The technique of trompe l’oeil involves realistic imagery, mostly through the use of paint, to create an optical illusion whereby the painted scene appears to be a three dimensional part of the interior. It has been used to great effect in cathedrals, churches, palaces and even public houses as well as in regular domestic settings. George Washington was even said to have been fooled by such an image when entering a room and bowing to what he thought was a person. The individual turned out to be a figure in a trompe l’oeil.

The door stickers, of which just two are shown here, are created on opaque white fabric which has been given a satin finish. They can be adjusted to the size of any door by simply cutting down to size to fit the required dimensions. Wall paper glue will keep them in place. Whilst not strictly in the tradition of painted optical illusions, the photographic door stickers still provide an eye-catching focus to an interior space and do indeed make a room looking bigger and more interesting.

You can browse through a collection of door stickers that are available for purchase, here: Trompe l’oeil Door Stickers.

H/T: Crookedbrains.

Bobsled Racing by on a Big Vendleboe Curve During the Winter Olympics

The vintage bobsled poster above shows a team of four hurtling down an ice track. I can’t be sure of which Winter Olympics it is from but looking at the style of clothing and helmets, it’s likely to be from the late 1950s and into the 1960s. This places the event possibly in one of three possible locations, including Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy, Innsbruck in Austria or Grenoble in France.

It’s a classic-style poster that will bring a touch of history into the room of a bobsled fan. The black and white photographic image of the bobsled will compliment a wide variety of settings and interiors as noted by the picture directly above. If you’ve been enjoying the bobsleigh during the current Vancouver Winter Olympics, then this vintage bobsled poster will make an excellent reminder of the speed, bravery and camaraderie of this visually stunning sport.

Did you know?: The first half-pipe bobsled track was built in 1870 in St. Moritz, Switzerland. It’s still in use today.

Venice, La Dominante, the Queen of the Adriatic and the City of Canals, a place where dreams are fulfilled and kisses dance in the reflections of the waterside windows. The Medieval city that has played such a vital role in Europe’s history has been described as the most beautiful city on the planet and there are few that would disagree. This is why photographic scenes of Venice canals are ideal images for home decorative art, accessories and interior décor.

The Renaissance-style beauty of this Venice Canal decorative room divider screen will bring a sophisticated and historical charm to a variety of Interior styles and numerous settings. If you have visited Venice and have furniture that has been influenced or crafted by Italian craftsmen, then this Venice Canal screen will compliment the scene and ambiance completely.

The most beneficial aspect of this room divider is that there are two separate photo images on either side. This means the divider can be placed in the center of a large room thereby creating two extra and more intimate spaces, or it can be located against a wall and every now and then, reversed to reveal a refreshed view of the City of Water.

Price: $125

The great aspect of a photographic wall canvas, regardless of size, is that it can be set up for a temporary period. They are relatively light weight and once the festive season is over they can be moved into storage until the following year.

If you are an American or Canadian of German heritage, then this Rothenburg Town Center festive scene might well make an excellent addition to your living room, hallway or bedroom. I remember when I lived in Germany myself, the Christmas week was the most magical of occasions. Lights adorned the marvellous and iconic German architecture whilst Christmas trees filled the town squares.

For a family with a fondness for the old homeland or for those wanting a bit of European scenery during the festive period, this photographic wall canvas of a typical German town center is perfect. The dark rich blue of the sky mixed with the golden fronts of the buildings are a super color combination for the often drab Winter months.

You can see a big image of the scene, as well as purchasing details, here: Photographic Wall Canvas: German Town Center Christmas Scene.

By the way, you can also get it in triptych format.

The photographic image of the tower has been imprinted onto translucent film which allows light to shine through to the interior where the table lamp is located. Velour and lace are used to frame the four sided lamp shade which also help to soften the natural rigidity of the structure. The whole thing is mounted atop of silver base which has been created in a simple and contemporary style. As one might gather, the focus is solely on the image of the Eiffel Tower rather than anything else.

If you are a Francophile or know anyone who is, then this Eiffel Tower lamp will make a perfect addition to any room. Anyone who has visited Paris will know how beautiful the city is, especially at night time. I’ve stayed there for a number of weeks and remember fondly the smells, sounds and sights of this old and vibrant European capital. Romance is never far away and lovers of all ages are seen across the city, holding hands, kissing by the River Seine and ascending the famous Tour Eiffel.

When lit, this photographic lamp will fill the interior with a warm and cheerful image of a part of Paris that will remind you of happy moments or of a city you plan to one day visit.

This type of lamp will be suitable for most rooms and décor schemes. The living room or dining room are the most obvious, where it can be seen most and enjoyed where you and your family/friends gather most in the evenings. A bedroom will also be given a romantic lift with this Eiffel Tower scene especially if you are looking to kindle a certain romance filled ambiance.

You can buy this lamp from the following location: Eiffel Tower Lamp With Photographic Shade

I’ve probably mentioned before on this website, my love for the old comedy series Frasier. This highly popular and well written comedy put Seattle on the map for me and inspired an almost romantic pull to the Washington State city scene. The famous Seattle Space Needle, the Columbia Center and the more older Smith Tower all symbolised the Pacific coast city to my young English mind.

I’m a romantic and to many this infatuation must seem very silly but it does highlight a point. That is that many might share my thoughts about other US cities and their skylines. For cities that have meaning for you, whether historical, personal or even romantic connections, a large city skyline photographic canvas print can be a wonderful option if you need to decorate a large area of wall.

Such locations in the home might include a refurbished basement where regular pictures frames just don’t seem to have the edge that they do above ground. With the right focal lighting, one of these large prints can almost imitate a large window in a basement room, with a view to die for. Think also of a games room, artist studio, meditation room or landing.

You’ve probably got a general idea of where one of these would go well. If so, have a closer look here: Seattle City Skyline Photographic Canvas Prints

They come with a choice of different sizes, as well as framed and in triptych form.

The personal urns are created by taking a photographic image of the recently deceased person and turning it into a 3-D Urn where the person’s ashes can be stored. High-tech advances in facial reconstruction along with 3-D printing have led to the possibility of such a detailed and personal representation of a human head.

Quite who would want such a “head urn” like these is an answer I wouldn’t mind knowing. For Elvis and Michael Jackson fans, you could consider having a personal urn in the form of their heads to put on your mantelpiece or hallway table. Of course, you don’t have to keep ashes in these urns, you can instead fill them with lavender, peppermints, nuts or house plants. Just don’t offer any of the mints to someone with a heart condition.

You can find out more about these “head urns” by checking here: Personal Urns

H/T: Gearfuse