Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Unique and Unconventional Bookshelf Designs

When you think of a bookshelf the first picture your mind creates is probably a conventional rectangular shape on the wall that has books inside of it. However the designs we collected today, are completely beyond boring. The designers who created these beautiful masterpieces, had to make sure the books would have room to fit, sturdy enough to withstand weight/ware, and last but not least  be visually attractive.



1. Invisible Bookshelf 
(via) Amazon


2. Has Been Read, Will Be Read Bookshelf
(via) designboom


3. Tree Bookshelf
 (via) behance.net


4. Book/Staircase


5. Wisdom Tree Bookshelf
(via) jordimila

Fireplace Styles and Design Ideas

Add an element of warmth and a focal point to any room with a fireplace. Picking the right design, materials, and mantel will ensure your fireplace commands attention while complementing the space.




























Dining room storage ideas



Dining room table with hidden storage
We love this space-saving dining table. Hidden drawers and shelves are the perfect place to store napkins and placemats.



Dining room storage unit
This storage unit is both stylish and practical. Not only does it act as a room divider, it's the perfect place to display flowers, books and ornaments.


Alcove storage
When space is tight, use every inch of your home. Store CDs, books and DVDs in alcoves and let the dining area take centre stage. 


Colourful dining room storage
Storage doesn't have to be boring - jazz it up with bright yellow boxes, statement lighting and quirky mirrors.


Dining room hostess trolley
A hostess trolley will make life much easier if you're throwing a dinner party. Keep wine close by, and wheel it into the kitchen once guests are seated. 


Space-saving stools
Short on space? Stools that can be pushed under the table when not in use are great for small dining rooms.


Built-in storage shelves
Built-in shelves can add interest to a neutral scheme. Let family photos and personal treasures take centre stage and fill the bottom shelves with DVDs and books.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Blue Living Room


Pull Up a Chair

Bright, airy, and casually elegant, these interiors reflect fine New England style. Blue tones take center stage for a look that's classic and crisp. Dark mahogany furniture with navy and white fabric adds yacht-like appeal. Our Idea House interior designer Lynn Morgan created two seating areas in the living room: one defined by the fireside sofa; another, by club chairs in the bay window. Accessories underscore the nautical theme: photographs of sailboats, pieces of artificial coral, and a seashell mirror on the mantel.  




Wide-Open Spaces

To ensure the ocean is always in view, walls of folding doors connect the living space to wide balconies. Jazz up a traditional dining room table with numbered throw pillows in striped slipcovered chairs.  




Fabulous Focal Point

Even when it is too warm for a blazing fire, you can use your fireplace to create atmosphere by adding candles or even white sting lights. For an extra touch, lean a mirror against the back wall to add extra dimension. 




Blue Geometric Living Room

The bold, repeated geometry in the rug and artwork of this living room add stylish interest without competing with the soothing feel of the blues.




Relax Living

A wash of pastels brings this coastal living room together. Promote conversation with four chairs instead of the traditional sofa, anchored by round ottoman.  




Country Chic

The classic color combination of blue and white gets a refreshing wake up when layered in varying shades of watery blue, denim, and indigo. Patterns, such as stripes, florals, and dots, mingle easily and offer a touch of whimsy.  




Maximize the View

Maximize the view by simplifying the design. Solid-only fabrics don't distract from the beautiful coastal view in this beach house living room.  




Nautical Living Room

A combination of blues and whites, and coastal-inspired accessories give this living room its ocean-going vibe. Light wicker furniture and a soft blue wing chair balance a heavier wood.  
 



Cottage Living Room

A plush sectional fitted into a corner gives maximum seating in minimum space. A mostly neutral palette is accented with navy blue cushions, a valance, and accessories. 




Coastal Christmas

This classic blue-and-white coastal living room gets a holiday makeover with fresh garland over the mantelpiece and wreaths in the windows.