Luxury Vinyl Tile

Until recently the thought of vinyl flooring could instantly transport you back to your childhood, standing in your grandmother’s kitchen with thoughts of linoleum dancing in your head.  Contrary to this fading memory is a hot new product we are seeing more and more called Luxury Vinyl Tile.

chevron room chair

hardwood living room

 

grey white lattice

Known as LVT in the industry this severely cool, flexible and budget friendly flooring has become the fastest growing product in its market segment.  While imitating hardwood floors, natural stone and ceramic tile, this product is extremely durable; ideal for a high traffic area like bathrooms, kitchens, and even restaurants.

black bath tile

herringbone kitchen viyl wood plank

lux vinyl stone

Available in a variety of ranges from modern to rustic, the embossing and graining on LVT are extremely realistic with 3D effects.  These tiles can also be grouted to look like real stone or ceramic tiles for added effect.  ‘Slate’ vinyl floors give a rustic modern feel in the images below, while the black and white colored chevron adds whimsy and flare to the living area of this bright home.

slate floor

 

 

tile w grout

 

blk wht chevron

Hardwood floors are imitated with the true character of wood with graining, depth of color and embossed texture.  The LVT hardwoods are installed in planks like real hardwoods for a natural look.  Vinyl hardwoods, being water resistant, are an ideal way to have the hardwood floor appearance in your bath without the constant fear of water damage.  Beautiful white washed vinyl wood floors in a bathroom are the perfect touch for a warm feel after a long relaxing bath, or a multiple color chevron for a bold fashion forward look in a small space.

Stark room wood look

white washed bath

grey two tone

Why do we love LVT at Jigsaw? Durability, comfort and style!  The LVT flooring is a bit less permanent way to add a trend you love in color or style without having to live with it for 20 years; with less permanent floating LVT floors you can get an updated look quickly and quite economically.  With industry standards in safety and flame retardant it is easy to see why this product is soaring to the top of consumers want lists.

bright and bold

large dark grey square tile

 

Let us know what creative ways you added LVT to your space.

For more information on LVT flooring 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!

Resilient flooring by shaw floors newport beach stle

 

Agate and Geodes-Natural Glamour

For centuries minerals, crystals and stones have been believed to contain mysterious powers of healing, health, and prosperity.  Black Agate for example is believed to have the power of protection from stress, nightmares, and discernment along with the added perks of prosperity and coincidentally invigorates an appreciation of nature. Whether you are a believer in these mystical powers or not, we can all admit they are of magnificent beauty and a true gift of nature that we can truly appreciate

Agate Photo Wall adler coasters

 

rest hardware 2 close up

While the home furnishing world has seen a movement with these gorgeous stones from nature, we will explore in this post a variety of ways to add this naturally glitzy trend to you space in fresh and unique ways.

Agate Book Ends West Elm

 

Agate Wall

agate chandelier

Agate and Geodes are two beautiful mineral samples to display and come in a variety of colors and forms.  Agate is an ornamental stone consisting of a hard variety of chalcedony and appears banded or striped.  Instantly add this trend with drink coaster in a rainbow of colors as seen below from easy to find resources like Jonathan Adler, or West elm.  Or this gorgeous trivet from Calypso will add a unique flare to your dinner table.

 

Bold Color Agate disks for coasters or candels

 

Agate Jewel Boxes

agate trivet by Calypso

We are in love with the Agate books ends in Amethyst and the candelabras from Z Gallerie to dazzle your bookshelf or console table.

Purple Book Ends

Z Gallerie Agate Candleabrae

For a completely fresh take on incorporating the natural mineral look into you space, the Jigsaw Design team suggests adding a large close up image as a wall covering or, more permanently,  having a back-light installed under a layer of the mineral of your choice.  This look has extreme wow factor and results in an exclusive designer style tailored just for you.

Agate wall panel

Photo of Blush Agate goreous

 

Mounted Blue Agate Wall Decor

Geodes are another mineral used creatively to add a natural element to your décor.  Geodes have a small cavity inside of a rock that is lined with crystal or mineral matter.   Because of the geodes shape the rock gives a more sculpture feel to this natural crystal.  Geodes can stand alone on a table, or be displayed in cases like priceless works of art. The Jigsaw Designers love the use of geodes as functional décor like the black lamp in the images below.

Geodes lamp

Agate Objects console Add an element of nature

restoration hardware boxes w mineral agate geodes and minerals

Whether you decide to love this trend a little or a lot, adding a few pieces into your mix will present a pop of that trendy color you want to play with, and the timeless beauty of nature to your space.  Let us know how you added nature’s glam to your décor, we like hearing from you.

Agate Coaster Brazilian Agate on etsy for the fashionista

For more information on agate  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!

 

Zincdoor blue coasters

 

Resin Coated Photos and Art

The luster of resin coated photos and artwork can bring a fresh element of style to your space.  Resin coating is a trend that can turn an average photo into a work of art.  Old family photos, black and white images, your child’s artwork or even simple wall letter have new life with this added layer of interest.

opening photo canvas art w white sofa

Coated black n white photo hotel

Wall Letters

Photos on paper or canvas, acrylic paint or watercolor all shine with a resin coating which knows no bounds.  While a bit of a messy feat, this process can be a DYI worth trying.  In this post, we will take you on a step by step DYI for applying resin to your photos and art.  Plus give you some resources to purchase the necessary products.

arc de triomphe

Resin Coated Agate Photo on Wall

Supplies:

Epoxy Resin and Hardener, Spreader, Sponge Brush, Goggles, Gloves and Ventilation Mask

Envirotex

Now just follow the easy steps.

Step One:

Put on your protective gear, and open a window or work in well-ventilated area.

Step Two:

Mix resin and hardener in equal parts.  The resin mix must be very accurate for best results.   2 cups of mixture will cover a 2’x4’ surface so a little goes a long way.

Step Three:

Apply the mixture to the artwork that is dry to the touch-pour mixture onto center of artwork and using an epoxy spreader, spread mixture evenly to the edges allowing the mixture to run off the sides.

Step Four:

Once resin has spilled over the sides, smooth evenly with a sponge brush.

Step Five:

Allow to dry overnight.  Your custom work of art is complete.

Acrylic Abstrac resin gold white  i want this

 

tom ford photo

water color resin jadler

There are several resources for epoxy resin coating but we found one particularly helpful.   For more ideas for creating unique one of a kind artwork with resin coating visit www.artresin.com for a complete list of frequently asked questions.  This site also sells starter kits of Envirotex Resin and Hardener making it quick and easy to get started.

The fun doesn’t have to stop with your photos and artwork.  This flexible product can be added to table tops, floors, jewelry…the list goes on and on.

table top

Resin coated floors

Don’t like to get your hands dirty?  Try resin coated photo paper by Illford on your home printer.  Available at Amazon starting at $25 per 25 pack.  Get a nice pop of high gloss with this amazing paper.

Ildord ilford example

Enjoy this fun DYI project and let us know how resin coating transformed your photo.  We love hearing from our readers!

For more information on resin coated art 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!

Frank Lloyd Wright-The Pioneer of Rustic Modern Design

Being the father of organic architecture, FLW was far ahead of the curve on the eco-friendly home.  He used the earth in its very essence to create homes that were virtually seamless from outdoor to indoor. Coupled with that he laid an innovative design philosophy that pioneered what we now call rustic modern design.

Exterior

 

Modern Today Exterior

“We have no longer an outside and an inside as two separate things. Now the outside may come inside and the inside may and does go outside. They are of each other. Form and function thus become one in design and execution if the nature of materials and method and purpose are all in unison.”
― Frank Lloyd Wright

Living room windows and doors

 

Large Windows entrance

The most famous example of this beautiful simplicity is the astounding Fallingwater home in Mill Run, PA built in 1936. The project in its entirety was inspired, designed and integrated with nature. The original “rustic modern” home with its natural materials: Pottsville sandstone, flagstone, concrete and wood for built-ins and furniture; combined with the modern flair of steel which was used for windows, doors, sashes and metal shelving in a single color throughout, Cherokee red, his signature color.

Natural w Metal Industrial Fireplace cooker

Low Furniture bringing outdoors in

FLWright was the forerunner in many arenas from concept, design, and sustainability in which he continues to influence today.  The open concept home was not common in this era yet ever present in this informal retreat.  Furniture was built low in a style we consider modern to this day, all in natural colors to not obstruct the views of the serene outdoors.  A one of a kind hatch made of steel bound windows lead you from inside the home directly to the running water of the river below by stairway. In a few steps you are transported to the babbling stream that runs freely bringing energy and life to the home. Large almost seamless windows alongside mitered corner windows are used throughout this landmark home to bring the outdoor in and allow light to pour through.

Open Floor Plan

Low Furniture 2

Glass Hatch 1

Hatch 2

Steps to water

Mr. Wright had a famous quote that is clearly depicted in the Fallingwaters home.  “No house should ever be on a hill or on anything. It should be of the hill, belonging to it.   Hill and house should live together each the happier for the other.”  The Fallingwaters property was built into the cliff side, hovering over the water as if suspended timelessly and effortlessly.  The home is anchored to the cliff by sandstone with terraces jutting out directly over the stream.  The interior walls are formed from sandstone and the flooring of flagstone floors to mimic the bedrock below the house in the stream.  Uncut boulders are left in the living room as a decorative relief instead of being removed and replaced with flooring.   A true innovation in design concept and functionality. The rustic influence of the native rock married with the modern lines of wood furniture and the steel presence bring the true nature of the rustic modern style to life.

boulders 1

side view 1 side view 2

“Organic architecture seeks superior sense of use and a finer sense of comfort, expressed in organic simplicity”.  -FLW

While continually influenced by Japanese culture, philosophy and building, he was a passionate American striving to give us a gift of staying connected with the earth and with nature to remain pure and true to its preservation and the craft of design.
outdoor nature blending together

Open Floor Plan

 

For more information on rustic modern style 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!

outdoor 1 outdoor 2 outdoor 3

 

Hot Trend-Chunky Knit Decor

Cozy up in the ultra-cool trend of chunky knit home décor.  These fun whimsical creations are ‘haute’ right now and the timing couldn’t be better.  Winter is here so why not bring the warmth of the cable knit sweater into your home.  Roche Bobois created this incredible cable knit rug and pouf below for added warmth to their typically modern décor.

Roche bobois rug and pouf cover 1

When updating with kitschy knits, don’t be afraid to mix textures.  The Jigsaw Designers encourage combining textures like the textured cable rug and the grass cloth wallpaper as seen here.

Knit Rug

At Jigsaw, the designers thrive on finding (and setting) new trends in unexpected ways.  Cable knit pendant lamps are a perfect example of that.  Adding this touch of texture to any space will create dimension and display a fresh focal point.

knit pendant lamps

cable pendant 2

Chunky knits are rich in character and look beautiful layered in any home especially the modern or rustic modern home.  Play up a cozy bedroom with chunky knit throw pillows and even a chunky knit comforter. ..though it may be hard to get out of bed on a cold morning.

Cable knit Comforter

knit pallet bed blues bedroom

knit pillows

Cable knits are soft and natural, so if you’re style is more contemporary and you aren’t quite ready to go there, try adding a cable knit pouf for fun or pop of color and texture, or a simple ceramic vase for a hint of the trend with a modern twist.  They’re a fun and more transitory way to try the trend.

knit ottomans in high ceiling beam room cover 1

cable knit cube

ceramic candle vase

ceramic cups

If you’re over the top crazy for knit then add that final layer with wallpaper made to look like your favorite sweater.  Available in a variety of colors, prints and textures, knit ‘like’ wallpaper will certainly add the perfect touch to your space.

knit wall paper eames

cable wall paper 2

While knitting is not just for your grandmother anymore, this chic new essential is modern and very ‘now’.  Cable knit items are a fun dyi project if you have the skill.  Knitting classes are all the rage these days, so grab a class and get busy.  Not enough time on your hands?  From H & M to Horchow you can find these trends in the market fairly easily.  Get this quirky sophisticated trend while it’s cold…or well, hot!

cable carpet tiles

Knit baskets

 

For more information on the cable knit trend 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!

Knit foot stool

knit pillows living room