Tuesday Trend- Foo Dogs

Although I've been back home for about a week, my design mojo is still in Thailand.  

After last week's buddha trend, this week I'm on to... Foo Dogs!

Foos from Wat Pho, photos by me

These figures actually go by several names, though Foo or Fu Dog seems to stick here in Amurrica.  However, they're technically not dogs at all.  These statues originated in Chinese design as guardian lions, symbols of protection, that sat at the entrance to Buddhist temples and rich people's homes.  In Thailand, every single wat we visited had at least a couple of these bad boys, which are always presented in pairs as a representation of yin and yang.  Ahhh, deep.

At any rate, they're kinda funny lookin' so I love them.  From a design perspective, the renewed interest in Asian design and Chinoiserie means foos are all over the ever-pinning internet.  Check it out:

Tuesday Trend- Buddhas

via

I have buddhas on the brain after visiting Thailand.  As a country that is over 90% Buddhist, the image of the buddha is sacred and, literally, everywhere.

Riding the wave of Asian-influence in contemporary design, it's no surprise that Buddha has become a decor trend.  I admit, I had to jump on board and bought a pair of white stone buddha wall hangings.  He's just such a peaceful dude, I like his style.

As you're viewing these rooms keep in mind, it's not the size of your buddha but the fine in your design that really matters.  Riot on: