Create a 3-D Wall Art Decor: Soft Lights Lamp; Wine

Here is a fun and attractive wall décor that will be truly one of kind. If you are a wine enthusiast this decor would be right at home behind the bar in your entertainment or media room. It would also look great in an outdoor kitchen or entertaining space as long as it is protected from rain. Because it has lights, it adds sparkle and romance to a party or wine tasting event. Because it’s 3-D it has depth as well as height and width, so it adds texture and dimension to your wall.

Here is what you’ll need to create your ‘Soft Lights & Wine’ wall decor. You probably have some of these items and the rest are readily available at your favorite crafts store. Choose a space on the wall that has easy access to an electrical outlet.

Supplies:

Empty wine bottle
15” dried grapevine wreath
6” piano or picture wire
Florist wire
1 string white lights
1 piece artificial grape vine roping
3 bunches artificial grapes
Epoxy or cynoacylite adhesive
Raffia

1. The wine bottle itself will be the focus of the decor, so hunt for an unusual one with an attractive label. Cobalt blue glass looks best.

2. Clean the bottle with cool soapy water and rinse well. Wipe it dry and let the inside air dry completely.

3. Lay the grapevine wreath on a work surface and attach the piano or picture wire to the back. This will become the top of your wall art. Make sure that the wire is secure and capable of supporting the weight of the piece. Turn the wreath over again so it is right side up, keeping the wire at the top so that you as you work you have a visual of how the piece will look when hung.

4. Position your wine bottle on the grape vine wreath. It will look best if it is not centered. Try placing it with the bottom slightly off center and tip the neck of the bottle toward the right. You want to have plenty of glass coming in contact with the grape vine wreath. Mark the position with a felt tip pen.

5. Attach the bottle to the wreath with epoxy or cynoacylite adhesive. It is important that you use this type of adhesive because it is impervious to heat. Use enough adhesive to create a seal between the bottle and the wreath. Apply pressure until the bond is secure. Allow adhesive to dry completely before continuing. Check directions on the adhesive for drying time and be sure you follow all safety instructions for adequate ventilation while working.

6. Add lights. Starting with the end of the lights that does not contain the plug, begin wrapping the wire around the wreath. Start just below the neck of the bottle and wrap in a clockwise direction bringing the wire through the back of the wreath to the front and go all the way around the wreath two times. Tuck the left over wire into the bottle and secure the plug on the back of the wreath with floral wire.

7. Now add your artificial grape vine roping. Follow the lights and go around the wreath one time; trim off excess for another use. Tuck the ends into the grapevine wreath.

8. Arrange your grape clusters on the wreath and attach with florist wire. Position them so that they balance the visual and actual weight of the bottle. Cluster or cascade them starting at the top left quadrant of the wreath, working from top to bottom.

9. Tie a raffia bow around the neck of the bottle. Test the arrangement by holding it first over a soft forgiving surface. Hang your arrangement from a sturdy nail or screw. If hanging on dry wall, mount on a wall stud or use a heavy duty molly.

10. Plug it in and enjoy!

Your ‘Soft Lights and Wine’ 3D wall décor can be part of a wine enthusiast’s composition on your wall. Try adding wall plaques, framed pictures or wine festival posters, or sconces – all with a wine or vineyard theme.

This article was written by Alyssa Davis and provided by Metal-Wall-Art.com, a site featuring unique iron artwork and musical wall sculptures.

Interior Decoration: What Theme Fits Best?

Shopping and choosing items for your home is fun, but it can also be overwhelming and disappointing if the results don’t match the image in your mind. Some people believe that only a professional decorator can get good results, but if you do some pre-planning and keep your style goals foremost in your mind, you can do it yourself. But before you buy that first piece of furniture or start painting, it’s important to think about what styles appeal to you. Magazines devoted to home interior design are an excellent place to start. Tear out photos that attract you and organize them by room, by style, or by color; a theme or style will start to emerge.

A theme makes things look pulled together and will keep you on track; it’s a good way to avoid a chaotic result where nothing matches. A few well-chosen good-quality pieces are the best way to carry a theme. It also helps to have an inspiration piece, such as a pillow, lamp base, collectible, or rug, that contains the colors you want in your room and has the ‘feel’ that you are trying to capture. If you take it with you when you shop, you’ll stay on target.

Some people like to have a theme for their entire home and some have different themes for each room. But beware. Different themes can come off as jarring. You might consider variations on a theme. For example, with a country look, you can use casual American country in the family room and kitchen, but use a more reserved English country look in the formal dining room and living room. The house is still country throughout, but with modifications that keep things interesting without seeming confused.

Don’t confuse ‘theme’ with ‘style’. A theme can exist within a style. For example, you can have a traditional style with a French country theme. All the classic elements are there, but the pieces reflect the color and atmosphere of a home in the French countryside.

Here are the most common decorating styles upon which you can build a theme.

Contemporary Style – This modern, sleek look keeps accessories to a minimum. Every piece is chosen for clean lines and lack of unnecessary embellishment. Even items with utilitarian functions, like dishwashers, are chosen for how they look as much as how they work. Neutral colors with black and white accents are common, although one wall in a room may be done in a dramatic color. Pops of color are often brought in when choosing art and accessories which have clean, strong lines. The key to this style is consistency: In color and restraint.

Traditional Style – This classic look is built on layering timeless elements in an organized fashion. Neutrals are the background for furnishings in strong, deep colors like brown and sage green. High quality furnishings are the order of the day. Think deep toned wood, sumptuous tone-on-tone fabrics, and couches that surround you in comfort. Build on this layer with pillows, lamps, rugs, and accessories in brass, crystal, and fine china. Pieces are paired and balanced; the overall effect is orderly and comfortable.

Informal Style – This is the least constrained form of decorating. Symmetry and balance are replaced by a casual, lived-in style. This is probably the most appealing look to the average homeowner because it’s easy to express yourself and it serves families well. The danger is letting the look get too chaotic. Use something to tie things together. For instance, if you use the same color for wood trim throughout the home, that will carry a feeling of cohesiveness.

Formal Style – This is the most proper and restrained form of decorating. The key here is symmetry, elegance and sophistication. Each room has a formal function: dining room, library, breakfast room. The White House in Washington, D.C. is a perfect example of formal style: great for visiting Heads of State, but maybe not what you and your family would be comfortable with.

When deciding on a style, make sure that it is one you can live with for a long time.

Article written by Alyssa Davis. Find distinctive wall art products at low prices with Metal-Wall-Art.com. Shop for fleur de lis wall decor and tuscan wall sculptures.

Tropical Wall Art in Four-Season Room: Every Day is a Day at the Beach

Even if you’re lucky enough to have a four-season room, once winter sets in, the room can feel as desolate as the snow-covered landscape just outside your door. Tropical wall art can turn your four-season room into private tropical paradise with sumptuous tropical flavor any time of year. So crank up your favorite Jimmy Buffett CD and read on!

Start with a Tropical Focal Point

Your focal point will set a mood of island flair for the entire room, so it’s important to choose a high quality piece of art. The theme of the piece can be subtle or dramatic, for example palm fronds vs. palm tree. Or how about a piece that suggests a tropical sunset, tropical birds, the ocean or the beach? It’s critical that your piece is the right size for your wall: Large enough that it has maximum impact but not so large that it overwhelms the space. Add ambiance to your four-season room with candles infused with island scents like coconut, pineapple, or jasmine. Mount coordinated candle wall sconces to add complexity to your composition. Depending on the amount of wall space, you can mount a sconce on each side of your focal point or scatter a group of three sconces to create a less symmetrical look. The important thing is to have the sconces close enough to illuminate the focal point. Place other candles in the same scent throughout the room. As soon as winter darkness starts to settle in, light the candles and be swept away by the drama and perfume of the islands.

Large Metal Wall Art as Tropical Focal Point

Many four-season rooms only have one wall that is available for decorating, with the three additional walls made of windows or glass. Consider using one large piece of tropical metal wall art as your focal point to embellish this blank wall and it is unlikely that you will need any other wall accents. The detailed texture of metal wall art will reflect candlelight from elsewhere in the room creating high drama that is easy to achieve, whether you prefer the lifelike plumage of a tropical bird or the serene beauty of tropical foliage. Online shopping gives you unlimited choices in styles and price range.

Bring Your Theme to Life with Island Accents

Fun island accents will make your four-island room your favorite place to get away from it all. Metal butterfly sculpture adds a carefree feeling whether used as wall sculpture or as free standing accents on a table or bar. Those captivating amphibians of the islands – frogs, lizards and geckos – make charming, playful accents when arranged as if they are literally climbing the wall. Nothing says ‘island flair’ like plants. Your local home improvement store carries a wide assortment of house plants, many of them with a tropical look that will be right at home in your four season room. For window treatments, choose bamboo or matchstick blinds that can be dropped for privacy or pulled up for a casual look. Try curtain panels between windows that have an ‘Old Florida’ motif, like bold tropical flowers or coconuts. This can add a surprising and funky vibe to your room.

Metal Bamboo and Bird Wall Art

Nature lovers will love the exquisite beauty of metal bamboo and bird wall art. These pieces provide color and texture with their vivid colors and authentic detail. Parrots, macaws and cockatoos will bring a bit of the rain forest and a rainbow of color into your four-season room. Played against the vividness of the birds, the chunky surface of metal bamboo wall art is a natural complement. Add the peaceful sound of cascading water with a tabletop water feature and you have created your personal oasis.

It couldn’t be easier to find your tropical island inspiration. Surf the internet for tropical metal wall art. Just add color, sound, light, texture and fragrance – and enjoy!

Home decor specialist Alyssa Davis is the top writer for Metal-Wall-Art.com, a wall decorating store offering unique tropical wall art and metal wall sculptures.

Southwestern Wall Decor – Inspired by Nature

Native Americans, who inhabited the United States long before the first Europeans came, developed a society that was closely attuned to nature. Hunter-gatherers who lived off the land, their homes, food, clothing, and tribal society were intertwined with their dependence and respect for the earth and her creatures. Their art, called Native American or Southwestern, is renowned for its naturalistic simplicity and beauty.

Native Americans believed that everything had a spirit; this was true for humans, animals, plants, fire, water and all elements of the earth. Their art was an expression of these beliefs and a testament to their connection to all of nature.

Native American art was expressed through hieroglyphs instead of an alphabet. Each hieroglyphic symbol told a story, such as the details of a successful hunt or the death of a revered tribal leader. Hundreds of years later, we are still intrigued by the spirit and beauty of Native American art.

Here are some tips on decorating with a Native American influence.

1. When choosing color for your walls, think in terms of the geographical southwestern United States: The soft pastels of a New Mexican sunset, the textured walls of an adobe, with undertones of umber and brown. You can contrast the bright pop of blues, greens, reds and yellows against a more neutral base. Think of the vivid painted tile that you’d find surrounding a fireplace in Taos. Those are your accent colors.

2. For a distinctive accent, search online for hieroglyphs that appeal to you. Have an artist recreate them on a soffit, pillar, or above a doorway or large window. If you have a large wall, the hieroglyphs can be arranged randomly. Just remember that a little bit goes a long way.

3. Traditional Native American wall hangings such as animal skins or colorful striped rugs create instant Southwestern drama. If using real animal skins doesn’t appeal to you, many realistic reproductions can be found in furniture and home goods stores.

4. Similarly, bear skin rugs were an authentic part of Native American culture as were animal trophies such as the heads of deer or bear. You can opt for just the antlers of deer if you prefer. There are shed naturally and can be found in woods and fields that are frequented by deer.

5. Southwestern pottery is a stunning accent. You can hang plates directly on a wall or place pottery on a mantel or wall shelf. Hieroglyphs are usually a dominant feature of this pottery.

6. A stone fireplace is a natural focal point in a Southwestern room. Many home improvement stores now offer a pre-fabricated stone product that is flat on one side and can be installed over an existing fireplace front.

7. Naturalistic paintings of woods, valleys, mountains and rivers are an obvious choice in Southwestern wall art. Rough-hewn frames help carry the theme.

8. Bring in texture with faux-animal skin pillows and throws, colorful rugs, and natural wood tables and accents. An unexpected accent, like a pair of authentic moccasins set upon the fireplace hearth, lends an air of mystery.

Senior staff writer Alyssa Davis with Metal-Wall-Art.com – online store featuring contemporary wall art and musical wall sculptures.

Iron Wall Art – The Perfect Spice for Bland Walls

Is there something about your décor that just doesn’t do it for you anymore? Do your walls look too bland or too predictable? Are you looking for a different approach to decorating your walls?  You may be getting bored with the tried-and-true ways of decorating that are safe enough, but not very exciting. Paintings, framed photos and wall paper all have their place and instantly come to mind when people try to think of a way to decorate their homes. Maybe you are craving something unique and artistic: Iron wall art could be the perfect addition to your décor exactly for that reason.

The decorating principles that apply to all decorating choices – color, shape, theme, texture – apply to iron wall art as well. It can be used to complement or enhance existing colors in the room and it can bring a sense of dimension and texture to an otherwise flat wall. Accessorizing with iron wall art introduces an element to your décor that cannot be found with framed art or photos. Unlike rectangular frames, iron wall art is three-dimensional. It contains patterns and shapes that make it complex and these characteristics immediately bring texture and interest into any room, taking it from boring to unconventional and unique.

What better way to bring spice and personality to a bland room? Who would not want to accessorize a room with wall art that has all of these characteristics?

• Unique – You are one-of-a-kind and your surroundings should imply that. Metal wall art reflects the creativity, skill and expression of an artist. Each piece has a personality forged with pattern, complexity and individuality. Unlike frames and wallpaper, they imply artistic integrity and ingenuity instead of mass-production.

• Durable – Iron wall art is sturdy and long-lasting. Unlike paintings or fabrics, it does not fade over time and is easy to maintain. Iron wall art doesn’t reflect glare like glass on a photo or artwork, yet it contains both elements of contrast: Darkness and light.

• Versatile – Iron wall art enhances any style of décor, whether classic, contemporary, old world, country or Mediterranean. It can provide that perfect final touch and complete the look you’ve been trying to achieve. Don’t be afraid to combine iron wall art with other cherished pieces of art that you already own.

• Complex – Iron wall art is multi-dimensional by its very nature. You can choose pieces that are delicate or robust, subdued or flamboyant, depending on your taste. The pieces themselves are full of pattern, texture and contrast. The shadows created by them will add even more dimension and interest to your walls.

• Architectural interest – Iron wall art is capable of bringing depth, structure, texture, shadow, sparkle and light to a wall all at the same time.

• Instant focal point – Sometimes a room has too much of the same thing. Because it is so different from everything else in a room, metal wall art provides a perfect focal point for any wall.

If you are longing for a way to bring more drama, personality and style to your interior, iron wall art could be the perfect addition to your decor.

This article was written by Alyssa Davis and provided by Metal-Wall-Art.com, a site featuring unique iron wall hangings and metal wall sculptures .

A Warm, Inviting Kitchen Made for Food Lovers

We have more options than ever in kitchen products and styles. Stainless steel appliances, rich wood cabinetry and granite countertops are on everyone’s wish list. Once you get the big features in place and you have a kitchen that is efficient, organized and easy to maintain, it’s time to enhance the look with decorative features.

Whether your kitchen is brand spanking new or space that has welcomed cooks for generations, there are ways to spice things up and make the space more inviting and conducive to cooking.
Look to the style of your cabinetry, lighting fixtures, faucets and countertops for ideas on where to begin. For instance, if you have an old-fashioned kitchen with white appliances and white painted cabinets, go with the flow and bring in a retro look. If it’s an eat-in kitchen you can search for a 1950’s style table with vinyl chairs. Use dishtowels from the same era to keep the color theme going. If you have glass-fronted or open cabinets, drape them from a shelf for a punch of color and whimsy. Even little things like the toaster and salt & pepper shakers can carry the theme.

The theme in your kitchen could pick up on the surrounding local. A rustic lodge atmosphere works in a wooded setting and a kitchen in a beach house looks ship-shape with a nautical theme.

Here are some specific areas where you can add some personal touches.

Backsplash

A backsplash is a necessity in a kitchen because food prep and clean up can wreck havoc on the walls. A backsplash will protect the walls and it can be easily wiped down. Go with easy-to-clean tile in ceramic, glass or stone. Be wary of tile or stone with lots of recesses as debris can get trapped in the crevices. Many decorated tiles are available; they can be used as trim, as random accents, or to make a mural in the space above your cooktop. Your backsplash can coordinate with your countertop or you can choose a contrasting color.

Art Decor

When it comes to decorating kitchen walls, the options are almost limitless: Paintings, metal wall art, plates, baskets, ceramics and pottery. Everyday items like cooking utensils and spice racks add personality to bare walls. Wrought iron pot holders are an attractive way corral a collection of pots and pans. Shop home goods stores, antique shops and online sources for items that tie in with your colors and theme.

Painted Cabinetry

Older, outdated cabinetry can get an instant update with fresh paint. A paint roller makes the job go quicker and results in a smoother finish; remove doors and paint them on a table or sawhorse. If you like, you can add a stenciled or free hand design to your cabinets. New cabinet knobs and pulls are a quick way to refresh the décor.

Display Food & Flowers

Decorate with food! A bowl of lemons or a basket of fresh fruit looks great on a counter. Tiered dishes are a classic way to display fruit, vegetables or pastries. Show off your collection of fine wine in a Tuscan metal wine rack. Old fashioned mason jars with lids can make a country kitchen cozy: pour several layers of different colored dried beans or rice into jars, screw on the lids and you have a unique accent for countertops or shelves. Fresh flowers in pitchers always look great on your countertop or table.

Article #4
Southwestern Wall Décor – Inspired by Nature

Native Americans, who inhabited the United States long before the first Europeans came, developed a society that was closely attuned to nature. Hunter-gatherers who lived off the land, their homes, food, clothing, and tribal society were intertwined with their dependence and respect for the earth and her creatures. Their art, called Native American or Southwestern, is renowned for its naturalistic simplicity and beauty.

Native Americans believed that everything had a spirit; this was true for humans, animals, plants, fire, water and all elements of the earth. Their art was an expression of these beliefs and a testament to their connection to all of nature.

Native American art was expressed through hieroglyphs instead of an alphabet. Each hieroglyphic symbol told a story, such as the details of a successful hunt or the death of a revered tribal leader. Hundreds of years later, we are still intrigued by the spirit and beauty of Native American art.

Here are some tips on decorating with a Native American influence.

1. When choosing color for your walls, think in terms of the geographical southwestern United States: The soft pastels of a New Mexican sunset, the textured walls of an adobe, with undertones of umber and brown. You can contrast the bright pop of blues, greens, reds and yellows against a more neutral base. Think of the vivid painted tile that you’d find surrounding a fireplace in Taos. Those are your accent colors.

2. For a distinctive accent, search online for hieroglyphs that appeal to you. Have an artist recreate them on a soffit, pillar, or above a doorway or large window. If you have a large wall, the hieroglyphs can be arranged randomly. Just remember that a little bit goes a long way.

3. Traditional Native American wall hangings such as animal skins or colorful striped rugs create instant Southwestern drama. If using real animal skins doesn’t appeal to you, many realistic reproductions can be found in furniture and home goods stores.

4. Similarly, bear skin rugs were an authentic part of Native American culture as were animal trophies such as the heads of deer or bear. You can opt for just the antlers of deer if you prefer. There are shed naturally and can be found in woods and fields that are frequented by deer.

5. Southwestern pottery is a stunning accent. You can hang plates directly on a wall or place pottery on a mantel or wall shelf. Hieroglyphs are usually a dominant feature of this pottery.

6. A stone fireplace is a natural focal point in a Southwestern room. Many home improvement stores now offer a pre-fabricated stone product that is flat on one side and can be installed over an existing fireplace front.

7. Naturalistic paintings of woods, valleys, mountains and rivers are an obvious choice in Southwestern wall art. Rough-hewn frames help carry the theme.

8. Bring in texture with faux-animal skin pillows and throws, colorful rugs, and natural wood tables and accents. An unexpected accent, like a pair of authentic moccasins set upon the fireplace hearth, lends an air of mystery.

In need of additional decorating ideas that include tropical wall decor or fleur de lis wall dеcor? Article author and senior staff writer Alyssa Davis provides many more free and unique ideas at Metal-Wall-Art.com.

3 Quick Fixes for a Bare & Empty Wall

There’s nothing more exciting than moving to a new home or apartment. The first few days are a whirlwind of activity but once you’ve started settle in you may feel a little unsettled with the bare walls that surround you. Everything suddenly seems cold and impersonal and you’re not sure how to make the space truly your own.

Here are 3 easy ways to personalize your new space.

1. Nothing says ‘you’ more than your family. Why not make an attractive grouping of favorite family photos on one wall? The key is to keep it simple and uncluttered. Choose a few favorite photos and buy matching frames and mats in a color that will complement the rest of your decor. The photos don’t have to be the same size but they should be attractively grouped. Play around with the arrangement on the floor until you find a layout that you like. Trace an outline of each frame on a piece of paper and cut it to size. This will give you a template to work with before you commit to putting nails in the wall. Tape each sheet of paper to the wall with masking tape until you find the arrangement that suits you. Then replace the paper with each framed photo. Don’t forget to check the back of each frame and allow for the distance from the top of the frame to the hanger.

2. Create some dimension with metal wall art or even a favorite collection. Plates can be hung directly on a wall with individual plate hangers or metal wall art hangers that hold several plates at once. If you have a collection of small pottery, glassware or ceramics, they can be displayed on a wall shelf. The possibilities are endless, whether you collect brass elephants, ceramic roosters, or baseballs. Collections can be combined with framed art in the same theme and color group. They also make great conversation starters.

3. It’s not uncommon for the walls in a new home or apartment to be white. It’s easy to add color with paint. When choosing color, consider the furniture you are using and come up with a color scheme that you love. You can also add color with drapery. Blocks of color have the greatest impact; mount a rod just above the window trim and measure for panels that will go all the way to the floor. You can go with sheer center panels and cotton, silk or a blended fabric for the outer panels. For drapery to appear full and not skimpy, buy enough panels so that their width will be 2 ½ – 3 times the width of the window. If you have a wall with small windows, you can make them appear larger by hiding them behind full panels. Drapes also give you a surefire way of blocking a bad view and they add instant warmth and charm.

To make your new space feel like home you need an inspiration piece: It could be a pillow, a piece of pottery or china, a rug, a lamp, etc. It should have the colors and style that you are trying to capture. Always have color chips, fabric swatches and inspirational pieces with you when you shop.

Then, put up only what you truly love. If you don’t love it, why have it? Secondly, less is more. A few well-chosen pieces make more impact than a lot of unrelated clutter that doesn’t live up to your inspiration.

Decorating specialist Alyssa Davis offers many more free and easy decorating ideas at Metal-Wall-Art.com – the place to go for unique contemporary wall art and metal wall art.

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