Faceted Curtains

A new design concept which offers a variety of different shapes to open curtains. Designed by Hannah Allijin by simply pulling strings at the side of the corded curtain track the curtains begin to move. The fabric is made up with triangles which folded together one by one. As the cord is pulled various geometric shapes form until they stopped at the corner.

The idea behind the concept was to ‘eliminate the colossus which arise when curtains are opened. The challenge is to change a big surface into a small form in different ways’.

This is a great way to bring curtains alive and interesting during they day. At night the cord is released and the weight will return the curtain back to its ‘closed’ state.

An ideal way to bring as much or as little light into a room as needed; as well as offering a great way to keep prying eyes out of a room by lifting the corner edges just enough to only let the light in!

The appearance reminds me somewhat of scrunched up paper! The Faceted curtains add fun and trendy way to dress a window. The plain neutral colours would blend with virtually all design colour schemes and interior styles; from traditional through to contemporary. An ideal window treatment for awkward shaped windows or those which are hard to reach, such as a landing.

For further information on Hannah Allijin’s Faceted curtains visit Yanko Designs

Image source: Yanko Designs.

So Very Clever!

Isn't funny how people who are creative at one thing, seem to be creative at many things? The people of Ferm Living also have a cool blog that I just discovered. (Excuse me if this is not news to you). I am completely infatuated w/ this idea of wallpapering the inside of a lampshade w/ this amazing wallpaper. Just think of the possibilities!! Sconces, giant pendants....I'm so excited thinking about it! Now I just have to decide which pattern I like best. What's your pick?

Fusion Table

Many of us struggle to find space to have such large games tables in our homes. Here is the solution. This beautiful sleek wooden table ‘Fusion’ has an element of surprise! Simply slide the top off and underneath is a pool, billiard games table!

The table is made from different natural woods or metal to fit into both modern and traditional style homes with ease. It makes a real change to see such an innovative design actually photographed in a ‘normal’ home setting, complete with a wall bookcase/shelving and simple white venetian blinds; it enables you to realistically say ‘yes’ I could have one of those and it would be practical and functional for dining as well as playing pool or billiards.

As those of you who follow my blog have probably realised I admit to being a bit of a ‘wood’ lover! This beautiful Fusion walnut table is simply stunning in its sleek design. No fussiness about this table, the designers Aramith have used clean lines and sturdiness in a fashionable and stylish way.

The metal version may be more suitable for contemporary interior design styles which favour white or black décor and furnishings or ‘outside’ terraced dining areas for those who live in warmer climates than the UK!

The height of the table is adjustable to differentiate between dining and 'playing'; it is even possible to choose the colour of the felt on the pool/billiard table for a completely coordinated look in the dining room!

For further details of sizes and design styles visit Fusion

Image source: www.notcot.com

We Had A White Christmas!

The snow was a few days late, but Liam didn't seem to mind! Especially when he was able to catch some snow flakes on his tongue. The only part he wasn't counting on was that snow is REALLY COLD! I guess I forgot to mention that part:)
But, it is nice to be back home, in balmy Houston.

Glass Bed

This contemporary designed bed frame and surround is made from glass, ideal for grand interiors and those wishing to make a real statement in the bed room!

The elongated headboard has a series of three steps on which to rest the pillows at different levels and angles, which also offer space for putting your clock or a, table lamp or two, but to be honest I think that would be defeating the object in the plainness of this dramatic bed!

The overall dimensions of the Glass Bed are quite immense, a pretty large bedroom would be needed to accommodate it.

There is something quirky about this bed which really appeals to me! I think it’s the sense of space and clean lines it offers. The black pillows and what I can only assume is the mattress provide a striking visual impact. The little tufts of white ‘feathers’ adds a quirky interest! I think the bed would look equally stunning with bright white accessories!

I wonder how cold the glass is to the touch? Something the Italians have less to worry about than us in the UK! Touching the glass may be just the thing on hot sultry nights!

Designed by the Italian studios Santambrogio Milan, Glass Bed has also been designed with the series of steps which come down two sides offering a more compacted version and ‘looks’ to hold the mattress more securely in place.


For further details of Glass Bed visit fuzbiz , translation from French will be needed!

Image source: www.fubiz.net/blog

Merry Christmas!!

I want to wish all of you a wonderful Christmas and holiday. I apologize for being AWOL, I've been spending time with family, but I haven't forgotten all of you. 

May God bless you!

Carolina

Map Quilts

Map quilts by textile artist Leah Evans are simply stunning. Each design features hand sewn map in the finest details. Leah uses numerous different embroidery techniques as well as a variety of other textile applications such as appliqué, hand dyeing, piercing and needle-felting to make each unique quilt.

The designs are based on imagery from aerial photography, maps and satellite images, however, the quilts are not merely copies of these map sources they have been beautifully and skilfully created to make imaginary lands using elements from different maps.

I love the tones of colours used on each individual piece, and while they do indeed look like maps with rivers, lakes and contours they are quite simply stunning in my opinion. They must take hours of painstaking detailed work and dedication to create.

The Map Quilts offers a sense of old world charm in a modern effect. They would look superb in bedrooms with old cottage style interior design themes or equally effective in a modern setting. Coordinated with natural flooring and soft pastel curtains such as Cubik, the most peaceful settings can be created for wonderful calm and restful sleeping; being transport to the land of dreams in an instant!

During the development of the Map Quilt Leah created equally stunning samples which she called ‘estuary‘, ‘tundra‘, ‘alluvial fields’ and ‘braided field’ all in the most exquisite detail and workmanship.

If you would like to discover more about Lean Evans work visit designboom

Image source: Designboom

Contemporary Heating Solution

Radiators can be very mundane, this contemporary design by Danny Wan brings a great Heating Solution into a modern home in a new exciting and practical way.

Virtually all rooms have radiator which situated under a window. As any cool air being generated will be warmed. Which is fine during the day when curtains are opened, however at night it’s a different story! Hang the curtains over the radiator and you’ll loose the heat behind them which is neither practical or energy efficient. Trying to drop the curtains behind the radiator is a time consuming nightmare which simply spoils the hang and line of the curtains.

Having ready made curtainsready made curtains which hang just below the window sill so that they don’t interfere with the rising heat is the ideal solution.

Danny Wan’s Heating Solution uses the fundamental principles of hot air rising. Ad the air is heated it rises up through each tube and is expelled from the top vents. As the heat is generated inside the pipes it will radiate outwards providing heat for the lower half of a room as well.

Who would want to try and disguise or hide this beautiful chromed radiator as they do with ‘usual‘ radiators by painting or having covers over them? The striking simplicity of the quite chunky pipes reminds of an church organ and exhaust pipes! Majestic, beautiful to look at and functional, what more could you ask for?

The polished chrome appearance makes a very welcome change from white and would compliment bathroom fixtures and fittings perfectly.

Visit yankodesigns for more information and image source.

Sunday Abstraction: Flamenco

Photography: Amanda Pratt
Via Maris NYC

Photography: Eugenio Recuenco

I've always had a thing for
a man in a bullfighter's uniform
I'm sure none of you
wanted to know that about me.

Recycled Newspaper ‘Yarn’

Ever wondered what on earth to do with your old newspapers?
The design studios Greetie van Tiem their project ‘Indruk’ has created ‘yarn’ hand spun from strips of newspaper.

The method used is similar to that of spinning yarn from wool. By using a spindle the strips of newspaper are twisted and spun into ‘yarn’. Apparently it is possible to spin 20 yards of ‘yarn’ from a single sheet of newspaper!

Once spun the newspaper ‘yarn’ can then be used to create useful household additions such as rugs, curtains and upholstery by hand weaving.

I love the idea behind this innovative design concept. I can easily comprehend how a rug could be made possibly by using the technique of plaiting the strips to coils, a bit like the way rag rugs are made.

However, I’m struggling to see how curtains can be made! I suppose the strips of newspaper yarn could be woven together to form lengths of newspaper ‘fabric’. It would then be possible to hang the curtains from a curtain pole by using pin hooks (the sort you use when making goblet style curtain headings) and curtain rings.

Alternatively the newspaper yarn could be used in its strips to make a modern alternative to door curtains which are used to keep flying insects out in the summer!

Unless the newspaper ‘yarn’ is treated there would be no way of washing anything made from it! But still if you kept weaving you could just replace them and of course it would be ‘free’!

For further information visit: greenupgrader

Image source: www.greenupgrader.com

Tough Decisions.

Recently, Apartment Therapy has been kind enough to sign me up for frequent emails. I'm not completely sure how I feel about that, but I did enjoy seeing there post about the best L.A. house tours. The hard part is deciding which one I like the best. So difficult! The first home belongs to photographer Sharon Montrose. Her attention to detail is amazing. Nothing is out of place, but it still feels quirky and fun. I love everything.

So, my second choice it the home of Sherry and Miguel. Although, it is filled with a lot of vintage furniture like the first home, it is much more free-spirited. I especially love the "Delicious" sign in the kitchen. I totally agree that this house is indeed, very delicious:)

beautiful Bathroom

This beautiful bathroom has been designed by Stefano Chiocchinni in partnership with stone designers and manufactures Cappellini. Cappellini have been designing and manufacturing in stone, marble and granite for over thirty years. The visual effects of the natural stone is simply stunning.





















I adore the large circular bath made in natural Piasentina stone. The circular stone theme is continued with the matching basin and the circular structure of the shower wall and base.

The natural colours of the stone blend superbly with the white walls and light wooden floor boards. The floaty sheer curtain material adds a slightly feminine touch which compliments the hard surfaces of the stones wonderfully. Being able to catch glimpses of the outside garden makes the bathroom a unique space to relax in. giving the appearance that you are sitting in a private garden!

The different textures provide both a great visual stimulus and very tactile bathroom space. The stone work in the shower in contrast to the curtains has a more masculine look to it.

The kidney shaped stone bench fit’s the contours of the bath to continue and blend with the circular theme, while providing some very practical seating, complimenting the patterned marble basin back splash perfectly.

I also love the lighting! The beautiful glass like, droplets provides a sense of tickling water cascading down the room, while the more traditional style chandelier adds a touch of real glamour.

I am totally bowled over with this design! A practical and very useable bathroom space designed for modern living.

Image source and more information visit: Home Design Find

Comfy, Cozy....

Photos via Toast Home and Bodie and Fou

Photos via Laurie Frankel

I don't know if its because I'm trying to fight off a cold or because its actually cold in Houston, but I can only think about wanting to be comfy. Warm blankets, comfortable beds, and pajamas. Ahhh, that's what I need right now. Just as long as I can find a cup of hot chocolate, too!

Yum, Yum!

These ornaments are so yummy looking, I don't blame anyone for giving them a nibble. Found via Kate Sutton's Etsy store. (P.S. I like her blog too!)

Alice in ‘True’ Wonderland

UXUS, an Amsterdam based architec company, had the innovative idea to use their own offices to present and showcase their latest creation which is self described as a “mysterious and poetic atmosphere of old and new world fables’.

The transformation of their offices provides a simple yet stylish ambience to the space. The use of both natural and artificial light to cast white throughout the room is simply stunning.

I love the use the floor to ceiling plain white curtains hung simply from a curtain track to further bounce light and cast shadows throughout the room.

The designs are created to ‘foster powerful unforgettable stories that colour everyday life’. This exciting design is based on Alice in Wonderland, with the door patterned panel door opened to reveal more exciting things beyond. The overhead lighting looks like a large metallic spider hovering over the table!

The dark abstract woven chair in the lower edge of the image caught my eye. I like the simplicity of the design which would suit all types of interior room designs with ease. To see the latest UXUS collection take a look at Yanko Designs, I’m sure you’ll love what you see!

Wouldn’t be great if all offices spaces were designed and fitted with wonderful designs like these!

Image source: yanko designs

Sunday Abstraction: I Know I've Mentioned This...

But, David Byrne Is My Hero!

An oldie, but ...you know.

Christmas Decor: Keeping It Simple.

Just so all of you don't think I'm a total Scrooge, I thought I would post some lovely Christmas photos.
So, any of you who read this blog regularly know I have to keep it simple.
I've always felt that simple and natural elements at Christmas are so inspiring and special.
Who can decorate better than nature?

Links: M.A. Belle, Bo Bedre via Door Sixteen, and Trifolium.

Monoknit Chair

Monoknit Chair has been created and designed by Florian Krautli. This wonderful chair is made from polypropylene cord supplied by Seilerei Sammt.

Heat is used to make the cord shrink and harden. Due to the knit the chair pulls itself together and stiffens. This process forms the construction aspect of the chair, however, the seating part stays untreated. ‘The chair is not only easy to produce, but also easy to recycle‘.

I love the shabby style appearance of this chair. It looks comfortable and the ideal place to sit and unwind (excuse the pun!) with a cup of coffee and a book. Great for the latest in-trend ‘shabby chic’ interior design styles, with their mix and match materials where virtually anything goes as long as it looks ‘used’ and coordinates in a hap-hazard sort of way.

There is something almost endearing about this chair. Monoknit chair would look great in bedrooms with a Victoria design style. I think there is a real ’motherly’ feel to its appearance, it would make an unusual yet practical chair for use in a baby’s nursery as it has an almost ’grandma made’ look. Maybe that’s why it looks so inviting? Curtains ‘knitted’ in the same white cord and hung from a wooden curtain pole would be ideal for keeping a room shaded and cool in the summer! A great use of materials which provide a beautiful chair with a built in appearance of a throw casually placed over it.

For more information visit www.kraeutli.com
Image source: farm4

I Don't Like Christmas Music!

Every year at this time I begin to feel like the Grinch. Mostly because I really dislike Christmas music! It just really drives me crazy! Usually its so boring and wimpy. To make matters worse, people start playing earlier and earlier every year. Now, before you decide that my heart is a few sizes too small; let me explain myself. I have a very good reason for disliking Christmas music. You see, I have to admit an ugly family secret...my family liked listening to Christmas music year round. Oh the horror!! In May or September, one could often hear Deck the Halls or Silent Night and so on. I told all of you it was terrible! So if you aren't horrified enough! Who were the most popular artists who sang Christmas music all year? Only people like Perry Como, Engelbert Humperdinck, Anne Murrey...must I go on. My stomach gets tied up in knots every time I think about it. (For those of you younger than I am, and you don't know who these people are...be grateful!) As you may imagine, as soon as I had a choice; I avoided all Holiday music whenever possible. The funny thing is that now that I am a mom, I find myself wanting to teach Liam all the kid favorites. So last year I started to come to terms w/ my aversion. What I started doing was collecting Christmas music that I can tolerate, by artists I like in styles of music I like. Funny enough, now I find myself listening to "My Christmas Music" quite a bit. I decided I would even share it w/ all of you who may feel the way I do. I posted my list on the sidebar, available for those who want to hear it, but I'm not forcing it on anyone. If you want, check it out. (Be forewarned, I have an affinity for Rockabilly).

PuzzlePerser Rug

Looking for something to do during the long winter evenings? Why not make a jigsaw rug! I just love the concept of this design, much better than trying to make a rug for one of those pre-made kits that are so outdated!

Created by Katrin Sonnleitner the Persian style carpet is made from pieces of recycled natural and synthetic rubber. I assume that as the rug is made from rubber it is relatively easy to keep clean. Not that I’m obsessed with cleaning just trying to be practical, no point having such a lovely rug and not letting anyone near it! I also think the rug would be ideal for using as a outside play mat during the summer months.

PuzzlePerser is a great form of modular flooring with fabulous design patterns just waiting to be created by those who love doing jigsaw puzzles and hate having to break them up afterwards!

Specific designs and colours can be commissioned, however there are over seventy different colour combinations already in existence. This beautiful rug will keep folk busy for hours, the end result is a practical and very useable rug for any room in a home. Ideal for spending time doing a family activity to be proudly displayed when complete! I love the ‘unfinished’ look of the edges, it gives the appearance that more pieces could be continuously added.

This rug is the sort of ‘homemade’ present I would love to receive!

For more details of Katrin Sonnleitner’s fabulous designs visit
www.katrin-sonnleitner.com

Image source: www.yankodesign.com

An Upper East Side Brownstone.

Be Honest! How many of you haven't imagined living in one of these amazing buildings? I have ever since I first saw Breakfast at Tiffany's. This beautiful place was designed by Meyer Davis Studio of New York. Be sure and check out their amazing portfolio.

Sunday Abstraction.

Hi everyone! I'm trying to get up and running again.
I decided to do something that
will make me feel better.
I'm starting a new series called, "Sunday Abstraction".

Why abstraction?

For one thing
because I love the definition of the word...
Abstraction is the thought process wherein ideas are distanced from objects.
It uses a strategy of simplification, wherein formerly concrete details
are left ambiguous, vague, or undefined.

So.
These posts won't mean anything
They are just ambiguous images and thoughts.

I'm including this video that I am currently OBSESSED with!!

Go here to find the sources of these Flickr photos.