Humane Hunting Trophies: Mock Animal Heads for Wall Decor

Deer, courtesy of C.G. SparksJanet Ramin - Hunting trophies – if you've ever shuddered at the thought of them but you still wanted to create that hunting lodge look in your home - then I have the animal-friendly alternative for you. Cardboard Safari and C.G. Sparks have brought to life popular wild creatures without raising the ire of animal lovers.

Designers at Cardboard Safari use lasers to precision-cut recycled cardboard. Then they layer them to create these modern, minimalistic three-dimensional heads. Cardboard Safari offers an array of bulls, longhorns, rams, deer, and moose to hang.

Bulls and Longhorns from Cardboard Safari

Moose from Cardboard Safari

For those who want a more colorful choice, C.G. Sparks uses rope taxidermy to recreate their heads. Michael Hennessey, co-owner, says that they use recycled cotton fabric from India to twist into coils of rope. The rope is then wrapped around the hand-formed heads.  In the first photo above, we have a blue and brown coated deer. Other choices include an elephant and lion. 

Elephant from C.G. Sparks

Lion from C.G. Sparks

This article courtesy of Sheffield School. Interested in learning more about accessories and design? Take a look at Sheffield School's Complete Course in Interior Design. At Sheffield, you'll learn how to transform a space, create color schemes, and select furniture, lighting, and accessories.  

4 Quick Decorating Tips for Boring Bathrooms

Jessica Ackerman - If your bathroom is a visually boring place, perhaps it's time for a much-needed change. Although bathrooms are generally the smallest rooms in a home, there's no need to go small on the decor and overall look. In fact, with just a modest amount of decorating and perhaps the addition of a bright new shade, your bathroom just might become the most visually exciting room in your home. If you're ready to transform your boring bathroom into a decorating showcase, here are some tips to help get you started.

1. Pick a Fun Theme

Although you might not want to choose a fun and funky theme for a formal master bathroom, it can be a nice approach to take with other bathrooms throughout your home. For example, imagine how great your children's bathroom would look when decorated in a funky theme. A low-key, casual beach theme, for instance, is a great approach to take when decorating a bathroom. Not only does it look great, but the casual nature of the decor also makes it easy to keep neat, tidy, and organized.

It's easy to create just the right look when decorating a themed bathroom, thanks to the wide variety of themed bathroom accessories you'll find on the market today. For example, you'll find no shortage of beach metal wall decor from which to choose.

2. Keep It Sleek and Simple

You might enjoy a more detailed decorating style throughout the rest of your home. However, the bathroom is one room that can definitely benefit from a simpler approach. When you factor in all the time and effort it takes to keep a bathroom neat, clean and sanitary, you can definitely see how simple and sleek is better than frilly and fussy when it comes to decor.

When choosing decorating accents for the bathroom, it's a good idea to think in terms of how washable and water-resistant the items are. For example,

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Add a Tropical Touch to Your Home Decor

Jessica Ackerman - While living in a tropical locale may sound appealing, the reality is that most of us are pretty much “stuck” wherever we're planted at right now. And although an escape to a tropical island may be the perfect vacation, we can invariably create that same tropical atmosphere in our own homes with just a few simplistic touches. The tips that follow will allow you to bring a touch of the islands to your home, instantly transporting you to the sands whenever you need a lift!

Wooden Accessories

Decorative accessories crafted from wood or wooden materials like wicker or bamboo look right at home in a tropics-inspired room.  Whether you elect to go for small pieces like mirrors framed in wicker and candle sconces made from bamboo, or for larger items like a wooden wall grille, you can add an authentically beautiful touch to your tropical decor with the use of wood.

Palm Tree Themes

Bringing in touches of palm trees to your room is a wonderful way to bring true tropical style to your space. For example, tree wall sculptures or palm tree wall hangings can be beautifully displayed in a prominent spot in the room to draw the mind’s eye to a palm tree lined beach.  A beautiful tapestry throw draped over the back of a sofa or chair that bears a palm tree motif can add to the visual effect that you are looking to create. 

Tropical Plants and Flowers

Perhaps no theme is better suited to the addition of plants and flowers than the tropical or island inspired theme.  Whether you select a lush potted yucca cane tree that resembles a true coconut palm, or opt for some other plant that is native to your region, you can create a beautiful tropical look with plants.  You might also add a touch of wrought iron decor to your space with a beautiful wrought iron plant stand that oozes island appeal. 

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