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Archive for the ‘Travels’ Category

Funky Fusion Glass Sinks

Electricblue

Electricblue

     

 

I have come across some super wonderful glass bathroom sinks on my travel to the USA. The company is based in Denver, CO. and carries a wide range of funky glass sinks in many exciting colours. Here are a few, they are really HOT!
 
Aqua

Aqua

Green

Green

Honey

Honey

Ruby

Ruby

              Also in Red, Black and even their new hand applied gold leaf finishes, Vapeur, Cubiste and Graphique. So stunning! A look that will give that WOW! factor to any bathroom

Black and Cristal

Black and Cristal

 

 

 ANDREAFAY INTERIOR DESIGN Ltd. is based in North London, England and writes on new HOT designs.

Please feel free to leave a comment and to follow her blogs.

 

 

What’s Hot!

The Hyacinth Lamp

The Hyacinth Lamp

 

This is a lamp I came across on my project in Atlanta, GA. for a new Show Home I am designing for my clients in the USA.

It is the new design by Bunny Williams for her BeeLine Home collection. I really like them as they are elegant and also quite simple.

Made of wood embossed to look like shagreen or searay’s skin, with small nickle feet to rest on.

 

ANDREAFAY INTERIOR DESIGN Ltd. is based in North London, England and writes abouts what’s HOT in interior design and her travels in order to find new and exciting ideas and products.

Categories: Home Accessories Tags:

THE REVIVAL OF LUXURY DESIGN AND FINISHES

 

                               Chair

THE PERFECT HOME SHOULD BE AN INTIMATE SPACE in which to relax, unwind and entertain guest, surrounded by beautiful 

objects and designs.

With this in mind, designing furniture for discerning clientele should combine not just comfort and functionality, but also beauty, sensuality and sophistication over short lived trends.

It is always my aim to create pieces based around these qualities, but it seems more important to do so now than ever before. In the context of the current economic crisis and as a response in general to the mass-production and run-of-the-mill of design styles we have seen over recent years. I feel that we need to elevate the quality of products and make them special and unique. We should treat them as if they were jewels or artworks. A single piece of furniture should be designed with the highest criteria of charm, versatility and individuality, they should evoke a sensory and emotional response from both it’s designer and owner.

Because of this, I believe we will see a renaissance of traditional craftsmanship, sophisticated research and creativity this year. This philosophy can be expressed through the finest attention to detail using timeless materials, fabrics and finishes.

There will be a re-emergence of the use of natural materials; but this time, they will be treated with sophisticated techniques, such as varnishing and lacquering, to boost longevity and their natural beauty. Sumptuous materials such as leathers and precious woods can enrich ssurfaces with their attractive polished grains, especially if combined with metal or upholstered details.

                                                                                          dreamstime_1920589[1]

Precious metallics such as gold and liquid silver will also be popular for their muted sophistication and natural radiance.

This quest for uniqueness and preciousness will also be reflected in fabric styles. Natural fibres such as silks, velvets and luxurious linens are both timeless and sumptuous; they have an instantly beautiful sheen, very different from the cold shine of synthetic yarns, and provide grater warmth as well as interesting natural characteristics.

Fabric pattern will also be inspired by nature, decorative designs such as stylised plant motifs, animal prints and sinuous shapes provide harmony and elegance, especially if complemented with strict geometrics, linear and checkerboard designs. The dimensions of pattern can create an optical effect on a piece of furniture; larger pieces, such as chaise longues and sofas suit more compact designs, while cushions and chairs look particularly striking with larger patterns. Mix dark with light and texture with soft weaves for a multi-faceted canvas that will appeal to our senses.

                                                                                                                       Beautiful Silk Fabric

Combine this rich scean with earthy-inspired colour combinations of dark green, charcoal grey and tobacco, with highlights of bright fuchsia, red and sky blue. A natural palette brings an aesthetic, sophisticated coherence to a room, defying age and transient trends.

 The element of exclusivity can also be achieved through the creation of limited edition pieces. Like artwork,  people dream of owning an antique of tomorrow, especially if these ’special furnishings’ are highly sought after for their limited quantity, timeless materials and priceless craftsmanship.

                                                                                         Luxury living room 

I would love to have your questions and/or comments.

Read more…

Categories: Home Accessories, Interior Design Tags:

My Travel to Egypt

January 25th, 2010 Andrea Mundell-Bowen 1 comment
 

3241807605_61f59a29c6 I spent a week in Egypt and was very pleased to see how warm, cheerful and kind the Egyptian are.

Sharm El Sheikh is the simplicity of sun, sea and sand. The luxury of five-star hotels, water sports, shopping and entertainment. Sharm el-Sheikh in on southern tip of the Sinai peninsula on the Red Sea. All around are Bedouins, colourful tents, mountains and sea. There are small, intimate hotels with modern designs, as well as larger hotel complexes belonging to International chains, a tourist center, casinos, discos and nightclubs, golf courses and health facilities. In fact, with diving and snorkeling, windsurfing and other water sports, horses and camel riding, desert safaris, and great nearby antiquities attractions, it is almost impossible for a visitor to be bored there.

Na’ama Beach is in the centre of Sharm el Sheikh, located just north of Sharm, this area is developing into a resort town of its own.  Most hotels at Na’ama Bay have their own, private beaches with comfortable amenities such as chairs, shades and even bars.

 Sharm el-Moiya is located next to the civil harbour, has accommodations for boats, and includes a Yacht Club with rooms.

For those who live to shop, the Sharm El-Sheikh mall provides shops with both foreign and local products, including  jewelry, leather goods, clothing, pottery, perfum oils, glassware, herbs and books.

The hotel we stayed in was a comfortable, clean, friendly and attentive, right on the beach hotel and I would recommend it to anyone.

I can hardly wait to visit Egypt again, I really had a wonderful week there and wish my stay was longer.

Please enjoy these photos.

Relaxing by the pool and my cocktail is on the way.

Relaxing by the pool and my cocktail is on the way.

                     

                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                    

 Egypt 2010 036      sharm

Egypt 2010 049Egypt 2010 074                                                                                                  346           hotel_FS_Sharm_El_Sheikh   

 
With lots of beautiful deep pink fuchsia coloured Boganvilla trees all around.           
 
With lots of beautiful deep pink fuchsia coloured
Boganvilla trees all around.
 
 
Categories: Travels, Uncategorized Tags:

Luxurious Soy Wax Candles

December 29th, 2009 Andrea Mundell-Bowen No comments
Crystal_Cane_Candle_Bitter_Orange                 I have been looking forward to doing this blog on luxurious soy wax candles as I have been very keen on them lately and will be launching my own brand of ANDREAFAY Luxury Soy Wax and Natural Wick Candles soon.

Candles have come a long way and is getting more and more popular in the UK , US and around the world. I have just spent a week in New York and visited department stores like Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Barney’s, Saks and so on, and the beautiful display of scented candles in these stores really convinced me that there is a need for luxury scented eco-friendly candles.

Candles are  are used for many reasons like religious or romantic celebrations. 

Here is a brief  history of candles to share with you before I display some wonderful images of  luxury candles that are in the stores today. . .

Please enjoy!

Early Wicked Candles

The Egyptians were using wicked candles in 3,000 B.C., but the ancient Romans are generally credited with developing the wicked candle before that time by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax. The resulting candles were used to light their homes, to aid travelers at night, and in religious ceremonies.

Historians have found evidence that many other early civilizations developed wicked candles using waxes made from available plants and insects. Early Chinese candles are said to have been molded in paper tubes, using rolled rice paper for the wick, and wax from an indigenous insect that was combined with seeds. In Japan, candles were made of wax extracted from tree nuts, while in India, candle wax was made by boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree. ‘ Mmmmm’ I can just smell that now!

It is also known that candles played an important role in early religious ceremonies. Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights which centers on the lighting of candles, dates back to 165 B.C. There are several Biblical references to candles, and the Emperor Constantine is reported to have called for the use of candles during an Easter service in the 4th Century.                                                 

Let's stay in tonight and light a candle!

Let's stay in tonight and light a candle!

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Very elegant jars you will want to keep.
Very elegant jars you will want to keep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These days we don’t have to wait for a festive or religion reason or season to enjoy candles.  Luxury scented candles are very romantic and also very comforting.

Whatever style your home is . . .  You should find a candle suitable that will blend with the rest of the room, like this by an American Chandelier. Whatever style your home is . . . You should find a candle suitable that will blend with the rest of the room, like this one by an American Chandelier.

Read more…

Contemporary and Classic Bedrooms

November 22nd, 2009 Andrea Mundell-Bowen 1 comment

 

 

floating bedToday my blog will be on bedrooms, contemporary and classical bedrooms. I think at this time of the year we tend to stay in bed an hour or two more than ususal on the weekend or when ever we get the chance. . .  the nights are longer and therefore the days are shorter. We also spend more time indoors as the weather gets wetter and colder outside.

 Indoors we keep warm and so comfortable . . . We rush home from work, school or play to be indoors where we are warm and comfortable and safe.

Yes! It is so nice to have a bedroom that is comfortable and so right for us. Your bedroom should be one of the most important rooms in the home as it is there you lay to rest after a long and hard day of work. That’s your space for relaxing, unwinding and rejuvenating. . . As you you sink into the comfort of your bed, you should feel cocooned from the outside world and allow yourself to be nurtured by a peaceful and calm space. Your bedroom should be ready for peace, calm and of course romance. . .  where you tell and share secrets, intimate moments and make love.

Here I will show you some different kinds of bedrooms and beds that will inspire you if you are thinking of changing your bed or bedroom soon.

I’ve been seeing more and more of floating bed designs lately, is this the new trend in ? that seem to defy physics or ?

Designer Andrea Lucatello (Italy) uses the finest materials for this bed, mostly made of fine leather. It aims to bring in a extra-ordinarily contemporary feel to any bedroom. You can select from four colour types (black, brown, ivory and cream) in any of the three sizes (, European King and Double).

A very Classical bedroom

 A very Classical bedroom

A Classical French Chateau style bedroom

  A Classical French Chateau style bedroom

This bedroom is definitely making a statement, How beautiful!

 This bedroom is definitely making a statement, How beautiful!

Very charming for a yound lady!

A very charming for a child’s room

With a fusion of Eastern and Western feel With a fusion of Eastern and Western feel

 They are so many styles that can be created for your comfort, that special room should be as pleasing to the eye, mind, body and soul.

Embark on a path to total wellness and rejuvenation. . . Be in harmony, surround yourself with things you like that are a pleasure to your eyes.

Categories: Travels Tags:

Curtains and Soft Furnishings

November 17th, 2009 Andrea Mundell-Bowen No comments
All kinds of beautiful fabrics for your Home Furnishings.

All kinds of beautiful fabrics for your Home Furnishings.

Curtains and all Window Dressings help to finish the look of your room, home or space and also keep the warmth in and  blocks out noise from traffic.

We are having a 15% sale on ALL curtains, blinds and shutters.

Call us now for all your window dressings and soft furnishings and claim your 15% discount before 7 th December.

We will come to see you with samples of  fabrics and styles, after finding out what you want,  we then make and install all items in our studio for you.

One Call Does It All . . . 

 ANDREAFAY INTERIOR DESIGN

Categories: Travels Tags:

Andreafay Interior Design – Welcome To Our Blog

November 4th, 2009 admin 3 comments

Hello to you  and thank you for looking in on my blog

Andreafay Interior Design is a well established design company who provide design services for residential and commercial properties in the UK and abroad.

Andrea studied interior design in London and has traveled extensively, keeping in touch and up to date with new technologies and designs.

The passion Andreafay has for her work shows in everything she does as she creates a contemporary, classic or traditional room to suit your style, taste and lifestyle.

Our team of designers at our studio in Muswell Hill, North London take pride as they complete a warm and welcoming atmosphere for you to dwell in.

Please sign up to  ANDREAFAY INTERIOR DESIGN  blog as we would love to send you updates on the design world.

My best regards,

Andrea