Feathered Cameroon Juju Hats + Other Feathered Head-toppers

What is that poof-thing on the wall? I've been asking myself that.

So I decided to research it a bit and show you how I fell in love!

 If you can't Wear them, Wall them:
They are Cameroon's tribal Juju Hats. 

Feathers are sewn onto raffia, and worn as hats by Cameroon's
 tribal leaders and by others of importance.

 The hats symbolize beauty ( the rare beauty of the feathers), prosperity,
 and the positive qualities associated with birds.

 So now that  understand, I LOVE them!

 Detail:

The inside of the hat:

As wall decor:

In the UK it's done a bit differently:

     

And also at Mardi Gras:

Interestingly, each example --  regardless of  sex, race or continent  --  connotes status.

Stick a feather in your cap!

xo

Valerie

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Nooks and Crannies

Nooks and Crannies mean warm, cozy, homey, secure spaces. 

That's what I found ... the trend towards smaller homes makes
SO much sense.

This first one is my favorite, thanks

 to the gorgeous book case cabinet:

The clean, simple yet rustic bed alcove:

This one is also my favorite thanks to....everything.

Cheerful Cozy, Securiity:

Farmhouses are said to be great for little nooks, crannies and alcoves, right?

                    Fort Building Kit via Saltwater Kids:

I would do this for the adults!  :

Harry Potter could have done so much with that

 stairway cupboard....he needed design magic!

                                     Cozy Guest Bedroom alcove hidden behind burlap:

If you have a cavernous home, find a cabinet maker, throw up a divider, a bookcase, or put in some built-ins....Actually, some of these spaces, especially these last two, would benefit greatly from lots of rugs, pillows, curtains....textiles and maybe even wallpaper to warm up the space, and to play up it's potential for mystery, character, and cozy security.


Have a Cozy Day!
xo
Valerie

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Design with Big, Beautiful Birds!

 It's hard to go wrong with mirrors and botanical prints as wall decor --  and the scientific/biology-oriented nature designs are great. But let's remember the Birds, who, by the way, are descendants of Dinosaurs. So much new wallpaper has birds...it's gorgeous!  So think of bird-art as a great idea for your walls. And, when looking to put up those pictures, I say -- and, apparently, do many designers -- 

"The bigger the better!"

This one really puts the birds ( pigeons, not real) on display!

houzz

 veranda

Of course, the amazing selection of John James Audubon prints is always going to be a great source of wonderful bird art.... also Mark Catesby, John Gould, Alexander Wilson...whether you like museum-type or folk art, birds work!

One of my favorite National Geographic articles ever (July 1998, p.96)  was called , There's a Dinosaur in Your Backyard. Talk about fascinating....

Anyway, birds are beautiful...why not put these kinder, gentler dinosaurs up on your wall?

Have an awesome day!

xo

Valerie

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Great Style for the Study, Library, Office, Lair, Sanctuary etc.

Stylish Spaces to: 

Cogitate,

Write

Read

Study

Sketch

Compose

Sew

Pay Bills

Make Lists

Craft

Browse Online

 Plan New Year Resolutions

Invent +

DESIGN

My Favorite:

And this variation:

Make sure your seating is comfortable, take breaks from the computer...

...And have a Thoughtful Day!

xo

Valerie

~~~

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