mardi 26 mars 2013

Unusual Fashion Choice Of The 1970's

I was recently reviewing some of my photographs from the 1970’s. The exercise was a useful reminder of how we all dressed in that era and inspired a few fond memories of some of the unusual choices I made for my own clothes. I say unusual because that is how they appear now but at the time they were all the rage. I was clearly heavily influenced by celebrity endorsement before the concept had even been invented!

The Bay City Rollers


For those who are too young to remember, the Bay City Rollers were a pop sensation in the mid 1970’s inspiring hysteria in young girls that was up there with Beetle Mania. Looking back it is hard to see why! At the time I got wrapped up in the whole phenomenon which naturally meant that I had to wear the band’s signature outfit. This consisted of calf length trousers with tartan stripes up the side, a tartan shirt or shirt with tartan trim and a tartan scarf around the wrist. You will have guessed by now that the band members were Scottish! Seeing the fashion as a passing fad (how insightful) my mum made my trousers from an old pair of jeans and some tartan ribbon. What no one at the time seemed to register was that the calf length bell-bottomed trousers were highly unflattering, particularly on women and only served to thicken your waist and make your legs look enormous! It all goes to prove that no matter what it is, if a celebrity is wearing it, people will buy it.

Flares


The flares of the 1970’s were another trend which for most would have been best ignored. These trousers and jeans created an unflattering silhouette and flapped around your legs. Another unfortunate side effect was their tendency to drag along the floor and then soak up any and all moisture which would rise inexorably up the legs making it look like you had taken a paddle. Whatever the fashion world dictates that I should be wearing in future years this is one style to which I will not be returning!

Starsky and Hutch


This American cop show was another 1970’s sensation with the principle actors, David Soul and Paul Michael Glaser becoming major sex symbols. These days it is strange to imagine that a cop show could spawn a fashion trend but this iconic show had achieved such stature that this is exactly what happened. Detective David Starsky’s signature cardigan became highly prized and I was the proud owner of a close copy! The cardigan was a chunky garment fashioned from cream Aran wool which featured a dark Mexican motif around the middle and was tied with a belt. It made me look fat which was quite an achievement as I weighed all of 7 stone but I loved that cardigan anyway. I note with interest that people are still looking for Starsky knitting patterns and that one is available on Ravelry, the knitting social network.

Impressionable


It is easy to write off these ridiculous fashions as the result of my impressionable youth but the truth is that people of all ages make the same mistakes. Never mind what suits you or what you actually like, if one of your heroes is wearing it you have to have one. No wonder celebrity endorsement has taken over the world because it really works!

Sally Stacey is a frequent guest blogger and a fashion fan. 

Picture License: Creative Commons image source

lundi 25 mars 2013

Des designers belges avec un amour du bois - Salon Bois&Habitat

Vendredi dernier je suis passée au salon Bois & Habitat (édition 2013). Ce salon avait lieu au Palais des Expositions de Namur (Belgique).

Juste à l'entrée se tenait un long podium mettant en scène des objets et meubles créés par des designers belges. Le dénominateur commun de tous ces objets design? Je vous le donne en 1000: le bois ! 15 objets, pour 15 ans d'histoire du Salon.

Les designers présents:

Mathias Van De Walle, Elric Petit, Irina Scrinic, Gaultier Poulain, Emmanuel Gardin, Michaël Bihain, Hélène Boularan dite LN Boul, François Dedeur, Nicolas Bovesse, Marina Bautier, Thierry Bataille, Kaspar Hamacher, Mathieu Gabiot, Gaëtan Van de Wyer et Jean-François Parisse.

Voici quelques photos:

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="480"]Bois & Habitat 2013 - Designers Belges Bois & Habitat 2013 - Designers Belges[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="360"]Bois & Habitat 2013 - Designers Belges Bois & Habitat 2013 - Designers Belges[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="360"]Bois & Habitat 2013 - Designers Belges Bois & Habitat 2013 - Designers Belges[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="360"]Bois & Habitat 2013 - Designers Belges Bois & Habitat 2013 - Designers Belges[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="360"]Bois & Habitat 2013 - Designers Belges Bois & Habitat 2013 - Designers Belges[/caption]

Une mini expo en partenariat avec le magazine Déco Idées.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="360"]Bois & Habitat 2013 - Designers Belges Bois & Habitat 2013 - Designers Belges[/caption]


Sources Photos: Faites par MesDécoVertes. Demander accord au préalable.

vendredi 22 mars 2013

Creating The Perfect Vintage Home

Vintage is a lasting trend in both fashion and home-wares; from the house with a singular 1890s vase, perched on the mantel, to a terrace crammed to bursting with 50’s Americana.

Vintage Home Interiors


It’s best to start with the basics. A house from your chosen time period is a good blank canvas. From here you can use vintage decorating materials to adorn your home. There are dealers who sell vintage wallpaper, paint and curtains; curtains in particular are highly sought after. In terms of colour and style, consider the room you will be decorating. Small rooms will look tacky if crammed with memorabilia, while larger rooms can look cold and bare if minimalism isn’t achieved correctly.

Tips:


· Be careful with the paint however, as health and safety was not as stringent in the past as it is now, and some old paints can be toxic.

· Remember to steam curtains and any other soft furnishings to ensure pests are not brought into your home.

· Vintage fabrics tend to be delicate. Handle carefully.

Vintage Furniture


License: Image author owned
License: Image author owned

When your home is decorated to your satisfaction, it’s time to pick furniture. One of the cheapest – and most earth friendly – ways to do this is to buy old classics and have them professionally restored. A beautifully made chesterfield or vintage leather sofa can be worth thousands; the cost of re-upholstery is a small price to pay for restoring a stunning piece of retro chic which will be passed through your family for generations. Vintage Ercol furniture is particularly worth restoration; especially as the frames are carved from quality wood, and curve sensuously.

Tips:


· Check for woodworm on all wooden objects – the creature can decimate a house’s woodwork in very little time.

· Measure the cost of restoration against buying an item in better repair. Buying vintage is better than buying new, but some vintage items are too far gone.

· Keep vintage furniture out of bright sunlight if possible to reduce sun bleaching.

Vintage Home Accessories


JukeboxTheJointJune2008.jpg - Creative Commons

Time for the finishing touches - the little extras that give your home that real vintage sparkle. I would strongly suggest setting up a Pinterest board or using a notebook to gather clippings. You can get inspiration anywhere – a fascination with dark Americana means I love defunct / half blown neon signs, coca cola memorabilia and diner chic. There are hundreds of magazines extolling the virtues of the perfect plates to adorn a Welsh dresser, or where you can get an authentic absinthe trowel. Once you have a look you like, acquire pieces slowly. Going overboard, filling your home with cheap approximations, or wasting thousands on average tat simply because it bears the label ‘vintage’ – just say no.

Tips:


· Inspiration is key. Trawl Pinterest and ask friends for any old magazines.

· Hunt everywhere. Etsy, eBay, jumble sales, car boot sales, charity shops.

· Choose carefully. 5 exceptional pieces will have far more impact than 200 dancing Tiki girls.

Written by Helen Mitchell, writer for Plumbs Reupholstery.

lundi 18 mars 2013

Recycling Oak Pallets Into Furniture

Using Oak pallets is amongst some of the more unusual and unique ways of making furniture. Many companies may often be giving them away or selling them off cheap, as they have them in bulk quantities.

Considering the usual price of oak they can be a great bargain but of course you can’t expect them to be a top grade suitable for fine furniture. You can certainly make a nice piece of bedroom or living room furniture though.

Pallets are made to be strong and able to hold a lot of weight, so this also means they are fitted together extremely well. One blogger even likens them to being held together with ‘kryptonite’. Of course this is not the case but as intended and suggested they are hardwearing so the best way to use a pallet (if you do not need it in its original shape) is to saw it, rather than trying to disassemble it.

Other types of pallets would also be fine for making furniture; however oak will be more the hardwearing source compared to the likes of pine, so consider that when deciding on what you will make.

Pallet desk overall
Photograph of Pallet Desk by Pierre Vedel Via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

One of the easiest furniture ideas using a pallet, is to make a coffee table. If you take one pallet and add wheels to the bottom, it will make a very low table. Alternatively you can stack a few together, or add pieces of wood between two to make up the height. Then it’s up to you to pick a finish to suit your room. Bold colours can give the room a real colour pop effect and would look great in a loft style apartment. Or if you just lightly stain it, it will have more of a rustic feel.

Pallet Chair and Unit
Pallet Chair and Unit

Of course this twist on oak may not look great with expensive and well crafted oak living room furniture, but the use of pallets is endless and you can even make your very own decking.

The main thing here is you will need to lay them on a flat surface, so may need to do some groundwork first. But the idea is literally as simple as laying a few pallets down, fitting them together as closely as possible and waterproofing them with a decent wood sealant. You can also stain them whatever colour you like, and using something like a warm terracotta could brighten up your garden and give it a real Mediterranean feel.

Some of the more crafty types online have made toys, beds, cupboards and much more. Although these would not be the best choices for a novice, as they could be a safety risk. One wouldn’t want to be awoken in the night a collapsing bed!

J. Hawkes is a guest author and writes on a number of topics relating to DIY, recycling and the environment.  Hawkes regularly submits to a number of different blogs including National Furniture UK's where discussion is usually about Oak living furniture.

 License: Creative Commons image source

vendredi 15 mars 2013

Du vintage aux couleurs pop sur @HyggeHour

Chaque vendredi, je présenterai un objet vintage qui sera vendu prochainement sur mon e-boutique HyggeHour (sur BigCartel ou ETSY).

Dimanche dernier j'ai trouvé ce lot de 9 tasses aux couleurs pop 1960/1970 pour punch. Elles n'ont pas du tout été utilisées. Elles seront vendues par 3.

Elles feront une très belle addition lors de vos lunches ou repas d'été au jardin ou en terrasse. Ou encore pour la kids party d'Elsa ou de Thomas, non?

Voici quelques photos.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Tasses aux couleurs pop 1960/1970 - Objets à venir sur la boutique Hygge Hour Tasses aux couleurs pop 1960/1970 - Objets à venir sur la boutique Hygge Hour[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="400"]Tasses aux couleurs pop 1960/1970 - Objets à venir sur la boutique Hygge Hour Tasses aux couleurs pop 1960/1970 - Objets à venir sur la boutique Hygge Hour[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="400"]Tasses aux couleurs pop 1960/1970 - Objets à venir sur la boutique Hygge Hour Tasses aux couleurs pop 1960/1970 - Objets à venir sur la boutique Hygge Hour[/caption]

mercredi 13 mars 2013

Des salades sur nos toits

Dans le Joske, un mensuel communal et maintenant appelé le 12 10 suite au changement de bourgemestre, je lisais un article assez intéressant et qui m'a fait pensé à la publicité de Grany de Lu.


Vous vous imaginez un jour la nature prendre sa place dans nos villes?


La Région de Bruxelles-Capitale (je vous épargne les explications de pourquoi je parle de Région de BXL ... des explications longues sur la politique belge nécessiteraient un nouvel article) vise à faire de ma ville un exemple en matière d'alimentation durable.

Apparamment, le territoire bruxellois possèderait 900 hectares de terrains et 400 hectares de toits plats qui pourraient être transformés en cultures maraîchères. Soit 2000 terrains de foot pour cultiver des fruits et des légumes sans sortir de Bruxelles.

En 2014, il y aura même une ferme urbaine de 3000 m² qui sera établie sur les toits des abattoirs d'Anderlecht. Une grande première en Belgique.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="576"]Les Abattoirs d'Anderlecht Les Abattoirs de Cureghem à Anderlecht[/caption]

Quels sont les bénéfices d'un tel projet?


Outre la verdurisation d'un monde citadin bétonné, l'accès à des produits frais et de qualité en sera facilité et la facture énérgétique en sera ainsi diminuée. C'est également une manière de préserver la biodiversité urbaine. Et la cerise sur le gâteau: 6000 emplois sont à la clef.

Avec Bruxelles qui participe à l'initiative européenne "Green Capital 2015" ... il faut mettre toute les chances de notre côté. Non?

Vous pouvez trouver plus d'information sur Bruxelles et sa participation ici:

mardi 12 mars 2013

Ahhh Mad Men - Saison 6

Ohhh un rayon de soleil à travers cette neige.

Mad Men - Saison 6 nous revient. Et voici le Poster qui l'annonce aujourd'hui.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="560"]Mad Men - Saison 6 Mad Men - Saison 6[/caption]

Non pas une photo ... mais du dessin. On est absolument dans le ton de la série!

J'adore !

lundi 11 mars 2013

Interior Design Ideas For A Small Living Space Like An Apartment Or Loft

Small spaces like lofts and apartments can present some design challenges, but you can also allow yourself to be very creative when space is limited. There are many interesting things that you can do that add character to your space and make it more functional. There are ways to decorate a small space to keep it stylish and efficient.

The Kitchen

Kitchens can be a difficult room to decorate when they are small, but they can become a major place to create storage. If you only have a few upper cabinets to stash dishes and other kitchen essentials, try building some open shelves on the walls. This is easy because all it takes is some wood and a few brackets. Then, you can place small appliances, extra dishes and serveware and even small decorative items like cases and bowls on these shelves. Stick with metal brackets and paint the shelves in a dark wood to keep them modern.

The Bathroom

Bathrooms are often neglected because they tend to be small and we do not spend a lot of time in there. However, you can make a few small changes in your bathroom to create a more modern look. First, change out your mirror. Go for a new mirror with a brushed nickel frame in either a squared or oval shape. On either side of this, place modern sconces. If your vanity is outdated, paint it and then replace the handles with more modern ones in the same finish as your mirror frame. You can also replace towel bars, sink faucet and the shower/bath faucets for a quick and inexpensive modern update.

Living Room

If you have older furniture that you cannot afford to replace, you can update each couch, loveseat and chair with slipcovers and modern pillows. This actually makes quite a big difference. You can find more modern-looking tables for good prices at big box stores, second-hand stores and flea markets. If these are a little banged up, simply sand them down and then restain or repaint them. Replace your lamps with more modern ones and declutter the room. Modern looks are never cluttered. Simply keep decorative items to a minimum and space them out.

Bedroom

Sometimes creating a modern bedroom that is still comfortable can be a challenge. However, a few simple changes can make a difference. First, simplify your room. Declutter all shelves and tables and make sure nothing but furniture is on the floor. Choose a modern vase and put simple flowers in it in more neutral colors, like pastels or white. Place this on the dresser along with a more modern mirror. Switch out your bedding to a more simple arrangement. For example, a less puffy comforter, more luxurious sheets and fewer decorative pillows. Make sure your window treatments are just simple curtain panels or wooden blinds.

General Modern Changes

Look at your wall color and make sure that every room is a more neutral shade. Neutral colors are the cornerstone of modern design. Keep every room in your home clean and uncluttered. Make sure all furniture is simple and made up of clean lines. Try a consistent color theme throughout your home for a cohesive look and modern feel. If you are able, consider installing wood floors throughout your home and only using area rugs as decorative objects.

About the author: Robert Mansions is a writer for Apartments Management Group. Aside from constantly reviewing Chicago Apartment Rentals, Robert also enjoys keeping up with the real estate market and reading the newspaper.

samedi 9 mars 2013

Tips for choosing the Perfect Colours when decorating - Guest blogging

Many homeowners feel overwhelmed and worried when choosing colors for their home, even though they one of the basic elements within decorating. Part of this is due to the wide variety of colors and shades; once you pick the color, there are many other decisions.

How light should the colour be? Will you get away with darker shades? Should you opt for warmer or cooler tones for the room? Is paint the best option or will another material, like fabric, work better?


The problems do not stop there. The impact will depend on the way that they are used and the type of room. Once you paint the walls, you may stand back and wonder if that really was the shade your selected. Too many people think that it means they have failed in decorating their home but it just means trial and error is required.

But how do various factors affect your decision and view afterwards?

The first consideration is the lighting when picking the samples or the type of material used to select the samples. Small chips of the color will not give the same view of a full wall or even the room. Different types of lighting in the home and using natural light will lead to the shades looking completely different than under the store’s tube lighting.

You will also need to consider the flooring, the colour of the ceiling and the furnishings around you. These can change the way the color looks and it may give an unflattering look.

That doesn’t mean you have to start using creams, whites and other neutral colors. Even the most professional interior designers don’t get it right the first time with every single job. The difference is they know how to take everything into account to get a rough idea that they can easily refine.

For help with choosing, use one of the tips from Better Homes & Gardens’ book, Colour: The Complete Guide for Your Home”. One recommendation is to start with colors that you know you like; you don’t need to know a lot about them to make them perfect.
There are other tips that the book offers to help you decide:

  • Be guided by your instincts. Your gut is a great way to make an instant decision. You can then refine the choices afterwards with some practice and theory.

  • Be guided by the colors of your clothes and furnishings. You will usually pick your favorite colors without really thinking about it. You could also look through various decorating magazines or books for style ideas and be guided by the ones that you like. Also, consider the architecture that you like as these often involve various colors that you can use.

  • Use the entry way of the home as way to bridge the gap between outside and inside. Earthy tones, such as greens and browns, can help to be ready for a step into the home or for getting ready to face the weather outside. This can be incorporated into other rooms around the house.

  • Do everything in stages. Doing it all in one go can lead to disaster, especially if you decide you don’t like the color. If you are working on many rooms in the house, focus on them one at a time to refine the process for choosing the color and make your home more personalized.

About the author: Stuart is an experienced builder in Sussex and runs Bem Builders LTD. 

vendredi 8 mars 2013

Hygge Hour ... Happy hour en ligne !

Hygge Hour - le logo

Lorsque j'avais annoncé mais sans les dévoiler les raisons du changement de la skin de mon blog ... et bien voilà on y est. Roulement de tambour. Le coeur qui bat la chamade!

Mon projet sera lancé ce soir, à la fin de cette belle journée des femmes.


Je devrais plutôt dire "NOTRE" projet car je le fais avec une amie, Katja, la blogueuse derrière Fat Cat, qui partage la même passion que moi.

Ah mais alors ... c'est quoi ce projet? Oh rien de très révolutionnaire : Joindre mes 2 passions que sont Internet et le vintage.  J'ai arpenté les brocantes, magasins de seconde-main et autres magasins depuis que je suis jeune ado ... je préférais dénicher la perle (à mes yeux) vintage que de fumer ou de boire (bon depuis je me suis rattrapée ;-) ! )

Mes affaires vintage



Notre boutique en ligne s'appelle Hygge Hour


Hygge? Hour?

Hygge est un mot danois qui désigne un moment et lieu chaleureux (pour faire court). Hour fait référence à un magnifique programme de la BBC 2 "The Hour" dont nous sommes hyper fans! Cette série a pour cadre la BBC dans les années 50's. Tout comme Mad Men, un véritable festin pour les yeux!

On a décidé de commencer avec des objets vintage liés à la cuisine. Petits. Faciles à envoyer. Mais on espère que notre activité se développant ... on touchera à d'autres objets vintages.

Vous pouvez retrouver notre boutique en ligne  sur Etsy et sur Big Cartel.

Qu'en pensez-vous?

 

jeudi 7 mars 2013

The Desktop Wallpaper Project - Par Fox is Black

Je recherchais un nouveau fond d'écran pour mon PC (Desktop wallpaper). J'aime changer.

Pour le moment j'ai un fond d'écran de Chris Maynard, "Feather Shadowboxes". Une vision de volatiles découpés dans des plumes.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="448"]Siblings - Chris Maynard Siblings - Chris Maynard[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="448"]Peacock Attraction - India Blue Peacock feathers - Chris Maynard Peacock Attraction - India Blue Peacock feathers - Chris Maynard[/caption]

Et donc en cherchant le web, j'ai trouvé. J'ai découvert le projet "Desktop Wallpaper" par Fox Is Black. Un blog qui parle d'art et de design (tout ce que j'aime !).

Et là j'ai enfin trouvé de quoi remplacer l'offre des fonds d'écran de Windows !

Et je me suis choisie "March into Spring" ... Je trouve que cela colle avec ce beau début de mois de mars! Ce fond d'écran a été dessiné par Marisa Seguin et Juilianna Brion du site Ten Paces and Draw.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="576"]March into Spring - Marisa Segion et Julianna Brion March into Spring - Marisa Segion et Julianna Brion[/caption]

Il y en a plein d'autres! Faites votre choix! Et puis vous découvrirez de nouveaux artistes ...

 

mercredi 6 mars 2013

How Modern Design Influences Contemporary Interior Design Styles - Guest blogging

The Evolution of Modern Design


Contemporary Design


Modern interior design has evolved and become a prevalent element in contemporary style. The sleek and unadorned sophistication of modern design has become a popular trend, with not only interior designers, but also with mass produced retail outlets such as IKEA. This style is emphasized by strong lines and shapes that contrast with neutral color palettes. Modern interior design is a unique style that has generated a popular resurgence in today's aesthetics for a number of reasons. While modern and contemporary are often used simultaneously, they are not synonymous definitions. Before breaking down the elements of modern design, it is important to understand the categorical distinctions.

Why Sets Modern Apart from Contemporary?


Modern and contemporary, by basic definition, sound interchangeable. This is a common misconception by many. In the simplest terms, modern refers to a specific style originating in the early 1900s and coming to fruition in the 1950s and 60s. Contemporary, on the other hand,

 


represents a pliable, ever changing category of trends and popular styles. Because it represents moment driven fades, contemporary interior design is very eclectic, pulling from a number of popular styles. Modern design is currently one such trend. Modern interior design is commonly referred to today as retro.

History of Modern Design


To understand the concepts and foundations of modern interior design, it is important to recognize the conceptualization and influence of modern art itself. Modern art was the influential predecessor to modern design. This influence went on to affect not only interior design but also architecture. This movement has its first ties in the post-World War I European influence that saw art and style under the premise that "form follows function." This was then coupled with the art styles in the United States and drawn from aspects of the impressionist movement.

In the 1920s, art and design was highly influenced by the jazz age as well as America's continuing industrial innovations. These socio-economic factors inspired the Art Deco, Streamline Modern and Machine Age styles. Concepts were based on principles such as Italian minimalism with design schemes that were vastly open and large, while for the most part unadorned. There was an underlying functionality to this style.

As World War II concluded and America saw an exponential boom in population, modern design was further influenced by concepts of mass production. Machines were created to produce furniture in mass quantities. Materials such as plastic, steel and plywood became popular. Modern interior designers had access to a larger number of products that were both functional and economical. This design style, as we know it today, is often referred to as "Mid Century Modern," as it reached its pinnacle during the 1950s and 1960s.

What are the Distinctive Qualities of Modern Interior Design?


Form and Function


Modern interior design is similar in form to that of modern architecture. Shapes are geometric and angular with distinctive lines, often asymmetrical. The use of squares and rectangles are often rigid with smooth, even curves. Circles and ovals are also popular and are usually perfectly shaped. Lines are unbroken and rigid. This is a key component of both furniture and art. Modern interior designers will often use striking forms and shapes in artwork or furniture pieces to serve as a focal point or accent piece. These particular pieces are often further highlighted through the use of lighting. Otherwise, there are fairly limited ornamental flourishes. Overall, the design aesthetic remains minimalistic.

Colors


The color palette for a modern interior designer is always neutral. Contemporary interior design has emphasized this trend with the popularity of white in wall color and furniture. The aforementioned functionality of accent pieces are typically back dropped by white walls. Color is used sparingly, so neutral palettes are common for not only paint choices but also furnishings, accessories and fabrics alike. If a contrast in style is to be made, it is generally through a unique furniture piece or artwork and not through color. The neutral colors help create the desired feel of openness and expansive interiors.

Materials


Retailers like IKEA embrace the sustainability and use of natural, organic materials popular with the widespread green movement and an important element of modern interior design. The prominent use of natural materials has further increased the popularity of this style. Furniture and accent pieces often make use of wood, leather and linen. Contemporary interior design uses furniture of molded plywood, plastic and polished metal. When artificial shapes and materials are used they are often harmonized through the use of expansive windows and open landscapes. There is almost always a draw back to the natural elements. Accent works, such as table legs and cabinet details, are commonly stainless steel and other glossy metals. These, coupled with the popularity of glass and plastic, create smooth surfaces that are complimentary to the form and shape of the furnishings. Modern interior designers often create similar aesthetics with flooring such as granite, concrete and linoleum.

Is Modern Interior Design Here to Stay?


The popularity of modern design stores such as IKEA have proved the sustainability of this particular style. While contemporary interior designers are allowed the ambiguity of a vast style market, modern themes are continuing to increase in popularity. The combination of functionality and style certainly helps establish the longevity of the modern interior design aesthetic.
Source de l'image: Photo provided by: smartphotostock.com

Susan Slobac is very familiar with information about on how to fix up your house to a contempory style. Susan refers to modern interior design to find out further information about how to complete your ideal look. Add Susan on Google Plus.

mardi 5 mars 2013

La "Cat Map" - Localiser les chats dans le monde

Je n'ai pas pu résister de vous parler de cette carte.

Donc à côté de Google Map et même MapsGL (pour visiter les lieux célèbres en 3D), il y a maintenant la Cat Map. Vous pouvez faire une recherche d'un chat par sa couleur de poils, son sexe et même son nom. Vous pouvez même rajouter votre (ou vos) chat sur cette carte !

Maintenant on ne pourra plus dire J'ai perdu mon chat (???).

Pourquoi une telle initiative?


La ZSL de Londres ( Zoological Society of London) est derrière cette initiative et veut communiquer interactivement avec son public sur un projet bien spécifique. Le 22 Mars prochain s'ouvre "le territoire des tigres" (Tiger Territory) qui acceuillera les tigres de Sumatra. Ces tigres sont une espèce menacée d'extinction.

Je vais y enregistrer mes 6 chats (Lily, Robin, Tibou, Mabelle, Léo & Bobby). Je vous tiens au courant quand cela est fait (via HC et Twitter)!

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="549"]Cat Map by ZSL Cat Map -  by ZSL[/caption]

URL: http://sites.zsl.org/maps/

lundi 4 mars 2013

Un petit papillon à thé

Comment faites-vous tenir votre sachet de thé dans la tasse lorsque vous versez votre eau chaude?


6 fois sur 10, la leachet de mon sachet tombe et se noie dans la tasse.

  • Certains font un noeud avec le fil autour de l'anse de la tasse

  • D'autres maintiennent d'un pouce le fil sur le rebord tout en tenant la tasse de la main.


Et bien Yena Lee a developpé un packaging ingénieux et créatif qui apporte une réponse à ce petit (ou grand :-) ) problème de la vie.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"]Un petit papillon à thé Un petit papillon à thé[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"]Très délicat ce petit papillon ! Très délicat ce petit papillon ![/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"]Le petit papillon sort de son scahet ... comme une chrysalide. Le petit papillon sort de son cahet ... comme une chrysalide.[/caption]

Pour la petite histoire


Inventé en 1904 par un Américain, Thomas Sullivan, afin de faciliter le transport ainsi que d'en reduire le coût, c'est en 1929 que l'Allemand Adolph Rambold lui rajoute l'agraffe et la petite corde. Ainsi est né le sachet de thé tel que nous le connaissons toujours aujourd'hui.

[source: Yanko Design]


samedi 2 mars 2013

[Sandinavian] Diamonds are forever

Une idée lumineuse que de "sculpter" en forme de diamant des ampoules halogènes qui rappellent feu l'ampoule incandescente (et pas encore LED ou économiques).

Elle a tout pour briller comme un diamant.

Cette ampoule de 18W, qui offrira une lumière pendant 1500 heures, a été désignée par Eric Therner et produite par la firme scandinave FRAMA.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="350"]Eteinte, allumée et dans sa boîte - L'ampoule Diamant par Eric Therner Eteinte, allumée et dans sa boîte - L'ampoule Diamant par Eric Therner[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="350"]Dans sa boîte - L'ampoule Diamant par Eric Therner Dans sa boîte - L'ampoule Diamant par Eric Therner[/caption]

Elle est vendue en ligne chez Frama et Finnish Design Shop aux alentours de 33 euros TTC (hors frais de ports).

 

vendredi 1 mars 2013

Vintage homeware design trends for 2013 - Guest blogging

If you love to be a style setter and up to date with the latest trends, then it is important that you get your home in order and prepared to keep up with the latest fashions in 2013. During the London Design Festival, all the top designers take the opportunity to showcase all the latest collections, from this we have brought together all the hot new trends you can implement into your home straight away without blowing your budget.

Retro Plants


It is thought that 2013 is going to be the year of greenery, not only to represent the inspired look of the 1950’s but also to represent the current environment we live in and how we need to be more ‘green’. For the past few years we have seen plenty of plant themed patterns, this has been shown through wallpaper designs, ornaments and even lamps! This year we are expected to see the retro botanical pattern everywhere!

There are many ways you can bring the retro botanical theme into your home; this can be through your wallpaper choice or home ware additions including cushions, curtains, lamps, rugs etc.

Grouped Mirrors


A grouped mirror design is expected to hit everywhere from our homes, restaurants to high street stores. Mirrors have always been a big part of our home as they reflect light across the room, making rooms seem much bigger than they actually are. Go to your local home ware store and pick up a variety of different small mirrors and group them together over your bed or your mantelpiece. Do not try and organise the mirrors too much as when they are grouped oddly and in random spaces it will create the most stylish look.

Wood Effect


Wood is going to be a big hit in 2013, with a place being made for wood all over our homes. Whether you want to introduce solid oak simply into your home or you want to create a big feature out of it, it is all possible.

You can start bringing solid wood into your home in the presence of photo frames, mirrors and chairs. If you want to create a stronger sense of wood, why not buy a gorgeous rustic wooden dining table or coffee table?

Brass


Metallic buys have always been big on the high street, but this year brass is going to be a big part of high street stores and our homes. You can implement brass into your home design in many different ways, the most popular proving to be in the forms of candle holders, vases and lamps.

Kerry is an interior designer and loves choosing vintage home ware additions from http://www.nutscene.com to keep up with the latest trends.