Wall paper medley

Wall paper for me is an acquired taste. I like pattern, but I am by nature not drawn to crazy busy designs plastered over large surfaces.


Yet, there are a number of companies bringing on the market some refined, quirky and fun designs.



One of my favorite studios is walnut wallpaper their selection is at all times inspiring.

Cabinet handles, knobs, and pulls

As so many before me have said, handles and knobs are a great way to change the vibe of your kitchen with a very small investment. Most gravitate either towards the classic little knob, or the simple stainless steel bar models. But there are a few choices that can give the unique look you are searching for.
Here are a few examples:

The stainless steel and black powder coated.

The glass bar handle.



The leather pull door handle.

The antique glass handle.

A different history of the engagement ring

The Titan Prometheus is usually regarded as one of the greatest friends of mankind, and the savior of all men. For when Zeus attempted to destroy the men of the Bronze Age through The Flood, he gave instructions to his son Deucalion 1, so that he could survive and mankind could start anew.

It has also been said that Prometheus taught men to sacrifice to the gods in a clever way, casting only a part of the victim into the fire, and keeping the rest for their own food. It is told that Prometheus deceived Zeus with a trickery concerning the part which should be sacrificed to the god and the part which would remain for men. For Prometheus concealed the different parts in a certain way, and having given Zeus the chance to choose among them, the god, without any forethought, chose just the bones for his half. They believe that it was because of this trickery that Zeus decided to hide the fire, and prevent men to use it.

Now, when Cronos was king in heaven, the OLYMPIANS fought a war against him, and having dethroned him, gave the rule to Zeus, who punished both Cronos and the TITANS that supported his cruel order. Prometheus, himself a Titan, forewarned by the Titaness Themis, who knew that neither the brute nor the violent would prevail, rallied with her to the side of Zeus, who finally prevailed.

The new ruler proceeded then to apportion to the gods their prerogatives, but the race of man, which some assert was molded out of water and earth by Prometheus himself, he purposed to destroy. It was then that Prometheus, out of compassion for that wretched breed of mortals, planted blind hope in their hearts, and having stolen fire from heaven—which he hid in a stalk of fennel—, gave it to men, teaching them many arts and handicrafts.

For this audacious deed, Prometheus paid a high price, being severely punished by the Zeus, the new king of heaven. But among men he came to be called 'benefactor'.

When Zeus learned about the theft, he ordered Hephaestus to nail Prometheus's body to Mount Caucasus, which he did with the help of Cratos (Power) and Bia (Force), but some affirm that it was Hermes who nailed Prometheus.

On a rock in that mountain, Prometheus was kept bound for many years. And every day an eagle swooped on him and devoured the lobes of his liver, which grew by night as much as the eagle had devoured during the day.

Being a Titan, Prometheus should be immortal by birth (a sad privilege since ages of torture awaited him).

Prometheus is also admired for his resistance against what he perceived as the tyranny and ingratitude of Zeus. Though chained to a rock, he was not deprived of means of resistance:

For Zeus contemplated, at the time, marriage with Thetis. And there was a prediction about this nereid, which the god ignored: That her son would be greater than his father.

And if that secret were not revealed to Zeus, he would be hurled from his throne as Cronos had been before him. Being in possession of this secret Prometheus warned the god, declaring that he would provide him with vital information if he would free him from his chains. When the god accepted the bargain, Prometheus advised Zeus not to wed Thetis, for if one greater than he were born he might become the ruler of heaven in Zeus' place.

This is why Thetis was given in marriage to Peleus, being delivered of a child Achilles, who became greater than his father.

When the agreement was reached, Heracles was sent to kill the eagle that ate Prometheus 's heart or liver, and release the prisoner after thirty thousand years of torture.

It is said that Zeus did not release Prometheus from all binding, since he had sworn to that, but for commemoration bade him bind his finger with stone and iron; and that is why, men adopted the custom of wearing rings fashioned of stone and iron, that they may seem to appease Prometheus.

Similarly, it has been said that Prometheus wore a wreath, as if to claim that he as victor had revolted and yet did not suffer punishment for ever. And so the practice began of wearing wreaths at time of victory or rejoicing.

5 general decorating tips

1. Edit your home. So many of us are pack rats, or the elevated version "collectors". Nothing wrong with this. It is in our nature, so just embrace it. But do not display your prized possessions all at once. Store some of them away, and rotate the displayed objects occasionally. Your home will feel renewed every time.




2. Stick with one general idea in your decorating scheme. This can be a certain style of furniture, an certain dominating color, or a particular look (such as "the free spirited gardener", or "all things theater", or anything else that my represent who you are) When doing this, remember to edit. Less is more. You are not planing to live in a theme park.




3. Color is your friend. Do not fear color. If applying bold color to your wall is not your cupa' then select a few bold colored accessories, and display them in a balanced way throughout your space.




4. Take scale into account. Whether you are playing with scale, or striving to achieve a balanced environment, you need to always take sale into account. If you have small pieces, of furniture or accessories, group similar pieces together. This creates an instant collection, and a focal point. Oversize pieces, when showcased appropriately, can add wit and playfulness to your decor.




5. Let yourself be comfortable in your home. Luxurious living is comfortable living. Your home was design and built so you can live in it, not look at it from the outside. For that, people have created museums.

Romanian castles

I have been researching Romanian castles for a project I'm starting, and came upon a few spectacular ones.
Enjoy :)




This castle is still being used as the permanent residence for the royal family. Just in case you are wondering, Romania is not ruled by a monarch, it is a democracy.




This castle is known by most as "Dracula's Castle", and it inspired the famous story.



This gorgeous shell of a castle was left to ruin after the Germans burned it at the end of world war II. It is now undergoing painstaking restoration.



No, this is not Hogwarts, it is a real place, and I cannot wait to visit it!

A few more examples of super cute kids furniture

Maison du Monde put out the Roulotte line of furniture, not necessary geared towards kids exclusively, but also for the "gypsy hearted". I like both options. So here...



At the other end of the spectrum Modini Arredamenti offers a more tranquil option.



And an alternative to the set of high chairs, and booster seats needed as kids grow-up.

The ultimate kids room

I wish I had this when I was growing up! Just look at these magic castles, cottages,



and ships, and you cannot help becoming a king defending a great kingdom against an evil monster,


a princess rushing home before the bell strikes,



a pirate sailing the seas in search of treasure,


or even take off into space.




All this magic is created by a mom who wanted to offer her kids the best, and got busy. Check out her site, everything is custom made, down to the butterflies on the windowsill.

Design de Italia

In Suzzara, about one hour's drive from Parma, you can find an example of a family business gone good. Mondini Arredamenti started off in the 50s as a small shop, and it boasts now a slick and spacious showroom. Their furniture is modern, fun, and elegant.

Classics updated

Maison du Monde features a few updated classics I fell in love with. The Louis XV chair I always loved,

but the oversize version, wide enough to sit two is so much better.


Put the chair and the Pompadour dresser in your bedroom, and you have a retreat fit for a princess.

La Dolce Vita

It's a chaise you can find on the Last Design site. Just sit on it and let the words roll off your tongue "La dolce vita!"...

My favorite house in Chicago

Hidden in one of Chicago's historic neighborhoods is this gorgeous home that proves there is something to be said about the love romans had for courtyards.

Pioneers of green philosophy

Olde Good Things is not a new company, but their philosophy of architectural salvage, and building restoration seems ripped from todays headlines.

Next time you are looking to buy a unique accent for your home, check out their website. You can find fabulous building elements like the 17 foot iron Corinthian style fluted columns ($4,000.00), a mahogany paneled room ($25,800.00), or a Meisen tile stove for your kitchen or dining room ($24,000.00).

But the big ticket items are not the only great things you will find. Unique things you can use to liven-up your apartment are also to be found. Such as the White 'egg and dart' tin mirror ($100.00), the beautiful Water lily tile ($22.00), or if you want to splash out just a little the Marble bust of a woman ($560.00), and the Clear Murano Glass Chandelier ca 1960 ($5,200.00) are wonderful options.