Be Fashion Forward With Futuristic Furniture

When decorating your home, there are tons of themes, concepts, colors and designs to choose from. Your home can be sleek and modern with stark colors and smooth shapes, have a cottage country feel with flowers, pastels and antique woods, or use bold colors and vintage pieces to create a retro retreat.

But if you’d rather look to the future instead of the past, and being simply ‘current’ isn’t cutting-edge enough for you, opt for these futuristic furniture pieces that will make your home out-of-this-world.

1. Misfits Modular Sofa (by Ran Arad from Moroso)

2. LunaBlocks (by Lunatic Construction)

3. Accelerator Sofa (by Phillip Grass)

4. Air Lounge System (by Meritalia)

5. Kure Dining Table (by Fatih Can Sarioz)

6. Sleeping Pod Bed (by Albert Frias)

7. Sonic Chair (by Sonic Chair)

8. ALight Kitchen (by Altera Design Studio)

9. Omega Desk & Chair (by Atomere)

10. Hidden Kitchen (by June He)

Apartment Decorating That Will Make You and Your Landlord Happy

There are tons of great decorating tips for homeowners on how to express themselves through paint, wall treatments, flooring, and art. When a person owns a home, it is literally their canvas in which they can reveal their personality.

However, there are many of those who have their self-expression stifled by the fact they are renting an apartment. There are very few landlords willing to let their tenants paint the walls blood-orange red and a lot of the time, renters aren’t even allowed to hang anything on the walls.

So for those who haven’t entered the home-owning stage of their lives, there are ways to make your apartment feel like a home while still keeping your landlord happy.

If your landlord isn’t willing to let you paint the walls, the next best thing are wall decals. They come in various styles and colors from sophisticated to silly and are a great way to spruce up those boring off-white walls. Since they peel off easily, with no damage left behind, you can add your own unique touch to your apartment that can be removed when you move out.

If you have some art or photos that you really want to show off, there are lots of products on the market that let you hang pictures on the wall without leaving any holes or marks behind. Just check out your local hardware store for some hanging solutions.

Since redoing your apartment floor is probably not a possibility and is an expensive way to decorate a space you’re not going to live in forever, opt for a luxurious and vibrant rug to hide that ugly shag carpet.

If screwing in a curtain rod is out of the question, you can still add some privacy and color to your windows with temporary blinds, like RediShade. These shades are easy to install, require no drills or screws and can be customized to suit your needs. The best part is you can remove them when you move out and take them with you.

Finally, the absolute best way to add your own personal touch to your apartment is to accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! Use funky lamps, bold pillows and throws, lush greenery, and anything else you can find that expresses your tastes.

Even if your walls are bare and plain, you can create a look that’s trendy and uniquely you by surrounding yourself with decorative accessories.

12 Man-tastic Man Caves

Men are not your “typical’ decorators. They don’t care about the drapes, whether you use lemon, maize or tangerine yellow paint for the kitchen and they don’t care if you get a throw for the sofa. But if you give them their own turf, they’ve got ideas galore, many of which involve the latest hi-tech gadgets, comfy leather chairs and a beer fridge.

A “Man Cave” is a room in the house (although some men have been known to renovate sheds), where a man can get away from the pressures of daily family life. It is his personal refuge full of his favorite things. Man Caves come in all shapes, sizes and themes but one thing they all have in common is loads of testosterone.

The “Man Cave” is no longer an elusive dream. According to a recent survey by Servicemagic.com, 40% of homeowners say that their home already has a man cave and another 13% said a man cave is either in the planning stage or in the process of being built.

“These aren’t ordinary recreation rooms,” said David Lupberger, a home improvement specialist with ServiceMagic.com. “These are rooms that fall solely under the jurisdiction of the man of the house.”

So what goes into the typical Man Cave?

• Flat screen TV (75%)
• Recliner (69%)
• Stereo (68%)
• Refrigerator (67%)
• DVD player (67%)
• Computer (65%)
• Bar (64%)

However, men need not limit their dream room to just these items. Many hobbies and collections have taken center stage when creating a personal Manctuary. Themes cover the gamut, ranging from favorite sports teams to favorite hobbies.  There always seems to be room for just one more piece of memorabilia… well maybe not.

Man Caves are so popular now; they even have their own TV show, called Man Caves, of course. The Man Caves team has renovated and built some spectacular Caves and any guy would drool at the prospect of getting these guys into their basement or garage.

Not all “Man Caves” are created equal. They start at one end of spectrum, displaying massive hi-tech, home theater glory, to the fantastically creative and less expensive but equally enjoyable DIY version. They span the ingenious depths of drinking, debauchery and self-indulgence. And some include such Man-tastic features that you will have to see them to believe them.

Golf Garage

With the help of Man Caves team, Tony Siragusa and Jason Cameron, this former garage has become a high-end golf practice area and lounge.

Key Features:
A media center featuring a beautiful flat screen
Sports Storage
Comfy seating

Man-tastic Feature:
An indoor virtual-reality driving range with a curved wall

Shea Stadium-theme

What major Mets fan doesn’t want to create a Shea Stadium-themed Man Cave in his basement?

Key Features:
2 side-by-side flat-screen TVs
A huge cutout of the Mets Apple and various other Mets memorabilia
A signed jersey
Dartboard

Man-tastic Feature:
Custom-made stand-alone bar complete with a built-in beer tap, hot dog machine and a glass-top display case full of baseballs.

Pool Hall

This enormous man cave is like a pool hall and lounge area all in one.

Key Features:
Leather couch
Entertainment cabinet
50-inch LCD TV
Pool table
Pool table lighting
Built-in bench seat along the back wall

Man-tastic Feature:
Recycled rubber tile flooring - no stray billiard balls are going to damage this spongy flooring.

Built-In MAME

This unique home bar is an arcade gamers dream.

Key Features:
Stand alone arcade game
Slot Machine
Touch screen jukebox
Custom Bar
Flat panel TV
Games table and chairs

Man-tastic Features:
The custom bar comes complete with built-in MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator - an emulator application that lets you play older arcade games) and a 4-player flip-out control panel. The control panel was designed to flip up into the bar to keep the controls safe from spillage when the game is not being used.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg’s old Man Cave was a shed with plastic chairs. So to get back his rep he enlisted the Man Caves team to help him build a new hang-out, more befitting of his Hip-Hop mogul status.

Key Features:
Hardwood floors
Two 50-inch flat screen TVs
Media storage system
An art homage to himself and his friends (including a custom painting of himself)
Security system with video surveillance cameras
Plush leather couch
Direct phone line to Denny’s, his favorite restaurant

Man-tastic Feature:
The Cadillac Couch - custom made from the bumper of a 1961 Cadillac.

Harley Bar

This converted garage is a great hang-out after a long ride on your Hog.

Key Features:
Humidor
Beer Fridge
46” LCD TV
Gaming System
Custom Bar with glass top

Man-tastic Feature:
Harley Davidson parked right next to you.

Rock-climbing Room

Not all Man Caves are built completely for relaxation.

Key Features:
Leather Theater Seating
Retractable Projector Screen
Projector
Dart Board

Man-tastic Feature:
Rock climbing handholds all over the place.

Stripper’s Pole

You just never know when your own personal stage and stripper’s pole are going to come in handy.

Key Features:
Fireplace
Dartboard
Flat screen TV
Leather Seating
Bar
Guitars and Amp

Man-tastic Feature:
6’ x 6’ Stage with Stripper Pole and Spotlight.

Sauna

Who doesn’t need a sauna after expending all of that energy watching the game on the big screen?

Key Features:
50” Plasma TV
Bose speakers
xbox360, WII and PS2
Red leather stadium seating
Gamepod chair
Popcorn popper
Bar
Poker table
Air hockey table
Stand alone video arcade

Man-tastic Features:
Hottub and sauna

Media Wall

Some people are sure that you can never have enough TVs.

Key Features:
72-inch Samsung DLP HDTV
Two 32-inch Samsung LCDs
Onkyo receiver
CD player
DVD player
All three TVs are on separate satellite receivers so you can watch three games at once.
42” Samsung Plasma TV in Poker Nook
Poker Table

Man-tastic Feature:
Urinal with Polaroid TV above it so you don’t miss a minute of the game.

The Earnhardt Room

Some collectors just love their collections.

Key Features:
50” Samsung DLP HDTV
Yamaha Amp and DVD
PSB Image Series speakers (5) with a 12” sub
Wall to wall Diamond Plate Flooring by www.racedeck.com
(43) 1/24 diecast cars featuring legends of yesterday and famous paint schemes on the Daytona Track
(195) Dale Sr. and Dale Jr. 1/24 scale diecast
Converted Craftsmen Workbench into a bar
Kegerator
Beer Fridge
6 Bottle Shot Steward
Race Fan Furniture
APX Home Security System

Man-tastic Feature:
Custom built 16ft 1/24 scale front stretch section of the Daytona Superspeedway.

Secret Man Cave

Some Man Caves are too good to share, so it’s best to keep them under lock and key to keep the riffraff out.

Key Features:
Video cameras to watch where the kids are
Computers
Projector and a giant screen that doubles as a virtual shooting range and a movie theater
Theater seating
Sound-proof walls
Refrigerator
Mini bar
A hidden door that leads to the all-important, never out-dated workshop

Man-tastic Feature:
The hidden keypad which opens the hidden entrance.

http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0109/585568.html

How To Build Your Own Man Cave

With all this talk of Man Caves, you must be wondering how you can build your own. It’s important to plan your project first and a great way to start is by following these tips on building the ultimate man cave.

For more Man Cave Inspiration:
http://mancaveforum.forumotion.net
http://www.mancavesite.org
http://perfectmancave.com
http://www.ireport.com/ir-topic-stories.jspa?start=0&topicId=5282
http://www.boston.com/realestate/gallery/mancaves/

Bring The Outdoors In With Sculptured Wood Furniture

Looking to add a bit of nature to your home? Do you prefer a natural, earthy look instead of a sleek, modern design?

Homeowners looking to decorate their home with elements of the outdoors can sometimes find it frustrating to find unique pieces that will reflect their creativity and style without looking too contemporary.

If you’re having trouble finding the right pieces, check out the amazing sculpted furniture by David Delthony. Meticulously crafted from wood, these beautiful and polished pieces of furniture will add an organic and breathtaking element to any room in your home. Check out his website for more information.

Deco Tip #19 - Light Up Your Lamp

Are your lamps looking outdated and worn? Have they gone from a once stark white to a dark, butter cream? Give those tired looking lamps a mini makeover and a new lease on life with just a few craft supplies and a little creativity.

For a funky look, use beads and string to create a fun fringe around your lampshade.

Or use scrapbooking appliqués to create your own unique pattern.

You could also opt to purchase your own fabric like this animal print to cover the shade entirely and then paint the base for a total 360 makeover.

Get creative with ribbon, jewels, buttons, stamps, stencils, paper, seashells, bows, fur, paint and more.

You can also get the kids involved in creating special lamps for their bedrooms!

Your lamps will never be the same again! This is a great idea for old lamps picked up at yard sales or an inexpensive way to update your lamps after redecorating a room.

New Year’s Resolutions For The Home

Now that the partying is over and business is as usual, it’s time to start working on those New Year’s resolutions. Yes, I know. Every New Year’s eve you make one and every January 1st  you promptly forget it.

But this year is going to be different. Yes, this year you’re going to get things done because this year you’re not going to vow to lose ten pounds or quit smoking. No, this year you’re going decide to work on your home instead.

It’s been proven time and time again that a person’s surroundings can positively, or negatively affect them. So this year, I challenge you to forget about what you want to change about yourself and instead make a few changes around your home.

Let’s start with clutter, which is not only ugly and unorganized but can also stress you out. An untidy home is nearly impossible to relax in.

After you’ve spent all day stressed from work, the kids and your finances,  who wants to come home to a messy house that slowly sucks your energy? An orderly home creates a tranquil space with a soothing effect.

Taking simple steps to clear the clutter and organize the items in your home makes a huge difference and is also one of the principle elements to Feng Shui, (the Chinese system that improves life by receiving positive Qi, or energy).

Function also affects how you feel in the home, too. If furniture always feels like its in the way or the seating in your family room is awkwardly placed, it can interrupt the flow of your home and keep you from relaxing without even knowing it.

Enlist the help of everyone in your home to keep the place tidy and when you come home from a long day, you’ll feel a lot better being able to relax.

Once your home is in a state of clean peace, then start to consider how your home is decorated.

The color of a room and how it’s decorated can dramatically change the atmosphere and feel of your home. Reds and yellows create energetic feelings like happiness but also hunger (a good one to avoid if you would like to lose those ten pounds this year). Greens and blues are calming and relaxing, while purple and blacks can be powerful and elegant. Dark wood furniture elicits warm feelings, while stainless steel and metals can feel cool. Consider these things as you look around and figure out what kind of vibe your home is sending out.

Colors can also trigger memories so try picking colors that make you feel the most comfortable and happy. If a whole redecoration of your home is out of the question, then focus on accessories to brighten things up and create the feeling you want.

It can be as simple as new bedding for your bedroom or some accent pillows and colorful frames for the living room.

Taking a few steps to make your home feel better can have a dramatic effect on you and your family. With a little reorganizing and redecorating, you will create a space that’s calming and uplifting, which will have a ripple effect on you.

When you’re happy with your surroundings, you’re happy with yourself and that’s a great way to get yourself finally committed to those other long, procrastinated New Year’s Resolutions.

Here’s a few other quick tips to making your home, and yourself feel a whole lot better:

• Let there be light. It’s a scientific fact that humans need sunlight and not just for the vitamins it gives our bodies but because it actually makes us happier. Make sure to always have lots of natural sunlight in the most used rooms of your home to brighten your day, literally.
• Be Environmentally Friendly. It may sound cliché but it’s true that helping others makes you feel better about yourself and doing your part to protect the environment can have the same effect. So turn your home into a recycling, reusing and reducing machine!
• Donate Old Items & Clothes. Let go of any old furniture or clothes clogging up your home and donate them to those in need. Not only will it make you feel good, but it also will rejuvenate your home by getting rid of excess junk.
• Start A Home Project. Fix up that old chest in the basement or spruce up your bedroom with a wall mural. Doing something that’s fun and interesting rather than a household chore that you HAVE to do is an awesome way to inspire yourself. And once you’ve had a taste of success, it may motivate you to tackle something a little harder, like joining the gym (and actually going).