How'sHouse

Interesting Fireplaces to Eliminate Shivers

todd harmon — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:55:06 +0000

I first noticed it a few nights ago, when I woke up shivering and shaking at about 4 a.m. with my blankets and comforters kicked to the corner of my bed in a crumpled pile. Yes indeed, it’s starting to feel a lot like winter.

Now, I live in San Diego, so I’m sure many of you are sitting there snickering. “San Diego? You don’t even know what cold is!” And, as a native San Diegan (but a student of the world), I would have to agree. So I can’t help but imagine how cold it must be everywhere else, if I live in a meteorological nigh-paradise and I still shiver in my sleep. Time to break out the old matches, time to dust off the old flue and fireplace mantel: time to stoke up the old fireplace! Which sounds like a great idea… only, I don’t have a fireplace in my apartment. I’m sure many of you reading this can sympathize.

But, that doesn’t mean we have to wallow in mutual, perma-frosty misery (though there is warmth to be found in company). Check this out:

image source: http://www.pontonliving.eu

It’s called “Fireplace,” and it’s designed by Ponton (who seem to be a bit lacking in the creativity department, insofar as product names go, though their design imagination seems to soar). It is completely fueled by bio-alcohol, which gives off very few emissions (relative to standard wood-burning fireplaces). It is also small and very portable, suitable for indoor or outdoor use. And let’s face it – the thing just looks cool. It goes for 350-1900 Euro, or about 550-2500 USD.

Another portable and decorative alternative to traditional fireplaces is electric fireplaces, which have few CO2 emissions and can be just as beautiful as a real roaring fireplace. Add a stylish fireplace mantel to surround the electric firebox, and you can have yourself a stunning and warm living room just in time for the cold season! The price range for these is about the same as for the “Fireplace” above, though even cheaper (and decidedly less impressive) models can be found at major chain stores like Target or Home Depot.

Whether you go with a Ponton “Fireplace” or an electric fireplace, you will surely love the ambiance such a feature can provide in your apartment this winter. The only way to make it better? Share it with a friend!Similar Posts:

Starting my own wall-o-memories

Adrian How — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:37:39 +0000

About 3 weeks ago, I finally got my butt off the couch to get some digital photos printed, bought some IKEA RIBBA frames, and with hammer and nail, started my own wall-o-memories.

What is a wall-o-memories? It’s really just a collection of pictures hung up in a haphazard manner on a wall. Read more about the wall-o-memories concept in my previous post.

Here’s the one I did – the focal/central point being a cast of baby Ryan’s hand and foot when he was 4 months old.

Flanking Ryan’s pictures are my wedding photos (YinLeng and I are wearing traditional Chinese costumes in the second from top right photo). This particular activity is still pretty much a work in progress as we’d like to include images of our parents and siblings as well as including images of milestones in our lives (when i next decide to get my butt off the couch again). Being the amateur photographer that I am, I’ve just realised that the reflection of me shooting this photo can be seen in the image above. Gah!

Here’s a close-up of the cast of Ryan’s hand and foot. Flanking that is an image of Ryan in his favourite outfit – his Manchester United onesy and a picture of Ryan wearing his cap turned backwards, looking through the rails on his cot.

For parents who are keen on getting 3d sculpturing of your baby’s hands or feet, you can get this done at The Baby Loft at The Waterfront in Desa Parkcity.Similar Posts:

Mr and Mrs Chin

Adrian How — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:53:32 +0000

Giovannoni Stefano of Alessi worked together with the National Palace Museum of Taiwan to come up with a concept called ‘The Family of Mr. Chin’ where each character represented a household function. The one that really stands out is the Mr. and Mrs. Chin salt and pepper shaker set.

I’ve seen this unique Italian designed, Chinese inspired set available for retail at Robinsons Departmental Store for RM250. A pretty steep price to pay for a salt and pepper shaker, but when it comes with the Alessi name stamped on it, you know you’re paying good money for quality

Imagesource: alessi

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Art Exhibition: Print Show

Adrian How — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:49:42 +0000

Looking for art for the home? Here’s an avenue:

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What did Paris Hilton do with RM1,000,000?

Adrian How — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:13:56 +0000

Why, she did the most sensible thing of course! She spent USD325,000 (approx RM1.1m) on a 2-floor mansion for her pups. Now Tinkerbell, Marilyn Monroe, Prince Baby Bear, Harajuku, Dolce and Prada all have a luxurious place fitted with Philippe Starck furniture and a grand chandelier to call home.

Suddenly, the word kennel seems to sound almost vulgar in this context.

Read more about Ms. Hilton’s pink mansion on peoplepets and luxist

imagesource: peoplepets

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Top Ten Interior Design Trends in the Past Decade

richard hubbard — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:26:56 +0000

The last decade has seen and experienced a generous amount of interior design trends, as evident in magazines and media outlets around the globe. Although these trends became a staple in homes and establishments alike, few emerged as the leaders. The top ten are outlined below.

Bold Patterns

The dawn of the 60’s and 70’s fostered the idea of patterned fabric, but not until the last decade has this trend exploded. Modern geometric shapes, animal prints, and art nouveau influences have taken grandma’s old flower sofa to a whole new level.

Feng Shui

This term has become a household name in recent years and it is synonymous with calm and peace, and a “zen-like” atmosphere. The premise states that the avoiding or blocking of negative energies with the placement of furniture and accessories can create a healthy mental atmosphere in your home

Going “Green”

The last 10 years has seen a major impact on the planet with the development of eco-friendly and recycled materials. Organic and sustainable supplies, such as soy, hemp, and bamboo are widely available today, and this trend is slowly becoming and will continue to be one of the hottest of the decade.

Personality Design

Personality decorating weaves a personal style and location into a design. Homeowners and renters are transforming their spaces to reflect their own personal style and showcase their beloved collectibles. All people and all cities from Los Angeles homes to Baltimore apartments are renovating to garner a sense of unity as they recreate their living spaces.

European Influence

The subtle gold and warm tones of Tuscany and the classic colors of the patisseries’ in Paris have become a very popular design choice for kitchens in the last ten years. Because homeowners are often looking for a vacation villa style in their everyday lives, European accents translate them to another place.

Indian Inspiration

The bold purples and reds of Indian culture are evident in furniture, pillow accents, and accessories. Bold colors with glass beads and jewels adorn these items adding a royal and majestic feel to any space.

Asian Influence

Eastern influence is evident in the flat tones and soft colors of the Orient. Asian themed textiles and artwork are mixed with square edges also apparent in the table settings and dinnerware. This is slowly becoming one of the most popular trends for 2009.

Outdoor Indoor

Outdoor lovers are transforming their indoor spaces with outdoor colors and materials. Wooden accents with browns, greens, and a lot of texture give this look a “homemade” feel.

Artisan Products

Hand-crafted workmanship is evident, as well as attention to detail in every piece. One of a kind items and unique surfaces and accents are utilized and cherished for their beauty and individuality.

Contemporary Classic

The last twenty years has seen a rise in modern and contemporary furnishings, but not until recently have designers stepped out of the box and brought classic looks to modern styles. You will see reproduction of classic traditional pieces with modern colors and styles.

The last decade has seen a burst of new trends as well as a fresh twist on old ones. In today’s design world, anything goes, and new trends are created and recreated on a daily basis. Time will only tell what the next ten years will look like for interior design trends.Similar Posts:

Archie Grand – The Notebook Corporation

Adrian How — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:44:57 +0000

It’s amazing how many new people I get to know through How’sHouse. The online medium is a wonderful way to build real relationships in the virtual world. From the time I’ve set up How’sHouse until the present, I’ve made numerous friendships along the way – most asking for advice on their homes; many paying their compliments (it always feels great knowing I made someone happy reading my site); and others who are site owners themselves who drop by to say hello.

However, my most recent friendship was build in a different manner than the others. I got to know Johan Karmen, from Archie Grand – the Notebook Corporation, when he sent me an email telling me how much he liked How’sHouse and that he wanted to show his appreciation for my work by giving me one of his famous little notebooks. If you’ve been to his site, you can surely guess which title he sent me – ‘Designers I Met and Liked‘. I have to say, I’m delighted to have received this little notebook in the post a few days ago.

To me, most things that are elegant and beautiful are often the ones that are simple and subtle and Archie Grand’s notebooks religiously sticks to this concept and works just brilliantly. This is my very own copy:

More about Archie Grand:

The Grand family has produced journals and artist material for many generations. Today Archie Grand makes notebooks for friends and foes in bright colours, to make writing or taking a note a just a little bit wittier.

The present company came out of the late recession of the 1980s; the family company was in dire straits after the death of Archie’s grandfather Reinhold Grand. Archie was at that time in London for his education, attending Central St Martin and Royal collage of Art. Though not being very successful in getting a gallerist to exhibit his sculptures for the next decade, Lasty year Archie decided to revamp and revitalize parts of his grandfathers company. Having bumped into some of the charlatans of English society, like Alan Clark, Nigel Coates, Lord Acher, Bruce Bernard and other during his London years. Archie decided to give all the charlatans a notebook in matching colour. And so Archie Grand Notebooks for friend and foe came into life.

Our notebooks are made in Sweden, with great care to quality. They have a rigid cover, are thread sewn and have a matt leathery lamination. The size is a standard 160×115 mm to fit most suit pockets and small evening bags. Each notebook contains 160 blank pages of quality Swedish paper

Here are some of the ones I like and can relate to. In fact, there’s such a huge variety of titles, anyone will be able to relate to one at least. Simply briliant! Kudos to simplicity

Being in consulting, it’d be nice to keep a list of the ones I fancy though I doubt I’ll be able to fill in 160 pages full

This goes without saying that Ryan Giggs would be at the very top of this list, followed by, oh let’s see, the entire Man Utd team? I could think of another book title in which Mr Lampard and Terry could fit in

Runners are a bunch of extremely motivated folks so it’s always good to keep a list of the positive people I’ve met during my runs

Oh, I could only ever fill in one line in this book! (tsk: YinLeng, how many brownie points did I just score? tee hee)

Thanks for the notebook, Johan!

Imagesource: archiegrand.com

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Live It Up Kitchenware Sales

Adrian How — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:02:46 +0000

Live It Up! @1 Utama will be holding a kitchenware warehouse sales from 30Oct – Nov

Products Offered

Imported Non-Stick Pots and Pans
Pressure Cooker
Stainless Steel Cookware
Cutlery
Porcelain
Stone Ware
Glasses
Household
Kitchen Utensils
and more

Location

Live It Up

LG306 1Utama Shopping Centre (New Wing)

Bandar Utama

via ShoppingNSales

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10 Great Ideas from IKEA’s 2010 Catalogue

Adrian How — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:11:36 +0000

Yes, the new IKEA 2010 catalogue is out and you can view it online now! Here are some of the ideas and concepts that I can extract from this year’s catalogue:

1. Using EXPEDIT as a partition

Found in: pg 16-17

Both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Although it may take up a wide footprint, the partition now serves more than its original purpose – it can now be used as a shelve to house ornaments or if privacy is required, blackout using EXPEDIT drawer inserts or EXPEDIT insert with doors (see pg 78-79)

2. Bend it like BEKVAM

Found in: pg 130-131

This item sounds like that famous footballer who’s always craving for publicity except that the BEKVAM is quite the opposite – a low profile, quiet achiever. A workhorse and one of the best deals you can ever get at IKEA. I use this to reach the tall cabinets, to change lightbulbs, as a stool to watch TV. Its more permanent role in the home is being YinLeng’s dressing table chair (for RM59, it’s a heckuva deal I’d say!). I’ve been thinking of retiring the old chap and turning it over and doing a bit of a hack to transform it into a respectable bookshelf (ahh, that’s a blog post for another day I suppose).

Give your BEKVAM a bright coat of paint and it’ll be a worthy accesory in your toddler’s room too!

3. Store your magazines unconventionally

Found in: pg 86-87

Who says you need to store your mags and on a mag rack? Throw ‘em into a serving bowl by the side of your couch instead. A mag rack probably costs you more than RM45 so how about getting the BLANDA serving bowl instead? Be different

(a more cost-effective alternative: SMARTA serving bowl [pg 88-89])

4. Green up your place with ASKER

Found in: pg 116-117

This is a great example of using ASKER as a vase instead of a kitchen accesory. It’s not surprising that it’s been transformed into a vase seeing as it sure looks like one to begin with. I bet that was the inspiration origin for ASKER anyway. Looking at this example, you can brighten up any strip of wall with plants and show off your green thumbs to your guests. It’d look great in narrow walls and you usually find narrow walls where there are stairs. For this combo – GRUNDTAL or ASKER suspension rail and hooks will work

5. Wall hanging TV storage solutions

Found in: pg 72-73

Gone are the days where you had little choice but to get your contractor to custom build wall panels for your LCD/Plasma/OLED TVs. For a lot less moolah, IKEA now provides you with a myriad of storage solutions, all with wire clutter keepaways to ensure you only focus on the images projected from your TV, and not messy wires running everywhere!

6. Fill up that wall with RIBBA

Found in: pg 140-141

Got a plain wall you have no idea what to do with? Why not fill it up with photos of fond memories and loved ones? Get creative and buy RIBBA frames of different sizes and head over to the photo shop to get your prints. Then with a hammer and some hooks, hang up those frames! Apparently, there is order in chaos (so says Dan Brown, in the Lost Symbol). Even if there isn’t it’ll sure look good. Trust me, I’ve done it and it’s going to be one of my next blog posts, when I find the time to photograph my wall-o-memories. In fact, I’ve written about this concept before. Read the following related posts:

Hint: A cheaper alternative to RIBBA is NYTTJA

If you don’t want to use photos, try the extremely affordable MALMA mirror at RM7.50 a piece

Found in: pg 164-165

7. Bachelors could get HEMNES

found in: pg 150-151

No, it’s not a disease. In fact, it’s a darn classy looking couch cum bed for those who dwell in small living quarter such as a one-bedroom or studio apartment. It’s not exactly expensive either and when you do move into a larger unit, this can be turned into a daybed for relaxation.

8. Best damn 26 bucks spent!

Found in: pg 204-205

Why not make use of the space behind your door to hang your clothes? Get the GRUNDTAL hanger for door for only RM26.90. YinLeng and I now hang our clothes behind the door for easy access and ease of use. It’s completely convenient and keeps your items well organized.

I didn’t use GRUNDTAL back in uni, but i’ve been living with this concept for a while now. Here are some photos of my uni dwelling in Dakota South. Read more about the place here

9. Panel curtains

Found in: pg 218-219

IKEA’s panel curtains offer a great way to cozy up a room by filtering the natural light coming in. Motifs on the panel curtain add aesthetics to the environment. For RM149, this is a steal. What are you waiting for?

10. Get the outdoors indoors

Found in: pg 234-235

The green HAMPEN rug is something I saw months ago and couldn’t decide if I wanted to get it. When i finally did 2 days later, it was sold out and until today I haven’t seen stock of the green HAMPEN rug. Why green? Because it looks like grass, is bright, and I love football to bits. I also think that baby Ryan’s going to be kicking around a lot when he learns to walk and what better place to do all that indoors than on a thick rug? I could make his room look a little more like the legendary Stretford End at Old Trafford with this neat little accessory.

Alright folks, I’m off to IKEA to get that green HAMPEN rug. Even if Ryan’s not yet a toddler, his dad could do some juggling in the house – providing that mom approves of it. (YinLeng, every apartment I stayed in during my Uni days for 3 whole years, I never broke a single thing despite kicking about around the house every single day)

Imagesource: IKEA, How’sHouse

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Resident’s Green Day

Adrian How — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:57:14 +0000

The developers of Desa Parkcity now hold ‘Green Day‘ once every two months to encourage its residents to recycle. A very commendable effort indeed and it sure is great to know that I live in a place where the developers do their bit for the environment.

The next one is going to be held this weekend, on the 18th of October, from 9am to 1pm, at the Waterfront Carpark II (just opposite Zenia)

Anyone who is interested can contribute, not just residents. So go do your part and go GREEN. I know I’ll be there!

Find out more here

What/Where is Desa Parkcity? Find out more at their official websiteSimilar Posts:

How'sHouse

Interesting Fireplaces to Eliminate Shivers

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Starting my own wall-o-memories

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Mr and Mrs Chin

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Art Exhibition: Print Show

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What did Paris Hilton do with RM1,000,000?

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Top Ten Interior Design Trends in the Past Decade

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Archie Grand – The Notebook Corporation

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Live It Up Kitchenware Sales

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10 Great Ideas from IKEA’s 2010 Catalogue

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Resident’s Green Day

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