Great Things

In February I introduced you to, "Great Things", and the owner. As I mentioned in that article, it is always changing with new items arriving daily. While on a shopping trip I visited the shop to find it with a beautiful uplift arranged in an array of colors, each vignette seems to display one treasure after another and how clever to arrange it in the colors you are looking for, from clothing to furniture and home goods items. Their talents for designing also shows with a flair and manner appealing to..." what women want"... beautiful clothing and home decor items!!!! Not to mention the fantastic prices and quality!!! How fun is this, shopping for a great pair of shoes and to your surprise you find a great piece of art or chandelier!!!!

At Great Things Showplace you will find quality pre-owned furniture/home décor and beautiful designer clothing and accessories. Many items never or barely used. Best of all, nearly 98% of all items brought into the store sell, and quickly. Everyday new items arrive.” It always changes, which is why you need to shop regularly, so you don't miss a "Great Thing".

Beautiful Contract Carpet

Lace It Or Leave It is a new tile and broadloom carpet collection by Karastan Contract, part of The Mohawk Group, which will be showcased at the Neo Con fair this coming week. Using the latest fashion for clothing as a large-scale, patterned flooring option, it’s borderline sustainable - using 15-percent post-consumer recycled content as well.



Featuring a cutting edge, piece-dyed technology that incorporates an innovative new type of yarn into the shimmering contrast of the others, Karastan Contract uses a cut-and-loop pattern for a subtle effect that smooths the two colors into one another.

The Karastan Contract for the Mohawk Group brings in sophistication and elegance with the depth of the Lace It or Leave It Collection created especially for contract interiors.

Backsplash Ideas

Incorporating one material throughout a room is a great way to unify the design and establish a distinct focal point. For this contemporary kitchen, Herzlinger used large slabs of marble to create a monolithic look, thus allowing the dark cabinetry and floors to pop.



A backsplash can also be used to separate one area of a room from another. In this modern home, Herzlinger brought in stainless tile to designate a butler's bar within the oversized kitchen.
A smaller budget doesn't have to mean a sacrifice in style. Graphic designer Jen Ramos selected honed Carrara marble for her backsplash, which she found at Home Depot and installed via independent contractor.



For designer Jamie Herzlinger, a backsplash is the finishing touch that can make or break the room. "So often I come across backsplashes that aren't in sync with the rest of the kitchen," laments Herzlinger, "and that's a missed opportunity to make a big statement." For this space, Herzlinger chose a mustard yellow and oxblood red pattern to accent the Mediterranean decor.



Design blogger and fine artist Nicole Cohen had her work cut out for her when she took on a gut renovation of her apartment. She selected miniature stainless steel tiles for the backsplash, which gave an industrial edge to the Calcutta countertops and white lacquer cabinetry in her kitchen. A twist on traditional subway tile, the metal is modern and easy to keep clean.

Kitchen Islands

There's something so calm and peaceful about this kitchen yet, at the same time, it's seriously calling your name to whip up a special meal and enjoy. The beautiful lines, neutral color palette and textures that extend through to the kitchen island pull this whole space together. The dark no-back bar stools work in the space by adding a touch of balance that matches the dining table. Design tip: consider using a similar design element for your backsplash to add harmony to a smaller space. In this case, marble.



In this pretty space, the kitchen island acts as the true hub, providing balance and harmony. With design styles mixing from industrial and modern to classic touches, the kitchen and the island represent a functional, well-designed space. The large island with an open frame works in this space, matching the design style of the counters and farmhouse sink. With a metal rack shelf below and the cement countertops above, the island houses the range as well. Very much a space any cook would love.



Designing a functional and stylish kitchen island can make a big impact in kitchen, often a room that can feel small. In this case, using the same monochromatic color palette and sustainable wood materials for the island that spans the kitchen spaces will make the space feel bigger. The sustainable wood is used on the base of the islands and the cabinets, allowing the eye to keep moving throughout.


What a dream space? This entire kitchen is inviting, cool and feels like such a modern classic. Using a black and white contrast with metal hardware throughout the entire space, including the large island, really adds dimension and absolute style to this space. Since there are tons of clean lines on the island, one way to soften the feel is to add a rounded support under the lip of the countertop. This adds a bit of design style and connects the rounded light fixtures.


For those loft lovers out there, this kitchen space provides some serious inspiration. The designer chooses a simple and open kitchen island to accommodate the large space. Often a solid consideration if you are looking for an anchored space for people to dine or to use for prep.

Pavilion Roof Top/Charleston SC

I hope everyone had a safe and happy independence day. This is one of the spots we visited while in Charleston SC for the 4th. It is the Pavilion Hotel in Charleston SC. on the roof top! Beautiful view of the Charleston Bay area.
A must see if you travel to Charleston. We met 3  new friends while there, they are 21 years old who are touring the US from Germany you can follow Julius, Phillip and Calvin's US tour at this link
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcp_usa_2011/



Evening ambiance



Across the street from the Pavilion is the Mad River Restaurant, click the link for the details of the history. Charleston commonly known as the Holy City due to the amount and unique style of the churches.

Upon arrival, we visited Hyman's Seafood in downtown Charleston, voted the best seafood in the south. It truly lived up to it's reputation. The afternoon consisted of a historical carriage ride through the city with the tour of the Battery street
homes by the bay being the highlight of the tour.





Ft. Sumter was a highlight of our tour of such a historical city especially celebrating the 4th of July. Ft. Sumter, sits on an island similiar to Alcatraz in San Francisco. Click the link to visit information on our country's oldest history. Charleston was like visiting San Franciso on a smaller scale.

The need for a crossing of the Cooper River and Town Creek had been longstanding. The issue was how it should be done, and who would finance it. The solution came in 1928 when the dream of Charlestonian John P. Grace and others of building a Cooper River Bridge materialized, with financial backing from H.M. Byllesby and Company of Chicago and its allied financial group. The bridge connects from Charleston to Sullivan's Island Beach where we ventured to the beach to watch the Salute from Shore celebration.

Finalizing our trip at Sullivan's Island we had lunch at the RB restaurant below



You can visit the restaurant at this link and see the beautiful water views. http://www.ourcharlestonhome.com/RB'S-Restaurant



View from the RB restaurant from the bay to the atlantic ocean. We watched dolphin play near the boaters and ended out holiday celebration with more fantastic food and great music (oldies) . The music does take you back to a quieter time of life.

Don't wait for holiday's to visit Charleston, there is so much to experience !!!
Fabulous trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Independence Day America!!!

 

 

Bright Idea

Designers are getting inventive with their use of old books. Not too long ago we saw Not Tom’s Book Bookshelf, which is actually made of unwanted books, both paperback and hardcover (Not Tom does Not discriminate). And designer David Karoff presented Book Chair, a chair constructed of repurposed paperbacks.
Now Ragip Erdem is using old hardcovers to make lamps. The transparently titled Book Lamp (and why not be obvious, since you want people to see the light?) uses one tome to create a unique lighting fixture.



Available as a table light or pendant light, Book Lamp uses all the parts of the book: pages, spine, and front and back covers. The idea behind the design is to emphasize the metaphorical beauty of the book, as well as to take advantage of the book as an object, which may be disappearing as it gets replaced by digitized versions. The romance of the book struck designer Erdem quite early: “When I was in high school just glancing at my books on the book shelves used to take me to the exotic worlds.” His Book Lamp attempts to harness “that lost mysterious feeling.”



But Book Lamp works on a literal level as well, celebrating books as objects, turning them “into sculpturesque icons.” As such, Book Lamp is steeped in the atmospheric and the symbolic. The light it emanates works to set a mood; it is not meant to be used as a task light. Designer Ragip Erdem will custom make any order based on your literary tastes. Art and coffee table books lend themselves quite well to the creation of Book Lamp, which leaves open a world of possibilities. While he has completed Book Lamps around titles such as Maui and Chocolate, the possibilities are as far-reaching as the entire history of literature. You can create a beaming beacon out of fantastic fairy tales or weighty world histories.

Polia

Who knew that the new lighting fixture called Polia by Manuel Vivian for Axo Light was conceived after the designer read a book called “Hypnerotomachia Poliphili”? Apparently within the covers of a book - whose lengthy title means “Poliphilo’s Strife of Love in a Dream” - wandering dreams are written down by the emblematic Italian Renaissance writer, Francesca Colonna.

James DeWulf

James DeWulf, innovative Los Angeles designer, known for his original creations in concrete has applied his ingenuity in another medium to create stunning light fixtures. Photo above shows the hammered cast iron pendant. Below is the Triton pendant. Made of solid brass, the Triton is sand cast at a foundry to create a texture that plays with the light in a beautiful and unique way.

When asked about his reasons for moving into another medium, DeWulf comments, “I like materials that last and are real.  My mission in life is to bring beautiful things into the world and I do my best to let these come from my deepest self.”  As for the Triton Pendant, he went on to say, “The Triton Pendant is a celebration of light.  The design is a control of negative space while the fixture honors and protects the light.”  For more information about James DeWulf and his designs go to http://dwconcrete.com/lighting.html

Bath Ideas

The architectural element in this powder room is definitely unique. A floating vanity with under lighting is used to create a dramatic effect.



Travel back to an age of grandeur in this Old World master bathroom. Warm wall colors and ornate wall sconces provide a feast for the eyes, while a marble shower and tub are ready to rejuvenate the body. Deep red and marigold yellow accessories accent the space, while a marble sink and dark cabinets make the room as functional as it is beautiful.



Nothing says country like plaid prints and flowers mixed together. For a touch of sophistication, choose bold prints with a strong ebony accent color.



This updated bathroom features a contemporary look with more storage than it had previously.



Natural stones, Tatami tile and dark woods contribute to the Zen-like experience in this sleek bathroom. A frameless shower door was used in this small guest bathroom to give the illusion of more space.


Custom sconces and oversized crown molding give character to a square bathroom. Photo by Mayer & Bowden Photography.



The custom concrete floating vanity with a Nakashima integrated sink brings the outdoors inside this contemporary bathroom.

I totally love, love, love this sink!!!!!!!!!!!!

Black and Bold

A classic palette of black, white and navy blue combines the glamour of old Hollywood with the richest of bold neutrals. If black walls aren't your thing, consider white walls paired with black furniture and accents of blue. This will keep the overall look dramatic but give the room a much lighter feel.

As you well know, if you follow my blog, I love the black pallette with splashes of color. This is a winner for me although blue is not a color of my choice. It does look great in this setting.

Homeowners with a flair for the dramatic may find black and cherry red an ideal color combination for their interiors. Painting walls is an inexpensive and easy task. So, if you want to audition these colors in your home, it's best to use red on walls and black on pricey upholstery. Because black goes with virtually every color, upholstered pieces will fit in perfectly should the red be swapped for another hue later on.

While many designers consider teal and lime green to be two of the most difficult colors to work with, when used together, they create a look that is fresh and inspiring. Experiment with this high-energy pairing in a small space where you don't spend much time, like a bathroom. Because the blue-green tone of teal is less intense than the electrifying citrus color of lime green, it's best to use teal as the dominant tone and lime as an accent.

Pumpkin, medium gray and dark brown is an excellent combination for orange lovers too intimidated to use red-orange or tangerine for their interiors. Adding medium gray to the mix prevents the otherwise autumnal palette from being labeled as seasonal.

Markus Johansson’s Cirrata Lamp

Who knew that a behind-the-scenes look at design could reveal a process as multifarious and complex as that of making a major film? And a Tim Burton film at that. The comparison holds in regard to Markus Johansson's Cirrata Lamp, especially when one sees the dozen or so miniaturized prototypes that culminated in this over-sized lightpiece that resembles a gigantic octopus.




The large lamp’s name refers to a suborder of octopi characterized by an internal skeleton and a set of two fins—unusual qualities in an octopus and ones which actually make it more vulnerable to predators. Perhaps Johannson chose the name for this reason, because Cirrata’s increased vulnerability prompts it to favor deep, dark spaces.



In such depths the creature can avoid predation, and one imagines Johannson’s imaginative vision of Cirrata profited from this biological fact. It seems likely as well, that the designer chose the hard—and heretofore less malleable—material of Corian for similar reasons, not the least of which is the intriguing way in which it absorbs and reflects light.



Using a high-heat forming process in which he molded Corian around wooden boxes, Johannson was able to stretch the material out into the luminously-long and many-appendaged parabola of Cirrata: “a body with many arms which sweeps along and lights up the depths.”