Tag Archives: contemporary

How to Decorate With Seashell Art

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One of the nicest ways to decorate your summer home or cottage is with seashell art. Seashell art has a rustic, natural serenity that compliments other types of décor as well including contemporary, Swedish and retro fifties, sixties and seventies designs.

One of the most interesting one-of-a-kind wall hangings to come along late is the Starfish embedded in copper tablet. Starfish have a beautiful natural copper bronze color that naturally compliments copper that has a green patina. The patina color comes from the oxidization of the copper.

You can also get beautiful scallop shells that have been embedded into copper in the same way. The scallop has a very elegant shape that is reminiscent of an open woman’s fan.

This type of art looks great outside, as a plaque in just about any room and as unique décor for a bathroom. They would look quite enchanting in a grouping on a tile wall around a pool, pond or hot tub. You don’t have to worry about this type of copper being around water as it is coated with a special sealant to preserve its color.

Starfish and scallops come in all shapes and sizes so you will find that these come in all shapes and sizes as well. A twenty-two square inch example makes a wonderful centerpiece in any home whether it is on the coffee table or hanging on the wall.

Driftwood and sea glass art objects have a pretty, weathered quality that looks great anywhere in most cottages. It is very common to find picture frames and mirror frames made of this material. Some mirrors are dressed up with panels made up of assorted sea glass stones and seashells.

A popular item is the Ocean in a Box which is a “beach scribble” written in sand on a beach and then handcrafted. Words like “Welcome”, “Faith” and “Time” are scribbled in the sand. You can also get symbols like Peace Signs and Hearts. These pieces are handcrafted by Maine artists so you can also get them customized.

There are also many artists who create unique abstracts out of objects from the beach if you like your collectibles to be a little less New Age or kitsch in look.

How to Decorate A Screen Porch

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All too often the screened porch is wasted because it is not set up as a pleasant living space. Instead it is used as a storage space that is crammed with junk.

If used correctly it can be treated like an extension of your living room. It can be a great place to entertain your guests. It can also be a stylish retreat just for you.

Your first step is to clear all clutter from the porch. Keep bikes, coats, gardening stuff and anything else in there somewhere else.

Then you need to look at the floor. Wood flooring is rustic and creates a look of timeless elegance. If real wood, like pine is too expensive then you might want to consider using laminate flooring. It is less expensive than wood and the installation process is simple.

If you want a floor that is easy to upkeep then try ceramic tile flooring on your porch. If the floor seems too cold you can also had a throw rug.

The porch furniture that you choose should depend on the ambiance you want to create. If you want a casual and relaxed look choose contemporary wicker and soft furniture with low side tables. If you plan to have meals out on the screened porch be sure to also include a glass covered or simple wood table. If the porch is small you can always bring in a folding table when needed.

If you want a more exotic effect add printed cushion covers or gaily printed fabrics. You could also add vases of flower, candles and a tinkling fountain.

You can also put a hammock or hanging swing on a porch. These swings are beautiful and come in many colors. They make your porch more attractive to relax in.

The lighting should also be relaxing. Wrought iron light fixtures create a beautiful rustic effect. Stained glass creates a soft diffused and colorful light.

Don’t forget to hang some art on your porch to make it look well decorated. Bronze or copper metal art looks right as do watercolors in summery colors like turquoise or orange.

Front porches are sunny, airy and usually warm. They are perfect for growing plants. If it receives sunlight for two to three hours consider creating a container garden.

Plants like roses, azaleas, paper whites, amaryllis and cyclamens grow well indoors.

You can also grow creeping varieties of plants like wisterias, periwinkle, bougainvillea, morning glory and climbing rose. The fragrance will make your porch an amazing place to be.