New York-based interior designer Joanne de Guardiola mixed organic elements with contemporary home furnishings to create this eclectic, modern-day loft space. De Guardiola’s creation was part of the AD 100 Pavilion’s centerpiece showcase at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, held March 6-9 at New York City’s Pier 94. Read more…

Bringing design savvy consumers and professional designers in the UAE greater access to high-end furniture, Al Shamsi Enterprises, announced the launch of its new exclusive fashionable furniture showroom - designers hub which is a division of Al Shamsi Enterprises.

Centrally located on Oud Mehta, Dubai, the new showroom, which houses one of the most extensive collections of exclusive furniture and accessories in the emirate, also brings together some of the most reputed prestigious brands Knoll International (USA), Cassina (Italy), Thonet (Germany), Edra (Italy), ClassiCon (Germany), Grupo Permasa (Spain) and Hacker Kitchen (Germany).

Recent addition to designers hub global brands portfolio are Album lighting from Italy and Meta beds and sofa beds from Italy. designers hub also opened its full operation in Abu Dhabi earlier this year.
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The Greenplay collection promotes interactive learning for kids and a healthy environment for everyone. Crawling soon to a playroom near you, the adorable and LEED-approved Caterpillar activity bench is constructed of postconsumer recycled plastic, Forest Stewardship Council-certified plywood, and a water-based coating free of volatile organic compounds. The critter measures 6½ feet long by 23½ inches wide by 17¼ inches high. 1240 North Homan Avenue

Our Glossary is full of interior design and decorating terms and meanings as well as architectural definitions. We have a design directory to search for interior designers, architectural designers, architects, furniture designers, graphic designers, design institutes and more.

Minimalist conservatory
Less is more in this elegant conservatory where off-white walls and white floor tiles have a fresh appeal. The rattan table and chair set is perfect for a spot of afternoon tea and the two bronze geese bought at auction make great conversation pieces.

Relaxing conservatory

Create a modern, relaxing conservatory space with a neutral coloured sofa from Argos, teamed with dark wood flooring from Quick Step. Create a feeling of comfort with cushions and a throw, and display your books and magazines for a relaxed feel to the room.

Want to get a feel for what’s hot in the world of home decor these days? All you have to do is visit a couple of model homes in your community and take a good look around. You’re sure to recognize a recurring theme.

The cabinets you saw in the high-end kitchen closely resemble the furniture in the adjoining breakfast nook, and the ceiling molding in the dining room matches perfectly as well. These days, designers are going out of their way to carry a single theme throughout the entire house. It’s a design trend called unification. Read more…

SIX OF Canada’s noted TV design personalities translated their talents for decor from the small screen into a live showcase, crafting personalized spaces celebrating the latest in trends, ideas and products in interior design.

Brian Gluckstein, The Designer Guys (Allen Chan, Matt Davis, Anwar Mukhayesh), Sarah Richardson and Lynda Reeves were each tasked with creating distinctive living spaces measuring around 70 square metres backing onto a common courtyard.

Their creations were featured at last week’s Toronto’s Interior Design Show.

“I took the challenge as being something that would in some way reach out to the viewers, reach out to the public, and be an expression of who we are,” said Richardson, host of HGTV Canada’s Design Inc., and Sarah’s House. Read more…

Trying to be an ethical consumer – let alone a manufacturer or designer – isn’t easy. Terms such as “eco-friendly”, “organic” and “sustainable” are now an essential part of any halfway decent organisation’s sales patter, and knowing when those words actually stand for something real is tricky. Which is why “transparency” is becoming the buzz- word these days in the world of design just as much as in the Houses of Parliament.

Take a company such as Mater (www.materdesign.com), from Denmark, which was recently given Wallpaper* magazine’s special award for best new interior design company. Mater, like every other savvy design company, is grappling with the problem of how to justify bringing new designs into a world already saturated with products. As its founder, Henrik Marstrand, puts it: “For every one of the millions of products we use to improve our lives, there are associated environmental, ethical and social consequences.” Mater’s powerful mission statement declares that it is “the home accessories brand that makes social responsibility timeless and alluring to consumers all over the world”. Read more…

New homeowners and those revamping their homes often find fusing technology and decorating to be a challenge. A recent survey found that more than 70 percent of Americans are unsure of how to integrate technology into their home decor, or “techorate,” as LG Electronics has dubbed this marriage of modern technology with interior design and decor.
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