Bamboo has been around for a long, long time and it's uses have been wide and varied. From ancient times right through to modern day, bamboo has fascinated people with it's versatility.

From flooring to window shades; from fishing rods and clothing - bamboo amazes with it's varied and wide range of uses. A case study close to home: my neighbor decided he wanted to create some extra privacy to his home when an apartment development bordered his property. I suggested a row of bamboo along his fence line and he took my advice. Within a few short months, he had a thriving hedge of bamboo plants creating the privacy he was after. Problem solved.

Bamboo - A Way Of Life In Some Cultures

In many parts of the world bamboo provides the raw materials in people's day-to-day lives. These days, industry is also making use of bamboo, particularly in the construction area; house-frames, walls and roofs... you name it and bamboo can more than likely be adapted to it. What about music? Bamboo instruments have been making music right around the world; flutes, fiddles and drums, just to name three.

Some bamboo variety can shoot to 35 to 40 meters in height making them the largest grass species in the world. Some varieties will spring to just a half a meter but short or high, they produce woody perennial stems, a key to their much sought after use.

Bamboo Flooring

In recent years, western society has taken a shine to bamboo flooring. Providing a great finish and known for it's tough qualities, bamboo flooring has rapidly gained popularity during the past decade.

The use of bamboo flooring is catching the attention of environmentalists as an alternative to hardwoods. As a member of the grass family, its rate of growth is faster than most hardwood trees and is seen as a renewable resource. Additionally, the glues used to hold the layers of bamboo flooring together lacks many of the petroleum products used in most laminate flooring, making the materials biodegradable.

In addition to the strength and durability of bamboo flooring it is also being promoted as being more resistant to insects such as termites, which for some reason are not naturally attracted to this grassy growth.

Window Shades & Blinds

Window shades and window blinds; fishing equipment; food; decorative items such as mats and baskets and fashion. We haven't even scratched the surface.

Bamboo blinds have been around for a long, long time. You have probably seen these blinds before they became chic, bamboo matchsticks strung together horizontally, hanging on the outside of a home to shade a southern or western facing window.

Today's bamboo blinds have a modern twist. Modern technology flattens the bamboo canes and provides great uniformity in the width and shape of each individual can that is used to make up the blind. In addition, these natural window coverings are lined with light filtering fabrics and room darkening fabrics.

Bamboogalore.com will form part of your bamboo library with information and resources on this hardy plant and if you don't find the information your looking for here, then we can point you in the right direction to find the answers your looking for elsewhere.

	Natural Bamboo Step Mat, Dark Wood Sale Price: $11.41 Average Rating:
	Natural Bamboo floor mat 21" x 34"~ Dark wood. Water resistant with matching fabric border and backing.

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	15 piece bamboo tool in a TUB includes 13 inch medium spatula,13 inch ladle ,13 inch salad fork and 13 inch solid turner,13 inch solid salad and 13 inch slotted turner,13 inch bamboo whisk and 13 inch salad fork,13 inch slotted spoon and slotted salad,13 and pastry brush spoon,13 and bamboo meat tenderizer and bamboo crock

	25 GIANT MOSO BAMBOO SEEDS Sale Price: $3.99 Average Rating:
	The leaves are smaller than those of many other bamboos and present a pleasant contrast to the massive culms. Moso bamboo pole stalks are considered among the largest and most beautiful, growing to a diameter from 3 to 7 inches and towering to 80 feet in tropical areas...

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	In Asia, Lucky Bamboo is one of the most popular gift items people give away for all occasions, like wedding, house warming, business opening, Christmas, new year, birthday, anniversary, etc. And it is also a great touch when you decorate your house or office since they don't need any sunlight...

	9GreenBox - Live Spiral 3 Style Lucky Bamboo Plant Arrangement with Ceramic Vase Brown Sale Price: $22.99 Average Rating:
	We're selling one of this rare treasure! , The diameter of this plant is about 6"-8" , 8"-10" and 10"-12" tall. Ceramic Vase IS 2.5" IN LENGTH & 5 " WIDE & 5" IN HEIGHT. Please see the picture for the detail look for this Lucky Bamboo...

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Our Bamboo Charcoal is created in a patented process using highly sustainable bamboo from the southern coast of Korea. Some of the extraordinary and healthful benefits include Air and Water Purification, Deodorization, Electromagnetic Shielding, Humidity Regulation, and the Release of Negative Ions and FAR Infrared Radiation, all of which can improve the overall environment in your home and office...

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	This 3-piece bamboo cutting board set includes three cutting boards. Boards measure 6 by 8 by 3/8-inch, 8-1/2 by 11 by 3/8-inch and 9-1/2 by 13 by 3/8-inch. Don't be caught again without an extra cutting board...

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	In today's rapidly changing world, using renewable resources makes sense, even in the kitchen. Joyce Chen's burnished bamboo utensils are not only earth-friendly, but beautiful and practical. Bamboo, a grass, grows quickly to harvestable size and is considered an environmentally-sound replacement for slow-growing trees...

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One of the most enduring images of Indiaâ??s freedom struggle is that of Mahatma Gandhi setting out on the Salt March in 1930, on a 140 kilometre trek from Ahmedabad to Dandi. All he had by the way of support were the multitudes behind him, and the bamboo stave by his side. The bamboo in his hands, today more than ever before, is one of the newest hopes for a sustainable future. Found in almost every kind of climate and region, from cold mountains to tropical forests and marsh lands, the bamboo is the fastest growing plant on our planet. Environmentalists believe that if bamboo were used in a major way in afforestation programs the world over, there would be a significant reduction in global warming. Here are some of its other benefits to humans and their environments --

It is one of the cheapest renewable sources of building material available to man.

At the same time, it provides rural communities with a sustainable livelihood.

It is one of the fastest growing components of forests, and thus plays an important role in the development of animal habitats.

It costs neither a lot of energy nor money, to cultivate.

Bamboo has been an important part of art, music, tradition and ceremonies through out the Asian continent.

 

Varieties

There are approximately 91 general and about 1000 species of bamboo around the globe. These vary in height from about one foot plants to giant bamboos that grow over 100 feet. Broadly speaking, Bamboo is divided into 2 main classifications â?? Running Bamboo and Clumping Bamboo.

Running Bamboo â?? This type of Bamboo travels under the soil using creeping rhizomes and emerges out of the ground at a distance from the original source. This variety is normally found in temperate climate countries like China and Japan. It is very effective in binding the soil together as the rhizome intersection is extensive and strong. Each joint of the Running bamboo stem has a single bud, which in many cases grow to become a new bamboo clump.

Clumping Bamboo â?? In this variety, the clump and the rhizome are a single entity, in which the upper portion of the rhizome has buds. The bud then grow into a new rhizome which turns upwards and emerges, from the ground, as a second clump close to the original. This variety can also be grown from cuttings. They are normally found more in tropical and semi tropical climates.

 

Growing Bamboos

Bamboos need plenty of water in a well drained, fertile soil to grow optimally. This is why they are most commonly found on river banks or the edges of swamps, never directly touching the water. During the dry season, bamboo clumps lie dormant, spreading through shoots sprouting from their base once it rains. The bamboo is an extremely sturdy plant and is naturally quite resistant to pests though the occasional Running Bamboo plant is prone to the Bamboo Mites which make a small but distinctive web on the plant. Some bamboo varieties may also be grown indoors.

Precautions During Bamboo Cultivation

Large bamboo produces large woody underground rhizomes that could damage paving, buildings or drainage systems if planted too close to these or other structures.

The roots which grow from the rhizomes of clumping bamboo are long and fibrous like those of palms or large clumping grasses. These are useful in stabilising the soil and preventing erosion, but may also create problems. Being flexible and fibrous rather than hard and woody, these roots will grow into and along slotted drainage pipes or any cracks in metal or ceramic pipes.

Bamboo rhizomes grow underground to emerge quite a distance away from the mother plant. So if planted in a wet, well drained and rich soil, bamboo can quickly spread and strangle other trees and plants in the area.

Once established as a grove, it is difficult to completely remove bamboo without digging up the entire network of underground rhizomes. If bamboo must be removed, an alternative to digging it up is to cut down the culms, and then repeatedly mow down new shoots as they arise, until the root system exhausts its energy supply and dies. If any leaves are allowed to photosynthesize the bamboo survives and will keep spreading.

 

Traditional Uses

The bamboo is a highly useful plant, a renewable resource with multiple uses. It has played a crucial role in the life of people all across south and south east Asia. Here are some of them --

Bamboo pulp is used for making paper

It may be burnt as fuel

Bamboo is known not only for the aesthetic beauty it imparts to its surroundings, but also for its tensile strength. Research has shown that during structural engineering tests, bamboo has a much higher tensile strength than many alloys of steel and a higher compressive strength than many mixtures of concrete. Which is why, for long, it has been a standard material in construction.

Its leaves are a good fodder for animals and fish.

Bamboo is used to make simple bowls, glasses etc by the simple expedient of cutting it from above and below a node.

It is used to make musical instruments. The flutes of Benares are a good example of this.

Many canes of bamboo lashed together, are still used as rafts and boats across the world.

In 1854, Henricg Globel, a German watchmaker made the first true light bulb. He used a carbonised bamboo filament inside a glass bulb. In 1879, Thomas Alva Edison too used bamboo splits as filaments, working with bamboo obtained from Japan. The bamboo filament tended to last about forty hours before burning out.

Bamboo is an important ingredient in many world cuisines. Its shoots are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world and are consumed in a variety of ways. They are sometimes pickled and used as a condiment, or used with other vegetables in a stir fry. Bamboo sap is also used to make a sweet wine while its leaves are used as wrappers for steaming food. The inner hollow in the bamboo stalks are also used to cook rice and boil soup. Bamboo along with other ingredients is used for making pancakes as well.

Bamboo plays an important role in the Chinese medicine system as well as in Ayurveda. Its roots are used to treat kidney problems and bamboo secretions are considered helpful in alleviating symptoms of asthma. Its sap is said to reduce fever and roots and leaves have properties that have been used to treat cancer. The Chinese also use bamboo to treat many infections. Bamboo skin prevents bacterial growth due to its antioxidant properties.

 

Modern Uses of Bamboo

Though one has stepped into the modern world today with changing lifestyles and choices, bamboo is still used in the same way across large parts of the world as it was used in the past. In fact it is rightly believed by many that no other plant has had the impact that bamboo has had on so many cultures over such an extended period of time. But now, with the help of technology, scores of new uses have been found for the age old bamboo. Here are some --

Bamboo furniture

Bamboo flooring

Bamboo blinds

Bamboo is a very comfortable eco fibre which is naturally anti-microbial. Due to the presence of micro pores, the fabric absorb three times more moisture than cotton, making it very comfortable to wear in the hot summer.

 

Did You Know?

Bamboo can grow about 4 feet in under 24 hours.

A Bamboo plant can be continuously re-harvested every 3 years, without causing any negative impact on the soil and the environment.

The dense roots of the bamboo plant are so deep into the soil and remain firmly intact that they prevent soil erosion in a very effective manner.

It retains twice as much water in the underground watershed.

It consumes nitrogen and thus remove pollution.

Bamboo plant produces 35% more oxygen than any other tree species. Bamboo also protects against ultraviolet rays.

Soft bamboo shoots, stems, and leaves are the major food source of the endangered Giant Panda of China.

The plant marketed as "lucky bamboo" is actually an entirely unrelated species, Dracaena sanderiana.

Bamboo is the only living thing that survived the Hiroshima atomic blast. It also provided the initial re- greening of that place.

 

Lucky Bamboo

Lucky Bamboo is, strangely enough, not a bamboo at all. It is a resilient member of the lily family that grows in the dark, tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and Africa. Lucky Bamboo has long been associated with the Eastern practice of Feng Shui - or the bringing of natural elements of water, fire, earth, wood and metal into balance within the environment. It is believed to be an ideal example of the thriving wood and water element, with the addition of a red ribbon sometimes tied around the stalks - which is believed to "fire" the positive flow of energy or chi in the room.

Going green with interior design and outdoor décor isn't just an environmentally conscious factor; it's also an aesthetically pleasing way to add some character and texture to a room. Bamboo is a great natural resource that many companies are using to make their products more green friendly. Bamboo is considered a green resource because of its eco-friendly building techniques. Here are some examples on how to go green with bamboo furniture.

• Bamboo fencing is an easy way to create a perimeter around an outdoor area or even used as a room divider indoors. Use this fencing in the backyard and anywhere inside the home.
• Bamboo rugs are much more convenient than traditional rugs because they absorb less dust and are much easier to clean. Bamboo rugs are easy to store when not in use and come in a neutral color that will match any color scheme.
• Tiki bars are a staple when it comes to decorating a tropical-themed outdoor environment. Authentic tiki bars are made of bamboo panels and bamboo thatch structure and become a great addition to a home that hosts many outdoor summer cookouts and barbeques. Tiki statues are another supplement that can make for a fun conversational piece.
• Outdoor furniture doesn't have to be cheaply made or disposable after every summer season. There's a small majority of people who buy cheap, plastic sun chairs and tables that they will usually get rid of in a few months or a year. Instead, invest in outdoor furniture, such as lawn chairs, chaises, and table and chair sets made of bamboo for durable and sturdy furniture that not only looks great, but is also helpful to the environment. Instead of buying cheap furniture from the local grocery store or drug store, look into shopping online or at the neighborhood lawn good store for bamboo furniture that will last a lifetime.
• Bamboo blinds are taking over as the best in contemporary design in window coverings. Bamboo blinds can be designed and cut to fit any and window frame. Pair these blinds with complementary drapery to make for a stunning focal point in a living room or bedroom.

For more information on where you can buy a bamboo mat or other bamboo products, please visit http://www.bambooandtikis.com.

i bet a chocolate color would pop and look amazing! I put up dark curtains with lighter walls and it really sets off the room now.

	Matchstick Natural Bamboo Roman Shade - Free Shipping, 30x54 Sale Price: $17.99 Average Rating:
	Our beautiful Roman-style Bamboo shades can only be described as the sensible choice. Noted for their rich textures and beautiful colors they also help protect your home against penetrating heat and Winter air...

	Bali Natural Bamboo Roman Shade - Free Shipping, 29x54 Sale Price: $25.19 Average Rating:
	Our beautiful Roman-style Bamboo shades can only be described as the sensible choice. Noted for their rich textures and beautiful colors they also help protect your home against penetrating heat and Winter air...

	Matchstick Natural Bamboo Roman Shade - Free Shipping, 31x74 Sale Price: $27.99
	Our beautiful Roman-style Bamboo shades can only be described as the sensible choice. Noted for their rich textures and beautiful colors they also help protect your home against penetrating heat and Winter air...

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	Bali Natural Bamboo Roman Shade - Free Shipping, 35x74 Sale Price: $36.19 Average Rating:
	Our beautiful Roman-style Bamboo shades can only be described as the sensible choice. Noted for their rich textures and beautiful colors they also help protect your home against penetrating heat and Winter air...

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	Inviting relaxation and soothing cool breezes into your home, these natural shades, alternating bamboo slats and premium matchsticks, add a casual elegance to any decor. Softly filtering just the perfect amount of light while providing the privacy you see

	Lewis Hyman Natural Burnt Sonoma Bamboo 35-by-72-Inch Roman Shade Sale Price: $45.58
	The warm breath of a tropical breeze playfully tickles the senses as this lush blind finishes the perfect room. Delicate strips of natural bamboo, joined by an intricate weave cord, provide the perfect blend of light and privacy...

	Window Blind - Sonoma Bamboo Roman Shade in Natural Burnt - 71" x 64" - 0108148
	The warm breath of a tropical breeze playfully tickles the senses as this lush blind finishes the perfect room. Delicate strips of natural bamboo, joined by an intricate weave cord, provide the perfect blend of light and privacy...

	Window Blind - Sonoma Bamboo Roman Shade in Natural Burnt - 23" x 72" - 0108149
	The warm breath of a tropical breeze playfully tickles the senses as this lush blind finishes the perfect room. Delicate strips of natural bamboo, joined by an intricate weave cord, provide the perfect blend of light and privacy...

	Window Blind - Sonoma Bamboo Roman Shade in Natural Burnt - 48" x 64" - 0108145
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Bamboo roman shades are both functional and affordable, cheap window blinds. They It give you an easy going ambiance to your home. This is especially so when you need to come home to a sanctuary of tranquility with a touch of tropical atmosphere. They are can be rather magical in transforming a serious looking space into a casual and relaxed environment, with a touch of natural tone. Here is some trivia which you will surely appreciate about bamboo roman shades.

You might not have known that in fact a great number of blinds are made of bamboo, a natural tropical material. Bamboo can be very durable and lasts over time, simply take a look at your bamboo couches and sofas. And since bamboo roman shades of blinds are made of thinner breed of bamboo weaved tightly together, you can imagine how lasting and tough they can be. Alternatively, some do use thicker bamboo materials which are pleaded together as slats in their more natural raw form. In fact, in Asia, they are famous evergreen furniture that almost one in three household will use. And our part of the world here, we have just begun to catch on to the popularity, probably due to our renewed love for environmentally friendly and back to nature causes.

Bamboo roman shades are made of natural bamboo fibers and tend to retain their natural colors in different shades of brown, usually light to dark brown and hence are very color versatile when used to match the interior decor of any home. They exude a warm sense of belonging and make for great cozy and informal decor. As with any other type of blinds, the lengths can be easily adjusted. For light and sun control, you may simply roll up or down the blinds for added impact into the room.

They are also easy and hassle free maintenance. All that is required is to be wiped with a damp cloth or a dust buster across the slats to prevent dust accumulation. Cleaning them once a month is sufficient if you do not reside in dusty area, otherwise, up keep them with weekly cleaning and they should last you a long time to come.

One upside of bamboo roman shades are that they are quality yet cheap window blinds which are easily available and affordable to most households. The countless variety that comes with it gives you unlimited choices and ways to decorate your home into a cozy sanctuary. Switch on your soothing biofeedback machine and you get even better ambiance.

VISIT Cheap Window Blinds to Get Design Ideas of Value for Money, Quality Branded Blinds, Shutters and Shades. Get more information here on Discount Window Blinds

	Curtain Drapery Ring Bamboo Wood with Leather Finish Sale Price: $1.75
	Bamboo Wood curtain rings with a leather finish. Used for shower curtains, drapery projects or curtains.

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	Natures Finest Pot Leaf Door Curtain ~ Gateways 100% Bamboo Beaded Door Curtains ~ 90 Strands! Sale Price: $49.99
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	Bamboo Wood curtain rings. Used for shower curtains, drapery projects or curtains.

	Umbra Cane Tension Shower Rod, Bamboo Veneer with Espresso Finish Sale Price: $36.00
	Umbra is the worldwide leader in casual, contemporary and affordable design for the home. They have a strong commitment to making a positive and sustainable contribution to the realm of fiscal, social and environmental responsibility.

	Hawaii Bamboo Queen Headboard with Curtains Sale Price: $394.72
	306-5734-NAT Features: -Island style bamboo queen headboard with curtains. -Finished in natural bamboo. -Fully assembled. -Coordinates with other bedroom pieces from the Hawaii collection. -Overall dimensions: 88'' H x 71'' W x 7'' D.

	Asian Bamboo Furniture - 6ft. Kimura Japanese Shoji Floor Screen Room Divider - 3 Panel Natural Sale Price: $99.00
	A high end shoji screen, beautifully crafted from premium quality kiln dried Spruce, classic Japanese style joinery, w/ stitched split bamboo popsicle stick slats, with 1/16" spacing, allows some light, but provides complete privacy, double hinged, so panels can be bent in either direction...

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Sliding glass patio doors are a wonderful idea, they create a sense of extra space by bringing your patio and backyard inside. Plus they can be a great source for sunlight. But you probably don't want your view open all the time, so window treatments are often needed for the times when you do need privacy, light control and even insulation.

Patio door window treatments can be a challenge, so here are a few expert suggestions. The traditional choice would be vertical blinds or curtains on a traverse rod, which emphasize the dramatic dimensions of your patio door while providing complete privacy and light control. Aluminum, vinyl or cloth vertical blinds come in any color-matching them to standard horizontal blinds on your other windows is a good idea-and can provide a chic, modern accent for any room. Vertical blinds also come in faux wood, which is a good match with wood or composite blinds. Another interesting option you might want to consider are ceiling mount verticals, which would eliminate a potentially annoying gap between the ceiling and the door frame.

There's also Levolor's exclusive BackStacker feature that keeps sometimes-unruly vertical vanes neatly and discretely stacked when open. Another consideration is insulation. Glass patio doors offer a lot of surface area for cold air to get in, and investing in either vertical cellular shades or heavy insulated curtains is an easy way to save on your heating bill.

But if you're in the market for patio door window treatments and vertical shades just aren't your thing, don't worry, you've still got options. Sliding panel track blinds are a novel offering now available in a wide range of materials from natural wovens to fabric to solar screens. As an aside, panel track blinds can also be used as a decorative room divider. You can also consider using multiple horizontal window blinds or shades to cover the area: splitting the shades per-pane (i.e. two if it's a full-glass sliding door) allows you to independently control your two shades. For example, the stationary shade can be lowered while the access shade is raised. In this situation, solar shades are an intriguing option, they'll screen out glare and UV rays while keeping your picture window view, and they're available in a wide range of patterns to compliment any interior environment.

If you are considering measuring and installing your vertical blinds or curtains, I would recommend utilizing the various "how to measure and install window blinds" videos available on websites like You Tube. The advantage of doing it yourself is predominantly cost savings. It easier than you might think.

Also, if you haven't checked out the various online retailers of window treatments, you may want to do some poking around on the internet. The major advantage of purchasing online is selection. Most of the top internet retailers offer the top brands, like Hunter Douglas, Levolor, Bali, Graber Comfortex and Kirsch, at discount prices. If you are like me and have trouble buying without seeing, you can go to a traditional brick and mortar store. You can purchase your window treatments there or take the information back to your online search armed with more specific information.

There you have it, a short primer on patio door window treatment options, including panel track blinds, vertical blinds and custom drapes. - David Brooks

Painting living room...?

I have gray slip covers, wood furniture, gold curtains, bamboo blinds, and wood floor...
What color should I paint the walls? I was thinking a green or something? Help me please

play around with the Sherwin Williams color visualizer to find something that you like. It is the best paint visualizer on the web, imho. I like how their color palette is laid out, I like that you can search by color family & color name, the "painted" rooms look the most realistic, and it suggests coordinating color schemes. You can literally spend hours:
http://sherlink.sherwin.com/swapp/color_visualizer/index.jsp

I think a bright light blue like "soar" (# 6799) would look fantastic.

It may nibble at the roots (thinking they are worms) which won't hurt him (mine have done that). If you want to put him in the bowl with the plant, just be sure he has enough room and the water quality remains high, since bamboo roots tend to rot and lead to higher nitrates. Be sure to monitor the root system as you would the plant in its own bowl.

	Bamboo Silicone Pop-Up Travel Bowl, 3-Cup, Colors Vary Sale Price: $6.25 Average Rating:
	The Bamboo Silicone Travel Bowl is ideal for home or outdoor use. This non porous and non-absorbent travel bowl is made of BPA-free material. The bowl offers the ideal solution for pet parents on the go...

	Lipper International Bamboo Wood Salad Bowl Sale Price: $34.99 Average Rating:
	Lipper International has developed a complete line of woodenware products consisting of tableware, salad bowls, storage items, pantryware and home organization items. These collections are continually refined and expanded...

	Lipper International Bamboo Individual Salad Bowl Sale Price: $9.99 Average Rating:
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	Lipper International has developed a complete line of woodenware products consisting of tableware, salad bowls, storage items, pantryware and home organization items. These collections are continually refined and expanded...

	Lipper International 11-Inch Square Bowl, Bamboo Sale Price: $17.99
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Totally Bamboo Soft Square Plate, Dark, 10" Sale Price: $10.00

Totally Bamboo’s Dark, 10” Soft Square Plate is distinctively attractive, super strong, and totally "green"! It’s made of sturdy bamboo. The benefits of using bamboo are numerous. For example: bamboo is 16 percent harder than maple, it’s naturally anti-microbial and it’s eco friendly; it holds the promise of a sustainable, cost effective, and ecologically responsible alternative to the widespread clear cutting of our old growth forests...

	Totally Bamboo 12-Inch Bowl Sale Price: $41.95
	From the original bamboo cutting board company, Totally Bamboo, this bamboo bowl is a beautiful, functional, ecologically sound addition to any kitchen. Bamboo is actually a grass that grows to a harvestable height of 60 feet in about 3 to 5 years, growing as much as 2 feet per day...

	Corelle Coordinates 6-Piece Small Bowl Set, Bamboo Leaf Sale Price: $11.99 Average Rating:
	This six piece bowl set includes three enamel on steel bowls and three plastic sealable lids. Decorated in the Corelle Coordinate pattern, Bamboo Leaf, you can use these functional bowls for storage, mixing or as a serving piece.

	Mikasa Bamboo Reeds BOWL, VEGETABLE SQUARE Sale Price: $49.95
	Mikasa Bamboo Reeds Square Vegetable Bowl. This unique square shape creates a distinct casual dining statement.

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Bathroom decorating can be fun and challenging but when it ends up giving you the relaxing feeling of a Zen like spa it is well worth the effort. Here are some tips on how you can get this relaxing feel in your bathroom

You should use soft colors and neutral tones colors for your Zen bathroom. Matching colors with your wall paint, towels and shower curtains is key so get paint cards that have your paint colors on them and bring them shopping with you when you buy your bathroom accessories - that way you will get a perfect match.

In the bathroom, consider accessorizing with artwork on the walls, as well as toiletry and toothbrush holders, towel racks, towels and decorative soaps. You want to end up with a minimalist look so don't put too much in. Consider sleek designs for the hamper and wastebasket.

If your bathroom is big enough it could include shoji screens, plants and furniture with simple lines as well as a table water fountain and some bamboo. Window treatments for the Zen bathroom decorating theme should be simple and plain. Try updating your windows with bamboo blinds. After you get the ideal look on your windows, you might realize the walls are drab by comparison. To overcome this, try hanging watercolors or oriental silks in frames around the room.

While you may not think about it much, flooring plays a vital role in your interior design style so putting in bath mats to compliment your Zen decorating theme can really improve it's style. The best type of flooring for the peaceful and serene style is organic woven mats which you will want to purchase in neutral tones.

For some decorative touches which will help tie together your Zen decor think about a lotus bowl with 1 flower, rice paper lamps, and Asian pottery to accent your room design. You could also add towels that match your wall colors rolled up and stacked in a bamboo basket just like you might find at the spa.

Your Zen bathroom decorating theme can be a snap if you take the time to plan it out adequately. Simply buy the pieces on your plan and put them in place - your room with have the feeling of a peaceful spa before you know it.

Visit http://bathroomdecoratingguide.com for more great tips on decorating your bathroom in a variety of popular bathroom decorating styles.

I love LOVE the idea of leaving the room green and doing a fairie theme!! I (quietly, since all three of my kids LOVE him) despise Winnie the Pooh...seriously TOO overdone, Agree also with the posters that nixed the pink themes...I had a pink room growing up...and HATED it. For a nursery not so bad...baby's not really going to care what's there for the first little bit as long as a cozy crib is there.

Actually I can not only picture the fairie theme in the room but I can actually see in my minds eye on one wall simply stated "I believe..."

We have wall decals around here with different sayings (some have psalms, some motivational, etc.) and I think it would simply state the obvious and pull the room together. This would also do double duty...because it doesn't state WHAT you believe...could be interpreted to mean the fairies OR "I believe.." in you (meaning the babe that will be snuggled cozy in there)

All this having been said...one other suggestion that I could make is still go with the jungle theme (girls AND boys love animals) but leave some room between animals, trees, etc. and if down the road of pregnancy you learn that your wee bundle is a girl...add fairies here and there in the spaces left open. (The "I believe..." decal could still be used in there, because of the wording that could mean just about anything.)

	Legare 17-Inch Accessory CPU Shelf Sale Price: $19.00 Average Rating:
	The Legaré Sustainable bamboo 17" Accessory CPU Shelf in carbonized amber finish incorporates the following innovative features: Amazingly simple 1 minute tool-free assembly… Attaches to any Legaré Desk or Peninsula, providing ideal storage for CPU's or small printers ...

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	Green Gold Bamboo Leaves Batik Desk Clock is new, handcrafted utilizing unique process resulting in a stunning high gloss ceramic-like finish. Measures 6" x 6", comes with transparent acrylic stand. Single AA battery is not included.

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	The Legaré Sustainable bamboo 60" x 47" Corner Desk in carbonized amber finish incorporates the following innovative features: Amazingly simple 3 minute tool-free assembly… Modular Legaré Peninsula or Bridge can be added for limitless workspace configurations ...

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	The Legaré Sustainable bamboo 47" x 47" Corner Desk in carbonized amber finish incorporates the following innovative features: Amazingly simple 3 minute tool-free assembly… Modular Legaré Peninsula or Bridge can be added for limitless workspace configurations ...

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	Lee Hiller Designs Batik Print - Green Gold Bamboo Leaves Batik - Light Switch Covers - double toggle switch Sale Price: $13.75
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Decorating advice: mixing black & dark brown in olive green room?

My living room / dining room walls are olive green, light tan sofa (with light tan pillows and two black pillows that I added recently), bamboo blinds, ecru curtains, oak hardwood floors. My large TV console/bookcase is espresso brown (black-brown), two chairs are black wood & espresso leather seats, and end tables are black metal and dark brown wood. It's pared down in the aspect of having very little clutter (photos, vases, trinkets, etc.) sitting around. It's all very earthy-looking and I like it.
I want to paint my old coffee table, dining room table & buffet, but not sure if I should paint them espresso brown or black. Painting the tables and buffet espresso brown seems 'safer' than going with black. Am I just being a sissy about the black? Any suggestions?

I think the expresso brown fits better. It adds to he warmth. I think the black would be too cold and heavy.

those kind of blinds block the light a little better than a normal blind, but light still gets in (its just a bit more diffused) and i dont think it would give you the darkness it sounds like you would like. i would get black out curtains .. or they sell normal blinds at lowes that supposedly block out the light. i have never tried them so i cant say if they work or not.

my daughters room isnt super dark for naps and she naps fine.

	Lewis Hyman 0215460 Pecan Havana Bamboo Roman Shade. 60" W x 64" L Sale Price: Too low to display Average Rating:
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Versailles Bamboo Roman Shade - 48x72"

CLOSEOUTS . Versailles’ Roman Shade warms your home decor with an elegantly modern style using bamboo for both the shade and attached 6” valance. Naturally resists moisture and humidity Tonal yarn cords and cord pulls Color-coordinated, easy-lift head rail Universal wall-to-ceiling brackets are included Can be painted or stained Dimensions(WxL): 48x72” Material: Bamboo Care: Dust or vacuum clean CLOSEOUTS ...

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	JCP Home Bamboo Woven Wood Roman Shade - White
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	Versailles Two-Tone Bamboo Roman Shade - 24x48"
	CLOSEOUTS . Two-tone bamboo comes together to make Versailles Roman shades, a striking alternative to Venetian blinds. Easy Lift metal headrail minimizes wear and tear on cords to make them last longer...

Try using them in conjunction with privacy shades, curtains, or shutters.

	Lewis Hyman 0215460 Pecan Havana Bamboo Roman Shade. 60" W x 64" L Sale Price: Too low to display Average Rating:
	Inviting relaxation and soothing cool breezes into your home, these natural shades, alternating bamboo slats and premium matchsticks, add a casual elegance to any decor. Softly filtering just the perfect amount of light while providing the privacy you see

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	This strong, rustic, beautiful bamboo shade casts a natural elegance that opens up endless decor possibilities anywhere you place it. Created from bamboo slats mixed with premium matchstick, brought together with a deep brown weave cord, it allows the per

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	Rich colors and textures abound in this fabulous window treatment. A blending of natural matchstick and bamboo in natural earth hues, with an intricate weaving cord, creates an exotic visual delight. The natural richness of this shade fits comfortably wit

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	Rich colors and textures abound in this fabulous window treatment. A blending of natural matchstick and bamboo in natural earth hues, with an intricate weaving cord, creates an exotic visual delight. The natural richness of this shade fits comfortably wit

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