Myndu Interior Design

Developed by the Roca Innovation Lab and designed

by Gabriele and Oscar Buratti.

Eco-friendly bathroom fixtures are becoming more and more common. But for those with a strong design focus many are still designed solely for function and forget about form.

Thus the conception of the W+W, this sink and toilet combination comes from the Spanish brand Roca. The brief was to combine compact style with green-minded thinking.

Not only is the sink and toilet attached but they are integrated internally. So that wastewater from the sink is used to fill the toilet’s cistern. This can result in a 25 percent water saving.

Worried about germs – don’t be. A built in automatic cleaning system stops those bad odors and bacteria growing, and a specially designed tap controls the water’s flow and temperature to ensure maximum energy savings.

When it comes to distinctive area rugs, the beauty and craftsmanship of oriental rugs such as Tibetan rugs make them among the most outstanding addition to any room.

Spirituality seems imbued in Tibetan rugs. Considered a holy land in the Vedic and Buddhist traditions, Tibet has been the home of imaginative artwork for centuries. High in the Himalayas, the world’s tallest mountain, Tibetan rug makers have infused the area rugs they create with harmonious, yet energetic, designs that are prized by rug collectors around the globe.

Tibetan rugs are now made predominantly in Nepal, another mountain nation, since many of the best rug makers fled to the country in the 1950s because of political turmoil. Settling in the Katmandu valley, the rug makers continue to produce Tibetan rugs by hand in designs and patterns that speak of timeless spiritual traditions.

The hallmark of a handcrafted Tibetan rug is its intricate hand-knotting. A Tibetan rug is backed by hand, using canvas, cotton or wool fabric. Then the knots are pulled through the fabric and snipped, a technique that results in pile of varying height, as the artist decides.

The best Tibetan rugs are made from the finest natural silk fiber and wool. This combination produces an area rug as soft as the clouds that float above the Himalayas. Even so, the cushioning of a Tibetan rug will last for years.

Tibetan rug artisans combine original patterns with hand-knotting to create area rugs unlike any others. Considered to be a sub-family of the traditional “Oriental” rug, Tibetan rugs draw designs from a multifaceted universe. A common theme is to use representations of plants that have deep symbolic meaning in Asian spirituality, such as bamboo fronds for long life and plum blossoms for beauty.

Another technique familiar to Tibetan rugs is to mix wool and silk threads in single, special weave. The result gives the area rug a sheen, almost a magical luminescence, which reflects light in dancing waves. Imagine an area rug of such dazzle gracing a study, a meditation room or a boudoir.

Tibetan rug makers also are masters at geometric area rugs to evoke a mood, such as quiet contemplation or bold energy. These patterns are woven into the rugs in ways that create designs within designs, integrating the motif with the actual texture of the pile.

At the same time, there are varieties of Tibetan rugs that are so muted they almost seem to disappear. This kind of understatement in an area rug works well in a room with a minimalist décor, or an in a busy room that needs a focal point of simplicity.

Tibetan rugs also are known for their tactile experience. Using layers of fibers, extra weaves or stitching, Tibetan rugs can surprise with textures that reveal multiple fabric sensations – soft silk amid stiffer wool, rougher cotton against silk.

Furthermore, collectors adore Tibetan rugs. Their diversity of fabrics and designs, coupled with superb handcrafting and aesthetic appeal, make them natural investments. At the same time their beauty and versatility make them extraordinary accents as area rugs in any décor.

Whether desired by a connoisseur of Asian furnishings and art, someone who’d like their décor to foster a sense of spiritual timelessness, or a homeowner who’d like an area rug with a truly unique style, Tibetan rugs will contribute extraordinary charm and value.

Whilst not exactly about the home, these barcodes were such an interesting design idea that we just felt we had to share.

A vanity barcode is a product barcode that’s been turned into a decorative design. And yet is still scans just like a regular boring barcode.

They can be used as powerful marketing tool that can transform a boring piece of packaging into a terrific brand asset.

With many shops now having ‘do it yourself’ checkout many consumers now see the barcode much more often – the ideal time for some brand recognition.

I just love the colors and shapes incorporated into this image – whilst not strictly home decor, I’m sure it will provide someone with the inspiration for a “wild room”.

(Missbehave Magazine | Baby Girl – 2009 | Art by Nikki Farquharson)

If you’ve ever looked at home design catalogs, you’ve probably noticed that décor trends come and go—sometimes a lot faster than we’re comfortable with. One day your home is the height of contemporary design, the next it’s a thing of the past. But who said you had to keep up all the time, and spend a small fortune doing so? With a few well-chosen elements, your home can stay in style through the years without needing a makeover. And as most experts agree, one of the best ways to do that is decorating with area rugs.

Rugs are probably among the most versatile elements in home décor. Think about it: there’s a rug out there for modern, country, traditional, Asian, and even Victorian homes. No matter what’s in or out of the trend, you won’t run out options for area rug designs. And since they don’t need to be installed (as carpets do), you can always change them up whenever you feel like it. If you want to stay in style with your area rug, here are some ideas to help you get started.

Bold and classic

New design trends are always marked by bold choices, whether in terms of color, pattern, shape or size. Often, something that’s out of the ordinary is automatically considered modern or contemporary. But breaking the mold all the time can get old after a while. With area rugs, it’s easy to find patterns that are both bold and classic. One good example is animal print area rugs: they’re practically a fixture in contemporary décor, but they’ll still draw attention long after the trend is gone.

Bold designs such as animal prints tend to draw attention to themselves, so they can easily overpower a room. When decorating with them, you’ll want to tone down the rest of the room so there’s not too much going on. As much as possible, you should stick to solid colors and plain surfaces to make the pattern stand out. That way, the rug itself becomes the room’s focal point, setting the theme for the entire room.

Unique shapes and contours

No matter what the theme is, you can’t go wrong with an interestingly shaped area rug. If you want to make a statement, veer away from the usual straight-edged squares and rectangles, and go for shapes like oval, round, hearts, flowers and abstracts. These shapes give the room an unusual angle, making it look less flat. Put round area rugs against sharp corners or straight walls, where they offer a soft contrast that make the space look more inviting.

To emphasize the shape of the rug, try looking for one with a distinct colored edging. Most rugs are made with a protective edge in almost the same shade as the rug itself, so that it looks seamless from a distance. But when you’ve got an interesting shape, a defining border helps draw attention to it. This can work especially well in a large space, where it’s important to break up the room and define different areas.

Natural materials

Natural fibers may be considered modern these days, but they’ve actually been around as long as rugs themselves. The only difference is in quality: today’s natural rugs are made with more advanced technologies that give them added strength and better wear. They also come in more designs, some of them so finely made that they almost look synthetic. Manufacturers are also able to offer more options such as seagrass, sisal, and jute area rugs.

When choosing a natural rug, keep an eye out for treatments and chemical additives that can affect their quality. Cheaper fibers often come loaded with synthetic coatings, which not only defeat the purpose but also make them more brittle over time. If you’re allergy-prone or live with kids who are, it’s probably best to stick to tried-and-tested materials such as wool and organic cotton. These materials have self-cleaning and antibacterial properties, so they’re less likely to contain chemical additives.

Learn from the pros.

Of course, the best way to keep up with the trends is to read up on them. Area rug designs are constantly evolving, and you have to be in the know if you want to make the most of them. Read magazines on interior design, take note of seasonal changes in the stores, and check online for different design trends. You don’t have to follow all of them, but they can give you a good idea of what’s in and out in the market.

Another thing you can do is subscribe to an area rug blog. These are usually maintained by professional designers themselves, or homeowners with a passion for rug design. Either way, you get advice from well-informed sources and people who have used rugs themselves. Besides design trends, a rug blog is also a great source of buying guides, product reviews, and pricing information.

Do you sometimes feel like you are floating at work – or not?

Well in this office you are always floating. Introducing the Floating Office – H2Office!

Accommodating 1 or 2 office workers the H2Office is a purpose-built floating office. Fitted out with a work space containing wood-like flooring, a large L-shaped desk and a shelving unit. There is also a sun deck for moments of contemplation and a L-shaped “break-out” carpeted area that features a pull-out bed for occasional all nighters.

Plus you can add kitchen appliances and for the eco-conscious solar panels. With pricing starting at GBP 59,950 plus VAT it might be a viable option for those pushed to find affordable office space.

But also consider the possibilities for waterfront retail – marina operators – to make use of water too shallow for most other boating purposes. And no doubt there are hundreds of ideas for ‘pop-up’ businesses.

The Wing collection by Sara Szyber is a sleek design on the old ‘folding table’.

It’s big enough to cater for a dinner party of 6 and when that is done it converts into a convenient sideboard. So it is useful whether its folded out or not.

At $695 it might not be in everyone’s budget but it certainly is a classy looking unit. Available in white or black it’s designed with the contemporary home in mind.

Russian designer  Maria Yasko has created a remarkable system of shelving.

As three-dimensional wall art they provide a functional storage space for books and other odds and ends AND look amazing. But could you disturb the feeling by actually using it? I don’t think I could.

From Ann Sacks comes an alligator print for your wall.

Now you can take the best looks of Italian embossed leather that has been used in the best couture houses including Prada and Hermes for handbags, shoes and accessories – and have it in your home interior.

Offering a range of fun and richly textured surface tiles; available in a broad assortment of colors – earthy browns and creams to modern white to bold magenta and red (my favorite).

Whilst these are primarily designed for walls they can be used in some floor situations.

These premium hand dyed, hand finished Italian Leather tiles are sure to add a unique dimension to your next new bathroom.

When you buy rugs online, the first thing you look at is probably the color, price, and perhaps the manufacturer. If you’re like most homeowners, you might save the size for last, or not think of it at all. But that’s not the right way to go about buying. Many people have bought rugs online only to find that they don’t fit in the room they were meant for, or have no real place in the house. Not only is it a waste of money, you’ll also be saddled with a heavy rug you don’t know what to do with.

Area rugs usually come in standard sizes, so the first step is to know what’s available around you. Sizes range from two by three feet and can go up to fifteen by eighteen feet, although most models will fall between these two extremes. One size isn’t necessarily better than the other—it all depends on where you’re putting it, what purpose it’s going to serve, and how much you’re willing to pay for it. Below are some of the things you should consider when choosing a size for your rug.

Your purpose

Each rug is made for a different purpose, and to some extent this determines their size range. Cotton area rugs are mostly for design or comfort, so they usually come in smaller sizes. Wool rugs offer more effective coverage, so you can find large pieces that cover the entire room. Decide on the amount of coverage you need and the material you prefer, and browse around to get a good idea of available sizes. Then take a look around your room to see which size fits the best.

The layout of your room should also influence your area rug size. Just because you have this much floor space doesn’t mean you can fill it all with an area rug. The general rule is that there should be at least 18 inches of bare floor on each side of the rug; otherwise it serves the same purpose as a carpet. Also, if you plan on using it under your furniture, make sure it covers ample space for the chairs to be pulled back.

Foot traffic

Next on your list should be the amount of foot traffic that happens on the rug. Living room area rugs naturally get more traffic than kids’ area rugs, and hallway rugs get more abuse than anywhere else in the home. you may not notice it from day to day, but constant traffic takes its toll on your rug and makes it wear out sooner than you expect. If the rug is not designed for heavy use, make sure there’s enough room around it so it doesn’t get too trodden on.

A good rule to follow is that rugs should follow the flow of traffic. If people follow a straight bath from the kitchen to the living room, the rug should be placed so that they’re led in the right direction, instead of right on the rug. This helps steer traffic away from the material and keeps it from getting kicked around, especially if it’s a flat type like a braided rug.

Shapes and colors

Sometimes the size of the rug is its main attractive point. It could be unusually big or small, or it could be in an unusual shape or an eye-catching color. For example, the Anji Mountain Bamboo Rug Co Villager Crimson rug boasts a vibrant red shade that contrasts nicely with its simple lines and matte finish. Even the smallest piece placed under your furniture can immediately become the room’s focal point. In fact, because of its strong color, it’s best used as a small accent rather than a large floor covering.

The shape of the rug can also help highlight its size. Most people are used to seeing square or rectangle rugs, but few have ever considered round, oval, or octagonal pieces. Unusual shapes draw the eye away from the rug’s edges and make it look larger or smaller, depending on its placement. If you only have room for a small rug, compensate by picking a unique shape that sets it apart from the rest of the room.

Modern trends

Rug sizes are often dictated by the trends in the design industry. Large, bold rugs may be the trend one day, and smaller rugs may take their place the next. Design magazines are a great source of ideas when you’re not sure which size to get. Alternatively, you can look up rug decorating blogs online—these are usually maintained by professional designers or experienced hobbyists, so you get a really informed opinion. Some are also written by homeowners themselves, which can come in handy if you want unbiased feedback on your own ideas. Besides sizing, you can also read product reviews, tips on discounts, lists of reliable providers, and other valuable information.