Some Cool ideas and products

Some cool suggestions and products

Today we will write some useful information that many of you can use.. Such as how to spruce up your back yard, design ideas, and some cool products.. I hope all of you enjoy the post and pics..

5 WAYS TO SPRUCE UP AN OUTDOOR SPACE

Whether you have a modern home made for indoor-outdoor living or you’re just looking to jazz up your backyard, you can live well in the great outdoors. Here are five ways to take your exterior space to the next level:

1. Relax Away

Opt for pieces that might work in your living room. Today’s modern design studios are manufacturing everything from stunning sofas to perfect-for-lounging daybeds, all made from materials like weather-resistant polyethylene or polypropylene “wicker,” fade- and stain-resistant fabric, rust-proof powder-coated aluminum, and durable teak. Companies like Loll have even re-imagined the classic Adirondack lounger into an eco-chic, modern version that features a built-in bottle opener.

2. Dine Alfresco

If you like to entertain, an outdoor dining space can be great for dinner under the stars or backyard barbecues. Consider the size and material of your table; bistros may work well for smaller spaces and groups, and expandable rectangular options can fit a crowd. And while wood-slat tables are modern and rustic, powder-coated steel and glass-topped options might be easier to clean and dry after a rain shower. The same goes for seating: dining benches are popular for their casual, flexible nature, but stackable chairs can help save space during colder months.

3. Pick Planters

If you have a deck or paved patio space, adding pops of greenery can freshen up the exterior—and a striking planter can pull it all together. Modern planters are now made of cool materials like Corten steel, which weathers to a rusty red-orange hue, and molded fiberglass that comes in eye-catching, bright colors. Some are made from resin to look just like poured concrete, while unique illuminated options can even double as mood lighting.

4. Go for Comfort

Cushions and pillows in fun colors and bold patterns can add life to a seating area and make things inviting. Look for ones made from water-resistant, fade-resistant materials; Sunbrella specializes in such fabrics. Another way to up the comfort factor is by keeping things cool. Canopies and cabanas are great stationary options, but chic umbrellas and portable sunshades are ideal for shade on the go. Also keep in mind that when the sun sets, temperatures drop. Keep a stack of blankets handy so you can continue lounging long after sunset.

5. Lighten Up

Let the sun provide your lighting by day, but after dark, set the mood with contemporary fireplaces and lanterns. Outdoor fireplaces range from basic wood-burning fire pits to sculptural, ethanol-fueled creations. Metal-and-glass lanterns fit right into the modern aesthetic; cluster them together on a table as a centerpiece or use them to line a walkway.

Remember for the best patio furniture go to our online retail store at:

http://shop.avantgardehomefurnishings.com/Outdoor-Living_c8.htm

The Story of Modernism

We’ve talked about modern homes and the history of modern design in the Pacific Northwest, but what is modernism exactly?

With loose parameters, the answer may depend on who you ask, but here’s the simplified version: Modernism is a broad term used to describe a style—an aesthetic, an approach, or even an attitude—of architecture and design. The focus is on function, simplification of form, and a shift away from excessive ornamentation.

After World War I, Europe embraced the progressive modernist philosophy, influencing architects like Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Walter Gropius. The Museum of Modern Art highlighted this shift in 1932 with its “International Exhibition of Modern Architecture,” and from there, American modernism rose to prominence. Roughly spanning the 1930s–1970s, modernism eventually gave way to postmodernism and the blending of historic elements with newer construction methods. Today, modernism is being embraced once again, with a heavier focus on green innovation and a celebration of bold contrasts in regard to color, line, and material.

With such a broad history, it’s natural that modernism has several sub-styles, including:

Brutalism: Drawn from the French phrase béton brut, meaning “raw concrete,” Brutalist structures began as a low-cost building solution and are blocky, stark, and severe.

International Style: A “solution” to Art Deco, International Style structures boast a sleek look and are usually made of steel, glass, and concrete. Curtain walls, flat roofs, and sparse ornamentation are common features.

Shed: Characterized by a boxy, one- to two-story structure topped with a steep, single-slant roof, these homes are well suited to harness passive-solar energy.

Slick Skin: With smooth, glass-clad exteriors, these buildings take advantage of advanced construction methods to create a seamless look. Usually seen in corporate high-rises, these structures often feature little to no differentiation between floors.

For Great modern furniture please visit our baxton studio collection at:

http://shop.avantgardehomefurnishings.com/Baxton-Studio_c143.htm

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Eastside North Modern Homes

Suburbs north and east of Bellevue and Kirkland are quickly becoming in-demand areas to live as homeowners seek privacy and space. Many of these more rural towns and communities have restaurants, shops, and other convenient amenities for residents. Find classic modern properties that have been carefully preserved as well as contemporary builds, new condos, and Northwest Modern homes.

CNN Money named Redmond, just east of Kirkland, the fifth best small town in 2012. The area is undoubtedly Microsoft country, and the rapid growth of the computer giant set off a flurry of development in recent decades. Bonuses for homeowners include the popular Redmond Town Center outdoor mall and 560-acre Marymoor Park, which features a velodrome, climbing wall, off-leash dog park, and playing fields. The city’s close proximity to natural attractions like Lake Sammamish and the Cascade Mountains also make it an appealing place to live.

Further north, Woodinville offers the best of both worlds: a burgeoning wine tourism district with nearly 100 tasting rooms and large homes on generous lots in quiet, residential areas. Rural farmland and forested acres are a draw for those seeking room to grow. Unincorporated Hollywood Hill is a sought-after enclave for those who are willing to pay a premium.

Tucked between the eastern shore of Lake Sammamish and the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Sammamish Plateau is a peaceful retreat for families and those seeking a more laid-back lifestyle. (Forbes even named Sammamish the Friendliest Town in the United States in 2012.) The orchards and rural farms that were once here in the early 20th century have slowly given way to retail centers and housing developments. Today, the Plateau is prized for its proximity to recreational activities like hiking, golfing, and boating, and for its scenic natural surrounds. It’s also a popular vacation spot in summer.

At the confluence of the Snoqualmie River and Raging River in Snoqualmie Valley, unincorporated Fall City is a rural bedroom community with around 5,000 residents. Its historic farming roots are evidenced today in U-Pick farms and abundant small-town charm. However, large estates and nearby attractions—the Summit at Snoqualmie ski resort, hiking in the Cascade Mountains, outlet stores in North Bend, Snoqualmie Falls, and three golf courses—make it a desirable escape.

Modern Chandeliers.. 

 

The San Francisco lighting company Pablo has distinguished itself with a range of lighting models defined by flat panel LED technology, exceedingly elegant profiles, and refreshingly accessible prices. New arrivals at 2Modern include the Pablo Cielo Chandelier collection, which features arrangements of the original Cielo pendant light, suspended at varying heights in clusters of 3, 5, 7, or 13 elements. The Cielo pendant’s slender form and range of colorways and finishes are rendered only more dramatic by the artful repetition and asymmetry of the Cielo Chandelier range. And now, through October 25th only, the chandeliers, and all Pablo lighting, are on sale at a discount of 15%.

 

Hope all of you enjoyed the post and pics .. These were articles that should help many of you out in understanding the woprld of design as seen today by many of the top designers. 

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