Could It Be...a Humanimal?

Quirky for the sake of being quirky can be, well, a bore. But sometimes, a touch of quirkiness can be most interesting. I sometimes like to add something to my home that is a little off, perhaps a little odd, and a bit incongruous with the rest of the surroundings. You know, that thing that you look at and think "Well isn't that a little weird...but kinda wonderful too."

That's what I thought when I saw these very cool laminate trays at switchmodern, a very cool store here in Atlanta. At first glance, you might think the trays' designs are based on paintings by an Old Master. But look closely and you'll see that the subjects- mallards, zebras, birds, and monkeys- are posing and preening in all kinds of anthropomorphized settings: wearing an Elizabethan ruff; holding a shepherd's staff; even holding a glass with human hands.

What's great is that not only can you use these trays for serving, you can also hang them as art thanks to wall hooks. There are different sizes and shapes as well as a wide variety of subjects. I'm only showing the small bird trays here, but to see other trays, visit switchmodern's website.

Now, should I buy Achille, the socialite, seen at top? He looks like he's having a high old time. Or maybe Octavie, below. She's posed with peaches, something that is near and dear to this Georgia girl's heart.



Honore, the gentleman.



Islid, the noblewoman.



Octavie, the peeress.



Rosita, the maiden.


All images courtesy of switchmodern