The Pop Art Mirror from The Artful Home

Have you seen the HGTV show, Double Take,  where a homeowner selects a photo of a room designed by a high-end interior designer and then tries to reproduce the look for less?  They call the original photo, “the Inspiration Room”, and before you know it a $50,000 living room has been imitated for $5,000.  I like the show but feel they leave out some important details because we all know you cannot get something for nothing.  Yesterday, I ran across two similar items and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to help you make informed design decisions. 

The Inspiration:  The “Pop Art Mirror” above is a colorful and striking accent piece that would add a lively conversation piece to any room.  This mirror is featured on the Artful Home website where you can find artistic treasures for your home from artists the world over.  I have purchased a number of pieces from them for my clients and the prices range from quite affordable to very high end.  This particular piece is a 32″x32″ hand made mirror created by the husband and wife team, Mitch and Susie Levin, who use materials of contrasting colors and textures with dramatic results.  Their philosophy is simple: “Art and furniture should be both expressive and timeless. “  The mirror is $1150.

Recycled Tin Mirror from CB2

The Imposter:  The Recycled Tin Mirror from CB2 (Crate and Barrel’s little sister) is going for the same look.  They use international recycled tin sheet packaging in a patchwork design to create a colorful 30″ x 30″ mirror.  The mirror is $99.95. 

CB2

While I know the price difference in this case is huge, and most people are not going to spend $1,000 on a mirror, I do have a good point to make.  The higher end pieces are fine quality furnishings that are made by hand with thoughtfulness, pride and artistic consideration.  The top mirror has a much better distribution and harmony of color.  It almost has a stained glass feeling to me.  Each piece of tin has been nailed by hand to the frame and the small nails form a quilt-like pattern.  The CB2 piece just leaves me kind of flat.  No texture, the color selection is uninspired and it looks like a bunch of poorly designed business cards tacked to a cork-board. 

The Artful Home

So when you are considering pieces of furniture that are look-alikes, make sure the less expensive option is sturdy enough to withstand the slings and arrows of your family and dear enough that you want to pass it on.   For example:  You can purchase one $3,000 sofa that lasts for 5+ years or two $1000 sofas that may last a year each.  While you may be able to get the look for a lot less, you rarely ever get quality for a lot less, so spend your hard-earned money wisely. 

My two cents:-)

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Globes add a certain intellectual, world-traveler feel to your home.  They are the perfect addition, especially if you have someone as curious as my husband, Tim.  He loves history, is a voracious reader and watches documentaries every chance he gets.  So this past Christmas I felt it was time to welcome a globe into our home.  But I had not prepared myself for the wide selection that is out there…

Globe manufacturers such as Replogle Globes have great websites that show their entire product line, but they don’t necessarily sell directly to the public.  They will refer you to online vendors that sell their products such as www.worldglobes.com or www.onlyglobes.com. 

It’s great to keep the globe in the TV room and grab it while watching the news or Discovery Channel. Scanning a map on the Internet isn’t nearly as enticing as spinning a globe in your hands and wondering how it is that you didn’t know that Alaska and Siberia are neighbors.

You can choose a globe for its beauty, its history or its current geo-political accuracy.  It’s really up to you.  They are easy conversation pieces and come in so many shapes and sizes that you can surely find one that adds intellect and flair to your home.

Search vendors that carry a wide variety of accessories in My Secret Database!

My heritage goes back to both Northern and Southern Italy, so my love for all things Italian seems natural.  Italians treat every meal like a celebration; as it should be!  On breezy summer nights, tables and chairs are transferred outdoors to a backyard enveloped in bougainvillea vines and warm candlelight as close friends enjoy fine wine, food and laughter.  The Italians really know how to live.  In honor of their love of life and food I would like to share my favorite Italian Designer Secret: Firenze Italian Specialties

Firenze Italian Specialties features Italian Ceramics and Decor that will inspire you with a little dose of Italia.  They import their pieces from the Tuscany and Umbria regions of Italy and describe them this way:  ”This dazzling colorful Italian earthenware is called Majolica (also known as Maiolica or Maioliche) and was named by the Italians after the Spanish island of Majorca. Originally this type of earthenware was exported from Majorca and introduced to Italy in the 13th century. Majolica became popular during the Renaissance period and centers for producing the earthenware arose throughout Italy. During this time, these artistic ceramics were often given as a gift to celebrate momentous occasions, such weddings and births.”  You can see exactly how the pieces are made here.

From large carnival-colored appetizer and antipasto sets to graceful pitchers and vases, there is a wide selection in patterns from rustic to refined.  Their pieces are 100% food safe and dishwasher safe.  When using a dishwasher, they do recommend a cooler, energy-saving cycle.  They don’t recommend putting them in the microwave.  They are having a huge summer sale until June 30th so be sure to pop in soon for a tour of Italy’s finest ceramics.

Visit Firenze Specialties in My Secret Database!

Have you heard about Etsy?  Well, if you haven’t, it’s time for a long overdue introduction.  This is a cozy corner of the Internet where crafty and highly creative people connect with you.

In their simple words:

Etsy is an online marketplace for buying & selling all things handmade. Our mission is to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers. Our vision is to build a new economy and present a better choice: Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade.

The site was launched in 2005 and now has over 100,000 sellers.  You are walking into the world’s best art and craft show that is open 24/7.  You will quickly become hooked, but never fear.  There are many affordable items as well as some real splurges.  I love the jewelry and purses but since I am guiding you in the world of home design, I am going to point in the direction of Art, Housewares and Furniture.  Inspired oil painting and photography, finely upholstered vintage chairs and sublime ceramic work.  It will be hard to choose once you get rolling.

It’s like receiving a handmade gift from your most talented and creative friend (not the kind that you only pull of the closet when they visit)!

Visit Etsy on My Design Secrets!

Novica Home is like stepping into an international bazaar of furnishings; full of color and life.  Run in association with National Geographic, the website features the work of artists from around our glorious globe.  From fabulous furniture and area rugs to intricate tapestries and mirrors, you will surely discover treasures that will add international zest to your interiors.  The website is easy to navigate and you can search by item, region (Andes, Bali/Java, Brazil, India, Mexico, Thailand & West Africa) or gift theme.  The artists also share their background and artistic vision, which forges a unique connection.

If you sign up for their emails they will send you holiday gift ideas and deals.  Since the items come from far and wide, they provide you with shipping details and lead times.  They also have a category of “fast shipping” gifts if you are in a rush.  The items I have received are well packed and arrive with a card that tells me about the artist and their creation, which adds a really nice touch.  You will instantly connect with artists that will be grateful for your business while you add unique items to your home that are handmade with pride and creativity. 

Explore Novica!

I hope you have found all sorts of tasty little morsels on My Design Secrets in the form of my professional advice, decorating tips and tricks.  But never, ever forget My Secret Database!  This is where you gain special access to my professional database of vendors that have been carefully collected and selected for over 10 years.  Today I would like to introduce you to Viva Terra, a company that offers lovely items that help you celebrate life and home in a kinder and gentler way. 

Viva Terra has a sumptuous selection of home furnishings with the most lovely earthy qualities.  Graceful root wood tables that are rustic yet refined.  A wide variety of vases that are sculptural and a fitting home for your freshly picked flowers.  Luminous lighting in the form of candles and sconces that integrate themselves flawlessly with natural hues.  And many unusual items that will be right at home in your garden, kitchen or bath.  I love the depth of their product line. 

Viva Terra is selective about what they put into their products and they choose their business partners with careful consideration.  They care deeply about the earth, the people they work with and their valued customers.  Their newsletter is fun and informative and it provides Eco-friendly ideas that are actually doable for the average person.  Their ”Sale” area is definitely worth a look, with most items at least 50% off.  Give Viva Terra a try.  I think you will like what you see!

Visit Viva Terra, one of our Eco-Friendly Vendors!

I am not talking about a dog but rather something that could make your home just as warm and inviting.  Stray Dog Designs carries a stellar selection of home furnishings and they have a unique back-story.  Bill Pritchard and Jane Gray were newly-weds in Mexico in 1994 “figuring it out” when they came upon a small, sad looking pup that needed a good home.  They took La Princessa in as their first joint project and things just took off from there.  They started importing pottery to the States and that soon evolved into having a tinsmith bring Jane’s artistic visions to life in the form of lamps, mirrors, urns and other cool stuff.  In 1995 they were very warmly received at the Atlanta Gift Show and the rest, as they say, is history. 

They now live on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee with 3 kids and a houseful of pets which of course includes a former Stray Dog (a Great Dane named Big Girl).  They carry accessories, lighting, furniture and cool holiday stuff.  I would say their style has a Dr. Seusslike quality to it but with a bit of modern polish.  In their words: “Stray Dog Designs’ core design principles are simple: all items are handmade with careful construction from quality and recycled materials, melding quirky charm and true artistry, and providing fair wages for local workers.”  The vivid colors and whimsical shapes are the product of two people who run a company with a lot of heart and soul.

Come Visit Stray Dog Designs on My Design Secrets!

Just like a fine quality spice in your favorite food dish, a little Exotic influence in your decor goes a long way.  Exotic is one of the 7 Styles we feature on My Design Secrets and it can be incorporated into virtually any other style.  It features fresh colors and striking designs from faraway places including locales such as Asia, the Middle East, and South America; to name a few.  Today I will run down some Exotic tips that will bring zest to your nest. 

• Modern interiors come to life with vibrant animal-themed artwork.
• An old leather chair ups its hip factor with a painted Moroccan side table.
• Light and airy draperies add romance to your bedroom.
• A colorful lantern makes an indoor or outdoor conversation area warm and cozy.
• Intricate wood work on a headboard (or room screen hanging above a bed) adds interest and a focal point for the bedroom.

Exotic design comes in many forms; from hand carved and inlaid woodwork to vibrant textiles and unusual accessories.  Introduce a bit in your interiors and I bet you will never turn back.

Explore the Exotic Style in My Secret Database!

Summer is quickly approaching.  Haul out the patio furniture, tune up the grill and sweep off the deck.  The warm weather gives us an opportunity to expand our living space and get back in touch with nature.   So rather than living with the same decor year after year, let’s spruce it up with some color and accessories.  Like any room in your house, your outdoor space deserves some attention with a mini face-lift now and then.  Here are some fabulous finds to make your outdoor space feel like a special destination any day of the week.

•  Fire Pits Add Warmth - Whether you are enjoying their ambience with a glass of wine or toasting marshmallows, you cannot miss.
• Fun and Games - Why not roll out the Bocce ball, horseshoes or badminton?  They might moan and groan but soon enough everyone will be laughing and cheering.
• Color Infusion - Some colorful throw pillows make the space come to life.
• Aromatic Container Garden - Decks can look barren, so start a container garden with beautiful jars & urns.  Herbs such as Rosemary are easy keepers and give off a wonderful aroma.
• Cozy Converstation - Defining a conversation or dining area with a Pergola transforms a so-so space into a warm and inviting haven.
• Memorable Meals - Colorful utensils and attractive serve-ware make a meal special.

Kick back, relax and enjoy your newly rejuvenated space!

Check out Great Outdoor and Patio Sources in My Secret Database!

Bamboo is making itself at home everywhere, from your bedroom to your kitchen to your dining room.  We may compare it to wood, but technically bamboo is a grass.  It is the fastest growing woody plant in the world; making it nature’s most sustainable resource.  It can reach maturity in 4 years.  One species has been clocked at growing 47 inches in 24 hours!

The more obvious uses of bamboo are seen in the form of furniture, flooring, drapery rods, blinds and cutting boards.  There are also new items making the scene that incorporate fabric that is made from bamboo.  Examples include supple sheets and towels, fashionable clothing, and light and airy drapery sheers. There are oodles of options.

Let’s not forget that the bamboo motif is ultra attractive and adds an exotic flair to any room.  Chandeliers, mirrors, pillows, wallpaper and chairs look fantastic in a multitude of colors and patterns. 

Bamboo is a double duty design item that can add a terrific twist to your home!

You will find many items with Bamboo motifs in My Secret Database. The Eco-Friendly companies are indicated with this symbol!