Bring the Tropics Indoors This Winter

Sometimes just making a few changes in a room can make it feel warmer. With the colder days of winter almost here, make your living room a warm place to gather and add a tropical touch to make the room a relaxing island escape all year round. If you think "tropical decor" and it brings horrifying images of a room that has gone garishly loud with the colors of the local tiki bar, relax. The look you're going for is elegant, relaxing and laid back - nothing overly bright or garish.

Think Natural
First of all, think natural. Plants of course are an outstanding addition. Anywhere you have natural light in your room, add a plant. You can use either a plant stand - something with a bamboo look melds great with a tropical theme or hang plants near your windows. Woven mats in front of doorways and a natural Japanese jute mat in front of the fireplace with a selection of big fluffy pillows in greens and earthy browns sets a relaxing tone to your room.

On Your Walls
If your vacations frequently take you to warm and sandy locales, make a grouping of photographs on your wall to showcase your adventures. Or ever better add in a beach scene or palm tree artwork to set a tropical mood on your walls.

Window Treatments Make your choice in window treatments light and breezy. Go for light cotton panels that are either solid colors or a print that reflects a tropical feel such as a palm tree or exotic flowers. Use matching sheers to keep the decor feel light and breezy.

Those are just a few changes you can make to keep that warm, tropical feel around your home all through the year.

The Perfect Art Gift for the Sportsman in Your Life

If there's a sportsman in your life, chances are that a gift will be appreciated no matter what the event or season of the year. The one thing that all sportsmen and sportswomen have in common is the love of nature and wildlife. It's a great privilege to observe animals up close and personal in their natural habitat, and this often means traveling abroad to other countries.

While the rules of engagement have changed dramatically to protect wildlife and their habitat, the average sportsman or sportswoman still enjoys spending time with nature whether it's hunting, animal watching, or deep-sea fishing. Julia Rogers captures the true spirit of nature in her numbered and limited edition: "Leopard Descent". In all of her paintings, you'll readily find a realism that commands attention and the utmost respect.

It won't take you long to fall in love with this masterpiece! The powerful and stealthy leopard slowly makes its descent as it stalks its unsuspecting prey. Its agility and grace can almost be felt through the painting. Julia was able to nurture her talent twofold: Her mother was an artist, and her father a wildlife enthusiast. Through extensive travel, she was able to observe animals in their natural habitat. There are usually several major factors that come together that allows great talent to be developed and expressed. When this happens, a great talent like Julia Rogers emerges and takes the art world by storm.

Her works will be the perfect gift for the sportsman that appreciates the beauty and balance of nature.

Modern Art Made Simple

At first glance, you may not be sure what to make of Julia Ogden's artistic talents. It doesn't take long however, to make the distinction that she is a talented artist. Her hand signed and Limited Edition Giclee "Cream Field I" suggests something quite beyond the art itself. It's unique to say the least, and becomes a powerful focal point of ones attention. It's modern, futuristic, colorful, and somehow manages to convey a sense of purpose.

The colors are vibrant, and will compliment virtually any color scheme. Her talent allows her to space perfectly. The artwork is balanced, and has enough substance to make each work of art complete within itself. This balance immediately transcends the paintings and becomes the theme of the surrounding spaces.

Julia's background is in both art and literature, and this is perhaps why each of her creations seems to tell a story. You can choose from a vast array of handsome framing options that include honey oak, dark walnut, cherry, driftwood, and antique gold to name a few. And, the prints will ship within 3 to 9 days. If you're ordering a "custom framed" product, additional time may be required.

Whatever package you choose, you'll have plenty of time to make a place for the intriguing artwork of Julia Ogden. You'll be able to spend hours pondering what makes the artist "tick". And perhaps this curiosity about the artist, even more than the artwork itself, is what creates notable acclaim for her unique gift of expression.

Creating a Warm Italian Vineyard Themed Kitchen

The "Tuscan" theme is all the rage these days for kitchens. It’s easier than ever to find the perfect items to help you bring this dream kitchen into reality. It seems like everywhere you turn there are items designed for this theme in a kitchen. But how do you create an original space using this theme, while still keeping your space warm and inviting?

Warm colors are a must. The kitchen, at least in Italy, is generally the center, the heart of the home. This is the room people typically congregate in, to share laughter and stories, share home-cooked meals, and generally enjoy each other’s company. Choose from the warm palette; warm rustic reds, tans, browns, and mustard-y yellows work very nicely. A faux finish technique on the walls would also look lovely! For an even more "old world" style, consider using a wallpaper or appliqué that resembles brick behind the stove, or perhaps a scenic wall appliqué.

If you have a long wall that is just begging for something to adorn it, a long horizontal hanging piece of art, such as Randy Peyton’s: "Midday at the Vineyards" would be a perfect choice. This will set the mood for the rest of your space, and might even help a smaller space feel larger than it actually is.

Finish off your room with some accessories, like some wine bottles, antiqued or rustic hardware, and attractive window treatments. A warm wall plaque with a saying about family, friends, or food would be a nice touch as well. The goal is to create a space that is attractive, but very comforting and inviting at the same time.