Trail Blazers

 Hello dear readers,

Hope all is well!
In the midst of moving, condo shopping, condo selling... I haven't had much time to blog.
But today, I decided to give myself 30m to blog about a lovely and exciting novelty I stumbled upon.

Our own Canadian furniture and decor store EQ3 has a collection from some of the trail blazers of Design, called EQ3 +.

Products and furniture from the likes of Herman Miller, Vitra and Alessi are now available in the modern retail store.

Herman Miller Nelson Swag Leg Chair, from $494.00

Herman Miller Nelson Swag Leg Desk, $1,930.00

  Alessi Blip Spoon Rest, $35.00

Herman Miller Eames Molded Plastic Sidechair - Wire Base, $346.00

Vitra- Panton Chair, $295.00

Also the Scandinavian brand Stelton and lighting pieces from Pablo designs are now within reach of you and I.

Stelton - Press Coffee Maker, $39.95

Pablo - Lim Table Lamp, $300.00

Stelton - Pure Black Chef's Knife - Large, $119.95

Pablo - Tube Top Colours Table Lamp, $120.00

I think this collection shows a successful interest of the Canadian Furniture manufacturer, that is known for affordability, to showcase upscale and classic design pieces. Good job!

Theo Flamenbaum
- Style + Function + Love + You -

Flawless design

Hello dear readers,

What morose day here in Toronto. So to brighten up your day, here is one magnificent piece of flawless and perfect Design and Architecture.

I would like to draw attention to the overall lighting used (lots of outdoor uplights and cove lighting indoors) and the water features.

Overall, stunning design!

http://www.architecturelover.com/2012/08/house-ber-by-nico-van-der-meulen-architects/

Theo Flamenbaum

- Style + Function + Love + You -

Crystal clear

Hello people of the world,

Hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend here in Canada (well, Ontario).

Today I just wanted to make a quick entry on a designer from Belgium called Serge de Troyer and his unique acrylic creations.

Acrylic furniture are winners in small and contemporary spaces.

Below are my 4 picks from his master pieces:

trunk

table lamp

muskoka chair

bench

Note: they get scratched! so careful... or simply don't expect them to stay in a pristine condition forever :-)

These items can actually be purchased on www.homesav.com.

Stunning and unique pieces! Enjoy :-)

Theo Flamenbaum

- Style + Function + Love + You -

Window of opportunity - "Clerestory windows"

Hola :-)

Today I am going to talk about an architectural feature that I truly believe is totally underestimated, underused and quite neglected - 'Clerestory Windows'.

Originating way back from the Egyptian temples, clerestory windows are basically high window, way above eye level, that bring outside light, air, or both, to an interior.

They became really popular in design of Romanesque and Gothic Period churches:

In contemporary use, interior as well as exterior clerestory windows are used.

If you are doing a new built/ground up projects, I strongly recommend this feature to introduce light into a house or a room.

Below are some stunning examples of clerestory windows:

Modern Bedroom design by San Francisco Architect John Maniscalco Architecture

Modern Living Room design by Tel Aviv Architect Amitzi Architects

Modern Living Room design by New York Architect Blaze Makoid Architecture

One point to consider as well is that Clerestory windows are easier and cheaper to install than adding a skylight.

Clerestory windows can be:

-  angled or slanted; 

Eclectic Kitchen design by Vancouver Interior Designer House of Dane Haunnah

- operational (open and closed); 

Traditional Exterior design by Philadelphia General Contractor Kenny Grono

- as well as transom windows

I personally believe that clerestory windows are always winners in:

Staircases and cottages :-)

Theo Flamenbaum

Style + Style + Love + You

Eye catching Ikat

Hello dear readers,

Today I am doing an entry on a decorating trend that has swept the entire world. All showrooms have them: IKAT pattern pillows.

Ikat dying originated in Indonesia and means to "bind" or to "tie". It pretty much refers to a very ancient technique in dying the threads before they're woven to create a pattern. Its beginnings date from the pre-Columbian times and there are different variations all over the world.

Today's technology allowed us to recreate the "look" of the woven pattern using a simple dye technique. Now Ikat patterns are found on silks, cottons, linens, you name it.

So... how to use them?

The choices are endless and they're everywhere.
They allow you to work with ANY colour scheme and will instantly add visual interest with its geometric shapes and patterns.

• Use them in groupings 

They are more effective and dramatic result if they're used in groups. The patterns can be the same or different, and the colours should complement each other.

• As an identical set

for adding pattern to a monochromatic room, or for a more formal look

• Mixing with solids/geometrics

For a juxtaposition/complementary function

Theo's picks:

Dwell Studio Ikat Citrine -

Anthropologie's Watercolor Ikat - 

Theo Flamenbaum

- Style + Function + Love + You -

Eternal flames

So... since we are having this gorgeous weather and summer is just so fantabulous, in the spirit of the outdoors, I am making an entry about a super snazzy collection of outdoor fireplaces.

EcoSmart Fire is a company that makes fireplaces using Bioethanol, a renewable energy source.

They sold me on the below reasons:

• Portable
• Elegant in design
• Renewable energy
• Odourless
• Weather resistant

and, not that I am lazy but the main reason:

• Maintenance free (no ashes, smoke,  spitting, embers)

You can totally use them in:

- your condo balcony

- backyard

- deck

- at the cottage

Here's their outdoor fireplace collection:

Atom

Lantern

Stix (brushed/gun metal/black steel)

Cyl

Aspect

Dish (finish in Rust/Black or White)

Bulb

Mini T

 

They are all stylish and different.

Which one is your favourite?

Theo Flamenbaum

- Style + Function + Love + You -