Make It Work!

I don’t know about you, but I find that when most people focus on working they tend to let their workspace get a little cluttered, albeit temporarily. I for one, have to stay organized. I absolutely cannot stand not having a place for every little thing. I came across a few examples I wanted to share, of how you can stay organized and keep your space from looking cold. 

 Don’t let small spaces go to waste! Too often we only think in two dimensions and ignore valuable vertical space. Apply matching shelving to create convenient storage and a work place. 
 

  I love the idea of integrated pieces. Why should furniture only have one use? This high gloss example includes a nicely organized work area. When you finish your work and it’s time to relax, this desk makes for easy clean up.

  You can never have enough storage.  Or natural light. I like to avoid the feeling of “working” as much as possible. Remember, this space is still part of your home and it should feel comfortable. Including natural light will help keep your home office feeling like it’s still part of your home. 

 Another integrated desk that caught my eye (the K Workstation). I like this solution as its an efficient use of a small space. This bamboo laminated plywood desk provides storage above and a nice and tidy place to work below. I particularly enjoy the texture the bamboo grains provide.

Populating an office doesn’t need to be expensive! Even on a small budget you can have what you want and need- it’s all in the planning and execution. Most of the pictured items are from Ikea believe it or not. However you plan to make your home office space your own, don’t be afraid of new ideas.
 

 

 

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Eco-Friendly: New Floors For the Home

Everywhere I look people are turning to hardwood flooring to provide a personal touch. However, there are plenty of available eco-friendly, sustainable alternatives that will help set your home apart from the rest. Enjoy!

I currently favor concrete flooring. Customizing the color with a stain, I think is key to avoiding the cold feel from plain concrete. The material is obviously durable, easy to clean and environmentally friendly in that it uses 

no organic material.  

Cork can provide a nice compromise between a hard surface and one with a little more cushion. As cork is a soft wood it will give a little under a person’s weight, but unlike carpet, it creates a smooth surface that’s 

much easier to clean. I find the natural patterns made by the grains much more intriguing than 

your standard cherry wood flooring.

 Bamboo is another sustainable wood that remains off the beaten path. It is harder than most woods, 

so it promises to be durable. This example shows it adding a light touch, and really opening up 

an otherwise dark space. 

You don’t think of leather when you think of flooring. However, applied in the right way, it can be a great way to add a personal touch to your home. The below, in shades of black, provides luster and shine. When properly cared for leather can be very durable and provide a soft, warm touch.

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Frank Lloyd Wright- Fallingwater 3D Animation

I had the chance to visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater in 2011, and I must say I cannot wait to go back. Not only was it magnificent, but Wright's forward thinking architecture is what so many architects and designers use as innovative inspiration for our present day buildings. Even today, after seventy years, Wright's masterpiece speaks volumes to site integration. Although there is a strict no photograph policy while in the home, I did snap a few shots of the exterior.  I also found a step by step, ground up animation of the home that details Fallingwater as one of most amazing examples of architecture in America today. Enjoy. 

<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/802540" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>

 

 

 

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Kitchen Facelift!

Out of all the rooms in a house the kitchen is where we spend most of our money. The fixtures, cabinetry, finishes and appliances all add up quickly. Along with being a high traffic area, the kitchen is a gathering place. Since man discovered fire, the area where we prepare our meals (think sitting around a fire) has been the heart of our daily life.  I enjoy a fresh look. Who doesn’t? Here are some inexpensive ways to give your kitchen a renewed look.  Enjoy!

In case you can’t tell, I love color. For a rewarding change, opt to repaint your cabinetry. A simple, 

cheap color change can yield substantial results. 

An often overlooked and understated option is to explore different pulls and knobs. A nice stainless or brushed look can compliment stainless appliances in a kitchen. Combine a new set of pulls with a new color 

and you can create a whole new look. 

 Another great use of color can come through in a backsplash. This multicolor backsplash array brings a touch of life to an otherwise bland space. Remember, these options don’t have to be expensive to make an impact.

The last option, albeit more expensive (but still inexpensive should you DIY), is to reface your cabinets. 

This is a great option for a quick kitchen update, which like I said is a necessity, and can make a huge 

difference in the overall feel of the space.

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Don't waste that space!

A frequently neglected area of a home is the hallway. A typical hallway or staircase can encompass a good portion of a home’s livable space and often aren’t used to their full potential. Hallways or corridors don’t have to be devoid of emotion; a simple, practical approach can add an extra personal touch.

 A bolder approach, should the above example bore you, is to create a more eclectic look by using
mixed and matched frames. The matching lamp and walls create a more put together feel, while the
dominating horizontal white and black lines maintain some structure.

Choosing an eye catching color to apply to the walls brings a unique feeling to the space. A bold color
requires minimal additions, which help this bright chartreuse be the center of attention.

 If you have the option I love the idea of being a little more creative and making a lasting impression.

You can create a huge effect with either paint or by applying a custom or ready made piece of vinyl.
LTLprints.com has a huge selection to choose from and you can even create your own. Whether you
choose paint or a print, both are easy to change if you get bored.

 

 

 

 A more traditional approach is to apply photography. I like the idea, however I like to apply a personal touch that makes the space pop. The example above uses identical frames, with a simple white matte, centered at eye level. The clean lines and organized appearance allows a larger number of pictures to be displayed 

without being overwhelming.

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Little cost, BIG effect!

A little bit of COLOR can add a lot to a space!  A simple change brightens a room, pull components together and makes a statement all at once.  These are few rooms that I think are good examples of transforming a room just by painting the walls.  If you have been hesitant to paint your walls...relax...its just paint!  Enjoy!

A soothing shade of blue will help create a serene and relaxing look. This bathroom 

appears inviting and cozy while the white tones make you feel fresh and clean. 

Orange is a bold accent choice, but applied in the correct way and hue, can be very elegant.  The design of this room is calm and classic but the color orange brings life to a space that may have other wise been dull.  This examplebrings your attention to the fireplace while maintaining a simple and clean look.

 Classic Black and White...but wait....add a vivid green to the walls and POW, its become THE accessory in the room.  And if you get bored with the green (or any color for that matter) just paint again! It is an inexpensive way to make a big statement.

Yellow and grey walls bring your attention up and allow the use of lighter colors in the rest of the room providing a more open feel.  Also, since the yellow is on the headboard wall, it wont be too bright for your eyes when you decide to rise and shine. 

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I recycle, and so should you!

So everyone talks about recycling junk or unwanted items  well here a few ideas that stood out to me. Very fun and playful! Sometimes you just need that one piece to give a sense of playfulness or just to let people know you don't take life to seriously! Enjoy!

laddbottlecaps

So if you are like me you might like beer or soda out of glass bottles. Something 

with awesome colorful caps! I created a few pieces of art out of the caps i had 

collected but never thought to do it on furniture!

Still have your old records and turntable? Why not turn your old records into a table?! 

This custom-made piece is not only fashionable, but functional! You can showcase 

your taste in music as well as your taste in design (not to mention your good taste in recycling!).

Mission: Antique Impossible. Ok, so maybe I’m no Tom Cruise/Ethan Hunt, but if I could 

find sixteen equally-sized wooden crates on my next antique shopping trip, I would 

definitely consider myself a secret agent of design. This arrangement is absolutely beautiful! 

It provides storage and shelving with a rustic yet elegant feel. 

marama

These comfy cubes can be a great addition to a kids’ or game room, or can even serve as an ottoman. 

Love them! 

borisbally

Boris Bally crafted these sleek and modern seats out of street signs.  Because of their bright colors and strong metal, they are stylish and durable enough for everyday use. Now, I’m sure Boris Bally doesn’t encourage theft of public property, but does encourage recycling, reducing, and reusing: crucial practices of living an environmentallyconscious life (and a style-conscious one, at that!).

Wash Up!

Hello everyone! Wanted to share with you some sinks i think are pretty cool!  Bathrooms are rooms where you can be bold.  The use of a unique sink  is a perfect way to bring personality into the space and still give you all the functionality you need in a bathroom.  And if a sink is all it takes to make you fall in love with your bathroom again then that is pretty awesome! Enjoy.

decorationchannel 

Love this paper like sink! So gracious and soft this is such a pleasant way 

to get ready to take on the day. And the wood counter adds a warm touch.

 What a sleek sink.  As if the mosaic tiles were just peeled off the wall. This sink is called 

Skin by Lago and it screams modern.  Minimalism is what makes this sink so powerful. 

disegnoceramica 

 Splat!  Perfect splash of color in a bathroom! Comes in other bright colors too! 

Not only does it look cool it still gives you enough surrounding counter space.

artceram

Cup of coffee in the morning? How about this cup sink with 

built-in towel rack to perk you up.  The design of this pedestal sink 

is flawless.  Gives you a clean look yet organic feel with its curves.

 concreteworks

 Concrete...check. Trough style...check. Wall-mounted faucets...check.

This sink for two has everything!  LOVE the integrated sink, it lends itself to a classic yet modern look.

 duravit

 Have a small bathroom but need space for two? Why not one wide sink 

with two faucets! Still gives you ample counter space.

 guzer

An actual use for a fish tank! Pretty cool idea though. Depending on 

your decor you could change the "fishbowl" it coordinate.

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