What can you do with a birdcage?

Birdcages were created to be homes for birds, but in today's design world, very few objects have to be used for their original purpose. We see this all the time at 505; a console table becomes a minimalist's desk, a dresser becomes a bathroom vanity, and a bookcase (with a shelf or 2 removed) becomes a plasma tv cabinet.

I happen to love a particular birdcage that we sell at 505, and I just wanted to see how many different objects from the store that I could put in it...besides a bird, of course. (I could have been dusting the furniture or putting out accessories but this was just WAY MORE FUN!!)

















You really need a birdcage, so you can play like this, too. Change it with the seasons, fill it up with fruit, or shells, or candles...or use it for a bird or a frog. Just get yourself a birdcage.

Peacock Feathers Have Floated In

If your favorite design concept includes a little splash of the bohemian spirit, then you'll love the new peacock feathers that just floated into 505. We have hundreds of feathers and they aren't just your standard peacock feather either. Some of the feathers have dyed spines (red or lime green), some are bleached to a beautifully pale golden color, and some are are brilliant colored swords (yes, we have right and left swords!!!)

Peacock Feathers with red spines have a lot of pizazz!!!

I can't decide if I like them more than the lime green, but both would be beautiful at Christmas!

The right and left peacock swords are a brilliant blue/green color and look great in small vases, wreaths, and arrangements.

But my personal favorite are the bleached feathers with their velvety champayne display of monocromatic chicness!!

Look how a cluster of the feathers dress up a table with beauty and simplicity.

And if you think all the peacock feathers are beautiful, just wait until the other peacock items start showing up at 505!! (peacock chair, peacock vase, peacock fireplace screen, linen wall art with peacocks, metal peacocks, and carved peacocks with botanicals and feathers) Yes, I (reluctantly) admit I have a peacock problem, but...I don't think I'm the only one!

Oh, wow, I just remembered that two years ago I even designed a peacock bed. Perhaps there are some serious issues here!!

Animal Prints are Still Hot!!

Will animal prints ever go away? I really don't think so...they seem to have a life all their own and creep into every design style and room setting. Actually, today's animal prints are recognized as a design "neutral" and can be meshed with french country, rustic, traditional, modern, bohemian,--basically all styles of decor.

From rugs to upholstery to vases, exotic animal prints show up everywhere in design and make a room more luxe and fabulous! (You'll find them all over 505!!)

Check out the animal print rugs from Surya.

Pure white cow hides can be stenciled to look like a zebra rug.

Black and White Zebra Sunbrella Fabric is beautifully
displayed on performance pillows that can be used indoors or out.

A soft cheetah print updates an upholstered dining chair.

A tiger striped vase with rattan details is created from the eco-chic company, Palecek!!

Sometimes the animal print shows up
.....on the animal himself!!!

A Coastal Moment...

Each time I blog (and now it's starting FOR REAL...not like my pretend blogging experience of over a year ago) I want to show a small slice of the inspiration that I give and receive from 505.

There is such beauty in the small details of all the globally inspired objects that grace our bookshelves, tabletops, and cabinets, and I wanted to share some of those moments with you.

The coastal section of 505 is speaking to me right now...see if it excites you as well.


Coastal + splashy shells


Coastal + Brilliant Color

Coastal + Metallic Glamor

Coastal + Fun


Coastal + Mysterious Shadows


Coastal + Soothing Nature


Coastal + Bling


You don't have to live on the coast to enjoy the beautiful nature-inspired designs that come from the land and the sea.