The Woodworker's Art

Look at these beautiful woodwork pieces featured in Architectural Digest.
A laminated-cherry chair by David Upfill-Brown

A maple-veneer stool made by former studio fellow Akiko Yokoyama.

David Haig’s English sycamore Signature Rocker

Swedish Shelving

Organization can be a challange for most of us. This solid pine, steel reinfoced shelving units from William-Sonoma are proven to be strong and modular, so it can fit into many different configuration while it provides stability and durability. http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/fn065/index.cfm?pkey=cshelving%2Dpantry%2Dorganization&ckey=shelving%2Dpantry%2Dorganization

Stainless Tiles

Stainless Tiles are great way to add modern and clean look in a bathroom or kitchen design. I saw this unique pebble shape stainless tile used in back splash in the kitchen. This is called Zenith Polished Black Mirror by Solistone and comes in 12" x 12" sheet.

Cool Head Board

I often visit hgtv.com for an idea or inspiration. I saw an article about head board ideas. This is my favorite. I love the drama that a large scale painting creates in a tranquil bedroom. Dark wall color and white bedding accentuate the blue backdrop in the painting.

Kids Fair

If you are looking for fun activities for the kids this weekend, check this event.

Kidsfaire; America's Family Expo

Location: Alameda County Fairground, Pleasanton, CA

Hours: 9/26 Sat, 10am - 5pm; 9/27 Sun, 10am - 5pm

http://www.thekidsfaire.com/

Christmas Decor

Today, I received an e-mail from Pottery Barn. Their Christmas items are out. I like these items from Mercury collection.

Michael Grave Dreamscape

Michael Graves is an American architect. Identified as one of The New York Five, Graves has become a household name with his designs for domestic products sold at Target stores in the United States. He also designed a suit of bathroom products called Dreamscape. I like the simple and unique design. Here are few photos of his products.

Taget Beddings

Have you seen new bedding collections by Target ? They are very modern and colorful. I love the bold colors and chic patterns. Most of them come in a set including comforter and shams. Here are some of my favorites. Foliage Lime Green

Multi Color

Boroque

Chairs from Pier 1

I received a new Pier 1 catalog in the mail. I found very attractive accent chairs. They are in-expensive, yet very stylish. Here are some of my favorites.



Provocative Chair

Lola chair Ikat Wing Chair

Giraffe Chair

Vase Fillers

Vase Fillers are great way to change colors and moods of your home accents. Once you have a your favorite glass ware, you can do a lot with different vase fillers. Many retail stores carry vase fillers in various materials and colors. Here are some of pupular items available in the market.

Acrylic filler - Comes in many different colors. Perfect for any occasions.

Pumpkins - Excellent way to introduce seasons.

River Rocks - calm and peaceful

Sand - perfect for beachy, Cape Cod like decor.

Shells - great for bathroom accents.

Interchangeable Marble Jewelry

I went to Harvest Festival in Pleasanton over the weekend and saw some interesting products. One I liked the most was the Marble Jewelry. They have pendants, necklaces, ear rings, key chain and rings that come with a set of different color marbles that you can switch around, so you can have different look each time when you change it. They are very stylish and economical. The website. http://www.gotallyourmarbles.com/.

HGTV Design Stars

I watched the final 3 design star episode on HGTV. The challenge was to create a space for 3 celebrities. My favorite design was the one done by Lonni. She got eliminated due to her lack of time management, which I felt it was unfair. I love the organic materials used in the guest room of Tiffani Thiessen. I thought the focal wall was fantastic. Shed used the grass cloth wallpaper with a traditional navy blue pattern in a bold scale. I liked the color and mix of different style was a great idea.

photo by HGTV.com

Zak Slumber

Have you seen this bed? This is Made with 100% recycled, shredded furniture grade urethane foam. If I were a teen ager, I sure would love to have it in my room !

Calming Green

Green is such a caliming color. When we look at green, it elicits feelings of peace, tranquility and relaxation. Green is in cool color family because of its references to pastoral landscapes. Green is the dominant color in nature, we are at home with green anywhere in the house. Light greens work well in bed rooms, baths and living rooms; mid-range greens are a great accent for kitchens and dining rooms. The calming effect of green makes it popular in hospitals, schools and work environments. This room is done by the winner of HGTV deisgn star, Antonio Ballatore, LA, CA. Constrast between deep green and dark brown is very striking, yet provides Zen look.

Home Goods

I love bargain ! When I first visited Home Goods, I felt like a kid in a candy store.
This store has everything from furniture to bathroom accessories. You never know what you'll find but you'll always find something fabulous at amazing savings!
If you like change things around the house, but don't want to spend too much money, this is the place to go.

Harvest Festival

If you are interested in arts and crafts and looking for a pleasant way to spend the day, you should visit Harvest Festival in Pleasanton this weekend.

You will find one-of-a-kind opportunity to browse and select from thousands of unique, handmade items, including jewelry, photographs,sculptures, pottery, accessories, clothing, specialty foods, home decor and more.

When: September 11-13,

Where: Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA

Classic Design

Every style and design trends come and go, but good ones are repeately used and come back with a new twist. I have seen classical shapes used in modern acceessories with new matrials and colors. Here are few that are popular.

Orange Accents

Orange warms a room but in a less dramatic and passionate way. The mood and attitude of orange is more friendly than fiery; more welcoming than seductive. Orange works well in living rooms and family rooms and is also a good choice for children's bedrooms.
Here are some of orange accents that I used in my living room.
I had an area rug that is mostly in orange, so I wanted to carry that orange theme through out the family room.
My couch is green which is a nice background color to pop orange pillows. Brown in curtains and mirror frame also serves as a nice grounding color. I also added an orange lamp and a vase to repeat the same color. Repeating the same color provide cohesive look to the room.

Chocolate Mint Cake

Chocolate mint cake !

It was the perfect desert for Labor Day BBQ.

Ingridents: store bought cake mix and left over icing from priior cake.

It was so moist and delicious ! Yum....

Livermore Wine Festival

If you are looking for something to do for Labor day weekend, check out Livermore's 28th annual Harvest Wine Festival. The Livermore festival stretches across the region's wine country will feature live music, art and opportunities to taste local food and wine at various wineries. Over 40 wineries will be participating, and free shuttles will cart attendees among the wineries, on seven different routes.

Sep 6 & 7 at Robertson Park, Livermore, CA

Soji Modern Solar Lanterns

Labor Day is the last blast of summer . Many people will be firing up the backyard grill and hosting parties for friends and family.

How about hanging some outdoor lights to set the mood.

I found these Soji Modern Solar Lanterns that does not require the stringing of electrical wires.

Stainless steel hardware equipped with 2 high powered Amber LED lights, AAA rechargeable battery and solar panel. The Soji Modern Outdoor Chandelier collects light all day and automatically turns itself on at dusk.

Halloween is already here

Halloween and Christmas seem to come earlier and earlier every year. Every retail stores already have Halloween decorations out. I saw some interesting Halloween items from Pottery Barn while I was browsing their website.

spider tea light holders crow candles

skull cocktail collection skull appetizer plates