Have you ever wanted with two simplistic yet intense colors? Most decorators will agree that the colors to do this job are black and white, two colors that are stark against each other. They are complete opposites in the color scheme, yet they work together cohesively to create a huge impact. When working with black and white, consider the effect you want to create in the room. You’ll be surprised at how many different ways you can go: sophisticated, chic, minimal, classic, cozy or vintage. Using black and white art is one great way to achieve that effect, here's how:

• Modern Black and White Art

A modern bedroom is all about sophistication and clean lines. It’s sleek and chic. Consider using cleverly chosen black and white art. From a single bold piece of art to a collage of black and white art, the effect can be stunning and dramatic. Whether it’s the clean lines and shades or the juxtaposition of the two bold colors, using modern black and white art can transform your bedroom into a modern haven of good taste.

• Vintage Black and White Art

Vintage is the rage these days. If you’re dreaming of transforming your bedroom into a vintage showcase, consider the use of vintage black and white art. From throwback to the good old days of baseball to iconic moments in history to famous movie stars, the choices are astounding. Go with a theme or create a feel with these visual pieces.

• Black and White Photography

Perhaps you’re a photography buff or a fan of black and white photography. You’re in good company. Black and white photography adds interest, appeal and a soft, understated, yet powerful effect. Scenery, places of interest, portraits lend themselves to that effect, though black and white photography is not limited to these categories. Use black and white photography to create a calming, soothing effect or to create a cozy getaway from the day’s hustle and bustle at the end of the day. A bedroom to soothe the soul, the perfect retreat.

Decorating your bedroom with just two colors will not be boring with a little know-how and imagination. Use as little or as much of the black-white combo and let the colors do the talking. You may also opt to add drama with an introduction of a third color but the call is entirely up to you. 

No country home is complete without country art!

So your home has that good old country vibe to it. You have cute country style drapes hanging over the kitchen window and you possibly have the horseshoe hanging over the door, but what good country home needs is some stylish country art. No country home is complete without some country paintings. For the living room or the family den, you may have styled to feel like it's the open range or the mountains. You have animal skins hanging up or maybe you have a cow print rug on the floor, well how about adding a painting like log cabin retreat to the scene. It gives off that sense of wilderness and the colors are vibrant. It would go well with any room you're trying to give off the nature vibe. Maybe you're looking for something that'll really capture your guests' attention when they're in the kitchen, you have yellow walls, maybe rooster or fruit drapes, well add a painting or two into the style.

 Bless our home would go well with any yellow decor or color scheme. It even has sunflowers and you can't top sunflowers. Maybe you want something that just totally stands out that just pops then check out Razzberry Creek crossing. The colors are very soft and it could really stand out in the kitchen. If you're finally fixing up that bathroom and you decided to go with a bear theme then add some bear art! Country bath would not only fit in with your bear and wilderness theme, but it's completely adorable! If you want something more cute than that, a big favorite is bear necessities. Not only will it give your bathroom a zing to its decor, but it'll remind your guests of the Disney movie The Jungle Book. So if you're look to spice up your country home then check out Fulcrum Gallery for all their latest country master pieces.

Images of giraffes have appeared in art throughout the history of art itself. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs expressed the giraffe as an "animal that, being so tall, sees before all other creatures. To foresee or foretell, in other words, is to see as a giraffe does.” Giraffes indeed have magnificent eyesight that goes further than any other mammal, even by scent or sound. Julius Caesar brought a giraffe from Alexandria to Rome in 46 BC, where it was considered an exotic creature, thought to be part camel and part leopard. Giraffes are also considered symbols for communication, intuition, and attaining the impossible.

From India to the United States, the symbol of vision associated with the giraffe is consistent throughout cultures and histories. Giraffes reach heights of eighteen feet with necks up to seven feet. The giraffe is extremely powerful and only vulnerable when it reaches it's neck down to drink water. Thus, the giraffe teaches us how to view the world in both practical and expansive ways.

In Native American culture, giraffes have evolved into powerful shamanic symbols and animal totems. It is said that each person has nine animal totems that guide the individual through life, coming and going depending on the life lessons and circumstances presented along his or her path. Animal totems “offer power and wisdom to the individual when they 'communicate' with it,” yet this process can occur without actually petting or spending time with the animal. It's more about being “open to learning its lessons.”

If the symbolism of a giraffe speaks to you, consider adorning your walls with giraffe art to evoke the connection you feel to its meaning. Some outstanding giraffe art prints include: Lone Giraffe by Kathleen Denis and From Where I Stand by Britt Hallowell, both of which express the symbolism of giraffes in a focused, earthy way, while the Serengeti Giraffe by Fischer Warnica offers a contemporary take on giraffes, and Exploring Nature by Joan Hanson reveals the vulnerable stance of the giraffe. For many more giraffe art print options, visit the Fulcrum Gallery online.