| If your home is ready for a makeover, but you don't | | | | huge comeback in home decor, and with them, plant |
| have the time or money to do a complete renovation, | | | | stands. Most notably, pedestal plant stands are seeing |
| you can use any number of accent pieces to change | | | | a resurgence, either singly or in tiered groups of four. |
| the tone of a room. These days, the story in home | | | | For those looking to add a touch of the exotic to their |
| decor is all about jade decorations and other items | | | | living areas, a hand-carved elephant plant stand does |
| that can give any room a touch of elegance and a | | | | the trick. |
| striking appearance. | | | | Floor Coverings Shine |
| It's All About Jade | | | | Another trend in home furnishings is the strategic |
| If you watched this summer's Beijing Olympic Games, | | | | placement of wool rugs. You can find a wool rug in |
| you may have noticed that the medals were inlaid with | | | | just about any style, size, and color combination, from |
| jade. The Chinese people used jade as far back as | | | | round monochromatic rugs to 8 x 10 colorful patterned |
| 6000 B.C. for both intricate artistic carvings and | | | | rugs that light up a family room. A rug can effectively |
| pragmatic - though revered - objects. | | | | define groupings within a larger room, while imparting a |
| Today's home decor incorporates jade though | | | | subtle flavor of elegance. |
| decorative pieces on display. Although the choices are | | | | Other Accessories |
| virtually limitless, certain items seem to be setting | | | | Room accessories - whether a tortoise footstool or a |
| trends in home decor. At the top of the list are bonsai | | | | fruit and flower basket - can enliven your living space. |
| made from jade flowers. Typically, the leaves and | | | | Accent lamps can infuse your room with ambience, |
| base are made from Taiwan jade, while the flowers | | | | while nesting trunks can provide you with storage |
| are crafted from peach, purple, and pink jade. The | | | | space and beauty. Remember, it's less important to |
| stunning craftsmanship and artistry make this a | | | | follow trends than to follow your heart and select |
| showpiece in any home. | | | | items that will make you feel as though your home is |
| Another decorative sculpture gaining popularity are | | | | an oasis of comfort. |
| puzzle balls that are carved from the outside in, and | | | | If you're not sure which home accents are right for |
| feature moveable layers with sculpted dragons that | | | | you, the best place to start is by looking online. There |
| symbolize good luck. Horses are also prominently | | | | are online stores that specialize in home and garden |
| featured in jade sculptures, often in groups of eight and | | | | decor, and that can provide you with excellent values |
| symbolizing power and unity. | | | | on a wide variety of items. Remember that you don't |
| Plant Stands Making a Comeback | | | | have to break the bank in order to give your home a |
| Perhaps because of the rising consciousness about | | | | makeover. Whether you go with trendy jade |
| the perils of our planet, people are gravitating toward | | | | decorations or take a different path, the right accents |
| bringing the outdoors in. Indoor plants are making a | | | | will infuse your home with the fresh look you seek. |