I love a great bust!! One of my go to design staples is a fabulous bust; you know a sculpture or cast representation of the upper part of the human figure, you weren’t thinking I was speaking of the latest sculpted bust on The Real Housewives were you?
A classic bust will usually include the head and neck and sometimes a small portion of chest and torso all supported on a plinth or base. The sculpted pieces recreate the likeness of an individual, usually someone famous, someone mythological, or some former president, poet or philosopher. Some famous busts that are easily recognized include Queen Nefertiti, Apollo, Shakespeare, and Caesar. Busts are available in a wide range of material including marble, bronze, clay, wood and plaster.
Busts and classical figures are truly timeless objects d’art, therefore they will work fabulous in just about every design genre – whether juxtaposed in a modern or eclectic environment or right at home in a traditional space. They can look quirky or serious. Nothing is more glamorous and dramatic then a bust or a sculptured head in an unexpected place in your home. They can be set on top of a piano, pillar stand, table top, counter top or even laid on the floor. They are versatile and elegant and can also have a sense of humor. How about a plaster bust of Apollo on the kitchen counter top wearing a chef’s hat? How about a clay bust that is slightly broken lying in your garden or even on the dining table amongst a collection of candlesticks? Never overlook a broken item and sometimes these pieces with their imperfections become the most creative and eye-catching pieces in a room. I personally have a broken bust laying on my dining table.
Consider these ideas. How about a bronze bust stood upright inside your fireplace (above the fireplace on the mantel works too but is definitely predictable) that keeps looking better and better after every flame licks its metal skin? What about a his and her bust on either end of your bed or a Venus de Milo bust wearing your favorite necklace on the dresser? How about a golden bust of Michael Jackson sitting on your bar top? Have some fun with these characters and manipulate them in a > way that adds a sense of chic whimsy to a room. Bathroom counter tops, in your library bookshelves, a foyer table, and even on the floor next to your favorite chair can be fabulous spots to play head games.
Shop for busts on line and at your favorite décor stores. Art stores often carry raw plaster busters which can be left au natural or painted a solid colour, gilded or really funky’ed up with crazy painted details. Secondhand, vintage and estate sales are also great spots to discover busts. Trust, you need a bust at home!
