The Most Adorable DIY Chandelier

I came across this posting today on Apartment Therapy . It's a feature of the cutest DIY Bubble Chandelier from CasaSugar! How fun is this?? Normally, the price point on this would be few G's....this was done for a few hundred.

For more details - including step by step instructions click here!

How Do you Read Efficiency???

Everyone knows that Energy Efficient just makes sense, but can you make sense of their sense?

The Canadian Government makes it easy to understand the sticker prices...and 'second sticker prices' for any and all appliances. 

 

For more information go to http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/appliances/energuide.cfm?attr=4

Here is some information (broken down) for you to understand (easily)

The Black and White EnerGuide Label

1. Average annual energy consumption of the appliance in kilowatt hours (kWh)
2. Energy efficiency of the appliance relative to similar models
3. Annual energy consumption range for models of this type and size
4. Type and size of the model
5. Model number

What Is a Kilowatt Hour?
Your power utility measures electricity use in kilowatt hours, which is calculated by multiplying the wattage of a product by the number of hours it's in use.
For example:

• a 100-watt light bulb × 10 hours of use = 1000 watt hours, or 1 kWh
• 1 kWh of energy = running a hot shower for three minutes
• 50 kWh of energy saved could run your dishwasher 20 times
• 100 kWh of saved energy could run your clothes washer 50 times – that's almost a free load of laundry every week for a year

Old is the new Contemporary

I received my new Restoration Hardware catelogue today and like usual, it's filled with nummy design elements, furniture and fixtures. As I was reading through, I noticed yet another example of what I seem to be seeing all over the place: Old is the new contemporary. 

What does that even mean? Well, it is a reference to people using vintage, warn elements as main pieces and accessories in their home. The  balance between old world 'charm' and new, modern elements. 

Such as this bathroom

The fixtures, although very modern and clean lined are paired with vintage, iron side cabinets. Even the accessories in this space reflect that of an era close to this industrial time.It adds texture (both physical and textural) and breaks up what could easily be too new  or too designer.

Accessories and lighting are also referencing this old world feel. These fixtures, both from RH, are clear examples of my point. Referencing the really old into ultra modern spaces.

 

Corbels are also making their way into nearly every room in the house. Before, Kitchens saw the most corbel-action, usually under an island or shelf for added decorative flair. This time their chunky and large-scale and being used as tables, stands, and accents in the room. This is actually being sold as an end table.

I know that I have blogged about this before, but I love the new 'Country Kitchen'. Particularly, I love the large scale mantel and open shelving. It has the feel of an old bakery to me. Who wouldn't love to have this?

As a designer, it's important to know Balance, and how to properly achieve it.  Balance is referencing two or more elements in a space (or connecting space), or combining more than one style (contemporary and old world). Its about having just enough of one element to balance out the second element...its about balancing color....balancing weight....light. It's all about balance. 

In Nova Scotia, we are lucky to have some of these elements already lying around our homes, or our parents homes. In an old barn, perhaps. I think this particular blend of Old World/Time and Contemporary has more roots than just visual as well. It's about remembering our history, the quality of the time (in respect to craftsmanship) and enjoying the story it tells. 

all images by restoration hardware

The Challange

I haven't blogged in some time now- life has been really busy for me!!

I've been working on some clients homes that have exhausted most of my days (pics to come soon!). That and my daughter has been sick every-other-(three)-days with the flu, which in of itself is exhausting. Needless to say, I have lot's to talk about coming up.

The great news is that my husband has FINALLY agreed to get rid of our couch in the main living room. I have been after him for some time now to exchange it for something more 'my style' (that being contemporary). This is a good couch. There's nothing wrong with it- it just doesn't work with our home. I find that I am getting to a point in my home where it is no longer a reflection of who I am and how I want my house to read. So, new couch it is.




Don't get me wrong, this couch has contemporary lines- but not to the level I want. To be honest, I am torn between something ultra sleek and modern- or a total revamp of a classic. I am thinking a early twentith century victorian piece reupholstered in a great leather.
I really love the Tannery faux fabrics from Joanne Fabrics.

Like something like this

 

Source

Or this couch by Nine by Design

This is more my style.


My concern is how well it will handle kids. I have a toddler...and we all know what that means. Jumping, spilling juice (hence the leather option), scratches from toys- the poor couch.


My ONLY problem is my husband has given me a challenge. It has to cost $500. Is this even possible? Well, I am going to find out. Obviously, I'm not going to get what I want, but something similar would be nice. Why am I doing this? Well, as a designer, it's my job to do the impossible. Work with the impossible. And I am setting a personal goal to get this couch for $500. Wish me luck.