Luxist

Baumraum, Luxury Living in the Treetops

Rigel Celeste — 2008-08-28T16:02:00 00:00

I never had a tree house as a kid and although I can't say I ever really felt deprived I wouldn't mind using that fact as an excuse to indulge myself in adulthood! These tree houses by Baumraum out of Germany are absolutely gorgeous, not to mention much larger and more luxurious than what the average 10 year old gets. They build custom tree houses all over the world, although mostly in Europe, and the designs vary from houses built up just a few feet off the ground to designs like this one way up in the tree tops (wonderful to look at but is it really secure balancing up there like that???).

Via Wists
%Gallery-30438%

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Versace Home Furniture Line

Laura Malesich — 2008-08-28T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor

Simple, modern lines make this furniture line sleek, elegant and one of Donatella's best creations. The timeless combination of black and white will compliment almost any room and allow for a color palette to come through in accessories, art, floor coverings or paint. The lounge chair is my personal favorite with a whimsical line that makes me want to crawl in and curl up with a good book. Unfortunately I couldn't find any price information but I would doubt you would see this line in a discount store -- plan on spending a bundle to makeover your abode in this sensational look.

%Gallery-30314%

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

JugSimple Collection from Carlo Rossi

Laura Malesich — 2008-08-27T15:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor

You would have to have a serious love affair with wine and one eclectic house to pull off the JugSimple Collection from Carlo Rossi. I imagine guests may wonder if they can actually sit on the Cabernet Couch but certainly the creative look confirms your passion for the vine. If you think this is the look for you then go beyond the couch and complete your room/house with the Chardonnay Chandelier, Paisano Plasma TV Stand, Sangria Sound System, Burgundy Bookshelf, and Rhine Reading Lamp. Not sure what these oenophilic designs will cost you but I would hope they would include some free wine with the shipment.

[via Neatorama]

%Gallery-30339%

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ferrari Gas Cap Paperweight

Lisa Palladino — 2008-08-27T14:05:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor, Wheels

Carbon Fiber Gear highlighted recently a Ferrari 355 gas cap paperweight. Made by RaceChairs.com, it's constructed of a 6″ x 6″ piece of carbon fiber, a colored suede underside and a real (but unused) gas cap from a Ferrari 355. (Also available with a Lamborghini Diablo gas cap.) The carbon fiber weave is clearcoated for shiny finish, and the bottom of the paperweight is covered in your choice of black, yellow, or red suede, to ensure it won't scratch your desk. The gas cap is highly polished aluminum with the Ferrari logo on the center. Optional: have an engraved plaque added or get wall hangers for display. $325, but just $199 on RaceChairs.com at the time of this writing. Looks like something our sister site, autoblog, might take a liking to.

[Thanks, Dave]

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Domino Magazine's "The Deal Hunter"

Lisa Palladino — 2008-08-25T15:04:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor, Services

Domino magazine, "the guide to living with style," has a fun column called "The Deal Hunter," penned by young Columbia alum Nick Olsen, that features a plethora of style for (mostly) low prices. I know here at Luxist we're often about the high-end, big ticket items, but I think it's OK to watch the finances now and then in order to keep affording the big stuff. Olsen writes in that chatty, bloggy style (which I haven't mastered, alas) and regularly finds things from all ends of the home decor spectrum. Just to show he's not all about the cheap stuff, he recently featured a $950 table from Mecox. Check out his blog if you're looking for a deal but still want lots of style or something colorful for your home.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Judson Beaumont Furniture

Deidre Woollard — 2008-08-22T15:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor

An article in Canada's Globe and Mail led me to wacky Vancouver furniture designer Judson Beaumont. His company may be called Straight Line Designs but his designs are anything but dull, the dressers, cabinets and cases turn simple wood furniture into something delightfully silly. Beaumont tells the Globe and Mail he was inspired by the 1988 movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit and the pieces have a gleeful quality that appeals to children and the young at heart. His pieces aren't cheap, they start at $1,500 but at least you won't go into your neighbor's house and find they have the exact same furnishings you do. The cabinet here is a new design known simply as Oops.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rowland Ripple Series Tables

Rigel Celeste — 2008-08-21T16:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor

The Rowland Ripple Series is a set of beautiful tables that are a nice balance of smooth contemporary styling and creative design. Designed by Lee J. Rowland each of the Ripple Series tables is an optical illusion of the movement of ripples in water created by a mix of polished aluminum, clear polyester resin, and aerospace engineering technology (to help it all come together).

This large rectangle would make a beautiful and cutting edge conversation piece in an office, or one of the smaller versions could make a dramatic statement in a modern decor home. $45,000+/-

Via Dvice
%Gallery-29918%

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pick Chair: From Flat to Functional

Laura Malesich — 2008-08-21T14:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor

For those of us with small living quarters and the occasional need of extra seating Pick Chairs are the perfect solution. Hang them on the wall for a decorative and modern look then pick them off the wall and fold into a light-weight seat. It is encouraged to only allow slim individuals to perch upon them as they are not built for sturdier types but at least in a pinch they can accommodate party-goers and family alike. Most are steel framed with wooden plank inserts although they are also available in glass. For $1,630 each they aren't cheap but I doubt sleek art/furniture like this ever is.

%Gallery-29878%

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Swarovski Jewels Sink Collection

Rigel Celeste — 2008-08-21T11:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor

Normally I think Swarovski jewels encrusted onto household appliances look tacky and ridiculous, so I'm a little surprised to hear myself saying that the Swarovski Jewels Sink collection from Antologia is actually pretty nice. Simple, tasteful, and artistic, the basic white and black sinks aren't overrun with big sparkling jewels so much as they're accented and enhanced by them. Each piece is put together by hand with Signity jewels.

Any kind of jewels on a bathroom fixture are still completely impractical and difficult to clean, of course, but these are nice to look at nevertheless.

%Gallery-29756%

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Polli Jewelry Stands

Rigel Celeste — 2008-08-20T12:07:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor, Jewelry

I have a bad habit of tossing my jewelry on top of my dresser at night and as a result I often forget what pieces I have because they're all jumbled up and hard to find. What I should do is invest in some decorative jewelry stands like these from Polli. Available in cheerful bright colors, there are both standing and hanging versions in patterns inspired by coral branches, gum trees, and bamboo. Laser cut out of acrylic, these stands can be used to hold and display jewelry or act as a decoration all on their own. AU$140

Via Design Mind
%Gallery-29920%

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Limited Edition On/Off Light Switch For Gadgets

Rigel Celeste — 2008-08-19T14:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor, Gadgets

It's cool to spend lots of money on fancy electronic gadgets but it's totally not cool to spend several minutes fishing around for a remote control to (gasp) actually have to get up off the couch in order to turn them on manually. Of course The Clapper could do the trick but who needs such a startling way to adjust the mood when you could have this gold (that's one of the last places you thought you'd see bling, isn't it?) electricity switch by Tobias Wong. Put it wherever you want (it works wirelessly) and you'll be having lights, music, and whatever else whenever and where ever you want -- no fumbling required. $150

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

$1.5 Million Chair Designed by Pininfarina

Laura Malesich — 2008-08-16T11:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor

Italian car design firm, Pininfarina, is well known for projects with Ferrari and Maserati but their innovation hasn't stopped with luxury vehicles. Their newest project is definitely a departure from the auto industry -- creating the Aresline Xten ergonomic office chair. This chair is for the most elite of CEO's with mega-budgets as the single piece of furniture cost the design company about $1.5 million to develop -- who knows how much they will charge to purchase one of your very own! Currently available in UAE through OFIS, the chair's impressive materials include a dynamic fabric used by Olympic athletes for durability and a substance called Technogel. Are we talking sprinter's spandex material or the seat of the equestrian team's pants? Either way this premier piece of office equipment with its iconic affiliation is sure to be coveted by many corporate giants.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sherle Wagner Luxury Hardware and Bath Accessories

Lisa Palladino — 2008-08-15T11:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor

As I was browsing a home magazine I was stopped by an ad for Sherle Wagner doorknobs, I mean, "hardware." They were so beautiful, I wanted to know more. So now I share ... Sherle Wagner International, headquartered in NYC but with eight U.S. showrooms and one in Kuwait, offers a number of home accessories in these categories: finishes, stones and patterns; bath fittings; bath fixtures; accessories; hardware; lighting; furniture; textiles; linens; and wall coverings. All Sherle Wagner products are originals, made by the company from the design inception stage to completion. The company uses "old world artisans and timeless techniques, so that every piece is a true original." And the staff is experienced in working with architects, designers and clients on projects of any scale. If you browse the catalog, be sure to check out all the categories on the lefthand nav bar; there was much more on the site than I noticed the first time around. No prices, however, but I'm going to guess on the high end.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pietre Dure Exhibit At The Met

Tracy Chait — 2008-08-14T15:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor, Art

If summer holidays have kept you out of the city, you may have a treat waiting for you upon arrival in New York: the pietre dure (Italian for "hard stones") exhibit at the Met. The museum's second floor galleries are filled with ornately designed furniture, vases, and various objêts d'art all featuring hand-carved pietre dure that could take artisans years to complete for just one piece. As highly valued now as then, one recently auctioned example of pietre dure was sold for $36.7 million in 2004.

The exhibit will run until September 21. If your travels won't take you down 5th Avenue by then, see the gallery for stunning examples of this painstakingly rendered art.

%Gallery-29582%

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Urban Nature's Limited Edition Precious Metal Planters

Tracy Chait — 2008-08-12T12:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor, Garden

Urban Nature, a Los Angeles-based design firm that specializes in sleek-yet-simple modern planters, now introduces a line of limited edition vessels crafted by local artisans from titanium and platinum. Planters include an avant-garde exotic plant arrangement that is personally couriered to its destination. The company also offers custom designs in addition to on-site consults and maintenance. Reminiscent of Architectural Pottery's vintage Cal-modern pieces, Urban Nature's collection seems to do exactly what its name implies: create a corner of life in an otherwise sterile urban landscape.

Titanium planters start at $50,000, while the platinum version will cost $250,000 and up, making these precious metals indeed. Shown above is Urban Nature's Minimalist Bowl, which retails at a more reasonable $1,395. Though I think you'll want a pair.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Frette's Holiday 2008 Offerings

Deidre Woollard — 2008-08-11T15:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor

Frette's holiday collection is always something special. In 2006, we had Sophia, a line inspired by ancient brocades and damasks used by royal dynasties across Europe. In 2007, we experienced Helena, a golden set inspired by Helen of Troy. This year the inspiration was 17th Century Swedish Queen Christina and her stirring portrayal by Greta Garbo in the 1933 film. The dramatic collection rendered in rich reds with a tapestry look consists of just 64 numbered sets in an ebony box containing a duvet, two Euro shams and two pillows. The retail price is $6,000.

The rest of the holiday collection includes mink slippers, a mink throw, wool blankets, cashmere scarves and a few selected high-end pieces of loungewear. The collection will be on display in Frette windows in November but you can catch a sneak peek in the gallery below.

[via Home Textiles Today]

%Gallery-29344%

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Conmoto Portable Fireplace

Lisa Palladino — 2008-08-10T15:03:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor, Gadgets

The Travelmate Portable Fireplace by Conmoto is made of black powder-coated steel and glass with an adjustable steel fuel-holder and burns on bio-ethanol liquid fuel (not included). Now you can put a fireplace where you want or need it for warmth or atmosphere. It's smokeless too. Safe to place on carpet, a table, near furniture, or outside. The glass pane is held on with magnets and only is removed in order to light the fire. Once the glass pane has been replaced, the fuel tank can be opened and closed, using the stainless steel slide at the front of the fireplace, so the flames can be regulated from the outside. I would love this in my home! Dimensions: 20" H x 28" W x 8" D, 55 lbs. ($3,300)

[via acquiremag]

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The 'Ray & Stevie' Pendant Light

Rigel Celeste — 2008-08-08T14:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor

We've covered light fixtures made of sunglasses before and although it's an idea that will never fit it with my home's decor I must say the concept is growing on me and I especially like this 'R&S' (Ray & Stevie) pendant light by J.P. Meulendijks. The design is incredibly simple, consisting simply of 18 "reservoir dogs" sunglasses arranged into a circle. The result is an interesting piece of art and, when you turn it on, fun sunglass-shaped shadows on the walls and ceiling. Available in both black and white the lamp goes for just over $200.

Via Haute*Nature
%Gallery-29174%
%Gallery-25709%

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sub-Zero Introduces New Line, Improves Food Freshness

Tracy Chait — 2008-08-07T09:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor, Dining, Gadgets

Sub-Zero has just announced a new line, its "Built In Refrigeration Series," which will keep food fresher longer, effectively reducing food waste. Between its unique dual-compressor system, advanced air purification and water filtration system, this refrigerator is a work of science. For those of us who don't quite understand how aforementioned systems work, there's also a "freshness guide" inside the unit to tell us where best to store fruits versus leftovers.

The line will be available in Fall 08. Check out the gallery to see some of your options!

%Gallery-29149%

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Frank Lloyd Wright's Designs in Your Garden

Laura Malesich — 2008-08-06T14:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Decor, Art

If you fancy yourself a Frank Lloyd Wright fan and wish to emulate his designs in your backyard or patio this Oak Park Studio Vase may be of interest. The vase is a cast stone replica of the very object which decorated his Oak Park residence in Chicago. Illustrating one of his classic designs, the cross within a circle within a square, this strapping vase is available in three sizes with prices starting at $1,350. I imagine this would serve well as a plantar, birdbath, or decorative piece holding its own along a path or strategically placed on a patio.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments