September 29th, 2011
When man discovered the controlled use of fire during the Early Stone Age, roughly 790,000 years ago, he never could have imagined that the future of controlled fire was going to be so darn beautiful. Modern outdoor fire tables, designed to be an eye-catching focal point, create warmth and entice social gathering in the yard, are a decidedly hot trend in home design. Our Styleture editorial team members have long been fans of fire tables and we’ve been keeping our eyes out for the hottest ones on the market. Okay, now we’ve used “hot” and “hottest” in a fire table blog, so that means it’s time to get to it. Here are our five favorite outdoor fire tables:
Bond Newcastle Propane Gas Fire Table
The Bond Newcastle Propane Gas Fire Table
This beauty has a stacked faux-stone base and marble tabletop with a wide border for plates and drinks. Its center cover opens to reveal lava rock and open flame. Puts out 30,000 BTU’s for lots of warmth on the deck or patio. A stainless steel burner with push-button igniter allows for easy starts and maintenance. Measures 35 by 32 by 24 inches. Read the rest of this entry »
September 13th, 2011
In the design world, bigger is not always better. After all, the smaller the space, the greater the innovation. Residential designers and architects in urban locations are no strangers to resolving the issue of compact lots and homes; but now small is becoming big due to the economic downturn. According to “20/20: IFDA’s Vision for the Future,” a new report from the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA), we can all look forward to smaller houses with smaller rooms by 2020: fully 76 percent of respondents said so, as opposed to only 49 percent at the last IFDA census. And with less square footage, wouldn’t it also follow that home products need to deliver a double-dose of functionality in order to save space? With that in mind, here are three clever products for the home that serve double duty:
1. Cache by Zephyr®
Cache range hood by Zephyr
Cache’s subdued and elegant design is only enhanced by its ability to eschew clutter and create ordered elegance in the kitchen. Cache offers a spacious storage compartment discreetly hidden beneath a sweeping, understated hood and utensil rail. Read the rest of this entry »
September 8th, 2011
Bamboo is making quite a name for itself as an eco-chic material used in the contemporary bath environments of discerning homeowners. Bamboo’s environmental benefits stem from the fact that it can grow and spread quickly without the need for much water or care. A bamboo grove can release 35 percent more oxygen into the air than a similar-sized lot of trees, and it matures within seven years as opposed to 35-plus years for trees. Furthermore, bamboo can yield 20-times more timber than trees planted in the same-size area. With a heightened awareness among consumers to be green in their bath environment, bamboo is undeniably a great design resource. Of course, bamboo would never fly in the bathroom if didn’t look beautiful, too – and that it does. The Styleture editorial team has zeroed in on some of our favorite bamboo products for the bath:
Xylem Bambu 36″ Vanity in Dark Bamboo
The Xylem Bambu 36" Vanity in Dark Bamboo
The eco-renewable bamboo veneer is the starting point for this versatile and fresh design vanity. Highlighted with natural bamboo accents, it can be wall mounted or floor-standing using either of two floor stands that provide comfortable heights for vessel applications or under-mount lavatory installations. Read the rest of this entry »
August 11th, 2011
Let’s face it – the world of work is moving in an entirely new direction. In this day and age of at-home technologies and flex-time, more than ever employees don’t want to drive 20 miles to work, only to be stuck in a stuffy corporate office building for 9-plus hours a day. And don’t think that companies enjoy paying the exorbitant rents they do to house their employees in an office. It’s such a state of affairs, among numerous other considerations, that has inspired the creation of the OfficePOD – a design-forward, hassle free working environment that is at once away from the office and separate to home life.
The OfficePOD
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July 29th, 2011
Lotus Temple in New Delhi
In Indian culture, the lotus flower carries deep significance on a symbolic level. Mentioned in Hindu scriptures and sacred to the Gods, indelible images of Brahma and Buddha seated on a lotus can be found everywhere. For centuries, the lotus has influenced Indian architecture; one only needs to glimpse at the Taj Mahal to realize its dome resembles an upside-closed lotus. As far as modern constructions go, perhaps it’s New Delhi’s Lotus Temple, an architectural work of the Bahai faith, which best embodies both the beauty and significance of the lotus flower. Read the rest of this entry »
July 21st, 2011
There’s no arguing the fact that 10236 Charing Cross Road, in the Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles, is one of the most famous addresses in the world; it’s the location of the Playboy Mansion, made infamous by Hugh Hefner, his legendary celebrity parties, and his even more legendary penchant for beautiful women.
The front of the Playboy Mansion
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May 27th, 2010
With summer upon us people will be taking advantage of the friendly climate to spend more time outdoors: hosting parties, dinners, and other social events. This means you will want to have plenty of light for your back yard or patio, lest people be standing around in the dark. At the same time, you won’t want to rack up a huge electric bill in the process.
We came across an eco-friendly and stylish solution. These cool looking Vazon Magnum translucent planters by Rotoluxe are made for indoor or outdoor use and use low watt CFL/LED lighting to give off an ambient glow. You can use them to hold your outdoor plants and place them throughout your back yard. They serve as great night lights and accent pieces.
The planters can be powered via standard wall plug or by rechargeable battery (LED lights lasting 8-10 hours). There’s also an assortment of modifications available for your planter, including speakers, outdoor draining system or fabric. Best of all, they are made of 100% recycled plastics and the low wattage will keep your energy costs to a minimum.
Find more information about the Vazon Magnum planter at www.rotoluxe.com
Vazon Magnum Translucent Planter
