This aluminium lamp is made of LED lighting so it has very low energy consumption. There are a variety of finishing choices and also the lighting can be either colored, cool or warm. The five arms are strategically placed so the lighting is circulated upwards and downwards giving a unique light diffusion with less glare.

The Sirio lamp!

This unusual sound barrier is also perfect for arranging separate residential settings. It acts as a sound barrier because the panels contain mineral substrate which allows greenery to grow with minimum maintenance. This natural noise filter can also be used in busy cities and urban areas where sound from railways or highways can be muffled.

The Green Sonic sound barrier and separator!

This highly technical glass mirror amazingly manages a home’s automatic interconnecting network and can be fitted with various accessories including a survey system for bio-metric data, a projector, a search application for lost items and a pomander. This avante-garde item could also be ideal for commercial use.

The Foo mirror designed to manage a home’s automation network!

These super space saving kitchen units are derived from the original Tuscan grain store and bread making equipment called the Madia. They are ideal for a small living space as these compact products contain everything you need for a functioning kitchen and the usual appliances.

The Madia2 space saving kitchen!

This textured wall covering is made from Cardato Regenerated CO2 Neutral recycled wool that is produced using an old method that eliminates CO2 emissions.

Wall App Kit, CO2 emissions free!

This luminous table with glass top was produced with ambient settings in mind and houses metal wings that can be opened to project the light from inside.

The Light Box table created for ambient settings!

Four years have gone by since ‘Rethinking the Product’ was born. This innovative project has created one hundred prototypes by the same amount of specialist designers and companies from a variety of sectors. Using this conception new partnerships and synergies have originated as well as the creation of unique product lines. Rethinking the Product will continue to create original successful products with a combined effect away from the original methods.

Rachel was involved from the beginning of the framework and actually changed the design of the original entryway after a chance visit to London’s National Portrait Gallery. Throughout the contemporary section the pieces of art are hung on glass walls, back to back which immediately portrays a sense of space the whole length. This illusion really impressed her so she decided to change the existing traditional entryway design that included a marble staircase and instead suggested a glass staircase that appears to float, giving the house a first impression of light and openness.

The stunning entryway sets the standard for the rest of this home!

Each piece of furniture, color scheme and accessory makes a statement! The harmony and balance between each room has a remarkable effect.  Before moving into interior design Rachel moved from New York to London after achieving an MBA in finance and working on Wall Street. Her interior design interest developed when she moved on to Japan and she fell in love with the balance and harmony aspects of Japanese home design. She re-decorated her home in Tokyo and as a result the local expats asked her to do theirs.

The lounge areas both encompass vibrant artwork!

Hints of the Far East are set amongst a contemporary background!

Around the same time she became fascinated with Kelly Hoppen’s new book ‘East Meets West’ and 2 years later she made the decision to head back to London and do Kelly’s interior design course at the prestige’s KLC School of Design. After a successful result she became more intrigued with interior design and applied for an internship with Kelly. That developed into a 4 year stint and  a deep relationship as both respected each others work. Kelly admired Rachel for her eye to detail and her desire to mix international influences.

Both dining areas make the most of the natural landscape in the grounds!

She worked on many projects for Kelly and moved back to New York where she joined forces with fellow student Alexa Salter and formed Rachel Laxer Interiors.

The focal point here are the stunning chandeliers that warm up this very modern kitchen!

The color scheme and chosen accessories connect with the design perfectly!

This well planned terrace creates a cozy hub to enjoy the outdoors!

These custom made drapes in the master suite give it individuality!

No expense has been spared in this guest bedroom with its beautiful linens and direct access to the grounds!

Rachel now divides her time between the U.S and London and has become recognized for mixing contemporary Europe, the warmth of India and modern U.S design into her interiors. Her extensive travels and eye to detail allow her to create bespoke interiors that have a unique international prospective.

100% recycled glass and resin from the ‘Light’ collection!

It all started by experimenting with forming a laminated glass sandwich using only natural materials. The reaction from the industry during these first experiments proved encouraging so they began experimenting more seriously will a variety of glass, resin, procedures and testing a variety of materials for inter layers. Livinglass immediately started to grow after their first collection called ‘From Nature’ and gained a reputation for being unique, kind to the environment and creating beautiful visual products.

Livinglass create beautiful decorative glass designs for corporate, residential, restaurants, retail, hotels and health buildings. Their inspiration is derived from nature where they combine beautiful colors and patterns in geometric and natural forms. The basis of their designs are either from their Light, Curve or Fresh collections.

A hotel casino in Kimono Aqua from the ‘Light’ collection!

The Light collections can be created with recycled glass and resin from a thickness of just half an inch making it more affordable. The Curve collections are decorated recycled laminated glass and 100% recycled resin that can be created into curve shapes, giving a room a totally different dimension. The Fresh collections are made from non-laminated single glass panels then they are carved into to create beautiful designs. Fresh is also available in 100% recycled glass.

A corporate design from the Curve collection in Kimono Flame!

They have been chosen by many famous publications for being a top glass product and design team and back in 2005 teamed together with Rockwell to create a stunning dining area for Nobu 57th Street in New York. They incorporated slices of natural bamboo into glass panels creating a floating appearance.

The stunning Hibachi dining room at Nobu 57th Street!

A residential project using the Fresh approach!

Custom butterfly design from the Light collection works perfect in this health care building!

A retail project from the Fresh portfolio!

All Livinglass products are environmentally friendly, resistant to water, UV, and chemicals, impact resistant for safety, class A 1 fire approved, antimicrobial, sanitary and resist discoloration, fading and scratches. Livinglass are also a member of The U.S Green Building Council and are committed to helping to develop a sustainable future by continuing to make buildings greener for everyone.

To make simple yet chic place settings, collect some pine cones, spray paint them silver, gold or ice blue, and add touches of greenery. Make the name tag out of flimsy paper for an elegant finish!

Inexpensive, chic and natural!

Head off to your local thrift store and purchase an old fashioned music book to create a unique yet nostalgic place setting. Team with white and silver and some touches of natural festive greenery!

Add a touch of nostalgia!

Create natural table centers by using festive flowers or decorated branches. Create a whimsical theme like the one on the left by using a tall glass vase and add some drama by filling with natural branches and decorate with silver and gold butterflies or festive glittery items like snowflakes. In keeping with the floral theme create a wintry pretty look from natural flowers. White works best teamed with candles that offer a nice clean fresh look with a warm glow.

Create some drama by bringing the outdoors in!

To create a rustic chic table make a change from using a conventional dinner service and choose a mix of wood and ironstone instead. The wooden name tag and the snowflake ornament blend in to the theme while the crystal glasses tops off the look with elegance.

Steer away from conventional tableware for an interesting twist!

Create a lovely winter design with glass, white and a few sparkles. This table also matches the blue decor perfectly. Hang sparkly items like snowflakes from the chandelier at different lengths so they add to the centerpiece.

Use what you have to create a festive focal point!

If you want a change from the usual glittery designs then opt for a natural look. This look would not be complete with out a burlap runner, then use glass jars and bowls as candle holders, add some greenery and place with twig balls for authenticity.

Authentic twig balls make a festive design that is natural and re-usable!

Swap traditional themes to create unique, charming table designs this holiday season. There is no need to rush out and buy expensive tableware, there are many ways to be inventive by using natural things and simple ideas  to create beautiful and interesting table settings!

The west side windows offer views towards the Statue of Liberty!

In the living area she chose a Piero Lissoni sofa in an angular shape and complimented it with a leather ottoman purposely chose not to use too much floor space. She added a 2008 Bouquet chair which is a rare find in white, Nanook tables and a Twilight floor lamp to complete the dramatic look.

The carefully chosen furniture items add to this room with dramatic effect!

The master suite is adorned with furnishing items from many high-end designers from all over the world. The bedside table and desk offer contemporary seamless flat surfaces and the clay chair and Yves Bahar lamp finish it all off perfectly. The photo by Miles Aldridge sits cheekily above the Cassina bed layered with a luxurious angora throw. The Corian fitted bathroom has no room for clutter, everything has a function and a place.

The master suite is adorned with many items from international designers!

Smooth clean surfaces give an ultra modern edge!

The chic dining setting is opposite the open plan kitchen. The kitchen’s center focal point is the island cube on casters that has been made from terrazzo the same as the floor. The appliances are all the latest technology in stainless steel and the surfaces are smooth, clean and uncluttered.

The movable island cube is center point in the open plan kitchen!

The terrazzo floor with touches of gray stone picks up the natural light beautifully. All her carefully chosen art work sits perfectly against the brightness of the light and white thanks to the work of the architect and his aim to compliment this airy delicate interior. These plain white walls are the perfect place to show off her art collection which includes a photo by Massimo Vitale called Scala Dei Turchi, a glass wall sculpture from famous New York artist Rob Wynn, and hanging in the foyer id the Mirraggio by the Campana Brothers.

The terrazzo floors absorb the light and reflect it against the walls!

Dente’s evident sophisticated, unique style is influenced by her time as editor for Harpers Bazaar magazine and working with clients such as Calvin Klein, L’Oreal, Italian Vogue and many other international style icons. Since 1992 Barbara Dente has been working with Donna Cristina in their marketing, PR and communications co. for luxury brands all over the world and the USA.

First impressions count so don’t go too over the top with your outside decor. Pretty lights in one or two colors are welcoming enough and will also show off your front yard or your garden. Blow up Father Christmas’s or snowmen are a no no!

First impressions count, so be careful when choosing your outside decor!

If your home is simply decorated in a contemporary or minimalist style then make sure your festive decor is too. Avoid loud colors like reds and gold, and go for silver and blue for a classy effect.

Silver and blue have a classy effect in a minimalist design!

Try not to over do your trimmings and instead accentuate the positive features in your home. If you have a beautiful open fireplace then draw attention to it by hanging pretty crystal or glass baubles with ribbon from the mantel.

Accentuate the best features in your home!

Create a stylish centerpiece by collecting pine cones and holly, then arrange around a selection of candles for a natural touch.

Bring natural touches into your festive decor!

Turn up the heat and create a warm welcome for your freezing cold visitors. A warm home will urge the potential buyers to hang around and take in the better features your home has to offer.

Create a warm welcome by turn up the heat for your freezing cold visitors!

As it is the season of good will to all then why not offer your visitors a tasty festive nibble or a glass of hot mulled wine. This will relax them and also delay there viewing. The smell of the wine and nibbles will also enhance the festive atmosphere in your home.

Offer your visitors a festive drink or tasty nibble to encourage them to hang around!

Some more tips of staging your home at Christmas:

Tall thin Christmas trees will accentuate the height of your ceiling and will not take up too much floor space.

If you don’t have a garden or front yard then create an eye catching entrance with a subtle garland or wreath.

Finally don’t go over the top with religious decor items as this may put potential buyers off.

The trick is to focus on the best features of your home and adapt a less is more attitude.

Let us know your tips for staging to sell your home during the festive season!

The home was originally built in the 1970′s, so he wanted to transform the outdated interior into a retreat that was warm and welcoming, edgy, and conventional enough to accommodate the couple with a family of four young children, so art became a major influence. He was also influenced by the colors in the surrounding landscape and the shades of the winter sky, while adding his passion for vibrant colors and art.

Historical armoire sits comfortably with these magnificent Sushi IV multicolored chars!

The exterior is made of reclaimed wood that mirrors a typical ski lodge, but the interior offers function with comfort and unique dramatic touches in the beautifully arranged generous space. The reclaimed wood beams and the natural blue stone tiles on the floor have created main focal points. Another distinctive point is the cast bronze armoire with the the huge bullet hole that is based on the French cabinet maker Andre Charles Buolle’s original, and was  intended to be an unusual fun aspect.

A riveting exuberant work of art becomes the focal point in the living area!

The custom made staircase is also reclaimed wood with the first three steps that lead to the living area housing glass sidings and bronze fittings. The exceptional art work of Alexander Ross dominates the room as does the bespoke rug made by Doug and Meyer forming an aesthetic finish.

The rug by Doug and Meyer brings together this aesthetic finish!

The living room leads off to the double height dining room with blue and green hues and generous windows offering outstanding views that give this room a feeling of extending to the outdoors. The glass art tables work perfectly with the sculptured chairs and the glass and bronze chandelier adds the finishing touch.

Stunning sculptured chairs are paired with glass art tables!

The spectacular master suite has a zen like quality for the ultimate in relaxation, with a palette of glacial colors reflecting the winter sky, snow and ice.The shaved wooden beams and the teak chaise add texture and warmth.

Glacier inspired tones welcome textured collectible items!

This generous sized bathroom suite in creamy marble has seamless lines and again the French style windows are allowing beautiful views of the snow capped Colorado mountains.

Seamless marble transforms this generous bathroom into luxury indulgence!

Frank stated on finishing this home that he always finds it fascinating to include items and pieces that have their own very different personalities. He also said it was a pleasure to work with enthusiastic collectors and their very personal items from their collections.

We feel he created a genius interior master piece with collectible master pieces creatively and intelligently chosen and placed!

The Elter collection embodies the organic forms, textures and beauty in a way that mirrors the ever changing moods, colors and light of this amazing space. When viewed from every angle they change perspective just like nature, and bring new characteristics.

Last year at 100% design Decipher debuted their work to critical acclaim and returned this year to more with this evolutionary Elter collection. They have been working hard on a variety of manufacturing and finishing production using stainless steel and steel to bring their designs alive.

The seamless style is so dominant throughout this range and worthy of Michael’s reputation for designing products of the highest standard in commercial and consumer markets. He is inspired by the natural landscape but he monopolizes the latest CNC bending technology to create shape-shifting objects.

Quite hard to believe this collection was inspired by quarry waste!

These tables re-invent themselves at whatever angle, and have a delicate quality that doesn’t appear to be from this world. They make a true seamless statement inspired by discarded quarry stone.

This occasional table is contemporary design at the highest level!

Totally brand new for 2011 is the low stool to compliment the tables for visual purpose. They are made from an innovative mix of conventional metal work and CNC technology.

Seamless design, built to visually compliment the tables!

The bar stool captures the eye straight away, because of its intense statement. the design has an evolved appeal that mirrors all things natural. These stools are made in a variety of colors from neutral to vibrant.

A stunning work of art that reflects nature!

It is hard to believe this cool contemporary furniture is inspired by nature, but if you look between the lines you can see the idea behind each piece. Personally we feel the bar stool is the gaping jaw of a crock or other similar animal!!

A stunning retreat with views of the ocean and Hollywood!

When she was little she lived with her single Mom who left her family behind in New York City to study in California. Times were hard and she had an empty room to sleep in with no real sheets. She began her interest in design when her Aunt sent her some bright colored sheets that really made a difference to her empty, dull room. When she was on her own she would make small gardens with clippings from plants and began to feel really good about creating something beautiful from nothing while helping the environment. Today those clippings are healthy jade trees.

In this family lounge Lori has made a change from the usual coffee table and created an ottoman as the focal point covered in beautiful turquoise crock print fabric.

Blue hues and ornamental sea urchins give a coastal feel!

She continued her love of helping the environment by collecting cans and bottles which also gave her some pocket money. The fact she lived a very modest lifestyle also influenced her no waste ethics she still practices.

In this modern kitchen Lori has used Valcucine for the cabinets along with Gaggenau appliances, some of the most Eco-friendly products on the market.

A no frills, simple and elegant kitchen designed to be kind to the environment!

Lori began her working life as a stockbroker, and also started remodeling homes to sell. She reupholstered things she bought from yard sales to furnish them and found her passion for making something from nothing. She gave her designs to a furniture maker and began creating bespoke furniture. Eventually her focus on design took her away from her career as a stockbroker, so she went on to study design at the UCLA.

In this master bathroom she has cleverly used natural lava rock, with natural stone along with modern bronze and carved limestone for the bath. The huge windows offer beautiful views of the natural landscape outside as well as allowing light to flow through.

All the components in this master bathroom create a modern spa experience!

Luxury under a cabana for the ultimate in outdoor relaxation!

Organic cotton, Earth plaster, a Buddha figure and candles provide a dreamy zen appeal!

A modern home bar with FSC certified veneer stools and a counter top made from Ceaser Stone give this a luxury lounge bar feel.

A classy place to watch a game or hang out with friends at cocktail hour!

Today Lori continues her passion for design, appears on T.V all over the world, is followed closely on the Internet, speaks at design events and features in all the top magazines. It’s quite hard to believe this female design icon from a poor childhood began her journey to fame and fortune from creating simple, natural, beautiful things.

Bamboo Home Ltd recently displayed their products at 100% Design in London, in the 100% materials section, where they were inundated with enquiries and interest from industry professionals. The directors of Bamboo Home have been working with natural wood since 1989. They continually create new, innovative designs and use the latest technology so they can remain at the fore front of their trade.

Not only is it durable but it looks clean and contemporary!

Bamboo decking is ideal for outdoor projects as it can withstand even the harshest of weather conditions. The bamboo strips are glued together vertically then treated with a specific GreenTek oil that penetrates into the wood. The decking is installed with ‘secret fixing’ or nails and has a hardness factor of 2.0KGmm squared.

Solid decking comes in lengths of 4000mm or 2200mm!

The molding has side grooves and is reed rubbed!

When using bamboo for wall cladding the bamboo strips are also glued vertically and treated with the GreenTek oil but are constructed in a tongue and groove method. Even though bamboo is much lighter to work with it is tougher than maple, teak, and even oak.

Simple nails or screws can be used for the installation!

Constructed by tongue and groove methods with a hardness factor of 2.0KG mm squared!

Solid bamboo cladding comes in lengths of 2440mm/22000mm with an 18mm thickness!

Out of all plants bamboo is the fastest growing, and after 4 years can be harvested sustainably. No forests need to be destroyed, therefore it’s kinder to the environment helping to prevent global warming.  Apart from the obvious reasons already mentioned, when working with bamboo it doesn’t splinter and there is no leaching. It doesn’t produce nasty odors and is very easy to color, seal and requires hardly any maintenance. Bamboo homes products come with a 25 year guarantee thanks to the careful process’s they use.

Bamboo Home are totally dedicated to supplying industry contractors with unique, environmentally friendly high quality products.

If you want to find a bamboo professional supplier near you click here