Use containers with unconventional shapes to turn your greenery into art. by Kiley Jacques
Inner Gardens “Handkerchief” bronze platter, $2,150
Inner Gardens “Handkerchief” bronze planter, $2,150
Inner Gardens faceted cast bronze planter, $765
Marie Khouri Design planter, $2,600
Yard Art “Arrow” container, $825 each
Gabriella Asztalos “The Floating Garden” planters, $645 (set of five)
The objects in your home can be cool and hip—and have a conscience at the same time. by David Eisen
Switch Lighting LED bulbs $40-$60 per bulb.
CFC Furniture “Bryon” sideboard from reclaimed Douglas Fir, with gray wash finish, $4,250
Claudia Raimondo “Joy n.1” embossed stainless steel bowl, $205
Switch Lighting LED bulbs offer 80 percent less energy consumption, $40-$60 per bulb
Anglers Art driftwood swan from weathered wood collected from tree stumps, $1,250
Rolf Glass “Glacier Glass” tumblers from recycled wine bottles, $59.99/set of four
Subtle accents that will make a big impact in your home. by David Eisen
DNA 11 DNA Portraits (“Fingerprint,” “Kiss,” also available), from $199, dna11.com
Bold shapes, extreme sizes, and edgy materials define a new age of high-style floor lamps. by Deborah Geiger
Elizabeth Polish’s Foglia light.
“Instead of looking at the light, I like people to look into it,” says Long Island City, NY-based lighting designer Elizabeth Polish. Utilizing innovative materials in designing and constructing her lamps—such as painted paper, aluminum, and rubber—while working with local welders and fabricators, the results are truly one-of-a-kind works of fine art.
So what is behind the Pratt-trained designer’s inspiration? “I apply or keep [the traditional] silhouette, but make a small twist or update,” she says. The Foglia, her translucent floor lamp design of paper, aluminium, and rubber materials, features draped rubber strips near to the light source, emanating a translucent glow. The six-foot Moonglow floor lamp is crafted from airbrushed organza on Plexitube mounted over a stained wooden oak base, making for high-style mood lighting.
MacMaster’s Iris floor lamp.
Borrowing from nature, London-based Alex MacMaster creates unique lighting pieces from wood that can truly make over an entire room. Employing bold sizes—some of his pieces are over six feet tall—and integrating organic shapes and features, the studio utilizes curved laminations of eco-friendly structural plywood, along with solid wood veneers in oak, walnut, maple, and cherry finishes.
“Furniture should be [as much of] an artistic statement as it is functional,” MacMaster says. “I design to make a visual impact.” One piece that makes a statement is his 56-inch-tall Cocoon floor light, comprising eight wooden “leaves” in a kind of cylindrical twist presented on a floor stand. Another bright idea is the Iris floor lamp, an organic design that mimics flower petals and stands over 76 inches.
Catellani & Smith’s Terra wire sphere light (contact for pricing).
Who can forget the old floor lamp “tree”? Thankfully, Catellani & Smith have brought their Wa Wa Terra Flex rendition into 2013 with a 6.2-foot-tall nickel-plated metal structure complete with five LEDs offering either neutral white or warm white lighting shades. Additionally, the PK LED Gigante Standing Lamp features a nickel-plated metal base and structure juxtaposed with a fiberglass shade lined with gold- or silver-colored leaf or painted white. Summoning images of half-moons in the night sky, these moody and iconic pieces can create a focal point and have you looking at your room in a whole new light.
Mood Lighting: Indoor Fireplace
Want to both lighten and brighten while creating a focal point? That’s a tall order, but here’s the answer: “Spark Modern Fires Vent Free Vu Thru gas fireplace offers a stunning fire for two rooms at once without blocking the ocean view,” says Tom Healy of Spark Modern Fires. The fireplace can accommodate decorative elements, such as stones and glass, and the ventless approach allows more design flexibility and creativity.
Spark Modern Fires
Fundamental furnishings whose looks are anything but ordinary.
Savoir Beds “Savoir No. 1″ bed, $72,000, savoirbeds.com
Visit the stores: Savoir Beds – James DeWulf – Fritz Hansen – Reagan Hayes – Fritz Hansen
Inspired by the female form, royal botania’s d-lux line is soft, strong, and sexy.
Royal Bontania D-Lux lounger, $4,839, royalbontania.com
Get the look: Royal Botania
INTERPRETATIONS, the newest collection from internationally published artist/designer AnnMaria Baldine, offers a stunning visual palette of emotions. Inspired by reflections, visions, encounters and experiences which touched her deeply, she shares the journey in her visual interpretation, playing with light, color, shape, and texture to evoke those same emotions in her viewer.
AnnMaria loves color and uses it confidently but this time she uses it to take us places she has never taken us before, with dazzling color palettes. For the not quite so adventurous, the same designs create contemplative moods in soft neutral tones.
“I’ve been a doodler and a dreamer since childhood, a prerequisite to my life today as an artist/designer. Recently I experienced a liberating transformation of growth and self-expression through my chosen art form,” she says. This evolution is most evident in the abstract expressionistic collections she introduced at the Architectural Digest Home and Design Show 2012 and the forthcoming INTERPRETATIONS.
These images may be even better than the memories that inspired them, but clearly neither compare to the satisfaction AnnMaria feels in knowing people will enjoy living with her functional art for years to come.
(All designs are the exclusive copyright of AnnMaria Baldine and cannot be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the artist.)
When it comes to autumn inspiration for your beloved beach home, leaves are the first things that come to mind. Surrounded by a plateau of colorful leaves, nature seems to compose a breathtaking spectacle that marks the end of a natural cycle. Taking time to enjoy nature in its course towards white stillness, we find it appropriate to bring some of its inspiring shapes and colors inside and become tuned with the beautiful surroundings. In the garden and in between the walls of your comfortable home, a collection of leaf-inspired autumn decorations can make a difference in your daily routine. I would like to share with you 10 leaf-inspired decorations for an autumn beach home.
1. Leaf Lounge
Perfect for the end of summer by the ocean, this modern interpretation of elegantly curved leaves eases our transition from summer’s warm to autumn’s chill. Designed by Belgium-based Frank Ligthart, the inviting leaf-shaped lounge chair can easily be placed on the beach any sunny day of the year, constantly reminding you that a carefully constructed piece of furniture can carry with it the power of its inspiration.
2. Leaf outdoor bench
Part of the Boston collection from Thailand based Deesawat, the Leaf outdoor bench looks more like a nature-inspired jewelry than a functional piece of furniture. Imagine displaying this beautiful outdoor bench in your garden, among natural leaves. Shaped out of a modern combination of Teak and stainless steel, the cute benches can easily become the focal point of any autumn garden.
3. Leaf Swing
To remain in the great outdoors, this wonderful leaf-shaped swing you can see in the photo below is designed by Alberto Sánchez of Enea Studio. Why not have a beautiful swing designed for you – an adult – in your backyard? Just imagine the sun setting and soft rays of light piercing through its holes, casting shadows underneath – isn’t that one of the memories you would cherish?
4. Foglia patio furniture
Besides being elegant and inviting, the Foglia patio furniture collection is also comfortable. Its materials speak the language of modern furniture design: teak, aluminum, steel and natural textiles. Designed by Corradi, the perforated frames are reminiscent of veins on leafage, constructing an appealing autumn vibe.
5. Turn the Season rug
Moving inside the home, a beautiful seasonal rug welcomes you, family and friends to a place where the changing of season is clearly visible. Turn the Season rug by Yvette Laduk of YLdesign can literally be turned from displaying green leaves to showcasing autumn leaves on the first day of the new season, marking its beginnings.
6. Leaf cabinet
Inside the home, many designs can make it seem like you live outdoors, between brown, yellow, dark green, plum and red leaves. Inspired by the shape of autumn’s main elements, this collection of a leaf-shaped cabinet and similar shelf can easily change the design angle of a room. Designer Svilen Gamolov brings the sinuous shape of a leaf inside your home with his solid wood, plywood and MDF creation.
7. Hyphae Lamp
If you would like to showcase something with a more subtle leaf reference, the Hyphae Lamps from Nervous Systems are perfect for your home. Gathered in a collection of algorithmically generated lighting designs, these LED lamps cast amazing shadows part of their visual presentation. Printed using state-of-the-art 3D printing technology, each lamp appears to be delicate and airy, but they are surprisingly strong.
8. Seasons Silicone leaf plates
On the kitchen table, a modern set of silicone plates from designer Nao Tamura easily reminds you about the last green leaves, creating a sentimental transition between seasons and crating a cultural bridge. “Seasons is an interpretation of functional kitchen and serving ware, inspired by nature and technology, through the cultural lens of Japan.”
9. Leaf Tie cable organizer
Cables usually lying unaesthetically around can be neatly organized with a cute and joyful Leaf Tie cable organizer. Efficient, functional and decorative, they have two little plastic leaves sprout out from their ends. It comes in many colors for those who like to experiment with different visual impacts: Emerald, Olive green, Espresso Reindeer white, Kingfisher and Scarlet.
10. Appree Leaf It Stickies
Finishing our journey through the season of colorful leaves with this collection of sticky notes from Appree Leaf It Stickies, I would like to see more creative ideas next autumn, so we can add them to seasonal pleasures that fill our heart with joy. Until then, rustling natural leaves are the best way to decorate your home – they’re natural, have exceptional decorating qualities and you can find them in the backyard and on sidewalks.
About Ada Teicu: An architecture enthusiast, Ada shares finds from all over the world, constructing a spotlight on modern design. Expressing personal preferences on her blog – she loves uncovering new designers and find what makes acknowledged architects so unique. Follow her on Twitter or Pinterest inspiring surrounding design.
Seafarer from Hargrave Custom Yachts is the perfect vessel for anyone looking for modern comfort at sea. A spacious salon offers panoramic views and a full entertainment system. Adjacent, a formal dining area seats eight (the yacht’s capacity). Each stateroom is finished in high-gloss sapele wood and brings in natural light. The king master suite features a vanity, a settee, a built-in bookcase, and a his-and-her bathroom with a shower and a separate Jacuzzi tub. The VIP stateroom is on the fore deck with a private entrance. On the sun deck, guests can soak in a Jacuzzi or dine alfresco, while the covered aft deck is ideal for shaded lounging. Seafarer is available for summer charters from New York to Maine; October through May, it operates in the Florida Keys/Bahamas region. Weekly rates start at $42,500. hargravecustom yachts.com. —D.E.
The envy Klipsch’s Palladium P-39F Home Theater
one center-channel speaker, two surround speakers, and one subwoofer. Three furniture-grade, zebra-grain veneer finishes are available in espresso, merlot, or natural. klipsch.com, $31,500. —D.E.Why sacrifice style for technology? There’s no need to! Check out these amazing gizmos that lend a helping hand to your décor, while giving you the tech cred you deserve.
Phyllis Waldron-Ripple, owner and founder of ecoFiber Custom Rugs
Phyllis Waldron-Ripple is the owner and founder of ecoFiber Custom Rugs. A rug designer and business owner, Phyllis founded her company with special attention to children, women, and the natural world. Phyllis has lived abroad for a significant part of her adult life and the experiences of living in cultures where poverty and poor access to health care are common have informed and guided her path in business.
ecoFiber Custom Rugs, based in Boulder, Colorado designs and sells custom rugs to the architectural and interior designs community. Specializing in producing rugs which are environmentally and socially sound choices, we believe that socially and environmentally sound choices
ecoFiber Custom Rugs is committed to the principles of beautiful design, global sustainability and traditional craftsmanship. Proud members of GoodWeave, Sustainable Furnishings Council and the U.S.G.B.C., ecoFiber Custom Rugs makes custom rugs which are ethically sound choices for designers in the US and abroad. Working in Nepal and Colorado, only adult weavers, dyers, spinners and mangers are involved in the creation of each rug.
Hawaii artist Carol Bennett’s captivating underwater art.
You don’t have to live in an oceanfront home—or ever have set foot on a beach, for that matter—to appreciate artist Carol Bennett’s sensual paintings of swimmers suspended in water. While those who have a penchant for all things aquatic will appreciate the prominence of water in Bennett’s works, her swimming-inspired paintings are sure to strike a mesmerizing chord in anyone who lays eyes on her art. That was the case for Lisa Cooper, art dealer and owner of the Riverdale, New York, gallery Elisa Contemporary Art, where Bennett’s works will be featured in a gallery show entitled “Strength & Grace” in June and July. Of Bennett’s underwater imagery, Cooper says, “I fell in love with her work when I first saw it. Her work is a meditative journey through both the water and through life.”
An L.A. native and 20-year inhabitant of Kaua’i, Hawaii, Bennett spends much of her life surrounded by—and submerged in—water, a fortunate circumstance that, ostensibly, informs much of her work. Says Cooper, “The viewer will experience being in a state of ‘flow’—where the currents of the ocean suspend life and self, and the unexpected floats to the surface.”
Despite her nod to the mystical nature of the sea—and further proof that the appeal of her work reaches beyond well-heeled beach bums—Bennett’s fascination with swimmers actually began when she was living in L.A. and swimming at the L.A. Athletic Club. “The floor beneath the pool, with its ethereal skylight, was an underwater observation room…” Bennett says. “I would feel like a voyeur, watching the swimmers’ private time and drawing in their beauty. I became the swimmer I observed in the images I later created.” It’s a scene that anyone fortunate enough to acquire a piece of the art will savor. “Suspense 4,” 2010, oil and acrylic on wood panel, 46”x74”, $22,000. Elisa Contemporary Art, elisacontemporaryart.com. —L.L.
The Life Aquatic Four more underwater scenes by Hawaii artist Carol Bennett
1“Lagoon,” 2010, oil on wood panel, 32″ x 32″, $8,500. 2“Manganese,” 2010, oil on wood panel, 44″ x 44″, $10,000. 3 “Papillion,” 2009, oil on wood panel, 32″ x 32″, $8,500. 4 “Salmon 2,” 2010, oil on wood panel, 32″ x 32″, $8,500. All at elisacontemporaryart.com.
The Hudson Chair
Add a hint of elegance and design with a countertop stool by the deft furniture creators at Emeco. Originally designed by Phillipe Starck, the Hudson chair is an eco-friendly product made of aluminum and meant to dazzle your home. Take your pick between a brushed or polished finished for this 37-inch-high stool that will perfectly complement your oceanfront kitchen. The beautifully handmade stool is not only included in the design collection at the Museum of Modern Art, but it was also selected by the Chicago Athenaeum as one of the top 100 designs for 2000, winning the prestigious “Good Design Award.” Polished, $1,905; brushed, $960.
A dashing water feature is the perfect accent to any ocean backdrop. By F.E. Exley
When your backyard is the ocean, adding more water might seem counterintuitive, but a well-placed water installation can be the perfect piece to accentuate your outdoor oceanfront space—and give your health a lift.
David Reed, the founding principal of San Diego-based David Reed Landscape Architects, says, “In my garden, the sound of water can be heard from almost any part of the house, quietly gurgling but audibly with undertones and overtones,” he says. “Whether it is sound or sight, it is a boost to the human spirit.”
But it’s important to know what kind of water element best fits your property. “When you have an ocean view, it’s best to use it by installing an infinity-type fountain,” says landscape architect Owen Dalton of OTD Design & Development in Marina Del Rey, California. With an infinity fountain, water is pumped from a hidden reservoir and then disappears into the ground. Homeowners would do well to also add lighting to their feature, Dalton says, and position it so that it is visible from several angles.
Another contemporary option is the Harmonic Cascade from Harmonic Environments, a piece that’s ideal for creating a large-scale exterior focal point. However, the feature’s seamless single panels can be crafted to virtually any dimension. As water cascades through light stainless-steel mesh, an ethereal effect of luminous water suspended in air is created. The Harmonic Cascade can also be fitted with custom lighting that provides an extra jolt of ambiance.
Aesthetically, a water element can convert any backyard into a tranquil space. What you might not know is that water installations also provide a health benefit by giving off negative ions—which is actually a positive result. Tiny odorless molecules are released into the air, which, when breathed in, boost energy and alleviate stress. “This is why I try putting a water feature in all of my projects,” says Dalton. “I want to create that feeling of euphoria.”
While it may be tempting to go with an over-the-top water feature, be realistic with your choice, as you already have the greatest water feature imaginable—the ocean. Go with something bold yet understated. “A whisper is often more powerful than a shout,” says Reed. “Sometimes just mirroring the horizon and the azure sea is all you need.”
He suggests that homeowners purchase water features that are composed of materials that will last (tile, concrete, glass). There’s also the good chance of dealing with efflorescence, the unsightly white, powdery deposit that appears on the surface of concrete, masonry, and stucco products. Ask your landscape architect to take note of this and use special detailing techniques on the water feature to obviate this scourge.
Above all, choosing the right contractor is key: You want the job done right the first time. “A lot of homeowners pick contractors because they are the cheapest,” Dalton says. “Always go with someone who has experience. If your bid for the fountain is cheap, it’s going to look cheap.”
The Floating Bed: The bedroom is often playfully described as a place “where the magic happens,” get yourself a levitating bed and you can use the saying without a hint of irony. The floating bed is designed by Dutchman Janjaap Ruijssenaars, it’s got enough magnets to keep a small elephant afloat, not that you will ever put that to the test. To make sure the bed stays aligned with the magnets it is tethered to the walls, this will stop the bed floating away and crashing from under you.
Electrolux WoW Screenfridges: The acronym WoW stands for “War on White”, fed up with humdrum white appliances Electrolux are on a mission to revolutionize everyday home appliances. The concept is based on a graphics panel that spreads across the whole front of the fridge. For extra gadgetry points the design includes an LCD screen in the front door with a processor that would put many laptops to shame. For those looking to add their own individual personality this product is a must have, it will be like having a new fridge every time you change the image displayed.
Television Mirror: Televisions seem to be integrated in every product imaginable and now mirrors are the latest addition. At a flick of a switch a small display appears in the bottom corner of the LED bathroom mirror, large enough to view but small enough not to get in the way of your posturing. Brushing your teeth and shaving can be an enjoyable experience with a television mirror, just be extra cautious.
Samsung NaviBot: Samsung have created a device that all bachelors have been dreaming of, a robot that does the vacuuming for you. While the concept is practical and a step in the right direction the lack of power means that it won’t be replacing your vacuum cleaner any time soon. The charming NaviBot from Samsung made this list for pure originality, a novel idea today but could be mainstream the next.
The kitchen is the heart of any home and to date as managed to avoid being infested by the digital wave although in the future that could all change. The traditional and homely characteristics of a family kitchen will likely be changed profoundly due to the introduction of smarter integrated digital appliances.
We live in digital world where data rules, where every click is tracked and analysed. Every day the line between the online and offline world is becoming indistinct, the safe haven of the offline world is being intruded by the presence of digital data.
LG Launches Smart Appliances
It’s pretty simply, the more marketers know about you the better they can sell to you.
Integrated electrical appliances
Just imagine if your TV could communicate with your refrigerator, while this may sound like something out of a Steven Spielberg Sci-Fi film the practically behind the notion is very real. Your refrigerator will be able communicate current stock levels to your TV and since you’ve ran out of your favourite pizza in the next ad break you will see advertisements for your local pizza place.
Your gym equipment will be able to communicate with your appliances to provide detailed dietary reports and advice.
Borrowing milk from the neighbours will be a thing of the past thanks to automated stock levels which will be linked to your online shopping accounts.
Virtual Chefs
As well as smarter integrated appliances kitchens of the future will make you better cooks thanks to virtual chefs. A virtual culinary assistant may sound like a distant dream but many retail experts say that it could be reality as soon as 2014. The “virtual chef” will come in the shape of a 3D virtual hologram; it will be able to provide practical cookery lessons, custom recipe suggestions and even dietary advice. Overheating your homemade soup in your slow cooker, using too much sugar to bake your cake and undercooking your turkey will be a thing of the past.
Virtual chefs will make recipe books and celebrity chefs redundant and nothing more than a distant memory. The virtual chefs will also be linked to your appliances so that it can suggest recipes based on your available items.
Bringing vintage coastal style into your bedroom is a way to either dress it up or down. It’s a salute to the coast and will bring a traditional or antiqued feel to your contemporary bedroom.
To achieve all this you don’t have to be a world renounced interior designer either. Pulling colors and images directly from the ocean, combined with bright whites, emphasized with natural woods, navy strips, and a few antiqued accessories is basically the gist of it. This post will help you get some great ideas for each area of your bedroom from the choice of linens to your bedroom floor finish.
The Bed
In any bedroom the style and design of the bed can really set the stage for the entire look and feel of the room. It may seem too easy but the trick is to keep your linens crisp and white and use pillows or a foot blanket as accent pieces. Going for navy strips or just a plain navy print will help create a coastal feel.
If you own a sailboat or know someone who does, get a hold of a sail and get custom slipcovers bed skirts constructed. This will make a great nautical statement when paired with navy stripes and it also brings a piece of a ship into the room!
Choosing the right type of bed frame and headboard also plays a major part in the look of the bed. Pairing traditional metal bed frames or antique garden gates as a headboard with antique side tables looks great in these guest rooms.
When working with classic coastal color schemes in the room such as blues, sea grass green, and yellows there is no need to be overly nautical. For a simple look, try an antiqued solid wood bed frame with posts paired with traditional coastal colors to achieve the desired feeling.
Floors, Walls and Ceilings
Wood, wood, and wood! Aging your home and adding a “ship like” and vintage feel is achieved with wood and is probably the most essential part of any nautical theme. There are a few choices for finishing the floor but if you can custom order wide planks it will really bring a vintage feel. To age and add extra history to your floors, get them professionally distressed with an antique finish.
Bright white wood paneling is perfect for a coastal feel on the walls. Another idea is to leave intricate framing exposed to play with the early American architecture design. A unique design which would definitely add extra character to your bedroom is using wood exterior shingles on one wall to make the space appear as though it was an addition to the original home. Notice the wood detailing on the ceiling in this picture, as it also adds a wonderful feel to the room, almost as if you are down on the second floor of a ship.
One of our favorite details in many vintage coastal homes is their use of exposed beams. In modern homes you can get these types of beams installed and they do not have to be functional in the framing of your home. It would be a small renovation which would make a big impact! Make sure to shop around for your beams. Often historic properties are taken apart piece by piece and the pieces of old wood and large beams are auctioned for sale.
Accessories
Weathered wooden pieces will enhance the rustic theme in any room. If you love antique shops, shopping for bedroom accessories is where your trained eye will come in handy. Try adding a large weathered pine or cedar chest to the end of your bed or even a large beach wood tree trunk as a coat rack. A stack of antique suitcases adds extra storage to the bedroom and acts as a memento of the spirit of travel that has always drawn people to the coast.
If you happen to come across a great weathered wooden bowl use it in your bedroom. Fill the bowl with shells, pieces of beach glass or any other type of keepsake from the sea then place a few small candles on top. This elegant coastal piece is not only beautiful but is fun to consistently add to.
This guest post was brought to you by PartSelect.com, your complete online resource for DIY appliance repair!
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New from Rotoluxe, LLC- This line of translucent illuminated stands and planters will add a comforting glow to any table, pool area, or deck. Solar powered and made from recycled plastic, the simple design was engineered to be as minimalist and versatile as possible. Souluxe stands and planters remain lit for up to five hours without the use of supply cord, making them the perfect environmentally friendly addition to your next dinner or gathering.
Looking for the perfect accent for your reclaimed wood bed? Wabisabi Green’s Modern Eco-Art throw pillows are made from the best organic and sustainable materials and add a punch of color to any room while holding fast to the outdoor natural theme. Keep the essence of the ocean vivid throughout your home with The Shore Collection. If you choose to purchase the Tortuga (sea turtle) design, a popular pick from The Shore Collection, in addition to supporting organic designs, you’ll be helping Pro-Peninsula’s efforts toward sea turtle conservation. $45-74. wabisabigreen.com.
Marie Rhoades
Be inspired! Join Marie for coastal-inspired decorating ideas, beach home tours, favorite coastal shopping finds and color palettes which will beautify your world.
Mike Welton
Architects + Artisans is a sophisticated, well-informed curator of content and images that document the development of architecture, artisanship and sustainability for the 21st century. 
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