I will be traveling in my native Finland for the next 3 weeks, so there will be a short break in postings. However upon my return I will be writing about various wonderful Design destinations and Design findings.

xoxoxo

Heidi

Otto- Storage by Ilkka Suppanen

Storage is often aesthetically the most overlooked detail. It's something we need...a lots of it actually in the current busy lifestyle we live....but not enough attention is given to the visual. Finnish designer Ilkka Suoppanen designed this modern and eclectic piece for Italian EmmeBI

It has wheels and can be easily moved. It can also serve as a space divider in smaller apartments and I think in bedrooms where the bed is not against the wall,it could serve a double duty of a headboard and wardrobe.

www.architonic.com

MyBox - a compact workstation from Martela

MyBox is based on a simple idea; a mobile and compact lockable desk that you can close at the end of your working day.

Designed by Iiro Viljanen.

Decorate the Outdoor Space

I live in Colorado where we have an average of 300 sunny days a year, so deck was one of the first things on my mind after buying our house. And it has truly become a beautiful extension to our home
Whether it’s a porch, patio or a backyard you are decorating, there are so many ways to add special touch to your extended Living area.
A deck that gradually steps down or up creates multiple areas for entertaining. Designate the functions of each level with furniture. On one landing, add a table and chairs for out door dining. On another landing, place chairs and for instance a fire pit to encourage conversation.
You can also separate areas by painting a deck floor or by fencing. Privacy fences also help to keep pets and children in and protect from the wind. Trellis walls keep spaces airy while giving vines and hooks a place to hang out and a visual separation. Adding an awning or other type of roofing like trellis also helps defining areas as well as gives a nice shade on hot summer days. Covered deck provides a cozy setting for casual gathering
Another excellent idea is too add built-in planters to provide a separation between two deck levels or just two seating areas on the same level and they add a nice burst of greenery against the wood deck.

Punch up your home's exterior with color

Throw Pillows, Custom Artwork, Outdoor Wallpaper and Outdoor Rugs create an immediate impact in any space. Susan Bradley has a gorgeous collection with a range of materials, finishes and colors. Many manufacturers carry weather-resistant materials.

Illuminate your space

During the day you will have all the natural light you need, but to keep the party going after the sun sets you will have to add some light fixtures. For best result add multiple indirect lights such as sconces, candles, lanterns, and landscape lighting. For the safety reasons don’t forget walkways, stairs, and water sources.

Add a Focal Point

To make your outdoor space really special you can add one spectacular focal point
According to architects and designers, that focal point is often one of nature's two most powerful elements: fire and water. And why not include both of these opposite elements.
Outdoor fireplace/ fire pit can extend you outdoor space usage all year round!
And the water feature can be small like a fountain or a little pond, or large, such as swimming pool or hot tub

Below are some sample images of fun outdoor spaces



This is a fun way to add some color to your outdoor space. I also love the chandelier hanging above the dining table.



another fun way to splash some color on to the otherwise very natural color palette.

...and few samples of how to separate various seating areas....





Lighting is important for both safety and atmosphere purposes






don't forget the little fun details....





....or the little people..

My Four Legged Friend Of The Week 2

Jimmie Martin Ltd is a firm founded by two designers, Jimmie and Martin in 2004.

Jimmie Martin provides an eclectic showcase of one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture combining the sophisticated with the quirky.