I've been milling over the 'animalia' trend that popped up at the Milan Furniture Fair this year, and wondering whether I could live with it. Animals are continually appearing everywhere in design. I wonder if it's supposed to bring out our more compassionate sides!

The designs have been nothing short of humorous and playful, but if the thought of drying your beach towel on a deer (in the form of a radiator) is a little overwhelming (see below), then these current finds might just take your fancy.

from Guus Leeuwen's Domestic Animals collection at www.gewoonguus.nl

Hummingbird Plate by Chik, $79.95 each. 0401 529 670 www.chikdesign.com.au

Animal cushions by Orson & Blake design, $145 each, Orson and Blake www.orsonandblake.com.au

I'm coveting the ceramic Hippo by Jonathan Adler, $655, from Orson & Blake. I love the patterned surface detail, and the absence of colour is simply divine.

Whilst on the subject of white, I spotted the most gorgeous display at a friend's house in London. Interiors stylist Jo Barnes www.jobarnes.co.uk has hung a Bamileke feather headdress in pure white above her fireplace and it looks so stunning with an array of ceramic white vessels underneath it. You can order one from Safari Fusion. Bamileke Feather Headdress in White, $595 www.safarifusion.com.au 0416 037 117.