Having a Design Moment: Pink Flamingos
These showy birds have migrated back into home decor
Scrolling through my Instagram feed recently, I spied Reese Witherspoon wearing a darling flamingo dress and Neiman Marcus touting a dazzling new Judith Leiber flamingo bag. It confirmed what I suspected — flamingos are back in style. And when it comes to home design, it’s been a roller-coaster ride for the flamboyant birds.
Over the Bar
Even those who still think pink flamingos are tacky will likely give them a pass when they are used for over-the-top, tropical and happy Palm Beach style. And this writer admits she once bought a giant book because it had this particular fantastic flamingo on the cover of it and she wanted to leave it out on her coffee table to admire. It’s by John James Audubon, and it’s called “American Flamingo.” Can you imagine what the first sighting of a bird like this must have been like?
If you’re thinking about bringing in some flamingos but aren’t ready for plastic yard art, ease in with a copy of it.
Browse bird posters and prints
Even those who still think pink flamingos are tacky will likely give them a pass when they are used for over-the-top, tropical and happy Palm Beach style. And this writer admits she once bought a giant book because it had this particular fantastic flamingo on the cover of it and she wanted to leave it out on her coffee table to admire. It’s by John James Audubon, and it’s called “American Flamingo.” Can you imagine what the first sighting of a bird like this must have been like?
If you’re thinking about bringing in some flamingos but aren’t ready for plastic yard art, ease in with a copy of it.
Browse bird posters and prints
In the Kitchen
A quick passing glance makes this kitchen seem kind of serious and buttoned-up. But on second glance a flamingo perched on one leg, a disco ball and a variety of chair colors hint that not all is as it seems.
A quick passing glance makes this kitchen seem kind of serious and buttoned-up. But on second glance a flamingo perched on one leg, a disco ball and a variety of chair colors hint that not all is as it seems.
In the Living Room
A large flamingo painting sets the tone in this colorful living room and surely is a conversation starter.
Painting: Kimberly Godfrey Art
A large flamingo painting sets the tone in this colorful living room and surely is a conversation starter.
Painting: Kimberly Godfrey Art
In a Kid’s Room
Flamingos have such a strong presence that you really only need to spring for one accent wall. This room’s design is a pleasing balance between whimsy and modern graphics. The flamingo artwork layered on top of the accent wall full of them is a savvy touch.
Flamingos have such a strong presence that you really only need to spring for one accent wall. This room’s design is a pleasing balance between whimsy and modern graphics. The flamingo artwork layered on top of the accent wall full of them is a savvy touch.
The tall bird is a happy mascot in this girl’s bedroom.
Flamingo cushion: Funky Cushions; wallpaper: Miami pattern in teal, Albany Wow 2015 Collection
Flamingo cushion: Funky Cushions; wallpaper: Miami pattern in teal, Albany Wow 2015 Collection
In the Nursery
This particular flamingo wallcovering isn’t as bold as the previous one and adds softness and whimsy to all the walls in this room. The amount of white space and color blocking make this playful, themed room more sophisticated.
Wallpaper: Flamingos 95/8045, Cole & Son
This particular flamingo wallcovering isn’t as bold as the previous one and adds softness and whimsy to all the walls in this room. The amount of white space and color blocking make this playful, themed room more sophisticated.
Wallpaper: Flamingos 95/8045, Cole & Son
In the Bathroom
Here the Audubon flamingo has been printed onto tile. The accent wall has become quite the topic of conversation in this Victorian home, and the homeowner says it’s one of those love-it-or-hate-it kinds of things. (She loves it, which is all that matters.)
Flamingo tiles, Surface View
See more of this home
Here the Audubon flamingo has been printed onto tile. The accent wall has become quite the topic of conversation in this Victorian home, and the homeowner says it’s one of those love-it-or-hate-it kinds of things. (She loves it, which is all that matters.)
Flamingo tiles, Surface View
See more of this home
Place a flamingo sculpture in an unexpected place. If this lovely bathroom was in danger of looking a little stiff or bland, a life-size flamingo standing guard over the tub quickly put that to rest.
If you don’t have room for a standing version, try a smaller one on a windowsill for plenty of charm.
See the rest of this home
See the rest of this home
In the Playroom
Kooky and playful flamingo trophies look ready to fly right off this playroom wall.
Kooky and playful flamingo trophies look ready to fly right off this playroom wall.
On the Porch
Roll out a flamingo rug on your sunporch or indoor/outdoor spaces. The saturated colors of this rug flood a room with tropical cheer. This particular rug is durable enough to use on a screened-in porch or covered porch.
Rug: Company C
Roll out a flamingo rug on your sunporch or indoor/outdoor spaces. The saturated colors of this rug flood a room with tropical cheer. This particular rug is durable enough to use on a screened-in porch or covered porch.
Rug: Company C
The silhouette of a flamingo perched on one leg makes for a strong pillow that belongs right in the middle of this wicker settee.
See the rest of this home
See the rest of this home
In and Around the Pool
Giant pool float swans and rainbow unicorns are almost ubiquitous these days. But it takes a special floater to opt for the pink flamingo.
Giant pool float swans and rainbow unicorns are almost ubiquitous these days. But it takes a special floater to opt for the pink flamingo.
In the Yard
Now that you’re warmed up with some more sophisticated flamingos, let’s take another look at the original yard ornaments. They add happy bursts of color to this poolside bamboo stand.
Browse yard art
Share: Are you ready to allow this lovely bird back into your home or yard? Please share with us in the Comments!
More
South Beach Style: What It Is and How to Get It
10 Ways to Bring Palm Beach Fun to Your Pad
10 Reasons to Love a Pink Bathroom
Now that you’re warmed up with some more sophisticated flamingos, let’s take another look at the original yard ornaments. They add happy bursts of color to this poolside bamboo stand.
Browse yard art
Share: Are you ready to allow this lovely bird back into your home or yard? Please share with us in the Comments!
More
South Beach Style: What It Is and How to Get It
10 Ways to Bring Palm Beach Fun to Your Pad
10 Reasons to Love a Pink Bathroom
Almost immediately after Union Products sculptor Don Featherstone designed a pink plastic flamingo in 1957, his cheerful tropical birds adorned many yards. But then they hit the tipping point and became a symbol of tackiness.
Now the yard flamingo is not so much tacky as it is beloved iconic kitsch. And all kinds of renderings of the Phoenicopterus ruber are having an even bigger moment than when a flamboyance of them graced the dramatic opening credits of Miami Vice. We’ll take a look at how they are adding happy touches all over the house.