It’s only natural for someone who loves horses to want to fill their homes with horse art of these incredible animals in the comfort of their homes. And artists have long fed that desire for first-class equine art in paintings, drawings, and sculpture.

Advances in technology, though, magnifies the horse lover’s possibilities for adding horses to their decor in unique and eye-catching ways. Fine horse design by artists such as Mary Singer, Derk Hansen, Randy McGovern, Rock Bakken, and David Boudin is being etched in wall mirrors, glass top coffee tables and end tables, and in etched wall mounted coat racks, featuring horse art in decor pieces that quickly emerge as a spectacular focal point in any horse-lover’s decor.

The know-how for this kind of etching was perfected in the early 1990s, making it feasible to recreate any two-dimensional image as a high definition etching in mirrors or glass. By determining the most important elements of an artwork or photo and etching just those elements on the glass, the rest of the mirror or glass remains in its native state. What remains then is a frosty etching on a sparkling mirror or on crystal clear glass. This technique provides far greater depth and shading for the etching than traditional etching techniques can accomplish.

Traditional etchings are done by sandblasting the areas to be etched. While this sandblasting technique is adequate for creating flat, silhouette-type etchings with minimal shading, it cannot parallel the nuances of an original artwork like high definition etching does. The natural qualities of mirrors make them a staple of decorating.

People generally take advantage of horse mirrors to add a sparkle to a room, multiplying the light and creating variances by the change in their reflections as you view them from different angles. And they add an illusion of added space, making a small room look larger. These natural qualities combined with a frosty etched image of fine equine art create an accent that provides people with a real conversation piece in decorating.

The array of artworks, sizes, and frame styles lends these mirrors to use either as standalone accents or in groupings. An octagonal mirror flanked by two ovals or a vertical oval flanked by two horizontal rectangular mirrors make a pleasing highlight to a wall, especially if placed where they reflect other unique items that set off the frosty etchings even more distinctly.

These equine etched mirrors also are frequently used in conjunction with other wall decor. A large mirror set between wall sconces or by two smaller paintings creates an attractive grouping. And the etched glass tops on coffee tables and end tables make overtables usually used as a platform for decorative displays into accent pieces that are themselves works of art in prominent places in the room. High definition chemical etching works well in a variety sizes and decor items.

Custom etched glass can adorn room dividers, cabinet doors, or other glass decor items to fit your unique design choices. Since this etching technique can be used with any picture, you can have a photo of your treasured horse or any other important life milestones reproduced as a one-of-a-kind etching. Whether you are looking to expand your hobby with horses into your home in a simple and inexpensive way, or create a one-of-a-kind keepsake, high definition etching offers unlimited possibilities for enhancing your home decorating ideas.

It happens every year. The leaves have fallen, the holidays are fast approaching, and it isn’t even officially winter yet, but I’ve been caught in the winter doldrums. Feeling a bit down during the cold, low-light months is certainly not uncommon. Whether you chalk up being blue to vitamin D deficiency or anxiety about the coming year, there are a few ways to brighten up your home in order to improve your mood.

Keep Things Clean
I hate to sound like your mother, but I must suggest you keep things tidy. She and I are just looking out for you. Dirty, unkempt, and unorganized surroundings negatively effect your mood and make it hard to concentrate. It’s not always fun to do the dishes and laundry, but the end result is always worth it.

Nothing can make cleaning preferable to kicking back with a book, but there are lots of ways to make it easier. If you find yourself stalling on your domestic duties,  chances are you could use an organization overhaul. Defining a place for everything and making supplies easy to find can streamline dirty tasks. Ease into revamping your chores by identifying a very small area (like the shower, that catch-all kitchen drawer, your lighthouse decor collection, or the guest room closet) that needs to be cleaned out and organized. Once you have it under control, take a break. Plan to repeat the process everyday or every weekend until you have a handle on the whole house.

Create Your Ideal Surroundings
There’s a reason we all love to be home for the holidays. Home is personal, and it can reflect your personality in a way that instantly makes you comfortable. This is why the very best home design incorporates the tastes and passions of the homeowners.

Try bringing yourself some holiday cheer by turning something you love into inspiration for your home. One of the easiest ways to reflect your interests in a room is to choose a theme. There are lots of ways to base a room around an idea without making things too gimmicky. Framed album covers can showcase your musical tastes, and lighthouse home decor can be a good way to capture your love of New England. Just make sure your lighthouse wall decor is part of a larger, more subtle design scheme.

Of course, there are simpler ways to personalize your space. Curling up with a cup of cocoa is made ten times better with your favorite family portraits on the mantel. Repainting the walls with your favorite color can also help brighten your mood. You can even put on some Christmas music while you work.

Furniture placement is essential and accessories really tie things together, but it’s impossible to design the perfect room without thinking about the walls. Austere white walls are one of the reasons that it is almost impossible to make a dorm room or apartment look truly put together. Any thorough design has to tie the drywall into the rest of the look in order to make things cohesive. There are many different ways to dress things up; wall mirrors and art are simple solutions for blank spaces. However, more permanent solutions can make a dramatic statement.

Paint, Paint, and More Paint
I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Painting a room is the quickest and cheapest route to a big transformation. Vibrant walls pack a visual punch and tie individual pieces into a bigger design plan. If you are having a hard time picking a color from your palette or deciding what kind of paint to purchase, check out my post on using picking paint.

Adding color to your walls does require some sweat equity (unless you hire painters), but a little elbow grease worth it for a cheery space.

Installations, Moldings, and More
You don’t have to flip through many interior design magazines in order to see that the professionals love to attach things to bare walls. From far-out panels to molding to large collages, it just doesn’t seem to be a showroom without a permanent instillation. Believe it or not, it is easy to incorporate these ideas into your home.

One of the simplest ways to add interest to a wall is through the use of molding and chair rails. Those who wish to make use of their carpentry skills (or their friend’s carpentry skills) can install traditional wood details or create complex wood panel headboards and displays. Though they can be misused, mirror wall decorations can also be mixed into a creative installations.

Art, Decorative Mirrors, and Other Wall Hangings
Last and certainly not least in a decorator’s wall covering arsenal are wall hangings. It is nearly impossible to go wrong with the right wall mirror. Finding great art and frames may be a bit more challenging. When choosing a piece for your space, consider the color and mood. For instance, black and white photography is beautiful, but it may not be right for a traditional room.

Once you find your hammer and nails and choose your pieces, put some thought into just where you’re hanging things. The wrong placement can affect the perceived scale of the space. Hang you decorative wall mirrors and other accessories at eye height to increase visibility and reflect more light.

Anyone who has ever decorated and furnished a room will know just how important it is to have the right kind of lighting. Every room is different and therefore requires lighting that will complement the home decor and furnishings of that particular room. – this is even more important when you are looking for just the right kind of lighting.

These tiffany style desk lamps can be a beautiful addition to any home; they also provide very flexible lighting systems in a living room that is often used for many different purposes. Decorative table lamps can be used to create a specific mood in a room. If you want to sit back and relax while listening to some music then the soft light of a corner chandeliers will enhance that mood. In order to show how distinctive the right table lamp can be you should take into account the size of your room and the size of the lamp. You should also ensure that the materials in the lamp compliment the rest of the decor in your room.

Many people will choose table lamps that fit the decor of a particular room. If, for example, your living room is ultra modern, then a tiffany lamp, no matter how unique or beautiful it is just would not fit the style of such a room. You may decide to settle for a unique table lamp that is fashioned from nickel in a spare, modern style. If on the other hand, your tastes run to the more traditional type of d?cor then a tiffany lamp would be ideal. There are many different designs and colors to be had in this style and it is well worth searching the internet where there are some great sites offering exquisite table lamps.

If you use several different table lamps, strategically placed, to light up your living room then you will be able to create a variety of different moods. They can be both distinctive and versatile; providing not only background lighting but a useful resource for undertaking different tasks. Sewing tasks require a more direct light than you might want if you were watching the television for example.

A table lamp is quite different from a desk lamp. A desk lamp is often an angle poise lamp which enables the user to shed direct light onto a task, and on the other hand is more than just a functional object; it is both functional and ornamental. For example it is possible to get some exquisite table lamps like the Cameo Dragonfly table lamp with lighted base. Lamps like this are an asset to any room, not only because of its unique style, but because it can provide a light that is soft enough to suit most moods.

They come in many different sizes with the average lamp being about 20″ tall. It is possible to have lamps of different heights in different parts of a room. A unique table lamp should reflect some of your personality and therefore an integral part of your decor. There are items to suit many different tastes and budgets and it is possible to make up your own unique display to add a touch more style to your already stylish home.

It may involve drafting and a lot of manual labor, but good decorating is nothing if not creative. To create something beautiful and livable is an art that requires imagination and inspiration. Unfortunately, the artistry of the whole endeavor can be lost in the budget and planning stages. Below are a few simple ideas on how to clear your mind and unleash your inner designer:

- Find one wonderful piece. Every room should contain at least one item that you have fallen in love with. Once you’ve found it, make it the centerpiece of your plan.

- Look for inspiration in unlikely places. Magazines, TV, and blogs are great for tips and tricks, but be careful they don’t keep you from making your own decisions. Take a walk or go to a museum. You can find your muse anywhere.

- Don’t copy! Every room is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all design. If you find an example you love, identify the elements that attracted you to it. Now expand upon them and add your own flair. The result will be purely you.

- Be yourself. My husband and I decided to turn our passion for video games into a design statement. Our console collection is proudly displayed. We even bought some retro advertisements for art and stenciled the walls with our favorite characters. You won’t see many living rooms like ours, but it makes us happy. (I even get compliments from people who aren’t into gaming.)

- Buy one-offs, vintage collectibles, and artisan furniture . There are some great mass-produced pieces, but there is something about a unique find that really sparks the imagination. You can even help the environment and humanity by purchasing wares from impoverished craftsmen in other countries .

- Take a break. Many bad design choices are made during weekend overhauls and in the rush to fill up a newly purchased house. Avoid making spur of the moment decisions. It is practically impossible for a home decorator to throw a space together in only a few days. Get comfortable. Figure out the flow of the area. Take note of the strengths and weaknesses in architecture and layout before spending time and money decorating. Done all that? Spend another week relaxing. Your subconscious will do a lot of the hard work for you.

- Have fun. This is, of course, the first commandment of designing for yourself. If you don’t enjoy the process, you won’t enjoy the room.

There are many reasons I love interior design, but I have to say that the best thing about it is its accessibility. A destitute college student can have a room just as fabulous as that of a billionaire with just a little bit of know-how. One of the most effective tools in the designer’s arsenal, a can of paint, only costs $25. Money can’t buy taste, and great decor can be had on a tiny budget. With this in mind, I bring you a few cheap ideas that can transform any room:

1. Funky Frames. Well, they don’t have to be funky. This is one of my favorite DIY home decor projects because of the huge cost difference between finished and unfinished frames. Custom framing usually costs an arm and leg, but with a little know-how and a few supplies, you can create your own custom wall hanging .

2. Custom curtains, slipcovers, or pillows. Looking for a big change on little cash? Investing in a sewing machine is the best way to maximize your redesign budget. Raw fabric costs a fraction of finished pieces, and once you get the hang of it, construction is a breeze. Plus, sewing your own covers gives you an infinite number of choices of fabric and the ability to create a truly custom look.

3. Fun lampshades and chandeliers. There are thousands of ways to dress up lampshades with a spot of hot glue and a few baubles. Even the most drab lamp can be given new life with a few changes to an old shade. If you are looking for a little more drama, there are home chandelier kits that let you choose and arrange your own crystal and bulbs.

4. Simple woodworking projects. A quick search of the Internet will yield hundreds of step-by-step guides on how to build everything from shelving to cabinetry. The cost of wood, stain, and hardware for a beginner’s project is almost always much less than what the finished product would cost in a store. Just make sure to wear the proper safety equipment!

5. Personalized art. You can paint, sculpt, or even knit your way into a more beautiful home. Your art is perfect for displaying around your home, because it is absolutely free (except for supplies), completely custom, just your taste, and a guaranteed conversation starter. Why not make one of your favorite hobbies work for you?

Looking for more ways to add more for less? Check out your local thrift store and dumpster for pieces that need some DIY love.

Most people find themselves looking up from their work during a long day and dreaming of an extended vacation to some secluded place. In truth, travel is rarely relaxing. Airplane travel and crowded destinations are likely to turn the trip into an ordeal long before you get to bury your toes in the sand. Are we meant to use a few measly days a year getting a grip before going back to the stresses of everyday life? Why does restoration have to happen in far-off foreign lands?

Noted psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross once said, “There is no need to go to India or anywhere else to find peace. You will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden or even your bathtub.” People who are stressed and in need of a break should look to their homes for daily restoration, not their annual vacation.

The most important function of good home design is to make the living space optimal for the owner. All too often, homeowners and decorators alike forget that the home is, above all, a place to find peace.

Want to start turning your nights into mini-vacations? Start by identifying an area as your relaxation space. It helps to note that “Your Relaxation Space” should appear in your mind exactly as shown here – bold and well-defined. Don’t let it become a place to catch up on work, extra toy storage for the kids, or catch-all for your spouse’s laundry. The whole family (and you) should know that it is strictly for your unwinding activity. Choose something that never fails to help you relax, like reading, writing, playing video games, watching movies, bathing, meditating, or just zoning out. Attach this activity to the space best suited to doing it.

The same principles that apply to designing a workspace also apply to creating “Your Relaxation Space” . The area should be neat, comfortable, and most of all, fun to be in. Fill it with some of your favorite things to tailor the room to your tastes.

Do you take bubble baths to melt away your worries? Deck your bathroom out with spa towels, a fluffy robe, and decorative, great-smelling soaps. Special bath products often look great on display. Plus, the bath is the best place to keep your favorite candles. Not only can add warmth and color to a sterile bathroom, but they can provide much-needed aroma therapy.

If you prefer to be surrounded by your book collection for some reading time, start designing your space around a comfy chair. (Avid readers know that not just any seating will do.) Then add a spot to set a cup of hot tea. I personally love any room that is full of books, and you can find a bookshelf to fit any home decor style. For extra fun, try arranging your books by color .

The most common space for a home getaway is probably the bedroom. And why not? There is nothing more calming than taking a nap. As I mentioned in my first post , a neat and soothing bedroom can be the perfect personal refuge. Of course, there are many ways to design a boudoir. If you are going for relaxation maximization, try using hotel room design aesthetics and adding a sea of pillows to your bed. For a real retreat, go for something whimsical or surreal .

Got a relaxation space in mind? Go try it out. I think I’ll hit mine, too.

If you’re like me, you can’t live without mirrors. Choosing a fabulous mirror (or three) to feature in your home doesn’t make you narcissistic. Reflective surfaces have dozens of applications in good design. They may be a bit pricey, but these versatile wall accessories can be the perfect finishing touch in any style of room.

Practical Applications
Though this post might read, in part, as my love letter to small hanging mirrors, the praise is entirely deserved. These flexible decorations are useful in many different situations. They have their obvious practical applications in addition to a host of admirable design characteristics. The 70s design trend of opening up spaces with decorative wall mirrors might be cringe-worthy today, but the same principle applied in a smaller space can create the same illusion of openness. The glass also bounces and diffuses light throughout the room in order to illuminate dark spaces and brighten up blank walls.

In the practice of feng shui , mirrors are often employed to fix problem areas and create balance. The smooth cool surface is a good way to represent the essential element of water. Reflective materials can also be used to redirect the flow of energy through the area so that it does not become stagnant.

Personally, I find that if I’m agonizing over how to fill wall-space, the easiest and most elegant solution is always a mirror. They can hold their own as a design element without cloying (like a piece of art) or being overcomplicated (like sconces or panels). Using a mirror for wall decoration is subtle way to add interest to any room.

Let Me Count the Ways…
Here are just a few examples of styles and mirrors that make a great match:

Retro Modern- Think funky. Geometric and segmented mirrors create contrast against the busy patterns this style is known for. A nice 50s-inspired starburst can give off mod flavor as well.
Art Deco – Since high gloss and metallic materials are calling cards of this style, a mirror is a natural choice for a dramatic focal point.
Country Cabin- Heavy wood or etching details allow the room to have a wall mirror without loosing warmth.
Shabby Chic- There is no better way to finish off a cozy fireplace than with a circular, plaster-framed mirror and vase of flowers. The design style calls for the frame to be neutrally-colored but soft and frilly.
Minimalist- Nothing is as unfettered and unifying as an unframed, undecorated, polygonal piece of glass.
Eclectic- Find a wall mirror in a thrift store that’s in great shape but does nothing for you? Add a frame or paint, mosaic, or distress the existing one. This style is about using rare finds and personal art to create surprises in every room.

This is only a short list of great things you can do with decorative mirrors. One of the most exciting things about them is that they can always be used in new ways. The next time you stop to admire yourself in one of these multitalented decorations, I hope you take away some inspiration for your next space.

Whether you bring work home or just need a place for personal projects, a home office is the perfect place to concentrate, in theory. A poorly organized or cluttered workspace can hinder your efforts to work at home. So how do you create a space you’d actually want to use?

For some reason, many people forget that their home office is, in fact, at home. They choose bland, utilitarian furniture and skimp on the accessories like they’re arranging a cubicle.

Remember that you will never receive a memo about how many personal items you can keep in your home work area. Don’t be afraid to personalize and beautify your office with the same gusto that you used for the rest of your home.

Keep it Fun!
The first tip is to always keep the space light, airy, and fun to be in. Even if you like the idea of going with a more traditional look featuring built-in shelving and wood paneling, give yourself a big comfy reading chair to cut down on all of the formality. At the end of the day, your supposed to want to spend time in the room.

The best way to make a home office feel inviting is to make it personal. Move your favorite piece of art in from your bedroom. Chances are you don’t need any motivation to go to bed. Try painting the room a wacky and invigorating color. It’ll brighten things up, and you can use shades you wouldn’t dream of putting in the public part of the house.

If you still avoid your work space, make your home office the place for your personal photos and collections. Who knows? You may come in to look and stay to work.

Finding Storage Solutions
One of the biggest problem with workstations is how quickly they get cluttered. When you’re rushing to finish a project, putting everything in away is that last thing on your mind. A good way to keep your desk from becoming a mound of junk and papers is to have a place for everything.

The great thing about creating storage is that it allows you to use your imagination. Why not use decorative baskets or your old cassette rack for an ultra cool clutter catcher? These repurposed pieces (along with strategically placed filing cabinets) can clear up the mess and make everything easier to find.

These days, the computer is inevitably the focal point of the home office. Unfortunately, it brings with it nests of unsightly wires, tons of peripherals, and stacks of media. Untangle, organize, and bound wires together in order to reduce the mess. Organize the rest of the paraphernalia in one of your storage containers.

Work Space Niches
Those of us who have been liberated from desks by our laptops are the worst about putting things in their place. After losing my note pad and pens for the hundredth time, I realized I needed to consolidate the post-it notes and accessories I had strewn about the house into a laptop work station. So, since my home office is reserved for my husband, I carved out a spot in the bedroom for storage space, fold away desk area, and comfortable work chair. In addition to consolidating my stuff and providing a place to consistently charge my electronics, my niche helps me get in the mood to work.

Incorporating a workspace into a room with another purpose is easy. In my room, I set off the space with a different, yet coordinating color palette. A rug or savvy placement can achieve the same effect.

Though you may never get your boss to agree to a total office redesign, you always have the opportunity to turn your home work space into a place you love to be. Go ahead and turn your home office into a place you love to be.

Still looking for inspiration? Take a look at these brilliant work interiors.

The days are longer, the kids are home, and everyone is sporting shorts. It is certainly summertime, but some of us find our homes stuck in the winter doldrums. Even though the indoors are the perfect place to escape from the heat, they can still be livened up with a sweet summer theme.

Quick Fixes
High gas prices may be keeping you from taking a trip to some secluded beach this year, but tropically-inspired color palette in an outdoor area can provide the perfect atmosphere to do a little reading. Try to incorporate some of these fun colors into your home.

Staying at home? That’s no reason to stay inside. Soak up the sun on your patio or deck. New nautical beach chairs and a good cleaning will make your outdoor space usable again.

Traditional Nautical Decor
In the mood for something more formal, bold, or fun? Skip the fishing trip and try planning a nautical room. The great thing about this style is its versatility. Traditional maritime design takes cues from the historical British navy, New England culture, and all things pelagic. Bold patterns are used to add visual interest to crisp, clean spaces. Most of all, white should be the dominate color in the room. It is usually paired with reds, navy blue, and other strong shades. Representations of boats, ships, or lighthouse decor are often used for decoration.

Though the traditional take may seem a tad stuffy, a well-planned nautical space can be the perfect place for socializing. The style dictates that fabrics and furniture be rugged, so they are better suited to large groups of people. Lighthouse wall decor can help foster a cozy captain’s quarters feel. Also, the breeziness of a nautical room makes it feel like the perfect place to have a Mojito or two.

Casual Beach Style
There is no one way to add some seafaring flavor to your space. Rustic and natural materials like driftwood and seashells represent a more laid-back interpretation of this design type. Think relaxing beach hide-away as apposed to yacht club. The best accents for this kind of room are beachcomber finds and repurposed trinkets. They add one-of-a-kind style to the space and make great conversation pieces.

You can choose mutes blues and tan and use pieces sparsely to create the perfect spa-like retreat. If you find yourself landlocked and short of beach finds or ocean inspiration, try to find art and decor pieces that remind you of the sea. You can even incorporate your photos from your last trip to the beach in order to make things more personal.

Forget about going anywhere this summer. Bring the vacation into your home with bold naval patterns, lighthouse home decor, and beautiful things from the sea.