Tuesday, June 29, 2010

DIY Tables by Goncalo Campos

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I love the genius of product design. The series of tables designed by Goncalo Campos, are made only using two basic materials, fabric and wood, the most commonly used materials in most households They are designed to be assembled with no glues or external fixtures, other than fabric, using a simple construction technique - they look primitive but at the same time very elegant. I can see the possibilities using beautiful woods, such as ebony, walnut, or perhaps fumed wood, and coordinating the fabric to match the colors and mood of your room. They would make wonderful conversation pieces for a wedding, or summer lawn party.

Images Courtesy of Gonçalo Campos. Goncalo Campos is a Portuguese designer, born in 1986. Graduated in product design in 2008, after which joined Fabrica team, for a year and created a series of  of tables which were featured in the exhibition Mais que Partes (More Than Parts), shown in the Fabrica features shop in Lisbon.

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Fumed wood veneers – White Ebony

Patricia Gray Inc is an award winning Interior Design firm  in Vancouver, Canada who blogs about WHAT'S HOT  in the world of Interior Design.
2010 © Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™

Furniture IS Lifestyle - DEDON LAUNCHES “COMING HOME”, A LIMITED-EDITION BOOK BY BRUCE WEBER

 Dedon Lifestyle Advertising
DEDON LAUNCHES “COMING HOME”, A LIMITED-EDITION BOOK BY BRUCE WEBER

I love the new lifestyle advertising campaign that the Dutch company Dedon, a manufacturer of outdoor furnishings, has launched.  You may have seen the ads for this Dedon campaign in some of the recent Design magazines - Dedon is selling their furniture as lifestyle.  DEDON takes its collaboration with legendary American fashion photographer Bruce Weber to a next level with the publication of a new book Coming Home, a sumptuously produced, limited edition book. Building on themes that Weber developed for the current DEDON advertising campaign, Coming Home is an exploration into the meaning of home and the feelings we hold for it. Personal, poetic and eclectic, the book weaves together exclusive imagery by Bruce Weber with artwork and illustrations specially commissioned by the photographer. Watch the Dedon movie in large format here, or on YouTube here.  The music and imagery are spectacular.  The movie starts with a quote from the movie Out of Africa - the words of Denys Finch Hatton, played by Robert Redford: “I don’t want to live someone else’s idea of how to live.”

Dedon Lifestyle Advertising What are you doing this summer
DEDON “COMING HOME”, A LIMITED-EDITION BOOK BY BRUCE WEBER

Dedon Lifestyle Advertising
DEDON “COMING HOME”, A LIMITED-EDITION BOOK BY BRUCE WEBER

Dedon Lifestyle Advertising
DEDON “COMING HOME”, A LIMITED-EDITION BOOK BY BRUCE WEBER

Dedon Lifestyle Advertising 
DEDON “COMING HOME”, A LIMITED-EDITION BOOK BY BRUCE WEBER
A multilevel treehouse, a cast and crew of 60 people with legendary fashion photographer Bruce Weber keeping it all together.

Dedon Lifestyle Advertising
DEDON “COMING HOME”, A LIMITED-EDITION BOOK BY BRUCE WEBER

When I first saw the Dedon ad campaign, by Bruce Webber I was mesmerized by it.  Some people I have talked to just don’t get it. 
After all Bruce Webber was the photographer for the controversial ad campaign for Calvin Klein in the 90’s, and
Webber also photographed a shirtless Chris Isaak in bed for a fashion spread in Rolling Stone
Dedon says about Coming Home “…….it is an exploration into the meaning of home and the feelings we hold for it.”
I say that ‘Furniture IS Lifestyle’ and has as much of a message to say about how we live as Fashion does!

What do you think about ‘Lifestyle Advertising?’  Leave your comment here.

 PG Dedon 1 Article AD SpainPG Dedon 2 Article AD Spain 
PG Dedon 4 Article AD SpainPG Dedon 3 Article AD Spain
DEDON “
COMING HOME”, A LIMITED-EDITION BOOK BY BRUCE WEBER Architectural Digest Spain - May 2010
Postscript:  These are scans from a Spanish magazine that my friend and fellow blogger Ivan Meade sent to me after I published this article.

Patricia Gray Inc is an award winning Interior Designer firm  in Vancouver, Canada who blogs about WHAT'S HOT  in the world of Interior Design.
2010 © Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™

Friday, June 25, 2010

Luxury Hotel Interior Modern Design

Hotel Interior Design Ritz
Luxury Interior design Ritz
Interior Design Ritz

Staying at a hotel can be one of the best, and most relaxing experiences that many people will ever have, especially if the hotel of choice is a luxury hotel. Finding a luxury hotel that will meet your vacationing or weekend getaway needs may take a little digging, but it will be well worth it.

What is a Luxury Hotel?

Interior design Ritz
Interior design luxury gold interior
Lobby Bar Interior Design

Hotels are given a rating from zero to five stars - five star rating being the best. When a luxury hotel is rated, there are different things about it that are given a rating, and the rating is averaged to give it the hotel star rating.

In the United States, Europe, and England, there are star ratings for hotels, though each area uses a slightly different way to rate them. The star rating is meant to help people who want to choose a luxury hotel based on certain criteria.

Restaurant Interior Design
Ritz London Hotel Design
Interior Restaurant Ritz

Room size, comfort level of the room and especially the bed, noise level audible in the room, cleanliness, decor, amenities provided, and service of the luxury hotel staff are all rated during the overall process of reviewing the luxury hotel. The bottom line, though, is that if you want a luxury hotel, you will want to look for a four star rating at the least, and possibly a five star rating.
Restarant interior design classic
Interior Design Restaurant Ritz London

The star rating is not the only thing which distinguishes a luxury hotel from other hotels. Most often a hotel will be considered a luxury hotel if the rating is at least four, and there are other unique things about the luxury hotel, such as a particular focus or special perks that are not common to other hotels that are not considered to be in the luxury hotel category. Having a spa, in room massage, offering child care, and even having a special theme throughout the hotel may help as one establishment is deemed a luxury hotel.

Special Perks

Usually a luxury hotel will offer special perks. You may be able to find a luxury hotel that will offer perks and amenities in almost any area including family fun, romantic adventure, and exotic treatments.
Finding what you want in a luxury hotel can make your vacation time or weekend getaway even more memorable.
Bedroom interior design ritz
Bedroom Interior Design Ritz

There is a luxury hotel option available in many price ranges and one can be found by looking for the star rating. Make sure when you look at the rating of a luxury hotel, you look at the ratings for the individual categories that have been rated. If comfort and room service are more important to you than space and a blow dryer, then give those things precedence over the other.
Classical itnerior design ritz
Ritz Interior Design

Office Decorating Ideas


Do you need office decorating ideas for your home business? Here they are! Having a workplace at home takes adequate planning, time and effort. Don’t worry, we know what we’re talking about. We work at home, too...just like you!

This web site will not only provide you with decorating ideas, but ways to create a productive work environment within the walls of your own house or apartment.

With more and more people starting to work at home, the need for office decorating ideas keeps growing. But where is the best place to start?

First you need space.

Identify how much space you need and how much you have available for your home business.

For some, a simple desk in the corner of a kitchen is enough. Many others need a light, spacious room to work at home. But, how big are the pieces of office furniture you plan to use? Are there sufficient electrical sockets in the room for lighting and for cable or wi-fi internet connections? Do you have enough filing cabinets for organizing your paperwork? Do you need space for storing inventory or other home business necessities?
Always decorate the walls with decor you like to look at!

Framed art prints and posters work best when related to your business, especially if you have client meetings at your home office. Also, if inspirational quotes or stories help keep you going, frame them and hang them up! Use your favorite colors and your favorite types of decor. Make your home office feel special to you!

Ensure clients don't have to cross your living room, kitchen or nursery before entering your home office. And of course, make sure you have comfortable chairs that fit the style of your office, along with idea-inspiring industry reading material should clients need to wait to speak with you.

Have bottled water, juice and coffee on a nice serving tray ready for enjoyment. It doesn't take much to have these little niceties ready, and image counts!

Even though you work at home, you're still running a business and clients expect an accommodating environment.

Stylish clocks, calendars and chalkboards are great office decorating ideas for any home business. If you don't have a lot to spend on office furniture, at least spend alittle more on your office accessories such as your desk lamp, desk chair (for your comfort), and other office supplies. They'll help keep your workplace contemporary-looking.

Keeping up with technology is also necessary for any home business. If your clients can see your work area, these tips are especially important. Once again, image counts!
Create a relaxing, but professional atmosphere without any distractions.

Most small business owners spend more time in their home office than in any other room in their house.

A good view and relaxing colors (blue, purple, green) can be very comforting.

Clutter is distracting. A clean, neat and efficient home office will improve your productivity when you work at home.

But don't forget to inject just as much love into decorating your workplace as you would in decorating any other room in your house. Have fun creating a comfortable, efficient, and client-friendly (if necessary) area for your home business!

If you’re living in an apartment and there’s only one cramped room available, you might just need some office decorating ideas.

Why not paint the walls white and use a large mirror to open up the space? Also, try to decorate with lighter colors. Darker colors will make the room feel smaller and more closed in. Make sure to plan for the possibility of needing a larger space in the near future, too! Think big!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Whats Hot? Fuego Outdoor Living Grill

I am in the process of designing an outdoor patio for clients. It is a challenging project as well as being very exacting, with a lot of technical details to take into consideration (gas lines, water lines, electrical panel load limits, permit approvals, etc), before I can even start on the ‘pretty stuff.’ This outdoor patio is on the roof of a penthouse, with a spectacular view of the ocean, mountains, and city of Vancouver. It is a breathtaking 130 feet in length, and is probably larger than most people’s back yards. 

Every once in awhile I come across a new and innovatively designed product that causes me to stop and take notice, and with a sigh of relief, that I have found an esthetically pleasing alternative to a category of product design that generally leaves my visual sensibilities assaulted. Finally an outdoor grill (notice that it is not referred to as a BBQ - ‘Grill’ is the operative new terminology), that shakes up tradition, and is beautiful to look at. “A campfire for modernists,” “a social magnet with a great sense of style.” Attaching a label to this Fuego outdoor living grill is trickier than throwing a salmon – wild, rubbed with herbs and spices – on an open flame. As well as Fuego being a top rated grill, it has a modernist design aesthetic with sleek-lined minimalism. One that I wouldn’t mind gracing my clients’ patio.

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Fuego Catalogue

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Fuego Grill 01

What do you think?  Would you like to have this Fuego grill gracing your patio?
I’ll take the pool!

Patricia Gray Inc is an award winning Interior Designer firm  in Vancouver, Canada who blogs about WHAT'S HOT  in the world of Interior Design.
2010 © Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Hillside Modern House Design in Sweden

Hillside Modern House Design

Hillside modern house designed by RB Arkitektur, located in Sweden. This house design literally and beautifully blends into the environment. The home interior decorating consists of contemporary furnishings that are sleek and sophisticated, but comfortable and inviting. This lovely green residence in Nacka, Sweden is minimalist architecture at its best. This house into the ground to help moderate its temperature; and its clean lines and U-shaped design make for a simple yet luxurious single family home.

Hillside Modern House Design Living Room
Hillside Modern House Design Family Room
Hillside Modern House Bathroom Design Interior

Hillside Modern House Design in Sweden

Hillside Modern House Design

Hillside modern house designed by RB Arkitektur, located in Sweden. This house design literally and beautifully blends into the environment. The home interior decorating consists of contemporary furnishings that are sleek and sophisticated, but comfortable and inviting. This lovely green residence in Nacka, Sweden is minimalist architecture at its best. This house into the ground to help moderate its temperature; and its clean lines and U-shaped design make for a simple yet luxurious single family home.

Hillside Modern House Design Living Room
Hillside Modern House Design Family Room
Hillside Modern House Bathroom Design Interior

Wood Mountain House Design Architecture

Wood Mountain House Design Architecture

Wood mountain house design architecture is located in Caviano, Switzerland, with a wonderful view on the lake and the mountains, designed by Markus Wespi Jérôme de Meuron architects. This mountain house takes itself inconspicuously back and connects with natural stonewalls of the surroundings rather than with the heterogeneous buildings. With large space-strutted panorama openings alternate with small square ventilation windows, and the irregular window setting is melting the floors to a unit without recognizable partitioning.

Wood Mountain House Design Architecture
Wood Mountain House Design Architecture

Wood Mountain House Design Architecture

Wood Mountain House Design Architecture

Wood mountain house design architecture is located in Caviano, Switzerland, with a wonderful view on the lake and the mountains, designed by Markus Wespi Jérôme de Meuron architects. This mountain house takes itself inconspicuously back and connects with natural stonewalls of the surroundings rather than with the heterogeneous buildings. With large space-strutted panorama openings alternate with small square ventilation windows, and the irregular window setting is melting the floors to a unit without recognizable partitioning.

Wood Mountain House Design Architecture
Wood Mountain House Design Architecture

Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina

A sandy dune beach, dense wooded surroundings and a sloped lot created a challenging landscape on which to design and build a home, but these characteristics are also what distinguish this oddly beautiful location. The obtusely angled walls denote sheets of rock, layered with large glass walls to naturally brighten every corner of these cave-like interiors. this rustic style concrete house plan deep in the forest or Mar Azul, Argentina.

Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina
Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina
Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina
Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina
Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina
Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina
Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina
Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina
Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina
Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina
Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina
Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina
Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina
Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina
Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina
Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina
Rustic Style House Deep in the Forest Argentina