They say home is 'where the heart is'. That is certainly true today as evidenced by the growing interest in families wanting to turn their 'house' into a 'home'a place for themselves and their loved ones that is functional yet beautiful and comfortableto ultimately create an environment - for raising their children, for entertaining friends and family, for personal enjoyment. There's something in all of us that consistently gravitates towards a dream home concept for ourselves, and the great news (and perhaps not so great to some) is that there are a myriad of decorating styles and products that can help us towards realizing that dream.

One of the often overlooked ways to enhance and beautify our homes is the classic and timeless medallion. Most of us think of entryways and foyers when the word 'medallion' comes to mind. The word 'expensive' may also come to mind. However, neither of these notions are necessarily true as interior designers and homeowners have 'thought outside the box' with this incredible design element to create elegant centerpieces. There's no arguing that a floor medallion located in an entryway can create a wonderful first impression. No one will dispute that a medallion in a foyer or at the base of a staircase doesn't stimulate our visual and emotional senses. However, the natural stone medalliona masterpiece that has for centuries created breathtaking focal points in Spain and Italy is no longer 'confined' only to high-end luxury homes, or even floors for that matter! We've seen the medallion used to create beautiful kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, and offices. We have even discovered the medallion becoming popular in commercial interiors such as offices, conference rooms, restaurants, and waiting rooms. Specific examples for integrating medallions in the home include:

• A kitchen centerpiece above the stove
• In the master bedroom above the bed
• A masterpiece on a home office wall
• In swimming pools and jacuzzis
• Outside dining and leisure areas
• Integration into shower walls
• The shower floor itself
• And intersection hallways of bedrooms and bathrooms

And of course, there are the classic locations for the medallion, including:

• Entryways
• Foyers
• Base of a staircase
• Any round room

With medallions coming in numerous sizes to fit even the smallest of areassome as small as 12' X 12', and getting as large as 48' X 48', there isn't the restriction of size any longer. We have never heard someone say that a medallion did nothing for their interior designit's consistently the oppositethat the overwhelming response from their family and friends was that of awe and vocal praise!

The wonderful aspect of design that no one is limited to what they can create as they imagine their dream home. So make it a reality! And think outside the box!