# Friday, January 29, 2010
My trip to the California Gift Show and LA Mart last week was intriguing! Never have I seen such dramatic contrasts in interior design side by side. What I saw featured in the show emphasized the two design extremes I see in interior trends every day.

On the one hand, there is the eco-friendly recycling trend in interior design. Then contrast that with the glitz and glamour trend - crystals are being applied to everything - major furniture pieces to small accessories! So the bottom line - there is something for everyone in today's interior design trends.

Here are some examples of interior design ideas from California:


  • cardboardesign - creating furniture from widely-available, low-cost recycled materials and made wholly from recycled paper and wood products. These pieces are produced using pre-existing manufacturing processes in order to reduce their overall impact on the environment. Although a tad narrow - I found this chair pretty comfortable. How about adding one of these to your interior and making an eco-friendly design statement?
  • Kalei - creating art with mosaics - transforming living spaces with custom murals - modern to chic. This glamorous sculptural chair covered with sparkling gold glass tiles is the perfect example of a functional work of art to be used in interior design today. Although a tad "firm", I found this glowing gold lounge chair pretty comfortable. But more than that - it made me feel glamorous!


  • Two'sCompany - This is the ultimate recycling spirit for today's interior design! I'll bet you've never thought about saving your large plastic detergent bottles to create a colorful chandelier! Are you up to adding one to your interior or even exterior?
  • Envision Glam - This is the ultimate in glamorous crystal decor for your interior - cascading strands of shimmering crystals- use your imagination to create a stunning backdrop, room divider or window adornment - interior design ideas are endless!
     

In today's interior design, there are accessories and then there are accessories! Take a look at these two very diverse looks - practical and recycled verses glitz and glam!

  • Two's Company - Ever wonder what happens to all those old circuit boards? Can you imagine them being used as today's interior design accessories? What kind of notebooks, notepads, pens, etc. do you and your colleagues have on your desks? What do your kids carry to school? These great desk accessories made with old circuit boards recycled into everyday items are durable, fun and make the perfect eco-friendly statement!
  • Evision Glam - Everything doesn't have to be "over the top" to add glitz and glam. Sometimes even the smallest touches can make the perfect interior design statement for you. Try using these accents: crystal upholstery studs or crystal braid on your next piece of custom furniture - or add to an existing piece! You will quickly and easily create the perfect understated glamorous look!
   
  
   



  Lighting Series:

Click on these links or scroll down for my Lighting Series: get practical lighting tips and interior design ideas that you can use to enhance your home decor.

Action Step #1: Switch Your Switches
Action Step #2: Light Your Life with Lamps and Lights
Lighting Series Intro: Lighting Interior Design Ideas - Lift Your Spirits with Light
Action Step #3: Accentuate with Accent Lights - Coming Next

Please write with your comments or questions and let me know how I can best help you with interior design ideas for lighting solutions that will lift your spirits and create a positive impact in your life. barbara@barbarakrai.com

Barbara Krai Interior Design - Serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Oldsmar, Dunedin, Odessa, Safety Harbor, Lutz, Avila, Cheval, New Port Richey, Bradenton, Lakeland and all surrounding Tampa Bay Beaches and regional areas along the West Coast of Florida.

Friday, January 29, 2010 3:38:36 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  #    Comments [0]  | 
# Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Warm Up With A New Fire Unit - INSTANTLY!

We all love the warmth and glow of fire - one of the five elemental forces of nature. Days are at their shortest right now so we're all yearning for more sun and light in our waking hours. And what better way than to add the light of fire which also brings warmth to these cold days?

It's always been easy to add a warm glow with the flame of candles, but now, new technology is making it extremely easy to add the wonderful warmth of real fire in any room without any renovation. What can be better than that?

Bonus!
Right now you will receive a tax credit for installing one of these environmentally friendly units!

Here are some examples:


Place this freestanding unit anywhere - choose
from a wide variety of colors, styles and shapes.



Coordinate or contrast your design style.


What about a floating fire in an all glass unit?


These units also work beautifully outdoors!

Build into a wall unit, cabinet or any piece of furniture.


Retrofit any existing fireplace.


How about hanging a unit on the wall - any height, any place?


This wall hung unit with circle design will
add drama and warmth to any space!

Place this cylinder in a dark corner to bring new life
to your room - or - use outdoors as shown here.


So how does this all work?

  • Basically, it's very simple - all of these units burn clean Ethanol fuel - no venting required.
  • Freestanding models are portable pieces of fine furniture. There is no tearing out walls or any build-outs required. Simply unpack the unit and put in position. Add the fuel and start enjoying beautiful fire light!
  • Fireboxes of stainless steel can be installed into any combustible or non combustible wall unit, piece of furniture or directly in the wall and need no venting. Other units may be hung anywhere on any wall.
  • Add stones or glass rocks to enhance your experience.
  • All of these units can be used indoors or outdoors for ultimate enjoyment!
  • Bonus - You will receive your tax credit information at the time of purchase.

Lighting Series:
Click on these links or scroll down for my Lighting Series: get practical lighting tips and interior design ideas that you can use to enhance your home decor.

Action Step #1 Switch Your Switches
Action Step #2 Light Your Life with Lamps and Lights
Lighting Series Intro: Lighting Interior Design Ideas - Lift Your Spirits with Light
Action Step #3: Accentuate with Accent Lights - Coming Next


Please write with your comments or questions and let me know how I can best help you with interior design ideas for lighting solutions that will lift your spirits and create a positive impact in your life. barbara@barbarakrai.com

Barbara Krai Interior Design - Serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Oldsmar, Dunedin, Odessa, Safety Harbor, Lutz, Avila, Cheval, New Port Richey, Bradenton, Lakeland and all surrounding Tampa Bay Beaches and regional areas along the West Coast of Florida.


Wednesday, January 13, 2010 4:43:07 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  #    Comments [0]  |