The most basic item in the toolbox is definitely plain old boring nails. But why not give it a whimsical, and designer take?

Masaharu Ono’s flower head nails really hit the spot. While they are a bit pricey for a set of 6 nails, sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference in a room.

But this is definitely not the case for the Stuttgart City Library, which opened last year in Stuttgart, Germany.

The modern cubic structure gives way to a wonderfully MC Escher-like interior with staircases in seemingly random places connecting the 5 stories of the library.

While the white walls and almost-sterile design created by Yi Architects isn’t an obvious choice for a library, the ultra modern design ensures that a home for books is still relevant, even in this digital age.

Unlike many modern designs, this style of chair will be a constant classic, never going out of style and would be a gorgeous addition to any home.

Made from 163 separate pieces of post-formable plywood — a new technology which allows the plywood to be molded after being produced as a panel. These panels were then molded and slotted together to create this fantastic dragon like structure. The specially formed “scales” allow light into the solid-seeming form.

Besides, watching the “making of” video makes me feel as if they had a lot of fun making it and that’s just an added bonus!

Poul Hennigsan, an ifluential Danish designer born at the very end of the 19th century grew up in the midst of the change between petroleum lamps and the advent of elictricity and household electric lighting.

Wanting to lessen the glare of the bare bulbs, which were espeically harsh after the soft ambience of petroleum lighting, Hennigsan created a lamp with 3 shades which distributed the light in a manner that would soften the effect of the electric light.

These lamps gained instant popularity and became known simply as PH lamps. Available in a variety of forms, from chandeliers to table lamps, PH lamps could be found in many homes.

Today, old-fashioned has become instead “vintage” and original PH lamps are sold at auctions for thousands of dollars, especially the unique and stylish “artichoke lamp” whose quirky look still appears modern, over 50 years later.

So next time you’re looking for a new light fixture, try looking in attics, garage sales and online auctions — you might just find a PH original of your very own!

]]> http://cmycasa.com/blog/2012/03/18/go-retro-with-poul-hennigsan/feed/ 0 http://cmycasa.com/blog/2012/03/14/not-your-grandmothers-wallpaper/ http://cmycasa.com/blog/2012/03/14/not-your-grandmothers-wallpaper/#comments Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:18:52 +0000 Yaara http://cmycasa.com/blog/?p=519 Another way to brighten up your walls is via the use of wallpaper, and luckily today the options are greater than they ever were. French company Élitis has become one of the leading suppliers of contemporary wallpaper and fabrics in the world.

I enjoy the visual texture of the Azzuro designs created by the use of vinyl paper on an unwoven background.

Although I must say the animal prints of the Mémoires and the Natives lines, which look as if they’re made of actual animal hide, are a bit much for me.

But my very favorite of all their designs, must be the mural wall coverings, which feature beautiful and modern embossing. According to the site, the murals are formed by laying a jersey fabric over foam, and then using a process called “thermo forming” over a mold to create the the embossed pattern.

While perhaps a bit too “designy” for my own home, I’d love to see the vase patterns on any classy establishment’s walls; either in dark and dramatic grey, or in the airy and bright white.

Bisazza Mosaico, an Italian company established in 1956 in Alte Vicenza, Italy, offers gorgeous glass mosaic that create an instant feel of luxury in any location, whether you use it for exterior or interior decoration. The company has 12 flagship stores in major locations around the world, and their products can be found in thousands of local retailers.

While Bisazza has an extensive collection of furniture and home accessories which combine mosaic in their design, in my opinion the area where they really shine is in their luxurious wall mosaics, like the Twill design pictured above, created using contrasting diagonal lines.

If you’re looking for dark and elegant, the Flash design, embedded with circles of Swarovski crystals may be the choice for you.

Or perhaps you’d rather have something bright and beautiful, and would prefer to see the Clouds and blue skies while you sip your morning coffee?

The Andromeda is a more modern choice with its design of overlapping circles, available in two different colors

A more classic pattern can be found in the Velvet design which evokes a sense of depth and dimension.

Available in 4 different color schemes:

A more romantic feel can be found with the lush flowers in the Fleurs

or Bouquet designs.

Whatever your style, the Bisazza mosaics could add a bold touch to any interior.

At Click for Art you can choose from a growing collection of artists who contribute their designs for limited edition prints of designer cushions and pillows.

With the pillows available in 2 different sizes and a wide variety of designs, each of which is printed on only 250 units, you’re sure to find something new, interesting and most of all unique for your home.

]]> http://cmycasa.com/blog/2010/11/01/limited-edition/feed/ 0 http://cmycasa.com/blog/2010/10/19/ask-alice/ http://cmycasa.com/blog/2010/10/19/ask-alice/#comments Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:22:26 +0000 Yaara http://cmycasa.com/blog/?p=468 I’m rapidly approaching the age where a meeting with my girlfriends will mean finding a kid-friendly place that us adults will enjoy as well.

In Japan, the Tokyo baby cafe was designed by nendo with exactly that thought in mind. A space where “big” meets “small” – literally.

The overblown sofa catches the eye of both children and adults and has a dual function as well – it’s used as a nursing area for the moms as well as a play area for the kids.

The cafe is filled with picture books and toys to occupy the children, while the door handles and light switches are put in hard-to-reach areas for the sake of safety.

According to the designer, the underside of the tables are fitted with pictures of baby animals, since most kids end up crawling under the tables at some point they might as well have something cute to look at.

As a child who used to lay on the carpet under the table and draw on its underside, I really like the idea of an interesting view just for the kids.

The general effect of big versus small is very Alice in Wonderland , while the subdued color scheme keeps it modern and beautiful. I know I would get down on my hands and knees to crawl around the room, just to see what’s on the other side of this door…

Kenneth Cobonpue, a young designer from the Philippines creates gorgeous furniture that combines the beauty and simplicity of modern design with the use of natural fibers and locally sourced organic materials.

The bed above, from the Voyage series, is made from either Buri (palm leaf spines) or abaca (also known as Manila hemp) which is hand woven on a steel frame and tied with abaca rope. The effect is like an airy cocoon, at once enveloping and giving the sense of space and freedom.

With the daybed, also from the Voyage series, I can really imagine myself curling up with a good book and one of those girly drinks with the umbrellas at an exotic resort. Cabana boys can be added to this fantasy at your own discretion…

That image isn’t surprising since Kenneth’s furniture and designs can be seen in various hotels and resorts around the world.

Even you baby can sleep in luxurious comfort with this “le petit voyage” bassinet

and don’t worry —  if your pet is your baby, there’s a Kenneth Cobonpue bed for them too!