Party-Perfect Deck Designs

Let these creative ideas perfect your parties at home!

Article taken off ivillage.com

Party-Perfect Deck Designs

Planning on throwing parties all summer? Get your patio or deck party-perfect with one of these fun ideas!

Modern Blocking
Bright hues and contemporary silhouettes modernize an outdoor space.

Alternative Seating
When seating is scarce, bring indoor chairs outside for temporary use.

Mellow Yellow
Strong black-and-white striped cushions complement sunny yellow seating.

Industrious Seating
For a DIY bench on the cheap, attach four crates together and top them off with a long cushion.

Pretty Party
Topping an unfinished picnic table with a floral tablecloth creates an elegant brunch setting.

Sun Shade
If a favorite outdoor sitting spot gets too sunny, give it some shade with a retractable awning.

Stars and Stripes
Red-and-white patterned textiles set the mood for a festive summer gathering.

Mountain Style
Casual rustic stools complement dark-stained decks.

Great Heights
A modern open-air deck has room for a dining space and sunning chairs.

A Fresh Take on Bath Tubs

Pamper yourself with a bubble bath today!

Article taken off home-designing.com

A Fresh Take on Bath Tubs

Bath tubs have been a place to refresh and relax for centuries, from the old tin bath that was brought out into a front room or bedroom, to cast iron enameled roll tops, modern acrylic spas, and fitted fiberglass designs, the tub has certainly seen some changes throughout the years; this collection shows a contemporary take on many of these age old aesthetics, bringing tried and tested ideas bang up to date.

Via Lixil Milano
The concept of bringing the bathtub out into the open once more, or situating it within unexpected surroundings is back at the forefront, with bubble baths taking place in the middle of a home library. This is a nice quiet place to have a bath time read, though we’re not sure the moisture from the steam would do your prized book collection much good.

Via Lixil Milano
We’re also seeing a kick back to bathing in the great outdoors as our ancestors once did, though now we can enjoy the greenery though double glazed doors.

Ensuite bathrooms are also seeing more open designs, with huge viewing windows through to the sleeping quarters, and some without any divide at all.

Above 2, a unique concept via 3D Archvis

Via 3D Archvis
Of course not all modern designs forego your modesty, some are still tucked away compactly, bedded in blocks of mosaic, or nestled into stepped platforms.

Above 2 via Dinesh Nambisan

Via Favarojr

Evermotion Collection

Via Carbon Made

Via Wastubali

Via 3D Archvis

Modern Home 2012

Make your home extraordinary...

Details are as follows:

• Date: 02 Jun – 10 Jun 2012
• Time: 12pm to 10pm
• Venue: Singapore EXPO, Hall 6A
• Address: 1 Expo Drive Singapore 486150
• Entrance: Free Admission

Crystal: Brilliant Choice for Rooms

Let the crystals sparkle your home!

Article taken off houzz.com

Crystal: Brilliant Choice for Rooms

As a bit of bling or a natural beauty, or even dressed up in all the shades of the rainbow, crystal works its magic in all styles of rooms

Crystal is hot in jewelry this season. Its elegant appearance is dressing up outfits via necklaces, bracelets and earrings, and now it’s time to imagine the same glamour in your home. Chandeliers offer an obvious way to bring crystal inside, but there are other ways too. Whether through small touches or elaborate applications, get ready to shine with crystal this spring.

Chandeliers come in a variety of designs and emanate glamour and elegance. This living room takes on an entirely new panache with the addition of two fantastic pieces.

However, crystal can make equal impact in smaller (and more affordable) doses when applied to the right spots. Dress up your cabinetry by replacing your hardware with crystal options. Mix and match with noncrystal pieces for an eclectic flair.

Work crystal into your bathroom via faucet handles. It’s a small touch but one that will catch everyone's eye.

Top your staircase banisters with crystal finials. These crystal balls may not let you see into the future, but they certainly let everyone see a sophisticated accessory.

Crystal lamps provide function and beauty to any space. Here they enhance the air of understated elegance without competing with visual space.

Celebrate the beauty of your crystal collection by putting it on display. Work it in with your current dishware for an eclectic mix.

Who said an everyday towel rack can’t have pizzazz? Detail it with crystal beads for a chic look all its own.

Pull crystal into your interiors inexpensively with faux crystal garlands, which many craft stores carry. Drape them in spots that could use a little extra glamour, like the edges of a mirror or along your fireplace mantel.

Accessorize your bookshelves with beautiful pieces like this amethyst crystal for a sparkle that will catch the eye.

Large crystal pieces accessorize this tablescape in a tasteful manner that is every bit luxurious. Here’s to hoping affordable versions of these big crystal chunks will show up at some of our favorite stores as the trend continues.

This incredible crystal application is certainly something I never had in mind when researching this subject. However, you can’t beat the statement-making impact.

If chandeliers are still more your style, introduce an eclectic charm by hanging one in a more casual space. Keep your pocketbook happy by hunting down an antique one with a bit of patina at your local flea market or vintage shop.

A small crystal fixture in this kitchen capitalizes on its classic, chic aesthetic.

For a fixture both traditional and modern, look for crystal pieces in unexpected designs.

For added color, consider a chandelier or fixture with a rainbow of crystals. You could even dress up your current chandeliers by hanging crystals of different shades for an updated and unique look.

Amplify your beautiful crystal fixtures or accessories by placing them within a mirror’s view. The reflected sparkle will produce a shine throughout your room.

How to keep a white sofa clean

Read on to find out how you can save your white sofa from stains...

Article taken off homedit.com

How to keep a white sofa clean

White furniture can be very beautiful and stylish. Whether you want to create a black and white decor or if you simply like white furniture, it;s not important. The effect will surely be the one desired. However, there are some things that you need to think about before purchasing white furniture, especially a white sofa. Since the sofa in centerpiece for the living room, it’s not going to be a simple decoration but also a very functional piece of furniture. This means that your precious white sofa will quickly loose its pure color and will need cleaning.

Here are some tips that will help keep your white sofa white. The simplest solution would be to just get a washable slipcover. It would be best to have two of them. This way, whenever one of them gets dirty and needs cleaning you can just replace it with the other one.

If this is no longer an option either because you’ve already purchased a sofa that doesn’t allow it or because you prefer something else, there are other ways of keeping a white sofa clean. For example, you can treat the fabric with stain guard. This will protect your sofa and if you have some spills you can just quickly wipe them off before they turn into stains.

If the previous tips are not effective or not what you were looking for, then maybe you should consider keeping the fabric cleaners somewhere handy. You never know when you’ll spill something on the sofa and it’s best to act quickly before permanent damage can occur. Another simple tip is to use a lint roller regularly. This way your white sofa will always have a clean look. There are small things that can’t be removed otherwise and that can really make a difference.

Finally, the last tip. If none of the solutions offered above is for you, it’s either because you’re a perfectionist or you’re too lazy. In this case, you can just rotate the cushions. It’s not simply something you do to change the overall look but also a practical solution if you want to preserve a uniform look for your sofa.

How To Make Your Pet Comfortable In A Modern Home - Kooldog Interview

A dog house that will integrate into your stylish home!

Article taken off houzz.com

How To Make Your Pet Comfortable In A Modern Home - Kooldog Interview

Indulging your pet ranks high up for those who consider their favorite animal a part of the family. Offering the family dog a place to feel safe that is in perfect harmony with the surrounding space led to the design and construction of modern Kooldog houses. Meant to be enjoyed by dogs living in urban developments and add character to the room, these simple and contemporary dog houses are easy to clean and display a minimalist design that works best with modern settings. Enjoy the inside scoop from kooldog.ca

What challenged you to start this business – building modern dog houses?

People put a lot of effort and money into their home decor – but then usually toss a blanket or mattress on the floor forgetting that dogs (and cats) are den dwellers and like enclosed areas. Alternatively, they might but a crate in the corner. Either way, it’s something that often gets put away when company comes over. Especially in a smaller space, like a condo, where furniture is carefully selected to maximize a limited space, we wanted to develop a solution that can be tailored to a persons unique style, while complementing their home decor.

What were your thoughts after seeing the first product in your line of modern dog houses?

After the first production pieces were ready, we were really excited. Particularly to set one up at home for myself. We were very pleased with how polished and high end the final product looks. The similar feedback that we’ve been receiving from our customers has been real testament to the need that we felt exists between pets and home decor.

What are the main characteristics of your products and how do they respond to the need in today’s market?

Truly the main characteristic is the contemporary design. At the moment we offer three wood finishes (more to come) for the front face so that it can work to specific decor styles. This product is designed to be a comfortable and easy-to-maintain space for your pet that looks great in a room. The greatest interest has so far come from people who live in condos and town homes. They generally have smaller dogs as a result of smaller living spaces.

Balancing the need for a comfortable dog house and a modern display must have been challenging. What led you to design a minimalist dog house to be used indoors?

We definitely understand the need to carefully select your home decor elements when you live in a smaller space. All your purchases really need to be space efficient. At the same time, you shouldn’t have to compromise on style. And let’s face it, nobody really likes wire kennels and fur covered tarten or paisley pattern pet cushions as a focal point of a room.

How would you describe your product to someone who thinks that an indoor dog house is just an unnecessary accessory?

I would first ask about their design styles at home and find out some of the elements they are most proud of. We understand our customer is someone that has clean, contemporary and minimalist decor tastes. It’s unlikely that our product will be featured in the same room as at trophy moose head or bear skin rug (though we do offer a walnut wood finish that would look great next to a bear skin rug). We believe you should love the things that you surround yourself with. Most people understand that about their pets (that is, after all why people have pets), but your decor is no exception.

What was the oddest request for customizing the fashionable dog houses you produce?

The oddest request so far was definitely a for a custom hot pink front face, with their pet’s name studded in faux diamonds above the entrance. We certainly love the enthusiasm people have for their pets.

Please describe the rise of your business – where do the customers come from?

Primarily from the downtown condo and town house owners. Again, this is largely based on the fact that they have limited living spaces and their decor is carefully selected as much for space as it is for style.

What are your plans for the future? Do you plan on creating different dog house designs or grow the business by extending to more pet-friendly items?

The intention at this point is to introduce other pet-friendly items as well as accessories for our current dog house.

How many orders for the Kooldog house do you get from the internet opposed to the real stores? Which market brings you more customers?

So far most of our sales have been online. We do get a lot of requests online from customers who would like to see it first and what stores are carrying it. Our retail presence is actually very new. Currently there are 6 stores in the GTA that are featuring our dog house.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in this business?

In the pet world, you have to really love your products or services. We absolutely love animals and that’s how this idea was ever possible. People love their pets consider them family members. Their pet-related purchases are usually made with an emotional connection – and when you speak with people about your business, that really needs to come out organically.