Decor

Naughty and Nice: Skull Motifs Head into Our Homes

There’s no skullduggery at play! Fashion design trends are often precursors for home decor. Bring in the skulls 

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Credit: Courtesy Graham & Brown

Courtesy Graham & Brown

Graham & Brown offers a skull flock wallpaper designed by Barbara Hulanicki

Fashion design trends are often precursors for decor and accessories, and it appears that skull motifs are heading inside our homes

Blame fashion designer Alexander McQueen who brazenly bedecked delicate chiffon scarves and luxe leather wallets with a skull motif. (Women couldn’t get enough of them!) Whether his work was an influence or not, I keep coming across skulls in home decor. And, much to my surprise, these dead heads are starting to grow on me.

We’re not talking about one-offs (who could forget Philippe Starck’s Soprano-esque uzi and handgun lamps?) but a veritable graveyard of skulls staring unblinkingly on items produced by celebrated designers.

Barbara Hulanicki Chooses Skull Motif for High-end Wallpaper

British wallpaper manufacturer Graham & Brown hired Barbara Hulanicki, founder of the Biba fashion house, to design a contemporary capsule collection of flock paper.

And, along with her signature art nouveau pattern, Hulanicki created a bold pattern of skulls (sans crossbones) set askew. 

“I love the almost shock element that you don’t instantly see the skull design unless you really look at the paper,” says Hulanicki. She jokes, “This wallpaper would be particularly good in the guest loo!”

Pirates are Still Hot: Skull & Crossbones are Kitschy Cool

Speaking of skulls and loos, thanks to kitschy Kikkerland Design Inc., you can out your inner pirate with a Jolly Roger flag shower curtain.

Or why not welcome your guests with an equally quirky door mat? After all, as Johnny Depp so aptly illustrated, pirates are still hot.

John Derian Decoupage Goes Beyond Birds and Bees

On a more serious design note, The Cross, a favourite Yaletown haunt filled romantic crystal chandeliers, vintage Louis chairs and luxurious linens, has a little edge in store, too.

Look for a Trademark Skull & Bones round plate and crystal dome paper weight from master of decoupage, John Derian. 

Edgy Entertaining

Richmond’s Torre & Tagus Design carries an array of skull-themed items perfect for adding a little rock ‘n rock vibe to any party.

Find metal cocktail picks and stir sticks crowned with a wee shiny head, or top your table with a glass skull candle holder.

And don’t forget the matching set of salt and pepper shakers.