You may still be in the throws of your New Year’s remodeling project and you could have hit a bit of a creative wall. I know that after I’ve done the painting and re-arranged (thrown out or gotten new) furniture, I still feel, at times, that the decor is lacking. And while places like IKEA are great for adding those finishing touches, I often want something just a little more exciting. And, while I am not one to knock Ikea, by any means, because they have literally saved my children’s childhood by making simple, sturdy products, I still often crave a little Je ne sais quois. So here are a few ways to add some exotic flare to your home and life.
First of all think of places you wish you could visit, especially now that the cold weather may be driving everyone a bit batty. If you are not in the cold, you probably are not able to take that amazing summer vacation just yet either, so people get a little stir crazy around this time of year. So think of a place you would like to be and try to recreate it in your home. Here are some fun suggestions:
FRANCE
Ah the scent of coffee and croissants filling the Parisian air…
Try this GREAT website that has all things French for reasonable prices. You can buy cool stuff for the kids, kitchen or living areas that really bring the spirit of France to your front door.
http://www.idreamoffrance.com/home.php
I am a sucker for kids plates and this website carries some adorable French, children’s tableware.
These are a little pricey at $16.99 each but you only need a couple to turn your dinner table into a French cafe.
Of course what French cafe is complete with out the beautiful French table cloth. These too are a bit expensive ($37 to $99) but cost less than plane fare. this one caught my eye and was only $37.99. They also have great deals on soaps and moisturizes, clothes and ALL THINGS that will give your life a little touch of French flavor. I absolutely love this site and will visit often.
ITALY
Maybe you crave the cities, countrysides or ocean vistas of Italy. You can have pasta, olive oil and a gondola ride without ever leaving your living room. (Well maybe not the gondola ride, but add a nice glass of Italian wine and you never know). The All Things Italian food store has lots of authentic Italian cuisine, tableware and little accents that will bring Italy home.
http://www.all-things-italian.com/products.php?cat=66
This looks like fun, an authentic Parmesan cheese grater for $38.00 (the kind the restaurants use) http://www.all-things-italian.com/proddetail.php?prod=2310 I love good cheese and nothing is better than fresh grated cheese on pasta lightly sauteed in olive oil, garlic, tomatoes and fresh basil and to add to your culinary adventure they also have these 
Italian cities espresso cups for $36.00 http://www.all-things-italian.com/proddetail.php?prod=171718. Nothing better than a rich cup of coffee after a satisfying meal to help you feel like you live in Tuscany or Venice. They offer olive oil soap for $3.00 http://www.all-things-italian.com/proddetail.php?prod=50111
and a olive oil dipping plate $3.00 
They also have a bunch of great gift and food items for a fun dinner party or special night with the family.
JAPAN
Japanese things tend to lend to the idea of piece and tranquility with Japan’s connection to modern design and Zen philosophies. I have to say that in our busy household, Japanese influenced things are very welcome as they bring a sense of calm to the place. Here are a few online stores that offer good prices and exotic items that will help your home feel like a vacation in Tokyo.
KORIN FINE JAPANESE TABLEWARE AND KNIVES
Korin, Fine Japanese Tableware and Knifes
http://korin.com/site/home.html Have great sales and some exquisite items, that you can splurge on and not break the bank.
They have this lovely dish set, which is fun and exotic available from $6 to $50 a piece, with discounts on bulk orders. If you don’t want to spend a bunch, just order a few pieces to accent your table and add beauty and tranquility to any gathering or meal. http://korin.com/Shop/Coral-Blue-NEW
MARUKAI STORE ONLINE
I also like a store called Marukai Online at Marukaiestore.com http://www.marukaiestore.com/ You can get this great shoji screen that will transform any living space into two spaces or add an exotic flare. At $64.oo each it is much cheaper than adding an extra room. I use Shoji screens to separate my office from the rest of the house. 
http://www.marukaiestore.com/p-353-asia-direct-home-products-shoji-screen-3-panel-cherry-5315x669in.aspx Also cover a window or a doorway using these exotic “noreen” used at the entrances of bars and cafes, this will give your home an exotic look and create a sense of privacy. I like to use these on kitchen entry ways and hallways that lead to…(ah hem)…messy kids rooms. This is like a piece of art that will totally transform your space and is not a bad deal at $75.oo each considering how much doors cost. http://www.marukaiestore.com/p-349-kyoto-seni-co-noren-four-seasons-3465x59in.aspx
OVERSTOCK.COM WORLD STOCK FAIR TRADE
This is just the coolest site for many reasons, their shipping is only $2.95 and the World Stock market has many amazing finds for really great prices. http://www.overstock.com/Worldstock-Fair-Trade/6/store.html 
Like this reclaimed wood vase from India $24.99 http://www.overstock.com/Worldstock-Fair-Trade/Reclaimed-Wood-Textile-Covered-Vase-India/4676269/product.html or this interesting face panel from India. 
$44.49 http://www.overstock.com/Worldstock-Fair-Trade/Teak-Wood-Buddha-Face-Panel-with-Stand-India/5160866/product.html and this incredible mirror from Thailand 
$79.99 http://www.overstock.com/Worldstock-Fair-Trade/Recycled-Wood-Maha-Jigsaw-Framed-Mirror-Thailand/5595179/product.html
Take time to look over these sites and set your budget and add a few items this winter that make you feel like you have taken a summer vacation when it is still snowing outside. Enjoy!
