Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Ring in New Year with style
by Heidi
While Christmas may be over, the holidays are anything but! Just as you are getting rid of the Christmas wrappings and bows and boxes, it is time to think about how to decorate your home to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
You don't have to get rid of all your Christmas décor, just make a few changes, and add some touches of glitter and glamour for your New Year festivities.
Here are some simple tips & tricks:
- Remove all the red or green candles and replace them with silver or gold candles.
- Tie silver or gold bows on candlesticks.
- Remove red or Christmas design ribbons from garlands, railings, mirrors, swags, or anywhere else and replace them with silver or gold ones
-Place silver or gold pillar candles on silver plates or platters.
- Get out any white or clear dishes you might have. If you have to buy dishes for the party, consider inexpensive disposable tableware.
- Use silver serving pieces for the party.
- Use table linens in white, black, silver, or gold.
- Tie napkins in sparkling wired silver or gold twists or ribbons.
-sparkly and festive centerpieces are great vocal points, but if you are planning a sit down dinner, avoid having tall centerpieces.
and although silver and gold are festive colors and thus suitable for New Years celebration, there are other great colors you can use as well.
and here are some sample images of New year's decor (click on the images to enlarge them)
I really like this more modern take on New Years decor. Not a lot of sparkle, but very stylish and creative.
You can achieve the festive mood with both subtle & simple and sparkly and elaborate.
I really love the hanging clock collection!
Blue and gold is very festive color scheme.....or go with pink, silver and clear glass
I love how the clock/time scheme is incorporated throughout the space
simple clear bottle candleholders and gold/silver ornaments in a glass can create a lovely atmospehere
all clear glass, but in various scale creates a lovely centerpiece
Fun idea of hand made popcorn containers from festive paper
Make the centerpiece an interesting vocal point
Happy New Year!
While Christmas may be over, the holidays are anything but! Just as you are getting rid of the Christmas wrappings and bows and boxes, it is time to think about how to decorate your home to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
You don't have to get rid of all your Christmas décor, just make a few changes, and add some touches of glitter and glamour for your New Year festivities.
Here are some simple tips & tricks:
- Remove all the red or green candles and replace them with silver or gold candles.
- Tie silver or gold bows on candlesticks.
- Remove red or Christmas design ribbons from garlands, railings, mirrors, swags, or anywhere else and replace them with silver or gold ones
-Place silver or gold pillar candles on silver plates or platters.
- Get out any white or clear dishes you might have. If you have to buy dishes for the party, consider inexpensive disposable tableware.
- Use silver serving pieces for the party.
- Use table linens in white, black, silver, or gold.
- Tie napkins in sparkling wired silver or gold twists or ribbons.
-sparkly and festive centerpieces are great vocal points, but if you are planning a sit down dinner, avoid having tall centerpieces.
and although silver and gold are festive colors and thus suitable for New Years celebration, there are other great colors you can use as well.
and here are some sample images of New year's decor (click on the images to enlarge them)
I really like this more modern take on New Years decor. Not a lot of sparkle, but very stylish and creative.
You can achieve the festive mood with both subtle & simple and sparkly and elaborate.
I really love the hanging clock collection!
Blue and gold is very festive color scheme.....or go with pink, silver and clear glass
I love how the clock/time scheme is incorporated throughout the space
simple clear bottle candleholders and gold/silver ornaments in a glass can create a lovely atmospehere
all clear glass, but in various scale creates a lovely centerpiece
Fun idea of hand made popcorn containers from festive paper
Make the centerpiece an interesting vocal point
Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Bring the holiday celebration into every room
by Heidi
Kitchens and bathrooms are a great place to put scented candles and smaller seasonal knickknacks.
Here is an example how you can show season changes in your powder room
....or a little decorated bow on your dining room chairs.
Bring in some branches, spray paint them white and decorate them for Winter and, with just little changes, for Spring.
I personally love to add little simple touches to existing accessories to celebrate each season
photos: Heidi Mendoza and Pottery Barn
Kitchens and bathrooms are a great place to put scented candles and smaller seasonal knickknacks.
Here is an example how you can show season changes in your powder room
....or a little decorated bow on your dining room chairs.
Bring in some branches, spray paint them white and decorate them for Winter and, with just little changes, for Spring.
I personally love to add little simple touches to existing accessories to celebrate each season
photos: Heidi Mendoza and Pottery Barn
Design Fortune Tellers
Last night my design partner Snow and myself attended a fun networking event, Douglas County Divas and had a vendor table with big screen to show some of our design work. We also made some party favors for people to take home with them. Remember that fun little folded fortuneteller from your childhood?
our little "event favor" was a design fortune teller, giving little design tips & tricks
by Heidi Mendoza
Fortune Teller design: Snow
our little "event favor" was a design fortune teller, giving little design tips & tricks
by Heidi Mendoza
Fortune Teller design: Snow
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Top 10 Favorites – December 2010
by Heidi
click the images to make them bigger
1.Mrs. Robinson 2010
Mrs Robinson
chest of drawers
maple, mdf
www.pudelskern.at
"Mrs Robinson has found her place in life and has learned to stick to her principles. Mrs Robinson knows how to dress – and she very much knows how to keep her secrets. Mrs Robinson wears a bright outfit. Six fine lines form rectangles on the front side, slightly displaced but never misplaced. The overall impression is discreet, a perfect outfit for many occasions. With a light touch the rectangles on the front can be opened and Mrs Robinson reveals her inner life. Colourful patterns adorn the sides of containers giving order, guidance and diversification. Every thing has its place in Mrs Robinson’s life."
2.the Loopy Light by Jane Blease
crafted from 1.5mm Plywood. This flexible plywood lampshade has an internally routed lily pattern which grown through the wood when lit. Simply screw into your existing lampholder, bend into form and hold in place with the metal dowel provided. The veneer lights go into much greater detail, and include beautifully wood burnt holes and intricate hand embroidered red thread detail.
3. Transcluent wooden panel
With breakthrough in technology, we now have a see through translucent wooden panel. With the core technology now developed, almost any material can be made to let light pass through it irrespective of density and thickness of the materials. Sandwiched between series of thin, narrow pieces of wood, the vertical strips that help light move from one face to the other are visible as tall thin bars. In spite of the image composing of various vertical pixels, the mind stitches the image back together when viewed from a distance. Designed by Luminoso, just imagine the utilities this high- tech hybrid material can be deployed to from structural walls to room dividers etc.
4.Oak bench by Designers at large
5.The handmade Oak Box lights by Jane Blease
When the light is switched off they appear to be solid cubes, but once the light is turned on, pattern emanates warmly through the smooth exterior, giving the effect of a projection. Glowing teardrops flow down the sides of the cube
6. Marble Inlay Flooring and Walls by Italian Budri
Put some pizzazz onto your flooring and walls with this amazing marble inlay by Budri. The Italian company began as a small artisan workshop for floors, walls and building materials, founded in the ‘60s by Enzo Budri. As the company grew and techniques evolved, so too did the products gain sophisticated in their materials and methods. These unusual, inventive flooring and wall inlays combine time-honored traditions with innovative ideas – and of course, the touch or a true artist. Highlighting the natural beauty potential in stone, these marble inlays feature amazing modern patterns, and vibrant colors that can only come from nature, polished to a glossy finish that is as luxurious underfoot as it is from afar. Some designs are by Patricia Urquiola
7.Modern Contemporary Fireplace by Modus Design
6. Chair by Christopher Guy
Add modern sophistication for the living area or sitting room. This chair is a great functional piece that doubles as art. It features a unique circular backrest detailed with rustic wooden rods, in contrast to the seat, which is upholstered in fabric with a refined sheen. (Measures 93 by 71 by 100 cm.)
9.Designer Solid Wood Bed by Ign.Design
Aptly dubbed “Dream,” this dreamy, natural bed design by Andy Ehrensperger features a low-profile, freestanding frame of solid wood that looks as great pushed against a wall as it does front and center in your room. The mattress and frame are perched on a smaller, stepped-in base which creates the illusion of floating in mid-air. The smooth, curved lines of the frame echo in the integrated bedside table – an ingenious pair of trays, made of the same wood and carved to a rounded shape for your favorite bedtime reading and a lamp.
10. Stainless Steel Door Knobs and Pulls by Martin Pierce
These unusual stainless steel door knobs and pulls by Los Angeles-based furniture designer and hardware artist Martin Pierce are like jewelry for your home. The new Morphic luxury organic hardware series will dress up even the most ordinary room, adding some oomph to your kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas. Dress up your kitchen cabinet doors with this contemporary line of knobs and pulls, featuring a modern brushed stainless steel finish and a freeform web motif inspired by nature. Continue the same decorating theme in the bathroom, with these beautiful pierced steel hardware accessories.
click the images to make them bigger
1.Mrs. Robinson 2010
Mrs Robinson
chest of drawers
maple, mdf
www.pudelskern.at
"Mrs Robinson has found her place in life and has learned to stick to her principles. Mrs Robinson knows how to dress – and she very much knows how to keep her secrets. Mrs Robinson wears a bright outfit. Six fine lines form rectangles on the front side, slightly displaced but never misplaced. The overall impression is discreet, a perfect outfit for many occasions. With a light touch the rectangles on the front can be opened and Mrs Robinson reveals her inner life. Colourful patterns adorn the sides of containers giving order, guidance and diversification. Every thing has its place in Mrs Robinson’s life."
2.the Loopy Light by Jane Blease
crafted from 1.5mm Plywood. This flexible plywood lampshade has an internally routed lily pattern which grown through the wood when lit. Simply screw into your existing lampholder, bend into form and hold in place with the metal dowel provided. The veneer lights go into much greater detail, and include beautifully wood burnt holes and intricate hand embroidered red thread detail.
3. Transcluent wooden panel
With breakthrough in technology, we now have a see through translucent wooden panel. With the core technology now developed, almost any material can be made to let light pass through it irrespective of density and thickness of the materials. Sandwiched between series of thin, narrow pieces of wood, the vertical strips that help light move from one face to the other are visible as tall thin bars. In spite of the image composing of various vertical pixels, the mind stitches the image back together when viewed from a distance. Designed by Luminoso, just imagine the utilities this high- tech hybrid material can be deployed to from structural walls to room dividers etc.
4.Oak bench by Designers at large
5.The handmade Oak Box lights by Jane Blease
When the light is switched off they appear to be solid cubes, but once the light is turned on, pattern emanates warmly through the smooth exterior, giving the effect of a projection. Glowing teardrops flow down the sides of the cube
6. Marble Inlay Flooring and Walls by Italian Budri
Put some pizzazz onto your flooring and walls with this amazing marble inlay by Budri. The Italian company began as a small artisan workshop for floors, walls and building materials, founded in the ‘60s by Enzo Budri. As the company grew and techniques evolved, so too did the products gain sophisticated in their materials and methods. These unusual, inventive flooring and wall inlays combine time-honored traditions with innovative ideas – and of course, the touch or a true artist. Highlighting the natural beauty potential in stone, these marble inlays feature amazing modern patterns, and vibrant colors that can only come from nature, polished to a glossy finish that is as luxurious underfoot as it is from afar. Some designs are by Patricia Urquiola
7.Modern Contemporary Fireplace by Modus Design
6. Chair by Christopher Guy
Add modern sophistication for the living area or sitting room. This chair is a great functional piece that doubles as art. It features a unique circular backrest detailed with rustic wooden rods, in contrast to the seat, which is upholstered in fabric with a refined sheen. (Measures 93 by 71 by 100 cm.)
9.Designer Solid Wood Bed by Ign.Design
Aptly dubbed “Dream,” this dreamy, natural bed design by Andy Ehrensperger features a low-profile, freestanding frame of solid wood that looks as great pushed against a wall as it does front and center in your room. The mattress and frame are perched on a smaller, stepped-in base which creates the illusion of floating in mid-air. The smooth, curved lines of the frame echo in the integrated bedside table – an ingenious pair of trays, made of the same wood and carved to a rounded shape for your favorite bedtime reading and a lamp.
10. Stainless Steel Door Knobs and Pulls by Martin Pierce
These unusual stainless steel door knobs and pulls by Los Angeles-based furniture designer and hardware artist Martin Pierce are like jewelry for your home. The new Morphic luxury organic hardware series will dress up even the most ordinary room, adding some oomph to your kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas. Dress up your kitchen cabinet doors with this contemporary line of knobs and pulls, featuring a modern brushed stainless steel finish and a freeform web motif inspired by nature. Continue the same decorating theme in the bathroom, with these beautiful pierced steel hardware accessories.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Design-minded Holiday Gift Guide
For Her
From left to right: Gorgeous, danish design from Menu - a mirror finished aluminum jewelry tree ($85) - available for purchase here. "Hand thrown porcelain straight from the Bronx," Kim Westad's ceramic goodness ($15 - $200) can be found at her Etsy shop. Finally, Moxie & Oliver produces handmade, intricate leather goods from jewelry to wallets to purses ($15 - $460) to accessorize the most discerning rustic gal.
For Him
From Gus Modern, a sophisticated and stylish acrylic wine rack ($155). Unique bowls made from records for the audiophile in your life ($25), from Odd Bob. For the sleek geek, a binary wall clock ($80)!
For the Kiddos
Teach the kiddos some fiscal responsibility with Mint's super cute Coink Piggy Bank ($36). Always winning design, Fred & Friends brings fun with food via Chimpsticks ($7). Wham-O's got the perfect solution for winter break mayhem - the Snowball Blaster ($30).
Budget Friendly Gifts for All
Available in a wide variety of subjects, Table Topics ($25) are a fun gift for all ages and all occasions. Amusing pot holders from Fred and Friends called Hot Heads ($10) keep things quirky in the kitchen.The endlessly fascinating Buckyballs ($30) provide entertainment for kids and adults alike.
For the Reader
A fantastic read for just about anyone, spanning everything, Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything" ($12-$20) is a home run. Putting a magnifying lens on everyday products, Humble Masterpieces ($15) is a quick and surprisingly informative read. Newly released, David Sedaris brings together humor and heart with Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk! ($22).
From left to right: Gorgeous, danish design from Menu - a mirror finished aluminum jewelry tree ($85) - available for purchase here. "Hand thrown porcelain straight from the Bronx," Kim Westad's ceramic goodness ($15 - $200) can be found at her Etsy shop. Finally, Moxie & Oliver produces handmade, intricate leather goods from jewelry to wallets to purses ($15 - $460) to accessorize the most discerning rustic gal.
For Him
From Gus Modern, a sophisticated and stylish acrylic wine rack ($155). Unique bowls made from records for the audiophile in your life ($25), from Odd Bob. For the sleek geek, a binary wall clock ($80)!
For the Kiddos
Teach the kiddos some fiscal responsibility with Mint's super cute Coink Piggy Bank ($36). Always winning design, Fred & Friends brings fun with food via Chimpsticks ($7). Wham-O's got the perfect solution for winter break mayhem - the Snowball Blaster ($30).
Budget Friendly Gifts for All
Available in a wide variety of subjects, Table Topics ($25) are a fun gift for all ages and all occasions. Amusing pot holders from Fred and Friends called Hot Heads ($10) keep things quirky in the kitchen.The endlessly fascinating Buckyballs ($30) provide entertainment for kids and adults alike.
For the Reader
A fantastic read for just about anyone, spanning everything, Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything" ($12-$20) is a home run. Putting a magnifying lens on everyday products, Humble Masterpieces ($15) is a quick and surprisingly informative read. Newly released, David Sedaris brings together humor and heart with Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk! ($22).
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
MYKEA
I love IKEA furniture. It is well designed and simple and clean....sometimes maybe too simple, needing a little something. Perhaps something like this:
1) Select your IKEA Furniture
2) Choose a Design
3) Redesign your IKEA Furniture.
Mykea isa small creative company that one day came up with a Big Idea! To customize Ikea furniture with amazing designs.
say NO to NAKED Furniture at http://www.thisismykea.com/
xoxox,
Heidi
1) Select your IKEA Furniture
2) Choose a Design
3) Redesign your IKEA Furniture.
Mykea isa small creative company that one day came up with a Big Idea! To customize Ikea furniture with amazing designs.
say NO to NAKED Furniture at http://www.thisismykea.com/
xoxox,
Heidi
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Last Minute Thanksgiving Tablescape Ideas
by Heidi
Thanksgiving Tableware
1. Bird Bowl by Jonathan Adler
This bird bowl, made of fired stoneware with a matte white glaze, will look perfect atop any Thanksgiving table.
2. Serving Dish with Dual Handles by Eva Solo
Beautiful ovenproof porcelain dish comes very handy. The handles do double duty to keep the hot pot off the tabletop and also let you hold it with one hand and serve with the other should the occasion call for it.
3. Norm Serving-Carving Tray by NORM Architects
You will be thankful of this serving-carving tray throughout the year.
It acts as a carving station (catching the juices below), a cold plate (you can insert an ice pack between the top and bottom pieces), and a serving tray (when you use the pieces separately).
4.Avva Breadbasket by Josh Jakus
This lovely felt breadbasket keeps dinner rolls toasty warm and make them easy to pass. It opens like an envelope so you can grab one as it makes its way around the table, and later, it'll fold flat for easy storage.
...and last minute Table Décor ideas
If life has kept you running a mile-a-minute and you’ve not had a chance to focus on your Thanksgiving tablescape, try this simple votive idea, or place setting
1.A leaf votive
A votive wrapped with vibrant fall leaves and tied with twine can make a nice addition to a buffet or dining table this Thanksgiving.
2. Colors of the Season
For a splash of style, adorn your table with autumn's brightest accessories: vivid fall leaves. Simply clip sprays of young leaves from a tree in your yard (these are from a maple). Arrange the clippings at each place setting, and top with transparent glass plates.
......or if you have a little spare time, try these ideas…..
3. Cranberry Arrangement
Cut toothpicks in half. Skewer one cranberry onto the end of each toothpick (without sticking it all the way through). Poke cranberry-laden toothpicks into a crafts foam ball. Cover each foam ball completely with cranberries. Place the balls on glass, silver, or mercury glass candlesticks. Add more fall panache by weaving curly grape vines through the arrangement of cranberry topiaries, or sprinkle acorns around the bases.
4. Shiny Silver Centerpiece
Take a step away from traditional fall colors and try a metallic palette. For a shiny silver centerpiece, arrange mercury glass candlesticks on a silver serving tray. Spray-paint small pumpkins and gourds with metallic silver paint and place on top of the candlesticks. To add candles, hollow-out the center of each pumpkin just wide enough to securely hold the candle upright.
5. Vegetable centerpieces
What better way to celebrate the Thanksgiving harvest feast than by creating a centerpiece using gorgeous green vegetables. To make the asparagus- and green bean-wrapped candles, stretch two sturdy rubber bands around a white pillar candle, then insert vegetable stalks underneath the band. Cover the bands with a circle of satin ribbon and decorate the platter with a few white mums and coffee berry sprigs.
6. Butternut squash vase
For a seasonal vase, cut off the top of a butternut squash (about 1/4 of the squash height) and scoop out the flesh. Add water and arrange dahlias, sunflowers, zinnias, or other autumnal flowers in the vase. For a Thanksgiving table, line several squash vases along the center of the table, setting some on footed plates for height variations.
May your Thanksgiving be nice and may your Thanksgiving dinner stay off your thighs !
Happy Thanksgiving xoxoxo!
Thanksgiving Tableware
1. Bird Bowl by Jonathan Adler
This bird bowl, made of fired stoneware with a matte white glaze, will look perfect atop any Thanksgiving table.
2. Serving Dish with Dual Handles by Eva Solo
Beautiful ovenproof porcelain dish comes very handy. The handles do double duty to keep the hot pot off the tabletop and also let you hold it with one hand and serve with the other should the occasion call for it.
3. Norm Serving-Carving Tray by NORM Architects
You will be thankful of this serving-carving tray throughout the year.
It acts as a carving station (catching the juices below), a cold plate (you can insert an ice pack between the top and bottom pieces), and a serving tray (when you use the pieces separately).
4.Avva Breadbasket by Josh Jakus
This lovely felt breadbasket keeps dinner rolls toasty warm and make them easy to pass. It opens like an envelope so you can grab one as it makes its way around the table, and later, it'll fold flat for easy storage.
...and last minute Table Décor ideas
If life has kept you running a mile-a-minute and you’ve not had a chance to focus on your Thanksgiving tablescape, try this simple votive idea, or place setting
1.A leaf votive
A votive wrapped with vibrant fall leaves and tied with twine can make a nice addition to a buffet or dining table this Thanksgiving.
2. Colors of the Season
For a splash of style, adorn your table with autumn's brightest accessories: vivid fall leaves. Simply clip sprays of young leaves from a tree in your yard (these are from a maple). Arrange the clippings at each place setting, and top with transparent glass plates.
......or if you have a little spare time, try these ideas…..
3. Cranberry Arrangement
Cut toothpicks in half. Skewer one cranberry onto the end of each toothpick (without sticking it all the way through). Poke cranberry-laden toothpicks into a crafts foam ball. Cover each foam ball completely with cranberries. Place the balls on glass, silver, or mercury glass candlesticks. Add more fall panache by weaving curly grape vines through the arrangement of cranberry topiaries, or sprinkle acorns around the bases.
4. Shiny Silver Centerpiece
Take a step away from traditional fall colors and try a metallic palette. For a shiny silver centerpiece, arrange mercury glass candlesticks on a silver serving tray. Spray-paint small pumpkins and gourds with metallic silver paint and place on top of the candlesticks. To add candles, hollow-out the center of each pumpkin just wide enough to securely hold the candle upright.
5. Vegetable centerpieces
What better way to celebrate the Thanksgiving harvest feast than by creating a centerpiece using gorgeous green vegetables. To make the asparagus- and green bean-wrapped candles, stretch two sturdy rubber bands around a white pillar candle, then insert vegetable stalks underneath the band. Cover the bands with a circle of satin ribbon and decorate the platter with a few white mums and coffee berry sprigs.
6. Butternut squash vase
For a seasonal vase, cut off the top of a butternut squash (about 1/4 of the squash height) and scoop out the flesh. Add water and arrange dahlias, sunflowers, zinnias, or other autumnal flowers in the vase. For a Thanksgiving table, line several squash vases along the center of the table, setting some on footed plates for height variations.
May your Thanksgiving be nice and may your Thanksgiving dinner stay off your thighs !
Happy Thanksgiving xoxoxo!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Retail Store Concept - Serendipity by Heidi Mendoza
Serendipity [a propensity for making fortunate discoveries while looking for something unrelated.]
Natural, inter-twining, flowing and aesthetically pleasing blend of shades is rarely seen in any other element / material than wood.
(click on the images to enlarge them)
First thing you notice as you walk in is the “Wave Structure”, bent plywood structural element from the wall, across the ceiling to the other side with shelves holding some of the merchandising.
Diffused fluorescent lighting is mounted between the panel and the wall and the panel also has small can lights on the roof. (Design by Heidi Mendoza)
Custom panel behind the reception desk was created with laminates and wood. Back panel is white laminate that you can see through the circle patterns on the top wood panel. (Design by Heidi Mendoza.)
Custom Reception Desk with a lighted niche. (Design by Heidi)
Custom Light fixture above the reception desk. (Design by Heidi)
Custom display / bench . (Design by Heidi)
Natural, inter-twining, flowing and aesthetically pleasing blend of shades is rarely seen in any other element / material than wood.
(click on the images to enlarge them)
First thing you notice as you walk in is the “Wave Structure”, bent plywood structural element from the wall, across the ceiling to the other side with shelves holding some of the merchandising.
Diffused fluorescent lighting is mounted between the panel and the wall and the panel also has small can lights on the roof. (Design by Heidi Mendoza)
Custom panel behind the reception desk was created with laminates and wood. Back panel is white laminate that you can see through the circle patterns on the top wood panel. (Design by Heidi Mendoza.)
Custom Reception Desk with a lighted niche. (Design by Heidi)
Custom Light fixture above the reception desk. (Design by Heidi)
Custom display / bench . (Design by Heidi)
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