Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Time for a Warm Up: Wood Stoves vs. Fireplaces

With winter in full swing, everyone is dreaming of warmer climates. You might want to consider cozying up to a fire instead. The wood stove vs. fireplace debate has plenty of arguements for either side, both have their merits and drawbacks. Let's discuss some pluses and minuses for the two and look at some inspirational photos!


Wood Stoves: Think Beyond Cabin in the Woods

A wood stove has the advantage of providing literal warmth to a room, but some worry that aesthetically they are at a disadvantage. However, it may be time to rethink the wood stove. Newer wood stoves are much more slick and can be bring style and design to a space. Here are some reinvented wood stoves for you to consider.


http://www.stayfitbuzz.com/DECOR-LOVE

http://www.houzz.com/photos/5204995/My-Houzz--Niagara-Vineyard-Renovation-contemporary-living-room-other-metro



http://houseofhabit.blogspot.com/search/label/home%20decor

http://www.houzz.com/photos/7591462/Woodstock-Retreat-contemporary-porch

http://www.houzz.com/photos/1718072/Gyrofocus-Fire-rustic-living-room-other-metro



Fireplaces: Beyond traditional

Fireplaces have always been a very popular way to bring flames into a space. They may not heat your home as efficiently as a wood stove, but many enjoy the open and inviting look of a fireplace. One of the better selling points of a fireplace is the mantel. Mantels have always been a lovely place to display personal treasures. Interestingly enough, many modern fireplaces do not have mantels.



http://www.houzz.com/photos/1499987/Brush-Prairie-House-contemporary-living-room-portland


http://designindulgences.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/wpid-b9f33d8_large.jpeg






http://www.houzz.com/photos/3184765/Modern-Color-modern-living-room-chicago



http://www.houzz.com/photos/701295/Erie-Loft-rustic-living-room-chicago


http://www.archdaily.com/262571/broadway-penthouse-joel-sanders/


Best of Both Worlds

There are also some who prefer a mix of a wood stove and a fireplace. A wood stove with a mantel can provide the solution to the fireplace vs. wood stove debate. Here are some examples of a hybrid between the two sources of heat.


http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/10/at-home-with-kelly-moore-clark-1.html

http://default.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/96/000014a39/9f9c_orh0w0/Living-room-woodburner-style-at-home-housetohome.jpg


http://homeklondike.com/2011/04/05/mantelpiece-ideas/



Friday, January 31, 2014

Chairs: Take a Seat

More than just a place to sit, chairs really define and complete a space. Designers throughout history have poured their heart and soul into creating and re-imagining the places we sit.

 Living Room Chairs

In living and family rooms, chairs are a chance to show your personality in a way that can't quite be done with sofas and tables. An interesting accent chair in an otherwise understated room can completely change the mood. Here are some imaginative chairs that can make or break a space.

http://www.houzz.com/photos/69618/West-Chelsea-Loft-midcentury-living-room-other-metro

http://thedecorista.tumblr.com/post/3295144423
http://www.houzz.com/photos/380648/David-Howell-Design-industrial-living-room-new-york

http://www.houzz.com/photos/83961/family-room-modern-family-room-los-angeles




Dining Chairs

Dining room chairs can also push the envelope and define a space. Pairing a unique dining chair with a classic table can change the entire feel of the room. Let's take a look at some fabulous dining chairs.


http://www.traditionalhome.com/design/showhouses/ritz-carlton-showcase-apartment-doug-atherley?page=7

http://www.houzz.com/photos/545020/Modern-Dining-Room-industrial-dining-room-toronto

http://www.houzz.com/photos/75287/Dining-Room-modern-dining-room-boston

http://www.houzz.com/photos/542442/O-Neil-For-Interiors-midcentury-dining-room-dallas


High Design: Statement pieces


Some chairs really challenge our perception of the usual places in which we rest our bodies. Let's take a look at what concepts some designers have imagined a chair could look like.


http://25.media.tumblr.com/46b6d8206e6c6c291107f2909a19fdd8/tumblr_mva47tVXQ01seba4lo1_500.jpg


http://naiftasarim.com/products


http://www.picamemag.com/thin-black-lines/


http://anabundanceof.tumblr.com/post/74560564319/http-www-dezeen-com-2013-01-09-cod-by-rami-tareef-for-ga

Have a seat!


Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Wallpaper: Not For Wallflowers

If you hear the word wallpaper and it conjures up images of Grandma's floral formal dining room, you should throw out your preconceived notions and rethink what modern wallpaper can look like. These days wall coverings can come in a range of styles, textures, and patterns creating a mood or feeling that cannot be executed with paint alone. Here are some new and exciting looks in the world of wallpaper:

outdoor wallpaper


Textures

Wallpaper can be an excellent way to inject rich texture into a space. Modern wall coverings have come a long way in terms of creating an eye pleasing and unique aesthetic. Textured wall papers can create a mood and character in a room that cannot be accomplished through any other medium. Wall coverings now come in textures ranging from the subtle but elegant grass cloth options, to a more traditional looking embossed wallpaper, to the ultra modern textured geometrics that are pushing the limits of what a "wallpaper" means. 

houzz

houzz

houzz

houzz


houzz





3D wall panels

Geometric

http://suitedetails.tumblr.com/post/36739771473/off-the-wall-tribal-source-admagazine-fr
Geometric wall papers are a popular and bold choice that look great in many different spaces. A geometric pattern in a high contrast black and white can have a high impact. Whereas a softer more subtle color palette or pattern can impart interest to an elegant space. Colorful geometric wall coverings keep things playful and fun!
http://www.houzz.com/photos/4353830/Marin-Showcase-2012-contemporary-bedroom-san-francisco

http://www.houzz.com/photos/607434/Formal-Powder-Room-modern-powder-room-philadelphia



http://www.houzz.com/photos/2657467/Pacific-Heights-Family-Home-contemporary-bathroom-san-francisco

http://loobirdpress.com/blog/

http://www.houzz.com/photos/5541266/Contemporary-Kids-contemporary-kids-san-francisco




Whimsical

Whimsical wall papers can convey a sense of playfulness for someone looking for a lighthearted aesthetic. These wall coverings are fantastic in nurseries/kids rooms or in a quirky, eclectic space. They are perfect for powder rooms where you can have fun and get creative in a small space that guests frequent.

http://www.houzz.com/photos/3703077/Marina-Del-Rey--CA-eclectic-bathroom-other-metro

http://www.houzz.com/photos/2408075/Design-Within-Reach-Buckhead-Bedroom-modern-kids-atlanta

http://www.houzz.com/photos/3295530/Lakeview-Residence-traditional-powder-room-chicago

http://www.flickr.com/photos/esthermokka/233573395/in/faves-wearmystuff/
http://www.houzz.com/photos/1024085/Bronze-Sink-at-Powder-Room-eclectic-powder-room-new-york

Avant Garde

Some wall papers are really pushing the design limits. These wall coverings impart the latest looks in a very interesting way. Unusual patterns and themes will keep spaces looking ultra hip and modern.

http://www.monumentinteriors.com/shop/black-and-white/akimbo-2-wallpaper-greyscale/

http://www.designlovefest.com/2014/01/favorite-wallpapers-right-now/

http://www.designlovefest.com/2014/01/favorite-wallpapers-right-now/
design milk