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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

I-Radium Radiators 

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!

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.

Funky Staircases for Your Home

I am finding it more and more difficult to come up with new ideas but I am still trucking along! As I pondered what I wanted to write about next, I finally thought of it---staircases. I love when I see unique staircases---whether it be the funky ones I am going to discuss here or just original to the home, meticulously done staircases with a gorgeous, unique design. Here are some of the staircases that I have found on my search that I love. And if you love them, stay tuned---my next entry will show you even more!

Staircase One: The staircase below is absolutely gorgeous and well-designed. Any staircase with a curvature is usually a plus in my book and furthermore, anything that adds additional storage is always a plus. It's very sleek and very modern and I love the darkness against a lighter wall color. Beautiful!

Staircase Two: Wait a second! Did my dreams just come true? This is an incredibly awesome staircase. Why does this not exist EVERYWHERE? Imagine you are getting out of work after a really long day and you get to ride this bad boy on your way out. That would be an awesome mood-lifter. I'd like to see this in some other colors but otherwise, this receives a grade of "awesome" in my book.

Staircase Three: Now clearly I don't think this would be great for a house but I think the idea and the fluidity is great for a very large building---perhaps a concert hall. These stairs feel very musical to me and the flow is great.

Unique Kitchenware For Your Home

Many of my posts have been about unique or funky designs specifically related to one thing. I thought today I could change that up with a little bit of funky kitchenware to brighten your day. Most of these pieces are for those who like to have a little fun with their guests and for people who have a sense of humor themselves. I can't see these working for people who have very serious tastes.

Image One: It's so wrong but it's so right! Is there anything wrong with this? Not in my mind. I absolutely love it. Typical pieces that hold knives are so boring. This is so fun, albeit slightly violent. This will definitely add a kick to your kitchen. I have also seen this piece in black.

Image Two: Very cute take on the typical gingerbread man cookie cutters. And now that we're getting into the holiday season, now would be a great time to add them to your collection. Great for a fun party where you have guests who can take a joke. I could definitely see myself having a tray of these when my guests walk in and not saying a word. Then I could see what peoples' reactions would be.

Image Three: Definitely adorable! These kitchen items are not only colorful but they're fun. They're great if you have the space to store them and if you have a sense of humor. And once again, it really touches the soft spot in my heart for appendages or anatomy in general.

Unique Lights for Your Home

I have written about lights before---this is something I know. The fact remains, however, that there seems to be an interest in designing lights. During my searches, I have continued to come across lights of all different shapes and sizes that are unique and have a sense of funk to them. There seems to be a spark, no pun intended, in people that inspires different looks and I hope to present some more that I have found to you.

Lighting One: The lights presented below feel very whimsical to me. These are actually lamp shades that have a very natural feel to them. These gorgeous shades would be great in an outdoor area, as they provide a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere for any backyard.

Lighting Two: Wow! These lights would be great in a big room. Imagine a continuous stream-lined wall of lights like this in a great room. I would like to see these in two different ways---I would like to see them as they are presented here against a white wall and I would like to see all of the lights turned on against a dark wall. I think these would also be great in a game room or a basement, where tons of light is usually needed.

Image Three: I am such a sucker for cute lights like this. This is absolutely adorable. Really. Anything with appendages I am a fan of but this is too cute and would be great on a desk. Of course, you'd have to have a fun, playful sense of style in your office not a serious one.

That's it for now. I didn't really have too much time to update and I know I will be talking about lighting quite a bit, considering there is so much great stuff out there. Take care, all!

christine sakariasen

Work, Work, Work

As I searched my brain on what to cover next, I found it becoming increasingly difficult to determine what I should write about. I wouldn't mind covering my bases at least once before I blog on other things. I thought, as I was sitting at my desk with the best posture possible, that I could write about desks. Imagine my disappointment when I found that there weren't too many desks to even write about. Here are three desks I found to be interesting.

Desk One: This desk actually has drawers on both sides. This creation, by Robert Brou, is known as the "Wave" desk. Notice the intricate detail and curves of the piece. The drawers eliminate the need for hardware, as they smoothly return to their place. What I would like to know is how annoying it must be to clean! I remember my mother's table had one little inlet that circled around the table and that was annoying enough to get things out of---imagine cleaning this!

Desk Two: I would not purchase this desk but I find it very interesting. The banded color pattern on the wood is fairly detailed. Coined the "Rainbow Desk" by designer Allan Luke, this piece is made from a myriad of different trees and invokes a real sense of nature.

Desk Three: Ah, yes. This appears not to be for purchase but I wanted to include this since many of the desks I was viewing didn't have that funk factor. I actually think I like this and see this as a fun piece that can be placed in a variety of places, such as a library, a book store, etc.

 

Looking for more neutral pieces with a flair? Check out Oprah.com's "18 Unique Desks in Every Style and Budget." Here you will find a variety of different desks in all different colors with slightly different styles. To me, many of them have a Southern feel. But they are plain and simple, as many wish for their desks to be.

18 Unique Desks

Written By: Christine Sakariasen

Table That!

I realized that I had intended to do a post on tables. I recalled this only after I began my search, as I thought to myself, "Some of these look familiar." I like tables---although, mine is the cheapest one I could find. Perhaps one day when I can afford that palatial mansion I will indulge myself with one that I really like.

Table One: Okay, so perhaps one could argue that this might not be a table but obviously, without a flame, it is still functional. Hell, even with the flame on you can still put things on it. I'm not sure how I feel about this---do I like this? Would I own this? Wouldn't I rather have a fake fireplace? Would I reenact this scene, with my friend and I sitting in my already lit living room, holding a deep conversation? All things to consider when looking at this design.

Table Two: I actually like this and I think it serves its purpose. It's very simple, although you might not like this if you have trouble doing things like sitting down on the floor and getting back up again. As one whose thirty-four year old body is in an advance state of atrophy, I can vouch that this might not be comfortable for everyone. This table, with an Asian-influence, is definitely a space-saver that does not have comfort in mind, unless, that is, you have the ass of a rock.

Table Three: Now this I love! I would claim this in a heartbeat. Blood. Paint dripping. Who cares what it is? It's fun. It's appears so simple from above. But even though others might be turned off by this look, I find it quite elegant.

Table Four: Ah, functionality. Pieces like this have become oh so commonplace in cities, where rational, young peoples' minds are warped into believing that 400-500 square feet of living space at no less than 500K is completely acceptable! I have seen a table like this in Ikea, which seats four. The nice thing about this table is that it seats at least eight people. Supposedly on a website that I read, this seats twelve, but I'm not sure how practical and comfortable that is. The seats appear a bit low but I don't see this as a place you would be seated for a long-period of time. Hell, you could even use this in a tiny office space. I do like the colors of this piece and the design itself is uncomplicated.

until next time...

christine sakariasen

Reflecting

Mirrors are great decorative tools. Generally you find people placing mirrors in all different places---bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms, etc. Here are some fun mirrors that I have found in my search for funk.

Mirror One: This is my favorite decorative piece. There are a number of strips, intertwined, which changes the way you appear to be in different angles. Beautiful. It gives you a completely different look from any other mirror.

Mirror Two: Flashback to the Tetris blocks that I posted for the bookcases! Apparently, I can create a funky design made out of Tetris blocks. The best part about this is that if you use the right materials, you can easily change this piece up into whatever you want.

Mirror Three: Splat! It kind of reminds me of Nickelodeon. But, I love it nonetheless. This is pretty fun yet it doesn't feel childlike to me. This definitely belongs in a fun room, not something serious.

Mirror Four: I love this sleek, fun design. This would be good for more of an upscale look. I actually think this would be great if they had a variety of designs.

Mirror Five: This is a great piece, especially for kids. This too would allow you to change up the look of your mirrors with these puzzle pieces. This is definitely not my favorite but different, nonetheless.

Lighting, Part Dos

I know, I know. I haven't written in awhile. Excuse me.

I decided to have another look through the world of lighting once again, this time focusing my search on floor lamps. I thought I'd share some of the lamps that I found and hopefully I can get some input on my next search!

Lamp Uno: I love the sleek simplicity of this design. I can picture this in a very sophisticated room---perhaps even where white is the "pop" of color found in a room.

Lamp Dos: As previously mentioned, I'm quite sure I have a thing for appendages. This reminds me of a person and I love the color orange!

Lamp Tres: I don't like this lamp as much as the first two but I thought it was a little more fun than the first two. I wouldn't purchase it but I found it interesting and different, which is why I'm posting it here!

Lamp Cuatro: I love the enormity of this lamp. It's large yet I don't find it to be over-the-top. It's very sleek and I can picture this lamp being used in a reading area OR for kicks, you can just sit and pose like the woman in this photo endlessly.

Lamp Cinco: This is a more modern look to a commonplace lamp. Love the height and randomness of the piece!

Lamp Seis: This is my favorite lamp. It's beautiful. I love the color and its form. Simple. That is all.