Hand-painted Furniture: the Must-have Home Furnishings of the Season

Author: / Category: Fine Homes

From armoires to wooden figurines to headboards and accent mirrors, home furnishings are canvases for artists around the world. Adorned with floral patterns, Asian motifs and other ethnic-inspired designs, hand-painted furniture and accessories are the must-have items of the season. “Hand-painted home furnishings are taking center stage in the home, adding a world-inspired flare and style to the overall décor,” says Gary Babcock, vice president of merchandising and fashion at Arhaus Furniture, a 23-store lifestyle retailer of fine home furnishings.

Worldly influences

Hundreds of years ago, Egyptian artisans embellished everything from tables to pottery with colorful motifs to pass on ancient fables to future generations. “We’re seeing a resurgence of these hand-painted items as consumers look to add personal style to their home with unique pieces from around the world,” says Babcock. “They’re embracing heirlooms and other richly decorated items that they see as authentic to a certain era or culture.”

Today, influences in hand-painted home furnishings are widespread, coming from as far away as the Middle East, Europe and South America. “We’ve seen a variety of items wrapped with ethnic-inspired artwork, from a sideboard with a soft, delicate floral print inspired by Eastern Europe to an Asian armoire with clean, simplistic lines and finished in black and red with the added touch of painted landscapes and pictorials,” says Babcock. “Painting styles vary from region to region. From the palate of colors to the brush stroke, every region has its own influence. The uniqueness of the hand-painted piece is reflective of the individual artist’s background, as well as their talent.”

Arhaus commissions gifted artisans from all over the world to give each hand-painted piece its own unique qualities and traits. For instance, the Sam Remo Armoire gets its charm from old world style cabinets reminiscent of those that can be found in the Italian villas of Tuscany. It features intricate, hand-painted floral accents and a distressed garnet finish achieved by applying several layers of multi-colored paints and lacquers. A matching cupboard and sideboard are adorned with the same hand-painted finish making the San Remo an exquisite collection.

Ethnic motifs

From attractive 19th-century Southwestern prints to those of Northern Sweden, there are a number of decorative motifs to choose from when incorporating elegant hand-painted pieces into the home. “Artwork with Moroccan, Indonesian and Middle Eastern influences tends to be very ornate with rich, bright colors like cinnabar red, black and bronze,” says Babcock. “If the goal is to add a vibrant color or pattern to a specific room, but you are not ready to paint the walls, try adding hand-painted pieces from one of these regions to create a focal point or accent to the room.”

To create a balanced, eclectic look with clean, ethnic-inspired collections, Babcock recommends introducing lavish hand-painted furnishings showing a variety of influences from all over the world. “It’s important to choose one piece to serve as a center piece or focal point in the room. This may be a large Venetian mirror with a handcrafted frame covered with Middle Eastern art to hang over the sofa or a grand vintage-inspired armoire with doors ornamented with lilies,” Babcock added.

Ethnic-inspired accent pieces are becoming increasingly popular, especially mixed with contemporary furnishings. According to Babcock, there are no rules to decorating with hand-painted items. “You can take an intricately painted console table like our Kartini Console and pair it with a handsome contemporary leather sofa and brushed chrome lamps. Accent the look with graphic pillows and a fur throw and you have a contemporary look full of color and texture,” says Babcock.

Endless opportunities

With ethnic-inspired hand-painted home furnishings, the opportunities are endless. Below are suggestions from Babcock and the Arhaus team of interior design consultants as to how to incorporate these one-of-a-kind pieces into your décor.

* Look for antique-looking pieces that bring a certain era or culture into the home. This adds a personal touch to your décor, and because hand-painted furniture is such a big trend, it’s becoming easier to find unique pieces with a variety of ethnic influences.

* Introduce painted furniture that brings a new element of style and color into the space, adding an eclectic look. This piece doesn’t necessary have to blend with the existing furnishings; it’s the subtle details like an accent color of paint on a coffee table duplicated in the pillows on a sofa or the beading on a lighting fixture that pull the entire look together.

* Mix more modern, contemporary styles with ethnic, antique-looking designs. For instance, take the Verona TV Cabinet by Arhaus. The doors of the cabinet are accented with clusters of hand-painted roses and vines. Pair it with a floral tapestry sofa and throw in pillows with lots of floral mixes — now that’s a refined, elegant look!

* Embrace pieces with a variety of finishes. For example, the panels of a simple armoire can be brushed with black and gold filigree accents, while the casing is a deep-waxed stain allowing the natural wood grain to show.

* Watch for this season’s decorative, hand-painted accessories like mirrors with delicate floral designs, candlesticks imprinted with Asian-inspired designs and bowls, platters and tabletop figurines to add color and interest to any room. Accessories are just another way to achieve this charming hand-painted look in your home!

Homes In The Beautiful Area Of Texas

Author: / Category: Fine Homes

Not everyone realizes it, but there are a lot of top homes for sale. In Texas, many of these homes reside in the beautiful city of Conroe. Home builders and other sources are all very important to the economic future of Texas. Without the custom home builders, a lot of people would not have the chance to have a home in this beautiful area of Texas.


They would have to settle for what was already there, and while there are already many fine homes, a lot of people want custom homes that were designed just for them. Whether a person enlists the help of custom home builders, however, or whether a person chooses from the top homes for sale in Texas which are already existing, there are many options for price, location, and amenities which are open to the people who move to that area.


Some of the best places to live in the area are what many people look at when they are moving here. They want places that are safe and friendly, and they want places where individuals can feel that they are at home and comfortable. In addition, though, they look at the top places to live because they want amenities.


They know that many of the best homes for sale are also among the top places to live in Houston, and they often spend some extra time to find just what they need and want from their new residence. By doing this, they know that they will really be getting a great price on a great home in one of the best places to live.


In Conroe, custom home builders know what most people are looking for, and they are more interested in building homes in the best Conroe neighborhoods than anywhere else. The best neighborhoods usually have a lot of amenities, and they are located in areas where safety and security is very important.


Custom home builders will build outside of the best Conroe neighborhoods, of course, but why a person would want to do that would not easily be understood when there is so much that the best neighborhoods have to offer to people who are looking for the top homes in Texas. People who find what they want in the best Conroe neighborhoods will also help to contribute to the economic activity of the city, furthering its growth.


While the custom home builders are very popular with individuals, some people also elect to buy homes which were already constructed. Either way, the best neighborhoods can be sought out and located, so that the people who are moving to the area can get both a home and a neighborhood that they are very happy with.


For having a new home constructed, custom home builders here are a good choice. This is true of people who are coming to the area, and true of people who already live there and simply want a new home.

Jacksonville Foreclosed Homes: Beautiful homes in Budget Price

Author: / Category: Fine Homes

The sunny state of Florida is one of the most economically developed states in USA. Florida is perhaps one of the few states of USA which can boast of a booming economy as well as picturesque beauty.  As a result real estate prices in Florida are always quite steep and Jacksonville which is the largest city of Florida is not an exception to this trend. This is because Jacksonville is a great place to start a business as well as to settle down. If you are one of those people who nurture a dream of buying a fine home in Jacksonville and yet cannot afford to venture out due to your meager budget then Jacksonville foreclosed homes can solve your dilemma.

The exorbitant property prices of Jacksonville often deter people from buying properties in the affluent neighborhoods of Jacksonville but that need not be the case with you. If you are baffled as in how can these Jacksonville foreclosed homes help you to procure a good property in budget price then you need not be flabbergasted any more. A foreclosure is the system with which the banks or other financial institutions recover a house or any other property from the borrower who has defaulted on a loan or mortgage repayment in order to auction the house and retrieve the loaned amount. Due to the recent economic recession a lot of people in and around Jacksonville have been unable to pay their mortgages and their properties have been foreclosed by banks.

Since the major purpose of the banks and financial institution is not to make any profit by selling these properties but to receive back the liquid cash they had loaned that’s why foreclosed properties are often sold in rock-bottom price. That is the precise reason Jackson foreclosed homes would also be available to you at much less than market price. There has been a huge influx of foreclosed properties in Jacksonville in the past year which has further reduced the prices of these Jacksonville foreclosed homes. Infact, recent surveys prove that the number of Jacksonville foreclosed homes have risen by 49% in the year 2008.

Now, you must be baffled thinking how you can get detailed information about these premium foreclosed properties of Jacksonville.  No, you don’t have to take the rounds of the offices of various reputed real-estate agents and pay them fat fees to glean information about Jacksonville foreclosed homes. There is an array of foreclosure listing websites which would provide you detailed information about the various Jacksonville foreclosed homes.

Different types of Jacksonville foreclosure homes are available in Jacksonville to suit the needs of people with different budget and different needs.  From single family homes to condominium, from commercial properties to multi-family homes every thing is available in the foreclosure market of Jacksonville. The beautiful communities of these find Jacksonville neighborhood would enjoy an eclectic blend of modern city amenities with traditional charming ambience. Thus, Jacksonville foreclosed homes provide you with a wide array of great benefits.

Wide option of different types of foreclosed homes in Jacksonville Affordable Price Charming communities of Jacksonville Economic opportunities in Jacksonville the business hub of Florida

So, go ahead and buy a charming foreclosed home in Jacksonville in affordable price.

Ventura Homes/Real Estate (California)

Author: / Category: Fine Homes

Ventura real estate goes far beyond the surf and sun to bring home owners a truly unique experience on par with luxury homes from around the world.  Sleepy enclaves mingle with stately homes to create a diverse cross section of Ventura homes that will surprise and delight even the most seasoned property investors.  

The last thirty years have seen a tremendous growth spurt across Southern California and the result has been a revitalized Ventura region and an impressive increase in fine homes throughout the city limits.  With its emerging character and charming estate, Ventura is perfect for growing families and young professionals alike.  There are numerous properties that are both stylish and affordable for first time home buyers.  There’s no reason why oceanfront property and beach living can’t be within reach for virtually every budget.  Ventura’s appeal rests in its multitudes of options and is evident in its cultural milieu.  

The city’s downtown district is home to a wealth of popular restaurants and boutiques that beckon to be enjoyed.  Meandering through Ventura’s winding streets paints a picture of both natural beauty and thriving commerce.  Locals gather at nearby watering holes to create a strong sense of community often overlooked in larger urban areas.  Prospective buyers are continually impressed with the variety of design styles and price points that Ventura offers purchasers in the know.  

In addition, luxury real estate makes an ideal opportunity for vacation home investments and second residences to use as an annual getaway.  A break from the everyday is crucial when life gets too busy and Ventura’s laid back atmosphere is the perfect solution to the frenetic pace of urban living.  
Vacation homes are common among local real estate offerings and much of the area’s properties cater to this particular lifestyle.  Terracotta roofs often give way to less traditional styling before transitioning back into historic building trends that dot the Southern California landscape.  No place else with Ventura home buyers find so many diverse architectural features with Spanish elements seamlessly integrated into more cutting edge designs.  

A distinctive charm permeates the Ventura real estate arena as the local personality shines through in the area’s restaurants, shops and activities.  The Harvest Artwalk is a popular annual event that calls forth the best the area has to offer and reaches out to the surrounding communities. The classic water sports are all at your fingertips the moment you step out your front door. In addition, surfing and sailing enjoy popularity all year round as residents can’t resist the pull of the Pacific.

Hamptons Homes/Real Estate (Long Island, NY)

Author: / Category: Fine Homes

Oceanfront estates are de rigueur in this popular destination for Manhattan’s high profile celebrities and wealthy home owners. Lush lawns roll out like sprawling green carpets across multiple acres of properties that dot the Hamptons region east of New York City. From quaint to rustic to chic, Hamptons homes come in all shapes and there is always a fashionable residence available to suit your needs.

Real estate investors have long called the Hamptons home given its unwavering popularity and the enduring way in which the area has captured the public’s imagination. Beginning with F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby until today’s Sex and City, Americans consider Hamptons real estate among the most rarified in the nation and most every home owner clamors for a piece of this historic locale. The Hamptons have attracted some of the biggest names in Hollywood and finance. For individuals with the opportunity to live anywhere, the choice of purchasing Hamptons homes is a testament to the town’s imprimatur of class and luxury. From the white picket fences on quiet country roads to the mansions rising above the horizon, the Hamptons offers luxury homes for nearly every lifestyle. Swimming pools are common to take advantage of Long Island’s hot summers and enjoy more time outdoors.

Luxuriating poolside among the Hamptons finest homes doesn’t have to be a fantasy. It is now within reach for countless home owners interested in making a strategic investment in their future. Hamptons properties that were previously unavailable are currently on the market for unexpectedly low asking prices. By taking advantage of the current economic climate, Hamptons home owners are capitalizing on historic lows and enjoying a rare dip in home values.

The chance to rub shoulders with your favorite bold faced name is always around the corner when you purchase East Hampton real estate. With so many famous neighbors, luminaries from stage, screen and page are often found in the town’s markets and movie theatre. Living in the Hamptons is truly a unique experience with Manhattan’s culinary scene transported to the laid back environs of eastern Long Island. Restaurants are often filled with New York City’s elite while the numerous art galleries and lounges cater to an exclusive coterie of renowned tastemakers. Experience the Hamptons for yourself and the appeal of this bucolic landscape will become clear. From the ocean to the area’s fine homes, the Hamptons are an attractive option throughout the year for investors looking for the perfect combination between beauty and wealth.

Luxury Homes/Real Estate

Author: / Category: Fine Homes

Though the location may vary, there will always be a strong demand for luxury real estate.  Americans are earning more than ever and having the home of their dreams is at their fingertips now more than ever.  Using the baby boomer’s notion of the American dream as a springboard, today’s home buyers think big.

Homes are considered one of the safest investments an individual can make and a diversified portfolio of quality luxury real estate holdings is a valuable asset.  While some investors have downsized their real estate holdings, the educated home buyer understands the unique opportunity presented by our current economy.  Never before seen prices abound for luxury real estate properties that were once unattainable for so many investors.  With America’s market fluctuations, there exists a crucial window within which committed investors are making tremendous gains.

In addition, the notion of luxury homes has been redefined by the diversity of options for savvy investors with a sense of the market.  From plantation homes to high rise penthouses, there is a myriad of choices that can entice luxury real estate buyers.  

Some prime properties in cities across the country are now up for grabs and going fast. As home owners begin to research potential investment opportunities it is important to prioritize the timeless aspect of quality homes.  Places such as Greenwich, Connecticut and San Francisco, California will enjoy avid popularity for decades to come and owners can rest assured that their investments are insulated from the vagaries of an unpredictable market.  

The best way to discover the finest homes available today is to travel and consider the entire picture of a property.  Aside from the exterior and layout of a home, luxury real estate is heavily influenced by its surroundings, climate, local population and amenities.  Outdoor enthusiasts who lead an active lifestyle will want to prioritize the availability of natural features and recreation.  In contrast, some fine homes of America are located in dense urban settings that offer their own metropolitan appeal for the discerning investor.  

In addition, the jet set lifestyle led by so many luxury home buyers demands convenient access to transportation and air travel.  From private airports to public runways, purchasers should bear in mind how the property fits into their on-the-go lifestyle.  Finally, because so many luxury homes are passed down through the generations, bearing in mind the timeless elegance that accompanies classic styling is important.  Enduring styles are always a wise investment in your luxury property’s future.

Viewing a Different Kind of Home

Author: / Category: Fine Homes

Somebody once told me, with considerable authority, that The Whitehouse is the most visited residential property in the USA. I have also heard, however, that the most popular private home in America is Gracelands. Oh, and then I read, that it’s Mount Vernon…

So which is the most exalted residence in America? And what makes an often otherwise regular home, into a tourist attraction? Well, it goes without saying, that the public appeal of a property almost always has something to do with its residents, past or present.

Okay, so The Whitehouse isn’t exactly an average house. It was specifically built for the job of housing successive Presidents, and it seems that the actual significance of the building itself, is its main attraction. As opposed to who’s living in it, at any one time. Many ex-presidents’ private houses though, have considerable appeal to visitors, as do those even once visited by significant elected leaders. And while The Whitehouse does indeed have its fair share of onlookers, George Washington’s plantation home Mount Vernon, in Virginia, attracts hundreds of thousands of history-hungry tourists. It should come as no surprise that Abraham Lincoln’s home, in Springfield, Illinois, also draws the crowds, and has done so since it opened to the public, way back in 1887.

The private lives of celebrities have long held a fascination for the general public, too. The glamorous domiciles of the stars have been enticing sightseers since the golden days of Hollywood. Busloads of vacationers converge on Beverly Hills daily, hoping to catch a glimpse of life beyond the gates and manicured shrubbery of the rich and famous. Of course, with people actually residing in these fine homes, all the public ever sees, in essence, is rather expensive real estate. However, for the opportunity to see inside the home of true megastar, a trip to Memphis is a must. Elvis Presley’s Gracelands home receives in the region of 650,000 visitors a year. The public areas of the house are preserved exactly as they were the day Presley died, in 1977, and a large collection of outfits, gold records, memorabilia and vehicles are on show. This relatively modest southern mansion was bought by Elvis in 1957, for around 0,000.

Literary figures also have plenty of allure for the well-read tourist, and the former homes of regarded scribes continue to tempt visitors in large numbers. Both the The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri, and the The Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, Connecticut, are highly popular and provide fascinating insights into the life of the great author. Vacationers to Florida’s Key West, can’t resist the chance to view Ernest Hemingway’s colonial style house, where he famously worked on the final draft of ‘A Farewell To Arms’. The popular Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts, incorporates The Homestead, the house where the reclusive poet was born, and spent the majority of her life.

And of course, one cannot consider such residential treasures without thinking of some of the architects themselves. And who better sums up contemporary American architecture, than Frank Lloyd Wright. His stunning 1934 Pennsylvania creation, Fallingwater, is probably his most revered piece of work, although countless other residential accomplishments such as The Rosenbaum House and The Robie House, certainly warrant the attention they receive. Rare cases of the houses themselves being the star attractions, rather than their one-time occupants.

Many people will have their favorite American homes, and thousands of visitors continue to flock to such amazing properties as William Randolph Hearst’s Californian castle, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and the extravagant Biltmore estate, year after year.

It seems that the American love-affair with dream homes, is far from waning. And one thing’s for sure, millions of day trippers from around the world, seem more than happy to pay handsomely for the privilege of peering at some of the most valued, and valuable, real estate on US soil.

Part Time Home Jobs: Way to Earn Some Extra Money for Living

Author: / Category: Fine Homes

Part time jobs, home jobs and home based business are some of the easy-to-earn ways in today’s business world.

Thinking for a part time job while working during the day time, has become quite common in today’s age. Remaining active 24 x 7 has become quite evident for the people. They prefer to remain busy and continue working even in the weekends. Gaining knowledge and experience from different phases, has become a necessity line more than considering it as a taste for living. There are many possibilities to make home working place by doing work from home, home jobs and part time jobs too. One can search and find their own liked part time job to work for. Many such guidelines and other resources are available on Internet which provides you ways to lead a home business and search a fine home based job.

Basically, home jobs are taken up according to the interest or skills one possesses. Your home can be made a ‘work-place’ with all the comforts one wants to around to feel comfortable while working. Full time jobs come in with benefits but nowadays people have started thinking to be self-reliant at their own abilities. Employees are gradually thinking to shift from their full-time jobs to favorable part time job opportunities. This can prove quite effective as in money making ways out of those many. Part time jobs are also done by one those who want to utilize their leisure time in some meaningful activity which allows a financial flow. Such activities involve slight amount of work that works well balanced with life-style. It might take some time to settle down completely in such kind of jobs but soon then one can be in pace with the speed. Strong determination can surely be the back bone for leading successful home jobs, part time jobs and work at home chances. Home businesses are ruled by people who have the power and good leadership qualities. This will enhance the workability of the business and also bring in the confidence to trade it with making a well-off runway. Choose the most appropriate one and put-in efforts to make it a successful.

One of the reasons for earning part time is also making two ends meet for the family.

Enjoy Matchless Exclusivity with Kissimmee Vacation Homes

Author: / Category: Fine Homes

Finally! You managed to sort out your busy schedule and now you are on your to Kissimmee Florida! Surely, it will be a magical trip with the Universal Studios Resort and Walt Disney World Resort only nearby. But how about your accommodations, have you already made a choice?

If you have not booked for an arrangement yet, here is a tasty offer for you. Instead of staying at Disney Condos and Hotels, why not try something new? This time around, you can go for Kissimmee Vacation Homes! The exclusivity these accommodations will offer will prove to be memorable and unforgettable! And here are some of the reasons why:

Home Sweet Home Away From Home

Disney Condos and Hotels and luxurious and all with the amenities and services they offer. But still, they are nowhere near the atmosphere of home. Luckily, there are fine home sweet home substitutes you can find at Kissimmee. These are Kissimmee Vacation Homes!

And yes, these structures will feel just like the home you left behind. It will have a kitchen, a living room, sleeping quarters, a yard, a swimming pool, a playing ground, and everything else that reminds you of home.

Privacy And Exclusivity Hotels Cannot Offer

When you check in to Disney Condos or Hotels, you will be sharing the building and many other facilities like the swimming pool and the play grounds with the other tenants. This means, there will be less privacy for you except when you are in your quarters.

But with Kissimmee Vacation Homes, you will get to have the entire place to yourself! This exclusivity will let you do many things you cannot do in Disney Condos and Hotels. This is freedom that you can buy!

Many Architectural Themes To Choose From

Additionally, there many different kinds of Kissimmee Vacation Homes you can choose from! Unlike in hotels where rooms are mostly similar, the neighboring vacation homes are not likely to feature the same architectural design as the one you are staying at.

There are vacation homes that feature child-themed architecture. There are also those with a more stern and serious look. You can also go for brand new designs which feature sophistication and class. And there are even homes that are native in presentation.

Peace And Quiet For Relaxation

Finally, this is probably the best feature of vacation houses. Because you have the area all to yourself and your family or your group of friends, you will get to relax better. You can enjoy privacy and exclusivity that is undisturbed.

And because these houses often feature a front yard that comes with lush greens and unique landscaping, the relaxation you can get is doubled. Some houses also offer massage and therapy sessions on call.

So did you finally make a choice? This time around, try something else different from hotels and condos and try checking in to vacation homes instead. And if you are worrying about the pricing, these babies also come in different packages that suit different budget levels.

When Trying to Find Jacksonville Homes for Sale

Author: / Category: Fine Homes

Also known as the Sunshine State, Florida where Jacksonville is part of is one of the most economically urbanized states in the USA. What makes it even more admirable is the fact that the beauty of the place cannot be underestimated. These are two of the most common reasons why more and more individuals and families are hoping and planning to relocate in this part of Florida. Because of this, Jacksonville homes for sale continue to sell in a very fast pace.

If you would observe, you are likely to notice that there are many Jacksonville homes for sale that are sold in a relatively steep price tag. However, this does not stop many home buyers particularly those who nurture a dream of buying a nice home in Jacksonville. It seems that they are really determined to make the ends meet in order to afford to venture out with the solitary desire of buying a home in this wonderful place.

If you are wondering how you could find your way to obtain detailed information about fine homes for sale in this very beautiful location, you should not worry anymore. If you think that you would need to exert sweat and effort in visiting real estate agent offices one after the other in order to find the home that you like, smile because you will not need to. There are plenty of Jacksonville MLS that you can browse through online and from there, you can easily find detailed information about a wide variety of Jacksonville real estate properties.

You can find plenty of Jacksonville homes that are up for sale. Different types and styles are available to match the requirements of individuals with varying budget as well. You can find single family homes, condominiums, and even multi-family homes from different homes for sale listings. The selection is in abundance and you will be satisfied to notice and discover that most homes are nestled in beautiful communities that take pride of modern living amenities and facilities amidst a conventionally pleasant atmosphere within the neighborhood.

All in all, it is very easy to find homes in this part of Florida, if what you are looking for is something that is really beautiful in structure and also in location. As you search around for these homes, you are sure to confirm that there are several benefits that a home buyer is likely to gain pleasure from including:

•    Wide variety of selection of Jacksonville homes for sale

•    Fairly reasonably-priced real estate properties

•    Appealing and pleasant communities

•    Financially stable neighborhood offering numerous economic opportunities within the business center of Florida

With these benefits, for sure home buyers would even be intensely serious to get their own piece of residence from the plenty of available homes for sale in Jacksonville, Florida. What else can you ask for with all the opportunities and pleasant experiences that living in this wonderful community can offer to its residents?