How many times have you turned your attention to the finer things that make up your home’s interiors? Side tables and accent tables might not always top your shopping list, but they might be that one last missing piece you need to truly complete your home. A gorgeous side table can uplift the ambiance of the room and bring together practicality and aesthetics with effortless ease. While there are plenty of timeless icons to choose from, today we showcase three chic andsculptural side tables that bring home much more than mere functionality. A side table obviously comes with a multitude of benefits that even your modern coffee tablecannot offer. It can be moved around with ease, often takes up very little space, gives a geometric visual balance to the room when used in pairs and makes your life a whole lot more comfy. From holding your books and drinks to adding color and glamour, these great side tables can do it all! Martini Side Table: A West Elm Icon!As smooth and refreshing as the drink itself, the Martini side table is a West Elm best seller that has taken the decor world by storm. Its gorgeous design, sleek finish and the colorful options ensure that it blends in with any style or color scheme of your choice. This hollow and lightweight side table can be moved around with ease from room to room, while its lovely curved form breaks up the monotony of simple, straight lines in the contemporary home. You can even bring two or three of these exciting little side tables to create a whimsical and dynamic coffee table in the living room.
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Lighting a room is a task that is both fun and challenging at the same time. The wide range oflighting installations, and the endless choices, design styles and brilliant hues captivate and enthrall us. Yet, getting the lighting fixtures right is often an act of walking the tight rope that most homeowners can’t seem to master. What seems so inherently simple has several layers of complexities, and often we end up going overboard and flooding our homes with an inordinate amount of illumination. This is particularly true in the case of bedrooms, where we install several different types of lights without taking into account the eventual output. Choosing the right lighting for your bedroom is all about understanding the basics of the art of lighting and combining it with the theme of the room and its color scheme. Bedrooms are personal havens that are dramatic, soothing, romantic and functional, depending on your needs and the time of day. Lighting plays arguably the most important role in setting the tone for these many moods. Here are a few simple yet essential pointers to get you started on the right path – 1. Size Matters!The first and most essential aspect that defines your lighting choices in the bedroom (or any room, for that matter) is the size of the room. You need to pick fixtures that emit enough light to illuminate every corner of the room in the desired fashion. The common tendency is to place way too many lights hoping that the presence of ample illumination will reflect your detailed design planning. But in reality, this does just the opposite, and the room looks too bright in one corner and dim in others. Even as sculptural additions, the pedants and chandeliers that you choose must be proportional to the size of the bedroom and surrounding decor. 2. A Brilliant Style StatementYour bedroom lighting must also reflect and enhance the design theme and the color scheme that you have incorporated with such meticulous care. If you have a room that is glamorous and borrows elements from chic Hollywood Regency, then a gorgeous cascading chandelier is the perfect centerpiece. For those looking to go in the opposite direction and embrace a minimal theme, simple recessed lights coupled with sleek sconces like the Serge Mouille Lamp are the ideal choice. You can even bring in a cool hotel room vibe by opting for sconces that have a more traditional appearance. 3. Multiple Layers of LightingThere is absolutely NO substitute for incorporating several different layers of lightingthat work in conjunction to offer the perfect look. Every space that is elegantly designed includes various types of lights, and you cannot replace this with an overwhelming number of recessed lights and make up for the loss of accent and task lighting. While ambient light defines the general aura of the room, task lighting offers focused illumination for specific nooks. Accent lighting allows you to highlight the feature that you feel is the focal point of the room. This could be either a modern fireplace or even bright artwork. All three types of light combine to make your bedroom truly stunning! 4. Innovative Bedside FixturesBedside lights have evolved a whole lot in the last few years. No longer are they restricted to simple table lamps on either side of your giant bed. Exceptional pendant lights and sconces have replaced the traditional table lamp. These new and suspended additions free up space on your bedside tables and even offer you the option of doing away with the tables too. They also give you the comfort of catching up with a book before dozing off, even if you happen to own a small bedroom with little room for additional decor. This in no way means that the table lamp is done and dusted. Identical bedside tables with twin table lamps are the best way to bring visual symmetry to the room. Just because it is the traditional approach to bedroom design does not mean you ought to throw it away. Sometimes the tried, tested and timeless methods can be rewarding as well! 5. Play with the AmbianceOne unique lighting feature that showcases your bedroom in a whole new light is the dimmer. Having the dimmer feature allows you to easily swap between various moods of lighting with the touch of a screen or the press of a button. Considering the technology at our disposal these days, the options are simply endless. So next time you wish to switch between reading a book to tranquil meditation, you will not have to find a whole new room. If the other layers of lighting serve the first purpose of lighting: illumination, dimmers serve the secondary purpose of fashioning and accentuating the mood. 6. Decorating with Lighting FixturesAnother mistake that most of us make while choosing the lights for our bedroom is to place aesthetics above ergonomics. Yes, a certain chandelier or floor lamp might look exquisite and amazing in the showroom and even in your bedroom. But does it provide the right illumination? Will it function well when you add other layers of lighting? Remember that at the core of it all, you are looking for the right lights. So, do not just think about decorating with fixtures as the primary aspect of the process. If you find a sparkling chandelier or striking pendant that also offers the right illumination, it is indeed a win-win situation. If not, then consider the illumination, the intensity and the angles at work before accounting for the lamp as a standalone sculptural addition to the room. 7. A Flood of ColorBe it the color of the lampshade or that of the bulb itself, a minute change in the hue and shade can alter the look of the bedroom completely. Warm and fuzzy white lights bring a sense of serenity and calmness and are great even for those passionate, romantic evenings and nights. Brighter lights tend to elevate the grandeur of the room and make it far more alluring. Lampshades also can be used to alter the appeal and even the color scheme of a modern bedroom. If the bedroom backdrop is predominantly neutral, then a simple switch in the lampshades can alter the accent hue of the space. One little detail that you must take care of while planning for bedroom lighting is the placement of the fixtures in relation to the sockets and the switches. The last thing you want is to worry about the wiring. Decorating and lighting the bedroom is all about expressing your own personality in the most pleasant and enjoyable manner. That is the simple secret to great bedroom lighting! Never lose the sight of this while shopping for the right bedroom lights.
It was just a couple of days ago that we brought you the stunning Houze Maza from Valle of Bravo in Mexico, and today we revisit the region to look at another amazing holiday retreat that promises an equally mesmerizing experience. Designed by Serrano Monjaraz Arquitectos, Casa L is for those who love a balanced blend of natural goodness and interiors that borrow from the trendy industrial style. Built across an area of 1,117 meters, the contemporary house features three expansive levels that offer unobstructed views of the refreshing green canopy outside. Functional and versatile at every level, Casa L is green in more ways than one. Unlike many other contemporary getaways, Casa L takes a completely different approach toward the design of the interior. Comprised of materials such as raw casted cement, granite and recovered wood, this residence showcases plenty of textural contrast, even if the color scheme seems a touch monochromatic at times. The decor is still kept largely modern, and there seems to be greater emphasis placed on the exterior than on the interior. Large glass walls, sweeping windows and swivel doors blur the lines between the expansive wooden deck outside and the large living room. Posh outdoor furniture and cool lighting ensure that you have a great time here, even after sunset.
The use of concrete and stone also keeps the gorgeous Casa L a lot cooler during the hot summer months and helps cut down on the energy bills. The use of reclaimed wood is obviously another sustainable feature of the house that captures your attention. Exclusive and exceptional, it is a holiday residence that allows you to reconnect with nature! It is clear that air plants are here to stay. They’re exotic, they’re low-maintenance, and they’re stylish–what’s not to love?! One thing that IS changing: the way that air plants are displayed in the home. Sure, we will always love tried-and-true strategies such as arranging them in spherical terrariums for a modern statement and placing them in sea urchins for a whimsical effect. But today’s post takes a look at some new air plant display techniques that are as original as they are attention-grabbing. [Hanging Faceted Porcelain Air Plant Holder from the Etsy shop ofJanelle Gramling] Etsy is an amazing source for air plant terrariums, pods, pots and planters. In fact, all of today’s featured finds come from Etsy. Check out these unique, affordable selections to discover your next conversation piece. Many of the items below are on the small side, making them the perfect accent for a tabletop, shelf or counter… Air Plant PodsWe start with an up-and-coming air plant container option that’s cute, compact, and often embellished with radiant designs. It’s the modern air plant pod! Check out the candy-hued pastel shades of the Mini Air Plant Pods below, available at Bird and Feather. These hand-painted creations are available in a variety of color options: Sweet shades are lovely, but sometimes sticking with neutrals is just what the doctor ordered, especially when a touch of metallic flair is involved. This Inverse Air Plant Pod Set from Sea & Asters consists of two natural pods that are hand painted and cleverly re-purposed into planters. Check out the Aqua and Gold Air Plant Planter from Thrifted & Made, shown below. A vivid aqua blue coat of paint is enhanced by a gold triangle embellishment. The result is a modern creation that packs a powerful punch! Air plant pods can also be converted into hanging planters with the help of the right yarn, string or rope. This Neon Pink Macrame Hanging Planter with Tillandsia from Thrifted & Made features a hand-painted aqua, gold and pink planter. Not sure you want to deal with a live plant, even a low-maintenance one? You can choose between a Tillandsia air plant or a faux air plant as the filler for this creation! Hanging Planters Speaking of hanging planters, we now shine the spotlight on air plant containers that suspend your favorite greenery. Because sometimes it’s not enough to set your air plant on a surface top. This Neon Yellow Hanging Xerographica from Thrifted & Made is crafted of nylon. Forget the pod–just put the air plant directly into this hanging “container”. Not to mention, the item comes with a Xerographica air plant (also known as the king of air plants). Love those silvery green leaves! These Air Nest Hanging Planter from biggerthanlittle are lovingly constructed of yarn that has been treated with a nontoxic hardener. That’s right–these nest-like creations are waterproof and ready to hang. Plus, we think they’re guaranteed to be true conversation starters! You didn’t think the world of geo forms would remained untouched by air plants, did you?! And yes, the brass revival has managed to put its stamp on air plant display pieces as well. This Himmeli Brass Air Plant Holder from Handmade Sam*Made is crafted of brass, wire and leather to create a faceted, gem-like effect. Faceted Pots Since we’re on the topic of facets, it’s time to take a look at a couple more pieces that celebrate lines, angles and bold forms. This Modern Faceted Polygon Planter from Raw Originals is handmade from high-quality driftwood and brass. While the piece is shown below with a succulent, it’s perfect for air plants. Not to mention, if an air plant is your greenery of choice, you don’t even have to add soil! The same is true for this Mini Faceted Air Plant Pot in Light Marbled Gray from Berwick, a waterproof item that is made of polymer clay mixed by hand to create the on-trend marbled effect: Glass ContainersWe at Decoist truly love orb-like glass containers for the display of air plants. But if you’re looking for a transparent option in a different shape, why not go pyramid? In fact, this Peach Pyrite Pyramid Terrarium from Sea & Asters includes a layer of sand, a small pyrite, desert rose, peach reindeer moss, a painted gold sea fan piece and a Tillandsia ionantha. You assemble the terrarium with the help of care instructions–the piece arrives as a kit. Preserved red reindeer moss and a Tillandsia Fuschii fill this Heavy Crystal Air Plant Terrarium from BoloOm. We’re loving the way the air plant makes a big difference in this heavy crystal-cut glass holder. And we’re inspired by the possibilities this item inspires–got any old crystal pieces that need an update? Science is the word! This Color Air Plant Beaker Garden from EarthSeaWarrior features air plants beautified with the help of a hand-dyed technique that turns every plant into a work of art. The available hues: coral, lavender, blue and aqua. As the air plants grow, they will reveal more and more of their natural green coloration. Mineral Gardens We end with a truly striking way to combine the natural beauty of air plants with the glimmer of crystals. Mineral gardens are gaining popularity, and it’s easy to see why. This Apophyllite Crystal Garden from ThEeRabbitHole features a Tillandsia that’s permanently placed on a stunning specimen. The peachy shade of this Air Plant Crystal Garden from EarthSeaWarrior is irresistible. And we love the fact that it’s “inspired by what nature would look like on other planets”! Featuring a stillbite crystal cluster with an air plant living right beside it, this crystal garden evokes the bubblegum hue of cotton candy.
Beautiful and ergonomic benches are arguably the most underrated of all decor. We use them almost endlessly in every possible setting that ranges from the official to the casual. Yet, we tend to overlook these practical and efficient furnishings for the fancier accent chairs, plush sectional sofas and even the stylish bedside nightstands and stools! But today, we are putting the spotlight back on some amazingly cool and sophisticated benches from Porada. Showcasing the crisp and clean aesthetics of Scandinavian design, each of these benches steals the show with unmatched elegance. Crafted to add to the beauty of your interior, modern benches can be used in pretty much any room of your choice. From being classy bedroom benches to lovely lawn furniture, these simple additions can be moved with ease from one room to another. Enchanting Beauty of BeltLeading the pack is the audacious and intricately designed Belt by Tarcisio Colzani. The top of this rectangular bench is crafted from genuine solid canaletta walnut and from a distance; you might well be tempted to believe that it is made of fabric! A sleek metal base adds to the textural contrast that it adds to any space it adorns. Versatile, portable and cutting across several themes, it fits in even the tightest corners with ease. A masterpiece that is easy on your eyes… Inspired by George Nelson?Have you ever come across the amazing Nelson bench designed by George Nelson himself in 1964? Every design aficionado is probably well versed with its iconic design that brought together form and function with such effortless simplicity. On first look, the Listone looks like it was made as a tribute to the Nelson bench. The form, the uncomplicated straight lines and obviously the material of choice is very similar. Yet, its legs set it apart from its more famous predecessor and its seemingly open ends give it a striking rustic charm as well. A Trio of Cushioned DelightsRounding up the exclusive lineup of benches from Porada is the upholstered trio of Cheri, Scarlett and Giulietta. While Cheri is for those who prefer a more classical look with its traditional, curvy arms at the end, Scarlett explores the opposite end of the spectrum with its completely cushioned, glamorous form. Coming with removable covers and a frame in solid cherry, the Giulietta is the perfect compromise between the two styles!
Choosing the right dining table can be an overwhelming affair, especially if you do not know exactly what you’re looking for. The options are simply endless, and going into a store uninformed means depending on the judgment of the salesman. Most often, that strategy leads to bringing home a table that is a complete misfit. There was a time when picking up a new dining table was a pretty simple affair. You went ahead and brought home a table depending on the size of your dining room and also your own budget constraints. Picking matching chairs was not even an issue, as most of these tables came with a pre-existing set of chairs. But those decades are well behind us, and the modern home is all about a wonderful amalgamation of several different styles, trends, textures and shapes. Add to this the popularity of the open floor plan and the conventional dining room seems like a thing of the past. Worry not though, as we here at Decoist will get you through your decor conundrum with this simple and effective dining table buying guide. Delve in to find out more… The Classic Rectangular LookOne of the first decisions that you need to make is regarding the shape of the dining table that you wish to purchase. Believe it or not, this aspect is relatively simpler than choosing the style of the table! The rectangular dining table is obviously the most popular among the lot. It is universally loved, both for its form and functionality. View the rectangular table as an option that brings together the ‘best of both worlds’, as it offers the visual of clean and well-defined straight lines while serving your needs flawlessly. Whether it is a lovely evening dinner with the family or grand holiday celebrations, this table plays the ideal host! Round Tables: Space-Saving Delights If the rectangular dining table is the most popular option, the round and oval dining tables are the favorites in the small dining room category. It is not a coincidence that most compact dining spaces feature a beautiful circular dining table, preferably with pedestal legs. And if you are looking for an iconic classic in this department, we can even safely suggest that you consider taking home the fabulous and everlasting Saarinen Tulip Dining Table. Round tables also help create a more intimate setting, and in a world dominated by straight lines, the curves offer a welcome change. It is best to opt for a round dining table only when you need to seat six or people or less. Larger round dining tables make both conversation and serving a touch inconvenient. But add a stunning pendant light above, along with two plush chairs, and these small, rounded wonders can fashion a warm and romantic setting that is simply magical. The Perfect Square! A square dining table is probably the least preferred option, and it is not very often that you see designers adding one to a lavish dining room. Just like the round version, here is another case of ‘small is beautiful’. Large square tables also make serving a hassle, so pick one of these only when you are hosting four to six people at most. However, some square tables can seat larger numbers, such as eight. Square tables look good in long, narrow rooms, as they offer a sense of proper proportion, or you can even couple them with a rug to create a space that appears like a ‘room within a room’. What is Your Style?Crafting that brilliant dining room is all about getting the theme and the style right. When it comes to dining tables in an open floor plan, it is best to opt for one that seems like a natural extension of the remainder of the living area. Some might want to add chic contrast by using a rustic table in a modern space or even a minimalist metal table in a room dominated by warm wooden tones. This looks amazing as well and can create an instant focal point when combined with the right lighting. If you own a small studio apartment, glass and acrylic tables seem ideal, while those who play the perfect host on weekends might want the comfort of an extending table. Salvaged wood tables are currently one of the hottest design trends, and with a growing eco-consciousness among consumers, they seem like a logical choice for the green at heart. Whether you are a traditionalist or a design aficionado who loves Mid-Century modern, remember that the table you choose will set the tone for the entire dining area. Sizing Up Your TableAfter making up your mind on both the style and the shape of the table, it is time to move ahead to the all-important size. There are a few simple and standard numbers that will get you through this difficult part. The golden rule here is to ensure there is at least 42-48 inches of spacebetween the table and the edge of the adjoining walls or furniture. This will give you adequate room to move around and will ensure that the diners can get up and sit down without having to cramp themselves into the chair. We suggest you chalk out this area, cover it with a tablecloth or bed sheet, and then use it as a template for the maximum and minimum size of the table you intend to purchase. A simple and practical way that makes the entire process far easier! While the gap between the table and the walls can be larger, try not to opt for one that looks diminutive in an overwhelmingly large room. Have a clear idea regarding how often you are going to use the table, and if it will see even a bit of outdoor action during the holiday season. If so, then pick a table that is light, movable and is made out of a durable material. This way, you can shift it easily into the adjoining yard or balcony to host an unforgettable Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner under the stars! Exclusive dining rooms often demand something more sturdy and timeless in its appeal. Form, Seating and Lighting
Most often, people tend to think about chairs, lighting and maybe even the area rug after committing to a table. Do not make this cardinal error that pretty much paints you into a corner. Try out the table along with the chairs you fancy before buying it. Think of it as one big and coherent combination, with the table being the central piece. You do not want to put yourself in a place where you will bring home a boring chandelier or dining room chairs that you are not really comfortable with, just because they go along with the table you already have. We always tend to talk about how accent colors have made an astounding comeback in the last decade or two thanks to both homeowners and designers gravitating towards the use of cool neutral shades. But most often, our search for brilliant accent hues starts and ends with paint. We generally tend to relegate ourselves to the use of an accent wall to usher in a bright shade, when there are other attractive and far more ergonomic ways of doing in. Throw pillows and accent fabric is one such cool option which allows you to shift between hot seasonal design trends with ease. An accent lamp is another great option for those looking for solutions beyond the obvious. Today we limit ourselves to browsing through the brilliant array of accent table lamps and the many magical shades that they arrive in. While dazzling modern pendant lights are all the fancy currently, table lamps have an innate nostalgic appeal that is undeniable and irresistible. Add a dash of invigorating color and they become instant showstoppers! So flip through these colorful inspirations before deciding on what is best for your own home…
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June 2017
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