Posts tagged ‘design’

November 21st, 2012

Project Breakdown: Kid-Friendly Living Room

Remember the mid century style cocktail room we showed way back?  This is the playroom / family room, which was a design challenge as we had to accommodate the whole family.  The room is geared towards the kids overall, but we wanted to create a space equally as comfortable for adults.  This was accomplished by blending neutrals with pops of bright color and furniture that is child friendly AND has great design.  In addition to the large living and playing space, there is a small office off to the side.  Although it is an office for the parents, we carried the “fun” element into the streamlined space with a bright alphabet wallpaper, which is a nod to Architect and Textile Designer Alexander Girard.   Girard made a name for himself in the 50′s and 60′s working with designers like George Nelson and Charles and Ray Eames.  His work was often vibrant in color, bold in pattern and graphic.  (Note that we ended up with a Nelson clock and an Eames chair in the space…just a couple of the greats).

 

 

The above image is the proposal rendering we drew of the space. As you can see, not much changed from the rendering to the final implementation, except for some small details like the rug and coffee table.  We incorporated a few custom pieces of furniture such as the long floating walnut credenza, built in walnut shelves, and finally the lacquer and bookmatched walnut veneer office area.  These pieces are  important because they are; (a) appropriately scaled to the room and (b) sophisticated elements that help tie the playroom into the style of the rest of the house.

 

 

Rethink Tips:

 

Try starting with a neutral background and add in pops of color through the use of accessories and bold graphic patterns.

Maximize play-space by maximizing storage availability. Think vertically!

No need to waste empty wall space. A blackboard or corkboard are creative tools that both children and adults can take advantage of.

When designing a space intended for children, try adding in furniture that is scaled appropriately, this will help break up the heights in the space and make it more personal to them.

 

 

 

To  Get  this Look:

1.  Eames Fiberglass Rocker

2.  Maharam Alphabet Wallcovering (designed by Alexander Girard)

3.  Nauris Kalinauskas Puzzle Rug

4.  Room and Board Lind 42r Cocktail Ottoman

5.  Robert Abbey Havana Floor Lamp

6.  Angela Adams Birch Morning Rug

7.  Johnathan Adler  Graphic Pillows

8.  Blu dot Paramount Sectional

9.  Offi Nest Play Table

10.  Girard Wooden Dolls

11.  Maharam Bespoke Stripe

July 31st, 2012

Cover It Up!

Candle covers can be often forgotten when a chandelier is getting freshened up. In this tutorial we’ll show you how to add a pop of color to your light fixture with the help of some sweet textiles. We found this decorative paper on sale at our local art supply store and knew we could use it for something! To find nice paper in your area or online, check out Paper Source, Utrecht or Paper Studio. Click here to order additional candle covers and keep fresh looks ready on the back burner.

 

 

Materials needed:

- Candle covers

- Spray adhesive

- Scissors

- Paper of your choice

- Scrap paper

 

Step 1. Cut a template using a scrap piece of paper that you can base the rest of your covers on. Measure the length of the candle covers to start, and wrap the scrap piece of paper around the covers to eyeball the width.

Step 2. Once you have the template, place the piece on top of your chosen decorative paper and trace its outline.

Step 3. Cut out your new candle cover.

Step 4. Making sure to place a scrap piece of cardboard or newspaper down, spray the backside of the candle cover with spray adhesive.

Step 5. Align the edges of the paper to your candle cover and slowly roll the paper onto your cover.

 

**Rethink Tip: Make sure to leave about 1/8″ of space at the top to reduce any risk of fire hazard.

Step 6. Fold the excess length on the bottom around the edges of the cover for a nice even look.

Step 7. Secure the covers on your chandelier and enjoy a fresh new look to your space!

 

July 20th, 2012

Sunny Side Up

Print out this free PDF invite here!

The sounds of summer are calling and we are restless to get outside and start the party! Whether you’re barbecue master or bartender of the year, it’s time to spruce up that backyard space and show it off to the neighborhood! To make sure your summer party is the nicest on the block, we’ve put together a few sunny pieces to keep both your home and guests looking on the bright side.

 

 

1. Paper lanterns are a festive and inexpensive way to light your outdoor space. They come in a wide range of colors and sizes and fold flat for easy storage – how can you go wrong? Make sure to order the separate light kit if you plan on using them for more than just decor.

2. Portable seating gets a whole new meaning with these Tote Tables from YLiving. Use these fun forms as either chair or table – and when you’re in between, use the smart built-in handle for easy transport.

3. Serve ice cold drinks in style with this sunny bar cart. It includes a removable top tray for seamless serving and a wine rack on the bottom to keep your bar-on-wheels fully stocked.

4-6. We love the bright colors found in Jonathan Adler’s glassware and serving utensils. The monochromatic designs and geometric lines are basic enough to carry you through the seasons in style – guaranteed.

7-8. Give your outdoor space some flair with these indoor/outdoor throw pillows from Etsy shops ClassicByNature and PillowMood. Pillows allow you to refresh your home easily without breaking the bank.

Rethink Tip: Keep your home up to date by buying classic pieces of furniture and adding pops of trend through less expensive things such as pillow covers and home accessories.

9. A little low on green in your outdoor space? Bring the garden to you with this lattice-work inspired outdoor area rug. Don’t let the cream fool you – all you need is a hose to keep this rug looking brand new.

10. Give your garden party a conversation piece with the intricate lines of this drum stool. Even though it looks delicate on the outside, this stool is versatile enough to sit on and be used as a low table.

11-12. Don’t be afraid to mix warm and cool tones when they share similar pattern scales such as these lumbar pillows from PillowChix.

13. Finally there is a quick and easy way to transform your backyard space into an outdoor oasis with IKEA’s PLATTA Decking. The lock-in-place system allows you to cover any hard surface including grass, concrete, and existing decking.

14-15. Wicker furniture has come a long way since your grandmother’s porch. This chair and ottoman from Grandin Road come in a variety of colors and keep your outdoor space bright and – most importantly – comfortable.

January 3rd, 2012

The Right Direction


Image Credit: October Issue of Country Living

It’s no secret the design team at Rethink is an avid supporter of all things woodland and rustic. Now, we are so thrilled to see the arrival of a new design trend: native american arrows. Just when we had finished painting every square inch of our (make-believe) studio a black and white chevron, the delicate lines of the hunting arrow quickly swept us off our feet. One of our favorite inspiration images (above) features the wall covering Zuni by Cavern Home. We love the classic black and white lines mixed with warm hues to create a space both timeless and cozy. Below are a few extra items we found to help you get this dreamy indian feel:

 

 

From top left (clockwise):

1. Linocut Print

2. Stationary

3. Tea Towel

4. Navajo Pouch

5. Throw Pillow

May 4th, 2011

Spring Terrain

Spring is here!  And let me just say… I L-O-V-E spring.  It’s as though the end of winter is the weight off your shoulders that you never even knew was there.  As soon as little green buds start to accumulate everywhere I am instantly transformed.  I want to be outside: gardening, puttering, playing fetch with the dogs, planning a party, cooking and creating a delectable mixed drink for said party, etc…

In my mind there is one place that is especially good at catering to this feeling: Terrain at Styer’s.  Take a look- you wont regret it.

 

Terrain is a shop in Glen Mills, PA and while I’ve never been there I have been to their fabulous website.  Clean and fresh, their web site is just an addendum to their extensive storefront.  They carry home accessories, kitchen goodies, garden supplies, vintage finds, and plants galore.  Their styling is so well done- eye grabbing and casual all at once.  Take a look at their original site to see examples of their landscape design, check out their cafe and see what workshops are being offered.

 

These are just a few of the things I’d have in my basket: (If I were there with a car it would be an entirely different story!)

 

1.  Ceramic Vegetable Labels (black typewriter font on white ceramic- gorgeous)

2.  Underground Clock

3.  Spindle Planter

4.  Enamel Factory Pendant

5.  Black Hawaiian Sea Salt (not sure what I’m going to put this on, but pretty sure it’s going to be great)

6.  Slate Tray (for cheese and crackers OR for a cluster of potted plants wrapped in newsprint and twine)

7.  Slate Cheese Board

8.  Red Stripe Tablecloth

9.  Fast, Fresh & Green (you had me at fast…)

 

 

April 13th, 2011

Love it! John Corcoran Designs

We came across this designer on Etsy the other day and although he’s only got a few items available- we are LOVING them!

This little lightbulb bud vase is the product of ingenuity and simplicity at its best.  I also love reading the story of the inspiration behind the design.

Also, check out his fabulous closet shelf/hanging system.  I want one immediately (okay, make it 4).  I love the Scandinavian sort of vibe of the delicate metal framework and bleached wood.  Go check it out!

September 21st, 2010

Designer Pigs

Pretty cute right?  Pigs seem to be making their way out of the mud and into high end design.

From furniture to wallcovering- the pig is making it’s mark on design.

1. Bank in the Form of a Pig- not your everyday piggy bank; this pig has stepped out of the realm of cute and onto my coffee table.  It is available in multiple finishes and is actually cast from a real pig (after it died from natural causes of course).

2.  A door handle photographed by Owen Franken at a restaurant in Guijuelo, Spain.  It is a simple and elegant inspiration drawn from a town known for their ham.

3.  Pig table by Front.  I love that this little guy is not just a statement piece, but is functional too.  The black gloss makes the table more edgy than cute and would look at home in a feminine or masculine space.

4.  This giant pig by Jonathan Adler measures 29″ long by 17″ tall and makes a perfect footstool.  Although not as delicate as some of the others, there’s something charming and nostalgic about the chubby pig in worn leather.

5.  This wallpaper is part of a collaborative collection between ROLLOUT and David Palmercollection called Oh, that explains everything.  I love the whimsy and casual-with-just-a-hint-of-sarcasm feeling that I get from this paper.  The “just doodled” look of the pattern is offset by the mature colorway and I can’t wait to see this on a large wall in some hip deli.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...