February 03, 2008
Pottery and Vases
Choosing a decorative vase to display more than just flowers
Mango wood and bamboo vases - These carved vases are done by hand from mango wood with outstanding precision, adding golden accents in dramatic patterns. They are normally used as a floor decoration when you have a corner that needs to be filled.
- For more details and information on other materials or where to buy a decorative vase - go here to decormotif.com decorative vases and view more pottery, ceramic and glass vases.
Ceramic Vases - Lulli Luca paints images inspired by pre-Hispanic art, while demonstrating his own knowledge of feline behavior. The lovely designs grace a hand-crafted ceramic vase with the design drifting on warm terracotta, geometric cats raise their tails in greeting and smile enigmatically. Decorative accessories are furnishings that really show your artistic side and look good as a decorative accent for the living room.
Loral and Hurricane fused glass collection - Bold colors fill this vase with the artistic exuberance of Brazilian elegance. These decorative hand blown vases are works of art that you can proudly put on display in your home.
Modern metropolitan Collection - this grouping is from the Chulucanas region is a land of potters, sun, and dust clouds. Each day brings a renewed willingness to work the earth with the hands. Sculptured ceramics with diverse representations of everyday life in the north, as well as other motifs of celestial fancies and exquisite aesthetics.Waterford crystal vases designed by lismore, 7", 9", 10 and 11". These are all very beautiful crystal vases to display on a table or shelf.
Go here if you would like to see all cheap waterford crystal lismore vases .
Posted on 07:32 PM | Details | Comments (0)November 24, 2007
Living room decor
Living room decorating ideas using interesting accents and furnishings that bring color and texture to a room
Many times people think that the main feature of this room is the furniture and this is where try to draw their decorating ideas from. In reality your living room furniture is only noticed for a minutes when someone enters the room. Go here for more information about decorating a living room and to buy buy accents and furnishings for your living room.
Once people are seated comfortably they pay more attention to what is directly in front of them than they do with what they are sitting on. This is where your modern or contemporary coffee tables and table centerpieces come into their own.
Watch people at your next dinner party or family gathering. Look at how they interact and what they do when the conversation seems to die down. If they are gathering in a certain area, notice if the lighting is brighter there. If it is, it could mean you need to add a floor lamp in another part of the room, sea gull lighting and murray feiss have the best designs. To give this room a nice warm feeling add a floor lamp beside a sofa table with a nice piece of glass art on it. See our review of home lighting stores to see which online retailer has the best selection.
People will start to look at what you have as a collectible or what you are displaying on your tables and shelves. These items usually can strike up an interesting conversation just by being in their field of vision. When displaying accessories in the living room whether it's on shelves or in cabinets it is much better to be minimalistic (no I am not sure that's a word either) but you get the point. A few things displayed well is better that a whole bunch of items that make things too busy so you can't appreciate what is really there. A home decor store will do this when trying to catch your eye to buy a certain item. The item is left alone so that you can take in its full value as a decorative piece.
Area rugs for example - it is said that the first thing someone notices about another person is their choice in shoes. So if people are looking down a lot why not have a beautiful floor covering like a Persian area rug for them to look at. There is more information about Persian rugs here.
Floor vases and other art displayed around the room can give it a more formal and interesting look. Review where to buy decorative vases here.
A bowl with ceramic beaded fruit for instance usually sits in the center of a table. The store is not really promoting the table as much as they are trying to get you to buy the decorative glass fruit. The fruit colors are what catches your eye first and then the shape of the bowl. Because more people look at and buy these accents than they do tables and chairs. If they can sell you the glass bowl as well then it was a good decorating idea and the proper way to display an accent. You should use this decorating technique in your every room of your home.
September 23, 2007
Tea Box
Are you a tea connoisseur?
Whether you like flavored teas or just the richness of an original blend, why not display your best teas with a certain amount of sophistication! This decorative tea box is a great addition to your kitchen or on a serving tray. It is nice enough to have on your table as a display item.
Price today. $49.95 This will make a nice Christmas Gift
Click here to buy this tea box
This wood laminate tea box comes with brass brass hardware and a see through glass top. It measures 4 inches high x 13 5/8 inch wide x 7 1/4"deep. This decorative box will hold a lot of tea.
The dark rich finish gives this decorative wooden box a very elegant look to it. It would be a nice display piece in the kitchen or on a coffee table in the living room. Tea is not included.
May 30, 2007
Large vases to place on the floor
- For more details on where to buy any of these large floor vases and a selection of glass or stone vases go here.
The green with mocha ribbing finish on the first large vase will complement any table color creating the perfect combination for your home. For a nice decorative vase to place on a coffee table or end table this piece would make a great addition.
The middle vases are made of natural woven seagrass and are finished in a dark coffee stain. The glossy black accents add a beautiful color contrast. Both of these vases have removable lids.
The third pictured group of large floor vase is made of wood and finished in a bold, red/orange rust with outstanding olive bronze details. It would go well with any color of flooring you had in your home. It comes in a set of three.
Posted on 12:03 AM | Details | Comments (0)April 30, 2007
Desktop world globes
Do you sit at a desk or a boring work staion. Ever wondered what type of desk accessory you could have that would impress the other people in your office.
Take a look at this tabletop world globe by stellanoma. This is a very cool world globe from Stellanova thatt levitates between two magnets for a very interesting visual effect. It has a metallic gold and brown finish which would match most home of office decor. Total height is 8 inches and the globe is 4 inches in diameter.
View all tabletop and desk globes here
If you want to see other world globes or maps of the world in much large sizes go to your main home decor site and view all world globes.
Posted on 08:38 PM | Details | Comments (0)March 15, 2007
Room dividing screens
How do you make a large room to appear smaller without having to add a wall?
With a room dividing screen! Room diverds are an excellent way to create more privacy in a large living room when it is connected to a dining room. Many homes are built today with one large common room that is shared as a livingroom and as a dining area.
The biggest problem with this style of home is it is very hard to decorate one part of the room to look different than the other. What you want or need in the dining room may not match with your decor in the living area. A decorative rooom divider will solve this problem by creating a partition it will appear that these are two individual rooms.
For more information on room dividers go to this page about room dividing screens.
For teenagers that have to share a bedroom with a younger sibling a room dividing screen can save many arguments from even starting. They will give each child a space of their own. Its better than drawing a white line down the center of the room.
Posted on 04:44 PM | Details | Comments (0)January 07, 2007
What happened to my walls
I took down all my christmas decorations of my walls in the living room and family yesterday. Got up this morning and the first thing I noticed that living room seemed to be empty. This I am sure is because I no longer have any wall decor left and haven't replaced it with my normal boring stuff.
This has inspired me to have my first new years resolution to update the walls in my home with something that is unique and interesting. I am going to start with glass art and african masks mainly because they are really cool and none of my friends have thought of it.
After that I am going to strip off all my wallpaper and use this years new colors. I am finding wallpaper is just too busy if I am trying to show off any artwork.
So there you have it my focus for the next while is on wall decor so stay tuned as seen what new ideas I come up with. I might even use a few wall hangings like tapestries in my formal dining room.
Posted on 12:20 PM | Details | Comments (0)December 19, 2006
Faux wood window blinds
When you’re ready to redecorate your home you may want to think about buying faux wood window blinds so that you get an entirely new window treatment effect for your home. There are many different styles and manufactures of faux wood blinds that you can buy when you’re decorating any room in your home, including the exterior of your house.
Window fashions are changing each year as treatments and designs become more bold and daring. You can buy a faux wood window blind in most stores that sell curtains, shades, valances, or any other window coverings.
It’s important when buying new effects for windows that you take the correct measurements so that you order the right size. Many times you’ll have to place a custom order so that you get exactly what you want for your faux blinds. You’ll be able to buy blinds that come in a variety of styles and colors, such as wood and vinyl. Your window treatments shouldn’t overwhelm the rest of the room since this can take away from the rest of the décor in the room and leave behind a feeling of mismatched styling.
Plantation blinds are very popular and give any room the look and feel of the Deep South
There are many ways that you can find new decorating tips for any room in your home, including the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedroom. Magazines, books, and the internet are great resources for finding blinds that are a little bit different and that are going to make your rooms look unique. In fact, the internet is a great source of information that will give you a multitude of creative ideas to try in your home on all kinds of decorating ideas such as window effects.
With so many different ideas for your windows you’ll soon have your home looking like a show piece. If you don’t have the time to design your own décor for your home you can hire a decorator to do the job for you. This way you can still get the window blinds that you want without having to do the work yourself.
October 10, 2006
Ceramic Masks
- To view all masks click here and view all Hand Carved Masks
.
Looking for a unique accent for your games room or den. This ceramic mask will give your walls not only a splash jof color but an interesting focal point. This is a pre hispanic mask designed by artists from Peru. It is an impressive decorative accent for walls or to dispaly on a shelf.
This fascinating piece is created by master artisan Salomon Ruiz, adapting ancient motifs from the Mochica and Chavin cultures of pre-Hispanic Peru to a modern context. The striking colors and unusual shapes combine to create a dramatic effect. Elaborated by hand from clay, Ruiz uses a unique process in which the piece is first molded and baked at a temperature of 1832F, after which he applies a synthetic enamel base before adding purpurina, a natural dye. The finished piece is then bathed in a coat of clear enamel, which protects and enhances the vivid and expressive use of color.
We have more information on our main site about cultural masks on this page. Plus you can search for other home decor ideas.
We have selections in the most popular categories of masks from around the world.
Each country has its own regions that produce the most interesting designs. Most are tribabl masks and can be hung on a wall or placed on a stand.
- To view all masks click here and view all Hand Carved Masks
African masks come from the regions fo Benin, Congo and Zaire, Ivory coast and Mali to Gabon and Nigeria. These are all west african regional and tribal masks.
Balinese masks come in theatrical and animal motif masks.
Masks from the Andes region are perhaps the most interesting as far as culture goes and definetly the most colorful. There are four main groupings of these masks Andean copper masks, archaeological and inca masks, handpainted and media or theatrical masks.
Other interesting masks from around the world include mexican glass masks, brazilian and carnival masks, masks from india, buddha masks thai dance and thai elephant and wood masks.
- To view all masks click here and view all Hand Carved Masks
Continue reading "Ceramic Masks" »
Posted on 07:44 AM | Details | Comments (1)September 12, 2006
Installing a ceiling fan
One of the easiest ways to get air flowing in a room is to intall a ceiling fan preferrabley one at least 32 inches across 36 inches is better. When installing a ceiling fan in a room that you are concerned about height then leave out the 6 inch extension part that extends from the base that attachs the fixture to the ceiling. I do this when I insall them in my childrens bedrooms when there are bunk beds within a couple of feet of the fan.
What most people forget is how to circulate the air to make a room cooler. Most of us flip the setting on the fan so that it blows air down so we can feel the breeze to keep a little cooler. For the summer time this is actually wrong. Hot air rises so there is no point pushing back down into the room.
What you want to do is change the setting on the ceiling fan so that it draws the cooler air up and cools down the warmer air near the ceiling. This is important for rooms with high or vaulted ceilings. What will happen is you will create a draft with much cooler air and will cool the entire room down and not just the lower half. For fans with lights try to keep the light off in the summer months as much as you can, you would be surprised at how much heat a 60 watt light bulb will give off.
In the winter you will want to change the direction of the fan so that it pushes the warmer air down, which will then conserve more heat in the room.
July 06, 2006
How long is your warranty
This is a little different from my usual decorating tips or ideas. I got quite bent out of shape when my fridge of only 1 1/2 yeas blew it's motor and ruined about 100 dollars worth of food on one of our hottest weekends to date.
The kitchen appliance was a maytag and I still beleive they are the best of all brands. Some times new things break, nothing is perfect especially machines. This is of course the main reason why you have a warranty. But it is the warranty that really ticked me off. I had to pay the maytag repair shop for pick up and a service call, because maytag only covers the standard parts and labor. To me if they can't fix it at my house then that is there problem not mine. Then he told me that I got the last 5 year warranty and they don't offer them anymore.
Lucky for me I had one of the last 5 year warranty on the market today. And there lies the real reason I am so mad at manufactures.
Have you noticed that when you buy something of value or any machine or appliance of anykind that the warranty is only good for one year. This really gets me, if a company thinks so little of the quality and only offers a one year warranty instead of the old 5 year or even two year then why should I buy their product.
My friendly magtag repairman explained why this has happened so much in the last year. He was not too happy about it either because he just replaced his oven and had to buy the extended warranty. He was telling me that the people we have to thank for the shorter warranty periods is not the manufactures but big companies like sears and other big department store chains.
What they probalby did is lobby the manufactures to drop their 5 year warranty to a one year. So now these department store chains can turn around and make more money selling you an extended warranty. That is &#*### but I can see where the big manufactures had to cave in.
It probably went something like this: If you don't drop your 5 year plan then we won't sell your appliances in our store. I can see this happening and it is so wrong on so many levels that I will never buy any major appliance, lawnmower or anything else from a major department store chain that requires a warranty. I get kind of tired of the evening phone calls about how glad we are that you bought such and such and now we can screw you over a little more and sell you the extended warranty. If you think about the 3 to 5 year warranty didn't really cost the manufacture much because things are made that poorly. So why did they change? Poorer quality, I doubt it! They aren't the ones trying to sell me the extended warranty.
This won't get me a 5 year warranty but I will feel better about it. I would sooner give the small guy my business, I will still have to buy the extended warranty but at least I won't feel screwed over.
Ok I feel better now thankyou
Posted on 08:41 PM | Details | Comments (0)June 21, 2006
Sheepskin Rug Cleaning
By Request
Hi Marci
I have found the best way to clean a sheepskin rug is with a mild detegent, scrubv it in and then use a brush and comb once it is dried. Do not put it in a dryer because it will shrink and ruin.
Posted on 03:24 PM | Details | Comments (0)May 13, 2006
Wall treatments and wallpaper materials
Wallcoverings that are made of paper coated with a thin layer of vinyl, looks like paper and not vinyl, so it lends an air of sophistication to light-use areas. Even those vinyl-coated papers that are washable can stain and tear more easily than other papers with vinyl content.
Textile wall coverings come in many colors and textures, from very casual to elegantly formal. They're usually made of cotton, linen, other natural plant fibers, or polyester, often bonded to a paper-type backing. Grass cloth is a traditional favorite among textile wall coverings; its threads can be arranged vertically, horizontally, or in a woven pattern.
Hemp, another textile, is similar to grass cloth but has thinner fibers. Wall coverings made of yarn and string (really thin yarn) have been surpassing grass cloth in popularity lately because they're often easier to install. For a rugged appearance, consider burlap, usually bonded to a backing. At the other end of the spectrum are the sophisticated moire silks and wall coverings featuring a flame stitch or a pattern printed over the dyed textile.
Some textiles require liner paper underneath; many should be installed only by a skilled paperhanger. Keep in mind that most textiles fray easily and are not washable, though most will accept a spray-on stain repellent.
More about wallpaper and wall coverings can be found here.
April 15, 2006
Framed Art Project
A very cool idea I came across from www.womansday.com was to make your own glass picture framed nature scene using grass and leaves.
You could use just flowers or anything your imagination can come up with. Today it's leaves, grass and flowers.
Materials needed:
Picutre frame of any size.
2 panes of glass the same size as the inside of the frame.
Collage materials - leaves, grass and pressed flowers.
Paint or stain for the frame.
Thumb tacks or other picture frame screws to hold back covering.
Screw eyes and or nails.
Hanging wire or fishing line.
2 heavy books.
Finally a couple of paint brushes if you need to paint the frame.
To see how this crafty art project is put together go here to home accents wall art the picutre is a view through two panes of glass propped up against a window so you can still see outside and allow light to come in.
You can do this framed art in an afternoon. It stands alone as a piece of wall art and is a neat craft idea to get your children involved.
Posted on 04:56 PM | Details | Comments (0)April 05, 2006
Make your own Wall Mirrors
Oversized mirrors are one of the most popular home accessories found in homes today. They make interesting focal points in hallways and can make a small room space look much larger. The only drawback is that large wall mirrors that are least 5 feet high are very expensive. Be creative with your molding and buy 2 different sizes with the widest being on the outside so that it looks good resting on the floor. This is another way to reduce the hanging weight.
If you own a saw or know someone who does it is fairly easy to make a very decorative wall accent yourself. All you need is four pieces of baseboard molding, which you can purchase at any building supply store. Buy a mirror of the size you would like from a glass store, ( normally any auto glass outlet would have this). Next rough cut your moldings to at least 6 inches longer than you need. Before you put everything together double check your wall to see where you are going to hang it. Have someone mitre the ends like a door frame normally 45 degrees and then attach the moldings like a frame with square corners. You can use the mirror for this. There are different methods you can use to attach the mirror to the moldings - it is best to explain to the building supply store member what you are doing and they can tell you the best way to attach the mirror.
Read this befor buying a custom cut mirror
Large wall mirrors are very heavy so you will want to hang them on wall studs. Most homes are built with studs being 16", 18" and 24 inches. The reason you need to check this is to make sure your mirror frame will be positioned evenly across at least two studs. It just makes it easier at the end.
This idea was brought to you by www.decormotif.com
March 24, 2006
Indoor Home Accessory
There is one interesting accessory for the home that most people do not think about, and that is bonsia trees. Thee small indoor trees are not very difficult to grow even for a beginner. They make a very interesting home accent and are very much appreciated as a house warming gift.
A bonsai is not a genetically dwarfed plant. It is any tree or type of shrub species that is growing but kept small by branch and root pruning. In theory any species could be used, although plants with small leaves and twigs would generally make a better bonsai. This would help to create the illusion of a larger tree in miniature. Properly maintained bonsai can have life spans, some over a hundred years old. It is a great form of relaxation and stress reduction. It is very exciting to see the vision we had of the plant take shape over time.
This dwarf Juniper from Japan is the most popular evergreen in the U.S. When we think of a traditional bonsai and what it should look like, we think of a "Juniper Procumbens Nana." They are very hardy, long-lived, and tolerate many adverse conditions. Trained in the traditional style, this Juniper Procumbens is popularly known as the "Karate Kid" tree.
If you would like to know more about bonsai trees or view the different selections you can find, even flowering bonsai and artificial trees - go here to - Starter Trees Under $30 and buy direct from the nursery
February 22, 2006
A Vancouver weekend at the Home and Garden Show
The vancouver home and garden show is getting on with the decorating business this weekend. This is a must see event if you live anywhere near Vancouver BC. Feb 23 to 26th
If you are looking for new ideas, expert advice and a selection of home products for renovating, decorating, entertaining and gardening you will find it here. Some of the exhibitors will include a new dimension in a modern modular home, designed by Michelle Kaufmann Designs for clean, simple living in collaboration with nature. It offers an affordable, low-maintenance, well-designed green housing alternative.
Mike Holmes - If You're Going To Do Something, Do ir Right the First Time! - Home renovation specialist.
Debbie Travis will also be there and with a little luck you might get a sneak preview of her latest tv show coming out called From the Gound Up
Just for fun have a look at the new space age kitchen that does everything for you.
See you there!
Posted on 08:29 PM | Details | Comments (0)January 27, 2006
Window Treatments - How to choose
Just a short tip for today about choosing your style of window treatment or window covering. It's usually a good idea to put off buying or making a final decision, until you have clearly determined your wall decor, floor coverings and your overall color scheme for that room.
This way the treatment you choose will compliment the entire room and better bring out that rooms personality. You don't really need to buy the hardeware until the end. Think of finials, curtain rods and poles as accessories that enhance and reflect the feel of the room that you have created. The other benefit is if you have chosen a more open look by using just a top treatment on the window, you have time to get a better feel for it in case you change your mind and want a bit more privacy.
Pets can also influence your choose of treatments especially if you are choosing a floor length curtain. Puddled curtains that group on the floor are ideal places for your dog to curl up on and for the cat to sharpen their claws on. Finally check with the manufacturer on how your treatments are cleaned. If you have to take them down to send off to the cleaners that can get very expensive.
January 24, 2006
Murano of Brazil
This is one of my favorite art glass pieces from Brazil.
The Murano Artisans of Brazil have been featured in magazines ranging from In Style to Natural Health.
Many Italians immigrated to Brazil in the early 20th century, including families from the island of Murano near Venice. Antonio Carlos, a leading art glass designer in Brazil, was taught directly by Aldo Bonora, the first Italian master to arrive in Brazil from Murano Island.
The vase's unique design takes it's form from an inverted handkerchief. designed by Murano artisans of Brazil.
With talent and courage they present uniquely styled works of art. With a flare for using liberal colors and fascinating contours which characterize this style. Today, they are dedicated mostly to exclusive decorative items in home decor. They create original designs and colors, intended for the most demanding public that appreciates Murano glass artistry.
January 23, 2006
Home decor to talk about
What sets out homes apart from others is how we decorate and what we choose to display or show case. It becomes very important especially when we live in a condo or neighborhood where the home are all designed the same.
What I find the most interesting are home accents and collectibles that are found around the world. These can be anything from glass art to interesting african tribal masks. In the upcoming month we will be featuring ideas from different countries.
I'll give you a brief look at some of the topics we will be covering.
1.Decorative wall hangings and baskets from india.
2. Leather furniture, vases and musical instruments from the andes.
3.Animal carvings and traditional sculptures from bali and java.
Our goal is to present interesting home accents that will spark interesting conversation from your friends and family when they come over to visit.
