Tag Archives: Design

New Year, New You, New House! – Part 4:

Posted on by

So, it seems that I’m still loving this whole “New Year, New You” series of mine – I keep thinking of more things to write about! Well, in this series (which I think is part 4 – however, I have lost count a little bit…), I’ve decided to write a little chapter for those who are deciding to build their own houses in 2013. After all, taking the decision to build your own home can be an exceptionally daunting prospect for most, so it’s always nice to have a little helping hand along the way.

Part of the problem of building your own home is actually knowing where to start; how do you know what design to choose? How do you go about choosing the best sub-contractors? How do you source the right materials for the right price? With all of these questions, it’s easy to get lost in the self-build-construction-jungle.

Well, in order to help you along a little bit, a good place to start is with the actual structure of your future home; from the bricks, to the walls, to the roof. Surely it’s just as simple as a few bricks and tiles, right? Wrong. Because, the key to a well built home lies with a strong and sturdy well built frame.

You’ve been looking at the range of options available to start with this all-important structure, but with so many choices available, you feel like you’re back at square one with all the confusing questions and decisions. However, in your desperate hunt to find one, you have come across one that sounds quite interesting; timber frames.

But, how do you know if timber frames are the right option to exactly meet the requirements the planned structure you hope to build? Well, this run-down of these benefits may just help you decide:

1. Highly Adaptable

Timber frames are the perfect option for all kinds of building design needs; whether you’re looking to self-build communal buildings, flats or housing, as they can be altered and adapted to fit any structure. As well as providing the highest quality supports for your build, they also boast high environmental performance, energy efficiency and the ability to meet top sustainability targets.

2. Reduce Building Times and Costs

Timber frames also dramatically reduce building times – in fact, timber frame construction requires 20% fewer on-site labor days than traditional methods. So, that means 20% fewer days your sub-constructors have to be on-site, and therefore, 20% less time that you have to pay them for! Sounds like a good option, right? And what’s more; timber frames also save up to 5% in building costs compared to traditional brick and block construction – so you can save your money for other aspects of your home build process.

3. Environmentally-Friendly

Another key advantage of using a timber frame, such as those available from http://www.eco-dam.com/, in a self-build project, is it’s ability to help cut onside waste into the environment. So if you’re looking to help the environment and are particularly conscious about being ec-ofriendly throughout the entirety of the construction process, then a timber frame structure will be the perfect option for you!

Malibu Limited Edition | Cool things

Posted on by

Frost Magazine love the design for this limited edition Malibu.

Inspired by the vibrancy and feeling of summertime, this season will see the launch of the Limited Edition Summer ’12 bottle by the original coconut rum, Malibu.

Following the success of their first limited edition bottle in 2011, Malibu have continued to show their support to up and coming British designers by collaborating with acclaimed illustrator Sophie Harris-Greenslade. Hot off the catwalk, the bold, bright and beautiful techno-colour inspired print is this summer’s ultimate fashion statement, and this limited edition bottle is no exception. This impactful design is a one of a kind collectible which will be available in all major supermarkets from 1st July 2012.

After graduating from Kingston University with a degree in illustration and animation, Sophie Harris-Greenslade has worked on a variety of style shoots including French Elle, Now, W magazine, Disorder and Stylist and worked with numerous celebrity clientele including M.I.A., Cate Blanchett, Nicole Scherzinger and Keisha Buchanan. Sophie has also achieved great acclaim via exhibitions, which have earned her recognition in top publications such as i-D, Stylist, the Guardian and the Observer, as well as her regularly updated blog.

Sophie Harris-Greenslade says, “I wanted to create a vibrant and impactful design which captures the feeling of summer and stands out on the shelf! I usually work on a much smaller scale, so I wanted the patterns on the bottle to reflect the intricacy of my illustrations. The fluidity of the shapes also reflects Malibu’s easy going and fun filled attitude”.

The Limited Edition Summer ’12 bottle is part of Malibu’s 2012 campaign which kicks off this summer with the second Malibutique, following the success of its debut in 2011.

www.facebook.com/malibuuk and for more information on Sophie Harris-Greenslade, please visit theillustratednail.tumblr.com.

Free Interior Guide Book to Transform your Home

Posted on by

It is very rare to get anything free in life, but Frost has come across a free interior guide booklet.

1-2-3 Transform Your Home a FREE step-by-step interior guide showing how to bring the joy of spring/summer indoors in 2012

The Flower Council of Holland (FCH) has created a beautiful FREE online booklet demonstrating how to bring the joy of spring indoors with flowering bulbs in pots and cut bulb flowers.

Available exclusively from www.funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk, design and gardening enthusiasts can use the booklet to gather ideas on how to create attractive indoor displays with spring bulb flowers using a variety of vintage and contemporary containers and vases. As easy as 1-2-3, bulb flower displays around the home are guaranteed to bring happiness and brighten up any dark corner.

The 1-2-3 Transform Your Home booklet is a step-by-step guide focusing on five of the nation’s favourite flower bulbs: Tulip, Hyacinth, Iris, Narcissi and Calla Lily and explains how they can be used to transform different rooms in the home with diverse styles and scents.

Jacqueline Doornekamp from the Flower Council of Holland, says:

“Flower bulbs in pots and cut flower bulbs in vases are a simple yet stylish solution to refreshing tired interiors. This free step-by-step guide shows the easy and affordable way to lift your mood and transform your home.”

Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award – A sneak preview at the work of the finalists!

Posted on by


 The finalists of the Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award have been announced and we have the winning sketches that are taking this year’s hottest new designers to FS2012!

 

Now entering its 20th year, the St Andrews Charity Fashion Show is a professionally run and high achieving student organisation, which is passionate about both fundraising and fashion. It is currently the largest student-run charity fashion show in the UK. FS2012 will take place on 25th February and will showcase young design talent alongside big fashion brands and as official jewellery partner of this year’s show, Swarovski will adorn models with pieces from its couture jewellery collection, Atelier Swarovski.

 

Nadja Swarovski commented, “The St Andrews Charity Fashion show has a long history of promoting both young and established design talent, which is in keeping with Swarovski’s commitment to supporting creative industries. As a patron I am delighted to be a part of this exciting event which also benefits such a deserving cause as the Muir Maxwell Trust.”

 

FS 2012 are working this year with the Muir Maxwell Trust (MMT), a charity that supports the 70,000 children in the UK with epilepsy and their families. Established in 2003 by Ann and Jonny Maxwell, the Trust is named after the Maxwell’s 14 year old son, Muir, who is profoundly damaged by a severe form of epilepsy that began in infancy.

 

The Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award will function as a platform for UK-based new and emerging young designers. In conjunction with the 20th Anniversary of our show, it will combine the authority of well-known designers with the flare of the country’s best student design talent both on the catwalk and throughout our campaign.

 

The recipient of the Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award will receive:

 

  • The Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award 2012
  • £1000 in prize money, courtesy of Alfa Romeo
  • The opportunity to design a fashion line, worth £500, in support of our chosen charity: The Muir Maxwell Trust
  • Exclusive feature and spread in The FS Magazine, with over 7,000 online readers.

The 2011 judging panel included the PPQ design duo, Amy Molyneaux & Percy Parker, as well as Britain’s Next Top Model Winner, Alex Evans.

High Impact Shutters – Spruce Up For Spring.

Posted on by

Spruce up for Spring!




Spring time is nearly here and there’s no better time to give your home a fresh new look by replacing your blinds and curtains with elegant shutters.
A practical and stylish way to update your home, shutters suit every room in the house and can be made to fit any unusual space.
Sam Tamlyn from the web’s leading shutter retailer, the California Shutter Company discusses why shutters are this year’s must-have in springtime:
“Shutters provide a chic and stylish alternative to blinds and curtains and are a cost-effective, easy way to completely update the look and feel of a room for spring.
“Shutters are excellent in the spring and summer time as you can keep the doors and windows open but the shutters closed, letting plenty of glorious light and fresh air in whilst keeping those annoying bugs out.
“The spring time is associated with spring cleaning and by installing shutters in your windows you’re making life easier as they are easy to wipe clean and don’t absorb dust like curtains or blinds do.
“Shutters are incredibly versatile and so offer you a great deal of flexibility, you can choose between different slat sizes, different colours and different panel designs.
At the California Shutter Company you can choose from a range of over 18 beautiful stains and paints to best suit your shutters, your furniture in the room and the ambience you’re looking to create.

High Impact with Tangerine Tango
Tangerine Tango, a spirited and high-visibility reddish orange, is Pantone colour of the year*. The vivacious colour is being incorporated into the spring collections of famous fashion designers such as Tommy Hilfiger and Elie Tahari and can be found on the catwalk runways of 2012.
So why not inject a little colour into your home and energize your living space whilst bringing your interiors bang up-to-date?
Sam Tamlyn from the California Shutter Company says: “Shutters make a statement and provide a practical and stylish way to update your home, suit every room in the house and can be made to fit any unusual space.
We understand that everyone has their own style so that’s why our customers can choose from 18 different stains and paints or can customise their shutters with a colour of their choice.”
It’s easy to order shutters with the California Shutter Company, the web’s leading DIY shutter retailer. Simply go online, choose the shutters you like, measure up and watch their detailed advice videos to learn how you put them up yourself. Or you can take advantage of their excellent installation service.
www.californiashuttercompany.co.uk

Carolyn Schulz On Making Good Jewellery. {Frost Interview}

Posted on by

When did you start making jewellery?
When I had my son, 25 years ago, I wanted be a stay-at-home-mum but needed to work, so I worked from home representing an American bead manufacturer by looking after their key accounts, in particular, giving support with training and education. I was trained in jewellery techniques as well as how to teach and train others. Teaching and sharing my love of beading is what I enjoy most!

How did you get into designing jewellery?
I think I fell in to it accidentally! Once I had learned the various techniques, I found myself looking at the jewellery other people were wearing or what I saw in the shops. I would mentally take them apart to work out how they were made and then I would go home and try them out with my own beads. I like to mix techniques and I enjoy making jewellery to go with specific outfits that I wear. Sometimes I want something to compliment what I am wearing. Occasionally I want something to draw attention to my jewellery – not my clothes! But when I am designing jewellery to inspire others to create jewellery, I take into account the current fashions in style, beads, colour, textures and fashion accessories in general.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
I love to travel and I spend a lot of time looking at both the components available and the styles and trends of people in other countries. I love the flamboyancy of the Italians. I love the simple use of natural elements that I found in the Hawaiian Islands. I love the rich combination of colours that I found in Mexico and South America. Wherever I travel, I try to visit bead shops and if possible I take a class or two. I learn so much by making friends with the shop assistants and teachers. What are their hot sellers, what do the locals like, what do the tourists like, etc.

Tell me about your show on QVC
My Creative Jewellery Show on QVC UK gives the creative jewellery maker, whether a beginner or experienced, lots of opportunity to use their initiative and creativity but with lots of support with good technique demonstration and a wide range of finished samples to inspire. We offer very few complete kits. By that I mean, we don’t have many kits that make a specific piece of jewellery. Mostly we sell bundles of product, whether beads, tools or findings. For example, we will have bundles of beads and bundles of everything you need when using a specific technique. Some of our best selling bundles include our assortments of real turquoise (large and chunky or small and dainty), basic findings and tools such as the spinning seed bead threader and the Thing a ma Jig! I think the success of the shows is the excellent value for money and variety in addition to the technique support and design inspiration.

Do you prefer designing or teaching?
I don’t think I could have one without the other – but I get the most satisfaction from teaching. I love to share what I learn and I get the biggest kick out of seeing a student create something fabulous – often, much better than mine!

You have a book out soon, tell us about it.
This is my 4th book and it is aimed at women between 18 and 35 with limited experience of beads and beading. It will include more than 25 beading projects with an Asian element. Six of the chapters each has a different technique with a number of variations using that technique. I am already half way through completing the projects. Each chapter keeps growing because when I start designing – I find it hard to stop!

What are your tips for making good jewellery?

* Firstly, attitude – give it a chance!! It is like most things, it take a little practice to learn and perfect techniques.
* Secondly – start with simple techniques. With 25 years of learning and then teaching, I have developed my own fool proof way of learning, where one technique builds upon another.
* Thirdly – be observant! Notice the jewellery other people wear, that you see in the shops, or in books and magazines. Question what it is that you like. When you see things you don’t like, work out what it is you don’t like. You will soon start to build up some personalised design criteria.
* Finally – enjoy it!

You are an American in Britain, what do you love about the UK?
I love British culture. I love the British countryside. I love British history. I even love the British weather!!

What’s next for you?
I want to carry on as I am now – mixing it all up with writing books, travelling, time with my family (I have 3 gorgeous granddaughters!), travelling, presenting on QVC, travelling, teaching, travelling, travelling, travelling.

M.A.C. Wonder Woman Collection {Beauty}

Posted on by

Last year Wonder Woman had her first outfit overhaul in 69 years and this year she’s bringing her kooky superhero style to M.A.C. cosmetics’ packaging.

Banish any thought of being a Plain Jane: M.A.C and Wonder Woman have joined forces! For Spring 2011, take a trip to Paradise Island with a legendary line up of super-sized Mineralize Skinfinish, bold Eye Shadow quads, Pigment, Opulash, Lipsticks and oversized Lipglass, jumbo-big Powder Blush and Penultimate Eye Liner, Nail Lacquer and Lash inspired by the larger-than-life Bold Babe. Dashing and dazzling, the iconic super heroine reminds us that inside every woman is a Mighty Aphrodite full of courage, confidence and charisma. Kaboom! Mission Accomplished!

Wonder Woman has always known the importance of astounding accessories. For her collaboration with M.A.C, we’ve infused her sense and fantasy and wonder into a vivid collection of awe-inspiring accessories as fierce and feminine as the heroine herself. Bright, bold, superhuman designs in Makeup Bags – from radiant Red to Bulletproof Blue, Utility Belt Brush Sets, and exclusively online, the WW T-Shirt and Invincible Mirror. Shazam!

What do we think?

Available exclusively at Selfridges nationwide and at www.selfridges.com from 17th February 2011 and at all M·A·C locations on www.maccosmetics.co.uk and 0870 034 2676 from 3rd March 2011

Mykea customises your Ikea furniture {Design}

Posted on by

Ikea’s modular furniture might be fab, cheap and functional but it can be a bit drab. Mykea sells decals and decoration specifically for your Ikea furniture. They sell amazing and rather pretty pieces by designers. You also have the option of uploading your own photo or artwork which make a fantastic new way to display your memories and creativity rather than hanging them on your walls in the traditional manner.

They’ve got a great easy to use site but the number of furniture varieties they provide designs for is failry limited.

Take a look at the Mykea site