Can you guess which of these handkerchief vases is a steal at $25.99? How about the one that retails at $950.00? Take a good look then scroll down to see the answers.

Answers: 

A. Clear Handkerchief Vase by Target $25.99

B. Steuben Handkerchief Vase Large by Bergdorf Goodman $950.00

C. Extra-Large Handkerchief Vase £29.50 or $48.81

Either way, the handkerchief vase is a gorgeous curvaceous shape that allows flowers to fall into organically shaped arrangements.

Looking for nautical-themed accessories for your cottage or lake-front home? Here are a couple picks to make your home sea worthy. The Glass Octopus by Plantation Home comes in five different colors, this blue-black inky hued specimen is hand-sculpted by a US artisan.

 This Limited Edition glamorous designer pillow is hand made using genuine natural sea fan flash etch burned made of hand dyed silk and velvet. The Sea Fan Pillow is in ombre and kohl.

For the dining room, here is a great ensemble by Ralph Lauren Home from their Spring '09 Black Sands Collection. The woven placemat and boat cleat napkin ring are very fun.

Other ideas? Paper Affair Inc. carries coral themed invitations for dinner parties, or if you are going all out and using the summer getaway for a wedding reception.  

More thoughts:

Find faux red coral and display them in your unused fireplace.

Install nickel plated boat cleats for curtain tiebacks.

Lay down seagrass or sisal carpet.

*Most of all enjoy- this season of sun does not last too much longer up north.

This extraordinary pool in Southern Utah is lovingly referred to as "the Ruins" by homeowners Keeran and Jamie Welch. It seems almost magical at sunset, when torches blaze and the mist rises in this private oasis. 

Another poolside view shows comfortable seating and outdoor dining arrangements.

Here we see directly to the focal point of the pool; a doorway to the grotto.

Once through the waterfall cascade, you enter a domed hidden room flanked by rock and Corinthian columns. Oh, and a Jacuzzi, naturally.

Carved out niches in the rock facade and the illuminated dome above display Romanesque paintings. A picture of serenity.

The Petit Palais (Small palace) in Paris, France is a museum with a staircase that is as sculptural and awe inspiring as some of the pieces themselves. Just look at the railing return at the base of the staircase, the metal scrollwork is quite elaborate.

Here is a view looking down as the stairs descend to the main level. The smooth lines on the stone steps and overall oval shape of the sweeping staircase create a very elegant focal point.

Here are some details of the metal work.

As light and breath-like were the steps in Paris, this interesting grand staircase in Lello Bookshope in Portugal stands ominous and heavy.

The steps are like two channels pouring and swirling to a single point. You can see a video of the staircase if you click here.

This side view gives you a closer idea of the immense curves and giddy sinking feeling to each step.

How does this translate to your home? Generally speaking, most homes do not offer a 20' x 20' location for the grand foyer staircase you may see in a luxury home. However, with attention to detail and selecting certain materials, your set of stairs can be inspirational. This staircase designed by Julie Charbonneau is beautiful; all that is required is a handsome metal railing, and paneling detail moldings.