The Crystal Palace

The desire to embellish our homes with art was born in an ornate palace of crystal… Design Toscano is proud to offer many of the objects that first captured the imagination of the world in the lovely Crystal Palace in the park. Deemed the eighth wonder of the world by some, to the Victorians of […]

Fountain How-To Series: Part 7 – Maintaining & CLEANING Your Fountain

Fast fact: Water in dreams symbolizes emotions. Regular cleaning is necessary for extending the life of your fountain. The first important thing to remember is to keep your fountain clear; scoop out debris like leaves and seeds to keep the pump from clogging and running too hard. Always use a material appropriate cleaner: metal cleaner […]

A Fig Leaf For A Queen

“Man is the measure of all things.” –Protagoras A little noticed case on the back of the plinth of a replica of Michelangelo’s “David” in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London caused the art world to be turned on its ear. Here is the incredible “cover-up” story behind that Victorian inspired case. The National Gallery, […]

Hypnotized by Feathers: Our love for the peacock as home and garden décor

“The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love color the most.” –John Ruskin We’ve all heard the phrase “proud as a peacock” but these colorful birds are only displaying what nature has granted them. The males’ stunning jewel-toned feathers have long been admired in legend, myth and lore. The peacock is the oldest ornamental […]