Green Design - Chimo Fireplace

I love the design and practicality of this new invention for the fireplace. It is the Chimo Fireplace by Floz Design for Blomus, and is a flue-less, chimney-less, instant atmosphere provider that burns nice, green Ethanol. It mounts directly on the wall like a picture frame and effortlessly blends form and function in a simple and unique way that requires little set up and no chimney. This means that any room of your house can now easily accommodate the comfort and pleasure of a beautifully designed and functional fireplace. I have not had the opportunity to use this particular product in any of my Design projects, but I have used a fireplace designed by Eco Smart, a company out of Australia that burns Ethanol.

This rotating, stand alone model will add all the extra sizzle a bedroom or living labyrinth might require.

As seen in the New York Times and on HGTV Blomus' indoor fireplace is a breakthrough in indoor ambiance and Green Design. It installs in minutes by mounting on any wall in your home, with no need for a chimney, gas line or professional installation. Simply mount to the wall, fill the reservoir, light it up and enjoy.The secret is that the flame is generated from Ethanol which is a safe, clean burning fuel that is completely organic and made from renewable resources like corn, potatoes, wheat and other vegetables. Furthermore, Ethanol is Green since it is not a fossil-fuel and burning it does not increase the Greenhouse effect like other fuels. This product is made in Germany.

Emergency Essentials

Warning: This post has no pretty pictures but it could save your life.

This is the new book by Colin Cowie, legendary lifestyle expert. It is an immensely practical handbook and offers step-by-step instructions on everything from how to make a gracious home to fearless entertaining. But the most important thing I gained from Colin's book was his list of Emergency Essentials on Page 66. It is a list of essentials to have on hand in the event of a disaster. If you are like me, who always thinks that it is a good idea to be prepared and then put it on the back burner to do "later".....well there is no time like the present to be prepared. This list is now my top priority, not because I think that we have a disaster looming in the near future, but as a practical and necessary preparatory pre-caution we can take for ourselves, our family and loved ones.

Step 1 - Click on image to enlarge to a readable size.

Step 2 - Print this out and do everything on the list!!!

My Style Resolutions

I have been quoted in this month's issue of Canadian House and Home on my Style Resolutions for the new year.
Click on image for a larger view

Thanks for all your supportive comments!! I plan to do more posts this year on how I use green and environmentally friendly products in my Interior Design for clients. It is such a timely concern and if we can each start in a small way in our own environments it can go a long way to doing something positive for our world that we all live in.

Lucite Lamp - My Kitchen

This Lucite lamp is one of those "Perfect" Christmas Gifts. It was given to me by my girlfriend Linda. She always knows exactly what I want, sometimes better than I know. I have to clarify that we have know each other for many years and met at Design School. Yes she is an Interior Designer also. Who else would give me something so perfect for my new kitchen. She has been my guiding light on the renovation of my home. When I was unsure if I was making the right decisions, I always consulted with her for her expert opinion. When I was on the search for the perfect hardware for my kitchen cabinets, I stumbled upon Lucite handles. Although I loved them I needed her opinion. Luckily she loved them and they are now a fait accompli (see the bottom 2 pictures). This is the lamp she bought me to sit on my antique 19th Century mahogany breakfast table to go with the Lucite theme. I don't know who was more excited as I unwrapped my Christmas gift - her or me!! Thanks Linda

Lucite lamp on top of my 19th Century English mahogany breakfast table with brass inlay.

My table is surrounded by my favourite chairs. The Louis XV Bergere Chair I have had for 25 years. It has a down seat cushion with a 1/4" flange edge, and is covered (in it's 3rd reincarnation) in a Scalmandre' damask fabric. The shield back chair is Georgian.

These are the Lucite handles gracing my pantry cabinets. My floors are 24" porcelain tile. I love it because it looks and feels like limestone without the hassles of limestone. Nicole, my little Yorkshire Terrier, and my grandsons like it because it is heated.

Postscript Jan 8 2008
Thanks for all your comments. I will post more pictures of my Kitchen as when it is finished.

Lucite Patio Bench

This is a fabulous new design for a lucite patio bench by the talented Jordan Capella in LA. What makes this bench perfect for outdoors is the lucite base and the fabric it is upholstered in, which is a solution dyed acrylic. Many companies are now carrying this type of fabric. I love the modern and fun way in which Jordan has used lucite to create his latest design. Good work Jordan!!

For a previous post where I have featured Jordan's work click here.

Check out the following web-sites for some companies that carry solution dyed acrylic fabrics for outdoor living. Tip: I sometimes use this type of fabric for indoor upholstery as it is very durable and cleanable.

Good for use in high traffic areas with kids and pets.

Kravet Soleil

Perennials Fabrics

Scalamandre Island Cloth Collection

Lulu DK Fabrics

Seacloth

Sunbrella

Weatherwize

Alaxi Fabrics

Nomi Fabrics

Merry Christmas to One and All

This is a picture of Inigo, my client Elizabeth's beautiful son.

2008 Your Best Year Yet - Write it Down Make it Happen

For those of you wanting to get a head start on making 2008 Your Best Year Yet. I highly recommend this book - Write It Down, Make It Happen . I am deliciously writing in my new Moleskin notebook with my yellow Lamy fountain pen all the wonderful things I want to happen in my world in the New Year. Make 2008 your "Best Year Yet" by getting clear about what you want to happen.

Update Dec 27 2007
A reader has just informed me that there is a Blog devoted to the "Moleskin.
If you are so inclined you can check it out here.