Home & Garden Blog

(Source Image: YankoDesign.com)

If carpets, hardwood, and concrete floors are too passe for you, how about one that generates floral patterns underneath every squishy step? The Blooming Step flooring system is a vinyl carpet containing nontransparent gel that appears clear when undisturbed. When you step on it flowers seemingly bloom from the surface tension and just as quickly disappear - creating a visual conversation as people walk across the room and interact with furniture.

Designer: Tae-Jin Sim

(Source: YankoDesign.com)

While in Smarter Home & Garden Blogging:

Childrens Furniture - Monte Carlo Balloon Ceiling Fans
My Neck Hurts - Shop for Neck Pillow Support
Discount Salt and Pepper Shakers - Unique and Nifty
Unique Furniture - Coffee Drum Table

Wow I came across this coffee table and the sheer oddity of it really struck me! Granted it is a touch “Coming to America” but I also think in the right setting it could really be quite a statement.

I am fan of “non matchy matchy” furnishings. I think it highlights the owners personality and creativity. This Coffee Drum Table is made of rosewood construction with a natural skin playing surface. Includes two beaters and weighs 40 pounds!

Originally priced at $480.82 but now ONLY $376.93

Quite a reasonable rate for such an artistic piece.

If you are interested in checking out the Coffee Drum Table, click here.

For more traditional living room furniture, click here.

If you’ve ever lived in cramped little dorm room  in college or even a small studio, some just don’t come with any cooking appliances. And cooking with a microwave gets annoying at times, not to mention you run out of things you can nuke. The Cook Top Vesta is a unique little invention by Matthias Pinkert that is perfect for anyone looking to save space and also cook a meal. Check it out here at Yanko Design.

Smarter Home & Garden Week in Review:

• Brookstone Folding Tray Table - Living Room Furniture 
• Black & Decker 18 Volt, Cordless Leaf Blower: $69.99
• Fall in Love with the B&W Zeppelin iPod Speaker

Have a great weekend folks!

Let’s face it, for most people comfort beats out design 99% of the time! What is more comfortable than a huge, snug, chocolate brown, leather beanbag for two? Answer: Nothing!

Now in all honesty when I think beanbag I get flashbacks of college dorms and lengthy nights waiting for boys to finish playing video games, Ha! But I was thinking that the beanbag would make a super comfy addition to your game room or a welcome addition to your living room TV watching sector.

Well the Novica Leather Beanbag  Couch is sure to be a fan favorite, it is made of 12 cowhides sewn together by hand! The segments are wide at the bottom and tapered at the end to ensure a beanbag that expands and molds in comfort. The leather is treated to render it waterproof. 

Price - $538.95 (originally retailed for $1712.95 you save 64%)

Plus use coupon code: NOVICA243 at checkout to receive an additional $10 dollar Off

(Click on any of the links or the attached image to shop or purchase the Novica Leather Beanbag)

Let me preface with ” I LOVE TARGET”!

I can literally roam the aisles for hours, totally content and happy with life. In fact, its a well known fact that when its rainy and gloomy outside, I have been known to purposely lose myself amongst the glorious Target aisles!

Well it’s a little known fact that the furniture selection at Target is getting better and better, especially online! I particularly like this Retro Black Chair with Step Stool. Cosco has modernized its classic 1935 kitchen stool, feautures include steps that glide in and out, a comfortable padded seat, grip treads on the steps for safety and a classic chrome finish.

Here is the real magic maker, the Retro Black Chair only costs: $44.99!

Ahhhh, always a fan of fresh clean lines in all furniture. The head and footboards have a smooth, natural look that results in a simple and elegant bed.

The minimalist look of the Chatham is a fan favorite for people who prefer “no clutter” and modern design. My favorite feature of the Chatham Bed from Target is the plated brushed satin finish that will ensure that the style will hold up over time!

My advice is this bedroom set would make a good transitional piece for your resident teenager or college bound youth. Nice solid bed that can be customized by your child’s individual personality or style.

Crowd Pleasing Price is…. $799.99

Last but certainly not least is this adorable little furniture find that I uncovered! The apple green and black Couch with Ottomans seat from Target!

Bean bags are so 80’s update your gaming room or rec room with this hip couch with built in footrests. Dual ottomans tuck in or out depending on your fatigued feet!

Now granted the color is slightly glaring, but that’s why I would recommend the couch in your game room or heck if your home decor is slightly kitschy and modern then perhaps even in you living room. Optimally I see these bad boys adorning your game room.

Couch with Built in Ottoman - $104.99 

To shop for more discount Target Furniture, click here. 

See you at Target folks!

This modern bed is certainly attention-grabbing - the thick bamboo or log-like effect of the headboard ensures a double-take. Bringing forward an organic allure, the Orson bed is a modern bed from Varaschin with primitive strength… finish reading at Trendir.com.

A perfect desktop companion, the igrobot ($13) is half robot, half earth. He comes with peat and seeds, and will keep growing even after you give him a little trim. Check out his growth potential at Uncrate.com

See the whimsical Chocolate Coasters from Animi Coasters that are fun and inviting. Who wouldn’t want to slip one beneath their mug of coco or spiked coffee? See more at Pure Contemporary Blog.

This week in Smarter Home & Garden we covered:

• Shop the discount drinkware sets I discovered at West Elm….only $29 bucks for a set of 4 stunning martini glasses, champagne flutes and wine glasses.
• Recycling can be fun and festive, see the creative use of Mountain Dew cans and liters…Happy Holidays!
• Showering has never been more FUN! See bathroom accessories and a great Youtube clip from Rain AIR.
• Remarkable design work by Victor Aleman and his new “Twist” on living room furniture. It’s not to be missed!
• Our delicious Deal of the Day will solve all your gift giving problems! Utilize the coupons and save money on our Holiday Gift Baskets offered by Mrs. Beasley and FTD.com

This is one of those rare occasions, when a picture (or series of pictures) speaks a thousand words! The images are striking and dynamic, describes the furniture far better than I could with pen and paper. But I shall give it a go, nonetheless.

Made from a single piece of red oak, the Loopita is covered in high density foam for comfortable seating. I am a big fan of grabbing a cushion or throw pillow from a couch and plunking down on the floor! So I find this design intimate and homey, which is not what people would automatically think of when they see the design, but I see the layers of “warmth” and “welcoming” possibilities.

The two opposing end points makes for a great floor level chaise. Add several Loopitas together to form interesting modular seating arrangements. I think the possibilities are endless and it’s truly an avant garde and dynamic living room furniture option. I confess here and now, that if I visited a home with the Loopita showcased, you would have to scrape my gaping chin off the floor! I love it.

To purchase or for further details please contact the designer Victor Aleman, click here.

To shop for more conventional living room furnishings, click here.