Have a collection? Show if off right!

Lots of time, people that have collections either hide them behind a glass armoire- so out of sight that it becomes a missed decorating opportunity!  They usually hide them out of protection from accidental breakage and loss but I believe these items should be the focal point and beautiful addition to your home décor. You obviously love these things, so why take the time and money to collect them and not make them the standout show piece that they are in your heart. They represent your personal style, so make a statement by displaying them with power and finesse. Some tips on how to get more bang for your buck:

1. Get them out of that dusty closed armoire and bring them out into your living space.

2. Group them together. They make more of an impact that spreading them all around the entire home.

3. Odd numbers are usually more interesting than even numbers.

4. Incorporate them into your décor in an interesting way and play up the differences is shape, color, height, and material.

Below is a sample of how collections could and should be displayed if you want to make a statement.

For information on great how collections make great keepsakes, check it out here!

Make Floors Beautiful and Give Back! pt1

What is the most overlooked and under-decorated space in a room? I would argue the floors. Once you pick the carpet or tile- that’s it. All you do it keep it clean- but there is so much more that can be done with your floors.

Rugs can be a great accent piece. It can tile a room together, add color, texture and even keep your expensive floors from damage. It’s so versatile and relatively inexpensive to do. I came across a great article that had great rug choices with a twist. Each rug came with double-duty. It beautified your space and you gave back in the process. Wow- 2 birds with one stone. How fabulous is that! I will highlight one great company at a time so you can read all about their good works and where to purchase these beautiful accent rugs!

1. ARZU STUDIO HOPE believes in a holistic approach to sustainable poverty alleviation achieved through artisan-based employment that empowers women.  Women, earning fair labor wages, weave exquisite hand-knotted rugs at home. ARZU, Inc. is a social business enterprise (“SBE”) — a true public/private sector partnership sustained by revenues from the sales of high-end rugs and supplemented by generous donor support. Money alone will not change people’s lives -- they must also have access to the essential skills and education necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Central to ARZU’s approach is our Social Contract with weaver families. ARZU agrees to pay women the market-weaving rate, plus up to a 50% incentive bonus for the highest quality workmanship. In exchange for this extra income, families must agree: to send all children, both girls and boys, under age 15 to school full-time; to allow all women in the household to attend ARZU literacy classes; and to permit ARZU to transport pregnant women and newborns to clinics for pre- and post-natal care.

For more information, check them out at the links below. Let's all be good global citizens and help those less fortunate and give back when possible!

http://www.arzustudiohope.org/home/story/mission

http://www.arzustudiohope.org/home/story/team

http://www.arzustudiohope.org/home

COLOR Me Crazy?

So, you want a change? I think that is a great idea! Painting can be just the thing to lighten up your mood and freshen up your décor. Many people think painting is difficult and time consuming but if you prep and plan well, it was be smooth and easy. This post isn’t about the “job” of painting but the choice in color and I have attached below a chart covering the color and the emotions it conjures. I am hoping this chart can help you choose your next perfect color.

Symbolism Color Chart Below
	Excitement, energy, passion, love, desire, speed, strength, power, heat, aggression, danger, fire, blood, war, violence, all things intense and passionate.
	Pink symbolizes love and romance, caring, tenderness, acceptance and calm.
	Beige and ivory symbolize unification. Ivory symbolizes quiet and pleasantness. Beige symbolizes calm and simplicity.
	Joy, happiness, betrayal, optimism, idealism, imagination, hope, sunshine, summer, gold, philosophy, dishonesty, cowardice, jealousy, covetousness, deceit, illness, hazard and friendship.
	Peace, tranquility, cold, calm, stability, harmony, unity, trust, truth, confidence, conservatism, security, cleanliness, order, loyalty, sky, water, technology, depression, appetite suppressant.
	Turquoise symbolizes calm. Teal symbolizes sophistication. Aquamarine symbolizes water. Lighter turquoise has a feminine appeal.
	Royalty, nobility, spirituality, ceremony, mysterious, transformation, wisdom, enlightenment, cruelty, arrogance, mourning.
	Lavender symbolizes femininity, grace and elegance.
	Energy, balance, enthusiasm, warmth, vibrant, expansive, flamboyant, demanding of attention.
	Nature, environment, healthy, good luck, renewal, youth, spring, generosity, fertility, jealousy, inexperience, envy, misfortune, vigor.
	Earth, stability, hearth, home, outdoors, reliability, comfort, endurance, simplicity, and comfort.
	Security, reliability, intelligence, staid, modesty, dignity, maturity, solid, conservative, practical, old age, sadness, boring. Silver symbolizes calm.
	White represents reverence, purity, birth, simplicity, cleanliness, peace, humility, precision, innocence, youth, winter, snow, good, sterility, marriage (Western cultures), death (Eastern cultures), cold, clinical.
	Power, sexuality, sophistication, formality, elegance, wealth, mystery, fear, evil, unhappiness, depth, style, evil, sadness, remorse, anger, anonymity, underground, good technical color, mourning, death (Western cultures).

Remember, with nay of these colors, picking the right shade is equally as important. It can help pump up the energy and tone down the boldness of an already bold color. Use color as accents too. You don’t have to color an entire room or even an entire wall. Play with color and variations of color. The best thing about it- it’s not permanent. This is your living space, have fun with it!

For my adventurous readers… if you have a painting story to share and a pic to show us your great job, put them here. We’d all love to see your inspired design and know why you choice a particular color for your living space.

Prostate Cancer Kills

A bit off topic and an alarming title, I know but as I was driving into work today and I heard a very interesting interview on the local talk radio show. The guests from the local hospital were on because September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

They answered questions from callers and gave out valuable information. I learned some things I did not know about Prostate Cancer. Although, I am not at risk for Prostate Cancer (being a woman and all)- I would like to share just a few things in hopes that someone will read this and do what they need to do to save a life!

1. Prostate Cancer exhibits NO early warning signs or symptoms
2. By the time a man exhibits symptoms, it's usually too late for non-evasive treatment options to either save his life or his "natural sexual function"

3. Screening is the only tool for early detection
4. Men should be screen starting at age 50, African Americans at age 45.
5. Screening is usually a blood test and/or rectal exam

Don't let something as silly as avoiding the rectal exam be the reason you die before you had to. Get screened today!

For more information, check out the Prostate Cancer Foundations website at http://www.pcf.org/site/c.leJRIROrEpH/b.5699537/k.BEF4/Home.htm

Thanks you for allowing this brief departure!

Mosaics done MODERN!

Mosaics are an art form that has lasted the test of time. From ancient Greeks and Romans to the highlights of modern and now digital flair. It will create an instant eye-catching, one-of-a kind, conversation piece for your home or office. This is also an easy DIY project that the whole family can participate in.

Step 1. Pick out an image you would like to create. If you are not very artsy, pick something easy (not too many moving parts) with a simple silhouette. This image can be anything. If it’s for an office, how about a computer icon or if it’s for a kitchen, how about fruit and if it’s for a child’s bedroom, how about a simple heart, baseball and bat or a favorite animal? Your design can be anything. Just let the first project match your level of expertise. Once you get the hang of it, you can pick something more advanced on the next one.

Step 2. For an easy start-up, search the web for a graphic that represents the image you want to use and blow it up to the size you want the actually mosaic to be. Plot the basic picture on pixeled, graph paper the size of the tiles you want to use. Choose your colors and go to the home improvement store to buy your supplies, canvas, tile adhesive and a great glass frame (if you don’t want to grout).

Step 3. Go home and glue, glue, glue. You may want to place the adhesives like a puzzle first, just to make sure it looks the way you like. If you like it- glue baby glue! Let it dry before framing.

Step 4. You’re done! Admire your work. It is one of a kind!

If you have done this project and would like to share your story of a pic of your art work. Please do! Either here as a comment or on facebook (wow home accents) and twitter (@wowdecor). We would love to see your work!

I love this project so much, I am actually thinking of doing one myself and putting my DIY project on video and posting it. What do you think? Would you like to see me try this project? Leave your vote here!

Common Decorating Styles You May Want To Use

We're going to briefly look at a few design styles that have been popular through the years. Is your house up-to-date? Check out the list below and see if you have the most recent fashion trends and designing tips in your home décor.


Tradtional

Traditional: We have to start with the standard look because it simply does not go out of fashion. Here, the look is actually furniture that arises from the Kings and Queens involving yesteryear, including early American trends and a massive amount other formally designed accents. You are looking for conventional to come through the upholstery, in the shades and window treatments and even in the highlights that are placed around the room. Traditional is really a style that is usually remarkably expensive and is served by exceptional quality home furniture.

Shabby Elegance: Who's to convey that this is not among the best methods of decorating. The design is that of chic, includes light colored walls and home furnishings, and a feel of old China pattern looks. Very comfortable yet warm and inviting is creating a sense of rest when you look at everything altogether.

Contemporary: Modern contemporary have been popular style in the last decade. This kind of look relies on pieces that are striking and bright, varied and unique and are useful and functional but double as a piece of art too. You will find straight, clean up lines in the furniture and walls with this style.



Art Deco

Art Deco: This well-known decorating style is deceptively similar to Contemporary but the difference lies in the flow. The lines are less straight, but rather are generally curved in nature.
Rustic: The design for the log cabin isn't gone. In the traditional Southwestern feel, you'll have various wood used. It will have a new laid back feel with lots of warm colored and cushy throws and big comfy furniture. The color scheme this is that of warm, abundant colors that accentuate the woods.


French Country

French Country: This is a extremely popular choice in redecorating styles. Here, you should have many bright colors and will have a whimsical feel to it. Fruitwoods and cherry are the top for the furniture finish. Fine art with color is actually preferred on the walls with this style.


Popular decorating styles can be fun, intriguing, notable and they just add that little something to talk about when visitors visit your home. If you are considering a new change to your family area, kitchen, bedroom or almost any other room within or outside of your home, take into account some of today's more popular options. You are sure to find one or even two that compliment each other that you will love to use.


One of these simple popular decorating types will work perfectly in your house. There are plenty to select from that will certainly transform the look to your home into something is amazing.





 

Come on People, Use Baskets!

Are you searching for a new look and storage space… nothing can be better than baskets! There are very few things you can add to your home décor which will have the both the particular versatility of containers and style. Baskets not only add attractive touches to your home décor, but, they also mix well with any existing style and in most cases is well-suited to double purposes- decoration and storage.


1) Mail sorter. Add a beautiful basket near your entryway for mail or important bills that need to go out and be delivered. I still get a fair amount of snail mail… use the basket to sort the mail, you can even have one particular basket for each member of the family. All you need a row of bins/baskets on your wall or entry side table. These baskets are not available as beautiful décor and come in many different styles like wicker, wood, plastic, cloth, and so much more. By doing this everyone has easy access to his or her mail and also junk mail is managed as well and you added a bit of style and functionality to your entryway. You're welcome!


2) Kitchen/Tabletop organizer. Do you remember the old napkin holder or spice rack? Designers have stepped up their game and added a new cool set of storage applications for your kitchen and tabletop setting. Some are big and small, have jars associated. Whatever your need, there is a basket available to help organize your kitchen space, and who doesn't want an organized kitchen. Keep your eyes open the next time you enter the kitchen and contemplate all the great ways storage units could help out.


3) Hobby supplies. Raise your hand if you have a hobby? Do you knit, crochet, sew, garden, cook, scrapbook, draw, or just about anything else… you need supplies and you want them easy to reach and organized. There is an endless supply of beautiful baskets that you can use to tame your hobby obsession, without breaking the bank or littering up your space. I suggest limiting your assortment to one large holder and smaller ones as needed. Keep things you don't need stored away out of view and bring them out as necessary and keep only one hobby per large basket. That keeps you sane and for having to search all over for your items. Remember, baskets are not just for decorative purposes, you also want storage and organization.


4) Umbrella case. This is a bit old school, but I want to bring it back because I believe it is so valuable! It will save money from (if you're anything like me) you have to re-buy multiple umbrellas because they are lost in a cluttered closet or wherever umbrellas go. I can never find mine. Place it on the floor close to your coat closet or entryway and you will probably always have ready use of your umbrellas when undesirable weather comes your way.


5) Magazine holder. This is probably one very commonly used uses for baskets in the home yet one that should somewhat be mentioned. I will mention recycle your old magazines either at a used book store or a retirement community or at a local middle/high school art teacher who may be teaching about collages… even the old-fashion paper recycling. Don't let them pile up and be buried under mounds of magazines even if they are in stylish baskets… make room for the new batch.


6) Gadget box. This is perhaps a popular among parents of young kids, but is not limited to them alone. Anytime unexpected/expected guests show up this is an outstanding tool for rapidly gathering all toys and other items and getting these things out of sight quickly. Depending on your particular circumstance, the baskets can be big or small, wide or tall, lid or no lid… it is totally up to your need but will match well with anything and make your home look neat to guests who never knew just 15 minutes prior, toys and clothes had been thrown all about.


7) Office supplies. There are many containers that make excellent organizers and holders for the many various office supplies we use daily. The array and variety gets better and so does the styles. This is also a quick fix for an office pick-me up. Whether you have a home office or work in a regular setting, we spend a lot of time at the office, so why not make it not only highly functional but attractive as well. Add color, decorative touches and personal.


8) Clothes hamper. This is another great use to get a basket. I use a laundry basket at home and they can be quite decorative now to match either your bedroom or bathroom or even your laundry room. I suggest you get one with a lid and don't be afraid to invest in nicer ones especially if they are visible to guests. Be aware of the textiles. If you have a cat, a wicker or cloth one may not be the best bet. I say from experience.

This is in no way an exhaustive list of the actual availability and uses for bins and baskets, but this is a good starting point for the next time you are thinking of a good way to invest money in a cheap way to add style and functionality to your home decorating needs.




 

Window Treatments You’ve Always Wanted

You want your own home to look nice when you have visitors and to also reflect your personal style. Adding distinct embellishments to your home provides you with the added factors that you're looking for. Making improvements such as these can cost cash that you may not have. Lower your expenses by creating your individual embellishments to your home.

Small inexpensive changes can make a huge difference and can be a quick and easy DIY project. Check out discount retailers Check your neighborhood discount and second hand stores for textiles at a lower price. Choosing the textile you want your window treatments to be made out of provides you with the opportunity to find the perfect color, shade and and shape (length) you are looking for. If you don't know how to sew, make use of a local seamstress that wont charge you a lot of money to produce your window treatments to suit your needs out of the material you've got found. Besides the community discount stores as well as thrift stores, the fabric stores is also known for good sales that you can benefit from and purchase material at a cheaper price.


Put an extra "wow" factor on your treatments by adding different embellishments to them. You can extra a gold piece of string that ties off and away to the side, add some bling with rhinestones or texture by playing with patterns. Adding touches to the window treatments can give each room a distinct personality for that space. For example, if you are setting up a princess room for a little girl, added studs and rhinestones to the fabric fits that design concept perfectly.

If you're having trouble finding the right color, have fun and be adventurous and create your own signature color. Purchase the lightest color available and at your local fabric store you will be able to find dyes that you can use to produce any color you want. Just ensure that the material you are utilizing is made of 100% cotton; this will better allow the fabric you chose to retain the proper level of dye.


Window treatments can be fun. Use your creativity more than your pocketbook. So if you mess-up, you have a great experience and story out of it and you can always try again. It helps make your home more personal in the process- which is the desired outcome.

Home Accents and Wall Decor

If you want a quick and easy way to redecorate a rooms or redesign its look and feel, you can find many wall structure decorative accent items that are easy to use. Many are even available online or in various outlet stores. Using wall design elements allow you to fully customize your wall to be able to create something truly unique from spotlighting a special art piece to updated lighting.

You must decide one thing first.

• Which wall you will end up using for the design?

A very good wall to choose is the wall that people can see when entering the room. This sort of wall accent is fantastic when you have an open program space which makes your transition from the family area to the dining room or perhaps the den.

It's also possible to use various colored accents connected to the color of the room furniture. The majority of furniture pieces can be easily re-colored (if necessary). For example: Should you have a sofa or love seat in the room which is right against the wall, you can add some great accent pillows or change the pillow colors by adding snug fit pillow cases in different colors to change the look and feel of the room. You will find many different pillow highlights in various shapes, shades and designs, along with a wide selection of fabrics to choose from.

Simply use your creativeness to help you figure out what you need. Also thumb through style and design magazines or checkout various websites for examples and additional ideas that you can use with your own personnel style. Happy decorating!

Arranging Accessories for your Home

One of the biggest home decorating challenges is how to arrange your current accessories, whether it be any bookcase, shelf, or knick-knack. Here is a three stage system that will convert your boring as well as cluttered spaces directly into a charming scene!


Harmony along with Contrast
When getting a space with add-ons, one has to keep in mind that this most important thing in order to avoid here is boredom! It is a lot less to do with the actual objects you choose when compared with how you choose to exhibit them. To keep a great arrangement from getting the neighbors lower for their afternoon quick sleep, remember to keep an equilibrium of harmony (issues that feel like they go with each other, like similar hues or styles) as well as contrast (things that spruce things up by being different…smooth versus texture, round towards straight line, etc…) You need a bit of both in your current arrangement. Perhaps you can create harmony by simply repeating a sq shape or the shade purple, and then include contrast by seated a smooth candlestick close to a rough basket.


Size and Shape
Make certain that the items you are making use of fit into their brand-new homes scale…you don't want one particular tiny paperweight on a significant kitchen table, and you need to steer clear of using a enormous ceiling high set up of flowers over a tiny end stand. Most people tend to employ things that are too modest for their surroundings nonetheless. If you have small equipment you would like to display, however need to give them much more oomph in the agreement, try grouping all of them on a plate or even a fabric covered container. You can also give them elevation by perching them on top of stacked books as well as baskets.


Layer along with Soften
Once you've picked your objects for that space following the design and style principles above, now you have to layer and also soften. Start with a more substantial, taller piece somewhat off center…this will be the understanding piece in your agreement. Now work for the outer edges inside layers…Add a taller track record layer, a midst sized medium top layer, and your smallest objects in the top. Keep the eye upgrading and down mainly because it purveys the arrangement via left to right interest. Add some material or twisted bow to soften the edges in the shelf or stand, to bring in coloring, and to highlight specific objects.


Above all, preserve trying new mixtures of items until you discover an arrangement which works for you. Use things throughout unusual ways. Put flowers or a reside plant into the arrangement that would seem too static. Also professional designers may occasionally be surprised through trying things in the new way! And don't forget, if your arrangement nonetheless looks cluttered along with lost, chances are you want to display too much. Create a prop box or use an empty space like a closet where you can preserve some of your pieces, and switch all of them out a couple of times per year for a fresh new theme without spending any money.