Faceted Curtains

A new design concept which offers a variety of different shapes to open curtains. Designed by Hannah Allijin by simply pulling strings at the side of the corded curtain track the curtains begin to move. The fabric is made up with triangles which folded together one by one. As the cord is pulled various geometric shapes form until they stopped at the corner.

The idea behind the concept was to ‘eliminate the colossus which arise when curtains are opened. The challenge is to change a big surface into a small form in different ways’.

This is a great way to bring curtains alive and interesting during they day. At night the cord is released and the weight will return the curtain back to its ‘closed’ state.

An ideal way to bring as much or as little light into a room as needed; as well as offering a great way to keep prying eyes out of a room by lifting the corner edges just enough to only let the light in!

The appearance reminds me somewhat of scrunched up paper! The Faceted curtains add fun and trendy way to dress a window. The plain neutral colours would blend with virtually all design colour schemes and interior styles; from traditional through to contemporary. An ideal window treatment for awkward shaped windows or those which are hard to reach, such as a landing.

For further information on Hannah Allijin’s Faceted curtains visit Yanko Designs

Image source: Yanko Designs.

Fusion Table

Many of us struggle to find space to have such large games tables in our homes. Here is the solution. This beautiful sleek wooden table ‘Fusion’ has an element of surprise! Simply slide the top off and underneath is a pool, billiard games table!

The table is made from different natural woods or metal to fit into both modern and traditional style homes with ease. It makes a real change to see such an innovative design actually photographed in a ‘normal’ home setting, complete with a wall bookcase/shelving and simple white venetian blinds; it enables you to realistically say ‘yes’ I could have one of those and it would be practical and functional for dining as well as playing pool or billiards.

As those of you who follow my blog have probably realised I admit to being a bit of a ‘wood’ lover! This beautiful Fusion walnut table is simply stunning in its sleek design. No fussiness about this table, the designers Aramith have used clean lines and sturdiness in a fashionable and stylish way.

The metal version may be more suitable for contemporary interior design styles which favour white or black décor and furnishings or ‘outside’ terraced dining areas for those who live in warmer climates than the UK!

The height of the table is adjustable to differentiate between dining and 'playing'; it is even possible to choose the colour of the felt on the pool/billiard table for a completely coordinated look in the dining room!

For further details of sizes and design styles visit Fusion

Image source: www.notcot.com

Glass Bed

This contemporary designed bed frame and surround is made from glass, ideal for grand interiors and those wishing to make a real statement in the bed room!

The elongated headboard has a series of three steps on which to rest the pillows at different levels and angles, which also offer space for putting your clock or a, table lamp or two, but to be honest I think that would be defeating the object in the plainness of this dramatic bed!

The overall dimensions of the Glass Bed are quite immense, a pretty large bedroom would be needed to accommodate it.

There is something quirky about this bed which really appeals to me! I think it’s the sense of space and clean lines it offers. The black pillows and what I can only assume is the mattress provide a striking visual impact. The little tufts of white ‘feathers’ adds a quirky interest! I think the bed would look equally stunning with bright white accessories!

I wonder how cold the glass is to the touch? Something the Italians have less to worry about than us in the UK! Touching the glass may be just the thing on hot sultry nights!

Designed by the Italian studios Santambrogio Milan, Glass Bed has also been designed with the series of steps which come down two sides offering a more compacted version and ‘looks’ to hold the mattress more securely in place.


For further details of Glass Bed visit fuzbiz , translation from French will be needed!

Image source: www.fubiz.net/blog

Map Quilts

Map quilts by textile artist Leah Evans are simply stunning. Each design features hand sewn map in the finest details. Leah uses numerous different embroidery techniques as well as a variety of other textile applications such as appliqué, hand dyeing, piercing and needle-felting to make each unique quilt.

The designs are based on imagery from aerial photography, maps and satellite images, however, the quilts are not merely copies of these map sources they have been beautifully and skilfully created to make imaginary lands using elements from different maps.

I love the tones of colours used on each individual piece, and while they do indeed look like maps with rivers, lakes and contours they are quite simply stunning in my opinion. They must take hours of painstaking detailed work and dedication to create.

The Map Quilts offers a sense of old world charm in a modern effect. They would look superb in bedrooms with old cottage style interior design themes or equally effective in a modern setting. Coordinated with natural flooring and soft pastel curtains such as Cubik, the most peaceful settings can be created for wonderful calm and restful sleeping; being transport to the land of dreams in an instant!

During the development of the Map Quilt Leah created equally stunning samples which she called ‘estuary‘, ‘tundra‘, ‘alluvial fields’ and ‘braided field’ all in the most exquisite detail and workmanship.

If you would like to discover more about Lean Evans work visit designboom

Image source: Designboom

Contemporary Heating Solution

Radiators can be very mundane, this contemporary design by Danny Wan brings a great Heating Solution into a modern home in a new exciting and practical way.

Virtually all rooms have radiator which situated under a window. As any cool air being generated will be warmed. Which is fine during the day when curtains are opened, however at night it’s a different story! Hang the curtains over the radiator and you’ll loose the heat behind them which is neither practical or energy efficient. Trying to drop the curtains behind the radiator is a time consuming nightmare which simply spoils the hang and line of the curtains.

Having ready made curtainsready made curtains which hang just below the window sill so that they don’t interfere with the rising heat is the ideal solution.

Danny Wan’s Heating Solution uses the fundamental principles of hot air rising. Ad the air is heated it rises up through each tube and is expelled from the top vents. As the heat is generated inside the pipes it will radiate outwards providing heat for the lower half of a room as well.

Who would want to try and disguise or hide this beautiful chromed radiator as they do with ‘usual‘ radiators by painting or having covers over them? The striking simplicity of the quite chunky pipes reminds of an church organ and exhaust pipes! Majestic, beautiful to look at and functional, what more could you ask for?

The polished chrome appearance makes a very welcome change from white and would compliment bathroom fixtures and fittings perfectly.

Visit yankodesigns for more information and image source.

Recycled Newspaper ‘Yarn’

Ever wondered what on earth to do with your old newspapers?
The design studios Greetie van Tiem their project ‘Indruk’ has created ‘yarn’ hand spun from strips of newspaper.

The method used is similar to that of spinning yarn from wool. By using a spindle the strips of newspaper are twisted and spun into ‘yarn’. Apparently it is possible to spin 20 yards of ‘yarn’ from a single sheet of newspaper!

Once spun the newspaper ‘yarn’ can then be used to create useful household additions such as rugs, curtains and upholstery by hand weaving.

I love the idea behind this innovative design concept. I can easily comprehend how a rug could be made possibly by using the technique of plaiting the strips to coils, a bit like the way rag rugs are made.

However, I’m struggling to see how curtains can be made! I suppose the strips of newspaper yarn could be woven together to form lengths of newspaper ‘fabric’. It would then be possible to hang the curtains from a curtain pole by using pin hooks (the sort you use when making goblet style curtain headings) and curtain rings.

Alternatively the newspaper yarn could be used in its strips to make a modern alternative to door curtains which are used to keep flying insects out in the summer!

Unless the newspaper ‘yarn’ is treated there would be no way of washing anything made from it! But still if you kept weaving you could just replace them and of course it would be ‘free’!

For further information visit: greenupgrader

Image source: www.greenupgrader.com

beautiful Bathroom

This beautiful bathroom has been designed by Stefano Chiocchinni in partnership with stone designers and manufactures Cappellini. Cappellini have been designing and manufacturing in stone, marble and granite for over thirty years. The visual effects of the natural stone is simply stunning.





















I adore the large circular bath made in natural Piasentina stone. The circular stone theme is continued with the matching basin and the circular structure of the shower wall and base.

The natural colours of the stone blend superbly with the white walls and light wooden floor boards. The floaty sheer curtain material adds a slightly feminine touch which compliments the hard surfaces of the stones wonderfully. Being able to catch glimpses of the outside garden makes the bathroom a unique space to relax in. giving the appearance that you are sitting in a private garden!

The different textures provide both a great visual stimulus and very tactile bathroom space. The stone work in the shower in contrast to the curtains has a more masculine look to it.

The kidney shaped stone bench fit’s the contours of the bath to continue and blend with the circular theme, while providing some very practical seating, complimenting the patterned marble basin back splash perfectly.

I also love the lighting! The beautiful glass like, droplets provides a sense of tickling water cascading down the room, while the more traditional style chandelier adds a touch of real glamour.

I am totally bowled over with this design! A practical and very useable bathroom space designed for modern living.

Image source and more information visit: Home Design Find

Alice in ‘True’ Wonderland

UXUS, an Amsterdam based architec company, had the innovative idea to use their own offices to present and showcase their latest creation which is self described as a “mysterious and poetic atmosphere of old and new world fables’.

The transformation of their offices provides a simple yet stylish ambience to the space. The use of both natural and artificial light to cast white throughout the room is simply stunning.

I love the use the floor to ceiling plain white curtains hung simply from a curtain track to further bounce light and cast shadows throughout the room.

The designs are created to ‘foster powerful unforgettable stories that colour everyday life’. This exciting design is based on Alice in Wonderland, with the door patterned panel door opened to reveal more exciting things beyond. The overhead lighting looks like a large metallic spider hovering over the table!

The dark abstract woven chair in the lower edge of the image caught my eye. I like the simplicity of the design which would suit all types of interior room designs with ease. To see the latest UXUS collection take a look at Yanko Designs, I’m sure you’ll love what you see!

Wouldn’t be great if all offices spaces were designed and fitted with wonderful designs like these!

Image source: yanko designs

Monoknit Chair

Monoknit Chair has been created and designed by Florian Krautli. This wonderful chair is made from polypropylene cord supplied by Seilerei Sammt.

Heat is used to make the cord shrink and harden. Due to the knit the chair pulls itself together and stiffens. This process forms the construction aspect of the chair, however, the seating part stays untreated. ‘The chair is not only easy to produce, but also easy to recycle‘.

I love the shabby style appearance of this chair. It looks comfortable and the ideal place to sit and unwind (excuse the pun!) with a cup of coffee and a book. Great for the latest in-trend ‘shabby chic’ interior design styles, with their mix and match materials where virtually anything goes as long as it looks ‘used’ and coordinates in a hap-hazard sort of way.

There is something almost endearing about this chair. Monoknit chair would look great in bedrooms with a Victoria design style. I think there is a real ’motherly’ feel to its appearance, it would make an unusual yet practical chair for use in a baby’s nursery as it has an almost ’grandma made’ look. Maybe that’s why it looks so inviting? Curtains ‘knitted’ in the same white cord and hung from a wooden curtain pole would be ideal for keeping a room shaded and cool in the summer! A great use of materials which provide a beautiful chair with a built in appearance of a throw casually placed over it.

For more information visit www.kraeutli.com
Image source: farm4

PuzzlePerser Rug

Looking for something to do during the long winter evenings? Why not make a jigsaw rug! I just love the concept of this design, much better than trying to make a rug for one of those pre-made kits that are so outdated!

Created by Katrin Sonnleitner the Persian style carpet is made from pieces of recycled natural and synthetic rubber. I assume that as the rug is made from rubber it is relatively easy to keep clean. Not that I’m obsessed with cleaning just trying to be practical, no point having such a lovely rug and not letting anyone near it! I also think the rug would be ideal for using as a outside play mat during the summer months.

PuzzlePerser is a great form of modular flooring with fabulous design patterns just waiting to be created by those who love doing jigsaw puzzles and hate having to break them up afterwards!

Specific designs and colours can be commissioned, however there are over seventy different colour combinations already in existence. This beautiful rug will keep folk busy for hours, the end result is a practical and very useable rug for any room in a home. Ideal for spending time doing a family activity to be proudly displayed when complete! I love the ‘unfinished’ look of the edges, it gives the appearance that more pieces could be continuously added.

This rug is the sort of ‘homemade’ present I would love to receive!

For more details of Katrin Sonnleitner’s fabulous designs visit
www.katrin-sonnleitner.com

Image source: www.yankodesign.com

Wardrobes or Workstations?

I think these stylish wooden units are the ideal solution for those who like to keep the home pristine and uncluttered. A innovative design which would suit both traditional and modern homes beautifully.

The wooden units may appear to be wardrobes, yet open them up and they are stacked with neatly arranged kitchen essentials! A really natty and ingenious way to keep pots, pans, knives etc. in an easy to access space! Anyone who loves cooking will adore these stunning kitchen designs.

Bulthaup b2 was designed in collaboration between Bulthaup and EOOS the concept behind the idea was to create a kitchen ‘for today and tomorrow‘.

I think these stand alone units make a really pleasant change from the built-in kitchens we have grown accustomed to in the UK. With these units it is possible to re-arrange a kitchen easily while retaining the overall effect of an orderly and un-cluttered appearance. This mobile kitchen system is sleek and very stylish.

A great advantage with these kitchen units is that as free standing it would be possible for you to take them with you when you move house! Not that the new occupiers would be very pleased!

Great for use in a flat or studio apartment with limited space and for those who do not like having their kitchen utensils for all to see!

For more information about Buthaup b2 visit www.trendsnow.net
(Note: unless you read French you will have to translate the information)

Image source: www.trendsnow.net courtesy of EOOS and Dezeen

Marvellous Marble!

Finding somewhere to display objects can be a bit daunting when searching for something that is more innovative than just plain shelving!

This honeycombed style display unit is made from beautiful polished marble. I love the variations in the size of the compartments and the unusual angles. The ideal place to display all manner of favourite objects in a quirky way! However, you’d have to have a large home in which to place this more than substantial single piece unit.

The chair is also made from one piece of marble, a stunning design which compliments the unit wonderfully. The honeycomb cell has been replicated in the hollowed out base with great effect.

I’d be interested to know just how much each piece weighs, particularly the honeycomb unit and the techniques used to create such beautiful designs!

For commercial use the unit looks stunning without any display objects. The unit creates its own visual impact. I can image it being used as part of a contemporary style concourse or situated in large modern office block foyer which also have polished marble floors and reflective surfaces to compliment both pieces.

Designed by Marc Newson both the unit and chair have each been created from single pieces of enormous marble, some achievement!

Newson has been designing a wide variety of different domestic and commercial objects and interior spaces for many years. His designs include furniture, interiors, timepieces, objects and transport!

To find out more about his work visit www.marc-newson.com

Image source visit www.totonko.com

Susurrus Ceramic Sculpture/Chandelier

As much as I love all of the designs I include in my blog it’s not often that I actually say ‘I want one of those’. Today’s blog is the exception! I just adore this chandelier and have place in my home for at least one!

Susurrus ceramic sculpture/chandelier is made from hundreds of tiny bone china bells. Every bell is unique with its own distinctive shape and acoustic tone. The subtle variations in the sounds and shapes are produced by variations in the organic firing process. Although the bells are unglazed they are surprisingly robust while still retaining a really delicate appearance.



The name Susurrus comes from the Latin whisper or murmur, very apt for the delicate sounds made when the chandelier is gently set in motion.

There are variations available. Susurrus Lux comes complete with integral lighting provide by a 20W bulb skilfully concealed by a porcelain conical shade. The low watt bulb and shade provide the most incredible diffused lighting effects throughout the chandelier.

If you prefer to admire Susrrus just as a sculpture feature it is available without the lighting. What’s even more amazing is that Susrrus can also be used outside and looks stunning suspended from a large tree.

Although the Susrrus chandelier in the above image was made for a 5 star hotel renovation in Ireland, smaller or larger versions up to 5m in height and virtually unlimited width due to its modular construction can be made to order.

For further details and image source visit www.itemhome.co.uk