Design Ideas - Special Fireplace

I ran across this sculpture installation that really caught my eye.  A really simple fireplace wall composition with one spectacular piece of art.  The glass wheat sculpture is designed by Canlis Glass out of Seattle, Washington.  Check it out.

Simple composition of the fireplace wall.  A contemporary fire box and open display niche sit side by side.  Wheat sculpture centered above.

Lighting is important here as it really emphasizes the overall texture of the glass.

The stems of glass are set into the base of the sculpture; which in this case also serves as the fireplace mantel.

I don't want to know how much this costs.

I would imagine that this unique glass sculpture is cost prohibitive.  But the idea of the fireplace wall can be borrowed.  Keep the composition very simple.  No need for a fancy fireplace surround with expensive stone and and an ornate mantel.  Instead just place one interesting piece of art above.  Beautiful idea.

THE BEST WAY TO EASE INTO A NEW YEAR

If you find yourself overserved on New Year's eve, perhaps a little hair of the dog and time under the covers will restore your energy and leave you ready to take on 2011! Here are some ways to wile away the day--

Photo courtesy of Charles Fradin
Breakfast in bed may be the best way to spend the better part of your day. Dine in duvet style with Charles Fradin Home's Alva Bed Tray.

Channel your love of folkloric florals with Anthropologie's Cadiz Mug.

Photo courtesy of Partners Tea Co.
Fill your cup with Partners Tea Co. fair trade teas, a company started by my college friend Sarah Scarborough. I was beyond excited to see her teas included in West Elm stores well-edited holiday gift assortment. Her Sweet Friend Blend is delicious, with its blend of herbal and raspberry flavors.

Kill a cold and get your energy back with Redoxon fizzy Vitamin C tablets. I always stock up on these when I am in London-- they really do the trick.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie
Spend you leisure time writing thank you notes for gifts with Rifle Paper Co.'s amusing Friends of The Forest cards from Anthropologie.

Photo courtesy of Marigot
Stay indoors and get cozy wearing a Marigot Collection long cashmere sweater with a handy pocket for tissues if you have the sniffles.

Photo courtesy of Gorsuch
I love my shearling Uggs, but sometimes an adorable design can trump shearling. Gorsuch has these boiled wool Chalet Slippers with a charming winter scenic design.

Photo courtesy of Penguin
Start off the New Year right by reading a classic, again. Take on Jane Austen's Emma, a Penguin Hardcover Classic, specially encased in in graphic artist Coralie Bickford-Smith's design on stamped linen.

NOTHING SAYS NEW YEARS LIKE A CHAMPAGNE TOAST

Photo courtesy of Baccarat
Few glasses are as beautifully made as those by Lobmeyr. The Austrian designs sweeping curves, delicate feel and fine lines make them a stylists favorite. When I was making the rounds on the home floor of Bergdorf Goodman recently, I saw these Thom Browne - designed coupes for Baccarat and was instantly smitten. The thin walled glassware set resembles the sweep of the Lobmeyr, but they are updated with a border of four etched lines. Why would a menswear designer take on stemware? Apparently he would collect the coupe shaped glasses on his travels and had set his sights on a collection for some time. Baccarat is known for their genius collaborations, and it seems whatever Browne designs turns to gold. What a soignee way to toast the New Year and ring it in with style. There are still a few sets available at BG so make them yours if you can.

Photo courtesy of Dom Perignon
If you like to celebrate in style and are looking for the perfect bubbly to sip, there is always the 2002 Moet et Chandon Cuvee Dom Perignon Andy Warhol Tribute Label. Created by the talent at the Design Laboratory of Central St. Martin's School of Art and Design in London, Dom Perignon asked them to take the iconic Dom Perignon label and reinvent it in a Warholian style. They have come up with three labels in red, blue, and yellow that evoke Warhol's classic silk screen images. You can get individual bottles or a set of six bottles from Sherry Lehman, and just think, you don't have to consult your art advisor on this purchase!

really modern really old house design

I ran across some photos of this house I thought interesting.  Actually, I love it.  The home located in Yport in Normandy, France was designed by Franklin Azzi Architecture in Paris.

I have for some time been very interested in the blending and contrasting of old and new - of traditional and modern.  Here the focal point for the design composition is a simple brick and stone box.  This emulates old fashioned rural farm structures that can be seen throughout the French countryside.  

The ends of the box have been completely opened up - providing access to a modern flat roof covered patio.  The design of the roof clearly contrasts with the gable form.

The rear of the home has a clearly modern "addition".  The gable form itself is repeated however the design clearly distinguishes itself from the traditional box.

Ridiculous views of countryside.  The roof deck we could never do in the USA because building codes would not allow it.  Someone could fall off.

Clean and simple interior bedroom space with exposed timber framework.  The old and new again coming together.

Ron Brenner Design to be Featured in New Book

An In-Law Apartment I designed a few years ago is to be featured in an upcoming book by Michael Litchfield.  The book is called in-laws, outlaws and granny flats; and is slated to be available in bookstores and online by late February / early March.

the book can be pre-ordered at the taunton store - in-laws-outlaws-and-granny-flats

The book features a number of case studies that illustrate ways in which homeowners are creating in-law suites.  In our case study - called "Billys Place" we converted an existing garage attic space into a beautiful live able one room studio for Grandpa.

We used the volumes created by the shape of the roof and dormers to zone distinct spaces within.

The living, sitting and entry zones lie underneath the main gable.

The kitchen zone is carved into the northern dormer.

The bed zone lies within the southern dormer.

We at Simply Elegant Home Designs have created a couple of Garage / Studio Apartment designs inspired by "Billys Place".  If interested you can check them out with the links below:

Minnetonka Garage Apartment

Marine Garage Apartment

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU

Photo Courtesy of Viking

This time of year, I think of one of my favorite children's books, Madeline. Ludwig Bemelmans charming illustrations capture the joy and wonder of Christmas in a sweetly nostalgic way, so every year I have holiday drinks at the Carlyle's Bemelmans Bar, surrounded by his painted murals. If you are in New York, toast the season there too!

Have yourselves a Merry little Christmas!

CAROLYN ROEHM'S LATEST: A PASSION FOR INTERIORS

Photos courtesy of Clarkson Potter
After living in several spectacular homes, Carolyn Roehm has honed her classical and traditional artistic and stylistic sensibility. In her newest book, A Passion for Interiors, her varied homes are chronicled, revealing her love of classical architectural elements, the highest fabrication quality, color sense and flair. From her New York apartment with its double-height great room, to her Connecticut Colonial era country residence Weatherstone, with rolling acreage, to Aspen’s mountainous retreat, her latest book delves into her houses and the distinct style she has created in them. Over 300 photographs cover the intricate decorative details, museum quality antiques and inspired rooms she has completed over the years. Beautifully captured by Miki Duisterhoff, the sparkle and panache of Roehm's interiors come to life.

Roehm is drawn to floral woven fabrics and uses them liberally. Here, in her New York bedroom, she upholstered every surface in a Scalamandre cotton. Never underestimate the power of a print to make an impact. Above the elaborate headboard, she has placed an array of porcelain brackets and pots filled with porcelain flowers created by Vladimir. I adore these flowers and she has amassed a serious collection!

With a black and white painted floor and embroidered upholstery, the patterns work because of the neutral walls.

Weatherstone was totally rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1999.

Red and yellow Parrot tulips surround a painted french chair covered in orange ostrich.

In her Aspen home, Gustavian antiques fill the dining room. A serene blue and white color combination highlights the lines of the Swedish antiques. A fantastic antler collection is hung over the fireplace mantel and next to the windows.

BABY, ITS COLD OUTSIDE: GET COZY

Here are some uber last minute holiday gift ideas for yourself and your nearest and dearest. Some gifts you might never buy for yourself because you are so busy thinking about everyone else or you feel they are too decadent, so provide this list to a person that needs a nudge, and point them in the right direction. These goodies can help you get ready for the New Year, relax, recharge and get cozy.

Photo courtesy of Random House
If you want to harness your inner style, turn to this new book from Monacelli Press A Life of Style by fashion and luxury lifestyle icon Rebecca Moses for her wise words about what style means and how you can access yours both through your look and how you live. Now is the time to rethink it all, especially if you want to turn over a new leaf in the new year.

Photo courtesy of Rifle Paper Co.
When the holidays are over, you may or may not be into talking about, eating and looking at food. After you have swapped recipes and finally gotten your Aunt to divulge her famous Chili recipe, you can write the secret ingredients down in Rifle Paper Co's Heirloom Recipe Card box. The old timey box is painted in with a floral design and looks as though it was passed down from generation to generation, but that can be our secret. This is a nice time - consuming project for when you feel like opting out of the after dinner walk with the entire family to get some time to yourself. Does this sound familiar?

Photo courtesy of Canvas
Illuminate a Canvas Back to Basics candle to start off the new year-- after all, isn't that what resolutions are all about -- a return to the basic, easy stress-free life you once had? Fig and Orange Blossom scents will fill the air with a serene aroma.

Photo courtesy of Tiffany
Brew up a spot of tea and sympathy in Tiffany's bone china Sea Urchin Teapot. It is the perfect time out and a way to take a moment for yourself.

Few things are as cozy as crisply pressed cotton classic pajamas. Finally, they are being made in a wearable (not massively over sized) cut with beautiful accent colors. Lounge around well into January with luxe in a 140 thread count cotton poplin pajama top from Marigot. They are available with pretty contrast piping colors like lime, shown here, and get better with time.
Complete the set with Marigot cotton pants, and begin your collection of PJ's.

Photo courtesy of Waterworks
A gift box like this will make your friends feel like they are staying in a 5 star hotel from Waterworks. The box includes a white hand towel and Apothecary Hand Cream, Liquid Hand Soap, Bar Hand Soap, Shower Gel and Room Spray. Give it as a party thank you or keep it for the cadre of relatives that will soon be descending on your home for the holidays. Waterworks is offering Stylebeat readers a special 20% discount for the holidays and you can use the code STYLEBEAT10 at checkout!

Photo courtesy of Nina Campbell
Keep your toes warm with an adorable hot water bottle designed as only the British can. From Nina Campbell.

Photo courtesy of Kate Spade
If you must go outside, be ready for a flash snowball fight with these Kate Spade Snowball Mittens that read, "place snowball here" on the right glove.

Photo courtesy of Glamourpuss
It has been so cold in New York it is hard not to look like Nanook of the North bundling up to go outside. But since ski slope chic has hit the city hard, you may need this fur funnel neck piece to keep your head and neck toasty from Glamourpuss. A little bit Alps a lot warm.

STARLIGHT, STARBRIGHT

Stars play a key role in holiday decorations. Whether they are hung from a pine bough or from the mantel, they always look festive. Here are some stars you will likely have in your collection for years to come.

Photo courtesy of ABC Carpet and Home
Delicate 3-dimensional wooden snowflakes have craftsmanship from days of yore. From ABC Carpet and Home.

Photo courtesy of Create for Less
If you love the look of plain Kraft paper, then the Craft Pedlars Paper Mache Star from Create for Less is the thing for you. But perhaps you feel like dressing it up and going to town with paint and glitter. The choice is yours!

Hung from simple baker's red and white twine, these Printed Star Ornaments from Kate's Paperie come with nine to a set.
Photo courtesy of Ikea
Get crafty with Ikea paper star ornaments. Let you inner origami goddess emerge with these stunners from Ikea.
Photo courtesy of Jamali Garden
A Glitter Star you can spot from afar from Jamali Garden.

Photo courtesy of Arcadia
Arcadia Home makes ornaments you will have forever, like their hand - beaded double-sided snowflake ornament on a velvet ribbon.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn
Hang puffy Gold Star metal ornaments from Pottery Barn in with your family made artisanal ornaments.

Photo courtesy of Pier 1
Silver Paper Lanterns would work well hanging from a mantel or a ceiling, from Pier 1.

A large star like the Natural Grapevine Lighted Moravian Star from Save On Crafts is just the thing to illuminate a hallway or entry.
Photo courtesy of Crate and Barrel
Glitter covered multi colored starbursts from Crate and Barrel would look great on the tree or in a bowl with extra large pine cones.
Photo courtesy of Crate and Barrel
A mod glass starburst from Crate and Barrel is shiny and gorgeous.

Photo courtesy of Christmas Forever
A Vintage White Glitter Star Ornament for the old timey look.