Talking About Dream Beds...

For those local readers who are still in their pajamas due to the nasty weather outside, imagine being able to go to the movies without ever leaving your bed?

Check out the revolutionary bed that may be able to convince your husband you can redecorate your bedroom, or in the least get a new bed...

This luxury bed system from HiCan is designed to be a relaxation/ entertainment cocoon. Below are a list of some of the perks:

Blinds that enclose for a restful sleep
State of the art sound system
Reading lights
Built-in PC and full multimedia complement with game and entertainment consoles connected to a projector
High Definition movies and images which you can view on the screen that slides down the front of the bed

Talk about a modern canopy bed!  This is totally futuristic and I want one!

Boys...

As all of my loyal readers know, I especially enjoy designing kid's rooms. My most recent project was with a family who, like me, has three boys. We had a lot of fun designing their bedrooms which came out amazing. Eventually I will have some professional pictures to post, but for now, enjoy some inspiring images from other designers.

via elle decor

via babble

via designer pad

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via hemma hos

via interior design magazine

via carolina eclectic

Elizabeth Lyons

The last time I started a collection was when I was 7 years old and it consisted of the blue Smurf figurines. You think it is time for me to evolve and start a more mature collection?

I do, and I know exactly what it is I am going to collect...

I am captivated by Elizabeth Lyon's hand-blown glass pieces. My favorites are any of the Big Jar and Mini Jar Series which grew out of her fascination with old apothecary bottles.

The array of colors, sizes and shapes she designs for each collection is stunning. Each one-of-a-kind jar is hand-blown by Elizabeth at her studio in Rochester, New York and all pieces are signed by the artist.

Now, I simply need help deciding which of these beautiful collections I am going to purchase to start my collection! Check out her website for additional collections.

100th Post!!!! My Top 5 Housewarming Gifts...

I truly cannot believe that I am writing my 100th post! It has been almost a year since I started this blog and my business has come quite a long way since. While I started out solely designing children's spaces, I have since expanded to full home design, as well as an entire corporate space in Manhattan.

I am so grateful to all of you who have supported me, whether through reading my blog, or entrusting me to design your space. I love what I do and feel extremely fortunate!

Now onto the grit...

MY TOP 5 HOUSEWARMING GIFTS

I received an email from my friend Randi requesting gift ideas for friends that just moved into a new home. Purchasing a housewarming gift can be very difficult, especially if you are not confident that you know the person's style. These five gifts are all "safe" gifts to buy as they would be a welcome addition to anyone's home.

Orchids are typically my first suggestion when it comes to housewarming gifts. Whenever I receive one as a gift, I am always excited to find a perfect spot in my house to display this stunning flower. I prefer them potted in a mossed glass cylinder as the vase doesn't take away from the beauty of the plant.

Pro Flowers - Potted Purple Orchid

Another one of my staple housewarming gifts are coffee table books. My home is flooded with them and I still find myself purchasing more. However, most people do not have coffee table books and are delighted to receive one as a gift. Not only do they make for great decor but you can also purchase a book about something that interests the homeowner, therefore making the gift a bit more personal. You can either go to a local bookstore, or hop on Amazon and type in "coffee table books" as well as the specific topic.

Vases are another safe but wonderful gift. It is great for a homeowner to have multiple vases in different sizes as certain flowers are better suited for certain sized vases.

Shop Horne - Spectra 5 Vase Set

How great is this gift? Five beautiful colored glass vases that can be used individually or stacked together? This might be my favorite choice!

Shop Horne - Albert Vase

Candles and votives are a perfect gift for someone you may not be that close to or really aren't sure what they like. Just make sure that if you do purchase votives, complete the gift with a package of tea lights as well.

Greener Grass Design - Tea Lights

Arango - Kivi Votives

I also love Lafco candles as the glass comes in a ton of colors and the phenomenal scents depict different rooms throughout the home.

Candle Luxury - Lafco Candles

My fifth choice is a decorative box. A homeowner can always place one on their coffee table, console or bedside. It may be the spot to store the remote, some loose change at the end of the day or simply just for decorative purposes.

Greener Grass Design - iitalia Box

homenature - bone inlay box

Lille - R&Y Augousti Mixed Shagreen

So, what do you think of my list? Anything you think I should add?

Egg Chair...

The ever present Egg chair, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958, was originally designed for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. The unique shape and comfortability of the chair makes it a winner in any type of decor and space, residential or commercial.

Jacobsen is known for using state-of-the-art material as superior quality and craftsmanship is apparent in all of his designs. While you can be sure to find numerous replicas of the Egg chair, beware when buying a copy. You may be tempted as many manufacturers offer the replica version for thousands of dollars less than the original. However, the quality and dimensions may be quite inferior. In addition, the authentic version has a tilting mechanism which is non-existent on most replicas.

via delikatissen

via plastolux

via living etc

via chic tip

via frederick-malle

via elle decor

via skona hem

Welcome Guest Blogger - Amanda Goldberg...

Outdoor Living Spaces...

When the leaves start to change, I start to panic. Summer is fading and wintery weather is on its way. This means another four months of being stuck inside. I cling to the fleeting sunshine and warmth of the season before retreating under my electric blanket. One of my favorite ways extend the summer is with some good friends and great food out on the patio.

Outdoor living spaces are perfect for entertaining in the summer and fall months. Whether the space is a simple arrangement of furniture on the deck, or a fully covered outdoor kitchen, these spaces can blend seamlessly with your home. It’s like adding an extra room onto your house.

If you’ve noticed that people are always gathering in the kitchen, no matter how much you corral them into more comfortable rooms, an outdoor kitchen/entertaining space is a wonderful solution. People are free to mingle in the outdoor space without feeling claustrophobic, and yet they’re all still centered around the kitchen. If you have a pool, the addition of the outdoor living space is a great way to keep the party outside and prevent people from going in and out of the house all afternoon. When the weather starts to cool off, a firepit or outdoor fireplace can really bring family and friends together for a cozy night. Although fall’s chill is already in the air, my family and I are definitely looking forward to snuggling up around the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate.

Take a look at these outdoor kitchens and living spaces that are sure to inspire…

via australian kitchens

via home design decorate

via paver planet

via stagetecture

This article was written by Amanda from Erie Construction. Learn more about Erie Construction from Guild Quality.

Amanda Goldberg is a design enthusiast and blogger from Toledo, Ohio. If they let her, she would live at IKEA with her dalmation, Freckle. Until then, she blogs about beautiful homes and great design.