When choosing new bedding, consider a quilt. There are so many modern quilts available to choose from. The choices transcend all the decorating genres; country, country French, English country, modern, antique décor, and some dramatically modern quilts which will appeal to those of us with more contemporary eclectic taste. The art and making of quilts spans several centuries at least. Some famous quilts date back to the Colonial Days, the Civil War, and the Victorian Era. After the industrial revolution, when fabric was less expensive and easier to come by, the quilt as we know it today, was really born. Gentile young ladies learned all types of needlecraft: quilting, needlepoint, sewing, etc. and the work was tedious but the finished work was gorgeous. Different nations and ethnicities stitched hand-made varieties of quilts and from each nation or nationality different styles and patterns evolved. The PA and Ohio Amish are famous for their gorgeous homemade quilts. The beauty and artistry speak highly of the talents of the quilters. One famous pattern that you might find made in the Lancaster, PA area is the double wedding ring pattern. Two pairs of “rings” are joined at top, bottom and sides to another set of rings and another. The colors you can find to choose from in both the country or modern art quilts is just endless. Some of the advantages of choosing a quilt over a comforter or spread are; durability, functionality, color choices, uniqueness. In Native American quilts, for example, they included symbols of their culture and spirituality. Some of the pictures that were found on their ancient petroglyphs or eagles and hawks are incorporated into their handiwork. A famous pattern is the star pattern.

If you love to shop on the web, then I know that you have been searching for the perfect Mother’s Day Gift. If you haven’t chosen something yet, and your mother loves home decorating items, you still have time to get creative with your choice and find a rare modern treasure online.Does she have an umbrella stand? Does this seem to be a conventional and old-fashioned idea? On burkedecor.com their owl umbrella stand is one of my favorite products on their website.   For unique decor this somewhat whimsical piece certainly will add fun function to your home. Owl Umbrella StandIf she loves; candles, scented candles, pillar candles, designer candle holders or stands, these can be awesome tabletop decorations that can be used in any room for color, beauty, and, well, the obvious….the aromatic scents.What about dishes? No, not a traditional or classic set of floral china, but very modern artistic place settings with a bold color scheme? Thankfully, we are part of the new technological age and tablecloths made from white linen are OUT for the home décor gift. If you’ve ever ironed one of those, you will thrill over the new designer table coverings! The fabrics are sleek and the patterns are wild, daring, dramatic, and definitely not plain or drab. Look up stacking boxes by Offi. These creations will give Mom’s home office the organization and modernity. Some other ideas are: throws in jazzy colors and patterns; bathroom organizer jars; silk botanical arrangements; or colorful, new picture frames for the grandchildren’s pictures.Colorful Multi-Colored Throw by kokoBring your home decorating mom into the 21st century with designer creations for the home. She’ll love the new age Mother’s Day!

My chihuahua, sleeps on an elegant, burnt sienna, wrought iron day bed with a floral motif headboard. He loves his chic area but, moreover, I love it. I ran across the luxury bed a few years ago when I was out supposed to be Christmas shopping. I fell in love with it and we both got a great Holiday gift. His regular pet store dog bed just looked so messy in his designated area because the rest of my downstairs furniture was new. Now he has a real piece of mini furniture, too.In my web search I found so many stylish pet beds just now.   If your décor is modern or Oriental, check out this bed by Akemi Tanaka.Curve Pet BedTo begin your web search, just type in “designer pet beds”.  You will find so many jazzy pet beds in a profusion of styles, fabrics, and colors.  This animal print bed is an attractive piece of furniture, not just a floppy “pillow” bed.Decorative Pet BedThis Victorian model is very similar to my little guy’s bed though his has a higher and more ornate headboard.Victorian pet bedThis next example is fabulous.  It is made of wood and could definitely blend with your own bedroom furniture.cherry wood pet bedYou will have a wide range of prices and composition, too, for the extreme makeover of your pet’s area or room.  Some of the pet beds are made of fine hardwood, various metals, and come in cushioned, upholstered, easy chair or sofa styles.This daybed (I call it a chaise) comes in 13 spectacular colors to match your home décor.Brown Pet Bedill your pet luxuriate in his or her awesome designer creation?Well, when I brought Lobo’s pet day bed home and set it down in his spot, my mother looked at me with extreme doubt and said with disdain, “He’s never going to sleep in THAT!”I’m sure she thought that I was being foolishly extravagant but….in a few minutes, the “little guy” stepped right into it and got comfy!   We’ve both loved the upscale and tidy sleeping area and Lobo, because he is a Chihuahua and is always cold, can usually be found in his bed, covered in his entirety by his “blankie.”

Where to Find Vintage Accessories for Victorian Home Decor – Vintage accessories for Victorian home decor are simple to create if you cannot find them online. There are books that show you how to do exactly that. I will also show how a little bit of searching can bring treasures that may very well match you Victorian decor, and help your wallet as well. Victorian design can be broken into groups. There is high Victorian, in which the design is very formal. There is also shabby or country Victorian, which is casual and simplified. Either way, Victorian home decor is a really fun way to decorate your historical Victorian home. Some people do modernize them; but I think that is horrible. History is quaint and worth preserving. There are even places you can get modern conveniences that look and match the old Victorian decor. So, where to start?First of all, let’s concentrate on the little pieces that will be used to design the home from. Basic color palettes and things that are accents. Head over to your local antique shop and scan for some treasures. The Victorian period dates from 1837-1901. So look for pieces that date to that time. Have fun with it and remember you may find a real treasure at bargain prices.The second place to find Victorian decor for your home, is at garage sales. Yes, they too may hold the very treasures you seek. While some things are simply junk; there is a way to check the validity of the item.There are the simple things first. Look closely at the piece. Does it have things on it that are dated to after the period it is from? I see this all of the time. It is ridiculous how often this happens as a shop attempts to sell a “Victorian” collectible, that is really from the mom and pop shop down the street. Look for wording such as authentic. Also, look for papers that validate the piece. Many antique vendors will have these. Some may not so you need a good reference book for this. Check out:Antique Trader Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide by: Kyle Husfloen (Amazon.com)