Odd & Unusual Flooring Options
We rounded up some of the most unique flooring options we could find. Think: Pennies, Salami, Glass
We've all had those days when you wish you could keep your head down and avoid contact with all people. Well, if you look down long enough, you may be surprised by what you see.
We found some really cool flooring options that may inspire you to pay closer attention to where you're walking.
Standard Grill, New York City: Looking for some good luck? Don't bother picking up one of these Lincolns! The floor of the Standard Grill inside of the Standard Hotel in New York City is made from thousands of pennies. The design was selected by Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch of the New York-based design firm Roman and Williams.
Sears Tower, Chicago: Seeing the skyline from atop one of the city's most renowned buildings is a must. Yet the Skydeck on the 103rd floor of the Sears Tower in Chicago offers something even better -- a chance for visitors to see the action of the city right below them. The newly opened glass observation deck delivers one of the most unique views -- and floors -- of any city in the world.
Finsbury Avenue Square, London: As night falls, environmentally-friendly LED lights illuminate Finsbury Avenue Square in London's Broadgate business district. The installation was originally commissioned to add more allure and pizazz to the once unassuming space. Welcome to one of London's most exciting public spaces.
San Francisco, California: When people think of concrete floors, they usually don't associate them with beautiful home decor. The San Francisco based company Transparent House is shattering that stereotype with their elegant designs. The flowers and swirls are suitable for any contemporary home. And spills couldn't be easier to clean!
New York, New York: Unsure how to make a child's bedroom more fun? Paul's European Touch Pro Wood Floors, Inc will create any type of hardwood floor for you, but we really liked this jigsaw puzzle. It adds whimsy and fun to any room!
St. Lorenzen, Austria: Hansel and Gretel wouldn't have gotten lost with this floor! The LightFader Interactive Illuminated Flooring by Tricorder will light your way. When you take a step, the pressure displaces the liquid inside of the floor and leaves a glowing footprint for about a minute.
Feeling inspired? Here are some of our fave links of the week.
Check out Casa Sugar's round of gorgeous toile products or get help picking out the perfect Valentine's Day gift for the home on the Frisky. (We also loved this idea for a fabulous DIY Valentine's Day present on DesignSponge.)
One last don't miss: Hear Domino editor Deborah Needleman talk about her design sense at Decor8.
We've all had those days when you wish you could keep your head down and avoid contact with all people. Well, if you look down long enough, you may be surprised by what you see.
We found some really cool flooring options that may inspire you to pay closer attention to where you're walking.
A floor made of pennies! Source: Floors to your home
A unique view of Chicago Source: Floors to your home
What a way to begin a night! Source: Floors to your home
Who would have thought that concrete could be so beautiful? Source: Floors to your home
Puzzled? Source: Floors to your home
A floor that tracks your every step Source: Floors to your home
Feeling inspired? Here are some of our fave links of the week.
Check out Casa Sugar's round of gorgeous toile products or get help picking out the perfect Valentine's Day gift for the home on the Frisky. (We also loved this idea for a fabulous DIY Valentine's Day present on DesignSponge.)
One last don't miss: Hear Domino editor Deborah Needleman talk about her design sense at Decor8.
Swine Flu Proof Your Home
Beat the swine flu blues and read on for how to keep your home safe and sanitary Photo: be_khe, Flickr
Although the symptoms and transmission of swine flu, or H1N1 Flu, are similar to that of the regular flu, swine flu is considered more dangerous because this is the first time the virus has appeared and humans have no natural immunities to it. Everyone -- not just the elderly or people with weak immune systems -- is susceptible.
But are there things that we could be doing to keep our homes germ-free? We decided to find out -- and yes, there is plenty that you can do to swine-flu proof your sacred space. Read on after the jump.
Shipping Containers To Become Art Center
Pier 57, pre-renovation. Photo: lemoncat1, Flickr
Once a thriving shipping terminal along the Hudson River, the pier hasn't been used in nearly a decade but developers at Youngwoo & Associates will use shipping containers to construct a new arts and entertainment center there. The complex will include a restaurant, art auction house, art galleries, cafes, a rooftop park (yay!) and a Hudson River education center. The pier will be Hudson River Park's first fine arts center and city officials are hoping that it becomes an extension of the cultural activity in nearby Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. It should be completed in 2012.
Got Vacation Souvenirs? Use 'Em to Decorate
This simple French mirror really gives the room some foreign flair. Photo: Artistic Designs for Living
I've lost count of the amount of times I've returned home from a fantastic vacation with a boatload of memories, a burning desire to tell everyone about my adventure and an inability to reconcile my vacation-life with my permanent life. But, help is on the way! According to new interior designer Tineke Triggs, traveling is the best inspiration for globally-inspired home decorating. Read on for some great tips on how to tastefully incorporate travel into your home decor. (For more destination-related design ideas, read Gina's post.)
Garden Gnomes: You Can't Get Enough of Them!
Throughout the summer, AOL Garden has invited readers to share photos of their personal gardens. We love all of the great snapshots we received -- from the traditional to the exotic. No matter what the aesthetic, the garden gnome remains a universal presence -- and so many gardens thrive under his green thumb. We've compiled a gallery of some of the most interesting reader-submitted gnomes. Feel free to scroll through and then share your own photos! Don't understand why so many people are obsessed with these mythical creatures? Check out The Evolution of the Garden Gnome on AOL Garden or Modern Garden Gnomes on ShelterPop. Invite one onto your property and watch your flowers flourish!
User-Submitted Garden Gnomes
Buckston and Shadow are 'at-the-ready' with their shovels and gardening boots.
User Gisela
The flowers are lookin' good! Time to sit down for a small break.
User Linda
Meet Gnorman from Suehilldesigns. He won't make your garden grow, but he'll be a cute addition to your interior decor!
User Suehilldesigns
Wally the Gnome stares excitedly at his backyard handiwork.
User Me
This gnome was one of many that were passed on to friends and relatives of a late avid gardener. They ensure that everyone can enjoy their previous owner's gardening success.
User Tarry Freeman
Meet Shemp. His lantern helps him to garden at night so you know that your garden will be taken care of 24/7.
User Me
It's off to work we go! Four gnomes are better than one.
User Maryedith
This gnome is affectionately referred to as 'Scrappy' for his ingenious gardening ideas.
User Me
We caught two gnomes taking a break from their gardening to play a quick game of 'toadstool checkers' beneath the lush leaves.
User Mike
Looks like there some sort of gnome-convention in the German homeland!
User rudylpn
Top 10 U.S. Beach Homes
Think fast: beach or mountains? That's a no-brainer for me. Beach wins. I love the rhythmic sound of the crashing waves and the cool breeze while I collect shells. Plus, the ocean suits the sports enthusiast and those who prefer a more tranquil atmosphere. Have you mountain-lovers changed your minds yet? No? Then check out these amazing beach homes from TopTenRealEstateDeals.com, always a source of envy and inspiration. Even the most extreme landlubber can't resist these gorgeous designs and breathtaking views.
The Top Ten Coolest' Beach Homes
Beachfront Masterpiece
1801 Ferndale Point Lane , Santa Barbara, CA
Price: $26,500,000
Co-listed by Suzanne Perkins with Sotheby's Realty and Susan Burns with Coldwell Banker Previews International Realty in Montecito, CA
Montecito's prime gated oceanfront enclave, Fernald Point, offers the perfect location for this spectacular luxurious contemporary villa overlooking its gently curving sandy cove with unparalleled panoramic ocean and island views.
Co-listed by Sotheby's Realty and Coldwell Banker Previews International Realty in Montecito, CA
Beachfront Masterpiece
The entry level offers a spacious living room, formal dining room, large family room and expansive chef's kitchen, all with ocean views. There's also an office/library, two large bedroom suites, and dramatic entry hallway. Central to these rooms is an inner sun-filled courtyard with a tiled fountain that brings the outdoors into the home.
Co-listed by Sotheby's Realty and Coldwell Banker Previews International Realty in Montecito, CA
Beachfront Masterpiece
A second upper floor bedroom suite provides guests with privacy and a penthouse view of the sea. The lower level consists of a family/media room with its own ocean view terrace, a bedroom and bath with separate entrance, and a large museum-quality storage area.
Co-listed by Sotheby's Realty and Coldwell Banker Previews International Realty in Montecito, CA
Beachfront Masterpiece
Custom designed and completed in 1995 with exotic architectural influences from the Greek Isles, North Africa and the Mediterranean, the highest quality components, materials and finishes were applied in its construction.
Co-listed by Sotheby's Realty and Coldwell Banker Previews International Realty in Montecito, CA
Beachfront Masterpiece
The vast 3-level ocean terrace features a stunning L-shaped blue-tiled pool and spa, al fresco living room, dining room and barbeque, wood-burning fireplaces and a private gracious stair descent to the beach.
Co-listed by Sotheby's Realty and Coldwell Banker Previews International Realty in Montecito, CA
Beachfront Masterpiece
The master suite on the upper floor provides a magnificent ocean view bedroom and terrace, his-and-her baths, spacious walk-in closets, and a large office.
Co-listed by Sotheby's Realty and Coldwell Banker Previews International Realty in Montecito, CA
California Dreamin'
2555 Altamar Dr Laguna Beach CA
Price: $19,950,000
Rob Giem - HÔM Real Estate Group
Catch the surf or some rays on the beach in this ultra-modern home located on one of the most gorgeous stretches of beach in the world.
Rob Giem - HÔM Real Estate Group
California Dreamin'
Sculptural forms, disappearing walls of glass, and graceful arcing lines make this 5 bedroom, 6 bath house a jaw-dropping California dream home.
Rob Giem - HÔM Real Estate Group
California Dreamin'
A perfect complement to its setting, this captivating design is an impeccably merged composition of materials, spaces and light.
Rob Giem - HÔM Real Estate Group
California Dreamin'
Cooking is always more fun when you have state-of-the-art appliances and a gorgeous view.
Rob Giem - HÔM Real Estate Group
Wish We Could..., Luxury Living, Famous Homes, Design, etc, House Tours
Commenting on Container Homes...
We've received an overwhelming response to our post on container homes from The Daily Green. Readers have brought up a number of concerns, including considerable speculation as to how effective shipping containers can be as housing projects. Chief among the anxieties is the belief that the homes are expensive, flimsy and unattractive. While I may agree with the last argument (what can I say? I'm a sucker for traditional architecture), container homes really are a viable living option. Even if you can't personally use them for a house, developers around the world are finding ways to construct housing projects, office buildings, schools, hospitals and jails out of shipping containers.
Container homes are even catching on in the U.S. because they tend to be cheaper and faster to build than more traditional construction methods. According to SG Blocks, a company that specializes in container construction, a container home can be built in two to four months--half the time of a wood-frame house. The costs of the two methods are comparable, but shipping containers have the added benefit of being made of steel.
They're also environmentally friendly. CNN reports that there is a huge surplus of shipping containers stationed at ports around the country because the U.S. imports more than it exports. Not only are you recycling an old shipping container, but you're also saving a lot of energy in preventing the containers from being melted down and discarded. It takes one kilowatt of energy to melt one pound of steel and the containers typically weigh about 9,000 pounds.
Still doubtful? Keep reading and you just might change your mind (or become convinced you've been right all along...)
This home was built entirely from recycled shipping containers! Photo: The Daily Green
They're also environmentally friendly. CNN reports that there is a huge surplus of shipping containers stationed at ports around the country because the U.S. imports more than it exports. Not only are you recycling an old shipping container, but you're also saving a lot of energy in preventing the containers from being melted down and discarded. It takes one kilowatt of energy to melt one pound of steel and the containers typically weigh about 9,000 pounds.
Still doubtful? Keep reading and you just might change your mind (or become convinced you've been right all along...)
Green Design, Solutions, Design, etc, Architecture, News & Trends
DIY: Fragrant Lavender Bottles
Lavender is one of my favorite flowers. Its gorgeous color is rivaled only by its acute smell and, better yet, it remains in bloom for the entire summer. Why not harness the lavender's beautifully potent aroma and enjoy it in your everyday life? Create a lavender bottle with these simple DIY instructions and place it into a drawer or closet. The scent will infuse itself into all of your clothing. Getting dressed was never this much fun!
Here's how to do it!
Here's how to do it!
Beautiful lavender bottles! Photo: Make It Do
Dorm Room Smarts
The summer before my freshman year of college, I mistakenly assumed that a micro-fridge is simply a tiny refrigerator. Not so much. It's a combination microwave/refrigerator and is quite possibly the most useful dorm accessory ever. Now that that's cleared up, AOL Home has some more helpful dorm room shopping tips straight from the experts.
First and foremost, check the college's website for guidelines on what to bring. See if any accessories (like the micro-fridge) will be waiting in that tiny double. Figure out if you'll want a landline. Don't pack too much or forget the fun accessories you'll need to feel at home (Frisbee, anyone?). With so much to do (academically and socially), organization and balancing your time is key. I really like this Daily Dot Calendar from PB Teen. It's a great way to keep track of all of your activities!
One last piece of advice: Bed Bath & Beyond has a great "find it here, pick up there" program. Head to your closest store, pick out the stuff you'll need, and Bed Bath & Beyond will make sure that your purchases are waiting for you at the store closest to your school. This really frees up some trunk space. Summer may have flown by, but with the right dorm supplies school can be just as fun!
First and foremost, check the college's website for guidelines on what to bring. See if any accessories (like the micro-fridge) will be waiting in that tiny double. Figure out if you'll want a landline. Don't pack too much or forget the fun accessories you'll need to feel at home (Frisbee, anyone?). With so much to do (academically and socially), organization and balancing your time is key. I really like this Daily Dot Calendar from PB Teen. It's a great way to keep track of all of your activities!
Space to plan each day of the week. Photo: PB Teen
How To Make Your Bed a Haven
Last week, we invited readers to share tips on how to make their bed a haven. The results are in and we've compiled the top 5 most popular responses. Read on for some great ideas.
1) Comfortable bedding (re: soft sheets, a down comforter, zzzzzz) took home the gold. I couldn't agree more. Check out these snuggly goose down comforters from Overstock.com and L.L. Bean. L.L. Bean is based in Maine so you know that they're designing for maximum warmth!
Higher thread counts generally indicate softer sheets, but my favorite are made from jersey fabric. They're warm in the winter but cozy all year round. Check out these fun colors at Garnet Hill.
1) Comfortable bedding (re: soft sheets, a down comforter, zzzzzz) took home the gold. I couldn't agree more. Check out these snuggly goose down comforters from Overstock.com and L.L. Bean. L.L. Bean is based in Maine so you know that they're designing for maximum warmth!
A fluffy comforter makes me want to dive right into bed! Photo: Overstock
Higher thread counts generally indicate softer sheets, but my favorite are made from jersey fabric. They're warm in the winter but cozy all year round. Check out these fun colors at Garnet Hill.
Choose any color to match your decor. Photo: Garnet Hill
