Archive for the ‘Fireplace’ Category
Pangaea’s thoughts on Art: The Unexpected
Friday, November 18th, 2011
What do a pack of dogs, a swimmer and shirts with too much starch have in common? Somehow all of these became unique, artistic and decorative elements in people’s homes. Check out how the unexpected can add fun and show stopping excitement to your home décor.
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Tags: Art, artistic and decorative elements, Bathroom, Bedroom, Design Tips, design trends, Dining Room, home decor, Interior Design, Kitchen, Living Room, loft, Lofts, modern design, wall decor
Posted in Art, Bathroom, Bedroom, Colors, Cool Ideas, Cool Stuff, Design Dollars, Design Tips, Dining Room, Fireplace, Home Office, Interior Design, Kitchen, Lighting, Living Room, Lofts, Sculpture, Top Ten, Trends, Uncategorized, Wall Treatments | No Comments »
Pangaea Interior Design’s 20 Alternatives to Fine Art
Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
So you’re telling me that you can’t spend half a year’s salary on original art work for the hallway? That’s okay. There are many alternatives for great wall decor without breaking the bank. Get creative with fabrics, found objects, natural elements, texture and even fish — oh yes, I did say fish! — to add your own personality and charm and fill your home with your unique style.
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Tags: Art, Bathroom, Bedroom, color, Design Tips, design trends, Dining Room, fabrics, Fireplace, found objects, hallway, Interior Design, Kitchen, Living Room, loft, Lofts, modern design, natural elements, texture, wall decor
Posted in Achievements, Art, Bathroom, Bedroom, Cool Ideas, Cool Stuff, DIY, Design Tips, Dining Room, Fireplace, Home Office, Interior Design, Kitchen, Lofts, Mistakes: Avoiding & Fixing, Pearl District, Shopping, Space Planning, Storage Solutions, Top Ten, Uncategorized, Upholstery, Wall Treatments | No Comments »
Pangaea Interior Design’s Fall Premiere Season: Where to put your TV
Friday, November 4th, 2011
If you are a TV addict and you want to make sure you don’t miss a minute of your favorite shows, there’s always a way to sneak a TV into any room, whether you want to watch your soaps in the Kitchen or bath tub, sitcoms in the living room, or sports in your man-cave.
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Tags: bath tub, Bathroom, Bedroom, Design Tips, Dining Room, Fireplace, Flat screen, furniture arrangement, home theater, Interior Design, Kitchen, Living Room, Lofts, man cave, modern design, Space Planning, storage, tv, tv placement
Posted in Bathroom, Bedroom, Cool Ideas, Design Tips, Dining Room, Fireplace, Home Office, Interior Design, Kitchen, Live/Work Spaces, Living Room, Lofts, Mistakes: Avoiding & Fixing, Seating, Space Planning, Storage Solutions, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Interior Design: Redecorating With What You Already Have
Friday, July 16th, 2010
I read a lot of blogs. Most of them are Interior Design blogs, but some of them are on other topics of interest to me. One of the blogs I like is called The Calm Space and the topics are about Happiness and Serenity. Yesterday the writer, Vitania M. Liscio posted an article that is all about using what you already have to redecorate your home and freshen it up. It fit my sentiments exactly! After all, my work in Interior Design is really all about helping my clients be more happy with their homes. It isn’t all about buying new stuff (although that is fun!). But if the things you already have can be arranged, changed and displayed to improve the feel of your home, then that’s a great way to get started on making your surroundings the best they can be. Plus, she gives great tips, so I thought I would share it with you.
Happiness is Wanting What You’ve Got!
~~photo is of one of my paintings displayed in a penthouse I staged~~
So, how do I redecorate my own home with what I’ve already got? Well, I enjoy painting as a hobby, plus I buy a lot of inexpensive and colorful art for my work in home staging. When I need a change, I rotate my art, bringing out pieces I haven’t seen in awhile and putting others away. It is an easy way to change the whole look and color palette of my home without having to buy anything new.
Interior Designers usually refer to this rearranging and re-purposing of your furniture, art and accessories as “Re-Design” and it’s one of the services I offer. One great bonus is that this is a very sustainable way to redecorate because you don’t have to find a place to get rid of your older things. It’s also a thrifty way to allocate your design dollars.
Do you love the idea of re-designing your rooms with what you have, but just can’t imagine where to start? After living with your belongings in one arrangement for so long, it can be tough to imagine them any other way. A fresh pair of eyes can be very helpful. If you’d like help with re-designing your space, pick up the phone and give me a call. I’d love to help! 503.816.4394
Tags: decorate, Interior Design, redecorate, redesign, the calm space, Vitania M. Liscio
Posted in Art, Cool Ideas, DIY, Design Dollars, Design Tips, Fireplace, Home Staging, Interior Design, Sustainable style, redesign | 1 Comment »
Luxurious Bathroom Style – Chandeliers
Saturday, June 19th, 2010
Imagine you are stepping into a deep and steaming scented bubble bath. Your glass of champagne is close at hand and you’ve put on your favorite relaxing music. As you sink into the water and lean your head back against a soft bath pillow, your gaze drifts upward to the bright and glaring fluorescent light above. Hmmm. What’s wrong with that picture? How about instead … your gaze drifts upward to the softly sparkling chandelier? That’s more like it!
Do you have a ceiling higher than the standard 8 feet in your bathroom? Then you have the perfect opportunity to add the luxurious design element of a chandelier.
The soft green and elegant traditional style bathroom below is designed by Nate Berkus.
Super sooooothing!
My personal preference is a contemporary space. Choose a chandelier style that fits the style of the bathroom. The grid of pendants that creates this chandelier fits the zen feel. The softly curved shapes are a nice contrast to the highly textural stone wall.
Select a chandelier that is an appropriate scale for the space too. Neither too large, nor too small. The white chandelier below is hanging in a very large bathroom. Although it is a pretty good sized fixture, the delicate wire tracery still feels light in the space. I’m also pretty covetous of the fireplace in this bathroom. I need to put that on my list of must-haves for my dream bath!
This black chandelier is the perfect size for above the vanity and its lines echo the design on the wallpaper. I’ve actually become rather partial to black chandeliers. Such a sophisticated look.
Whatever style or size you choose, remember to put it on a dimmer switch. You’ll be glad you can turn it down low for that relaxing, self pampering bubble bath.
You may also like:
Industrial Style Bathroom Design: Perfect For Lofts
Tags: bath, bath vanity, Bathroom, bathtub, black & white, chandelier, contemporary bath, Lighting, Nate Berkus, traditional style
Posted in Bathroom, Cool Ideas, Design Tips, Fireplace, Interior Design, Lighting, Trends | No Comments »
Sensational Surface: Part #1 – Kerlite Porcelain Tile
Friday, November 13th, 2009
Actually I am talking about two sensational surfaces here. One is the store: Surface, located at 1235 SE Grand Ave., Portland, OR 97214. The other is Kerlite Porcelain Tile. I’m always on the lookout for cool looking, new and innovative materials to inspire great design ideas for interiors, so I was delighted to be invited to a new product party held at Surface last week. They have some amazing new products for flooring, backsplashes, countertops & walls, and also an intriguing material that can be used in place of glass in cabinet doors, interior sliding doors as well as other unique applications. Rather than cram all this great stuff into one long post, I’m splitting it up, so keep your eye open for “part 2″ and so on.
First I’d like to tell you a little about my experience with the store. Surface is a truly unique finish materials boutique. I recently worked with them to help one of my clients select flooring, countertop and backsplash materials. My sales person was David Horn. His professionalism, helpfulness with my client and expert product knowledge was all first rate. The staff members are all very respectful of the designer/client relationship and will help you as much or as little as you want. The showroom has a warm and comfortable ambiance with nice big work tables to lay out and compare all your possible choices. Enormous windows give you great natural light so you can really see the colors and textures. If you like a little privacy, they also have a separate conference room where designer and client can really brainstorm uninterrupted.
For my last client, I went in alone to preview their selections, then when I knew I was coming in with my client, I phoned ahead and David had all the selections pulled out and arranged on a work table for us when we arrived. Their vast selection is encased in big rolling carts so not everything is on view at once. Initially, I thought this would make it harder to view products, but after being in there with a client, I really appreciated that this display system kept us from going into overwhelm or being distracted with too many choices.
Kerlite:
This product is an ultra-thin – just 3 mm - super strong, porcelain tile that comes in seven sizes, including huge sheets. You can use it on floors or walls, but here is the very cool thing — you can put it right over existing materials including old tile or even linoleum without having to take out the old material. This is true even going over textured floor tiles.
Available in 26 colors and 3 finishes, my favorite is the tone-on-tone floral pattern. The photos of the bathrooms and living room are from the manufacturer’s website and they show the use of the huge sheet sizes to minimize grout lines. It’s also perfect for great kitchen design applications such as backsplash walls. Kerlite is even frost proof so it can be installed outdoors. I’m told that this product has even been installed as siding on a home exterior. I’d love to see that.
In keeping with my desire to find sustainably made options for my clients, according to Coto d’Este, Kerlite ceramic tiling material is “obtained from natural and carefully selected raw materials, such as light clays and pure feldspars,” and “firing is carried out in electric kilns without any release of polluting fumes.” With seemingly endless uses in both interior decor and exterior design applications, it is a product worth checking out. As porcelain tile goes, this is rather high-end, retailing around $12 per square foot. But for the amazing flexibility and lack of demo work, it could be a great idea for your next design project.
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Tags: backsplash, Bathroom, design idea, Flooring, Interior Design, Kerlite, Kitchen, Living Room, porcelain tile, Surface, sustainable, sustainable materials, tile, wall tile
Posted in Bathroom, Cool Stuff, Design Tips, Fireplace, Flooring, Interior Design, Kitchen, Living Room, Sustainable style, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Baby It’s Cold Outside! Pangaea’s Picks: Top Ten Fireplaces
Monday, October 26th, 2009
As the rain has started to come down in sheets and the nights have turned COLD, my fireplace has been put into use in a big way. Many years ago, urban living in lofts, condos and apartments meant living without a fireplace. But technology has changed all of that. One potential client who recently contacted me said his one concession in buying a condo in the John Ross Condomiums in the South Waterfront district was to forego a fireplace — but we have a solution for him. Another client in The Wyatt high rise apartments in the Pearl District had a fireplace listed as one of her first items to add to her decor. I was also in the 937 Condominiums in the Pearl District last week and felt sad that for almost half a million dollars, you end up with no fireplace! So, this post is for you! Whether you have a condo in the Pearl or South Waterfront, or a house where there is no built-in fireplace, with today’s technology, there is now a fireplace for everyone, every room, and just about every budget!
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Pangaea’s Picks: Top Ten Fireplaces:
1. Harry Leenders – Hands down, my fave for a suspended, rotating fireplace. Love the sleek lines.
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2. EcoSmart’s Denatured Ethanol burning fireplaces can be set into a built in display or they have many free-standing styles. Environmentally friendly and renewable fuel is a plus.
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3. This Eurofocus has nice clean lines and is angled to look great in a corner.
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4. Rais is just simple and lovely.
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5. What top ten list would be complete without the modern classic Fireorb?
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6. Schulte Design has inset this little beauty into a modern coffee table. Open to use the fire and push the two sides together to conceal it and just use the coffee table. Brilliant!
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7. Sparkfires has this wonderful 6 foot long Ribbon Fire. It really makes a great statement in a big room.
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8. Of all the wall hung, ventless, flueless fireplaces, I love this one by Superior Fires called Scandium.
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9. This is probably the most unique style I’ve seen for free standing ventless, flueless fireplaces. It’s minimal and beautiful. Wonder if I can just roll it along with me wherever I go?
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10. I love fireplaces that incorporate a place to store the firewood. What a great idea! This Wittus Cubic wood burning stove stores plenty of wood and is large enough to feel like a built-in architectural feature.
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1 Harry Leenders Suspended, Rotating Fireplace
2 EcoSmart Denatured Ethanol Burning Fireplace
3 Eurofocus Angled Corner Fireplace
4 Rais
5 Fireorb
6 Schulte Design Fire Furniture
7 Sparkfires Fire Ribbon
8 Superior Fires Scandium Wall Hung Fireplace
9 Conmoto Roll Fire
10 Wittus Cubic Fireplace
Related Posts:
The Warmth of Cool: Adding Visual Warmth With Accessories
Tags: 937 Condominiums, denatured ethanol, environmentally friendly, Fireplace, flueless fireplace, John Ross Condominiums, Pearl District, penthouse, South Waterfront District, sustainable style, The Wyatt, Top Ten, ventless fireplace, wood burning stove
Posted in Cool Stuff, Design Tips, Fireplace, Interior Design, Pearl District, South Waterfront, Sustainable style, Top Ten, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Outdoor Rooms: Portland Interior Designer’s Top 10 Tips
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
Interior Design in Portland pretty much always involves making the most of available light and incorporates an appreciation of the beauty of the outdoors. Since sunny days are at a premium, making the most of them by creating an outdoor room will expand your living space and dramatically increase your enjoyment of yard, patio, deck or balcony
Here are my Top 10 Tips for creating the Perfect Outdoor Room
1. Create a furniture grouping for conversation. Just as you do in your living room, put some comfortable seating in an intimate arrangement so friends can sit close and hear each other easily. Provide side tables, a dining table or coffee table to hold drinks & snacks.
2. An outdoor area rug will give the furniture grouping a cozy look and feel nice under bare feet too.
3. If evenings are cool, one of the best additions to your grouping will be a place to have a fire. There is something very primal and comforting about sitting around a fire. You could build in a fireplace, or use a portable fire pit made of steel or copper. There are also beautiful, contemporary propane burning “fire features” that are safe to use on condominium patios, and eliminate the need to have stacks of firewood. If your space is a small condominium balcony with just enough room for a bistro set, consider using either free standing or table models of oil burning lamps to give you a flame that provides more light than candles and won’t blow out at the smallest breeze.
4. Lighting is just as important as it is indoors. If you have a covered space, consider hanging a chandelier.Manufacturers are now making table lamps and floor lamps that are specially made to use outdoors. The soft light of a lamp is much more pleasant than an outdoor flood light! Accent lighting shining on your landscaping will allow you to enjoy the scenery at night too. Don’t forget oil lamps and candles for ambience.
5. Art elevates the look of any space and this is true in your outdoor rooms also. Select pieces that can handle the elements if your space is not completely protected from rain. You can find artwork such as metal wall sculptures or paintings on metal that can be outside. A muralist can even paint directly on an outside wall for your space.
6. Water features add a lovely visual and relaxing sound. There’s a water feature in the right size for you … large or small free-standing fountains, wall hung fountains, and table top models.
7. Remember to accessorize, just like you would indoors. Candles, and colorfully glazed ceramic pieces add color and interest to the setting.
8. Defining your room and providing privacy can be very important, especially if your room is visible to neighbors. You can use outdoor fabric drapery panels that can be pulled closed to give privacy. In their open position, they provide color and texture. Free-standing, folding room dividers can be placed wherever you need them and put aside when not in use. Consider creating a wall of wood shutters that can be opened to let breezes through or closed to protect privacy.
9. Protection from sun and rain makes your room usable in less than perfect weather. Umbrellas, awnings, and gazebos are all common ways to provide shade or shelter from rain. Solar shades can be hung from your shade structure’s ceiling and lowered to protect from late afternoon sun. “Shade sails” are those large canvases suspended in the air, stretched on cables attached on at least 3 points. They are a dramatic and sculptural way to shade and define your room. If the right fabric is selected they can protect from rain too!
10. The most important element of an outdoor room? Friends of course! Once you set up your room, invite some friends over, mix up Mojitos or your favorite iced tea and enjoy the last weeks of summer! Use serving trays or a rolling serving cart to make it easy to bring refreshments outdoors.
You may also like:
Serving Up Style: Sustainably Made Serving Trays
Two Cool Ways to Go Green: Sustainable Options for Outdoor Furniture
Tags: Art, awning, Fireplace, fountains, gazebo, Interior Design, Lighting, Outdoor Furniture, portland interior design, rug, shade sail, umbrella, water features
Posted in Art, Design Tips, Fireplace, Interior Design, Lighting, Outdoor Furniture, Seating, Space Planning, Top Ten, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »