Archive for August, 2009
Add a Kindly Gnome to the Garden
Of the many garden decorations available, garden gnomes are some of the most popular. Gnomes are traditionally thought of as being small, bearded and wearing pointed, conical red hats. They are perceived as being nocturnal helpers, tending to the garden overnight, with a taciturn and benevolent demeanor. The first garden gnomes were made in Germany in the mid-1800s, and they quickly spread across Germany and into France and England. They are now common worldwide. Currently, there are an estimated 25 million garden gnomes in Germany.
There are many styles of garden gnomes to choose from, including different facial expressions and poses. You can choose a friendly gnome, a sleeping gnome, a gnome holding garden tools, and many more options. A gnome holding a “welcome” sign makes a great greeter for your garden, while a napping gnome with an “on strike” sign makes a humorous addition. No matter what kind of gnome you favor, they make great gifts for any gardening enthusiast.
Go Shabby Chic
If you’re ready to redecorate your house or simply start decorating a new one, you should avoid buying new, pristine-looking furniture. Why? That perfect look went out years ago! Rustic, shabby chic furniture styles came into style in the 1980s and 90s, and remain popular today. They look more effortless and less contrived than perfect furniture. The phrase “shabby chic” was coined by The World of Interiors magazine in the 1980s, and it means interior decor and furniture that is chosen for its age or signs of wear and tear. It can also be distressed to achieve the appearance of an antique.
You can look for used furniture at garage sales or antique stores, keeping an eye out for interesting details and “flaws” that give the pieces more character. If you’re not ready to redo your whole house, you can look for accent pieces to achieve shabby chic home decor. Detailed wall sconces, chandeliers, towel racks, cabinets and tables can all serve as shabby chic accent pieces. If your furniture is simple, these interesting pieces can really grab the attention of your guests and made your home seem more chic than a perfect, overly decorated home.