Interior Designers Run Amok

The item pictured above, currently offered for sale by Ballard Designs, is called a "seashell topiary." Ballard Designs has taken a classic piece of garden design--the topiary, which is a plant that has been trimmed into a particular shape--and turned it into what resembles a freakish beehive hairdo that has been attacked by a swarm of killer hermit crabs. Bravo! Like most interior design disasters, you will notice that this item smacks of crafty creativity, is meant to be part of a themed room (indeed, you can also purchase a lovely matching seashell wreath), and has absolutely no function beyond provoking the occasional furrowed brow of a visitor. I hereby present it with Jeni's Award for Tackiest Design Item.