This week we’ve partnered with Novica, an online fair-trade marketplace that works with artisans in developing nations to bring handmade, quality products to consumers. As part of the National Geographic family, Novica has helped over 50,000 people in developing countries by not only selling their wares at real world prices, but also giving them special recognition on the website.
Novica has selected the beautiful “Verdant Volcano” hand-blown vase for this week’s giveaway. This vase was hand blown by Murano artisans in Brazil. Murano is a type of glass blowing that was brought to South America via Italian immigrants.
To win this beautiful vase, just answer this week’s question before 12/11c, Monday, September 6. Be sure to include a valid email address so we can contact you.
This week’s question: If you could decorate your home in the style of one country what would it be?
Beautiful vase! I would decorate my home in the style of Italy.
I love how the light reflects the many colors, so my choice would be South America, Sandra
Beautiful vase, and great story. My answer. France
There are so many answers to the question. When in Europe, I loved the wonderful chalet style in Switzerland. The furniture welcomed you into a room and you just wanted to snuggle up in a warm blanket to sit back and watch the crackling fire. A hot cup of cocoa with some fresh cream topped it off.
An exquisite vase….would look beautiful catching my Florida sunshine. Decorate my home? Can't beat tropical like part of the good old USA…Florida.
It is great to see a company, Novica, that is about more than the bottom line. The vase is beautiful, and I would decorate my home in the style of Italy.
It is Gorgous very much artistic and I would decorate my home in a very colorful, yet artisticly inclined I love art, I Love Mi. and look at the Mountians, the Forest, and the Ocean and feel like I am in the outdoors. What country I believe since I havent been anywhere the Wonderful USA! Michigan is Beautiful has all the seasons.<3
I love the vase!
I'd decorate my home in the style of Canada! It's a really cool place with wide open spaces, beautiful cities with great architecture and the nicest people around. It's Zen writ large!
India. So many colors included with the right balance makes it more lively.
I love vintage French style! This vase is definitely amazing!
I would choose Japan because I love the simplicity of Japanese design. It allows the viewer to rest the eye on one or two prominent pieces such as the Novica vase featured in this week's contest.
France (south of)
Scandinavian countries!! PIck one- the vase would be an ideal complement.
Lovely vase – I love blown glass. I would decorte in the style of the USA. Afterall we do represent everyone and everyplace in the world.
Beautiful vase! I would pick Japan.
Lovely! I would have to go with Japan.
Greece
England, where William Morris was instrumental in introducing the timeless Arts and Crafts ethos to the world.
Runningdeermanorgirl
France, without hesitation. I would decorate my home in a French style. I love French Provincial furniture and the feeling it lends to a room. I almost got a chance to visit years ago while I was working for a short period in Brussels – oh well…
Spain.
Swedish design, without a doubt!
I love that vase! It's beautiful! If I had to pick a place to design my house after, I would pick Australia
The vase is gorgeous!!! I would definitely go with Tropical…
India/Spain. I love rich vibrant colors. The vase is beautiful!
I love the vase & my home would be Art Nouveau.
Probably France, although I love the style of American mid-century modern, too.
Tough question. I'd have to go with the United States, because there are so many different styles to choose from — Art Deco and Mid Century Modern being 2 of my favorites.
Love the vase…I would go with a Caribbean theme… light and breezy.
I would definitely choose Italy, the colors, the art, and the Mirano glass are awesome!
I would have to go with Bali! I love the island, tropical look from many locals but I love the Balinese use of beautiful wood.
I love the colors and vibrancy of the Italian vineyards – Tuscany country. It's reflected in the beautiful colors of the Novica vase!
Definitely Swedish!
Greece! Beautiful colors and textures.
I love Italian styles. However, I'd stray from the typical Tuscan (despite how beautiful it is), and go for the bright blues, greens, and purples from the Amalfi Coast.
I love the rustic and organic elements of the design in Mexico, paired with bold pops of color and unexpected (recycled) materials it is by far what inspires my husband and I in our plans for our home.
There are so many great choices …but I think my long term choice would be Italy from the southern area.
Love the vase! I would let the amalfi coast (Italy) be my inspiration to decorate my entire house. You can’t beat the colors and romanticism.
Love the vase. For designing my house I would have to go with southern France as my inspiration.
If I could decorate my home in any style of one country it would be Persia. The gorgeous marble work, spectacular & vibrant caligraphy art, and beautiful patterned hand woven caprets pulled together into my warm & inviting “home sweet home” is a dream of mine.
My design ideas would come from the creative people of the Ukraine!
My best friend just returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip there. She shared her photos (all 600 of them!) with me, and I was really shocked to learn how visually beautiful Kiev is!!
Colors are boldly used on public buildings. For example, one University building was the most lucious red/orange you ever saw! It reminded me of a 'blood' orange, but even more intense! There's also much gold, and intense blues on buildings (reminding me of Aruba). Ukrainians are famous for their gorgeous use of color in their embroidery and pysanky (decorated Easter eggs), but to learn that the idea is carried through to buildings was delightfully shocking to me!
Ukrainians are obviously not afraid to express themselves with color. Neither is the designer of the vase, which is also awesome.
The Hawaiian culture of the islands, USA! I love the casual outdoor style, the cool, relaxing ocean colors, and the feeling of family…and of course, take your shoes off
I would definetly have to go with an Asian look. I love the simplisity of it all and it has such a relaxing feel…it puts me in a state of peace.
I like South American decor because it blends the best of all cultures and decorating styles. I love the leather and brass tables of South America. My mother bought one in Peru in 1942 and we still have it. It is just beautiful.
The Hawaiian style of the islands, USA! I love the casual, outdoor style, the cool relaxing colors of the ocean and the feeling of family…and of course, take your shoes off
Since I'm italian-american, I would decorate my house to have an italian feel to it. It will make me feel close to my relatives in Italy. So Italy is my pick.
sweden – i love ikea
I would like to decorate in the greek style
probably Spain. we honeymooned in barcelona and husband went to school in sevilla
A home with an asian influence would be my ideal. The clean lines and natural materials are calm and serene. My life is so hectic that when I am home I want only calm and restful; that is what I find inspiring.
I would pick Australia. Specifically, Sydney. The city is so beautiful — a mix between modern architecture, historic buildings, and nature.
The Moorish-influenced Spanish style is my favorite. I love the tile and the arches.