Search Results for: plant

Claude Monet was a French painter and the founder of Impressionist painting which is known to have great influences on modernism. He expressed the philosophy of Impressionism through his paintings of nature and the outdoor. As an Impressionist artist, one should have a wide understanding of the effects of light on the local color of objects and the effects of colors with each other. He made light the focus of his paintings. Oftentimes, he would complete a painting in one sitting and demonstrated how light altered color and perception of reality. 

The water lily series

Monet mainly used his garden in London as his subject. Included are the water lilies, their pond, and bridge. The Water Lilies was a significant moment in the life and career of Claude Monet. It involves a huge number of paintings and drawings from around the garden of the artist. The series has captured the beauty, fragility, and radiance of nature. There are 250 individual paintings that were created during the last 30 years of his life. 

By viewing the series, one can see the subtle changes that take place in the natural world as well as the artist. This makes the Water Lilies series popular and unique. The paintings show the passage of time, the aging process, and the impermanence of light. Many people have scrutinized his works, yet they still became influential to other styles and forms. Here are some facts about the series that you will find interesting.

• Water Lilies and the Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh are the most iconic images of Impressionism.
• The first series (25 canvases) of Water Lilies was exhibited at the Galerie Durand-Ruel in 1900. Nine years later, the second series with forty-eight canvases were exhibited. He considered his Water Lily series as an obsession that he kept on working with them until his old age. 
• Monet focused more on the surface of the water. The sky or land was included only as reflections. 
• The water lilies were planted by Monet before he painted them. He arranged his property in Giverny as though it were a huge painting and later said that his finest masterpiece was his garden. 
• One of the loyal supporters of Monet, Prime Minister Clemenceau, urged the artist to work on a larger project. The project was for a set of large canvases depicting water lilies that would be displayed together. 
• At the age of eighty-two, Monet discovered that he has a cataract and scared the artist. Monet then wrote, “I realized with terror that I could see nothing with my right eye. A specialist… told me that I had a cataract and that the other eye was also slightly affected. It’s in vain that they tell me it’s not serious, that after the operation I will see as before, I’m very disturbed and anxious.” He was operated on thrice in 1923 to correct his eye. The reds and yellows of the Water Lilies indicate that the sight of Monet has been impaired. However, the combination of colors and light created an emotive effect. 
• The series opened the path to abstract painting. His works have greatly influenced the world of art. He set a precedent for later artists, particularly the Post-impressionist, Expressionist, and abstract-expressionist movements. 
• The Water Lilies Series in the Orangerie, Paris is the last series that Claude Monet worked on before he died. 

There are so many things that can be said about the 80s. This decade of new wave likewise gave birth to amazing decor trends. Although the 80s design style has retro elements, it is still employed in many homes and establishments. From brightly colored furniture pieces to geometric patterns on your walls. These decor elements will surely complete your day and make you feel like you are back in time again.

Use lucite in your rooms

Lucite is a clear, thick plastic that works great in rooms where you want to avoid adding too many textures and clutter. This is a decor trend that started in the 80s and never went away. 

Pops of neon for a funky appeal

The 1980s is never complete without the images of neon lights and bright colors. The incorporation of neon lights in prints can simply add a retro design to your room. Display neon-themed posters to add accent to your walls. Whether in the bedroom or living room, neon prints will surely be a trendy 80s design that you will adore. 

Go for brass

Brass is another material that was popular during the said decade. It is bold and loud and when used in furniture the material can give a fun and whimsical feel. 

Consider Memphis style

Memphis design was a movement that started in Milan, Italy in 1981. It is characterized by all things colorful, abstract, and loud. Achieve the design style in your rooms with abstract art, abstract-inspired throws, and bold colors throughout the textiles. 

Pastels for a fun-looking interior

The great thing about the 80s is that the design trends were contrasting. Pastel is a great alternative if you are not into neon and bold colors. Pastel colors make a lovely interior. Consider using pastels in the children’s room for a cool and interesting ambiance. 

Palm everywhere

Tropical prints were loved in the 80s, as well as tropical plants. Add a retro style in your rooms with tropical prints, especially with palm trees or leaves. As such, you will be adding a summer vibe to your home. 

Rounded accessories

Want to add a touch of 80s in your rooms? Add rounded decorative items such as vases, mugs, and candle holders. Match them with pastel colors and bring the retro feel to your home.

If you were born during the 1980s or 1990s, then you may be familiar with the Memphis design movement. The design style is characterized to be bright, geometric, and heavily stylized. It may not be for everyone but the Memphis design style has a timeless appearance that serves as an inspiration for other styles. Memphis design style is one of the hottest looks in home interior these days. Read on to learn more about it and see if it suits your taste.

The features of Memphis design style

Since time immemorial, art and interior design have harmonized with each other. Although, the traits may be confusing as they can also be seen in other styles. There are still unique characteristics that are loved by homeowners and designers. Here are the key elements that you will find interesting.

• Mixed patterns – the design style is heavy on patterns and the most common are geometric shapes with whimsical organic forms (squiggles or spirals). The pattern can be added to wallpaper, furniture upholstery, and other items like planters. 
• Vivid colors – the colors are bright and electric. The colors are balanced against a monochromatic background such as white and black. The vivid colors can be yellow, hot pink, aquamarine, purple, and cherry red. 

Achieve the style with these cool ideas

Getting the style in your home is not that difficult as many have assumed. With the materials that we have today, there will be a lot of ways to be successful with your project.

• Patterned wallpaper – achieving the patterns and colors with the use of paint and brush may be challenging. However, there is an easy way to add them to your walls and this is through the use of patterned wallpapers. Before installing the wallpaper, try to obtain a test sample and see if the design blends in your home. 
• Terrazzo flooring – this type of flooring features irregular fragments of different materials like glass, marble, and others. These are combined together and set with a smooth, polished glaze. Terrazzo flooring is a perfect decor that will complement the Memphis design style. 
• Lots of accessories – add accessories to your rooms with planters, coffee mugs, throws, curtains, dinnerware, lampshades, and storage bins. These will surely make a cool toom interior and help you achieve the Memphis look. 

Final thoughts

The Memphis interior design style is all about making everything bold and dashing. The truth is that there is no strict rule when it comes to adding materials and other decorative items. Open your mind and try to be experimental. For instance, you can pair pastels and neons or add shapes that will suit your preference. Remember that the objective is to create a playful-looking room interior. Another interesting thing about the Memphis style is that you can easily incorporate other styles. Add a modern touch with trendy wall decors such as posters to give your room a fresh appearance. 

If you are worried about the expenses, there are always creative ways to still be successful. Try to search online for good deals. These items may not be brand new but they will make everything look perfect especially with good quality materials.

The Christmas season is a busy time of the year. It is also colorful with the different decorations displayed in almost all buildings, homes, and streets. The season is all about celebration where you get the chance to reunite with friends and family. Part of the tradition in many countries is to decorate with lights and various adornments. Yet the question still remains. Why do we decorate for Christmas? Read on to learn more about the different Christmas decorations and why we display them during the holidays.

The popular colors: Red and Green

These days, you can see that Christmas decors come in various colors. Sometimes the colors used depend on the business, brand, or homeowner. The traditional colors though are red and green. Interestingly, these colors have a religious context. Green is associated with the continuity of life even during the winter season. The color also represents the eternal life of Jesus, while the color red is associated with the blood of Christ. 

Christmas lights

Christmas is never complete without Christmas lights. Just imagine the streets and buildings during the season without lights. Dull and boring. The use and display of Christmas lights can be traced back as far as the Yule. This is when the Norsemen celebrated the midwinter tradition. Yule is the Norse god, Odin’s beer while watching the Yule log burn. The lighting of the Yule log is believed to summon the return of the sun while simultaneously driving away evil spirits. 

Through the years, candles were used to provide light and warmth during winter. Candles were also used to welcome travelers. A practice that is also used to symbolize the welcoming of Mary and Joseph. 

Poinsettia, Mistletoe, Evergreen, and Holly

It is a known fact that there are a few plants that grow and propagate during the winter season. Examples are mistletoe, evergreen, and holly. As a result, they are used as decorations for the holidays. Evergreen represents life, just like the color green. From the Victorian era up to this day, the mistletoe is used to steal a kiss during the season. The tradition is that the plant can be hung anywhere and anybody who stands under it is allowed to kiss. 

Another interesting Christmas decoration is poinsettias. These are in fact poisonous plants that are lovely to look at because of their colorful hues. In Mexico and Central America, where the plant is indigenous, the people call the plant “Flor De Noche Buena” or “Christmas Eve Flower.” Poinsettia also has an interesting story in the 16th century. It is believed that a young girl forgot to buy a Christmas gift. She then gathered a bouquet of weeds that sprouted red flowers and grew alongside the road and offered them to the infant Jesus. The popularity of the story grew and was adopted by the Franciscan friars and eventually the whole world. 

Christmas Trees

Christmas trees are probably the most iconic decor of all time. Many experts believe that the tree is a symbol of the “Christianization” of pagan traditions. The modern-day Christmas tree can be traced back to the 16th to 18th century in Germany. The practice of cutting down trees and displaying them indoors has been brought to England by Queen Charlotte/ The popularity even grew and was adopted by the Americans.

Over the years, you have taken photos of many events and occasions with your family and friends. After having them printed, they are kept in albums to be viewed later on. However, this should not be the case as the photos can be displayed on your walls to create appealing wall art. As such, your photos need not be kept in storage. Making personalized wall art can instantly represent who and what you are. With these, you can say that your home is truly yours. 

Creating personalized wall art

There is something special about creating and finishing personalized wall art. You will get the chance to display all the items and keepsakes that you love. However, the challenging part is finding ways to blend them with the existing interior design style. You also need to consider several elements, such as the general room atmosphere, other art pieces, and color schemes. Add a little creativity and imagination so that your decorating project will be a success. 

One of the interesting ways to personalize wall art is through the display of photos of your adventures with family and friends. These photos will not only display your escapades but will likewise serve as a memory lane. There are many ways to display your photos and they can even be used to create personalized posters. These days, posters may be customized for you to be able to design them according to your needs and taste. That’s one of the wonders of digital technology. 

DIY wall art ideas for your home

Many homeowners may be wondering how they can improve their home interior without spending that much. That answer is pretty simple. You can reuse, recycle, or upcycle materials that you have used in your previous projects. If you are willing to spend a minimal amount, you can also check different shops and look for valuable items that would fit your budget. Here are some creative inspirations that you can use to make your home look amazing:

1. Family photos – a gallery of photos in your home that features memorable moments with your family and friends can instantly create a nostalgic atmosphere. 
2. Children’s books – take pages from your favorite children’s books and frame them along with customized mats to dress up the frame. 
3. Polaroid pictures – the display of these photos is one of the easiest ways to create wall art. Tape of tack personal photos or postcards of about the same size to a blank wall and wrap around a corner to make an artistic touch.
4. Song lyrics – words and quotes are definitely amazing inspirations in creating personalized wall art. 
5. Plants and flowers – arrange a collection of framed flowers to create a gallery appearance. All you need to do is to press botanical flowers before framing them. You may also opt to add their scientific names at the bottom for a more impressive look.
6. Window frame – display salvaged window frames to create a great architectural display. Add a personal touch with photos and make the wall art more personalized. 

Food and drink posters are the most common prints displayed in the kitchen. In fact, they are the easiest to display in the room as they completely blend well with the purpose and function of the room. However, food and drink posters become boring in the long run. Try to be innovative and use other poster designs to give the kitchen a fresh new appeal. For the kitchen to look lively and vibrant, consider decorating the wall with poster designs that are classic and timeless, such as black and white prints.

Decorating the kitchen walls

As many of us know, the kitchen is not only used to prepare our meals. Just like in any other room, the kitchen may be multifunctional. It can be a place for entertainment in which a television set is added. It can also be a place for dining or for eating breakfast with the family. In other households, the room is also used to receive guests. 

It is important to treat the kitchen just like how we treat the other rooms of the house. At least when it comes to decorating the walls. By tradition and practice, kitchens are usually decorated with food and drink posters. However, there are other designs that can be used to break the tradition. Kitchen wall art can add visual interest and personality to the room. In addition to framed artworks, homeowners use oversized utensils, tapestries with designs that are associated with the room. Want to make the kitchen look more stylish and trendy/ use oversized letters in various fonts and colors. This decor is created with the use of thin but sturdy metals that may be light enough to be displayed. 

Poster designs to display in the kitchen

There are no strict rules when it comes to decorating the kitchen with posters. Although, there are some when it comes to how you hang and arrange them on your walls. There are many designs and themes to choose from. For instance, abstract posters add life with the colors, patterns, and designs they have, Nature-themed posters can also give a refreshing and rejuvenating vibe to the kitchen. With the images of plants, flowers, seascapes, and landscapes, the kitchen will have a calming and relaxing atmosphere that you will love. 

Go minimalist with Scandinavian-inspired prints as well as black and white posters. These posters will help you achieve a simple yet elegant room appearance that can be the highlight of the entire house. In fact, many homes these days use the minimalist design style as there are also benefits they give to the mind and body. 

Typography posters are also popular and many of them have inspirational or motivational quotes. Sometimes what we need are positive words to keep us going. The messages written on the posters, though however simple they are, can have a big impact on our total well-being. 

Prepare the kitchen for the holidays with Christmas-themed posters. Not only that these prints will bring the spirit of Christmas to your home, but they will also make the kitchen look vibrant and lovely. With the colors of the season in your kitchen, you will have inspiration and motivation in prepping the meals for Christmas. 

Christmas is never complete without a Christmas tree. Even in movies, Christmas trees are so special that decorating them involves all the members of the family. Over the years, the display and decorating of Christmas trees have been practiced around the globe. The trees used can be natural ones or synthetic. Whatever the material used, the sight of Christmas trees will bring the spirit of the holiday season as well as a nostalgic atmosphere. 

A brief history of Christmas trees

In the past, evergreen fir trees have been used to celebrate winter festivals of both the pagans and the Christians. The branches of the tree have been used by the pagans to decorate their homes during the winter solstice. On the other hand, Christians used the tree as a sign of everlasting life with God. the Romans, likewise decorated their temples with evergreen trees during the festival of Saturnalia. 

However, up to these days, the evolution of evergreen trees to Christmas trees is not yet that clear. It was assumed that it started a thousand years ago in Northern Europe wherein cherry or hawthorn plants were used. Some people, though, find it expensive to decorate their homes with trees. They then resolved in making pyramids of wood and decorate them with paper, apples, and candles. 

The first known Christmas tree that was displayed in public was in 1510 in Riga, Latvia. This was erected by men with black hats, danced around it, and then set it on fire. From Germany, Christmas trees were brought and spread to the United Kingdom by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Prince Albert recalled that during his childhood, he celebrated Christmas with a tree. Eventually, he shared this tradition with his wife and in 1848, the London News published the couple with a decorated tree. This image became common and one of the favorites of the people in Great Britain. 

Christmas trees around the globe

Though Christmas is celebrated differently from around the world, Christmas trees are probably one of the most common views seen. 

• In Rio De Janeiro, a 279-foot Christmas tree is seen floating at the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon. The tree was likewise surrounded by fireworks during the launch in November 2004. 
• One of the world’s most recognized Christmas trees has been displayed at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan since 1930. 45, 000 lights are turned on each year and are usually accompanied by live concerts. 
• In the United Kingdom, Christmas is viewed as a time of gratitude. This led to a Christmas tree being displayed in London’s Trafalgar Square. This has been a traditional annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947 as gratitude to England during their help in World War 2.
• In France, the people prefer Christmas trees to be more traditional in appearance such as the one displayed in posh Galeries Lafayette Department Store.
• A Christmas tree made of Lego bricks can also be found in London, UK.
• A Christmas tree that stands at 82-feet can be seen outside the window of the Pope’s room in Vatican City. This tree is a gift from the German state of Bavaria. 
• Since the term of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, every American president has officiated the lighting ceremony of the National Christmas Tree in Washington DC.