Far East Décorave

For people who love all the sights and sounds of the world at night, creating a nocturnal theme in the bedroom makes for an excellent place to relax.  When decorating, think about dark but rich colors for the walls.  Black can be too dark, but deep blues, greens, and even purples can make for a delightful space.  Make sure to add a canopy to the bed, as this can make for a better feel of being enveloped in the night.  While it might seem a little kitschy, glow-in-the-dark objects on the walls can make for a unique appearance.

When adding accessories to the room, be sure to think about objects that compliment the theme of the night.  You might consider a celestial moon mirror, a room divider featuring nocturnal animals, or even a fountain complete with ceramic frogs.  Having these objects in the room will give it a real appearance of a nocturnal habitat.  But despite being a place inspired by the nocturnal, you’ll love spending time in this bedroom no matter what the time of day!

Throughout the various cultures of the world, most all contain myths of the legendary creatures we call dragons.  It’s not clear where the myths originated from, and it is curious because dragons in areas of the world like Asia are the same as those from people who lived in Europe; two cultures that had virtually no interaction.  In general there are a few things that are agreed on about dragons including their appearance as serpentine lizards, ability to breathe fire, and love of hoarding wealth.  Dragons from Asian cultures often have facial hair, or a golden dragon featuring metallic scales is also common; these appearances don’t exist in European culture.  There are various other differences, but it seems almost uncanny that there are so many myths about dragons that are similar. 

Scientists have thought that man’s obsession with the dragon is something derived from ancient times when our ancestors were plagued by dinosaurs, though we may never know for sure why we think of these beasts the way we do. 

For more several millennia, ivory has been a prized commodity throughout the natural world, valued for its sheen and pure coloring.  Ivory is derived from the tusks of bull elephants (and occasionally other large animals), and in the past elephants were hunted near to extinction for their precious ivory.  The famous novel by Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness, details the corruption, desperation, and savagery that followed the hunt for ivory in Africa.  Myths were also perpetuated about legendary caches of ivory known as elephant graveyards; locations that elder elephants would instinctively seek out right before death. 

The lore surrounding the acquisition of ivory is quite substantial, and though the means through which it is acquired now are often more natural and humane, it is still quite sought after amongst various circles.  Blades with ivory handles, ivory sculptures, and ivory jewelry are renowned throughout the world for their exquisiteness.

Does your home look a little plain with just that old ceiling lighting fixture?  I’ve found that lamps, lanterns, and various contemporary lighting fixtures are a great way to give a room a warm and unique appeal.  Here are a few ideas to consider for improving the lighting in your home. 

~Desk lamps, placed around your home, these can light up a room just as well as a ceiling fixture, and with different shades can be matched to your style.

~Chandeliers, these are not only for the dining room.  A chandelier is a great addition to a bedroom or even a main room; they’re fun to look at and soften the light. 

~Lanterns and sconces, lighting you attach to a wall can draw attention to a specific piece of art, sculpture, or location in your home.  Lanterns come in thousands of different styles ranging from contemporary to traditional.  A cast iron lantern can give a room a rustic feel, or a bamboo lantern can add a contemporary Asian feel.

Between school and work and caring for children and making dinner and paying bills it can be hard to find a moment to relax. It can be even harder to find a place to relax. But a miniature Zen rock garden can provide that much needed escape without a trip away from home or the office. Zen rock gardens are essentially sand pits containing gravel and rocks, and occasionally a plant or two. They are a place where people can escape the daily pressures of life and have a moment to meditate and be creative.

Zen gardens were developed in the late 13th century by Muso Soseki, a Zen priest and poet. They’re called karesansui in Japanese, which means “dry mountain water”; the term Zen garden was coined in the 1950s by an American woman who wrote a book about Japanese gardens. In Western culture they’ve become a symbol of clarity and a medium for stress-relief. Miniature Zen gardens have become extremely popular gifts, and can frequently be found in offices.

Tending to the little garden is thought to provide a moment of meditation, where you can quiet your mind and forget about the distractions of life. They also promote mental stimulation – what does the garden look like? Islands peeking out of the waves? Puffs of clouds? However you choose to cultivate your garden, the process of caring for it will give you a moment where you can take a breath and relax without distractions.

Yin-Yan, or yin and yang, is a Chinese philosophical idea that describes two oppositional aspects of a process, phenomena, or object that work together to form a complementary whole.  Though yin and yang are opposing components, they are also inextricably linked.  The concept of “unity in duality” is present in the philosophy of several other cultures, and the Yin-Yan symbol is a widely recognized symbol for balance across the world.

Many tattoo enthusiasts have the Yin-Yan symbol inked into their skin, and the symbol is available on almost any form of merchandise that could have it printed or applied in some fashion.  A home decor accent bearing the Yin-Yan symbol can provide a cleansing breath for any room.

The elephant has been an important symbol for thousands of years, appearing in many cultures in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.  Elephants are a symbol of wisdom in Asian cultures and are valued for their memory and superior intelligence.

Elephants are the largest land mammal on Earth and have become a protected species worldwide, having long been threatened by human poaching for their ivory tusks alone. 
Why not bring a bit of the safari home with you with an Elephant Stand?  This magnificent rendition of the beloved animal displays its trunk upraised, itself a symbol of good fortune. This alabaster elephant stand would look great outside or inside, whether supporting a favorite plant or just to admire.

When one thinks of a Japanese Zen Rock Garden, they imagine this large area outside of their home or office that one can walk through and think in a quiet setting. It is creation of art and science that reflects a unique scene or illustrates a way of thought. For many of us, it would be great to have such a space to visit every day. However, it is not feasible in urban areas where few individuals have the space to create such a wonderful place for thought and relaxation.

Now, what if would be possible to create a small Zen rock garden that you can visit any time you would like to? You might say that is impossible . . . but I found a way for you to do just that! I found this miniature Zen rock garden set that will fit nicely on your coffee table at home or even, on your desk or workspace at work. It even have a rake and a mini pagoda that you use to create a “Zen” space at a very affordable price. Now, you can relax and enhance your living or work area with a small piece of tranquility!

As winter fades and with spring almost upon us the time for outdoor recreation is right around the corner.  Now’s the time to begin preparing your home and garden for fun in the sun.  Make your home the envy of the neighborhood with this fun, unique garden swing that’s sure to be the life of any gathering.

The only problem I foresee is needing another one.  This will no doubt be THE place to be seen in the backyard.  With comfort and one-of-a-kind operation there’s little doubt that this distressed iron garden swing will be popular in the coming months.