Polyurethane furniture, nature furniture, beautiful lighting, and mirrors

Polyurethane furniture, nature furniture, beautiful lighting, and mirrors

Today I am sharing with all of you new furniture materials, nature furniture made from 100% wood that is beautiful and definitely will catch anyones eye, a chandelier like no other, and different ideas on how to incorporate mirrors in your home.

Enjoy the pics and post... 

POLYURETHANE FURNITURE...

If you are not familiar with the fast-forward, fun and stylish designs of Giovannetti, you are certainly in for a treat! Whether you’re looking for a colorful table and chairs, contemporary couch or an artistic chair, you will find something beyond tempting from this designer.

Giovannetti feels that when it comes to furniture, traditional material, fabrics and color choices can often be so boring and predictable. The artistic adventure and pure creativity for life is what inspires every piece, including this table and chairs pictured above, made from polyurethane. Makes you think of ice-cream scoops, doesn’t it?

Every piece features a gas piston which allows you take the set from a low dining room table to a tall pub-style variety, perfect for gathering around while entertaining. The bases are made from steel chrome to create a surprisingly durable and stable piece of furniture, even at their maximum height. If you look closely, you will also see a shelf/cubbyhole under each seat which is ideal for your guests who never quite know what to do with their purses.

The Giovannetti collection represents the vitality and energy that this 40-year old company has come to be so well known for. Their motto?Made with love! Visit the Giovannetti website to see for yourself why people literally fall in love with this collection. These are pieces that may just inspire an entire new remodel.

NATURE TABLES....

Can you just imagine walking into your dining room to see a dark, absolutely gorgeous Claro walnut wood table such as the one pictured above by Hudson Furniture? This is one of those pieces you may catch yourself just standing there staring at from time to time, just to soak in its beauty. If you think the table is stunning, they also make other furniture, beds and sculptures without compromising the natural organic lines of the tree.

Who is Hudson Furniture?

Hudson Furniture is a company who has a deep appreciation and respect for the inherent grain of wood. Trees offer geometric forms and well-defined lines that can be accented when cut the proper way and hand rubbed with an oil finish. Their unique pieces are available in Claro walnut, Ebonized pine, Satinwood, Acacia, Jasmine, Myrtle and Black walnut in custom dimensions.

Their furniture is never created from old growth forests. The wood that they use in the creation of these exquisite pieces of furniture are from either wind/storm damaged or salvaged trees.

From petrified wood stumps to their most exotic signature bed, each piece is hand-crafted with a great deal of thought and care to ensure that the end result pays tribute to nature as an exceptional piece of art. Visit Hudson Furniture to view their entire collection.

SPARKLING CHANDELIERS...

Are you ready to make a long-term commitment to your lighting? This ring chandelier designed by Brand Van Egmond is fun yet elegant, flirty yet sophisticated. Why not treat your home to some gorgeous jewelry?

The Diamonds from Amsterdam pendant light is feminine, glistening, rich and it may just make your heart beat a little bit faster every time you look at it. This piece of art is nothing short of brilliant that would look absolutely stunning in a very simple, contemporary room that doesn’t offer too many other busy distractions.

The dangling pendant is unconventional and bold without being too flashy. The hoop features a groove all the way around that houses alternating lights and stones which all compliment one another exquisitely. The piece is available in an eye-catching traditional stainless steel or in a black stainless steel finish. The inside boasts the words Brand Van Egmond, written in the same way that one would inscribe their wedding band.

If you have a modern room that could use a little eye-candy without taking away from the simplicity of the space, the Diamonds from Amsterdam lighting sculpture may be what you’re looking for.

There you have it.. Polyurethane furniture, nature tables, and Chandeliers that Sparkle...

AG Home Goods

Trendy Ideas...

Trendy Ideas..


For those of you who like to be in the in crowd and always keep up with the latest trends not only in your wardrobe, car, and lifestyle, but in your home decor.. (now this can get expensive as changing home decor with trends can lead to often projects in remodeling which can cost a pretty penny) ... This posting is definitely for you. I will talk about some of the latest trends and some of their uses in today's home decor styles..


Enjoy the pics and post..


Being Play full with color... 

There is a fine line between playful and silly, and it can be difficult to determine where exactly that line is sometimes. If you want to incorporate playfulness, whimsy and fun into your modern interior without going over the top, we’ve got some tips for you.

• Inject some youthfulness with bright colors. Yellows, pinks, purples and oranges are all fresh and funky colors that can be playful if used as accent walls, throw pillows or lighting fixtures.
• Use patterns in conjunction with bright colors for even more playfulness. Striped sofas and dotted rugs can go a long way in bringing some fun into your home.
• Consider wallpaper. While not the supreme trend lately, patterned, playful wallpaper can bring new life to a room that’s a little on the dull side.
• Go for some contrast. Add surprising flashes of yellow amidst an all-white space, or a shag rug on a smooth wooden floor.
• Think retro. Retro-mod is inherently playful. The bubble chair, bead curtains, and yes, even wood paneling can bring some nostalgia as well as playfulness into your home
• Go on the hunt for cute accent pieces. Check out your local thrift stores and farmers markets for some whimsical accents, like carved wooden birds or wind chimes.

As with anything, keep moderation in mind. When you add playful elements to your home, it’s usually best to start small and increase from there, in order to let things grow organically.

Turn walls into chalkboard...

Have you ever had one of those unfortunate days where you abruptly discover that coloring books and scrap paper suddenly weren’t good enough for your children so they moved onto your walls? There is just something about a wall that makes such a better coloring station! Well, did you know that you can paint a chalkboard on a wall? It’s a super easy do-it-yourself project that your kids will love and you will never have to worry about wasted paper (or your walls) again!

Things You Will Need

Grab all of your supplies before you start. You’ll need chalkboard paint, paint roller or brush, painter’s tape, paint pan, sandpaper, drywall spackle and it doesn’t hurt to have a drop cloth handy too!

• Prep – Clean the wall with soap and water. Fill any holes with the spackle and then sand them to a smooth surface.

• Tape – Measure and mark the designated area, whether it’s the whole bottom half of a wall or a smaller section and tape it off, making sure that your lines are level.

• Paint – Most chalkboard paint labels will recommend two coats, allowing sufficient drying time in between. The chalkboard should be permitted to dry completely for 72 hours before using it.

Chalkboards aren’t just for a kids room either! Paint a small one in your kitchen for everyone to leave messages so Post-it notes aren’t scattered everywhere or paint one in your home office to keep track of appointments.

Is this modern living rooms... 

If you are thinking that you’re ready to give your living room a modern look, you may feel like a fish out of water. For many people, this is a huge transition! If you have found yourself a little lost and don’t quite know where to begin you should know that there are many variations to the word modern. So, if you are struggling to fit into a cookie-cutter theme, relax and enjoy your redecorating. Chances are, you’re trying way too hard!

Minimalist

For the less is more look, you have to be ready to completely commit to clutter-free living. You can’t have a minimalist room with unnecessary items laying around. Aim to stick with three colors but you can bring a few extra colors in with artistic pieces. Sofas should be plain with straight lines, patterns really have no home here.

Feng Shui

The goal with Feng Shui is to create a perfect balance. You don’t want all straight lines. You need to add in a few rounded items such as bean bag chair, round mirror, sphere or round stainless steel serving tray. Earth, water, fire, metal and wood are the five elements of Feng Shui. Ideally you will incorporate these into the room. Adding a water feature, tabletop fireplace, stone tiles and clay pots will help you achieve the look!

Urban

Think texture and aim for pieces that remind you of countries such as Italy or Belgium. Glass, ceramic and metals should be scattered throughout the room and don’t forget vibrant pieces of art and pillows, rugs and curtains in various colors and textures!

All about Stripes...

Stripes painted on a wall can make quite a dramatic impact on an entire space. They can be subtle with two very close colors or bold with a full palette of vibrant shades and they are ideal for any room in the house. Stripes look outstanding horizontal or vertical, on an entire wall or on the bottom half with a border to break up the area. That being said, as remarkable as they can look, they must be done properly, with a lot of care. There is truly nothing at all appealing about a crooked, uneven or smudged stripe.

• Measure the Wall – Measure the entire wall and then determine how many stripes you want to create as well as how wide they will be. Keep in mind, they do not all have to be the same width but there should be some sort of pattern.
• Mark Lines – Beginning at one corner, mark where the first line will go at both the ceiling and the floor. Continue to do this across the entire wall.

• Tape – Use painter’s tape to run the roll from the ceiling down to the floor on either side of the stripe, making sure it lines up perfectly to the marks you created.

• Paint – The roller you use to paint should be scaled to the size of the stripes you’re creating, generally a small one will work best. You can paint right over the tape so don’t worry about staying in the lines.

• Remove Tape – While the paint is still slightly wet, remove the tape very careful and leave the wall to dry.

Stripes are a nice change for a room that you just can’t decide what to do with. They are also an easy way to bring a little color into a dull space. Vertical lines can help if you have low ceilings to make the room appear taller while horizontal lines can offer the illusion of a larger area.

The Ceiling Fan...

So, you’ve thought the decor of your home through very carefully and everything is absolutely exquisite but did you overlook your ceiling fan? It’s alright, most people do! Really, what is a ceiling fan besides a spinning object that draws attention to itself while it’s working, right? Well, why not have a fan that will be the center of attention (in a good way) even when it’s not in motion?

Ceiling fans have come a long way, you are no longer forced to have those all white, boring five blades hanging, just to circulate air through your home. Today, they are available in various finishes and even contemporary styles like the Cirque Brushed Nickel fan displayed byMinka Aire. This is certainly not your average fan, it is one that will definitely get noticed!

This futuristic design has pod-shaped blades, an integrated halogen light and a wall-mount, touch control, full function system. There are three speeds and despite its rich and heavy appearance, it weighs only 26 pounds. This is a fan that could find itself at home in any room. Don’t just hang a generic ceiling fan, your room deserves so much more!

Garden Home Decor...

Bringing nature indoors is a great way to stay ahead of the curve of interior design trends.  Because of the new eco-friendly wave that is hitting everything from cars to soda cans, you can now find many ways to “go green” in your own home.   Potted plants are a great way to enliven your living space, as they will not only clean the air around them but they are also great at tying a room together with a warm, inviting atmosphere.  When adding large, leafy greens to your home as accent pieces, you’ll notice the vibrant energy right away, and you can expand on this by playing with greens and earthy tones to highlight the natural elements in your decor.

The In Room Spa...

A relatively new trend on the modern interior decor scene is incorporating the relaxing atmosphere of a spa into your bedroom. Any master bedroom can be given an aura of calm with a little attention to detail. Add some over-stuffed chairs, subtle aromatherapy, mood lighting and even an indoor waterfall to really bring out the chill. You don’t have to have a masseuse on hand, but if you work a little creativity into your decor, you can make your bedroom a place that’s more than just a bed and a good book – it can be the go-to-place for all of your relaxation needs.

Tacky Alert:  Mixing Retro and Modern.... 

Retro style is, by definition, a thing of the past. It is a throwback, an homage, a shrine to the tacky, the outdated and the wood paneling…unless you do it right. Retro can also be part of the modern interior with a little creativity and a lot of daring. Here are three modern home accents that are really retro in their hearts.

The Bubble Chair by Eero Aarnio is perhaps the most iconic item to come out of the ’60s. Made in 1968, this chair has never really gone out of style. However, because it is from the ’60s, it has that retro space-age feel. Get a clear bubble chair and use it to augment the minimalism in your home, or use it as part of a lounge or in-home bar set up.

Image courtesy of Jeff Andrews Design

Aaah, the bead curtain. While once the domain of hippies and dazed and confused teens of the ’60s, they can now be incorporated into modern design without any strings attached. Take a look at the shimmering white bead curtain in the image above – it is subtle (no rainbow beads here!) and compliments the surrounding brown and white color palate.

Image courtesy of Martha Stewart

When going retro with oriental rugs, consider your art and color palate. Oriental rugs can be too bold, so you can offset them with simple colors and minimal patterns. It is usually best to choose tribal-like rugs over floral as well, as the geometric patterns in tribal rugs compliment minimalism and the modern home.

The Planters..

Plants were flourishing on Earth eons before we started building our modern houses, so it stands to reason that they’d find an eternal home within them. Planters will never go out of style, possibly because plants never will. You really can never go wrong with adding a little greenery to your home.

Planters are a wonderful modern accent that can bring life to any room. They are simple – just a pot and a plant, at the core. But within this simplicity you have so many options to make your planter stand out, so be sure to assess your home’s strengths and style before landing on the planter you want to incorporate.

Minimalism in planters is the best way to go if you have any doubts. A simple black, white, or earthy planter with little flourish will let the plant take center stage, which in turn will breathe life into its surroundings.

There are health benefits to adding a planter into your home too. They not only cleanse the air, but they also provide you mental relief. Their calming effects will radiate throughout your home.

Try experimenting with a cluster of planters on a low shelf, or placing several strategically around a room. Just be sure to give them the water and sunlight they need to flourish! You’ll find that once you start with your first planter, you can’t turn back.

There you have it, some of the latest trends..

AG Home Goods...

All about Dining

All about Dining


Today I am sharing all my little secrets to having that perfect dining room to wine and dine your guests.. I will explain how to select the right sized table, the number of place settings, and many other secrets that are sure to make your modern dining room a hit with all your guests..


Enjoy the pics and post..


Selecting The Correct table size...

While you may assume that bigger is better when shopping for a dining room table, you need to take the space into consideration. That gorgeous, extra wide table may look spectacular in the showroom but it will quickly dwarf a small room. Not to mention, you want your guests to be able to comfortably walk behind the chairs (not squeeze), even when they are occupied.

Average Size

Most dining room tables measure around 30 inches tall with an average width of 36 to 42 inches. While that may not seem like a big difference, six inches can have a positive or negative effect on a room. Unless you absolutely have to, avoid tables that are narrower than 30 inches as things tend to get a little cramped if you have all of the seats filled.

Round or Square?

Although square tables tend to be preferred, if you do a lot of entertaining, round dining room tables are actually ideal because your guests can chat a little easier. Not to mention, since they sit on a pedestal, there are no legs to take up extra space. If you love the look of a traditional square table that seats four people but you know that on occasion you like to invite over an extra couple, consider buying one with a leaf that can be added and invest in two additional chairs that you can store in the spare room.

The Extras

If you have a rug under your dining room table, it needs to measure at least four feet wider and longer than the table. This will allow room on all sides. No one enjoys sitting in a chair half on and half off of a rug.

Also, if you have a large chandelier, your dining room table needs to be 12 inches wider than the piece. This will balance the room and ensure that no one hits their head when they stand up.

More Dining Choices

Make your next evening one to remember. The modern dining room can be conceived of in many ways, but one of the most popular has been to incorporate Italian styling, for its sophisticated, minimalist roots. The Party Modern Dining Set is designed by Antonello Italia, a native of Italy, to be a luxurious dining experience. The basic set contains your choice of either walnut or wenge table with a black or white glass tabletop, and four matching leather chairs, customizable in one of over twenty different options. You can infuse this rich, deluxe dining set with your own personality, and watch as your guests marvel at your sense of style. The Party Modern Dining Set by Antonello Italia can be found at eRoomService.com for $4,375.00 and up, depending on additional components.

Modern Contemporary Options...

Enjoy your meals in style with this Fly Dining Room Set. The table features an ebony base composed of two crossed thick wooden legs that hold up a unique plexiglass tabletop. You can enjoy a touch of class with your meals, as the pristine white leather of the chairs compliments the eye-catching table. The chairs are made of genuine white leather that is woven onto the frames to create a secure, stable and comfortable seat. A high-gloss, matching buffet is also available that will round out your dining room and ensure a consistent and modern decor is maintained throughout the entire room. You can purchase the Fly Dining Room Set from Spacify for $4,811 which includes 6 chairs and the table, or for $7,900 which includes the 6 chairs, table and ottoman.

Special Pieces...

Smooth organic materials in an irregular modern design. Spice up your kitchen with more than just some paprika! This Brave Stagger Server will give your space the touch of modern art it craves – while maintaining an earthy vibe. This is an ideal storage unit for a kitchen with style, and its modular design allows you to decide where, and how much, closed storage it has. You can display or hide your kitchen miscellanea as you see fit. Made from amber and blonde bamboo with an organic herbal oil finish, this is a durable and unique piece of kitchen furniture. You can get your very own from Spacify for $2,648.00.

Table Options...

Bold and minimal. Modern and sleek. This Mistral dining room set will create a casual but elegant atmosphere for your dining room. With this set you get the minimalist glass extensible table and four chairs – that come in either black, blue, white, off-white, red or yellow. No matter what your current decor is, you can customize this dining room set to match. Because of its sleek design it will not overcrowd your dining area, but it will rather compliment its surroundings and make your meals a pleasure to sit down to eat. You can purchase this set fromSpacify for $5,323.00. Because you can customize everything from the table dimensions and finish to the chair colors, the price will vary depending on your choices.

Dinnerware....

NO NEED TO CHECK THE LEGS, your table isn’t lopsided: CB2′sPlanet Dinnerware has a definite slant that will drive compulsive tabletop arrangers nuts. Dipped in white glaze and featuring a low-cut profile, these oval plates aren’t quite minimalist but definitely have a chic appeal. Viewed from above, their slightly skewed and stretched shape instantly conjures up memories of mod patterns, making these ideal for retro dinner parties.
$3.95-$5.95, cb2.com


All about Dining Rooms


AG Home Goods

All About Remodeling...

Remodeling Tips...


Today I am sharing some remodeling tips with all of you. Tips on styles of roofs, sun roofs, Basement remodeling, and so much more.. SO if any of you are planning on remodeling your home anytime soon, this is the perfect article for you..


Enjoy the pics and Post... 


Sun Lighting...

If you have decided that your home could use some skylights, be prepared to make some pretty big decisions. The main purpose of these strategically placed windows is to provide natural light which can also amount to some additional heat. This could be beneficial in the cold months but a disaster in the summer unless you add some type of shading.

Skylights have come a very long way through the years. Today they are available in several designs and from different materials. The main types are fixed, ventilating and tubular with all varieties having the option to be modified to include shades, screens, tinting and thermal insulated glass.

• Fixed Skylights – The sole purpose of these skylights is to provide natural light. They are ideal not only for your primary living space but for attics and workshops where extra illumination could be appreciated.

• Ventilating Skylights – These types of skylights provide light as well as ventilation. When they are open, they create an updraft which freshens the air in the home. These can usually be operated with a wall switch or remote control.

• Tubular Skylights – This is the newest variety of skylights that is quickly becoming very popular. They’re small in size, average about two feet across and are ideal for smaller spaces. Some have baffles which direct the light out through the tube so even though they’re not as large as traditional ones, they still provide an abundance of light.

Skylights aren’t like painting your wall where if you don’t like the color you can just redo it. This is a fairly detailed install so take the time to research styles and make sure that you will love the ones that you choose.

Creating a Mud Room... 

Creating a mudroom in your home may be the smartest thing you ever do. This is a room that you won’t understand how you ever lived without once you have one and you certainly will never be able to go without one again! Mudrooms keep clutter and dirt out of the rest of your home. This is the perfect place for sports and camping equipment, shoes, coats, umbrellas, dog leashes, etc.

If you are not planning a remodel in your home to add in a mudroom, you can create a mock one with the help of shelving, hooks and storage containers.

Choose a Location

If you have a backdoor to your home with a large storage space, this is an ideal location as is a larger laundry room, basement or a portion of your garage. The idea is to build your mudroom near a door!

Install Shelves

The bottom portion of the wall should have shoe racks or shelving, making sure that there are tall areas to allow for boots. Then, shelving on the rest of the wall can be for seasonal items, camping supplies, etc. If you have a large family you may even want to designate a specific area to everyone for their belongings.

Add Hooks

You cannot imagine how useful simple hooks can be! You can hang coats, scarves, umbrellas, tennis rackets, keys, leashes, backpacks and book bags, etc., from them. Be sure to allow enough space between them so things don’t get too crammed.

Storage Containers

Large Tupperware containers or old wicker baskets are ideal for gardening tools, gloves, balls and other odds and ends that can easily become cluttered if they don’t have a proper home.

Having a mudroom will keep the rest of your home organized and free of clutter. Whether you have a contemporary and very simplistic home or not, anyone can appreciate not having piles of coats and shoes dropped at the door when everyone comes home!

Basements...

If you are planning a basement remodel, you may run into a few concerns along the way such as low ceilings, mold, bugs, awkward pillars, ducts and pipes. A basement remodel can be a huge project but you really should make use of this valuable space. Not to mention, it will significantly raise the value of your home! If you are coming across a few complications, rest assured, there are solutions!

Low Ceilings

If you have low ceilings, recessed lighting or wall scones will become your best friend! The last thing that you need is light fixtures hanging that someone can hit their head on. Painting the walls a lighter color and making use of plenty of mirrors will help the space appear larger and not so closed in as well.

Underfloor Heating

Basement floors tend to be damp and cold which may accumulate moisture and result in mold. Not to mention, they are often a breeding ground for bugs. These are all bad news for allergy sufferers. Underfloor heating will solve these problems. Of course, this can be costly and a pain to install but certainly well worth it. As an alternative, baseboard heaters work fairly well too!

Accent the Awkward

If you have pillars in peculiar places, pipes where you don’t want them, etc., why not play up these awkward elements? Paint your pillars a bright bold color or buy piping and create a few artistic pieces to accent those pipes. Something that you may look at as an eyesore could really be an extraordinary focal point when given the chance!

Roof Shingles...

At one point or another, most homeowners need to pay a little attention to their roof. Zappone has been manufacturing these dynamic copper shingles since 1969. This American company’s shingles are earth-friendly, available in a few different styles and they have been thoughtfully designed to last for a lifetime!

Are They Really that Durable?

In a nutshell, yes! In fact, they have been put through intense, wind and rain abuse in hurricane testing! These copper shingles are made from 99.96 percent pure copper and every single shingle is inspected to make sure that it meets the standards set by J. Joseph Zappone IIIhimself.

Stylish

Copper is beyond aesthetically-pleasing! It’s rich yet rustic, contemporary yet vintage and will compliment any home. Wonder why you don’t see too many houses with Zappone shingles? They’re so fussy about quality and appearance that they only manufacturer 400 roofs every year. Once orders on one list are full, the next costumer’s name gets put on a list for the following year. Clearly they are well worth the wait because no one is complaining about the delay!

Every carton of Zappone shingles has the brand name as well as the employee’s initials who created them and the date they were completed. If you’re going to be ready for a new roof in the next couple of years, you may want to check out these long-lasting, environmentally-friendly copper shingles at Zappone and get on a waiting list. You’re sure to be the only person in the neighborhood with a roof like this!

Choosing the right Kitchen Island...

Adding an island to your kitchen is the most effective way to give the space a facelift without actually performing surgery on the entire room. Not only are they aesthetically-pleasing, they are actually meant to make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable and productive. Choosing the right placement, shape and style will ensure that you get the most use out of your kitchen island.

• Size – The island should be appropriately scaled to the size of the kitchen. One that is too big will result in an area that’s just too crammed but a tiny island in an enormous room will appear misplaced.

• Placement – You should be able to move around your island and flow from the stations in the room that you use the most. If you’re using your island to prep dinner, there should be a clear path to the stove.

• Storage – Do you need extra storage? If so then your kitchen island should have cupboards and drawers to make use of this valuable space.

• Seating – Have a large family or do a lot of entertaining? Choose an island that will be comfortable to set tall seating around for additional place settings.

Islands are really just an extension of your personality. Choose one that fits your needs and that will compliment your space and you may find yourself spending a lot more time in the kitchen!

Remodeling Tips for your Home..

See other Remodeling tips in my other blogs...

AG Home Goods