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Reach for the sun and the moon and the stars with unique wall art

January 2, 2012 By Kelly 1 Comment

metal wall art | sunburst and starburst home fashion designsInvite the sunshine in or let the night lights sparkle with wall art that features unique sunburst, star and abstract designs.

Metal wall art

While oil paintings and a family photo gallery are lovely ways to decorate your walls, you may want to consider unique metal wall art as an alternative. These pieces are available in a variety of shapes and sizes such as stars, sunbursts, snowflakes and flowing or geometric abstract designs that will add dimension and movement to your walls.
• When hung over the mantle, metal wall art will add color and texture to a fireplace. A flowing abstract design will soften the hard surfaces and edges of the fireplace and provide something that is pleasing to the eye.
• Add interest to a guest room or master bedroom with unique metal pieces hung over the headboard or dresser. A pretty starburst mirror will reflect the light and act as artwork at the same time.
• Metal wall items can be grouped together with photos or other interesting pieces to create a unique gallery effect in a hallway or on a large wall. For example, homeowners in the lone star state of Texas often feature a star in their homes. Group a collection of family photos together with a metal star to celebrate your home state or hang a star with a grouping of photos of the star quarterback or equestrian in your family.

Mirrors and clocks

Why hang an ordinary rectangular mirror on your wall when you can choose a framed mirror in unique shapes such as starbursts or snowflakes? An ordinary gallery clock becomes a unique piece of art with a face framed in metal. These unusual mirrors and clocks are not only attractive but they are functional as well.
• A fun sunburst mirror in the entryway makes it possible to take that final look before you walk out the door to make sure your scarf is on straight or your hair is combed. It also offers a friendly greeting to your arriving guests.
• Teenagers love unusual items. You can kill two birds with one stone by hanging a unique mirror that has been framed with a “cool” abstract metal design in your son’s bedroom. This not only acts as artwork in the space but just might encourage him to take a look in the mirror and maybe tuck in his shirt or hike up his pants. (Are we asking too much?)
• A grouping of unique metal framed mirrors is an affordable way to fill the space on a large expanse of wall. Celebrate the winter with snowflake shapes or combine the sun and stars in your little one’s celestial bedroom. The reflection of light will also brighten up a dark hallway, utility room or powder room.
• Add a bit of sunshine to your kitchen with a sunburst shaped gallery clock.

The next time you are in the market for artwork for your home, consider adding uniquely shaped metal wall art and clocks as an alternative to paintings and photographs.

Filed Under: Art, Decorating, Designer, Home Improvement, Home Improvement Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Sparkle and Shine Glass Bubble Chandelier

November 27, 2011 By Kelly Leave a Comment

bubble glass chandeliersLet’s face it…bubbles are just fun. They can seem magical defying gravity. Remember William Shakespeare’s words from Macbeth “bubble, bubble, toil and trouble….”? In every day life they can represent a relaxing time in the bathtub, fun in the park as a kid or romantic nights with champagne bubbles tickling your nose. What better way to bring the magic of bubbles into your home than with a glass bubble chandelier.

Lighting is a key element in the interior design of a home. It provides needed illumination for reading and other tasks, lights stairs and hallways for safety and can certainly affect the mood of a space. While somewhat whimsical in design, a glass bubble chandelier can still meet all those lighting needs. Use it in several rooms in your home to add a fun touch to a functional item. For example:

• Chandeliers are most often hung over a dining room table. These colorful spheres will create a magical reflection during meal time and enhance the overall décor of the room.
• A chandelier hung over the bathtub is truly a luxury. Place it on a dimmer and it can be used to read and relax in a bubble bath or will create a romantic spot for the two of you to wind down and reconnect after a hectic day. Note: Be sure to check with your local county regulations regarding lighting fixtures in the bath before you hang it over a water source.
• Children, especially little girls, would love a sparkly chandelier in their room. Imagine the dreams they can come up with while staring at the shiny bubbles hanging above them.
• Hang this glass bubble chandelier in your entry and create a wonderful space to greet your guests. It will certainly set the tone for the rest of the house.

No need to worry about whether this lighting fixture will work in your home. This unique chandelier is appropriate for many different design schemes. It will certainly enhance the shiny surfaces and sleek lines of a contemporary space but can create an unexpected surprise when used in a traditional setting. The unusual design, colors and materials used become a piece of artwork regardless of what your preferred design style is or where it is hung.

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Bringing Outside Gardens Inside With Terrariums

October 28, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

It is possible for you to enjoy the lush greenery of plants all year long through the use of indoor gardens, sometimes called terrariums.

A terrarium is defined as a small enclosure in which certain plants (and small animals) can be raised. Over time they actually create their own little weather system that makes it possible for the plants to receive the correct amount of moisture and humidity. Most indoor gardens are kept in a glass enclosure to allow the plants to receive proper light for growth and also make it possible for you to view and enjoy the garden. You might consider using fish bowls, glass bell jars, a dish with a cloche (clear glass cover) placed on top, an aquarium or other discarded glass pieces. Vintage iron furnishings with glass sides can house many plants and create a beautiful focal point in your home. An old metal birdhouse can be turned into an indoor garden with the addition of some glass sides and a removable top. Just be sure that your garden has a lid that can be removed to adjust humidity levels inside the enclosure.

Choosing the correct plants for an indoor garden is important and should be based on the amount of light and humidity that is available. Some species to consider are:

• Moss
• Ferns such as the delicate looking maidenhair and asparagus fern
• Ivy
• Succulents like the jade plant
• Household plants like philodendron and begonias
• African violets for sweet color

If unique and exotic is what you are seeking there are many species that can thrive in a terrarium setting.

• Consider the carnivorous Venus fly trap for a truly unique plant.
• The cobra lily will add an interesting shape to your indoor garden.
• In spite of the name, the rattlesnake Orchid is a beautiful plant.

For proper growth your terrarium should have a bottom layer of rock and gravel for drainage, a layer of moss to prevent soil from accumulating in the drainage area and a top layer of soil. It is important that your plants get along. If they are not compatible i.e. needing the same amount of light and humidity as well as type of soil, then your indoor garden will not survive.

If you have done your homework and chosen the correct plants, soil and enclosure your indoor garden will require minimum care and provide you with years of year round beauty.

Filed Under: Antiques, Eco, Flowers & Garden, Home Improvement Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Light Up Your Home With Unique Spherical Designs

September 28, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

Fall is upon us and with it comes shorter days that result in less natural light spilling into your home. While this can be cozy and inviting it can also make it difficult to perform tasks such as homework or just reading a book on a lazy afternoon. And, yes, candlelight can be romantic but most family dinners are more pleasant under proper lighting. Spherical lighting designs are a nice way to add some personality to your home and provide the necessary lighting at the same time.

This armillary globe lighting fixture will add a unique touch to your decorating as well as a bit of history. Very briefly, armillary globes were designed during the 2nd century BC by the Greeks to observe and measure the movement of the stars. The metal circles represent the equator and meridians and parallels and the ball in the center represents earth. Now that you know where this design came from the question is how can you use it in your modern day home?

• Even contemporary versions of this design have a celestial feel. For this reason, most children would enjoy having this light fixture in their room. It produces plenty of light for reading and homework and will cast unique shadows on the ceiling, perfect for some creative contemplation.

• Replace that standard chandelier in your dining area with something that is interesting to look at as well as functional. Any decorating style will benefit from the clean lines of globe lighting fixtures.

• A den or library seems like a natural spot for this spherical shape. It will provide the necessary lighting for reading and games and add a touch of history for anyone who recognizes the design.

• While historical in design, armillary globes are modern enough to be placed in an entryway, breakfast room or hallway of the most contemporary of homes. And how wonderful would this be hung over that master bathroom tub area?

Take a look around your home and you are sure to find many areas that can benefit from the interesting design of armillary and other globe lighting fixtures.

Filed Under: Architecture, Home Improvement, Kitchen & Bath Tagged With: , , , ,

Decorative Acid Stain Concrete | Unique and Classy

June 24, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

Concrete flooring and countertops are, in many ways, the new kid in town. While concrete has been around forever, using it in decorative ways on the interior of your home is a relatively new idea.

The advantages of concrete

Concrete flooring and countertops offer many advantages:

• Easy to maintain—a simple swipe with a damp cloth or broom is all you need to take care of concrete. You may need to reseal heavy traffic areas every couple of years but this is a quick and simple process.
• Durable—if properly installed, concrete will never wear out. Wood warps and buckles, tiles crack and come loose and carpeting shows dirt and wear quickly. These issues are never a problem with concrete.
• Eco-friendly—Concrete is made from all natural products and can include recycled items like plastic, marble, glass etc. In most areas, the products needed to make concrete are local, thereby eliminating the need for expensive delivery. It is resistant to mold and mildew and can even withstand some natural disasters like fire and storms, allowing it to be recycled later.
• Cost effective—your heating and cooling bills can be reduced as concrete is a natural regulator of indoor temperatures. It will absorb the heat during the day and slowly release it in the cooler evening hours.
• Allergen & toxin free—this is a great choice for flooring and countertops if anyone in your home suffers from allergies. Unlike other floor coverings, concrete does not harbor dust mites, does not release any toxins from glue or varnish and mold and mildew are not able to grow on concrete.

Customizing your concrete floor or countertop

There are many ways to infuse a bit of personality into your floor or countertop.
• An acid stain will give your floor a unique color and pattern. It is also possible to apply the stain in a pre-determined pattern to really customize your flooring.
• Add bits of recycled glass, mica chips, sea shells, recycled plastic, fossils, crystals or metal to your floor or countertop for an expensive, custom look.
• Concrete can be molded and poured into any desired shape.

When it comes time to replace your flooring or countertops, consider concrete. You will not only save money in the long run but the end result will be a beautiful one-of-a-kind focal point in your home.

Filed Under: Eco, Featured, Home Improvement, Kitchen & Bath Tagged With: , , , ,

Pool Fashion | The Essentials for Lounging in Style

June 8, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

pool fashion, lounging styleSummer is just around the corner and there is no better place to be during the hot, humid months than sitting poolside. Just looking at the beautiful blue water will cool you off. There are several ways to create that perfect backyard “getaway” and allow you to lounge in style.

A place in the sun

Seating and other furniture is an absolute necessity for outdoor comfort and lounging. Options range from a simple chaise on the patio to a full set of outdoor furniture that includes a sofa, chairs, even outdoor lamps and rugs.

Indoor/outdoor fabrics make it possible to decorate your outdoor space as beautifully as you decorate your interior spaces. These fabrics are available in dozens of colors and patterns and are often stain and mold and mildew resistant. Let your personal style show through as you customize your outdoor “rooms” with lounge chair covers, umbrellas, toss pillows etc.

When do we eat?

Dining outdoors is one of life’s little pleasures; not having to worry about breaking glass when outside is another. For total comfort stock your cabinets with these items.

• Tervis tumblers and other acrylic drinkware: Tervis tumblers are insulated, keeping your drink nice and cold, and can be personalized in many fun ways. Wouldn’t Dad love a mug with his favorite sports team logo or his family nickname inscribed?

• The selection of outdoor dishes and flatware ranges from simple white that goes with everything to plates that actually mimic the look of Italian pottery. Polka dots, stripes and floral patterns are available to mix and match with solids in a rainbow of colors.

• Cup holders and can wrappers: These simple items will keep your canned drink cold and prevent that annoying little pool of water that forms under a cold drink.

Relaxation 101

Having everything you need at arm’s length is the key to relaxation.

• Towels are an obvious necessity. Stack them poolside in an attractive waterproof container so they are available as soon as you step out of the pool. They can also be hung on a towel rack designed specifically for use outdoors.

• Furniture cushions and outdoor accessories can be stored in a poolside cabana, making them easily accessible when you do retreat to the backyard for a day of relaxation. The cabana also offers a great place to store swimwear and outdoor clothing and creates a spot for a quick, and private, change.

All that is left to do now is to pick your favorite book, grab a cold drink and head to the pool for a day of lounging in style.

Filed Under: Home Improvement, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Italian Pottery

May 17, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

italian pottery containersAre you interested in creating a beautiful garden setting for your home? One way to accomplish this is through the use of beautiful, hand cast Italian pottery.

Italian pottery is most often made from terra cotta clay or ceramic and is thought by many to be the best in the world. In fact, terra cotta means “baked earth” in Italian. Only the finest clay and the best firing techniques are used. This insures that your planter, pot, urn or other decorative item will retain its beauty and last longer than a less expensive item made in Mexico or China.

How to care for your Italian pottery

For those items that are to be used in the garden, it is a good idea to store them indoors during the winter months. At the very least, place them in a covered and protected area because freezing temperatures can result in cracks and discoloring. If you live in an area with mild winters, raising the planters a few inches off the ground and/or wrapping them with bubble wrap during the coldest months can help prevent any damage from the changing temperatures.

Before storing your pots, clean them with a mild detergent and scrub brush to remove any lime or algae buildup and make sure they are completely dry before putting them away for the winter. Even the best clay can break or crack so avoid stacking your items inside each other as they may break when it comes time to use them again.

How to use Italian pottery

There are many ways to use and display these beautiful pieces in and around your home.

• Group a collection of containers on a stair way, front porch or other area in your garden. Use different sizes and shapes for interest; place flowers in some and leave others empty to create a beautiful still life.

• Choose pottery with designs and colors that coordinate with your home’s architecture and/or interior design.

• Italian pottery pieces are just as beautiful when used indoors. Group a collection in front of your fireplace or on a bookshelf to add color and interest. Use a small pot as a utensil holder in the kitchen or to hold pencils on your desk.

Your Italian pottery pieces will add a touch of world travelled sophistication wherever you choose to display them and, with proper care you can enjoy these beautiful pieces for many years to come.

Filed Under: Antiques, Featured, Flowers & Garden, Home Improvement, Kitchen & Bath, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , ,

Contemporary Garden Design

March 25, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

contemporary garden designWhile the beauty of your garden most likely can be found in the flowers, plants and trees you have chosen, most outdoor spaces can be enlivened by the addition of modern design elements such as statuary, iron work and other decorative items. Spheres and orbs have long been a popular shape for garden art and are available in many different sizes and materials.

Add a bit of whimsy to the garden

A gazing ball placed anywhere in your outdoor living area adds interest and sparkle. While the story behind these mirrored balls is rooted in history (they date back to the 13th century) they work just as well in a contemporary garden as they do in a Victorian space. A true gazing ball is most commonly placed on top of a metal or concrete stand, but for real interest or a modern take on design, consider stacking different sizes on top of one another or grouping them together in a large bowl. The reflection cast by these glass balls will brighten any dark space so tuck one under a bush or place several among the limbs of a tree for a real party atmosphere.

No garden? No problem!

If you live in a high rise apartment building or have a suburban home where land is precious you probably do not have much of a garden area. However, it is still possible to add interest and color to a patio, deck or small yard. Group several sizes of mercury glass orbs in a corner to create a sparkling contemporary arrangement. If grass is non-existent in your yard, adding garden art to the area will enhance whatever ground cover you are using i.e. gravel, artificial turf, pavers etc. Placing rustic metal spheres around a water feature can provide a feeling of nature even in a small space. Large concrete balls add a very simple and modern artistic touch to any outdoor area

Circle of life

Circles, spheres, orbs….this shape is not new. It has been around since man first began recording messages and most likely represented the sun. It is a friendly, pleasing to the eye shape that can represent the passage of time (clocks), eternal love (wedding rings), even happiness (the iconic smiley face). If you are designing an outdoor space, consider using circles in your fencing and railing designs, tile work and furniture. This shape can then be repeated in your lawn art by floating glass spheres in the pool or fountain, placing a round sculpture in a courtyard or adding shaped and trimmed topiaries to your entry way.

The use of modern lawn art will add personality and interest to any outdoor space from a small and intimate high rise balcony to a large and sprawling back yard.

Filed Under: Architecture, Flowers & Garden, Home Improvement, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Spring Cleaning

March 22, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

fireplace summer screenThe history of spring cleaning is rooted in cultural and religious beliefs. For example, the Jewish people clean their home as a sign of respect during Passover (which is celebrated during springtime) and the Chinese believe that cleaning the home just before New Years (which arrives in Spring) rids the home of bad luck that may have accumulated during the previous year. For many of us, we just feel the need to clean, organize and spruce up our homes after a long and cold winter.

Fireplaces

The fireplace is a good place to begin your spring cleaning. When fall and winter arrive we make sure the flue is clean and load up on wood to burn. There is something so cozy and inviting about a fire on a cold and snowy or rainy night. But when springtime arrives we can’t wait to throw open the doors and windows and welcome the warmth and sunshine. We no longer desire a fire but we still have a large black hole in our living room to contend with. Adding a fireplace summer screen that visually represents the new season is a great way to decorate the fireplace. Birds, feathers, leaves and floral motifs can create an interesting focal point in the room and these designs are pretty enough to act as artwork in the space. Carry the bird theme throughout the room. There are lots of prints of birds available today as well as pillows, candle holders, and other accessories featuring our little feathered friends.

Organize

Spring is a time of renewal. Take the time to visit each room in your home and make several stacks of items to “renew” the space.

• The first stack will be items to be donated. This could be clothing, bedding, knick knacks, old holiday decorations, toys, cookware, tools, DVDs and movies.

• The second stack will be items to be discarded. Basically, any item that is not worthy enough to be given away should go in this stack. Anything broken or soiled should be thrown away.

• The third stack will be items to be recycled. Old magazines, books, glass, newspapers etc.

• The fourth stack will be items you intend to keep. Now you must find a place for these items. That could be storage bins, shelving, under bed storage, specific boxes designed to hold shoes, sweaters, cds, etc.

Spring cleaning and organizing your home now will free up time for you to enjoy the warm and carefree months of summer just ahead.

Filed Under: Eco, Featured, Flowers & Garden, Holidays & Crafts, Home Improvement, Kitchen & Bath Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Beach House Chic 2010 Top Picks

March 16, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

beach chic, turquoise aqua blue home decorThe color gurus at Pantone and the Color Marketing Group have declared turquoise as the “it” color for 2010. The relaxed coastal living lifestyle and this soothing blue color are a perfect marriage. Regardless of where you live; the coast, mountains or in the suburbs, you can add a touch of the coastal lifestyle to your home through the use of a few well chosen items.

• The interior of an abalone shell has a sparkling, iridescent quality to it with colors like pink, white, soft gray and blue. This is where you will find beautiful mother of pearl that is used to make jewelry and other items. But is it also possible to find many home décor items that feature this material. A mirror framed in abalone will add sparkle and interest to a powder room. Placing a beautiful abalone shell dish on a side table brings the feel of the ocean into the room. Votives that have been strung with mother of pearl add an extra touch of shine to your candles.

• Sea glass is simply broken pieces of glass that have been worn by the tumbling waves into smooth and colorful shapes. Commonly found in colors of green, turquoise, milky white and clear glass, candle votives and vases made from recycled sea glass are available. Use these colorful stones as vase fillers or scatter them on a dinner table for added ambience. What a great way to decorate your home and be environmentally responsible at the same time.

• To really brighten up your garden, choose containers finished in a beautiful aqua blue glaze that is reminiscent of the ocean. Tucked in amongst your earth tone pots, these containers will add a pop of unexpected color to any outdoor space.

• Mosaic tiles in beautiful shades of blue and aqua can create an underwater effect when used on shower walls, pool surrounds or outdoor furniture such as table tops.

The psychology of color tells us that cool aqua tones can be soothing and invoke feelings of calm and serenity. Touches of this color throughout your home just might help the stresses of everyday living float away until the time comes for your coastal getaway.

Filed Under: Eco, Flowers & Garden, Holidays & Crafts, Home Improvement, Kitchen & Bath, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , ,
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