The Best Place For An Animal Trophy Is In Art

Wildlife and nature painter Cathy Johnson

The best way to honorably hang the head of an animal on your wall is in a fabulous work of art! The stunning black and white zebra above is a charcoal rendition by Cathy Johnson. I’ve seen this one in person. It’s absolutely gorgeous in every detail from the thin hairs of the whiskers to the finely mane hairs on its head. I love how she captures the illusion of light that spotlights one side of the head, even to the glint of light in the eye. The work is dark, moody–and elegant.

Such art works make dramatic statements in the contemporary decors of apartments. Here’s one of my favorites: athyC

Apartment Therapy for Calvin's Naturally Stylish DC Home — Apartment Therapy for Calvin’s Naturally Stylish DC Home

Found on Pinterest, this is a magnificent image of a jaguar. (I see a painting here for Cathy.) “The last female jaguar in the United States was shot and killed in Arizona in 1963.” In a Huffington Post 2014 article, Finally Some Hope for America’s Rare Jaguars, it reports a come back for jaguars due to the setting aside of protected areas:

“Jaguars once roamed vast swaths of the American Southwest and parts of Texas and Louisiana.

But, like nearly all big predators, they had a hard time surviving the onslaught of humanity. As settlement moved west, forests were cleared and wetlands were drained and jaguars lost some of their most important habitat. Still more were killed out of fear for livestock.

The last female jaguar in the United States was shot and killed in Arizona in 1963. For a long time, it was thought they might never return.

But jaguars are persistent survivors, especially if we give them a chance.

That’s why it was so important this month that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protected nearly 1,200 square miles as “critical habitat” for jaguars in New Mexico and Arizona. This step, which comes nearly 17 years after jaguars were protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, should be a pivotal point for returning jaguars to the American landscape.”

— Noah Greenwald for Huffington Post

The elephant wall mural below must certainly be a blow up of a photo. It’s gorgeous and beautifully adds drama to the whole decor, capturing the grand elegance of this family of elephants with their ears flared and growing tusks. Note how its color contrasts with the white in the room and its size gives a visual balance to the large sectional sofa. See a close up of it in the next image.

Wildlife painter, Guy Coheleach has received many pretentious awards and recognition for his realistic paintings in wildlife. And he has experienced life threatening events to capture subjects to paint, as noted in Smashing Showcase:

“Guy Coheleach is an American wildlife artist. We have picked some Realistic Wildlife Paintings from his portfolio. He has been chased by elephants and has tracked eagles, lions and Cheetahs all over the world. Coheleach is an adventurer who loves to paint portraits in addition to his wildlife artwork.”

— Smashing Showcase

No special room must be preserved to mount images of these extraordinary creatures! An entryway, a living room, a bedroom and even a kitchen wall can be dramatized.

For centuries wild and domesticated horses have been the subject of artists whose works were adorned from caves to homes:

One of the most significant contribution that art makes is to capture the grandness of these animals. And they don’t have to be destroyed just for the egotistical and sadistic pleasure of a few. Am I referring to the atrocity of the murder of Cecil The Lion in Zimbabwe. Indeed, Yes!

But most important I want to emphasis that artists give all of us so much more when they paint or photograph God’s magnificent creatures. Their work records for humanity, generations to come and the passage of time the blessings of God. Are many of these animals dangerous to humans? Yes! They pose a danger when in search for food or when they want to protect their families or themselves. But humans who willy nilly destroy and take the lives of other humans and animals just for sport are more dangerous not only to the animals but to humanity, the balance of nature and thus the planet.

Here are a just a couple more of Cathy’s work that dramatically pose animals in motion:

Click on the images to enlarge.

In my dining nook, I have two prints of Siamese cats. They always make me smile with their “peeking” poses. And I’m thankful for the artist who created the prints. Artists often paint an original which of course will cost more. And most artists offer giclee copies for those of who have smaller budgets but who still have an appreciation of their work. I’ll never understand the attempt or need to prove oneself by killing another species just for sport.

Interested in learning more about incorporating art into your apartment decor. Here are some further readings:

Selecting Art To Match Your Existing Decor by interior designer Michelle Baser
Art: Love It, But Afraid?

I hope you share my sentiments and

Support Artists – Local And Everywhere

How To Create A Stylish Vignette In Your Apartment

So when you enter your apartment or any room in your apartment, what do you see? A big sofa, a blank wall and dull, maybe even dark creepy corners? Let’s talk about changing that. Those blank walls, that dark creepy corner is the perfect place to create a stylish vignette.

Select Your Space

Consider a wall, such as an entry wall and space above a sofa or chair with the seating anchoring the vignette
Consider a corner of the room where you can add a chair, table and lighting
Incorporate a theme — a wall gallery, a collection of sculptures, even electronic gadgets and a garden space
Layer it with your decor elements

The image below beautifully illustrates a corner vignette with a chair, a collection of framed pictures behind the chair, and floor light. The straight lines of the brown leather chair are softened by the fringed throws and white pillow. Also behind the chair off to the left a sculpture and plant on the window sill gives balance to the whole of this corner vignette. All of these items in color, shape and texture contrast and warm of the sterile background of the white wall, wonderfully highlighted by the large bare window. Note how the elements are layered.

The corner vignette compliments an overall living room decor. Here too, you can better see the small rug in front of the chair, its color picking up the color of the throw and a couple of the pillow on the sofa. Imagine how boring the total room would look with only a chair in the corner!

Let’s look at a few more gorgeous examples of vignettes:

Home Portfolio for Jamie Herzlinger, the designer

Note, below you’ll see that you don’t need a big budget to create a vignette! A gallery wall can easily be created with family photos, your dog images, your bad photo images. Place it above a furniture element. Scour garage sales, consignment and antique shops for frames. Paint them. Take risks, be bold, be different but be you.

The wall and sofa vignette below is rich in texture, particularly with the wood-board wall. How could you create something similar that dramatizes your sofa-wall space and creates a vignette? Paint. Plants, even one large plant. A simple, solid color sofa. Decorative Pillows. Simple lighting. And of course, one bold work of art.

When using plants, especially for an apartment, dare to add at least one very large plant to a corner for a very dramatic effect:

By now you may be thinking what about that 27 inch monitor you love, what about that big T.V. screen and all of the entertainment paraphernalia! The same principle applies. Select your wall space, organize it, color it and layer it.

A sofa doesn’t have to hug a wall. Create a dramatic vignette by using that wall for book cases, entertainment units and a desk. Your modules could simply cover half the height of the wall with a T.V. mounted on the wall. Space would be left to create a gallery, etc. Stores such as Ikea have inexpensive units that can be added to as the budget allows. The sofa is pulled away but faces the wall similar to the furniture placement below:

Convinced yet? Share your thoughts. Would love to hear from you!

Liked this blog? Subscribe to my monthly newsletter
to get more ideas and inspirations on apartment living.
Share this post with a friend.

What Are Your Top 10 Must Have Kitchen Small Appliances And Gadgets?

Recently, I read an article declaring top must have kitchen gadgets. One item was a pair of goggles for cutting onions. I couldn’t stop laughing. The first image that came to mind was the character Carrie Bradshaw from Sex And The City wearing those googles, rubber gloves on hand while standing in a pair of Christian Louboutin stiletto heels. (Oh, but she didn’t cook did she. I digress.)

Well, I made up my own list of essential kitchen small appliances and gadget that I need. Then I became curious about you. Here’s your chance to weight in on this. Given this list of what you can have or need, which of the top 10 out of the 15 here would you choose? Don’t see one listed, just add it at the end or in the comment below. (Note: “Other” is also included in the 10 count.) This poll ends October 30, 2015.

How did you do? Already have these in your kitchen?
Or do you need to go shopping?

Liked this post? Let me know. Share with a friend too!

Anatomy Of A Studio Apartment Decor

Typically, a studio apartment is one large room. It combines living, sleeping and cooking spaces. Often the bathroom is a separate room which of course opens into the main one room. Floor space can be very large or even very small, often one wall with window(s) and eight-foot ceilings (or with high ceilings if you are fortunate).

When a studio apartment presents itself to you, there are five things you will want to look for according to an article written by Niccole Schreck USA News, My Money.

Plenty of vertical space — to counter the small horizontal space
Ample storage — a solution to clutter in the main room which makes the room appear large
Natural light to make the room appear larger — and preferably with windows facing east or west
Full-sized appliances — especially if you enjoy cooking. And hopefully, though it not often offered, a dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer
Liveable space — sufficient for a living area, sleeping space and kitchen that doesn’t make you feel like you are in a cubby hole.

I would add a sixth item to look for and that is a bathroom with a door. You will definitely want privacy when you have guests. And there is no reason you shouldn’t enjoy the company of your friends in your own home space–however small it may be.

hotpads.com greenduo.net Greenduo.net

Have you noticed what really makes these studio apartments work in that they are lovely examples of a well-decorated room? I selected these examples just for these reasons:

Functional spaces are clearly marked in each of them.
Well made, beautiful beds
The rooms are small; yet, furnishing pieces we would expect to be in the designated living areas are included, such as coffee tables and window treatments
Storage pieces that do double duty
No clutter, everything has its place (Okay, you may be saying, “Sure everything is in its place because of the photo shoot!”)
A beautiful complimentary color palette
Patterns mixed with solid colors where the eye can rest
Wonderful accessories that warm and personalize the room: decorative pillows, books, lots of art pieces, and flower arrangements
Excellent central lighting but lighting that also illuminates the corners of the room
An area rug (excluding the last one above)
As you’ll see below, draperies and bookcases are used to create “zones”

Let’s look at a few more studio apartment decors:

Brit + co

Don’t you just love that chandelier in the “dining” area? What a fabulous unexpected touch! And of course, the herringbone flooring is to die for!

Brit + co Brit + co

This is such a beautiful white room with the freshness of the bed and being able to wake up to a warm sun on your face. The yellow pillow and flowers offer just enough color splash to invite a happy feeling.

Gravity Interior Tumbler

Here’s another white studio apartment decor. The white sheer drapery used to mark off the sleeping area. doesn’t provide complete privacy and that’s intentional. It does, however, screen off the sleeping area and retains the openness of the room.

Free Home Decorating Ideas

This studio apartment is distinguished with bookcases that further mark the functional “zones.” Note the use of beautiful pieces of art.

This Perspective.com

And finally, I just want to point out how the dramatic city view is complemented by the large, dramatic painting. This studio apartment has a spacious feel, it’s modern and just downright classy.

Living in a studio apartment? Make the most of it. Make it beautiful. Make it happy and classy to live it. Size doesn’t really matter, it’s what you put in it:)

I would love to hear from you
if you or someone you know lives in a studio apartment!
Share the experience and the decorating scheme. Have a dilemma? Share that too!

Cool Dog Crates And Beds For Apartment Living

Guilty of having or had an ugly, unsightly dog bed and crate in your apartment living room? Tried to hide it in your small bedroom? I certainly am. And I celebrated the day I could fold up the crate, after having bought a cute bed. But my Susan did a fabulous job of chewing up the corners of the bed. I’m stuck looking at it with great disdain.

For our wish list or immediate purchase, here are … stylish crates and beds that can make a statement right in the living room.

Contemporary

Traditional

townhaus premium wooden dog crate from denhaus

ultra pet plush snuggle bed from all modern

High End Ultra Modern

bubble toy pet bed by b pet from mod pet life

firenze by pet superfine on mod pet lite

moderno pet by by bowser on mod pet lite

In the end of course, let’s face it,
those four-legged-beautiful-eyed-moochers often end up in the big-dog’s bed:

Inspired? I hope so. As for me, well I definitely have a I-want-that-one for my porch. My dog Susan in earlier years really chewed up the corners on her hammock style bed. The whole thing is tattered and tacky and doesn’t go with my idea for a beautiful porch decor. That’s just me. She of course, is just fine with it.

Did you like this post? Let me know. Share with a friend!

Review: Thundershirt – And My Dog Susan

This is my dog Susan, a Portuguese water dog. And this is a story about her Thundershirt.

In this picture, we were waiting to enter the Mardi Gras parade in Tavares, Florida. She was two years old and fearless: from jumping into a canal with alligators to tussling and bossing around BIG dogs to loudly wailing in the middle of a pet store. She is now seven years old. She is calmer and wiser. She was not, however, happy with moving from a house with a back yard to an apartment with only a screened-in porch.

So we take lots of walks, go to dog parks, pet stores, sit at outside tables to restaurants and coffee houses, and go to the beach. Susan is happy again. But with aging, she has developed a serious anxiety to the noise of fireworks, thunder and lightening, even heavy windy storms. She paces, whimpers, and constantly jumps up to me as if to say “DO SOMETHING MOMMY, MAKE IT STOP!!” So I pet her and hug her and worry with her–all to no avail. If the storm goes on all night, I’m up all night.

Enter The Thundershirt – “The Best Solution for Dog Anxiety”

My concern (and lack of sleep) sent me to our local small pet shop for help. The owner is really knowledgeable about animals. She suggested I try the “Thundershirt.” If it didn’t work, I could bring it back and get a full refund. Susan wore it several times prior to an expected violent storm. I always hug and pet her when putting it on her. Then she gets her favorite treat, a dried sweet potato wrapped with duck strips.

Is Susan completely without anxiety when wearing her Thundershirt? Not entirely. But the improvement is tremendous. After a little fretting, she calms down and actually lays down. And I get to sleep all night!

How Does It Work?

The soft knit fabric “applies gentle, constant pressure [to the torso], similar to swaddling an infant.” It’s advertised as being applicable for a variety of anxiety producing situations:

Fear of thunder and any other loud noise
barking problems
separation anxiety, car or travel anxiety
any excitability, general fearfulness
crate anxiety and leash pulling

It works without medication! No training is needed. Comes in seven sizes. It’s safe and easy to put on. It can be laundered. The only caveat is to introduce it to your dog prior to an anxiety producing event so that your dog doesn’t associate the thundershirt with such events.

Whether or not the Thundershirt can ease all of the canine anxiety behaviors as listed above, I really don’t know. I do know, it works for Susan when there is thunder and lighting. And it’s sold 100% satisfaction guaranteed or you can return it within 45 days for a full refund. I’ll be keeping mine:)

How does your best canine friend respond to thunder and lightening
or other anxiety producing events?
I’d love to know your solutions!

Think this may be a good solution for your dog, a neighbor’s dog or a friend’s dog?
Feel free to share the info!

40 Foot Ceiling London Clock Tower Apartment

When opportunity knocked for a chance to live in the historic clock tower at St. Pancras, London, UK , Peter Thompkins didn’t hesitate for a chance to make it his apartment home. The building was completed in 1860, featuring a clock tower that has 40′ ceilings, Gothic windows, exposed beams, and amazing views. Mr. Thompkins modernized the space for apartment living, highlighting these key elements.

In the series “You Live In What?,” Mr. Tompkins opened his doors for HGTV to share his treasure apartment. See the video link below. (Of course you’ll have to wait through the ads but you’ll be glad you did.)

40′ Clock tower apartment video video by HGTV “you live In What?” found on house beautiful

http://pshared.5min.com/Scripts/PlayerSeed.js?sid=281&width=480&height=401&playList=518920394
London Clock Tower Apartment Has 40-Ft Ceilings & Amazing Views

I hope you enjoy the video. I’ve watched it at least 4 times.
Congratulations to Mr. Thompkins’ for imagining the possibilities!

Liked this post? Let me know and click on the like button below. The comment box is open.
Share the post with a friend!

5 Gorgeous And Versatile Modern Sleeper Sofas

You may be like many of us who are expecting summer guest(s). Or perhaps you are expecting your guest(s) to come in this fall or winter, particularly for the holidays. However, space is a serious issue when you have only a one bedroom apartment. Even more challenging is receiving guest(s) when you only have a studio apartment. The usual solution to a sleeper sofa is to purchase one of those big heavy clunky fold out beds. But there are other options: a modern sleeper sofa.

From Hive Modern comes this design by Niels Bendtsen for Bensen.
It’s visually stunning, a statement piece with clean, straight lines.

From Room Service 360 Degree comes Pierrot Modern Sofa Bed by Bonaldo. Designer is Glenn Thomas. It’s a “smart solution doubles as a sofa and a bed without taking up a lot of space.”

modern sofa bed by bonaldo, designed by glenn thomas

Room Service 360 Degree also brings this origami modern Italian sleep sofa by Cattelan Italia.
The design was inspired by the Japanese art of folding paper into shapes.

From Bassett Furniture here is a pit shaped sectional sofa.
Pieces can be purchased separately for multiple configurations and uses:
single chair, sofa, chaise, daybed and of course just as you see it here.

Here’s a fun video that takes you through the many possibilities:

From Viesso comes this exquisite modern translation of the chesterfield style in a sofa bed.
It’s versatile with a bi-fold back that can be configured as a single seat on one side but reclined on the other.
Or it can be configured for a complete bed. Comes in leather, other fabrics and a variety of colors.

Oldschool Chesterfield Sofa Bed in brown leather by Vesso

Oldschool Chesterfield sofa bed in a single reclined back

White leather oldschool Chesterfield sofa bed in bed reclined position

And please, don’t overlook a modern bed for your four-legged best friend!

Elegant modern dog day bed from glamour mutt.com

NOTE: I’m not affiliated with the companies I chose above. And so I cannot guarantee or speak to the quality of the constructions. I include these sofas for their lovely modern designs, versatility, appropriateness for apartment living, and availability,

Happy modern sofa bed hunting!
Which would you choose or add to your dream list??

Like this post? Let me know and click on the like button below.
Leave a comment. Or share with friends.

Newbie DSLR Owners: Do You Shoot In Manual Or Auto Mode?

(image: shirley byrd) Prosciutto, Asparagus and Pecorino Cheese

As you may know, I recently added a Foodie Hangout category to my blog. I’ll be using my own images, and preferably (at least most of the time) my own recipes. (Psst: check back next week for Monday Eats on the dish for prosciutto, asparagus and pecorino cheese. I’ll also reveal to you which mode I use. Or can you guess from my image above?)

To do this, a week ago I bought my first DSLR camera, a Canon EOS Rebel T5. It’s a nice entry level DSLR. I was so excited, I told everyone I know, including my dog, “I got a DSLR!” I’m having a grand time learning how to use it and eagerly looking forward to learning more. To my surprise, a lot of people said they only shoot their DSLR cameras in the automatic mode–even when they have a humongous lens and tripod.

This left me curious as to why spend so much money on a DSLR camera only to use the auto mode when a point and shoot camera can do a very adequate job?

So Dear Newbie DSLR Owner, which mode do you use? Complete the easy poll below:

I only shoot in ___ mode

Auto

Manual

pollcode.com free polls

After you respond to the poll, care to let me know why? I would love to know.

Shabby Chic: Has Enough Been Said On IT?

Here’s my resounding NO. It’s a classic style that I certainly hope will never go out of style. Shabby chic decor invites us to relax, don’t worry, honor the past but live in the moment. Moreover, with a little creativity, imagination and scavenging, it can be very inexpensive to achieve that lovely shabby chic style.

The standard description for what is shabby chic, I quote below. Not to worry if some of the elements don’t quite suite your taste. Feel free to break the rules a bit to reflect “your” personal preferences. The style has been around for only a few decades. In her article, What is “Shabby Chic” And How You Can Get The Look, Kate Unsworth nicely summarizes how this style began:

“Shabby chic emerged as a popular style trend in the 1980s, when British bohemians and artists began to upcycle old furniture into works of art, added charm with fabrics, and repurposed treasures for display. They were, in effect, making use of both their creativity and their limited funds to develop a look all their own. The trend soon spread to the US and beyond, and it is now seen as a timeless style aligned with our growing focus on eco-sustainability in building and design. Shabby chic embraces old, worn and nostalgic pieces – a perfect fit for the current trend of recycling, upcycling and repurposing. The style is also comfortable, relaxed, warm and charming, and adaptable to most homes.”

— Kate Unsworth, Houzz Contributor

Elements of Shabby Chic:

Furniture is old and worn. Often heavily painted or has been distressed or glazed to appear old. Faux finishes are sometimes applied to tables, chairs and other pieces. Creative eyes repurpose a variety of nontraditional items such as old trucks used as coffee tables and short ladders as side tables.
Fabrics are natural fibers such as linens and cottons, with linen being the most popular. Solid colors are popular, as well as patterned fabrics such as floral and tick strips.
Colors are predominantly white in “pure whites, as well as ecrus and worn or bleached.” (Wikipedia) Other colors include soft pastels from “duck-egg blue to watery greens, pale pinks, lemon yellow and cool grey.” (Kate Unsworth)
Variants on shabby chic include cottage chic, beach cottage chic, French country and Gustavian (Swedish).

What could be more fun and inspiring than looking at beautiful rooms in shabby chic? So let’s get to it. Note while some rooms reflect designs in single family homes, all can be adopted for apartment living.

Shabby Chic Spaces by Sydney Media & Bloggers A Beach Cottage

Houzz for Coffey's Tile And Stone Installation, Inc — Houzz for Coffey’s Tile And Stone Installation, Inc

My Shameless Interruption: Let’s stay in touch. Sign up to get my Monthly Newsletters on popular posts, more tips and inspirations on apartment living, coupons and more. I don’t share your email information nor will I bombard you with emails over and over and over!

.link,
.link a,
#SignUp .signupframe {
color: #226699;
font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;
font-size: 13px;
}
.link,
.link a {
text-decoration: none;
}
#SignUp .signupframe {
border: 1px solid #000000;
background: #ffffff;
}
#SignUp .signupframe .required {
font-size: 10px;
}

//app.icontact.com/icp/loadsignup.php/form.js?c=1553621&l=14647&f=1201
Your privacy is respected.

Where To Find Furniture And Fabrics For Shabby Chic

Antique stores
Consignment shops
Flee Markets
Someone’s attic (family members such as grandma’s attic or someone else’s grandma, farms, etc.)
For the not so squeamish, trash dumpsters
Garage sales
Goodwill and Salvation Army stores

Fabrics are also found in the places above. Additionally, fabric stores are great places to shop for shabby chic style textile.

Shabby chic is often characterized as being faminine mostly because of the pastel colors and many of the decorating elements. However, this really doesn’t have to be. Stronger colors can be used. Here is an image from a previous guest room I had created with dark cocoa brown walls. The sofa is old but had redesigned with redesigned down-filled seat cushions and back pillows, then finished with a slipcover.

annsliee previous shabby chic cocoa room (unfinished)

So what do you think about shabby chic? A design for you or just a design to like from afar?
Would love to hear from you! So please share.

If you liked this post, let me know. Click on like below. Share with a friend.

annsliees

The Best Place For An Animal Trophy Is In Art

I hope you share my sentiments and

Support Artists – Local And Everywhere