Category Archives: Unique Ideas

Curve Appeal: The Circular Sofa Gets Resurrected

Equal in comfort and sculptural appeal is the curved sofa; and furthermore,  a more stylish choice over the usual L shaped sectional.

 While some attest to its comfort trumping that of the average sectional, one will find it ideal for the entertainer or simply engaging in conversation with family and friends.  As San Francisco designer Chloe Redmond Warner stated… “It closely mimics the around-the-campfire vibe, which is so gloriously communal.”  And we agree, well put Ms. Warner!

The curved sofa is the perfect solution for creating interesting lines in a generally boxy room, or softening a more edgy look.  Jonathan Adler adds a feminine touch to the rustic look of the home below with his creamy curved Danner Sofa.

While we have a hit list of favorites, a few must-sees  include the gorgeous St. Germain Sofa by ModShop in LA.  Available in about a dozen colors, and optional feet.  These sofas are custom made to order, and will satisfy your love of Deco style.

If you have the space and are feeling really ‘groovy’ the 70’s inspired, Restoration Hardware Curved Wave Sectional might just be the ticket.

For more information about the Curved Sofa trend or items in this blog, please leave us a comment.

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Commercial Design: Primp Lounge in Manhattan Beach

Commercial design is always an exciting and challenging aspect of our business at Jigsaw Design Group.  Recently, our team completely renovated a former office space into a beautiful, bright, light filled beauty lounge in Manhattan Beach, California called Primp Lounge.

Our design team took a dark multi room office and breathed life into the space.  The first task was opening up the location by tearing down walls, replacing hardwood floors, and reconfiguring the floor plan to maximize the heaps of natural light from all the massive windows and skylights.  
Meanwhile, major upgrades were made in the water & plumbing systems, then air conditioning and a second bathroom were added, all to meet the new LEED standards and for the future patron’s comfort.

For the interior design, we added crisp white walls and bleached hardwood floors.  This lays the perfect canvas for twinkling chandeliers and cozy lounging areas  featuring Jonathan Adler furniture and accessories, all with a beach modern flair.

A must for every beauty lounge are comfortable, ergonomically designed chairs for hair, washing stations and lash applications.  Amid the white and black faux alligator covered swan chairs are Carrara marble table tops, and gold accents all throughout the space.

The beauty lounge renovations were perfectly executed to meet all the client’s needs for a gorgeous, functional space where ladies can come to relax and get primped!

See www.theprimplounge.com for more information on Primp Lounge in Manhattan Beach, CA.

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The Modern Twist on Nautical Style

Classic styles always evolve, and in this post, we’ll share some ideas for updated nautical looks.  Our design firm, Jigsaw Design Group is based in Southern California in a beach community called Manhattan Beach.  Here, we’ve seen the typical beach bungalow or beach cottage with shells and sailing kitsch mold into a more Cape Cod meets Modern style with elevated design and luxury finishes.

Achieving the looks is pretty simple, and the nuts and bolts can be done by a pro or some DIY aficionados if one feels brave enough.  While installing shiplap or board and batten are not required for the look, it has become immensely popular.  Using ship lap with it’s wider boards rather than the classic wainscoting make the look more up-to-date, much like the idea of hardwood floors getting wider too.  In the two images above one can see a Board and Batten example in the first photo, and Shiplap in the second image.  Pairing these finishes with crisp white walls throughout lay the perfect canvas for your Nautical Modern space.

Next, minimize. Using items with clean minimal lines like the console table above and simple framed mirror add a Modern touch amid the earthy basket and tufted ottoman.  Keeping items clean and simple and uncluttered for a ‘less is more’ aesthetic add to the modern touch and in the end make a big statement.

 

Something green in every room.  With all the neutrals, white walls and seaside color accents (aka flora and fauna) a pop of green will bring your space to life.  It also adds to the beachy, outdoor vibe of your nautical home.  The Schefflera,  known as the Umbrella Plant, as seen in the right corner of the above room is the ‘It’ plant in home decor for the modern nautical home.

Adding touches of seagrass, twine and wicker keep the nautical theme, but keep in unfussy and from looking too kitschy.  A perfect example is the bedroom about with rattan chairs paired with simple white linens and asymmetrical furniture placement.

Even the nautical stripe gets a modern update by Ralph Lauren.  Chic black and white replaces the navy standard for a fresh take on seaside style.

For more information on nautical modern style or images used in this blog, please leave a comment below or visit our contact page to speak to a Jigsaw Designer directly.

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Tips for Planning A Backyard Pergola

Tomorrow is officially the first day of summer, and our temps here in Southern Cal reflect just that.   Therefore the hot request we are getting from our client’s right now is for backyard pergolas.  Adding this type of feature to your home adds value, square footage, and a space to create  fun filled memories with family and friends.  In this post, we’ll share some quick tips on planning a pergola for your home as well as explore some interesting ideas to make your space unique.

For starters, you’ll want to find the perfect space in your yard, and one that is flat if possible.  If your land isn’t leveled already, that can be done by a construction professional.

Next, selecting a space with some trees for a bit of shade from another structure is best.  A pergola is meant to be open to the sun above, so on hot days a little shade will be welcome.

A fun way to add a little visual interest to your pergola is by adding laser cut sheet metal to the roof or custom wood work.  This details creates fun pattern play that simply adds another interesting layer, making your space fit your personality and style.

Think of a pergola as an added outdoor living space. Creating a space for outdoor dining to a home with a small dining room indoors would be an excellent solution to maximize space for your home.  Or, simply creating a fun outdoor space for your family to enjoy movie night via a large wide movie screening area as seen below.

Adding special touches makes your space your own, like the above with a rock path leading to the black pergola with globe chandeliers.  Or the poolisde pergola below with oversized beds and draping canopies for a dramatic solution for a shady spot to break from the hot sun.

Whether your pergola is free standing or attached, traditional or modern, creating an outdoor space to gather with friends will add value to your life as well as your home.  Relatively low in cost to build, a typical pergola can be built on the low end around $3500, but can climb upwards from there depending on your amenities.  For example a classic four post structure with comfy lounge chairs will cost less than one with an outdoor kitchen.  By definition a pergola is a four-pillared structures with an open, latticed roof, and are covered with concrete or a flagstone patio.  But even something as simple as mulch flooring and three pillars like the image below can break the rules, yet provide as much fun and relaxation as one on a grand scale with all the bells and whistles.

*JDG Tip-If you plan to go the DIY route, we recommend contacting your local utility companies to ensure you don’t dig post holes into underground utility lines.

Whatever your design style or budget, just make it functional, fun and most of all,  make it your own.

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Hot Trend: Neolith-Move Over Marble

Eco-friendly Neolith is an amazing stone that is growing rapidly in popularity.  Resembling Calacatta Marble in appearance, it behaves quite the opposite.  This impenetrable wonder doesn’t scratch or  stain,  so it’s ideal for counter tops in a busy household.

Can it really get better than that…yes!  Neolith is also fire resistant so it makes for a perfect option as a fire place surround.   This sleek look makes for a gorgeous focal point without the risk of fire damage.

Plus one can also use this stone on almost anything-bathroom/kitchen walls, floors and countertops without risk.  Durable enough to last a lifetime, and about a third of the price of Calacatta or Cararra Marble.

 

As if we haven’t said enough about being an excellent bathroom or kitchen option,  moisture absorption rate is very low and it also can stand up to some serious cleaning agents.  So you can get your ‘clean-freak’ on without harm.

This high gloss beauty will withstand the elements for a lifetime, making it a big contender to marble in the marketplace.  One can live a little more freely with this natural wonder.

Stay tuned for tried and true feedback on current Neolith installs by Jigsaw Design Group.

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Spring Furniture Trend: Wicker, Cane & Rattan

Spring is always a refreshing season for home furnishings.  New designs are birthed and the classics come forth reimagined.  One classic in particular is capturing out attention is wicker, but more commonly referred to as Cane, Seagrass or Rattan.  Even as a long time interior design writer, one can struggle to know when to refer to this woven wood classic as Cane, Rattan or Wicker?  So what is proper…actually?

Frankly, it’s all ‘wicker’, a term that is used to refer to any type of woven furniture such as reed, rattan, cane, seagrass, and bamboo among others. Also, wicker in essence,  describes the act of weaving wood to form an article of furniture.  Who knew it wasn’t just that thick white shellacked stuff at our grandmother’s home when we were kids.  A beautiful example of how far ‘wicker’ has come are the lovely chunky weave of seagrass beds, sofas and love seats from William Sonoma Home this spring.  

Wicker, or wickerwork, is a natural or synthetic vine or grass that is then woven into a pattern.  Natural wicker would consist of Reed, Cane, Willow, Seagrass, Rattan or Bamboo, while Synthetic (aka fake) wicker consists of Resin or Vinyl.   If the former, then it may be stained painted or left au natural. 

Rattan, a commonly known wicker, comes from the Rattan tree indigenous to Southeast Asia.  The Rattan tree is vine like and proves very durable being an extremely strong material by nature.  Due to its strength, Rattan furniture items tends to be more hearty in style, perfect for chairs and other substantial furniture. Like these Anthropologie chairs in fun colors.

Cane is basically a part of the rattan plant. It is produced simply by peeling off the skin of the rattan vine. One great quality of cane is that it is less porous and stronger than rattan in nature.  Cane is ideal for chairs and seats due to their natural pliability and easy clean-up qualities.  See the Serena and Lily traditional Louis XIV bed below.  With a tropical twist yet modern vibe it’s bright, light and airy and we are loving it at Jigsaw.

 

Cane and rattan are both relatively inexpensive wicker materials. They are also typically lightweight but best of all Cane and Rattan wicker furniture are environmentally friendly due to the fast rate of growth of the Rattan tree which makes it highly renewable!

For more information on Cane and Rattan, or images used in this blog, please leave a comment or visit our contact page to reach a designer at www.jigsawdesigngroup.com.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @JigsawDesign4U!

Elevated Life: Custom Residential Elevators

Our design firm, Jigsaw Design Group, is based in beautiful Manhattan Beach, California.  Coupled with living the beach lifestyle is the desire for the coveted ocean view from our homes.  Therefore, in order to reach that view,  we often stretch design to dizzying heights to get it; a three or four story home is the norm even if you’re across the street from the beach.  Meanwhile, all of those floors come with a price and it’s not just about $$ but about climbing all those STAIRS!  To conquer the multitude of steps to the top, builders are placing full size residential elevators in almost all new builds here at the beach. 

While this idea is a growing trend all across the country, the elevator is not limited to 3 or 4 story homes.  Two story homes everywhere are taking this leisurely way up too…and also in style.  Let’s face it, life is busy and anything to make home life more convenient  is priceless.

Custom elevators are not the sterile designs of their predecessors,  the cabs, as they are called, that we are seeing installed now are like little jewel boxes, or even museum like in nature. Styles come in circular shapes, all-glass, custom metalwork, and even Swarovski crystal inlaid and layered mirrors like these from DomusLift.

So besides convenience, why add or build to include an elevator?  It’s simple…added value.  Including an elevator in the design of your home will maximize resale value should you decide to sell your home.

Elevators installed in homes fall require a set of safety regulations that govern how home elevators are manufactured and installed. That code is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, Private Residence Elevators A 17.1, so finding a reputable firm is a must to ensure these guidelines are followed.  

The Elevator Boutique in Hollywood  California offer mind-blowing gorgeous elevators that are power failure safe and energy efficient.   Italian designed and known for excellence, the Supermec 3 uses minimal energy and runs from regular power outlet.  Additional perks: super luxurious, and does not require a machine room. 

Customizing the cabs come in every shape and fashion.  Dozens of companies offer this skill set with ability to build out an elevator to perfectly blend your style with this piece of machinery.   From white paneling with chair rail, to marble floors and custom metal work, styles run the gamut from rustic to modern.     

Bottom-lining it:  The New York Times reported in Sep 2016 an average cost of a residential elevator installation at $15,000. This rate was based on a 15 square foot hydraulic elevator of “average” design to carry up to 1,000 pounds.  The instillation is figured into a pre-existing home, not a new build.

The cab and hoist way reportedly cost between  $15,000 to $100,000 on average.  These costs are affected by customization, installation variables like single family home or high-rise apartments, permits, construction and added luxury features like the wine display case in the image below.  The number of floors to be accessed also affects the cost for example the two floor system would cost less than a four floor system.  Other additions to consider would be a phone for emergencies, which installing one is an additional $50 to $200.   

For more information on how you can elevate your life with a residential elevator or images used in this post, please leave a comment below or visit our contact page.

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How To: Select-Measure-Calculate Wallpaper

Take your space from bland to wow in an instant simply by adding Wallpaper.  Transforming your space using bold colors, textures or patterns make a statement in your home or office quickly and for a cost that won’t break the bank. 

With so many options available, choosing the perfect paper can be a bit arduous, but by following a few basic tips we’ve provided and using Jigsaw Design Group calculation tool, your search can be simplified and even fun. 

For starters, draw inspiration from your current space by bringing an existing accent color to life, or consider selecting a dramatic pattern to  bring excitement a room where most of the upholstery is solid.  Take into consideration how many walls you plan to cover, a giant geometric may be more suited for an accent wall or a petit powder room instead of the four walls in your bedroom.   A good rule of thumb is that the wallpaper should match the mood of your room.  For example,  a relaxing or romantic print for the  bedroom,  a bold and quirky print for a kids room, or rich and glamorous for a dining room will make sense in those spaces.  

Below, see how a Jigsaw Designer took a bedroom from pretty to a fashionista haven simply by adding the navy and white striped wallpaper.  She took inspiration from the navy and white theme of the room, and also used the more masculine bold stripe to contradict the frills of the Baroque framed mirrors.

Also, see the dramatic difference adding a wallpaper feature wall made to the entry in the same home come to life.

 The transformation is huge.  So, now that we have you on-board for trying wallpaper for your space, next…measuring and ordering.

Things to consider: Each variety of wallpaper has a bit different temperament than the other, so it is vital to the success of a wall coverings project to measure and order the appropriate amount of paper or fabric.  Jigsaw also suggests using a professional contractor for application.  This will take the stress off of you and avoid time and financially consuming mistakes. 

While most wallpaper is pre-pasted to make hanging a bit easier, grasscloth is not. Therefore, applying specialty wallpaper glue will add a step to the instillation process.  Finally, priming walls with a Shellac or any wallpaper primer will prep the walls for a beautiful final product. 

Luckily for our valued readers, Jigsaw Design Group provides a very handy Wallpaper Calculator on our website where one may easily input the measurements of the space to cover, discover the number of rolls needed for a project, and get an approximate cost for labor.  Wallpaper costs can be a bit tricky, so the Wallpaper Calculator can help eliminate unwanted surprises with your budget.  To check out the Jigsaw Wallpaper Calculator please visit our website at http://jigsawdesigngroup.com/wallpaper.  This calculator and all of the helpful information on the website helps make the task of selecting, measuring and ordering wallpaper so much easier and enjoyable.  

While there are dozens of wallpaper vendors, and many more listed on our website,  below are some of our favorites. 

www.grahambrown.com/us

www.fschumacher.com/catalog/Wallcoverings

www.wallpaperstogo.com

www.designyourwall.com

www.wallpapersdirect.com

At Jigsaw, we love using wallpaper to enhance spaces.  It brings something special into a room and adds warmth to a stark space.  For more information on wallpaper, or even help in choosing the perfect paper, leave us a comment or contact a designer through the Jigsaw website.  We’d love to help!

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Outdoor Furniture: Modern Luxury

British writer Henry James once said, “Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” And, who wouldn’t agree…

ravello dining

What better way to spend your summer afternoon than lingering over a poolside lunch on a Porta Forma Mercer dining table.  This gorgeous set is a stunner with it’s rose gold thick aluminum frame with contrasting pearlized black wicker seats, and cushions soft as clouds.  Complimented by the tempered glass top this stylish set has a luxuriously modern feel with a touch of retro.

Gold wicker chairs porta forma

Santorini here we come…the Ravello seating collection also by port forma in blue and white is the perfect beach palette.  The curved basket weave design is fresh alternative to your typical wicker designs.  This color scheme and silouhette blend well into a variety of homes styles as well even with the organically shaped white table that plays off as clean and crisp.

Basket Weave porta form

Circular and morphed shapes are a strong trend we are seeing in modular outdoor furniture.  The Hyde Park collection by Front Gate features extra-deep seating, all weather wicker and thick high density cushions.  While all these functional necessities are checked off the list, the uber cool factor at the top of our list is the circular shape that is visually appealing and allows more intimacy when visiting with guests.

Curved Modular seating front gate

The Baleares modular day bed is the perfect poolside companion.  This beautiful circular bed pulls apart to become two curved benches and round ottoman, or altogether as one large day bed.  The canopy allows for privacy or simply taking a break from the sun with the attached sunbrella shade with 98% UV protection,  in crisp white cane and brightly colored cushions this day bed is playful and functional.

Baleares Modular Lounger

For simple modern shapes for outdoor living at it’s best, Restoration Hardware never disappoints.  The Aegean Collection features low sitting contemporary designs with superior materials, clean lines and perfectly constructed metalwork. The Jigsaw Designers love the white metal framed silhouettes for light bright seaside style.  Create an outdoor living space or  relax poolside in the chaise double lounger.

Aegean Rest hard white

Agean double chaise lounger

Restoration Hardware also does the outdoor day bed very well.  The Luna Domed Day Bed with it’s organically shaped design offers privacy and comfort in high style.  This bed is sexy and stylish and sure to make you feel like a celebrity.

Luna Daybed

The classic look of teak can fit most any style. The Restoration Hardware teak Malta Day Bed is made up of a dreamy double chaise loungers with four-post canopy for ultimate in intimate beach side sunbathing.  Offering a dramatic experience that you won’t ever want to escape from your escape.

Malta Day bed

No outdoor setting is complete without an umbrella to keep that delicate skin of yours out of the sun for a much needed break.  Santa Barbara umbrella has some of the highest quality umbrella’s around.  These sun bathing beauties however will set you back about $4K, but if you got the money to burn better that than your skin!

sb keyhole valance umbrella

For more information on outdoor furniture trends and resources visit the contact page on the Jigsaw Design Group website at www.jigsawdesigngroup.com.  Someone will quickly contact you with more information.  Please subscribe to the blog for more informative articles like these, and check out our Facebook page for more tips and images!  Be sure to ‘like us’ on Facebook!   Now join us on Googleplus too!

Led Glow balls

*photo credit information available on request

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Favorite Apps for the DIY and Interior Designer

These days, there is an app for everything.  At Jigsaw, we have teams of helpers from Architects to Painters that we use regularly, but sometimes there is just that odd job here and that needs to be done…and somebodies got to do it.  We find ourselves outsourcing in essence of saving time.  As a result, we’ve become so enlightened with a variety of these time savers that we had to share the good news.  In fact, we’ll likely do a monthly post on our latest favorite apps because they are always evolving…so stay tuned…in fact, subscribe! 

One of our favorite Apps is TaskRabbit.  If there is one thing that drains your time during instillation, it’s putting together furniture.  This app allows you to upload the task at hand on the App and taskers bid on your project.  Taskers can pick up orders at stores for you, put those items together, and even stand in long lines for you.  The taskers ranges from house keepers, handyman, graphic designers to entertainers; so virtually any task you need, Task Rabbit can find the tasker. The prices are fair and each Taskers undergoes an extensive background check in-person before joining the team at TaskRabbit.  Also, you can pay for the task through the secure website/App.  No dealing with money on the spot, everything is very clear when your taker arrives. 

Jigsaw’s latest discovery is a furniture moving App call LUGG.  This App is the Uber of moving and what every designer, single gal, city dweller with no car, or you Smart Car drivers out there needs (settle down girls, we know your tough but let’s face it, the sofa is heavy).  Simply download the app and within 30 minutes a truck or van with two movers will arrive at your selected location.  Drivers can pick up at local stores, Craigslist locations, move your entire house from one location to the next.  LUGG can also pick up your donation and drop them at Good Will or even the City Dump if you wish.  All their drivers are vetted for quality and the trucks are either pick up trucks or cargo trucks depending on your needs.  Using the app is easy, you download the app to your device, select a pick up location, then add a photo of what you need moved, then once you select your pricing and options, help is on the way. 

Next is our beloved Thumbtack.  Thumbtack is a bit like Task Rabbit, except the focus is finding professional freelancers in Home Improvement for their given field.  For example, one can find a professional tile worker or painter on Thumbtack.  And like the aforementioned Apps, you simply download the App, describe your project and then wait for bids to come in from different professionals.  Once your bids arrive in your account, you can read about your potential professional and even start a conversation to ask more specific questions.  Like the other Apps we’ve discussed here, you can also hire, make a payment, and then leave comments about the contractors work directly in the App. 

At Jigsaw, we enjoy helping our readers explore ideas, make their DIY project easier and save time.  We hope this blog will help you realize your home improvement projects faster, easier and more economically. 

Have a home improvement  App you love?   Then please leave us a comment…we’d love to check it out and even feature the next Favorite App blog, we’ll even give you the cred! 

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