Monday, October 1, 2012

long, long time

Obviously, I haven't written in here for awhile.

Blogger looks completely different now---I'm not even sure what to do. :-)

I got really busy. But I'd love to get back to blogging.


I have discovered one website I would recommend you check out. It's not limited to funky design but they have a lot of great idea books and tons of gorgeous stuff. It's called Houzz and you can check it out here.

Monday, January 23, 2012

modern couch makeover

I am in need of a new couch.

Unfortunately, the couches I am going to post wouldn't actually work in my space at all. I am in an old building. The space has old bones. Awkward layouts abound. But for fun, I'll still post them anyway!







Couch One: These couches are from Apt 5 Designs. Their sleek design would appeal in either small or large living spaces. My favorite part about this is that they show you how you can sit and/or relax on the couch. I can imagine the problems that would arise upon entering the store.

Jane: I love this couch!
Jim: Huh? This doesn't look like a regular couch. How does it work? Do I...sit on it? Lay? Crouch? 
Jane: Don't worry, Jim. They give us some pictures so we know how to use it. See here? You thought you were supposed to just lie back but the truth is you need to have your arm folded up in the air whilst relaxing.

I actually like the couches but for me, couches are all about comfort. If I doubt I can nap comfortably, I am not all that interested.






Couch Two: How do I feel about this? I have to say---not so great. This feels like it belongs in one of those upscale, uptight offices that interview rejects sit on while waiting for their turn with HR. It's cold and unappealing. And frankly, the only people who purchase couches with white cushions are people who don't plan on sitting on them because they're in one of their many rooms in their 10,000 square foot home.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Unique Designs---Outside!

Most of the posts that have been created by me have been about unique designs for the inside of your home. But the problem with that is---well, it's summer! If you're like me, you don't want to be stuck inside of your home. I thought about it---for an entire twenty seconds---and I came up with my next idea! Tents!

Yes, the thrilling world of tents! I know, I know---you can't contain yourself. But stay with me here. Even if you don't like camping or even the thought of having a thin slice of fabric separate you from nature, you will, at the very least, appreciate these unique tents.





Tent One: Where am I? I feel like I've been warped into some time in the future where people live in pods. (That's if you ignore the houses in the backdrop.) Not only does this tent store solar energy but it apparently has an LCD-screen too. At night, it looks gorgeous all lit up. I guess this is really for those modern campers who need to charge their cell phones.


Tent Two: Known as the "mangroove," this tent provides the stability that other tents may not. It's design allows you to set it up on all types of terrain while providing the comfort you need for a great night's sleep---you know, as long as there aren't bears around. I'll be completely useless here and say that it's actually quite cute and compact.



Tent Three: I'm not sure if I have any words for this. This might be the most convenient thing I have ever seen. It looks so classy---way too classy for someone like me. It's quite gorgeous and is easy to transport around. I just hope that it's easy to keep clean.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Windows, Windows, Windows

Many of my posts have focused on the interior of your home. After all, when it comes to design, people focus much more in the inside than the outside. Most houses are typically the same. Sure, a house might be built out of wood instead of brick or may be one story instead of two but for the most part, a very small minority are radically different. I thought I would use this post to talk a specific feature of a home often ignored---windows. Ah yes, windows. Many people love big, open windows even though they are a pain to clean. Usually homeowners are more concerned with whether or not the windows are older or newer and for good reason. But this time around, I'll focus on the different types of windows I have come across, whether they're good or bad.


Are you ready for this kind of living? Apparently Friedensreich Hundertwasser, a Viennese artist, designed this building that has---I'm not kidding---over 1,000 unique windows with individualized handles on them.


Interesting windows in a triangular building at Parc Diagonal Mar in Spain. I kind of dig them---they look pretty sleek and I think this type of window can be done well on the right building.


I have never really seen something like this before. Usually you will see your standard windows and then a skylight. Having both kinds of windows merge into one never really occurred to me, though I'm not sure that I love it here. I think this idea could be translated really well into newer houses that are not quite as modern as this one. I think it would look great if the windows transitioned with smooth lines.


And finally, this Nautilus House, crafted by Javier Senosiain. Now the windows aren't that different but the windows are all over the place, with many of them on the ceiling. And really, you don't see too many circular windows or windows that you can't really open in an entire house. The inside is quite interesting as well and I would love to visit one. I don't think I could live in the house---but let's pretend I became very wealthy and need a vacation home---I think this would be a great getaway.

Friday, March 18, 2011

When Radiators Stop Being Ugly: Part Two

So---delayed much?

I know. I've been bad about writing here. But I still plan on writing here.

I decided to continue my entry that was last posted over two months ago about radiators. I really find them interesting because I have never seen any radiators like them anywhere. I'm just going to post the pictures here and let you decide which one is your favorite.





I really like all of them but I think the last one is my least favorite. It's just not my style at all. The third one is fun---I see it in an office or maybe even a child's room. The second one is pretty awesome---I definitely love the industrial feel---but it takes up too much space. If you have a lot of space or extra space it wouldn't be a problem but most people don't have that issue.

The winner in this batch for me is number one! I love the color scheme, the funk, the style---everything! My favorite thing about all of these pieces is that they are not only functional but they really are pieces of art.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

When Radiators Stop Being Ugly: Part One


Happy New Year!

I haven't written in awhile. I'm dabbling in some other ventures that are often taking up my time. I was thinking about what I should write about next and I just jokingly thought “radiators.” So imagine my surprise when I actually found funky radiators for your home! Whenever people think of radiators, they usually think of these boring things that pretty much look the same in every home and make everything warm. The radiators I've chosen for you today defy the notion that radiators have to be boring and just something that is in the way.

Radiator One:



These radiators have a very industrial feel to them. I love the way they seamlessly flow along the wall. It almost has an artistic feel to it. These would be great for a modern space. I can see them in condos that have been converted from large industrial buildings.

Radiator Two:



These radiators, from Caleido, are very noteworthy. Unlike the first image, these radiators look nothing like the radiators we're used to in our homes. Like the first image, however, these also have a very artistic feel to them. These would be great in a fun space---no formal rooms, please.

Radiator Three:


This radiator, by Carisa, has a very elegant feel to it. You can probably see a pattern here---yet another radiator that feels like a piece of art. There is a strong sense of musicality to this radiator and it really has a sense of class. This would be great in a more formal area. Note: That does not mean boring.

Radiator Four:



Looking for something different that has a more natural feel? Check out this radiator from I-Radium. Although their radiators have a sense of nature to them, they still manage to have a sense of elegance to them. They also appear to be great space savers. Check out more from this company here:



As you can tell, I found quite a few so I will continue with part two at a later time. But more importantly, which is your favorite of the ones I presented to you today? I'm having a hard time choosing!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Seven Unique Christmas Trees

I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

I don't know where you guys are but where I am, it is cold!

I thought I could update everyone with some unique Christmas trees. There's really not too much out there but I thought I'd give it a go anyway. I won't be commenting on these trees and will let the images speak for themselves today. :-) If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them if you'd like.