Saturday, May 23, 2009

Entryway-Inspirations.

I have been looking for a way to organize my non-existent entry-way. My apartment has no separate foyer area. The door leads directly into the main living room. On the left, there is an open kitchen with the side of the refrigerator facing the living area, then comes the washing/drying area, and then the bathroom. So, I am left with not a whole lot of options. The only place where I could put my entry-way table is next to the entrance door on the right wall, where I also have the media cabinet and a book-shelf. So, space is an issue. I am thinking of using two baskets, one for storing hats & bags, and the other one for shoes. I would also be installing magnetic hooks on the door (luckily we have a steel door) for hanging coats, umbrellas, keys etc, and a magnetic letter holder.

Here are some of my inspiration pics:


From Zara Home ( my favorite home store). Although, this is a bathroom, I think I can use the same concept of utilizing the basket under a table for my entry-way area. Love the mirror as well. 



 I think I got this image from a DIY magazine ( I am not exactly sure about the source). Love the DIY shoe rack made from Tin crates. 




From Living Etc
Here, I don't see any specific storage area for the shoes. I'm not sure in a virtually no separate entry-way, how laying down the shoes on the floor would work.  However, I love the table, the fresh flowers on the table top, the umbrella and the hat holder. 

Have a good weekend. 

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Yello!

A big Yello to everyone!  It has been a while since I visited this blog kingdom. I hope I haven't missed out on anything big!    I am in this funky mood right now. I want to post something that is totally random, and doesn't fall under any particular category.

So here are the questions:

1) Anything exciting happening at your end?  
OR 
2) Did anything weird happen this week?

My weird story:

Today, around 6.00PM, I was walking down the street to get to my apartment, and out of no where this guy started screaming and yelling at people. I kept my distance to avoid him. Around 8.00sh, I again went out to grab a chai latte from Starbucks, and the same dude was still walking up and down the aisle, cursing and screaming away. It was kind of scary.  The pedestrians gave him a really weird look. I even noticed, some teenagers were laughing and making fun of him.  At first, like others I thought he was a total weirdo, but then, I felt someone must have pushed him too much. Maybe he was a war-vet or something.  I kept pondering how everything in life happens for a reason. Maybe it was his bad Karma or maybe it was just something else? I don't know. I decided not to think too much and ended up watching a funny movie.  Now, I am ready to hit the sack. 

Shadows : Random Pic of the NIGHTtaken by me.


good night.



Thursday, May 7, 2009

Eclectic Interior design -- Japanese and Western Fusion

I have always been drawn by the simple straight lines of Japanese designs. The incorporation of natural materials are highly significant in designing the Interiors. Japanese believe in using less, and emphasize more on the practical use of everyday objects.

I asked myself, apart from the straight lines, what pulls me closer to the Japanese designs?
I came up with this list:

1) Low lying furniture
2) Superior esthetic qualities of the finished product
3) Muted and Neutral color Palettes
4) Remarkable hand crafting and wood working skills (Most furniture don't require screws)
5) Presence of their traditional cultural elements.

I recently moved to a new apartment, and I am planning on going with an eclectic Japanese/western decor for my bedroom.
Here are some Japanese interior settings that are worth looking at:

The Cabinet by Noriko Sawayama.

Noriko's philosophy is to create an unique and creative space by combining the Japanese traditional elements to the western interior setting.

I love this Cabinet. The Lotus floral pattern painted on top of the contrasting black cabinet is stunning. Lighting is provided inside for displaying beautiful objects.

Interior setting by Noriko.

The above cabinet is placed at the front wall. Noriko provides comfortable and simplistic furniture.

Mantra bed by FEG

Adhering to Feng Shui principles, Mauro Bertame created this low lying platform bed. The soft contoured Canopy extending from the back is so elegant.
Available at : Europe By NET


Bora Bora by Mazzali

The four wooden slats make up this bed. The cylindrical piece in the middle can be moved around. It can be used as a headboard for bed or as a backrest for sofa.

Available at Europe by NET


Contemporary bedding by Haiku Designs






Love this as I can see some color.

I am not sure where I found these two images, but I love the simple arrangement of the bedroom furniture.



A touch of green works really nice in this setting.