Because pretense play plays a vital role in the mental and behavioral development in young children, parents should include pretend play toys more in the every day playing. Mainly because long-term capabilities related to problem solving as well as to literacy and other skills involving different brain functions are more likely to thrive. Although such findings have had little or no influence on schooling practices, recently, due to parents’ and pediatricians’ emphasis, the toy industry has put more focus on developing more engaging pretend play toys. From kitchens, hero play, workshops & tool sets to dollhouse online and offline markets offer a large diversity suitable for different age groups.

Dollhouses for example, come in a variety of designs and with different features. From wooden to 3-level houses, most models are very easy to assemble and come with various accessories perfect for inspiring imagination and creating make-believe games. Such accessories include a fireplace that lights up and makes sound, a hanging chandelier, a clock, pieces of furniture with doors that open and close, dressing tables with mirror and many more. Depending on the brand, parents can even find dollhouse online that feature a beauty salon, lounge area, and even a veterinary clinic.

However, buying the right dollhouse requires plenty of research. For example, take size into consideration. Kids may lose interest in playing or have hard time playing with too small or too big dollhouses. To prevent aggravation, measure the area where you plan to keep the dollhouse first and stick to the measurements when selecting a dollhouse. Also, keep your child’s age in mind; dollhouses are designed for specific age group – some come with features more appropriate for preschoolers while others are safe for toddlers. And last but not least, choose a durable design and a dollhouse that features a variety of themes.

Although we associate a dollhouse with playing, it is more than just a toy. Back in 1500s dollhouses were the symbol of elite and royalty. In fact, back then dollhouses were designed primarily for adults and privileged children and were mainly used as an educational tool. These dollhouses were hand-made and pricey. Today, some are even valued at over 1 million dollars. Shocking, right?

1.Sara Rothe Dollhouse – $12,000

This twelve-room dollhouse is currently on display in the Netherlands. It was owned by Sara Rothe, a well-known 18th century art collector (she was married to a wealthy merchant). It features doubled doors, a dining room equipped with forks, knives and plates all in pure silver, a library full of miniature-sized books, and the walls of house display miniature paintings done by famous artists.

2.The 16th Century Dollhouse – $ 70,000

This dollhouse was created by the couple Kevin Mulvany and Susie Rogers, who needed jaw-dropping 10,000 hours to finish the project. The dollhouse has six rooms and includes furniture made from special wood, real crystal chandeliers and miniature hand-painted porcelain dinnerware made by famous European porcelain manufacturer Sevres. In 2009, the dollhouse was estimated at a value of $70,000.

3.English Gothic House – $82,000

This Victorian-style mansion took a construction company owner, Peter Riches (a 69 year old resident of Sussex, England) 15 years of dedication to compete it. He began working on this detailed mini-home project in 1994 and finished it in 2009. The English Gothic House has 10 bedrooms and 23 rooms and includes a pool table, a grand piano, a servants quarter and a library room with 1,000 separately bound books. The dollhouse now belongs to a Canadian dollhouse collector who paid $82,000 for it.

4.Chicago’s Fairy Castle – $500,000

This dollhouse was built by the American silent film actress Colleen Moore. It took her 7 years to complete it, from 1928 to 1935. The elegant twelve-room castle has a great hall, a drawing room, a library, a chapel, prince’s and princess’ bedroom and bathroom, a magic garden, an attic and chandeliers made of pure gold and diamonds and fairy-tale scenes incorporated all over. More than 700 people with different industry background and work experience participated in the creation of this dollhouse, including Walt Disney. This dollhouse is currently on display in the Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry.

5.Queen Mary’s Dollhouse – Priceless

This is probably one of, if not the most exceptional dollhouses ever created. Princess Marie Louise (Queen Mary’s cousin), partnered with renowned British architect Sir Edwin and more than 1,500 craftsmen and artisans to complete this project. The dollhouse has toilets flush and cold and hot water actually running through small pipes. Even the bottles in the wine cellar are filled with different wines and spirits and the library is filled with seven hundred paintings done by popular artists and more than 300 books. The dollhouse was the gift for Queen Mary, as a gratitude for her dedicated presence in WWI and today is displayed in a room in Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England.

The post The Most Expensive Dollhouses Ever appeared first on The Most Popular.

The Asian-inspired seating furniture is among the most popular antique furniture pieces on the market. A growing number of Australian homeowners and interior designers choose Asian-inspired seating furniture as a solution for different living spaces into their homes. If you search for seating furniture online, you will come across a wide range of seating pieces in different styles, forms and sizes.

Shopping for antique furniture pieces has never been easier. In order to find the seating furniture that will match the interior design of your home, you can take a look at some online antique shops where you can very easily find and buy Asian inspired seating furniture online. However, no matter how you’ll chose the antique furniture piece, before making the final purchase, take a look at the most common reasons why so many interior designers recommend buying seating furniture online and from traditional antique shops:

Antique Seating Furniture Has High Value

Unlike the modern furniture which can easily become “out of trend”, the antique furniture pieces tend to hold their value. On the contrary, the older the antique seating furniture is, the bigger its value. Given this, regardless how the economy turns around, your antique seating furniture will become more valuable with time, or at least its value will stay the same.

Antiques Are Made Of High Quality Natural Materials

The fact that the seating furniture pieces are made many years ago, assures that they are handmade and include natural materials only. Moreover, the longevity of the antique seating furniture is another proof for it’s quality. When it comes to buying antique seating furniture online, on the websites you can find information about the type of material from which the furniture piece is made of.

Antique Seating Furniture Features Exceptional Style

Every antique seating furniture holds a style that tells a different story! Yes it’s true, the antique furniture pieces are relics of the past. With this kind of seating furniture you will add a special mark in your home. You can find many inspiring design ideas of seating furniture online.

The post Asian-Inspired Seating Furniture Popular Among Homeowners And Interior Designers appeared first on The Most Popular.

If you are an antique enthusiast and want to give a special elegant touch to your home or want to give a unique present to someone close, find a reputable unique antique furniture online store to ensure you make the perfect choice. But, if you are not a collector, yet love antiques, visit some of the most popular antiques museums in Australia.

• The Classic Museum At The Australian National University – The Classic Museum offers a study resource opportunity for schools, general public and university students, as well for students of Art History, Classics, the Canberra School of Art, Archeology and Anthropology and the University of Canaberra’s National Center for Cultural Heritage Science Students. The 1962 established collection now features 600 objects from Asia Minor, Cyprus and the Roman world. Some of the museum items are borrowed from the national Australian Gallery, some are from from private collectors and some from the Parliament House Collection. However, the larger part collection has been created over the years as a teaching resource.

• The Antiquities Collection At The University Of Auckland – This is a small antiques collection which includes mostly antique pieces North Africa, Italy, Aegean, Egypt, and Greece.

• The James Logie Memorial Collection At The University Of Canterbury – This is one of the finest and greatest collections of Roman and Greek antiques available to the public. The antique collection is held in the Logie Room in the Department of Classics at the Canterbury University. There you can find amazing vases and other pottery objects from the Archaic period, Attic black figure amphorae and marble objects from Roman period.

• The A.D. Trendall Research Centre For Ancient Mediterranean Studies At La Trobe University – Professor A.D. Trendall granted his big personal collection of various journals, books, offprints and photographs of South-Italian red figure vases to La Trobe University to provide the basis for a special research center in the wide area of the ancient Mediterranean studies. According to the professor’s wish, in 1998 a research center was established in his former apartment above the South Wing of Menzies College.

The post The Most Popular Antiquities Museums In Australia appeared first on The Most Popular.

French Antique Gilt & Painted Fire Surround – If you want to add glamor to the room, then this decorative piece will surely do the thing. Made of Timber and Stucco decoration, this fire surround will give an opulent look to your house and attract attention. Ideal for a bigger room as dimensions are 1550 x 1260 x 230 mm, this antique piece can be found in French antique shops.

Cheval Mirror Frame – Another popular antique piece that will make your room unique is the Cheval Mirror Frame. This genuine mirror frame is embellished with iron and new mirror from Circa 1925. You would be able to find this piece in all better-equipped French antique shops that sell genuine antique pieces.

French Antique Carved Console – Decorate your hallway with this spectacular French antique carved console that is as decorative as is functional. This unique side table with original painted finish and thick marble top can be matched with an antique gilded mirror to make the room one of a kind. French antique shops have pieces like these.

Italian Carved Lamps – If you like owning extraordinary antique pieces, then get the Italian carved and gilded lamps available in French antique shops. These lamps in the form of cherubs cavorting can be installed in your bedroom and will make you feel you live in a different era.

Marble Topped Commode – Your bedroom is your sanctuary, so it is worth the splurge in order to make it luxurious and unique. With this French antique oak commode, you will feel like living the life of a queen. This highest quality marble topped commode features exotic veneers and satinwood inlay and can be found in French antique shops.

French Made Wine Rack – If you are a wine collector, the awesome French made wine rack is a must-have accessory. Made of hundred year old timber, this outstanding antique piece can be found in highly rated French antique shops.

Five Shade Light Fitting – Brighten your room with a French iron five shade light fitting, available in French antique shops. This light fitting will add elegance to your room especially if matched with antique table and antique chairs.

The post The Most Popular Antiques appeared first on The Most Popular.