Your Perfect Home Gym

October 26, 2015 Jigsaw Design 1 Comment

At Jigsaw Design Group we strive to be ahead of the curve on trends. Therefore this post on spectacular home gyms is suitably timed before the holidays to help you stay ahead of your ‘curves’.

The growing demand for home gyms is growing rapidly. With the typical 9-5 work hours a thing of the past, shifting into longer hours at the office, the ease of working out at home is a welcomed luxury. Not only suited to your particular needs, furthermore there is no membership required.

Finding the space for your home gym is the first hurdle to tackle. A spare bedroom is the obvious first choice and the image below is a lovely solution. Keep the theme of your home flowing through to your gym with crown molding, chandeliers or whatever suits your style. Mirrors can be added to the wall and removed later if you need to convert back into a bedroom. Don’t love the 80’s throwback wall of mirrors, try a framed oversized mirror in which to flex your muscules.

No spare bedroom? This is a common issue, try building your workout space outside. We love this open air gym with mansard style roof. The folding french doors and detailed ceiling create a luxury resort vibe. Complete with white gravel path leading up to the gym that is surrounded by greenery and landscaping simply adds to the tranquility of this daily ritual.

Of course, there is the basement. While most basements don’t have very large windows if any at all, you’ll need to brighten it up with great lighting, paint and killer style to make this space motivating. So get that basement cleaned up and grab a paint bucket. The image below with the yellow stripes includes half gym, half home bar to get multiple use out of the space. The bright paint lightens up the space and will make you feel off to the races with those stripes. Albeit bright stripes or inspiring words, the key is to lighten up this typically dark space.

The attic can often be a large space with vaulted ceilings thus creating a perfect size for large gym equipment. Pilates lovers can install a reformer machine or hanging bag for kickboxing lovers. If your attic or loft is a-frame creating a small yoga space or ballet barre area in the loft could be a perfect solution. Installing wood flooring and finishing out the space in similar colors and style as the balance of the home will keep the space flexible in case you ever need a space for kiddos to sleep during holidays or slumber parties.

For the city dweller space may be an issue altogether, therefore a mini gym could be a great solution. The home gym XFIT from Tumidei and Carpam Sports srl has created a chic looking home gym that fits into a style cabinet. Included are LCD TV with a dvd and cd player. Available on Tumidei or Xfit sites, this is a great little gym for apartment living.

Nothing feels better than having your work out complete before you start the days. Roll out of bed and head down the hall to your home gym workout and revitalize your life! For more information on awesome home gyms 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!

Color Trends, Furniture, Lamps and Lighting, Unique Ideas, Wall Decor, Wall Paper, Art and Frames

For the Love of Lacquer

October 9, 2015 Jigsaw Design Leave a comment

High gloss Lacquer has made a big come back, and it’s not the lacquer of the 80’s, too often paired with a Nagel print. No, this lacquer trend is bold and fresh with style that will be shining on for quite some time.

Furniture designer Jonathan Adler has this market segment pegged with an enormous collection of lacquer pieces to choose from. He uses bold colors that pop the gloss to hi-def proportions and compliments each style with bold hardware options in brass or nickel. We love his Turner Cabinet with it’s modern take mixed with chinoiserie flair. This style would make a perfect console or buffet for your dining room that would wow your guests.

Brighten up your dining experience by adding a lacquer table into the mix. Whether your style is modern, transitional or hollywood regency you simply can’t go wrong with the striking look of a white or black high gloss dining table. While perfectly reflecting twinkling candle light your lacquer table will be a definite conversation starter.

Really ramp up this look with lacquer wall paint. This ultimate brave move will work perfectly in a special common area like the dining room or a study.

If the love of lacquer is new to you, then a safe starting place for this bold look is the bedroom, of course. Start small with a pair of bedside tables like the West Elm white lacquer nightstand in the following image. Really feeling the love of lacquer? Well, go big in kelly green with this delightful dresser from Room Service with perfectly paired gold hardware.

Touches of lacquer can mix into almost any style of home in some way. The glossy finish adds that perfect extra layer of texture. Play up the look with fun accessories. Lacquer trays for tidying your kitchy goodies, a bar tray, or even bath accessories are all quick and relatively inexpensive ways to get the trend while it’s hot.

For more information on lacquer 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!

Style, Unique Ideas, Wall Decor, Wall Paper, Art and Frames

The Perfect Powder Room

September 30, 2015 Jigsaw Design Leave a comment

We lent a friendly reminder, in our last post, that the holidays are in fact just around the corner. Getting ready for house guests and open houses means it is time to update and even renovate that much overlooked powder room.

The powder room is a space that everyone will likely see whether they are a guest for the weekend or a few hours during a cocktail party. So this room should actually be one of the most chic rooms in the home. After all, you do have a captive audience in there.

Since the powder room is typically a small space, it usually won’t break the bank to give it a refresher. This is a space that you can be bold with a trend because frankly, you can change it rather easily and quickly if you tire of it. Small rooms can still be big on style, so we’ve created a top 6 list of for a fitting update.

#1 Exotic or Moroccan Accents-If you have an eclectic or bohemian vibe in your home then Moroccan fretwork wood paneling from floor to ceiling in your tiny space can be a true piece of art.

#2 Black-don’t be afraid of the dark- If you’ve followed our blog for long you know how much we love using black here at Jigsaw Design Group. Glossy black, matte black, black paint, black tile, you see where we are going here, black is always in style and adds a touch of glam to any space. Black can make it dressy, deco or even masculine so this haute hue is at the top of our update list.

#3 Wallpaper-Wallpaper is often the perfect answer for the powder room. It is color, texture and artwork all wrapped into one foundational characteristic of the space. Add a few accessories and an orchid and you’re done. Minimal work with ample wow factor.

#5 Gold Faucets-Yep, that’s right, gold faucets, sinks, door pulls, towel rack…yellow gold, rose gold, it’s not the brass of the 80’s, this is stylish and hot and we can’t get enough of it. Gold hardware in the small space feel rich, luxurious and on trend.

#6 Only for you showoffs-The hands free faucet- Kohler does this very well, with the in home hands free faucet, Tripoint Touchless. This faucet is not only convenient, but also saves water with low-flow aerators. Your guests will gush over your tech and environmental savviness.

Have fun and go bold in the powder room for maximum impact. For more information on the perfect powder room 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!

Style, Unique Ideas

Boutique Hotel Guest Bedroom

September 25, 2015 Jigsaw Design Leave a comment

Despite the blazing heat wave, we can’t deny the fact that the holiday season is around the corner. The holiday’s, as we all know, bring with them lots of parties and house guests. Are you ready? This season treat your guests to a boutique hotel experience in your own home. In this post we will explore some basic tips and inspiring ideas for tricking out your guest room boutique style.

Five star style always starts with a comfortable and beautifully made bed. The diagram below is a great example of deluxe accommodations bedding for your guest room. It’s all about the layers-Euro shams, coverlets, duvets, throws and the highest thread count sheets that you can afford.

Consider your favorite luxury resort as a launching pad for ideas when selecting your color palette. All neutrals in creams and ivory, or a range of grays are always soothing and refreshing for your guests. Stark white sheets never fade and feel crisp and brand new for each guest. Compliment your palette with splashes of accents colors to match up with fresh flowers for a special touch.

If you have a large enough room, accommodate an entire family in your guest space. Two double beds with high rising headboards feel very boutique-ish and add pizzazz to the room. Whether queen or double, two canopy beds delight with the air of superior luxury for your likely to linger guests .

Using symmetrically placed bedside tables, lamps, pillows and accessories denote a signature boutique vibe. Meanwhile, don’t forget to add something whimsical and quirky to give your guests something to puzzle upon. A daring sculpture or piece of art, an artistically patterned rug or carpet, or indoor reading swing to lull those to sleep that are trying to shake the jet lag.

Last but not least, create a welcome basket of goodies for your guest. Shampoo and conditioner, a candle, and bottled water at the very least. Adding your special guests favorite candy or snack is also a nice touch. Going the extra mile… a razor, q-tips and other bath essentials will make their stay even more perfect and they will finally have proof that you are the over achiever they’ve always loved.

For more information on guest room retreats 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!

*Bedding Diagram found on Pinterest.com

Style, Wall Decor, Wall Paper, Art and Frames

Pop Art Office

September 16, 2015 Jigsaw Design Leave a comment

For the average person, the office is the place where a majority of the day is consumed. With all that time spent, why not add a little kick to your daily digs and create a pop art office to liven your every-day.

While some of us can’t afford an original Warhol, the prints are plenty. But no need to break the bank, get creative and find unique pieces of bright pop art from a more obscure artist or simply scour the internet for a big bright piece of art that really speak to you. This style is fairly easy to find. Pop a piece of artwork on a wall in an all white room and accessorize with a select color from that piece and you’ve got yourself a cheerful office to make the daily grind a bit more enjoyable.

Even the most serene office can carry a nice Lichtenstein or the like. The all white office in the following image has a more traditional sensibility, but carries wow factor with the artistic focal point. A soft grey palette with pink or yellow art create a perfectly curated work space to look forward to seeing for those forty-plus hours a week.

From the waiting room to the board room, adorning common areas with pop art and murals will always bring a big splash style to the space.

For more information on the pop art office, office design 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!

Color Trends, Style, Unique Ideas, Wall Decor, Wall Paper, Art and Frames

Scandinavian Style

September 6, 2015 Jigsaw Design Leave a comment

Scandinavian style in home décor is a merging trend that the Jigsaw designers are embracing with a passion. The Scandinavian design movement began in the 1950’s and still stands on a few basic principles, functionality, simplicity and clean minimal lines.

A perfect example of the functionality of the Scandinavian style home is in this small office area. The designer created an entire wall out of cork board for a unique look that adds texture and warmth while being perfectly functional for a home office.

Blurring the lines between the typical ‘modern’ style and ‘Scandinavian’ style are the textural aesthetics. Texture plays a big role in this trend with wools, fur and even crafty elements like woven items and carvings that add warmth to it’s minimalistic nature.

Another aspect of Scandinavian style is the use of natural materials. Wood floor panels that are white or grey washed, or even sanded and clear coated for the most pure finish possible are used for flooring and furnishings; for example a kitchen table or headboard for a bed.

While these homes are charming and cozy the furnishings are minimal with a more modern flair. Most often walls and linens are white yet some soft colors and cool greys are part of the palette as well. The purposeful intent is to welcome light into the home during long dark days in the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark. Materials with reflective surfaces for playing on light and bright pops of cheerful color as accents support this theory and keep this stream of style a constant in the Scandinavian culture.

While being white, bright and minimal the materials are given dimension with lots of layers from fur skin rugs and crochets poufs mixed with wicker lamp shades are all fused together to create a space, often small, that you can feel relaxed and at home in.

For more information on Scandinavian 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

Furniture, Lamps and Lighting, Unique Ideas

Back to School-Study Spaces

September 1, 2015 Jigsaw Design Leave a comment

Summer break has come and gone, so it’s time to hit the books. The fresh start to a new school year is the perfect time to update or create an inspiring study space for your young scholar. In this post we will explore some creative space ideas for dual study, small spaces and DIY projects.

Whether you have a large or small space to work with, some common threads for an inspiring study space your kids can relate to is to always include a swanky chair paired with fun accessories. Kids and teens love color so popping their study room with a boldly colored Eames inspired chair or adding some interesting texture with a funky Mongolian mohair swivel will add comfort with a modern flair to their homework time.

Color can be invigorating for the mind as we all naturally react to certain colors. Include a splash of something bright to motivate their senses during long hours of study. Brightly painted desk, curtains or desk accessories are always easy to find.

Our kids are as busy as we are when it comes to keeping a schedule. From classes to extracurricular actives they lead hectic lives for so young. Create a little ease in keeping up with that schedule with a chalkboard wall in their study space. Great for brainstorming ideas and the occasions doodle for a brain break. Chalk board paint can be found at most paint retailers including Home Depot, Lowes and even Michael’s.

So what do you do if you’ve got two…or even three kids…where can they all study? For multiple study spaces in one common area, use one long tabletop to streamline the space. Define the separate spaces with personalized accessories and tailor them by color or print to match each child’s personality. This can be a fun DYI project for the whole family that gets the kids involved in selecting colors and accessories that express who they are.

Sure all these ideas are great and who wouldn’t love to have an entire room to dedicate to homework. Well, some of us don’t have that kind of space. We’ve found some great small space ideas that fit snugly into a small corner or even a closet to keep that space out of site when not in use. The key to a small space study area is keeping accessories to a minimum while still making it charming and functional. Paint or wallpaper the inside of a closet or pantry and keep shelving neat for a professionally finished look.

For more information on study spaces 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!

Color Trends

Color of the Month-Cobalt Blue

August 21, 2015 Jigsaw Design 2 Comments

The many personalities of the color Cobalt Blue are fascinating. It isn’t a color faithful to one particular style; it can be beachy, moroccan, vintage or eclectic. It’s versatility is precisely why the Jigsaw Designers love working with it.

A cobalt wall is a bold move, but when paired with white it is a modern take on a classic style. These bright blue walls with white molding take this room from traditional to trend setting.

Break the typical rules of complimentary colors and pop a cobalt and white bedroom with purple. This surprising duo is outstanding in this bedroom with a fun ikat rug. Cobalt also plays well with turquoise and multiple shades of blues, as well as with soft orange based tones like salmon as you will see in the gorgeous room with metallic cobalt walls and salmon drapes.

Adding a color as bold as cobalt can often require baby steps for some of us. Start simple by updating your buffet or dresser for a DIY project? Placing your piece against a bright white wall will with a quirky piece of art and uniquely displayed pictures for a boutique hotel vibe.

Blue in the kitchen is a fresh take on what we’ve seen in grey so often lately. From a vintage look with gold hardware, to sleek glossy cabinetry these kitchens are cozy with a big splash of color.

Touches of cobalt throughout your space can be added easily with pendant lamps, tile work or rugs to get a touch of this bright trend. We love this moroccan tile with multiple shades of blue for a master bath.

For more information on color 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!

Style

Vacation Style Homes

August 4, 2015 Jigsaw Design Leave a comment

As life seems to get busier and busier, we all need a vacay for a little R & R, and this is the time of year for it. But, why not live like you are on vacation every day of the year in a vacation style home and add a bit of calm to your life.

The style and grace of a vacation or resort style home starts with color. Whites, neutrals and blue colors from the sea and sky will make you feel refreshed and relaxed. This beach retreat is bathed in all white with natural wood touches throughout creating an environment to put you at ease.

For quintessential beach cottage style keep everything crisp white and blue with touches of dark wood to anchor the room and silver or nickel finishes on metal. Blue and white stripes make nice finishing touches for throw pillows, rugs or even drapes.

Luxury by the lake is another vacation style inspiration we are loving at Jigsaw. With bead board throughout hallways and common areas that are reminiscent of a boat house, this look is easy to keep tidy. Use neutrals throughout with touches of blue and natural wood to bring the outdoors in.

The Jigsaw Design team are big fans of the free standing tub, and this lakeside bathroom is truly a retreat with high vaulted ceilings, all white washed colors, yard after yard of white linen drapes all opening onto a gorgeous view.

If it’s the mountains that you crave, then the ski house is the perfect vacation style home to emulate if you seek something with more warmth and coziness built in. This stunning bedroom in the French alps created with clean modern lines that are warmed with the black walls and layers of texture-the soft duvet, tufted bench and silk rug.

All of these vacation style homes have a common thread among them while remaining so different. There is no clutter, mail or papers in sight, and the decor is kept to a minimum with little or no tchotchke…and yet their is still so much to enjoy about each space.

For more information on home design 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!

Furniture, Lamps and Lighting, Unique Ideas

Modern Outdoor Furniture-Jigsaw’s Top Picks

July 24, 2015 Jigsaw Design Leave a comment

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.” Alas, who wouldn’t agree…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

*photo credit information available on request

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