How-to - Home Design with Kevin Sharkey

Entries from the ‘how-to’ Category

Book Friday: The Way We Live, Alfresco

Posted by Kevin Sharkey

This Friday I want to share a book that celebrates the splendor of the natural world...Stafford Cliff's "The Way We Live Alfresco" from Harper Design.

In this compilation of photographs by Gilles de Chabaneix, Cliff creates a tribute to a life 'alfresco', or a life 'in the open air.' He reveals how architecture and lifestyle choices have adapted overtime to embrace outdoor living. From verandas, to courtyards, to gazebos, to walls of glass, alfresco is realized by "blurring the boundaries between inside and outside."

Through text and exquisite photographs, you understand how design collaborates with the natural world. Shots of street vendors, beach picnics, and cabin-like structures recall the significance of simple, outdoor experiences.

The book gathers examples from around the world, illustrating how modernist architecture in the United States is influenced by parts of Europe, India, and Australia. Drawing on images from travel to gastronomy, Cliff reminds us how simple it is to appreciate the great outdoors.

Back Next

1 of 15

1 Marrakesh, Morocco. ("The Way We Live Alfresco" Harper Design)

2 Mauritius. ("The Way We Live Alfresco" Harper Design)

3 Barcelona, Spain. ("The Way We Live Alfresco" Harper Design)

4 Madeira. ("The Way We Live Alfresco" Harper Design)

5 Paris, France (top) Hammamet, Tunisia (bottom). ("The Way We Live Alfresco" Harper Design)

6 Uzès, Provence, France. ("The Way We Live Alfresco" Harper Design)

7 ("The Way We Live Alfresco" Harper Design)

8 Porquerolles, France. ("The Way We Live Alfresco" Harper Design)

9 Essaouira, Morroco. ("The Way We Live Alfresco" Harper Design)

10 Villa d'Este at Tivoli. ("The Way We Live Alfresco" Harper Design)

11 Park in Scotland. ("The Way We Live Alfresco" Harper Design)

12 Formed wall garden in Sri Lanka. ("The Way We Live Alfresco" Harper Design)

13 Italian loggia. ("The Way We Live Alfresco" Harper Design)

14 Home on the Hudson. ("The Way We Live Alfresco" Harper Design)

15 Ceiling Decor in a Roman palace. ("The Way We Live Alfresco" Harper Design)

In our technology-driven age, it can be difficult to remember some of the themes Cliff's book addresses. I know time outside can draw us back to equilibrium, so I encourage all of you to attempt more outdoor living. It is summer after all...

I hope you are inspired by this book, and find a way to dine, wine, or simply relax alfresco.

Tags: alfresco, design books, inspiration outdoor living, martha stewart design, outdoors
Posted on July 22, 2011 in Books, Decorating Ideas, how-to, Inspiration, Miscellaneous, Photo Galleries | direct link to this entry |

Inspiration: The Fan

Posted by Kevin Sharkey

Staying cool in summer is harder than is seems.

Even the air conditioning is just not enough sometimes. Whether you're looking for some fresh air at home or a breeze at work, fans are a summer must-have.

You don't have to sacrifice style by picking up whatever is available at the local store. Invest in a high-quality fan and you'll get both durability and style.

Here are some styles I've found that would be a great addition to any sweltering space (and will look good even after the temperatures come back down).

Back Next

1 of 21

This fan will add some modern design to your home. The wooden barrel and black interior make it far superior to boring white plastic models.
(macys.com)

1 This fan will add some modern design to your home. The wooden barrel and black interior make it far superior to boring white plastic models. (macys.com)

The original portable fan. Carry it in your bag during the summer, and you'll be prepared for any unexpected air-conditioning malfunctions.
(urbanoutfitters.com)

2 The original portable fan. Carry it in your bag during the summer, and you'll be prepared for any unexpected air-conditioning malfunctions. (urbanoutfitters.com)

3 This fan would look right at home both in a factory and your home. (homedepot.com)

4 A good change of pace from normal, long-blade ceiling fans. (horchow.com)

5 With its cool retro-industrial style, this fan won the the Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum. (restorationhardware.com)

This classic desk fan is old-world in all the right ways. It's brushed nickel frame and vintage design makes it both beautiful and practical.
(restorationhardware.com)

6 This classic desk fan is old-world in all the right ways. It's brushed nickel frame and vintage design makes it both beautiful and practical. (restorationhardware.com)

7 I like the pill-capsule shape of this fan. It's modern and simple in design. (dwr.com)

This Caframo fan was a Martha by Mail favorite. So many of us in the company own one or more of them. It's grill-less and has soft plastic blades to circulate more air without the grill barrier.
(caframo.com)

8 This Caframo fan was a Martha by Mail favorite. So many of us in the company own one or more of them. It's grill-less and has soft plastic blades to circulate more air without the grill barrier. (caframo.com)

9 This looks like the kind of fan that could have been in an auto repair shop in the 40s. I love the bright color and retro design. (macys.com)

10 This pedestal fan is beautiful and reminds me of an old camera tripod. (modernlightinguniverse.com)

This innovative Dyson model has been very popular ever since it came out. It's powerful and completely blade-less, making it a safe fan for homes with with small children and pets.
(homedepot.com)

11 This innovative Dyson model has been very popular ever since it came out. It's powerful and completely blade-less, making it a safe fan for homes with with small children and pets. (homedepot.com)

12 The galvinized steel finish on this ceiling fan will add a modern, industrial touch to your space. (restorationhardware.com)

13 The blades on this fan are rubber, so you don't need to worry about the grill-less design. It reminds me of a jet engine. (dwr.com)

14 This Japanese hand-fan is so chic, and perfect to take to the beach. (muji.us)

15 I love the combination of wood with nickel on this ceiling fan. (homedepot.com)

16 I personally love adjustable fans. They let you direct the breeze exactly where you want it. (restorationhardware.com)

Looking for something a little bit different from the regular three-blade ceiling fan? This model comes in a unique design that looks great.
(matthewsfanco.com)

17 Looking for something a little bit different from the regular three-blade ceiling fan? This model comes in a unique design that looks great. (matthewsfanco.com)

18 The opaque lighting feature on this fan will give off a cozy illumination. (homedepot.com)

19 This powerful model moves air up to 40 feet. And it's clean white color will make it discreet addition to any room. (vornado.com)

20 The fan also comes in a smaller model, which makes a perfect desk fan. It also comes in some great, bright colors. (vornado.com)

21 Darker black fans add an edge of sophistication. (cinni.com)

Tags: fans, Summer
Posted on July 21, 2011 in Decorating Ideas, how-to, Miscellaneous, Photo Galleries, Shopping, Technology | direct link to this entry |

Decorating with Art

Posted by Kevin Sharkey

Many people assume that adding fantastic, eye-catching art to their walls is a decorating splurge. They associate art with abstract Picassos, museums, and most of all...astronomical prices. They fear filling a living space with art as intimidating and unattainable.

Yet the real truth is that decorating with art does not have to be a daunting proposition. The decorating team found several online sources for buying art -- including paintings, sketches, prints, and posters – that would make an striking impression in your home and finish off a room perfectly.

I want to share these finds with all of you to illustrate how simple it can be to adorn your walls with the fabulous works that will become as treasured as any museum collection.

Enjoy!

Back Next

1 of 19

I love the geometric design and colors of this work. Its varied palate makes it suitable for a wide range of rooms.
'White Framed' by Paul Klee.
(artriver.com)

1 I love the geometric design and colors of this work. Its varied palate makes it suitable for a wide range of rooms. 'White Framed' by Paul Klee. (artriver.com)

2 A decorating piece for more contemporary art fans, 'Three Notes from Salalah' by Cy Twombly is simple and beautiful. (artriver.com)

3 Still life paintings are classic and relaxing images to have in the home. 'Vases, Candle, and Tangerines', painting by Bernard Victor. (zatista.com)

This playful silkscreen print would suit a child's room or more casual setting. Its simple color and shape is very easy on the eye.
'Toparie' by Wayne Pate.
(waynepate.com)

4 This playful silkscreen print would suit a child's room or more casual setting. Its simple color and shape is very easy on the eye. 'Toparie' by Wayne Pate. (waynepate.com)

Photographs as decor can lend a modern sensibility to a living space. I absolutely love the unique vantage point the camera takes over the beach in this digital print.
'Praia Piquinia' by Christian Chaiz.
(20x200.com)

5 Photographs as decor can lend a modern sensibility to a living space. I absolutely love the unique vantage point the camera takes over the beach in this digital print. 'Praia Piquinia' by Christian Chaiz. (20x200.com)

This is a reproduction of Ellsworth Kelly's 'Brushstrokes Cut into Twenty Squares and Arranged by Chance.' A large and bold work of art is a smart way to punctuate a neutral space.
(Artriver.com)

6 This is a reproduction of Ellsworth Kelly's 'Brushstrokes Cut into Twenty Squares and Arranged by Chance.' A large and bold work of art is a smart way to punctuate a neutral space. (Artriver.com)

7 If you are leery of a bold painting, look for nature-inspired pieces. 'Sea Coral in Denim', watercolor print from Driftwoodinteriors. (etsy.com)

The heavy texturized surface of this canvas reflects the romantic and elegant styles of Impressionism.
'Reader #8', painting by Darren Thompson.
(Zatista.com)

8 The heavy texturized surface of this canvas reflects the romantic and elegant styles of Impressionism. 'Reader #8', painting by Darren Thompson. (Zatista.com)

9 I love the idea of using fabrics or signs as wall art. This is a vintage framed UK trolley sign! (roomandboard.com)

10 Watercolor is a light and delicate medium, making it perfect for a subtle accent. 'Sea Fan in Charcoal' from Driftwood Interiors (etsy.com)

The way the artist displaces a fruit against a patterned background adds a whimsical touch. It would look great paired alongside the next slide.
'Persimmon', mixed media print by Hadley Hutton.
(hadleyhutton.com)

11 The way the artist displaces a fruit against a patterned background adds a whimsical touch. It would look great paired alongside the next slide. 'Persimmon', mixed media print by Hadley Hutton. (hadleyhutton.com)

12 'Together', mixed media print by Hadley Hutton. (hadleyhutton.com)

13 A frame within a frame, within another frame -- great color and design to this piece. 'Homage to the Square' by Josef Albers. (roomandboard.com)

There is just the right amount of excitement in this work for it to stand out and look artistic on a wall.
An untitled still from 1953.
(roomandboard.com)

14 There is just the right amount of excitement in this work for it to stand out and look artistic on a wall. An untitled still from 1953. (roomandboard.com)

15 I fell in love with this work once I saw it was a photograph. Truly amazing what a camera can do! 'River Abstraction No. 1' Keith Dotson. (zatista.com)

The shapes and palette of this print make it as suitable for a living room as it is for a kid's space.
'The Distance is Closer', print by Ky Anderson.
(20x200.com)

16 The shapes and palette of this print make it as suitable for a living room as it is for a kid's space. 'The Distance is Closer', print by Ky Anderson. (20x200.com)

Surely a Pollock inspired work, this splatter-paint piece would add amazing energy and brightness to a white wall.
'Beige 1', painting by Daniel Houston.
(zatista.com)

17 Surely a Pollock inspired work, this splatter-paint piece would add amazing energy and brightness to a white wall. 'Beige 1', painting by Daniel Houston. (zatista.com)

18 The repetition of urns here make quite an impact. 'Urns', silkscreen print by Wayne Pate. (waynepate.com)

Framed or unframed, Wayne Pate creates sketch-like prints that are straightforward and fun works of art for your home.
'For the Birds', silkscreen print by Wayne Pate.
(waynepate.com)

19 Framed or unframed, Wayne Pate creates sketch-like prints that are straightforward and fun works of art for your home. 'For the Birds', silkscreen print by Wayne Pate. (waynepate.com)

Back Next

1 of 1

Similar to some of the work sold on these sites, two paintings in my own home are inspired by the masters. I had a friend create canvases in the style of Mark Rothko. I absolutely love Rothko’s work, and am able to appreciate it every time I walk by these fabulous interpretive pieces. (Created by Eric Beare, ebeare.com)

1 Similar to some of the work sold on these sites, two paintings in my own home are inspired by the masters. I had a friend create canvases in the style of Mark Rothko. I absolutely love Rothko’s work, and am able to appreciate it every time I walk by these fabulous interpretive pieces. (Created by Eric Beare, ebeare.com)

Tags: afforable art, affordable paintings, art for less, art work, artwork, decorating wtih art, prints, watercolors
Posted on July 12, 2011 in Apartment Update, Color, Decorating Ideas, how-to, Inspiration, Miscellaneous, Photo Galleries | direct link to this entry |