Wednesday 9 June 2010

trend chair 2010

The contrasts between old and new, different textures, scales and colours are in sync with House & Home’s “look of the year” in the January 2010 Trends issue. Both are sexy, sophisticated and approachable, with pieces that you can work way beyond a single season.
Is it the effects of a recession? Maybe. But if you ask me, smart and stylish always come out on top, whether the economy is in a bust or boom.

Two Days Left!

Just a reminder that The National Home Show at The Direct Energy Building at Exhibition Place in Toronto ends this Sunday, February 28th. That means you have two days to take advantage of discount tickets available online — save $5 by using the promo code: HOUSE. (This blog and the Little Projects Guide are sponsored by NHS.)
 Not sure if you should make the trek? Well, style editor Michael Penney provided oodles of stylish reasons for checking out the show in his recent Affordable Style posts. (This outdoor sofa from Andrew Richard Designs being one.)
If you're not within the GTA, be sure to enjoy our Little Projects Guide, which is chock full of The National Home Show highlights, decorating tips and trends and blogs featuring the design inspiration behind the spaces in the 2010 Eurodale Dream Home.

Flamant-Inspired Decorating

If you haven’t heard of Flamant style by now, you must be living under a designer rock.
In House & Home circles, the Belgian look of grey paint and bleached wood has had a huge impact over the past few years. Think of the 2009 Princess Margaret Hospital Showhouse (and look for the magazine spread in the April 2010 issue, on newsstands March 15!).
 The look comes to us via the internationally known store/brand called Flamant, based in Belgium. (You may recall that Lynda Reeves recently wrote a column extolling their virtues, as well.)

Aren’t their kitchens dreamy?
I don’t know about you, but I’m not planning to move to Belgium any time soon. So, I’ve gotta get my Flamant here and on the cheap! Let’s call it Frugal Flamant. And here with the goods is Crate & Barrel!
 I love this table! It’s called the French Kitchen Table and sells for $1,599. You can call it your Belgian kitchen table if you like. I also love the other fantastic French-style accents from Crate!

Fireplace Mantel Options

To paint or not to paint? That really is the question.
 My partner and I are moving into a new apartment, and it has this lovely vintage gas fireplace with a darkly stained mantel.

The fireplace is faced with some pretty interesting tile — but I can’t decide whether I hate it or love it.
I am trying to figure out whether to leave the mantel stained, keeping the look traditional, or just paint it out. In my search for inspiration, I’ve come across some gorgeous mantels. Obviously not all of them will suit our space and the existing elements — but they are still fun to review! Here are a couple of options…
 Option 1: Paint it black. I love this look — it's so sophisticated, and with so many graphic elements in the space, the black really grounds the room.
 Option 2: Go rustic. I love the roughed up look of this one. I’m not sure if the landlord would be too happy about this treatment, though…!

Option 3: Keep it simple. This is my favourite from the Lulu DK website. It's so clean and simple, plus it highlights all the other elements in the room.
Now to make a decision — that’s a whole other story! What would you suggest?
For more mantel inspiration, view our Fireplaces And Mantel Displays photo gallery.

ART.3016 LYRE ARM SOFA by TAYLOR LLORENTE FURNITURE

A sculptural and stylised scrolling upholstered sofa

Tuesday 8 June 2010

Photos - Modern Kitchen

This modern kitchen design pic illustrates free-flowing lines in both the unusual light fixture over the table and the shelf/light fixture above the peninsula. Splashes of red throughout the space add warmth and energy. The darkness of the flooring and lower cabinets is offset by the light wall color and the large window.

The open concept of this modern kitchen design makes the space feel larger. An oversized island makes up for a lack of workspace on the kitchen countertop. The fridge and dishwasher visually disappear behind panels that match the rest of the cabinetry.

Contemporary design often combines natural and industrial elements. This contemporary kitchen successfully blends these elements with a less is more approach. The high gloss of the cabinetry is repeated through the use of a glass backsplash.

The sharp edges of this modern kitchen design strike a very European tone. A warm and welcoming effect has been achieved with the bold yellow color scheme and the use of wood for the backsplash and countertop material. Visual proof that contemporary design does not have to feel cold .

This dramatic contemporary kitchen design provides gorgeous long expanses of stainless steel countertops for working on or simply admiring. Notice how the cabinet hardware mimics the refrigerator door pulls. Under-cabinet lighting makes the ceramic tile backsplash glow.

The glossy black floor tiles anchor and help to define the kitchen area in this ultra-contemporary design. The space is full of funky finishes and textures from the smooth countertops, ceramic tile back wall and sleek rangehood to the warm dark wood of the lower cabinets and the added warmth of the golden wall color.

Contemporary design ideas can be incorporated into even the smallest of kitchens. The color of these cabinets is striking. While the simple, clean lines and minimal ornamentation in this kitchen give it a spacious feel.

Gleaming stainless appliances are mixed with pale wood and white walls for an up toThe minute, modern kitchen design. This makes for a light and bright area to work in.

Modern Kitchen Design Pictures

The dark wood finish is beautifully balanced with light reflective surfaces in this modern kitchen design. Very chic, low-backed stools take their rightful position at the eating end of the long island.

The natural light pours into this very contemporary kitchen. White, a color often associated with contemporary design, is used throughout the space creating a very light and airy atmosphere. Two layers of horizontal upper cabinets and large, deep drawers provide an abundance of storage. The orange-red color pops against the white shell.

Storage will never be an issue with the large cabinets in this modern kitchen. The island provides even more storage and workspace along with a table-type extension for an eating area. An interesting feature of this design is that the toe-kick has been eliminated from some of the wall cabinets giving them a floating feeling.

Something you are going to see more and more often in modern design is wood cabinetry presented with the grain running horizontally as opposed to the traditional vertical direction. The cabinets in this contemporary kitchen design picture have a mottled finish with dark brown and grey tones. The grey tones are further enhanced through the use of stainless appliances.

Here is an interesting color combination - pale yellow cabinets with a dark chocolate brown for the countertop material. The frosted glass doors break up what would otherwise be a bland expanse of upper cupboards. The area above the glass doors is a great niche for displaying special items and highlighting them with the recessed lights above.

Is this modern kitchen from the 60's, or the new millennium? The clean lines, smooth surfaces and simplistic quality are what create the modern feel in this design. The only giveaways to the real period of the design are the stainless steel appliances, the new rangehood and the microwave oven.

This is a cutting edge kitchen design. The space is practically void of color with the exception of some fresh fruit in a stainless steel bowl and a small assortment of cooking accessories.

A hot design in cool colors. If time travel was possible, you might be looking at a kitchen from 20 years in the future. An abundance of horizontal lines create a sense of movement within this space.

Traditional Bedroom Set

Presenting Casa Cristina, an extraordinary new line of warm, Euro-Mediterranean style furniture based on the lifestyle of Latin media sensation Cristina Saralegui. Reflections of her love of family, tradition and her own home have been captured in this magnificent collection. The elegance of Mediterranean style with the warm essence of the Islands resonate through this collection to create beautiful, livable furniture designed for today's lifestyle.
This Cortina Sleigh-Gondola Bed is a stunning example of how classic Sleigh Bed design has been taken to a completely new level. The curved side rails make a strong statement regarding the character and bold lines of this unique bed and the Oval Marble Medallion accent in the center of the headboard is a signature design element throughout the Cortina Collection.
Grand Revival is a wonderfully distinctive collection of furnishings that set it apart from the ordinary. Each piece is beautifully crafted and reflects the true elegance and classic style of traditional European furniture. Grand Revival honors that tradition with stately forms and meticulous carvings. The attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship in a Grand Revival Sleigh Bedroom set will make it a family heirloom.
The new Bob Mackie Home Classics Collection introduces a delightfully fresh twist to traditional styling with its soft, antique bleached mahogany look. The unique mahogany, primavera and walnut veneer inlays, lavish rope and tassel carvings and a creative use of leather with an embossed crocodile pattern combine to produce a treasure chest of choice and mix and match options. Every piece in this stunning new collection has been carefully selected to wear the coveted Bob Mackie signature with supreme style and grace.
The elegance and opulence of the Edwardian era created social and design trends that set European society apart from the rest of the world. It was a time of extensive wealth creation and successful merchants and the professional classes invested in quality furniture with great enthusiasm. Much of that same furniture remains in the homes of their families generations later.
This majestic Monte Carlo Mansion Bed is a King among other Mansion beds and will grace your home with the supreme ambience of classic taste. Choose from Queen, King or California King sizes, a Night Stand, Dresser, Mirror, Master's Chest and Armoire. This is a wonderful opportunity to customize the Monte Carlo Bedroom Set of your Dreams.
This majestic Poster Bed is outstanding among other beds and will grace your home with the supreme ambience of classic taste. Can also be configured without the canopy and with low posts on the Headboard and Footboard.

Italian Design Modern Beds

the Domino bed has a fabulous padded headboard covered in fine Italian wool, with a Tobacco Oak frame also topped with Italian wool (both in cream). The Domino has fabulous matching bedside cabinets & chests in a huge variety of lacquer & wood colours & the bed itself is also available in with a fully wool covered frame.

Here is a modern corner bed that will be the centerpiece of your bedroom. It is beautifully and carefully constructed with built-in nightstands. The versatility of corner platform bed makes them an ideal interior design. Its cherry color gives a modern feel to any room.

Comfort and tranquility await you on contemporary platform bed. This authentic Italian style bed fulfills your family’s needs and used as a personal home décor. Italian Cherry bed reflects the latest charm and brings peace and harmony to all the rooms in your home, whether you choose to have this modern platform bed grace for your master bedroom or your child's bedroom or in any other bedroom in your home.

A stylish modern Italian bed in your bedroom gives it a real meaning to look forward to when going to sleep. A well-structured bed is always essential for good sleep and a comfortable body posture while resting. This model called the Trendy Tobacco is made in Italy that gives you a fine and classy platform bed to soothe you in those good times and also satisfies your need to own a piece of modern furniture. This contemporary design bed is hard to resist with its mesmerizing structure and color palette.

Presenting you with the sleek, flush design, modern platform bed and you can imagine this bedroom set giving your room a very relaxing feel that you could enjoy after a long day at work. It is just like a journey in some imaginary land, when you relax on this bed.

A clean example of an Italian bedroom furniture set. Everything is set up to perfection. A simple yet chic bed where the bead head and base are bonded together and the headboard curves down to connect with the bed base. This Italian bed is very simple but classy and practical. Choose the color of your choice between the most known wood finishes such as dark brown, grey or light oak, domestic or bleached walnut, matt lacquered or teak.

A modern bedroom set which gives the feel of suspensions, a bed that looks like floating into the air. The feet are hidden below so that they are almost invisible to the eye. This terrific platform bed comes in different wood colors finishes including light oak, grey oak, dark oak, domestic walnut, bleached walnut, walnut canaletto or teak. It is also available in matt lacquer in a lot of different colors. Headboard available in wood same finishes, upholstered with removable slipcover in fabric or leather, or quilted with no removable slip cover in fabric or leather.

Contemporary Italian bed set with wood headboard and bedframe covered with thick leather on the top side only. So that depending on your leather color choice, the wood finishes blend or contrast with the wood structure. Imagine what creative bed you can get by matching a white leather color with light oak or a dark brown leather with wenge wood finish. The bedroom set is finished by matching chest of drawers and bedside tables.

A bedroom set which expresses a high design, modernity and indipendence. Voted the most favorite piece of our bedroom collection this modern bed is versatile and practical. First of all the headboard is made of two reclinable and adjustable cushions covered in leather or fabric. The leather is available in different colors. So enjoy watching tv and no more neck pain! Then, the bed is equipped with two side shelves which are just perfect to hold your favorite table lamp. The set is completed by two bedside tables with one drawer each. Use the bedside table tops to keep all your books in order. This best selling bedroom set is available in several wood finishes, in matt lacquer or high gloss lacquer in different colors.

Gorgeous modern design bed with massive platform base. We love this bed it looks so modern keeping classic bed shape. The structure of this modern bed is in wood completely covered by high capacity polyurethane expanded and fibre cover.Metal feet or front and back tubolar feet. Fully removable cover, except for the leather version. Thick heabodard cushions. It is possible to buy the bed with storage space. Available in european queen and king size mattress. Match this bed with any of our modern bedroom complements. Available in different kinds of fabric textures and colors and leather colors.

Design: M. Liparini. Fabric version of this magnificent designer bed with massive platform base. We love this bed it looks so modern keeping classic bed shape. And so unique and indipendent you can easily match any of our bedroom complements. Mix this bed in fabric or leather with our wood complements for the perfect designer bedroom set ! The structure of this modern bed is in wood completely covered by high capacity polyurethane expanded and fibre cover.Metal feet or front and back tubolar feet. Fully removable cover, except for the leather version. It is possible to buy the bed with storage space.

Italian bedroom furniture with no compromise. The design and functionality showcased by creative Italian designers and developed by Italian manufacturers with a tradition in the modern design furniture industry. Modern design bed with adjustable headrest supplied with storage unit. Soft curved lines run around the bedframe. Upholstery in fabric or leather.

Monday 7 June 2010

Contemporary Kitchens

Soaring ceilings accentuate the openness of this kitchen while pendant track lighting and a stainless steel canopy hood with a tall duct cover draw attention upward. Blue translucent glass panel cabinet doors subtly complement the room’s earthy palette.

A flat glass cooktop, slab cabinets and recessed pulls maintain clean lines and flat surfaces. Rich gray oak cabinetry with a brown finish provides a chic, stark contrast to a white Caesar Stone quartz countertop.

Deep chocolate brown cabinets with crown molding add a traditional touch to this contemporary kitchen design. Glass cabinetry inserts and a glass bartop help keep the room light and fresh.

The designer recessed the wall ovens, a utility cabinet and a phone center in the space formerly occupied by coat closets.

Earthy colors and textures – a stone tile floor, granite countertops and a glass tile backsplash – soften the cold contemporary look of the stainless steel cabinets and appliances.

Details make the difference: Metal accent tiles make this stone tile backsplash sparkle. The wood floor stands out thanks to a border of red-stained planks.

Glass insets, a wine rack and straight edge molding add style to simple slab cabinets from Merit Kitchens. A curved granite slab countertop with a bullnose edge matches the curves of the open shelving, while curved cabinet pulls match the handles of the KitchenAid side-by-side refrigerator.

The elevated, curved counter separates the kitchen from the sitting area and serves as a buffet and snack bar. A white battened ceiling complements the numerous skylights and windows.

Replacing a full wall with a bar-height counter opened up this small condo kitchen. Dark wood square-door cabinets with curved chrome pulls, taupe subway tile, funky bar stools and curvy track lighting make this a warm contemporary space.

Wood cabinetry adds warmth and contrast to stainless steel appliances and granite counters. A curved peninsula countertop with a bullnose edge defines the working and eating spaces in the kitchen.

kitchen, go with high-gloss lacquer cabinets in a bright primary color, like this brilliant blue. White stone or quartz countertops with straight edges and a high-arc, pro-style, pulldown faucet complete the minimalist style.