February 9th, 2009 by CoolThings

I was afraid of mixing different patterns together, but after looking at these photos I might give it a try. If done right, the look is fantastic!

February 2nd, 2009 by CoolThings

If you have read my blog before, you already know that I love pieces that look great even when they are not being used. For example, I purchased these lovely, mosaic vases at target.com with no intention of ever putting anything in them. I used one as a bookend and the other as an accent on my sofa table. Then, one day a friend, who I have not seen in a while, paid me a surprise visit and brought flowers as a gift. I don’t normally keep flowers in my house becasue my two cats keep mistaking the flowers for their afternoon snack, so I didn’t have a flower vase handy - or so I thought. I took one of my mosaic vases (the ones that I don’t use as vases), and discovered that they look just as amazing with flowers in them! Imagine that!

January 30th, 2009 by CoolThings

… Having a kitchen like this.

January 26th, 2009 by CoolThings

I wanted color in my home, but couldn’t bring myself to commit to a paint color. My bare walls taunted me with their empty voids of color and their sad, plain appearance until I could stand it no longer! But rather than giving into their jeers of bareness and being pressured into choosing a paint color, I purchased these colorful curtains instead. Curtains are a great way to add color to a room without the commitment of paint.

I found this stylishly modern set at contempocurtains.com. They are 100% cotton and reasonably priced (an unlined 50″ w x 63″ panel is only $69), so it is an affordable option for those of us who have paint fear. And with a few throw pillows it is easy to tie a room together. My wall have stopped their taunting, and my color problems are solved.

January 19th, 2009 by CoolThings

I love wildlife about as much as I love to decorate and now I have found a fantastic was to enjoy both! I have discovered fabulous, animal-shaped, throw pillows by Fauna at designpublic.com. They are a wonderful way to have as many animals as I want without the mess. With just about any animal from cats and dogs to zebras and elephants, you can give any room a wild style that is adorable at the same time. They are also the perfect size for kids to hug and love just like their favorite stuffed animals. Made with 100% cotton and water-based ink they are just $24 a pop, making it affordable for you to enjoy the wild life.

January 13th, 2009 by CoolThings

My dream home would be decorated with fine art. Works by Picasso would be hung on every wall of every room. The stunning images would give me peace after a long day, beauty when I am feeling ugly, and would ignite inspiration when I feel stalled. But that is my DREAM, and I am willing to bet that neither you nor I could afford fine art for all the rooms in any home. But no need to lament, you can still give your home a sophisticated and artistic style that is impressive.

I found affordable prints of my favorite works by Pablo Picasso at art.com. They offer gorgeous prints of beautiful art work by many different artists and photographers. Not only can you choose from hundreds prints, but you will also find canvas art, framed art, lovely tapestries and more. Art.com will even custom frame your prints if you want.

Now, I can live out my dream, and you can give your place a look you will enjoy everyday.

January 6th, 2009 by CoolThings

My house is “Goldilocks Perfect” – not too big, not too small – it is just right. But even Goldilocks Perfect has its drawbacks. My perfect-sized house doesn’t leave much room for an entryway table and I needed a simple and compact place to keep all my “leaving the house necessities” – keys, mail, shopping lists, or anything I need to remember to take with me when I run out the door. I wanted something that was out of the way and multifunctional.

This is where www.chiasso.com comes in and helps me find the perfect piece. Their disc shelf/mirror is a great option for my home. Its style is cool, modern and original. Since it hangs on the wall it is out of the way, and all my things are at eye level so I remember to grab them on my way out the door. And talk about multifunctional - it is a mirror, shelf and work of art all in one. My house is once again Goldilocks Perfect.

December 29th, 2008 by CoolThings

Sorry you haven’t heard from me lately, but he Holidays are a busy time!

I wish you and yours the very best of the Holiday Season!

Check in after the New Year for more great blogs and Cool Things for the home!

December 12th, 2008 by CoolThings

Patience is a virtue. I’ve been looking for a good set of mixing bowls, but I wanted something fun so I could also use them as serving bowls for chips and popcorn and such. I’ve come close to buying ones that are cute, but not perfect, and I’m glad I didn’t. I found this set of bowls at urbanoutfitter.com and I know that my search is over. Not only are they fun and bright, but they are also made of recycled plastic which makes me feel better about purchasing them. This set of four comes in four different sizes and colors, and makes me smile when I see them.

Yes, I think I have found the set I have been looking for, and it only costs $28! Patience truly does pay off.

December 9th, 2008 by CoolThings

The thing I want most right now? This stylish sectional that will give my living room a fresh look that is inviting and happy. I saw it in the store and instantly fell in love! I sat down and just knew I had to have it. I don’t have it yet, but I will get it. I know I will, because everyone wants a place to sit and relax when they come home from a long day at work, and the people at the Eurway store are starting to get annoyed that I keep showing up to lounge.

I don’t care what people say, the sofa is the focal point in the room. Find one cool couch and you will have very little to do as far as sprucing your place up to impress. And to me this piece is a great starting point. There is plenty of room for guests to sit which equals plenty of room for you to relax when you are by yourself. The fact that it is cool and chic is a bonus!

Check it out at www.eurway.com if you too fell completely in love with this sofa.