So, while catching up on some favorite blogs yesterday I ran into a post by Young House Love that joked about a designer trend: elephants in every room. The story made me laugh because I, too, have quirky decorating dreams—but it also prompted a confession.
I realized I have my own elephant collection. In fact, I have a whole stack of white elephants in my living room.
Dun dun dun… there it is: a white elephant (actually several) taking up residence in my living space. They’ve been with me for years—originally my mom’s, and then passed down. Our family has traveled widely—visits to Africa, time spent in Thailand—so we’ve collected a range of unusual pieces from around the world. These elephants fit right in with that mix.
The black Chinoiserie cabinet nearby (the photo is a little blurry) came from Thailand, a memento from my grandfather’s time overseas in the military. Paired with the carved elephants, the arrangement feels cohesive. I love the gold ship detailing on the cabinet and the intricate carving; together they spark thoughts of travel and adventure.
My stack of elephants was probably bought here in the U.S., but the design is inspired by global travel and culture. I like surrounding our home with objects that carry a sense of history and lived experience—pieces that tell a story.
Even so, at times the elephants strike me as an unexpectedly random choice for my coastal/farmhouse/cottage/eclectic Northwest craftsman home. It’s an odd visual—but in a good way.
I mean, who places a four-foot-tall elephant statue in a Seattle craftsman with coastal and farmhouse influences? Who does that?
ME. THAT’S WHO.
Do you have any funny, random “elephants” in your room?
I truly enjoy having a few quirky, unexpected items around the house—those objects that make me smile or prompt friends to tilt their heads and ask, “Why?” They serve as great conversation starters and bring personality to a room. A carefully chosen oddity can make a space feel lived-in and authentically yours, and for me, the stack of elephants does exactly that.