No, I’m not talking about potted plastic plants. With wall decals, you can bring an entire tree inside your home and stick it right on the wall for a modern, unique take on home decor. And it’ll never die! If you get tired of your decal, even if it’s been years since you applied it to the wall, you can easily remove it without damaging the wall surface. Check out my Nature Wall Decals guide to see all the nature-themed wall stickers that I think would look cool in any room of your house.

Shown above (L-R): Treesome, Luxury Bonzai, and Classic 16.

See also: Wall Decals for the Kitchen for kitchen-specific wall decor.

In my search for vintage country-themed rooster kitchen decor, I was pleasantly surprised to find a vast array of modern kitchen decor featuring the rooster as well. Since ancient times, the rooster has been a symbol of watchfulness, pride, courage, flamboyance, and vigiliance, among other things. Today, many have chosen to adorn their kitchens with rooster decor in the adorable traditional, French country-style. In my Rooster Theme Kitchen Decor shopping guide, I have included both modern and rustic kitchen furnishings.

The Italian Ceramic Rooster Pitcher makes a great housewarming gift, as it symbolizes good fortune and protection from danger. If you purchase this pitcher, it comes with the legend of the ceramic rooster pitcher written on a small scroll. It is an interesting story from the Renaissance period and the pitcher makes a precious gift!
Pictured: from top left: French Rooster Clock, Coq Au Vin Rooster Kitchen Flour Sack Dish Towel - Set of 3, Kitchen Rooster Canister Set of 4 Country Style, JK Adams Novelty Rooster Cutting Board, Old Dutch 2-Tone Rooster Design Standing Paper Towel Holder, Rooster Message Board, Rooster Wall Clock, and (below) Ricco Deruta Italian Ceramic Rooster Pitcher.

I’m totally from the school of thought that believes in having a really clean, minimal living space with just a few interesting pieces scattered throughout that are guaranteed to spark conversation. I love it when someone asks me questions about an object or piece of art that I have. I currently have a vinyl wall shade made by Miranda July (a musician/performance artist/writer/actress) in my apartment that people ALWAYS ask about. It came from one of my art professor’s projects called The Thing Quarterly. If you subscribe, you receive 4 issues (each from a different artist) in a year and they are basically a mystery. The only thing that you know is that you will receive 4 household objects in a year. This is what the Miranda July piece* looks like:

Along with wall art, I’m also am a huge fan of sculpture and interesting household objects; especially ceramics. I’ve found some really unique ceramic pieces that are usually handmade. My favorite is the Carlos Ceramic Nightlight. Not sure where he would live in my house, but I want to own him. The Thornbud Vases by Kathleen Walsh and Ceramic Shopping Bag Vases by Michael Harvey are great alternatives to a plain cylindrical vase. The Bull’s Eye Vase is handmade in Peru and the glaze on it is made by burning mango leaves and firewood.  And who needs a still-life-with-fruit painting when you can have the Still Life Bowl by Barnaby Barford and Andre Klauser that you can change out with a new fruit as you please. Check out some other Interesting Ceramic Pieces in my complete list.

*photo used is not my bathroom!

Inspired by St. Patrick’s Day and the arrival of Spring and the fact that it’s hip to Go Green, I thought I’d focus on things green and grassy. Grass can be used in a household just like a plant to liven up a room. Take, for example, the Daisy Grass Mats - what a great way to freshen up a tabletop, bookshelf or coffee table- the flowers are removable! Embellish your wall with the über modern Piece of Grass Sod Photographic Print or Deer Standing in Grass Print- it comes on recycled card stock with water-based ink. For the bathroom, the Grassy Green Toothbrush Holder cleverly designed to hold almost anything, but really cute for the toothbrush/toothpaste combo.

For outside the home, wear the unique  Grassy Meadow Glam Dress or carry the travel size Grass Umbrella, recently featured in High School Musical.  Just be sure not to mix them on the same day!! Check out some other green products The Grass is Always Greener

I’ve been amassing a list of truly wacky things that I’ve found online for the past few months: cool inventions, interesting wearables, unique art pieces and gadgets. Basically things that would force a conversation. I’ve been increasingly finding cool websites that specialize in this stuff. One of them that I adore is The A + R Store based out of Los Angeles. They carry all kinds of things for cooking, playing, reading, sleeping and everything in between. I especially love the Eco-Plastic Necklace, made from recycled materials, the Folding Picnic Set (always be prepared for an impromptu picnic), and the Rollerskate Paperweight/Door Stop/Bookend is a clever idea that totally takes me back to Skate City.

As far as some interesting inventions that I’ve found, Clocky is one of the smartest things that I’ve yet to see. It’s an alarm clock that, when prompted to wake you up, rolls off of your nightstand table and finds a hiding place while making obnoxious noises until you get your butt out of bed to find it and turn it off.  it gets you out of bed, right??  Another genius invention is the Anti-Theft Lunch Bags, designed to deter those obnoxious co-workers and bullies at school from stealing your sandwich. There’s also the USB Powered Heated Gloves for those freezing offices.

Some cool decorative things that I’ve found are: The Dandelion Urban Gnome-for your mantel or your garden,  the Ghost Clock, a modern interpretation of a classic style, and The Carlos Night Light (who wouldn’t want a little chihuahua to help you feel safe in the night).

Check my giant list of other interesting finds: Conversation Pieces.