Saturday, August 29, 2009

Ultra Modern Mix















Shown sbove is the "Bright" collection in use as a fruit bowl, a planter, and even a fish bowl. Ontwerpers has a small collection of furniture that takes a step aside from any traditional concepts and adds an unexpected quirk for fun and usefulness at the same time. See the rest of the collection here

Friday, August 28, 2009

Styles in Bathing




Victorian Era Bathroom Designs and Furniture by Devon&Devon

Devon & Devon bring back the decorative bathroom interior designs from the Victorian Era to the mid 1900's inspired by the well bred and refined European traditions. The main features of these decorative bathroom designs include free standing bathtubs with exposed plumbing, Queen Anne legs, gilded accents, and lines reminiscent of a time when design was pure and less effected by trends and fads. Here are a few of the classic bathroom and interior designs featuring the coordinated bathroom furnishings of "timeless" products that work in harmony as historical pieces in contemporary surroundings. See more from Devon&Devon here.

When it comes to great looking free standing tubs, Boffi of Italy excels in the field.
These two new modern bath tub releases look as though they were carved from ivory and make a powerful statement with the simplest of lines. The, "Iceland" from designer Piero Lissoni and the ,"Sabbia", from designer Naoto Fukasawa work well in areas in need of a free standing tub with well rounded curves. Boffi's collection also includes a fresh line of free standing sink stands to compliment any of the modern bath styles they offer.




Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Urban Sophistication


Featured Designer
Patrick Baglino
Washington DC

Patrick J. Baglino Jr., ASID, has ten years of experience planning and designing residential interiors for clientele up and down the East Coast. He has developed a reputation for his harmonious blending of classic and contemporary elements and is recognized by House Beautiful Magazine as one of America's Top Young Designers.



There’s just nothing like throwing open the doors and windows for the first time each spring to bring all that fresh air and light indoors. It’s a feeling you want to capture all summer long, especially in the hot, turgid days of July and August. Washington D.C.-based interior designer Patrick J. Baglino, Jr., ASID, (www.pbaglino.com) welcomes the change of seasons as the perfect opportunity to bring changes into your home, whether it’s de-cluttering or simply exchanging dark accessories for light. Baglino, who as a child used to change his bedspread and curtains with the seasons, was recently voted one of America’s top young designers by House Beautiful. Here, his tips and trends for decorating this summer:


Outdoor rooms
I love eclectic design, but I also believe it’s very important to have a harmonious design statement. You don’t want to go from a home that’s traditional with contemporary accents to a very minimal Italian design porch that sort of comes out of left field. Even though an outdoor room is an extension of the home, it should still convey the feel and look of what’s happening inside. However, it can be set apart from the feel of the house by the use of different fabrics, maybe something a little livelier than what you’d have in your living room. Accessories are huge in terms of creating interest and flair. Bring in a really cool lamp or some beautiful indoor/outdoor rugs. (I love the plynl floor coverings by Chilewich.) Whereas in the past you’d go into a home and garden store and see a basic patio set with two choices for cushions, now you can have an outdoor sofa upholstered with fabric you choose, and add floor coverings and other details that will make an outdoor room really feel like a room.


Trend: I’m seeing a lot of bright colors. They’re not my first choice; I tend to go with tone-on-tone neutrals. I love earthen tones, especially in a room that’s going to create a bridge between the inside of the house and the outdoors. But there’s a definite trend toward brighter colors and stronger patterns. If your outdoor room is a screened-in porch, remember those things are going to be there pretty much year round, so be sure you can live with them that long.


A summer look for indoor rooms
As a kid, I used to change the look of my room with the season, just like my mother did in our living room. She had draperies in silk linen blends and then in the fall and winter she went to velvet and satin, with more trim. They were heavier and had more impact, and were definitely congruent with the time and season.


You can easily bring the summer months into your home simply by changing things like throw pillows in the living room. Instead of dark burgundy velvet pillows, maybe get beige linen with a crewel stitch of burgundy flowers, something that’s just lighter. In the bedroom instead of dark paisley bed linens get something fresh like white Frette hotel linens with a single blue stripe. Just lighten it up! And get rid of clutter. I’m really, really big on the clutter thing. Use going into a new season as an opportunity to go into drawers, closets and countertops and remove those things that are collecting dust and taking up space. It definitely gives you a fresh, light sense of relief.


Trend: Bring outdoor fabrics inside. Many manufacturers are creating beautiful fabrics made by Sunbrella that can be used to upholster furniture for either inside or out. I had a client with small children who wanted to have attractive fabrics for their family room and chose outdoor fabrics because of their stain resistance. Just last week I received a collection of Ralph Lauren fabrics done in Sunbrella.


Sunny inspiration
If you’re going to a summer home, you’ve got to turn to the surrounding environment for inspiration and bring that in. I just finished a condo in Bal Harbour, Florida. That client has a very formal home here with a crystal chandelier and silk drapery and cornices. In Bal Harbour I did a colorful glass table with a steel base and a light lilac and tangerine color scheme. It’s not something I would do in Washington, but in Miami it worked very well.


I’m really big on borrowing from our surroundings and seeking inspiration from what’s around us. I always believe first and foremost that in design it’s very much about who we are—what makes us comfortable and happy, what we need in order to function. But our environment has an impact on what we create for ourselves. What kind of home is it? Is it in the suburbs, or an urban dwelling, or on a beach or in the mountains?


Tip: I love to have clients get away from picking up a catalogue and saying, "Wow, a ready-made room. I’ll take that." It doesn’t allow you to express yourself. You may feel you don’t know how to put a room together and figure out where this goes and where that goes, but most people know what they like and what they don’t like. Put together a style file with paint colors, a lamp from a magazine ad, rooms or furniture that you like, then look at all those elements as the beginning of your personal style. This is what you respond to.




"HOME" magazine, "House Beautiful" magazine, HGTV, The Washington Post, "DC Modern Luxury" magazine, The Washington Blade, Houstonvoice. com, spokesmanreview. com, dezignare. com, TheSpec. com, savvyinsider. com, The Connecticut Post, ASID Metro Designline, staugustine. com, linkedin. com, The Other Pages, Facebook, PointClickHome. com




Dupont Circle Penthouse


Friendship Heights Sun room


Chevy Chase Bathroom
Chevy Chase Dining Room

Chevy Chase Kitchen





Patrick J. Baglino, Jr. Interior Design is a boutique design firm located in Washington, DC's trendy and vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood. Since March 1998, Mr. Patrick Baglino, Jr. has gained notoriety and a reputation for creating interiors that are innovative, eclectic and traditional with a contemporary twist, a style he brands as "Urban Sophisticated". In conjunction with the designers professional know-how, available resources, and lengthy design experience, a successful design reflects the needs and personal style of the client. A strong client-designer professional relationship is the sound foundation for a tasteful, functional, and beautiful result.

Areas Served:

Primarily East Coast, United States of America
Affiliations: ASID, NCIDQ Certificate #017212
Awards: October 2004, "House Beautiful" Magazine, One of America's Top Young Designers.



Community Involvement:

Whitman Walker Clinic Volunteer
Current Projects: Projects throughout Northern Virginia, Southern Maryland and The District of Columbia. Prior projects in Miami, Florida.

It has been my pleasure introducing you to Patrick and his creative talents as One of America's Top Young Designers. View more about Patrick on HGTV .

Friday, August 21, 2009

Reece Your Bathroom Your Life - Grand Prize

Two years in a row a Minosa product is showcased in this award.



This stunning parents retreat features the Kava washbasin in Glacier White sitting on the Milana (1800mm) bench finished in Oak with recessed mirrored storage cabinets. Lisa Capezio has done a wonderful job with this interior.

Below is the extract from the Reece website.

Final Winner

Geraldine and Michael
Forest, ACT

Here is what the winner, Geraldine Papandrea, had to say about her bathroom.
What does your bathroom mean to you?
Our bathroom is not just a place for daily ritual, but also a place for rest and relaxation.

Who uses this bathroom?
This bathroom is the ensuite to the master bedroom and is used by my husband, Michael, and I. However our two lovely children, Ella and Max, love using the bathtub occasionally for a bit of fun!

Where did you get your inspiration?
The bathroom is a collaboration of ideas from Interior Designer Lisa Capezio, Architect Steven Cetrtek, Michael and I. Keeping in with the clean and simple lines of the house’s architecture, we wanted to create a space that was unique but inviting, using finishes of natural stone and wood, which are used extensively in other parts of the house.
What do you like about the open plan style bathroom?
The open bathroom is easily accessed by the bedroom and gives the feeling of space and openness. The bathroom has been carefully designed so that while there is a sense of openness, there is also demarcation between the two spaces. This was achieved by using a raised platform and lower ceiling for the bathroom. There is also a large concealed sliding door that can be used if desired. Privacy has also been considered by use of blinds and cleverly concealing the shower and toilet behind a wall of marble.

What is your favourite part of your bathroom?
The bathtub, which boldly overlooks the pool, is almost like a sculptural piece that can be seen from most parts of the house.

Tell us about your product selection. Why did you choose these products?
We discovered the beautiful Minosa Kava basin and Milana bench in a magazine and travelled to Sydney to view them. We were referred to Reece bathroom life™ in Surry Hills where we selected the toilet, bidet, outlets and mixers, which follow the same gentle curves of the Kava basin and the Napoli bathtub beautifully.


Where did you get the idea to have the bathroom in the bedroom?
The open bathroom concept was made attractive to us after holidaying on tropical Hamilton Island with friends at their spectacular home, which features an open ensuite to the main bedroom. The integration of our bathroom with our bedroom and pool makes us feel like we are on holiday every day!
A huge congratulations to Geraldine & Michael Papandrea of Forrest, ACT, who are the overall winners of the Reece Your bathroom. Your life. Competition.They receive $15,000 for their efforts.



We’re sure you’ll agree that this bathroom is a most deserving winner.

Geraldine said, ‘We were inspired by holidays to North Queensland. We wanted to create an integrated bathroom and bedroom that felt like a tropical retreat.’ It was this unique design approach that ultimately tipped the judges decision in their favour.

Geraldine’s sister, Interior Designer, Lisa Capezio, was given the task of turning the vision into reality.



They have certainly succeeded with a bathtub that overlooks a resort style pool and the shower and toilet neatly concealed behind a wall of solid marble. The result is a beautifully inviting sanctuary defined by simple lines and high quality fittings. It’s fair to say that bathrooms don’t get much better than this.'

For a full product listing visit the Reece web site listed below.

(Extract taken from http://www.reece.com.au/)

Ideal Tile Studio



Featured Product
Ideal Tile Studio
Giusippe Grillo CEO

NJ






My imagination went wild when I viewed their incredible samples, I felt as though I walked through an exotic art gallery, I had to share this with everyone!

People have discovered the beauty of using mosaic, glass, metal, or stone tile in their homes. It can be used in a variety of capacities and the beauty and unique style of the tile can be created specifically for your home décor. It is a true art in itself to piece together such lovely designs.

Since 1975, the Ideal Tile Company has provided its customers with unparalleled quality, service and convenience. They pride themselves in stocking a diverse, high-quality and unique collections of ceramic, porcelain, glass, natural stone and metal tiles & mosaics. Also, exclusive to Ideal Tile Studio Group is taking pride in finding the most exotic materials, high-end ceramics, and precious stone pieces for architects and discriminating clients alike.

Among the globally-known manufacturers they import here is a list of such brands as: Alcorense , Alfredo Salvatori, Azulev, Bonda, CVS, Cedir, Ceramica Di Treviso, Cerim, Cobsa, Cotto D'Este, Diago, Edilgres, Emil/Ergon, Eternity-Saloni, Fioranese, Fondovalle, Friends Tile, Gambarelli, Gardenia, Grazia, Halcon, Inalco, Intesa, Iris, ItalCeramica, Keraben, Kerex, Lourdes, LaRocca, Magica, Monocibec (Graal Series), Montgo, Real, Saicis, Saloni, Sea Star, Sant Agostino, Supergres, Tagina, TAM, Unicom-Starker, Valentino by Piemme, Vallelunga, Versace Ceramic Design.

In addition, their natural stone slab division can import direct to you granite, marble and limestone slabs Brazil, Italy and India.

For the past three decades, the Ideal Tile Company has been a proven leader in the tile industry, branching out to new regions and markets.


Giuseppe Grillo, CEO of Ideal Tile Studio Group, will be happy to assist you with pricing, samples and will assure your total satisfaction selecting the perfect materials for your project.

It has been my pleasure introducing you to Ideal Tile Studio and their beautiful products.

Contact Information:
T (732) 308-0003
Ideal Tile Studio website


Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Kirkland's Accessories










Kirkland’s home decor store is indeed one of the most inspiring accessory stores around. It has a broad selection of distinctive merchandise for the discriminating buyer, coupled with affordable prices to keep the average homeowner happy. Their stock consists of framed art, picture frames, lamps, candles, mirrors, accent rugs, and garden accessories.

A leading specialty retailer since 1966, Kirkland’s was co-founded by Carl Kirkland, who is still currently the Chairman Emeritus. They opened their first store in Jackson, TN, and with over 340 stores in 37 states they have put Kirkland’s home decor on the map. Home decor at Kirkland’s is ever-changing, and offers you value and style at extremely attractive prices for both gift-giving and accessorizing your own home.

Kirkland’s even has a designer advantage for interior designers looking for the best for their clients. The home decor at Kirkland’s helps to create stylish and sophisticated looks on a budget.

Monday, August 17, 2009

commercial interior design

Commercial interior design The commercial interior designer decorates the interior of commercial buildings or businesses, be it corporate offices, showrooms or business establishments – large or small. With a variety of visual tools such as specialized interior design software, the work of a professional designer in space planning and communication to their clients is made easier. 



An experienced designer will know to enhance the look of the office from the reception area to the conference room and other areas in conventional as well as contemporary styles.