Posts Tagged ‘design’

One of the world’s most well-known TV presenters has praised an apartment that she saw when paying a visit to Denmark, which features white furniture as a part of a white colour scheme than runs throughout.

Oprah Winfrey visited a Danish home and was very impressed with the use of space and furniture, which included white bedroom furniture, white tables, chairs, cabinets and bedside tables. She even commented that it is no wonder Denmark is classed one of the happiest countries in the world, with such a light and airy lifestyle.

“One this is certain – they don’t need all the gratuitous space, something that we have become used to, in order to live happily.” She had a good look around the family home that housed 5 children and two adults, and was amazed at just how small the little one’s rooms were. Yet she said that “it felt a little strange, you could see the room was small, but you didn’t feel claustrophobic ”.

The kitchen of the home was full of white furniture and work surfaces which she said helped to make the most of the small space. The dining room furniture was also light and made use of well. This is quite common in Danish homes, where limited space means families have to use it intelligently and with a careful choice of colors. “When space is limited, it is easy to end up with a dark and uninviting room” said the owner of the Danish home. “The trick is to only have visible what is necessary, and store the rest away”.

Oprah suggested that she has been looking for creative ideas for her new Miami home for a while now. She even commented that it is no wonder Denmark is classed one of the happiest countries in the world, with such a light and airy lifestyle. “If i can capture the spirit of Africa, but introduce some Danish style and clean lines then I think I’ll have what I’m looking for” Oprah stated. However, she wasn’t so naive to think this would be easy do, and said her idea may need a bit of work

Imagine stepping back in time, say one hundred years, and comparing our present world’s landscape full of lush forests, sparkling streams and rolling hillsides to that of yesteryear. Your reaction would most likely be one of disbelief. Little by little, our society has whittled away nearly every resource given us until the demented air quality and baroness has crept up without notice. While plenty of organizations and politicians voice their support of a new ‘green’ way of life, one company in the modern furnitures business has already sprung into action.

Founded in 2000, it did not take long for Dario Antonioni, founder and director of Orange22, to recognize the need for more than just another modern design manufacturer to service the private and public sector. Many prestigious artists and designers were called upon to come up with the ultimate in creativity and to provide not one, but two plans, relative to conservation of natural resources while serving the needs of mankind.

Leading Orange22 into a new society is a dedicated staff that have been challenged by using the ingenuity and creativity that they are known for. Armed with only their skills, providing solutions for traditional furnishings without harming the environment is a large feat in itself but these artists are going one step further. Fighting problems of social plight, such as cancer, AIDS and other worldwide problems are dreams that they have chosen to tackle.

To date, Orange22 has created an initial line of Botanist furniture, known as the Botanist Blank Canvas Project. A dynamic team of designers were hand picked by Dario Antonioni, Founder and Creative Director of Orange22, to leave their artistic mark on three pieces of clean modern furniture, a bench, coffee table and end table of the Blank Canvas Series. Each designer, together with Orange22, donates a portion of the royalty to a charity or foundation of their choice.

One of the most popular pieces, a design by Antonioni and Brandon Lynne, is the Botanical Floral Bench that merges the outdoors and the inside with its floral stencil lain to one side. Powder coated in a variety of colors, this piece can adorn a hallway, living space or patio interchangeably. Both environmentally friendly and lightweight, this example of the Blank Canvas Project is perfect for any setting.

Dario hopes that his doctrine of utilizing collaboration to create positive change will resonate beyond the design community, modern home furniture, and ultimately help to affect and inspire the greater global community. Orange22 has plans for Botanist in the future, as well. Antonioni is currently working on a book called A Decade of Botanist: A Philanthropic Product, 80 designers and 80 foundations and how we’ve helped change the world.

Getting the correct garden furniture would be the first step to a gorgeous garden. Make sure that the colour tones fit well with your overall garden look. The quality of todays garden furniture is far superior than it was just a few years back. Make sure that the garden set or seating blends in with your current theme.

Buying garden furniture can be easy if you know what you are doing and know where to look.The first thing you need to do is research garden furniture onlineA great review site can be found at B&Q Garden Furniture. At garden furniture review sites you will find a lot of information about choosing the correct furniture, style, color, bench, lounger etc, where to go and how to get the very best deal along with all the latest news and resources.

Garden furniture today can be found in a variety of different woods and metals. Do your research correctly and you will be amazed at what you find. You will want to consider the care required to maintain the look that you want to achieve. Quality examples are always built with the ability to survive harsh elements outdoors. Always maintain and care for outdoor furniture irrespective of how much you paid for it.

The style of your garden furniture is always more important than comfort. Garden cushions are always available to help make you comfortable.You can choose cushioned seats, love-seat, benches, rocking chairs to lounger, the list is endless when it comes to selecting the furniture of your dreams. A vast array of side tables can also be found easily. Outdoor patio furniture is available in many colors and you will not have a problem in finding what you want. Choose a few pieces that you like and match them to your surroundings.

During the holidays decorating kicks up to a frenzied pace and sometimes getting the house decorated takes up all your energy. All you can be bothered to do is string some lights outside and call it a day. If you want to do more than put up a few lights for your outdoor décor this year then you need some new ideas.

If putting up lots of holiday themed lawn ornaments is not your thing then you might have some trouble even thinking of any décor for your garden. Some fairly simple ideas will help you to make your home look tastefully decorated for the season.

Décor Wreaths

Wreaths might seem like obvious décor for the holidays but many people forget how a beautiful wreath can add festive cheer to a house. If you’d like you could make your own or buy one. There are plenty to choose from around the holidays. Wreaths have evolved from very simple to elaborate and cool modern constructions of plain twigs. Take your pick and brighten up your door.

Welcoming Porch

If you have a porch then you have a great canvas for holiday décor. You can do many of things with your porch during the holidays. Start with lights; you don’t have to go with the usual string of lights. Instead you can choose holiday themed lanterns. Lanterns don’t have to be restricted to Halloween. Find lanterns in white, silver, or gold and string them around your porch to add warmth.

At Christmas using holly (you can use plastic if your climate is not conducive to the real thing) and berries is a good idea. Wrap all the winter greenery around porch railings or any furniture that might be on your porch. Or you could start putting poinsettias on your porch; again these don’t have to be the real deal to look good.  

Decorating Windows

Windows are another great place for décor. You can do a lot with windows around the holidays. Taping cutouts of snowflakes and other appropriate holiday themes decorations to your windows is one fun idea. Soft glowing lights make excellent décor for windows. You can use green outdoor lights disguised as candles on window sills to create a soft glow at all your windows.

Critter Cheer Décor

Give the birds in your area a helping hand and create some décor outside at the same time. Cover pine cones in peanut butter and hang them from festive ribbons on trees and your porch, instant bird feeder.