walldecorandhomeaccents Archive Page
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
A foyer table is usually the first thing a guest sees as they enter the home.  This means you should put a little extra care into making your foyer table look nice.  Whether you have a large round table in the center of a grand foyer, or a small desk against the foyer wall, here are some ideas you can use. 

Add greenery to your foyer table.  This can be a realistic looking silk flower arrangement.  This can be a well cared for live plant either on the table, or hung just above it.  This can also mean fresh cut flowers in a crystal vase.  Adding greenery to your home not only makes you feel relaxed when you enter your home, but it also welcomes natures into a welcoming environment.

Remove clutter from your foyer table.  If your foyer table is the logical place to keep your keys or even to throw your purse and place your mail, try to be as neat about it as possible.  It is most helpful if the table has drawers, but if it does not, add an attractive basket to keep the clutter to a minimum.

Add candles.  Candles, especially scented candles, are a wonderful way to welcome guests into your home.  While few people do this, you should light scented candles when you come home from a stressful day for no reason other than personal enjoyment.  To keep your home safe from fire and accident on your foyer table, you should use a candle lanterns such as this set of Pampolona Pair Black Metal Candle Lanterns.  They are 29" and 22" high and will enhance any table arrangement.  These lanterns can also be hung from hooks and double as wall decor. 


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Sunday, April 27, 2008

Burning candles is a great way to bring romantic ambiance to the bedroom.  Candle light it promotes soft conversation and aromatic candles stimulate the senses.  Candlelight it extremely relaxing and can even promote sleep.  Candlelight in the bedroom however, can be a hazzard. 

Candles should never be left unattended, this includes falling to sleep with candles on.  Candles on the nightstand can get knocked over as you turn in your sleep causing to to be burned or to spill wax. Even worse, you can start a bedroom fire which can be devastating in many ways. 

Instead of placing candles by your bedside where it poses many dangers, consider using a candle lantern to hand the handles near you bed while keeping it safe from fabrics, or accidental bumps.  The Prato Metal/Glass Candle Lantern is a wonderful lantern to use in your bedroom.  It is romantic and Victorian in design with its scrolled glass cage with the additional scrolled leaf design.  This iron wall art lantern will also be a great addition to a dining room, or foyer.  I would display two or three together.  


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Friday, April 25, 2008
Sometimes the existing lighting in a home does not do the home any justice.  Lighting may leave a room strangely dark or it may over-illuminate an area you would rather not have lit so well.  You could always solve these problems by calling an electrician and visiting a home lighting center, but this option could be extremely costly. 

Another option you can use to add or adjust lighting in your home is to change out light bulbs or add lamps.  In kitchens you could unscrew a few of the recessed lights to soften the glare.  In a large family room with one ceiling light, you can add a floor lamp. 

While these options can work fine to adjust the lighting in your home, for everyday use I prefer adding candle light to the room.  Candle lighting not only brightens a room, but it adds soft light that is great for entertaining and making a home more inviting.  Another wonderful thing about adding candles to your home lighting plan is that you can simultaneously introduce wonderful scents to the home.  I like to place my candles in lanterns as they protect the home from fire accidents.  The Modena metal Candle Lantern is a wonderful lantern that also doubles as wall art whether it is in use or not.  It is 16" H X 6" W and has romantic elements with it scrolled ironwork. 


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Wednesday, April 23, 2008

When we began building our basement, we settled on a New Orleans Theme.  We had lived in New Orleans for several years and enjoyed the experience for the most part, and wanted to bring a bit of that New Orleans flavor to our home.  What better way to decorate a basement party room than with a bit of Mardi Gras? 

We used this decorating project as an excuse to return to New Orleans for a shopping trip.  We purchased ceramic and wooden masks.  Collected a gross of Mardi Gras beads, and also purchased a few pieces of artwork from New Orleans Artists.   

Other elements that helped bring the New Orleans Flavor to our basement was the fabric colors of green, gold, and purple, but in more subtle colors than typically found in New Orleans.  We added iron tables with glass toppers, and wrought iron barstools as well.  My basement is currently a work in progress and I am always looking for New Orleans elements to add.   

One main element you will find in our New Orleans basement party room is the fleur-de-lis.  You will find this design all over New Orleans.   I recently came across this Calabria Metal Glass Candle Lantern that would be a great addition to my room.  The dimensions are 26”H X 12” wide.  It is designed to affix to the wall and holds candles.  This wall art lantern will definitely add to the ambiance of my basement. 



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Monday, April 21, 2008

I rarely drink wine and am hesitant to display it because people in my social circle tend to frown upon alcoholic drinks.  Still, I love wine racks.  Not knowing what else to do with the wine racks besides displaying wine and storing it for future use, I always passed by wine racks that caught my eye.  Eventually, I opened up my mind enough to see that wine racks don’t necessarily have to display wine.  Here are some non-wine uses for wine racks.

You can store 1 liter bottles of other beverages in your wine rack such as sparkling water, ginger ale, and other drinks that you use for parties.   

Fill empty wine sized bottles with and art or display bottles olives, and oils that you normally see on counter tops and above kitchen cabinets. 

You can store non-alcoholic wines and champagnes in your wine racks.   

Store a collection of olive oils in your wine holders.   

The Palermo Wall Iron Wine Rack would be perfect to turn into an olive oil display rack.  Measuring 30.5” H X 18.5” W this lovely display piece holds two bottles of whatever you desire to put in it.  I would display it near the stove top and store my extra bottles of olive or other exotic cooking oils.  Even when you have nothing to display in it, it still makes a great piece of metal wall art. 



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Saturday, April 19, 2008
Your home bar does not have to look like your local sports pub.  Lighted beer signs are not necessary nor will they impress your friends unless you live in a frat house.  Metal wall art that features ancient beer prices will not class up your bar area, unless of course you are a beer connoisseur.  Instead of going for the cliché bar look, here are some more sophisticated, adult ideas you can try. 

Center the theme of your home bar around wines instead of beer.  Give the wall surrounding your bar an aged faux finish and if possible a Venetian mural design.  Paint a window scene of a winery scene and frame it with ivy leaves. 

Furniture for your home bar area should be rich upholstery fabric for the seats on an ornate wrought iron décor frame.  Install a black iron footrest near the bottom of the bar. 

At the back of the bar, install mirrored shelves, with or without doors.  If you do use doors, they should be see-through.  Fill the shelves with gold trimmed wine glasses.

Finally hang a beautiful iron wine rack on the wall like this Milano Iron Wine Rack.  Measuring 44" high X 18" wide, this wine rack has a beautiful stylized design and will allow you to display up to five of your favorite bottles of wine.  If your bar area is large, I recommend you purchase two of these to flank your shelves where your wine glasses are held, especially since the price is so reasonable.


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Thursday, April 17, 2008
Apartment dwelling is great for young mobile people, but decorating can be tough.  If you live in an apartment and are a wine enthusiast, you know that wine storage can also be difficult.  Here are some tips to help your decorate your apartment while integrating your wine storage into the design. 

Granted, if you live in an apartment, you probably won't be in the habit of storing a bottle of wine for 20-60 years.  Still you may want to keep extra bottles on hand and may store wine for several months to a couple of years.  You put this wine in a crowded pantry where it will likely be too warm, or you can put it in the refrigerator where it will be too cold.  Your best bet however will be to keep it in the open where it can at least be kept at room temperature although it will very likely be above the ideal 55°F though it will at least be kept at a constant temperature. 

What I like to do is create a wine theme in the eating area of the apartment.  Purchase a large piece of wall decor that features a scene of a winery.  This can be a tapestry or a painted piece.  Staple a vine garland around the top of the room where you would normally put a wallpaper border.  Place an Italian Bakers rack in the room, preferably one with a place for wine storage.  If space in the apartment is especially tight, you should add a wall mounted wine storage art piece like this Roma Wall Iron Wine Rack.  This is a beautiful and intricate iron art piece that holds wine bottle in the upside down position.  It looks great whether it hold its maximum of five bottles, or none at all.  It measures 44" high X 19" wide and will make a great focal piece in any room.


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Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Many modern homes have soaring ceilings with a great deal of wall space.  These wide-open wall spaces in many cases remain blank and empty as decorating large wall spaces can be intimidating.  Those that do attempt to decorate these wide open wall spaces often put up small to average sized pieces that get lost in the massive amount of space.  The correct thing to do when decorating wide-open wall spaces is to find wall décor items large enough to fill the empty wall space.   

This Arenacum Large Metal Wall Leaves is the perfect item to use to fill your wide-open spaces. This abstract metal wall art piece can be installed either horizontally or vertically. It has a simple frame, which is filled with large Arenacum leaves as well as other leaves and vines, and is subtly painted in blue and green patina that mimics verdigris.  

At 51" X 29" high, you can install it above entryways where the wall continues to extend for many feet up to the ceiling.  You can install it between upper and lower windows adding interest in the blank area between these windows.  If you have a wall of windows with too much space between the upper and lower windows, purchase several Arenacum Large metal Wall Leaves and install them between each set of windows to add more interest to your wall of windows.  You can also install it above the entry door in your foyer to make a creative statement to all who visit your home.



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Sunday, April 13, 2008

I am a big fan of putting different décor items in places where you would not necessarily expect to see it.  I love to see doors installed on walls.  I like benches in place of coffee tables.  I like everyday items used as wall art décor. One of my favorite decorating ideas is to display metal wall art in front of windows.  

Placing a metal wall grilles or iron wall plaques in front of a window allows the light to shine through it while showing off the true beauty and design of the wall art.  It also adds interest to a window where you do not necessarily want to put window treatments.  In this case, your metal wall art can serve as the window treatment for your window.  One metal wall art piece that would look wonderful displayed in front of a window is the Wall Vase- Metal Square Wall Décor.   

At 30"W x 30"H, the Wall Vase- Metal Square Wall Décor is the perfect size to display in front of an average window without it getting lost in the space or overwhelming the window.  The design features a vase with wrought iron ornamental flowers coming from it in an ornate frame that has brass-like medallions in the corners.  This is a very simple but beautiful piece of wall art décor.  It will allow you to appreciate both the metal art and the window as one.  To hang it this piece of metal wall art in front of your window, you would use hooks and wire to suspend it from the top of the window frame.  This way you can still access the window to clean and operate it. 



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Friday, April 11, 2008

There was a time when you could walk into a single woman’s home and find everything frilly and feminine.  It was not uncommon to see flowers on every surface from bedding to window treatments to walls.  Such a sight these days is rare. Likewise, you could also walk into a single man’s home and find an uber-masculine bachelor pad filled with dark colors, sleek textures, stripes and plaids.  You can no longer assume however, that because his apartment appears to have a woman’s touch that his mother, sister, or a former girlfriend decorated it.  Those days are long gone.  Lately the line between Masculine and Feminine has blurred when it comes to home décor. 

A female may decorate in dark rich colors like browns and dark blues with small touches of traditionally feminine colors and textures.  A man may choose to go for light pastel colors on the walls and flooring, while keeping his rich dark leather chairs.  For this reason, wall décor, whether intrinsically feminine or masculine may be purchased by either a man or a woman.  One wall décor item that may appeal to both men and woman alike is this Compona Metal Wall Art piece.  

This geometric abstract wall art piece will be equally comfortable in feminine and masculine surroundings.  While traditionally masculine with its sharp edges and dark colors, is also has just enough curves to make it equally appealing to a woman.  People with a contemporary or modern flair and love for rich leather chairs or sleek wooden furnishings should also consider buying the Compona Metal Wall Art wall décor.



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Wednesday, April 9, 2008

There was a time when you could walk into a single woman’s home and find everything frilly and feminine.  It was not uncommon to see flowers on every surface from bedding to window treatments to walls.  Such a sight these days is rare. Likewise, you could also walk into a single man’s home and find an uber-masculine bachelor pad filled with dark colors, sleek textures, stripes and plaids.  You can no longer assume however, that because his apartment appears to have a woman’s touch that his mother, sister, or a former girlfriend decorated it.  Those days are long gone.  Lately the line between Masculine and Feminine has blurred when it comes to home décor. 

A female may decorate in dark rich colors like browns and dark blues with small touches of traditionally feminine colors and textures.  A man may choose to go for light pastel colors on the walls and flooring, while keeping his rich dark leather chairs.  For this reason, wall décor, whether intrinsically feminine or masculine may be purchased by either a man or a woman.  One wall décor item that may appeal to both men and woman alike is this Compona Metal Wall Art piece. 

This geometric abstract metal wall art piece will be equally comfortable in feminine and masculine surroundings.  While traditionally masculine with its sharp edges and dark colors, is also has just enough curves to make it equally appealing to a woman.  People with a contemporary or modern flair and love for rich leather chairs or sleek wooden furnishings should also consider buying the Compona Metal Wall Art wall décor.



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Monday, April 7, 2008

Each room should have a focal point of some kind.  In most homes, it could be a fireplace.  In others, it can be a wall of windows, or architectural columns.   You may however, need to create your own focal points if you live in an apartment, as they are generally devoid of architectural interest and can be quite boring.   

In an apartment where the main rooms consist of four walls and a simple window or two, you can create a focal point by adding an architectural wall décor item to the wall.  In fact, you can add a series of architectural wall décor items to create a larger design.   An architectural wall décor item might be something made from ironwork, or wood, that does not have a painted image on it.  One such item would be the Cracovia Iron Wall Plaque.
  This particular metal wall art piece is diamond shaped with an ornate cross in the center surrounded by ornate scrollwork.  It is framed in wood with a rich dark finish.  This piece of wall art can be turned on its side where the center design would turn into an X instead of a cross. 

I prefer large wall decorations like the 45"W x 45"H Cracovia Iron Wall Plaque because you can use it to create a focal point in many ways.  You can use one of these metal wall art plaques in between two windows to visually connect the windows and draw the eye outside.  You can purchase four of these wood and metal wall art plaques and install them to create a larger diamond shape plaque above your bed or sofa.  You can even fill a full wall in your dining area by purchasing and installing six or eight of these plaques. 



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Saturday, April 5, 2008

Southwestern style reflects traits of the old southwest.  This often includes colorful area rugs, scenic wall hangings, and rustic furnishings.  You can bring a touch of southwestern flair into your home while maintaining an overall modern style.

Modern Southwestern Style would consist of contemporary style furnishings, and subtle modern colors, but integrate many of the motifs you would find in southwestern style.  For example, you could paint your room in the latest 2008 neutral color trends, which includes subtle and natural shades of green and blue.  You can add simple sleek modern furniture pieces.  Finally, you can find accessories reminiscent of the Southwest, and updated wall décor art pieces that remind you of the Southwest.  One such piece of wall art décor reminiscent of the southwest is this set of Two Velsen Metal Wall Stars. 
This set of Two Velsen Metal Wall Stars is 24” and 36” in diameter and are three-dimensional starts with simple cutouts that create a beautiful ornate design.  While they can be integrated with just about any design style, they are decidedly Southwestern and modern at the same time.   

This metal wall art décor set would be at home over your fireplace, over your bed, or in your kitchen.    If you have a tall ceiling as I do, you can purchase two or three sets and arrange them in a way that fills the entire all above the fireplace or above a doorway.  You can combine this set of stars with other star sets to create a unique arrangement on your wall.  You can even fill the entire room with various pieces of wall art that remind you of the southwest but are in more subtle colors and modern finishes.



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Thursday, April 3, 2008

Equestrian theme bedrooms are great for just about anyone, especially if they have an interest in horses.  An equestrian theme is not too childish for an adult, and certainly not too grown up for a baby.  You can have a great deal of fun with this theme.  Here are some ideas for an Equestrian themed bedroom. 

Furniture: You have several furniture choices for an equestrian themed room.  You can use rich antique oak or walnut furniture for an antique look.  For a more rustic feeling, you should consider rustic wood furniture in your equestrian themed bedroom.  For a girl’s room, look for furniture with a carved floral design or a wood and metal combination.  The only thing that might not work in an equestrian themed room is sleek modern furniture. 

Fixings:  It should not be too difficult to find bedding and accessories for the home that goes well with an equestrian theme.  I advise against going too far and purchasing sheets with images of horses on it.  Instead, buy bedding and window treatments that are simple and appeals to your individual taste.  Integrate rope into your curtain window treatments.  Look for Iron horseshoe hooks to hang unique wall decor.  For a young child, have a horse mural painted on the wall.  Finally purchase a unique piece of wall art or two give your room the crowning touch. 

One such piece of horse themed decor is this Carvo Horse Metal Wall Art.  This unique horse themed wall art piece features a metal horse relief on a beautiful dark background.  At 29" Wide x 36" High, it is a perfect item to place over the bed or at another prominent place in the bedroom.



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Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Yes, you can use the words 'sophisticated' and 'Nautical Theme' in the same sentence.  You do not have to use the stereotypical red and blue color scheme.  You do not have to have cartoon sailboats all over the room.  You certainly do not need to have a boat in a bottle.  Here are some ideas for a sophisticated nautical theme bedroom.

Paint the upper walls of the room in a dark navy color.  The lower walls of the room and the doorway and window trim of the room can be natural wood (with wood paneling on the lower walls) or white, and paneled or with a chair rail. 

Purchase an antique map or two and have it framed to for the wall.  If you choose, you can also wallpaper one wall of the room in an antique map design. 

Instead of using curtain rods, install oars in its place and hang tie-top curtains from them or another type of curtain that will allow the oars to show. 

Furniture should coordinate with the walls in the room, in either painted white or rich wood.  Finally, look for unique wall art pieces that give the room a nautical touch without being too cutesy.  This Siradia Metal Wall Yacht in a Nautical Theme would be a great piece to place on any wall in your room.  You can even purchase two of them and place them above the dresser or the bed.  This metal wall art in the shape of a yacht is 32"W x 32"H, and has a wonderful three-dimensional design.


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Another great wall decor option for any home is a fine art reproduction painting! For most people the possibility of owning a Monet or Rembrandt is just a dream, but anyone can purchase a classic oil painting as an art reproduction. Art reproductions are hand painted by real artists on high quality canvas using the finest oil paints. These quality fine art paintings will add a sense of style and taste to any room in your home. There are thousands of classic paintings available in a variety of frame styles to best match your decor perfectly!


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