Get the latest pulse on art facts & home decorating tips.

Carolina Dunes

Did you manage to escape somewhere warm and inviting over spring break? Nothing helps break the doldrums better than a trip to the beach -- any time of year. Some people are lucky enough to live in the tropics or in coastal regions, but the rest of us only get a glimpse of the ocean every now and then. If you're a lover of the beach, now's the time to freshen up your decor with our Beach & Ocean Art. Spend $175 or more and get $25 off -- just use promo code SEA2008 at the checkout.

Our Seaside collection offers a wide range of subjects to choose from, including lighthouses, seashells, coastal living, ships & boats and much more. Here's a rich, inviting seascape with a Traditional flair:

View to the Amalfi Coast
By Carl Frederic Aagaard

Beachy Keen
By Scott Westmoreland

Outlook
By Peter Quidley

But don't let us limit your imagination -- check it out for yourself! Just make sure you get there before the month of May is over though...!

Mother's Day is May 11...Don't Forget!

Three Ages of Woman, Mother and Child (detail)
By Gustav Klimt

Don't you just love this piece by Gustav Klimt? It's a personal favorite of mine -- the colors are so rich and the imagery is so tender and powerful. It's 15% off until May 11 as part of our Mother's Day Art Sale. Be sure to stop by if you're still shopping for mom.

They say there's no greater bond than that between a mother and child, and speaking as the lucky mom of a wonderful eight-year-old boy, I'd have to agree. Here's our very own impromptu version of "Mother and Child":

No one cuddles better than my son! Of course, I may be slightly biased. But what can I say? He's bright, sweet, clever, intelligent, funny, generous, adorable, and of course, more than a little mischievous at times. Here's another work of art that reminds me of him:

Worn Out
By Jim Daly

Come to think of it, this artwork would be an excellent gift for my own mother. She runs a no-kill animal shelter, and (obviously!) really loves animals. Plus she dotes on her grandson and would be sure to see him in this slumbering little fella.

Last up -- a stunningly beautiful, one-of-a-kind art masterpiece by a very little known artist:

Hee hee. My son whipped up this little Pokemon homage for me as an early Mother's Day gift. Unfortunately, it's not for sale -- at any price. But if you're still looking for something special for your own mom, don't forget to stop by our Mother's Day Art Sale!

See you next week!

Crossing Tack II
By Cory Silken

Summer is the season where indoor and outdoor decor seem to overlap. We move indoor elements like chairs, couches and tables (weatherproof, of course!) out to the patio, and at the same time, bring outdoor elements like flowers, seashells and pebbles inside. This season, designers are giving the "outdoors-in" trend a fresh, nautical new spin -- with Coastal Decor.

The first rule of thumb with Coastal Decor is...lighten up! Pack away your dark winter duvet and swap it with a lofty white bedspread and crisp cotton sheets. Coastal Decor is all about light fabrics, hues and accents. Look to pastel colors, deep-sea greens and rich sky blues.

Behind the Beach
By Manel Doblas

Don't you just love the fresh, airy feel of the cabana-themed art print above? Doesn't it make you want to change into your bathing suit and bask by the seaside for a while with a cool cup of ice tea? The beauty of Coastal Decor is that it can give just about any room a laid back, summery feel -- all year round.

Another easy way to give your home a coastal feel is to infuse it with elements of nature. Try decorating with wicker furniture, linen slip covers, silk cushions and other natural fabrics and materials. You can also display seaside finds like shells, coral and bottles filled with sand. Or, simply choose accents and art with sea-themed imagery:

Two Pink Shells
By Georgia O'Keeffe

Need a little more inspiration? Check out our Beach & Ocean art collection, now on sale! See you down at the beach...!