Graffiti has been the bane of buildings for centuries. We might think it’s a modern occurrence, what with spray cans and paint being easily accessible. However, it’s not and graffiti in all it’s shapes and forms can be seen in the oldest of buildings across Europe, for example, Canterbury Cathedral in England. This Graffiti Table Lamp by Studio Italia Design is a lighting fixture that revels in this fact.

When visiting some old churches across Europe, you’ll often be told by guides and history books of engravings etched into the stonework of the walls. One old church I visited still had the engraved graffiti of the Crusaders before they set off for the Holy Land. Then of course you have the ancient caves in France where early man drew animals and hunting scenes. This graffiti table lamp is not as old, thank goodness but it is in its own way a testament to the human love of expression through art, design and imagery.

The Graffiti Table by Studio Italia Design features a transparent crystal diffuser and graffiti-style markings. These provide a wonderful illumination effect when the table lamp is lit. When the rest of the room’s lights are either off or turned low, this graffiti lamp will create a dynamic and exciting accent lighting effect that will enlarge the scope of the graffiti to nearby walls and table tops.

It’s a table lamp that’s ideal for a contemporary living space, whether this be a living room, artist’s studio, home study or a stylish bedroom.

You can buy this table lamp from here: Graffiti Table Lamp by Studio Italia Design.

One can also find the diffuser design in white, rather than black.

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I have a great fondness for bringing natural materials into the home environment. This usually includes wood and plants but it also incorporates materials like stone. An example of this can be seen in this pebble rock clothes hook in the picture below. When materials from nature are combined with contemporary designs, the resulting item can be highly attractive and wonderfully unique in style.

The pebble rock clothes hook is an ideal accessory for a bathroom, hallway or basically anywhere you regularly hang coats, robes, towels, hats and scarves. Due to the natural look of the river rock which these stone clothes hooks are made from, the fixtures will merge in with most types of interior décor schemes. Aluminum posts connect the river rock to contoured hardwood backing which attaches to the wall.

As mentioned previously, the stone is real river rock and the complete pebble rock clothes hooks are made by skilled craftsmen in the New England region of the United States. Each rock is different, naturally and so no two hooks will be the same in size or texture.

You can buy these wall hooks from the following location: Pebble Rock Clothes Hook.

By the way, they are reasonably heavy so will not be suitable for light-weight doors.

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The elephant is an iconic symbol in Sri Lanka, formely known as Ceylon. Elephants have been a part of Sri Lanken myth and symbol for thousands of years. This intricately carved kneeling elephant seat is inspired by such cultural significance and is the creation of world renowned artist and industry leader Carolyn Kinder. If you have a high regard for elephants and/or Ceylon, then this elegant elephant seating furniture piece is worth a second glance.

It’s unfortunate to note that the Sri Lanken elephant is in sharp decline due to hunting and habitat encroachment. At the turn of the 19th Century there were estimated to be 14,000 elephants on the island of Ceylon but now that figure is no more than 3,000, if that. This intricately designed kneeling elephant seat is a respectful interpretation of this magnificent beast which is both stoic in nature and mighty in build.

The kneeling Ceylon elephant seat is made from durastone and has been given a lustrous finish. All in all, this combination gives the elephant seat a marble look which will compliment a wide variety of interior settings. The beautifully intricate swirls on the kneeling elephant’s back add to the mystique and elegance of this Ceylon inspired design piece. It’s sturdy and therefore perfectly safe to sit on if required.

This rich brown-caramel kneeling elephant seat will make a delightful decorative accessory for a room which perhaps has the ambiance of South Asia. Mixed into an interior with colorful Indian fabrics and patterns, this Ceylon elephant seat will provide an extra focal point and seating area for guests and family alike.

You can buy this elephant seat from the following location: Intricately Carved Kneeling Elephant Seat.

Price: $280

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The iittala toikka glass birds are a well known and highly sought after collectors item. Below is a picture of one of my favourite iittala toikka glass birds, the Ruby Bird, crafted in the famous Nuutajarvi Glass Factory located in Finland. The factory is the oldest in Finland and was founded by the talented glass blower Oiva Toikka whose is the main creative drive behind the beautiful red glass Ruby Bird and many others.

How the iittala toikka glassware birds are made is fascinating in itself let alone the marvellously colorful results that can be widely seen. A glass mouth-blowing technique is used to create each individual bird whilst up to five craftsmen work on each glassware piece resulting in a unique design each and every time. The rich colors of the iittala toikka birds are the result of the glass and how it is blown rather than any paint.

Finish artist Oiva Toikka of the Nuutajarvi Glass Factory has managed to hone his skills to produce glass art like a painter with a palette. The iittala toikka glassware birds are quite incredible and it’s no surprise they are a collectors item and highly regarded. You can read more about the making of these colorful glass birds via the link mentioned below.

An iittala toikka glass ruby bird like this one will make a lovely decorative feature in a variety of interior settings. Naturally, a glassware creation which relies on color will go well with a room which is inundated with light, especially natural light. Whether daylight or lamp light, the red glass ruby bird by Oiva Toikka will both capture any light and illuminate the surrounding area with rich patterns and color.

You can buy this iittala glass ruby bird from the following location: Iittala Toikka Glass Ruby Bird.

Price: $195

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If you’re looking for a contemporary stainless steel planter with a difference then the Spring Planter with a spiral base as seen below will definitely require a second look. As previous buyers have written, the Spring Planter is both unique and an obvious talking point among family and guests alike. For a modern interior where indoor plants are desired, this springed-base planter will bring a touch of the surreal to the kitchen or living room table top.

Despite the look of the spiral base, the Spring Planter is very sturdy whilst also maintaining a slight bounce effect when touched. A full range of house-plants can be placed into this planter, whether real or faux. This contemporary stainless steel spiral base planter is certainly a decorative accent that combines both functionality and fascinating form. It’s eye-catching and grabs the attention in whichever room it is located.

For an existing contemporary interior, this Spring Planter will compliment the modern styles and materials already in place. However, the spiral base planter will also bring a touch of whimsical modernity to a more traditional setting. This is particularly true if you go in for the Bohemian style of decorating and fashion.

You can buy this unusual Spring Planter from the following location: Contemporary Stainless Steel Planter With a Spiral Base.

Price: $48

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Water jugs for pouring water into drinking glasses are usually a simple affair. We imagine a regular shaped jug with a glass handle and a gentle groove of a spout at the top. However, the Menu Pil Bredahl water jug is something else entirely. This is a contemporary slender shaped water jug with a lid that automatically opens when pouring. It’s both elegantly stylish and highly functional.

The Menu Pil Bredahl water jug is the creation of award winning Danish designer Pil Bredahl. A former student at the famous Danish Design School, Bredahl has gained a name as one of the more creative and dynamic of young furniture and house-ware designers in Europe and indeed, the world. Her talent can be seen with this contemporary water jug which combines form with function beautifully.

The slender design of the Menu Pil Bredahl water jug means it will compliment a variety of settings whether on a table indoors or outdoors. A special mechanism in the lid section allows the water to be poured without having to take off, or even touch, the lid itself. When the water jug is placed back on the table, the lid closes thereby preventing dust and insects to fall into the fresh water. The automation of the lid also insures any ice cubes, mint leaves or slices of lemon stay inside.

This contemporary glass water jug will make a great tableware and serving accessory for garden and house parties where a little modern flair is desired.

You can buy this water jug from the following location: The Menu Pil Bredahl Contemporary Water Jug.

It’s had some very good reviews which you can read via the link above.

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When watering indoor house plants, it can be a little messy trying to pour water from a cup onto the soil in a pot. This is made especially difficult by any overhanging foliage which is why a small indoor watering can like the copper version in the picture below is an ideal home watering accessory. The copper watering can’s form also makes it a lovely decorative item for the home when not in use in its primary function.

The small copper indoor watering can has an extra large handle compared to its petite size. This allows ease of use when navigating between plant pots and vases that are either high on a shelf or low on the ground. The long thin spout of the copper watering can allows for extra accessibility to areas that are perhaps out of reach, either behind excess leaves or hanging high above the ground.

As one will note from the photo, the small copper watering can has an aged look which only adds to the character of the plant watering accessory. When not being used to water flowers, the copper watering can with the aesthetically pleasing curved handle can be placed on a prominent shelf or sideboard either in the kitchen, utility room or glasshouse. Alternatively it can be placed in the hallway as a decorative feature, highlighting to visiting guests, the love of plants and nature that will be found in the rest of the house.

You can buy this small indoor watering can from the following location: Small Copper Indoor Watering Can.

Price: $37.50

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The Theo Table is a simple yet highly effective engineered end table for use in a living room. End tables, as their name implies, are ideal for placing at the end of sofas or besides armchairs. Most are used as small tables on which to place TV remotes, drinks, magazines and small temporary items one uses on a day to day basis whilst seated. Like with any style of table, end tables can also be decorated and used as display platforms for flower arrangements and lamps.

The Theo Table as seen above has been crafted with stainless steel and wood. This provides a simple design which doesn’t detract from other items of furniture or décor in the interior where it is placed. A visible wood grain can be seen on the espresso veneer surface which adds a certain character to the intelligently engineered Theo Table.

The end table is highly versatile and is designed to hang over the seating part of a sofa or chair if needs be. This allows for easy use without the need to excessively reach over just to place down a coffee cup or asthma inhaler. End tables like this Theo Table are highly regarded for their safety and versatility. It’s small enough to be lifted out of the way easily and manoeuvred for a better fit or function. The particular design of the Theo Table also means it’s highly unlikely to topple over.

You can buy this modern end table from the following location: The Theo Table.

Price: $298

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Edward William Godwin was amongst a group of British designers during the Victorian era who sought inspiration from the newly discovered Japanese design style. This was helped by the Convention of Kanagawa which opened up Japan to the rest of the world in 1854. Japanese design was increasingly viewed with admiration and this led to art, architecture and above all, furniture, being created using the techniques and styles from Japan.

E.W. Godwin was one of the leading proponents of this new style and this can be seen best in his Japanese style sideboard in the picture above. it has since become one of the most recognisable and famous piece of 19th Century furniture and at the time of writing resides in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It’s interesting to note that Godwin designed these Anglo-Japanese furniture pieces for both himself and for a few contacts of his such as the Mahony family who owned Dromore Castle in County Kerry, Ireland.

In many ways, Godwin and his fellow group of designers were attempting to get away from the ornate historical styles that were prevalent during the middle of the 19th Century. A spirit of the East was born in their work which covered furniture and also wallpaper design which was progressive in nature and found admirers in the form of Oscar Wilde, the Irish writer, and Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll.

The sideboard above is highly geometric in form with plain ebonised surfaces which were to have great appeal to 20th Century Modernists. A lacquered wood finish adds to the starkness of the furniture piece and brings the structure of the sideboard to the fore. Japanese leather paper has been added which further compliments the sideboard’s Anglo-Japanese nature.

If you are interested in 19th Century design and how the opening up of Japan influenced designers in Europe, then a biography of Edward William Godwin is certainly a great place to learn more. One such book I recommend is: E. W. Godwin: Aesthetic Movement Architect and Designer.

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Some of the most beautiful geometric art work comes from the Arab Islamic world. This is seen in the design of the Arabic tapestry wall hanging that can be seen below. The exciting tales of the Arabian Nights comes to mind when viewing this extremely tasteful combination of the most delightful colors one can hope to find. Due to the Islamic proscription on drawing the human form, Islamic art has largely focused on geometric patterns and color.

If you’re looking to add a shot of color to a wall in your home, then this Arabian Nights tapestry wall hanging is definitely worth a second look. As an admirer of color and tonal combinations, I am deeply impressed with the beauty and visual attraction this Arabian tapestry imbues. Light blues and greens, sit together with reds and deep maroons whilst black arches and curves bring the geometric shapes to the fore.

Some of the most beautiful wall patterns can be found in Islamic countries. If you’ve ever visited one of the mosques in Syria, Jordan or Egypt, you will no doubt have been impressed with the architectural and interior art and design. This Arabic tapestry wall hanging will bring a touch of the Arab world to your interior decor. The beautiful colors will compliment a variety of existing interior design schemes. If you have Middle Eastern style vases or sculpture, then this Arab tapestry will make an excellent backdrop.

You can buy this tapestry wall hanging from the following location: Colorful Arab Islamic Tapestry Wall Hanging.

Price: $169.99

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A fat chef cookie jar is a great gift idea for anyone you know who likes to cook and also has a weakness for delicious cookies. The ceramic fat chef cookie jar below is example of one of these and will look just the part on the counter-top or shelf of a busy kitchen. Designed by Wisconsin artist Dan DiPaolo, the ceramic fat chef’s look is inspired by paintings from the same artist.

The hand painted ceramic fat chef cookie jar is designed with one purpose in mind, to safely and securely store cookies thereby keeping them fresh. However, the fat chef cookie jar serves a secondary purpose as a decorative item to add character to a kitchen interior. A little humor is hinted at with the half eaten cookie in the fat chef’s hand, perhaps taken whilst nobody was looking.

On the chef’s hat, the word “cookies” is drawn, giving a clear signal to hungry children that this is where the cookies are kept. Whether an adult or a kid, the whole family will find an endearing quality about this ceramic fat chef cookie jar. Too many cooks in one kitchen can spoilt the broth but not in the case of this charming fat chef and his horde of cookies.

You can buy this Dan DiPaolo creation from here: Ceramic Fat Chef Cookie Jar.

Price: $41.99

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If you are looking for a unique wall clock with a difference then you might consider this fan-shaped photo frame wall clock as seen in the picture below. When I first came across this usual wall clock I thought at first it was some kind of highly decorated wall fan. However, the simplistic wall clock apparatus suddenly appear and the image of a photo frame wall clock comes clearly into view. The idea behind it is ingenious.

Many clocks come with decorated faces which add color and thematic images to an interior, yet I’ve rarely seen a clock that’s been combined with a photo frame, or in this case, 8 black framed photo holders. This means you choose what is displayed in each frame whether this be family photographs, images from magazines or your favourite black and white pictures from yesteryear. The freedom to decide on what the overall clock design will be makes this fan-shaped photo frame wall clock one of the most dynamic and personalised wall accessories you could hope to find.

The simple white hands of the clock will compliment most photographs, images and colors placed within the 8 black framed photo holders that make up this fan-shaped photo frame wall clock. Whether placed in the main living room, dining room or hallway, the photo clock will be an eye catching decorative accessory that will achieve the qualities that define its creation: time keeping and a photo display.

You can buy this wall clock from the following location: Unique Fan-Shaped Photo Frame Wall Clock.

Price: $117.95

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Decorative metal candle holders are a great way to add thematic accents to an area of a room. The potential can clearly be seen in these bird themed metal candle holders which combine a contemporary style with a folk art flair. The curly bird and crow candle holders will provide an attractive focus to a dining room table or living room coffee table. Their shapes are expressive and visually exciting whilst providing a bird theme that will compliment existing decor schemes and accessories.

The Curly Bird and Crow metal candle holders are made from thick 12-gauge steel and have then been painted in black and given a clear-coat finish. The two bird candle holders are American made, having been crafted in the state of Florida. When silhouetted against a window during the day or by the burning candles in the evening, the Curly Bird and Crow candlesticks will come to life.

You can see purchasing details for this pair from the following location: Black Metal Curly Bird & Crow Candle holders.

They can be bought individually or as a pair.

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Man’s best friend is deserving of the title and this should carry through to the type of pet furniture you buy for your dog. This extra large luxury dog bed is a furniture piece to consider if you own a big dog who likes his or her creature comforts. If you have expensive upholstery as part of your sofa and armchairs, then it’s likely you’ll be wanting all pets to remain on the floor. This decorative wrought iron dog bed provides an answer to your dog’s mournful eyes.

The extra large luxury dog bed has an attractive look and will fit securely into most interior settings and compliment a wide array of décor schemes. For a home with mainly wooden or stone flooring plus expensive furniture, a comfortable dog bed is very important and provides your dog a place to find comfort. The beautifully crafted dog bed which is in a similar style to a human wrought iron framed bed is strong and sturdy, meaning it will be suitable for most breeds of dog.

In fact, like with a lot of pet furniture, the extra large luxury dog bed can also be used for cats. When I first saw the pictures of this decorative iron pet bed, I imagined a couple of cats stretched out together purring to their heart’s content. If you have a family of pets consisting of dogs and cats that get on very well together, then this extra large luxury pet bed will become a focal point for a lot of oohing and arring.

This extra large luxury dog bed will snugly fit into a corner of a room, whether this be a bedroom, living room or utility room. Due to its decorative wrought iron design which is appealing to the eyes, the dog bed is best suited, more than any other, to be located in a more prominent position where it will act as a decorative furniture piece all in itself.

You can discover more about this dog bed as well as read the purchasing details, from here: Extra Large Luxury Dog Bed.

By the way, the pillow is included.

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Decorative ceramic plates are a wonderful way to add color to a wall or table surface. This can be seen in this colorful ceramic plate below which displays the painting by Gustav Klimt called ‘The Virgin’. Whether placed on a metal stand, which is included, or hung on a wall in a kitchen, dining room or living room, this colorful ceramic plate highlights the gorgeous colors and forms Klimt used in his popular art work.

The decorative plate is constructed of ceramic and has been given a gloss finish. The scene of sensual women clothed in colorful garments is an iconic feature of Gustav Klimt’s paintings and will be recognisable to any guest who admires the history of art. I’ve written before about pieces inspired by the work of the Austrian Symbolist painter, largely because of how color plays such a vital role in his creations.

Gustav Klimt’s ‘The Virgin’, which this colorful ceramic plate is based on is no exception. Vibrant pinks merge with blues whilst his famed gold leaf, which dates to Klimt’s ‘Golden Phase’ also make an appearance. What I particularly like is how the figures wrap around the circular shape of the ceramic plate.

This colorful and decorative ceramic plate influenced by Gustav Klimt’s ‘The Virgin’ will make an ideal accent piece for an interior needing a little extra color or focus. If you know of a friend who has a particular affection for the artistic Symbolism movement, perhaps a poet, then this will make an ideal gift.

You can buy this decorative ceramic plate from the following location: Colorful Ceramic Plate Showing Gustav Klimt’s ‘The Virgin’.

It’s 22″ in Diameter.

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