Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Traditional Kitchens: designer way

Today we are browsing for the best Traditional Kitchens out there... finding inspirations and ideas. In order to select the best design for your home you must consider, most of all, the size of the room available to maximize its potential and create a kitchen that's going to be both very comfortable to work in and great for social gatherings. Some people like their kitchen to be the centre of their home therefore a great amount of attention should be directed to it in order to be successful with the task. I've listed some of my favourite designs 


Beth Haley: The distressed black island grounds the space, while the contrasting perimeter cabinetry and diverse lighting keep this kitchen from feeling dark. 

Lori Gilder: Rich marble countertops and a stunning chandelier establish the elegant ambiance in this traditional kitchen. Stainless steal appliances stand out between understated white cabinets, completing the regal space. 

And another one from Lori: Old-world light fixtures and warm, multicolour wall tiles give this new kitchen a lived-in feeling. A thick wooden bar and wicker chairs invite you into this cozy space, and the soft, intimate lighting and fine detail entice you to stay. 


Phyllis Harbinger: It is easy to work, cook and eat in this spacious French country kitchen. A breakfast bar and an eight-foot-long island take care of quick meals while the octagonal cupola houses the main dining area. Cherry cabinetry marries with Madura Gold granite for a warm look. 


Lou Ann Bauer: The two islands in this very large kitchen help create perfect gathering space in the home. The space is custom fit with cherry cabinet and oversized frames. The focal point in this kitchen is the French La Cornue stove and hood. Photo by Andrew McKinney. 


Kristi Nelson: The goal for this kitchen was to create a warm, open chef's kitchen that felt like it was original to the 1936 Georgian Revival. Traditional white cabinetry custom made to match the home's originals, linoleum floors, soapstone counters and a pecan butcher's block topped island give period references. Custom lighting, tone-on-tone wallpaper and accents of red and blue underscore the warmth and vibrancy of the space. 


Patrick Baglino, Jr.: This kitchen is traditional design with a some farmhouse flavour. Contemporary lighting such as Murano glass cylinder ceiling light pendants and mid-century Emeco aluminium dining chairs provide some electric flair to the kitchen. The dining chairs are intended to juxtapose the antique , weathered farm table. Upscale appliances by Sub-Zero and Wolf ass luxury to the kitchen design. Gray-coloured Italian marble slabs are used to create backsplash that provides a good deal of texture. The windows are purposely untreated in order to allow for the maximum of light without disrupting the view to the outdoors. 


Lori May: Kitchen cabinetry doesn't have to match. A creamy white island is mixed with warm stained cherry cabinets, while the profile on the doors matches, so the kitchen feels cohesive. 


Nathan Fisher: This fresh kitchen features timeless design principles. Modern touches, such as the updated countertops and simplified millwork, update the traditional feel. 


Lauren Jacobsen: This kitchen was tiny U-shaped with no counter space or storage. Now this medium-sized kitchen can entertain up to 40 people. The placement of the under-counter beverage refrigerator at the end of the cabinet run keeps people away from the cook's work area. Photography by Terrance Williams. 


Dave Stimmel: An ornate shelf over the range in this formal kitchen can be used to display holiday items or art. Tip: integrate lighting into your cabinetry to brighten your keepsake displays. 












Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Beautiful Finds: Chairs and Sofas

I've come across a number of "seating" pieces that are most definitely worth sharing. Have a look/read and let me know which ones are your favourite! 


T
his very beautiful and artistic pieces of furniture are a part of SICIS NEXT ART Chapter One collection, produced in a limited edition of 200 pieces. Like all NEXT ART furniture, Milleunalunais characterised by luxurious, artistic mosaic and precious silk velvet, all made in Italy. 

The fabric used to produce these unique chairs is a soft silk velvet, and the chair is available in two colour versions: red/purple or blue/lilac. 
The original element that distinguishes Milleunalunais from other products in the market is the use of SICIS beautiful artistic mosaic Platinum and Platinum Tide by Murano Smalto Collection, placed by hand by the mosaic masters on the dreamy moons on the chair back. Alternatively, it is also possible to choose one of the 43plain colours available, by request. 




Selby Wing Chair. 

Flight of fancy. The Selby is a wing chair with sophisticated, fluid lines and a deep, high back that puts a modern spin on its sleek silhouette. It's is available in fabric or leather, with railhead options. Price: $1099, would you pay? 



NO Rules:
The focal point of these photos should be the floors as the "NO Rules" rule applies to them actually! This high performance cradle-to-cradle collection of carpet tile is designed to give you the flexibility and freedom to do as you please. Random is the rage! Produce of  Shaw Contract Group. 
But what caught my eye are the chairs that can become a sofa when joined together... very creative and innovative piece of furniture. Plus, I adore the colours, they complement each other. 



Another piece, making it on top of the list, is also a part of SICIS NEXT ART Chapter One collection, produced in a limited edition of 200 pieces. Tenderly is characterised by beautiful, artistic mosaic and precious silk velvet, all 100% made in Italy. Different 4 colour versions are available. An original element of this furniture is the decorating part of the sofa's border seat. The decoration placed by hand by the mosaic masters in Ravenna. 
They look incredible!




Sunday, May 20, 2012

Sales, sales, sales....

30% Off all items with this promotional code! 



Examples of this great promotion: 
Vinyl sticker Quote Churchil, size: 84x50 €42 | €29.40 with promotional code (excl. delivery charges) 



Vinyl sticker Comics Dialog2, size: 80x37 €29 | €20.30 with promotional code (excl. delivery charges)



Thursday, May 17, 2012

Helmut Lang: from fashion to extraordinary sculpturing



Very recently an unusual exhibition took place in Washington Square, who knew fashion designer Helmut Lang also makes sculptures? 




















Artist Helmut Lang. Photo courtesy of the artist.


This Austrian designer and well known New York- minimalist have created an unusual collection of sculptures made out of recycled tyres, foams and sheepskin... good idea? The bizarre shapes  of these sculptures are a representation of multi-layered totems that are a cross between fungi and phalluses. Combined with tar and plaster these mostly monochromatic pieces are rich with their original textures and indentations. A series of white fragmented wall sculptures reveal the artist's restraint, as visitors lean in to observe subtle variations in textures and material. There’s something very appealing about seeing them all together, as if in a surreal forest of strange vertical vegetation. However it awakens a worrying emotion that these creations are only powerful in a bunch... their oddness pushes for acceptance! 

The artist behind all of that weirdness dedicated himself to his art full time in 2005 leaving the helm of eponymous fashion label behind. But was that the right thing to do? Below are images of his fashion collections... Do you see any similarities between these collections and his art? Minimal use of colours, simple lines, minimal cuts but at the same very intriguing and trendy styles.  That's his style and it shines through his work on many levels!


More images of the creative endeavours, a conversation between abstraction and figuration: 








Talking of sculptures... why not to make your own pieces of art? All you need is: empty bottles of wine (but don't throw away the liquid-drink it), or any glass bottles that are available to you, crackle medium, two contrasting colours of paint, some foam paint brushes and small decorating pieces (shells, string, pieces of leather) ... for the tutorial on how to do it visit: HubPages 
Below: Avatar Bottles 


Our wall stickers:  

Monday, May 14, 2012

Get a piece of Justin Timberlake in your home

Very recently the singer turned actor Justin Timberlake has turned his hand to interior decorating. A new wallet-friendly collection of home goods he created in collaboration with interior decorator and celebrity Estee Stanley just launched this week. "For me, designing a house is just like a bigger canvas than styling, and it actually lasts longer," Stanley said of her approach to the line, which includes dinnerware, rugs, pillows , and more. 






The two talented people have a long relationship. It began a while ago as Stanley decorated Timberlake's homes, she also styles his fiancĂ©, Jessica Biel. Therefore the collaboration is very little of a surprise... as Stanley explained "Men think so differently from women and I wanted to have that in the whole collaboration." Timberlake agrees: "Each thing that we have has a masculine-feminine quality to it."


HomeMint promises to search the world to deliver products of the highest quality and incredible craftsmanship. We're committed to bringing you a collection of new and inspiring home items that match your personal style. We'll take care of you and always bring you an unmatched shopping experience.


Plus, you can create your home style profile which is only 11 clicks away! 


Even thought HomeMint have yet to offer international shipping it's worth while to join the website as it offers a wide range of benefits from insights into what's new, styling tips to giveaways and contests. 





Decorative Large Ironwood Snake $499.99 | $374.99 Member
Silver Skull $445.99 | $329.99 Members
Global Market Pillow $74.99 | $54.99 Members
Downtown by Justin Timberlake $599.99 | $499.99 Members