Home Interior Design Themes

Trompe l’oeil Door Stickers For Interior Optical Illusions

by interior designer

in Windows & Doors

Walls, doors and even ceilings can be utilised when it comes to the artistic process of trompe l’oeil. The name originates from the Baroque period and is French for ‘deceive the eye’. However, the process is much older and dates from the Greek and Roman periods of history. These doors as seen in the images below show trompe l’oeil photographic stickers which can be applied to just about any door within the interior of the home.

The technique of trompe l’oeil involves realistic imagery, mostly through the use of paint, to create an optical illusion whereby the painted scene appears to be a three dimensional part of the interior. It has been used to great effect in cathedrals, churches, palaces and even public houses as well as in regular domestic settings. George Washington was even said to have been fooled by such an image when entering a room and bowing to what he thought was a person. The individual turned out to be a figure in a trompe l’oeil.

The door stickers, of which just two are shown here, are created on opaque white fabric which has been given a satin finish. They can be adjusted to the size of any door by simply cutting down to size to fit the required dimensions. Wall paper glue will keep them in place. Whilst not strictly in the tradition of painted optical illusions, the photographic door stickers still provide an eye-catching focus to an interior space and do indeed make a room looking bigger and more interesting.

You can browse through a collection of door stickers that are available for purchase, here: Trompe l’oeil Door Stickers.

H/T: Crookedbrains.

ETree Electroluminescent Floor Lamp With Ten Luminous Strands

by interior designer

One of the most interactive and expressive lighting fixtures I’ve come across is the ETree electroluminescent floor lamp. The peculiar lamp is made from a series of ten luminous strands or branches, each of which is highly flexible and adjustable. The ETree is designed for both domestic and business settings, especially interiors that need an injection of contemporary style and eye-catching features.

The lighting fixture can be placed in a room and shaped so as to adapt to its surroundings. A luminous strand can be made to follow the contours of an armchair whilst another can be attached to a wall rather like ivy. They can of course then be moved at any time and with ease to create new luminous shapes and structures as one’s whims desire. You can see the electroluminescent lamp in action here: ETree floor lamp.

You can read more about this lamp as well as view purchasing details from this website: Nimble Critters.

H/T: Technabob.

Frigidaire 70-Pint: Using A Dehumidifier To Protect Your Home Interior

by interior designer

A dehumidifier is the perfect appliance to reduce the amount of moisture in your home interior. Too much humidity inside a building can cause untold damage to furniture, books, walls and more importantly, a person’s health. For people living in areas that suffer from a lot of rain, a dehumidifier is likely going to be a must-have appliance for basements and bedrooms if there are already noticeable amounts of mold and mildew damage present.

What the dehumidifier does is take the moisture from the air by condensing it onto a cooler surface. A fan draws the interior air over a cold coil within the appliance, which in-turn condenses the moisture. Then dry air passes through a hot coil which re-heats the air. Regular air conditioners work in a similar fashion and if your home is already fitted with AC fixtures, then a dehumidifier will not be needed. However, for basements, they are ideal.

One of the best and most widely reviewed of dehumidifiers is the 70-pint Frigidaire (link below). The 70-pint refers to the amount of moisture it can take from an interior environment in one day. It’s capable of continuous 24-hour operation as long as it is placed near a drain and features a easy-to-use electronic controls. The white design of the Frigidaire Dehumidifier, which by the way is Energy Star Compliant, means the appliance will merge in with most interior locations without appearing out of place and too bulky.

You can buy this appliance from here: Frigidaire FAD704TDP 70-Pint Dehumidifier.

Prices from between $184.99 and $202.98

Recycled Newspaper Wallpaper by New York Designer Lori Weitzner

by interior designer

Recycled paper has been used to make a lot of objects for the home, office and just about everywhere else. One of my favourite uses for this eco-friendly process is that of the recycled newspaper wallpaper from the New York based design firm Weitzner Limited. Reading between the lines will never quite have the same meaning when sitting in a room with recycled newspaper wallpaper on all four walls.

Each strip is handwoven on a loom and then paper-backed to make it suitable for covering a wall. Like with regular wallpaper, the recycled newspaper can be vacuum cleaned and looks a lot more vibrant than a wide variety of choices you can find in stores. However, like with paper sheets, the newspaper wallpaper can fade in the sunlight which can either be a let down or an added character-building phenomenon, depending on one’s individual tastes.

Lori Weitzner is the talent behind the design and has won awards for her unusual materials that are used to create artful wall coverings.

H/T: Core77.

Cat Sleeping on Bookshelf Themed Woven Tapestry Placemats

by interior designer

A placemat’s main function is the protection of a table’s surface. Most are water resistant and thick in depth so as to provide defence against heat. The sleeping cat themed woven tapestry placemat as seen in the image below offers all these characteristics as well as a visually stunning decorative element for cat lovers. If you regularly entertain guests who are fond of felines, then this set of four placemats will make an ideal addition to your tableware.

The four cat themed placemats have been specially woven on Jacquard looms which are classical structures that have been used for certain types of weaving for centuries. In fact, the loom was invented by Joseph Marie Jacquard in the year 1801 and was later to become an inspiration in the development of computer programming. Made in the USA with finely selected cotton yarns, the cat tapestry placemats are of the highest quality.

The cat design is from the artwork of the late American painter Charles M. Wysocki, Jr. who was noted for painting scenes of American life from yesteryear. This beautiful scene shows two cats sleeping on a wooden bookcase surrounded by books of all shapes, colors and sizes as well as a clock. Any cat owner will recognise the prideful, snooty but altogether loveable grace of our feline friends that is depicted in these four cat themed placemats.

You can buy the set from here: Cat Themed Woven Tapestry Placemats.

Price: $35.99

Ambella Home Rawling Executive Desk For A Home Office Interior

by interior designer

The Ambella home office executive desk is one of the most exquisite and visually attractive desks of its type. If you’re looking for a furniture piece for your office at home which has sophistication, power and plenty of panache, then this curving rawling executive desk will be ideal for your requirements. For anyone whose home office is frequented by visitors and guests, this desk will provide an influential statement when it comes to your business dealings.

Perfectly functional in all qualities imaginable, the Ambella home office executive desk comes with an abundance of drawer space, shelving and most importantly, desk surface. The solid hardwood construction means the desk will last a lifetime and will most certainly become a precious heirloom for future generations. Cherishingly hand crafted, the carved details of the home office furniture piece communicate an essence of dignity and grandeur.

Acuride drawer glides allow easy access to storage space in which important documents, papers and stationary can be placed. In-built display shelving allows for books, statues and other decorative accessories to be exhibited in a manner that adds a colorful resplendence to compliment the working scene and the interior as a whole. On top, there’s plenty of space for a computer, table lamp, a sculpture and for reading and writing.

You can buy this exquisite desk here: Ambella Home Rawling Executive Desk.

Dimension: W:76.5″ x D:38″ x H:31.5″

Floor Cushions: What Are They and How Can They Be Used?

by interior designer

Floor cushions, as their name suggests, are cushions that can be placed on the floor for a variety of uses. Mostly, the larger varieties of floor cushions are used for recreational activities such as when lying on the floor playing computer games or watching television. Many can also be used as seating and foot rests, in a similar fashion to the classical fabric pouffe. The latter are in fact the most typical type of cushion for the floor one will find and can be matched with a host of armchairs and sofas.

The cushions can also be custom made in a particular fabric, style, color and size in order to match existing furniture. For example, on can order brown leather floor cushions to match brown leather sofas. Alternatively, cushions that match your favorite curtains can be obtained which will create a beautiful matching arrangement in your most used interior space. Repetition of designs and colors is the primary way to create understated order and synchronicity in a room.

Floor cushions are also a good way to add an informal air to a space. This can be particularly helpful in a home office or library where rigid shelving and tables can make the atmosphere a little glum. A few decorative floor cushions placed in select areas can soften and indeed, enliven, an interior.

There are many different types of floor cushion depending on your needs and requirements. Cushions that are used for seating around a coffee table will be more sturdier and floor cushions designed to be purely decorative and aesthetic. The material and size will be dependent on these factors. It’s also relatively easy to make your own using left-over fabrics and filling that can be purchased from your local department store or online. For households with children, floor cushions are an extremely popular choice.

You can buy the cushion shown in the image above from here: Black Suede Leather Patchwork Floor Pillow – Cotton Craft.

Price: $39.99

Pick-Up: Fun Chairs on Wheels For Kid’s Seating and Toy Transportation

by interior designer

One of the most unusual chairs I’ve comes across is the Pick-Up as seen in the image below. It’s not just a seat but also a transportation device, walking-aid and toy. This means the furniture piece can be used in a variety of settings and for a multitude of uses during your child’s formative years and indeed, beyond. The chairs are shaped like automobiles and can be moved from one place to another with ease.

The Pick-Up hybrid comes with metal and rubber wheels on the base which means the chair can be wheeled from room to room. Due to this feature, the automobile-shaped chair can also act as a walking-aid for little kids when first learning to walk. Children love to push and pull things with wheels and thus the instinct to play will also flow into the process of learning. of course, when they get the hang of walking, they’ll start running and then the Pick-Up will become a fun toy for your child and his siblings/friends to play with.

When not in use for the above occasions, the Pick-Up hybrid chair can be used for storage and display purposes. Boxes and books can be placed on top in the same way a small stand-alone shelf would be. The wheels also allow the items to be easily moved from location to location without the difficult task of holding a myriad of objects in your arms.

You can read more about this item here: Pick-Up: Fun Chair on Wheels.

Price: $949

Cat Quarters: All in One Cat Litter Box Enclosure and Feeding Station

by interior designer

What kitty likes is what kitty gets. This is usually the motto in my house when it comes to my beloved cat. Mildred is her name and she likes order and neatness during meal times and also when the moment comes to relieve herself. She likes to know where everything is and doesn’t react all that well to things being moved around from one day to the next. That’s why she and many other cats love items such as this all in one cat litter box enclosure and feeding station.

The cat center is a highly convenient furniture piece that will provide benefits to both pet owner and the cat concerned. Two bowls, one for food, the other for water, are provided in little slots at one end of the feeding station whilst an interior section functions as a litter box space where the tray can be located. The covered space traps nasty smells from wafting into the room space which is highly beneficial if you live in a small apartment and during the colder months.

On top of the all in one litter box enclosure and feeding station there is a comfortable cat bed which is also an open-up lid to gain access to the litter tray. The furniture piece is made from a wood alternative which is resistant to odors and moisture. Although made for felines, the cat quarters is also a perfectly nice looking furniture accessory in its own right which allows it to merge into most interior design scemes or settings.

If, like me, you are a devoted cat owner who is seeking a more concise and visually appealing way of dealing with your cat’s food and toiletry needs, then this all-in-one litter box enclosure and feeding station will be perfect. It can be placed in just about any room in the home, including the living room, kitchen or hallway. The design means the station provides a fully functional and tidy area to fulfil all your cat’s needs in one place. It’s very easy to clean too.

You can buy this cat litter box enclosure and feeding station from here: Cat Quarters All in One Cat Center.

Price: $520

Tour De France Art Print Poster By Malcolm Farley

by interior designer

in Decorative Art

The 97th Tour de France is currently in progress as I write this post. More than 100 cyclists are racing around the roads of France from the north to the south and back again, all the way to the finish line in Paris. No cycle race matches the history and prestige of the Tour de France and this beautiful art print poster ‘Victory on the Champs-Elysees’ shows the color and spectacle associated with this epic and highly popular sporting event.

The Tour typically lasts for 21 days and covers around 3,200 kilometres. The New York Times once said of the sport, “the Tour de France is arguably the most physiologically demanding of athletic events”. If you’re a fan of long-distance cycle racing and like to cycle yourself, then you’ll know first-hand how gruelling this race really is. The first Tour began way back in 1903 and has since become an iconic tradition and opportunity to admire the beauty that is the French landscape.

This Tour de France art print poster is an ideal gift accessory for anyone you know, including yourself, who loves to watch the French cycle race each year. The speed and vibrancy of the final stage in Paris is captured in this painting which shows riders racing down the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées. In the distance, in the center of the green trees, is the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile monument which honors the soldiers who fought for France especially during the Napoleonic Wars.

This poster incorporates the famous images of France including the architectural aspects and the sporting traditions. Together with the French flags that line the most expensive strip of real estate in Europe, the wonderful talent of Malcolm Farley captures the action and emotions of cyclists from around the world intent on winning the ultimate prize. It’s bound to enliven your living room or home study wall and create a talking point amongst fellow cycling enthusiasts.

You can buy this poster from here: Victory on the Champs-Elysees Print.

Size: 28 x 36 cm

Zebra Console Table With Black and White Crackle Finish

by interior designer

This zebra console table will make a nice addition to a Bohemian style interior where accent and flair is needed. Finished on all sides with a classic zebra skin design, the Contempo zebra side console is an attractive furniture piece that can be location in various locations and for a variety of different functions. Storage space is located within which is accessed via the two doors at the front.

The console table can be located either against a wall or in the centre of a room. Owing to the black and white zebra skin design, the console can become a central feature in a living room or home bar interior. In which location the furniture piece is located also depends on the use to which the console is put to. As can be seen from the image above, the zebra console table can act as a drinks table or as a display area for decorative accessories or -self standing picture frames.

Hallways are a popular location for these types of furniture where they can provide an easy to access placement area for keys, handbags and mail. A mirror can be placed above the console table in order for family members and guests to check their appearance before leaving the house. Alternatively, this black and white console table with a crackle finish can act as a side or end table in the main living room area or bedroom. Next to a contemporary sofa, this furniture piece will bring a wonderfully natural element to the scene.

If you have a safari or African themed interior, then this zebra console table will make an excellent addition to that space. Lighting, decorative vases, candles and plants can also find a place on top of the table which will provide a stunning backdrop to whatever you choose. A serving table or a small television table are further possible uses to which this zebra console table can be put. The possibilities truly are endless.

You can buy this item from here: Zebra Console Table With Black and White Crackle Finish.

Price: $469

Kid’s Furry LED Table Lamps Inspired by the Loch Ness Monster

by interior designer

Kid’s love colorful lighting accessories like these furry table lamps in a multitude of different colors. Inspired by the Scottish tales of the Loch Ness Monster, the LED lights are perfect for a variety of uses including as reading lights, mood enhancers and night lamps. The soft and playful design of the lamps means they will be appreciated by children of varying ages and even older teenagers.

Most of us are familiar with the stories of the monster in the loch in the Scottish highlands. Few people have seen the mysterious beast but it has gained a reputation to rival that of Nepal’s Yeti and America’s Bigfoot. Owing to the Loch Ness Monster’s famous shape as seen from supposed photographs, the long and curved neck has been a catalyst for a variety of designs, most notably children’s toys and accessories.

These Kid’s LED table lamps with furry covers are a rather delightful take on the Scottish legend. The neck’s are perfectly bendable and can be twister and turned in a multitude of directions. Whether for homework or for accent lighting, the adjustable lamps are a super way to brighten up a child’s bedroom or study area. The LED lights are also capable of changing color which further adds to the ambiance which can be achieved with these Nessie table lamps.

You can buy them from here: Kid’s Furry LED Table Lamps.

Price: $34.99

Tasteful Colorful Cow Statues Made From Decorated Metal

by interior designer

in Decorative Art

“Absolutely beautiful” were the first two words that entered my mind when I set eyes on these colorful cow statues. The silver plated metal accents combine multiple tones of just four different colors which include red, blue, orange and green. The cows ooze character with their expressive and stylish stances. In many ways they are similar to the excited movement little dogs make when wanting to play.

What really sets these metal cow statues apart from any other is their richness of color. Billy Moon, the designer, has really shown a professional and gifted stroke of talent with the tonal combinations and overall tasteful look. Also present on each of the side plates of the cow’s bodies are delicate accents that are ingrained into the metal. These are floral in nature with stems and flower heads portrayed.

The cow statue’s heads are made from silver metal which gleam in any light. Heart shaped horns and curled tails soften any sharpness of the metal giving the cows a soft ambiance to their posture. If you’re seeking to add color via attractive and decorative accent pieces, this set of 3 metal cow statues is certainly a very good starting point to consider. I love them and will consider buying a set myself. When it comes to tasteful color combinations in art and decor, these cows have it all.

You can purchase these cows from here: Tasteful Colorful Cow Statues.

Price: $129.80

High-End Bathroom Faucet with Pump Handle

by interior designer

Seeking a faucet that is a little different to the rest you see on show in your local store and online? If so, try this high-end lavatory faucet with a classic pump handle. It’s sure to make your bathroom vanity’s appearance improve vastly and become a focal feature of the entire room. Made from the highest quality metals, the faucet with pump handle is easy to use and will compliment a variety of sophisticated interior design schemes.

The attractive metal faucet has an over-reaching spout which provides plenty of space with which to properly wash hands and cup water for face washing. A simple pump-style handle leads to easy turning on and off of the water supply. Combined with a classic vanity furniture piece and mirror, this interesting lavatory fixture will become the ideal finishing touch to a bathroom interior.

The tap has a satin nickel finish although there is also the choice of oil rubbed bronze and simple chrome. Whichever finish is chosen, the shape and style of the pump handle and large spout will immediately catch the eye of visiting guests and remain a popular fixture in one of the most important rooms in the home. It’s nine inches in height altogether.

You can buy this item from here: Lavatory Faucet with Pump Handle.

Price: $230

Ways to Effectively Clean Copper in the Home

by interior designer

Copper is a popular material in many homes. However, the problem with copper is that it is susceptible to atmospheric conditions. What may look like a nice weathering effect on an outdoor copper statue might not look so appealing on a kitchen kettle or pot. The green verdigris patina or brown stains can look rather unsightly on smaller accessories inside the home. There are however ways to clean copper once these actions have taken place.

Cleaning copper is very easy and in most cases might not even require a special visit to your local hardware store. Your kitchen or pantry will have the ingredients needed to bring your copper object back to its shining glory. Old remedies, whilst scoffed at by some, can be very effective and these include using things like lemon, vinegar, salt and even ketchup. However, they do need to be used in the right way.

It’s important to know what causes copper discoloration. The main copper tarnish culprits are cupric sulfide, copper sulfate and copper chloride. They do not like acidic chemicals and that’s where gentle household acids like vinegar and lemon come into their own. Alternatively, there are special chemicals one can buy from your local store and even specialist copper cleaners who will do the cleaning for you.

Many copper items found in the home come with a clear lacquer coating. This prevents any unsightly build-up and reduces the need to clean the copper. Objects such as statues, sculptures and other decorative copper accessories usually fall into this category. Items which are used in the process of cooking will need more regular cleaning and even the removal of the lacquer. This can be done by placing the item in a mixture of boiling water and baking soda.

The precise steps in cleaning copper can be found here: How to Clean Copper.

← Previous Entries

Design Directory

Interior Design Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory

Design Blog Directory