Red Berry Wreath

Red Berry Wreath – How about a red berry wreath to announce that the holiday spirit has firmly taken hold your in home? Red is without doubt one of the primary signature colors of the season and these winterberry wreaths can really stand out on your door. Less is usually more when it comes to design, and I find that wreaths made from a few different elements are more elegant and effective in their presentation than for example wreaths that try just a little too hard to include or represent every aspect of the holidays. You may of course beg to differ!

While look for a red berry wreath you might want to bear in mind that most commercial wreaths available are made with faux berries. You get the appearance you want in terms of the effect of the berries but they last year after year without any fear of decay. They may be attractive to your human visitors but the critters that enjoy the occasional berry or six thankfully won’t be attracted to them!

Remember a red berry wreath is not necessarily just for Christmas. They can be used as a door wreath year round or you can bring it indoors to create a table centerpiece with perhaps a large candle in the center. You can also use to  fill a blank space on a wall or as a creative photo frame around that special photograph.

Red Berry Wreath Selection

Winterberry Wreath

Christmas Red Berry Wreath

Pip Berry and Twig Wreath

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Contemporary Christmas Wreath

Contemporary Christmas Wreath – This Snowman Woolen Wreath by TAG is a vibrant addition to any modern Christmas decor scheme. The red and white polka dot detailing is both timeless and bang on trend. The snowman complete with bird perched on his head is just too cute. This is the perfect Christmas wreath for anybody who wants to update the look of their decor while still partaking in the spirit of the season.

This contemporary Christmas wreath is made from wood and synthetic wool yarns with the wood wrapped in foam and cotton layers. It is part of the Hope, Peace and Joy collection and during these tough times we could all do with a little extra of these in our lives! Given the materials used to make this Christmas wreath, I would advise you use in indoors only unless you have a very sheltered and dry porch.

At time of writing there is a very nice discount available on this contemporary Christmas wreath right here!

Tord Boontje Come Rain Come Shine Light

Tord Boontje – I first discovered multi award winning designer Tord Boontje during a visit to 100% Design in London. He won the Elle Decoration Designer of the Year award that year and his nature inspired garland lights were on prominent display.  Its eye catching, intricate design left a lasting impression and I have followed this designer’s career with interest and intrigue ever since.

Tord Boontje Garland Light

That Tord Boontje’s educational background is in industrial design, made me realize how narrow my own perception of that field really was!  Boontje manages to utilize the most up to date design, materials and manufacturing processes together with more traditional hand crafts to bring to life a design collection that is both diverse and mesmerizing. Boontje’s design ethos is a reminder to all that minimalism is but a subset of contemporary design and is far from its totality.

While probably best known for his work in lighting, he has designed furniture, home accessories, jewelry and the complete Christmas product, advertising and instore décor  range for Target (2006).

It is however, Tord Boontje’s work in collaboration with Artecnica as part of their design with conscience program that most recently caught my attention. The ethereal Come Rain Come Shine light (pictured above), which is  manufactured by the Coopa Roca women’s co-op in Rocinha, the largest shantytown in Rio de Janeiro. Coopa Roca supports women in this poverty stricken area by providing them with an income for work they can do from home.  The Come Rain Come Shine light initially reminds me of the beautiful (if often deadly) forms of giant jelly fish while it’s more land based design features of handmade flowers cover a crochet and ribbon base. This is a piece that many will consider expensive but I don’t think there is anyone who will not appreciate the complexity of this piece and the incredible craftsmanship involved. That it is produced with humanitarian and eco friendly principles firmly in mind is simply a welcome added bonus.

Tord Boontje – Exhibitions

Boontje’s designs are sought after by clients and curators across the globe.  With permanent exhibits in such illustrious institutions as MoMU (New York), the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, in September 2011 alone his pieces also featured in the following exhibitions (amongst others!):

Resonated Yamaha  – Tokyo – new speaker surfaces
Creative Junctions  – National Museum of  China, Beijing – Witch Chair
EXD’11 Biennale – MUDE, Lisbon – Witches’ Kitchen
Habitare Collection – Design Museum, Finland – Shadowy Chair

Tord Boontje Awards

2011                  Wallpaper* Design Awards
2008                  Elle Décor Design Award
2007                  Red Dot Design Award
2006                  IF Product Design Award
2005                  Dutch Designer of the Year
2005                  Innovation Prize for Textile Collection, Cologne Fair
2004                  Best Product, New York Gift Fair
2003                  Designer of the Year, Elle Decoration
2003                  Short-listed, Designer of the Year, Design Museum London

I have selected a small sample of Tord Boontje designed products for your visual enjoyment and hope that you experience just a little of the inspiration and awe that I feel when I have the pleasure in seeing his work!

Tord Boontje Free Flowing Lantern

Tord Boontje Clock from Botanist Collection

Until Dawn Curtains

Tord Boontje Jewelry

Resources:

http://tordboontje.com/

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Swarovski Christmas Ornament 2011 – To celebrate 20 years since the launch of the ever popular and much loved Annual Edition Christmas Ornament, Swarovski employed the creative talent of designer Keiko Arai Maria to design this stunning star inspired crystal ornament in 2011. This beautiful crystal star hangs elegantly on a white satin ribbon and features a silver colored metal tag which displays the year “2011″. (At time of writing this version of the Swarovski 2011 ornament is available at a really nice discount here!)

This  year there is also a golden edition of the Swarovski Christmas Ornament 2011 (see image below)  which has been created from  golden shadow crystal and hangs on a brown satin ribbon.

These crystal Christmas decorations are  a really special addition to your Christmas decor and moreover if you have something special to celebrate in 2011, whether the arrival of a new addition to the family or just something positive  that happened during the year, this ornament can be your forever reminder! The Swarovski Christmas Ornament 2011 is also a great gift for a collector, someone who loves Christmas or that someone special in your life! I’m thinking of my Mom right now on all three fronts!

Dimensions: 2 9/16 x 3 3/16 inch

Swarovski Christmas Ornament 2011 Images

Swarovski Christmas Ornament 2011 Gold

Swarovski Christmas Oranment 2011 Set of 3

They can usually be applied to a variety of surfaces including walls, windows, doors or any surface with at is solid and smooth. If you are planning on a particularly creative use for your Thanksgiving wall decals, I do advise that you check the manufacturers’/sellers’ guidelines  to ensure that it is suitable prior to purchase. (Sensible hat moment!) These wall quotes are easily applied and can be removed without damaging your walls.

Thanksgiving Wall Decals with Quotes

Give Thanks Wall Quote

With Gratitude We Celebrate

Happy Thanksgiving Wall Decals

Thanksgiving Wall Decals – Say it with Turkey!

Happy Thanksgiving With Turkey

This time of year always reminds me that I don’t say thank you enough and with this in mind I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for stopping by Viva Home Interiors and for all the support we receive from our readers throughout the year. I don’t have the words to express how much it means  – THANK YOU!!

If you have a moment you might let  us know what you think of Thanksgiving Wall Decals or even tell us what you are thankful for this year!

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Fall Berry Wreath

Available Now From Wayfair

As the leaves change giving us a vibrant autumnal landscape, we can take so much inspiration for our home decor, inside and out from our natural surroundings. Fall wreaths are just one way of incorporating the elements of this season into our homes and while traditionally used to adorn our front doors and welcome our guests, especially around Thanksgiving, there is no reason why you can’t include a fall wreath in your interior decor as a gentle autumnal nod.

While wreaths were traditionally made from evergreens to symbolize strength, I think the use of elements of nature as they change or come to fruition reflects the beauty of  the different stages of our lifecycle. While many of us fear change in our life,  if we look at the beauty that is inherent in changes in nature, maybe we could learn a lesson or two and fear a little less!

There are so many varieties of  fall wreaths available and they can include leaves, nuts, fruit, berries, twigs, flowers, foliage and indeed anything your little (or indeed big) imagination cares to consider. While the craft lovers amongst us may choose to gather up their own autumnal fare to create their perfect fall wreaths, I have brought you a selection  of some of the best available.

Fall Wreaths

This fall Pumpkin Wreath can be used both indoors and outdoors, and can be used to  create a Thanksgiving Centerpiece or  a fall wreath (or both!).  Pumpkin Candle Ring Wreath for Fall, Autumn and Thanksgiving

Melrose International 26-Inch Polyester and Twig Wispy Leaves and Berry Wreath

Fall Floral Wreath

Available from Wayfair

Fall Wreath with Leaves and Berries

Available from Wayfair

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I put together this montage of a selection of round glass dining tables, for those of you who like video.  Why not check out our series of posts to help you choose your perfect round glass dining table. The range selected varies in style, size and price.

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Farniente Tondo Dining Table

The Farniente Tondo Dining Table is a round glass dining table made in Italy and designed by Giovanni Tommaso Garattoni. Tonelli have a tradition of prioritizing fine design, allowing their designers the freedom to incorporate the detailing that epitomizes their design vision. Garattoni, himself is a long established architect and designer whose work has been exhibited internationally including New York & Los Angeles.

The Farniente Tondo Dining Table itself is a very sleek combination of tempered glass and chrome giving it an ultra modern look. The simplicity of its design from a visual perspective, belies the level of detailing in this product. All nuts, bolts and connections are cleverly concealed to give a finished product that is minimalist in appearance.

This dining table, is built to last and is incredibly sturdy and heavier than it might appear. It is one thing to purchase a beautiful, designer piece of furniture that looks great in your space but it is also important that it fulfills the function for which it has been bought and this table is successful in both areas. As with all furniture that incorporate glass or other transparent materials, it will become a feature in your space without overwhelming it. This is particularly important if space is tight but you are still looking to create a contemporary look that will wow your guests!

The Tondo Dining Table is available in both 37″ diameter and 45″ diameter sizes with a height of 29″.

Price: From $2,134 (depending on size and options)

Value for Money: It is difficult to put a price on good design and there are cheaper round glass dining tables available. This is a quality product and if you want to make a design statement with your choice of furniture then yes it is good value.

Available from: All Modern

Starburst 37  Light Pendant in Satin Nickel

Starburst Light Pendant Up Close and Personal!

The Starburst Light Pendant really will give a burst of style and light to your room. Whether you choose to use this light in a bedroom, living room, dining room or as an impressive feature piece in a hallway or entrance hall, it is sure to make an impact. It is available in a number of sizes from a single pendant right up to the 37 Starburst Light Pendant (pictured above), which is gaining a reputation of one of the most impressive contemporary chandeliers on the market.  This innovative lighting design is brought to us by ET2 who have managed to introduce a prolific range of  creative, design-forward light pieces to the market. I had difficulty picking  just one to write about to-day but the Starburst design really draws my eye every time I see it. No matter how many stunning lighting pieces that surround it, this one draws my attention like a magnet and mesmerizes me – it really is a stand out piece that is sure to gain the compliments of guests to your home.

The appeal of this pendant light lies in its unique shape, one that is completely divergent from traditional chandelier pieces and the beautifully starburst detailing that is encased in the the individual globular lights. The Starburst Pendant Light comes in a variety of color options including clear, blue, amber, green and violet. The globes are always clear, the color variation refers to the inner details (as seen in the upclose image above).

The dimensions of  this modern chandelier vary with the options chosen. The 37 Light Pendant is 52″ High and 33″ in diameter and the 19 Light Pendant is 59″ high and 20″ in diameter. It is easy to install – you do not need to be an expert to work this one out.

This is not just a pendant light it is a style statement, that will be talked about for years to come. While undoubtedly contemporary it is not a design that will date and I have this one on my list of modern designs that will stand the test of time to become an iconic piece of the future.

Starburst 19 Light Pendant in Satin Nickel

Price: From $81 (Single Pendant) to $2,250 (37 Light Pendant) – At time of writing there is a 40% discount available on a number of designs in this range.  The 19 Light Pendant is $585 (discounted) and the 37 Light Pendant is $1,350 (discounted).

Available from: Modern Furniture

Buschbeck Crystal Bio Ethanol Fireplace

Buschbeck Boston Bio Ethanol Fireplaces

Bio Ethanol Fireplaces by Buschbeck

Buschbeck Bio Ethanol fireplaces, combine stunning contemporary design, eco-friendly functionality and quality German manufacturing. This is of course, in addition to the flexibility a bio ethanol fireplace provides in terms of positioning in a room. Unlike traditional indoor fireplaces, these eco-friendly pieces do not require a flue or a chimney and can be located centrally in a room and can indeed be moved if you need the space for a particular occasion or just because you feel like moving the furniture around. You see there are advantages to bio ethanol fireplaces that you didn’t even imagine!

Fuelled by a renewable, green energy source once again the Boston and Crystal bio ethanol fireplaces prove than you don’t have to sacrifice design for ideals and social responsibility.  The clean lines of the design is again reflected in both the energy source and the fact that there is no messy debris to clean up after you enjoy the beauty of the flames. The Both the Boston and the Crystal Bio Ethanol Fireplaces have a chamber which holds 1.5 liters of fuel and this will keep those flames dancing for around four hours.

Boston Bio Ethanol Fireplaces

The Boston Bio Ethanol Fireplace is made from a combination of stainless steel, high grade powder coated carbon steel and safety glass which has been certified. The powder coated finish adds to the durability of the product ensuring that this beautifully designed piece remains flawless for many years to come. The design gives the impression that your fire is suspended mid-air, and from a distance it can give the impression that it is floating.

Boston Price: $735.99-$839.99 (on sale at time of writing)

Sold by: All Modern

The Crystal Bio Ethanol Fireplace

The combination of  glass (safety certified) and chrome accents, not to forget some stainless steel for good measure, combine to give a look that is modern and minimalist. The Crystal Bio Ethanol Fireplace is suitable for city living or any modern, chic design scheme. As with all Buschbeck bio ethanol fireplaces in their Fire Dance series, The Crystal, incorporates their firebox which has apparently been credited as producing “the best flame display of any bio ethanol fireplace in the world.” Now to be honest with you, I have no idea who gave this accreditation, so I am not going to buy into it, but for me it is just a case that I think it looks good.

Crystal Price: $879.99 – 969.99 (on sale at time of writing)

Sold by: All Modern

Both of these modern, eco-friendly bio ethanol fireplaces, come complete with a safety lighting stick, flame adjustment tool and a funnel for pouring the fuel.

Bio Ethanol Fireplaces – The Duel

So, how’s about a little Viva Home Interiors duel? Which of these bio ethanol fireplaces do you prefer? Will it be the Boston or the Crystal? Leave a comment below to tell me and if enough people do, I might just tell you which one is my favorite!