some height. Fireplace? Tucked away? Not sure yet, but I’m pretty excited.