Doze off in style

We spend about a third of our life sleeping – that’s an average of 8 hours a day or 229,961 hours in a lifetime! Unless you work from home, your bed is a piece of furniture that gets used the most. At Red Knot, we offer a few different options when it come to styling up your bedroom.

Let’s start with the Nevis.  It’s one of our most popular bedroom collections made in Indonesia with solid tropical mahogany and eastern ashwood veneer. All of the drawers feature full extension, ball-bearing glides for easy access to all of your belongings. The floating platform bed frame works great in the middle of a room or under a window. One of the amazing features of the Nevis bed – the convenient storage on either side of the bed. It’s an added benefit for those with smaller spaces.

* Red Knot tip:  For those who love this bed frame but want a headboard: try a headboard wall decal! They’re cost efficient, easy to apply/remove, and come in many different styles.


Next up is the Element collection. Also made in Indonesia, this collection is made of solid tropical mahogany and mahogany veneer. It also features ball-bearing glides and similar clean lines. What sets the Element apart is it’s clean design without any hardware or handles on it’s drawers. This hardware-less design provides a clean palette for your modern bedroom decor and it helps to keep you from getting caught on anything!

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* Red Knot tip:  This particular set is great for the minimalist at heart, but to spice things up a bit you could decorate the headboard by draping some sheer cloth on either side or hang lights along the top for a little bit of sparkle!.


If the Nevis and the Element had a baby, it would probably look like our Icon collection. The Icon is an imported collection crafted with melamine over MDF in a rich coffee finish. With aluminum and chrome accents both on the bed frame and the drawer hardware, it’s low profile creates the illusion of a larger space.

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* Red Knot tip:  For those with small spaces, give the illusion of a bigger room by hanging your curtains higher than just your window height. By bringing your curtains closer to the ceiling, it adds the illusion of height within a small space.


If you like the Icon, but just want a fresh light color? Look no further! Coming soon to our stores is something we all have been waiting for: a white bedroom set! Please give a big warm welcome to our new Bellmar bedroom collection. Sister to the Icon, the Bellmar boasts the same stylish features but without the glass paneled drawer accents.

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*Red Knot tip: White bedroom furniture can give a modern, clean look to any room. However, be mindful of using too much white as it can make your cozy room feel a little cold and one dimensional. An easy way to break up all of that white is to layer on colorful accessories.


Wanting a mid-century modern vibe? The Palisades collection is a modern take on this popular trend. Similar to the Element, it has a clean facade without any hardware for drawer pulls. The legs taper out to give each piece a mid-century modern look. However, it’s best feature is the white upholstered headboard which gives it a soft, luxurious feel.

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* Red Knot tip: Put away all of those pillows and let your headboard shine through! Historically, headboards were used to isolate us from the cold, they’re now used as a focal point of a bedroom while adding a decorative element.


Last, but certainly not least (and definitely my favorite!) is our Cornith bedroom collection.  It’s constructed from Javanese hardwood with English dovetail joints. The Cornith is the only all solid wood bedroom collection at Red Knot and it’s affordable price tag makes it an absolute steal. With it’s gorgeous design and solid wood craftsmanship, what’s not to love? My fellow Red Knot team members would describe the Cornith as rustic, yet still refined and I would have to agree.

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* Red Knot tip:  One feature to note about the Cornith dresser is that it has 9 equal sized drawers. This is actually a more modern concept that is hard to find in a lot of traditional pieces. Have fun styling this collection by playing up accents with metal or chrome. The contrast between the natural wood and metal or chrome creates an interesting juxtaposition that will keep the room from feeling too rustic.

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Let Your Style Shine Through: Custom order program

Furniture shopping tends to happen as often as once every few years, so it’s important to enjoy the whole process.  Buying furniture should not be hard, nor should it be stressful. It should be fun. Yes, technical factors such as design, size, quality and price should be taken into consideration, but also remember the most important factor of all is personality.  

Find and buy furniture that reflects you.     

Your home interior, just like your fashion choices, is a reflection of your personality.

At Red Knot, we take the term “personality” and give it meaning through our Custom Order Program.  We have never been your average cookie cutter furniture store and we are so proud to share that custom options are available for many of our upholstered pieces including sofa, loveseat and chairs.

Our frames from VIOLINO can be customized through different color selections and custom order options.

Hamlin, our only (and best selling) power reclining sofa and loveseat, can now be ordered in various colors.  So, for those who abide by the “no-white” rule for all kinds of reasons, fear no more, as we have black, brown, gray, and even burgundy available for our “lazy boys” (and gals) who wants to relax in their perfect reclining sofa after a long day.

The very modern and sleek Jackson sofa a.k.a the bachelor favorite, can now be ordered in a sectional.  You read it right, ladies.  Not just a sofa, but a sofa-chaise sectional.  That means more seating and leg room, which is a wonderful compromise between you and your-boyfriend-who-loves-it-because-it’s-perfect-for-his-mancave.  It’s a win-win situation!  Imagine, movie nights at his place with more room for cuddling!  Also, another thing to note – through our custom program, he can consider another color other than black that is not so…masculine. 🙂

Speaking of colors, Violino offers fabrications in different colors as well as textures.  Ariapelle and Dinera are both high-performance fabrics, the first having a more sheen, and the latter, a more matte finish. What they both have in common is they feel and look leather-like, but they are made of 100% high-quality and breathable polyester.  When it comes to color and texture, whichever fits your personality best, you decide.

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(Photo by Red Knot Team Member Stephanie Vierra)

Not only do our Violino frames make fantastic options just by themselves, we had to kick it up a notch by providing another custom order program. In addition to custom colors and sectional preferences, the Whitney sofa is now available in a sleeper.  It’s an actual pull-out bed.  And to be even more precise, a Queen size memory-foam sleeper.  Great to have for those expected (and unexpected) guests.  Although we have to warn you, the memory foam mattress just might make them want to stay a little bit lo-onger than you planned.  You’re welcome.

Our BOLIYA frames, Barkly, Gilford, and Bannon offer (almost) endless possibilities of colors and fabrics.  With over 90 different fabrics to choose from, Boliya provides virtually the most custom options at Red Knot.  Fabrications include micro-fiber, twill and velvet to name a few.  Ranges of hues vary from grays to browns, denim, blues and reds.  You decide what color your sofa will be AND you can also choose the colors of the accompanying pillows on your frame.  So many options!

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(Photo by Taryn Kabei)

Think about who you are, what you love and what inspires you.  Incorporating these elements makes your home more comfortable for you and your guests.

Quoting one of my current favorite designers, “If you are comfortable in your home, everyone else will be too. That sense of authenticity is what gives a home its soul.”—Interior Designer Courtnay Daniels Haden

Let your style shine through your home with our custom order program.

Cleaning Windows and Glass

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Achieving a streak-free look when cleaning windows, mirrors and glass furniture around your home can be a bit challenging. Sometimes it is frustrating to see cloudy streaks especially after you just cleaned them! However, with the right cleaning solution, tools (and attitude), you can get your glass effortlessly sparkling clean.

THE (CLEANING) SOLUTIONS

Choose ONE of the following:
-Mix one part vinegar and four parts water
-Mix 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 cup water, and 1 tablespoon vinegar.
-Mix 1-2 teaspoons of dish detergent in a large bucket of warm water. Add ½ cup of vinegar for excessive grime.
-If you have glass cleaner, dilute it using distilled water. Tap water has minerals that may leave streaky deposits on glass and mirrors.

THE TOOLS

-Squeegee – the best cleaning tool for glass windows as the smooth rubber blade allows for streak-free cleaning
-Microfiber cloth – soft and lint-free, won’t leave residue like papertowels
-Newspaper or an old t-shirt – they don’t leave lint and make great buffers and polishers after wiping the glass. Old t-shirts are absorbent and don’t worry, the ink on the newspaper will not transfer onto the glass.
-Cotton swabs- for those hard to reach areas, such as corners and edges.

THE TRICKS

-Pre-clean mirrors that have an accumulation of dust and dirt. Wipe with a dry, soft cloth.
-Clean from top to bottom. Always begin at the top and work your way down to avoid drips.
-Wipe glass surfaces in a circular motion, then vertical strokes and lastly, horizontal swipes.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

-For glass or windows with hard water stains, use pure white vinegar (do not dilute)
-The best day to wash windows? On a cloudy day, because the sun’s heat can dry windows too quickly causing unwanted residue and streaks.
-The best way to spot streaks? Dry the inside of the window the opposite way you dried the outside. For example, dry vertically inside and horizontally outside.
-Windows should be cleaned thoroughly, at the very least, twice a year.

 

References:

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/5-tips-for-cleaning-glass-without-streaks.htm

http://www.topcleaningsecrets.com/house/how-to-clean-glass-and-mirrors.html

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/1298133

http://housekeeping.about.com/od/bathrooms/tp/10-Glass-Cleaning-Tips.htm

http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-mirrors/

A Few of Our Favorite Things

Red Knot has the most amazing things, from little gadgets to home decor accents- some that you might not find anywhere else. This week’s post, we take a cue from Oprah as we share a few of our favorite things.

Click on each photo for description and pricing.

We hope that they too, become your favorites!

Work It!

Millennials are a generation of hard-working and creative individuals.  As part of a new breed of the workforce, working from home is not a big deal to us.  I don’t mind, I really enjoy it. Not only has it become universally acceptable but it is also a huge trend in home design.  Therefore, it is important to create a functional, pleasant and inspiring home office where your ideas and dreams turn into reality.

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As nice as it sounds, you do not need a spare room to set up a work station in your home. Especially for small spaces, you can utilize areas such as an empty corner or hallway, a closet, stairway landing, and unused space between rooms, or other areas you may not have noticed!

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Images courtesy of Google Images & Pinterest

One thing to remember is that whether or not you will be working from a spacious home office space or just a corner nook, the heart of your work remains the same. Personalize your work space to be as creative as you are and indulge in sleek designs that is stylish, yet professional.

We’ll show you how!

THE BASICS

First things first. The key pieces of a home office (or any office) is a desk, chair and shelving. They transform any space into an efficient work area.

DESK
The desk is your focal point, so select a desk that is beautiful but also functional. The style should complement the surrounding areas of your home, it should not feel dull and overbearing. If your house is traditional, choose wood or veneer tops and for modern spaces, use high-gloss surfaces and metal furniture.

CHAIR
Pay attention to ergonomics. When working from home, most of your time is spent sitting. So it is even more important to choose a chair that not only looks good, but feels good. Sitting on an uncomfortable desk chair can not only affect your back, but also your mood and overall productivity.

STORAGE/ORGANIZATION
Speaking of mood and productivity, I believe a cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind. Organization is key. Creative people work better in spaces that are clean and not overcrowded, as disorganization can create mind-blocks to new ideas. Too much stuff can get congesting, and I’m not one to enjoy brainfarts when I am working. Use artsy bookcases and filing cabinets to store files and documents. If you’re short on space, build up a great wall vertically using floating shelves as they are easy to install. Choose baskets, boxes and organizers in fun colors and prints to add a pop of quirkiness in a dull space.

THE ADD-ONS…

LIGHTING
Ideally, you should situate your home office as close to natural light as possible. But even with natural light, you will still need additional lighting for the night hours or wee hours of the morning. Say, if you’re still up at 1:30am trying to finish a blog post by deadline, *ahem*. Try adding on table lamps as they have endless design possibilities. Task lamps make great choices for a smaller work space as they don’t take up to much visual room.

ACCENT PIECES
Let decorative details steal the show. Add something to your home office that would inspire you to keep going. A family photo, a wall art with a quote or your goals, or a picture of a place you would like to visit. Live green plants on your desk can create a break from being indoors, and you don’t have to worry about forgetting to water them. In addition to being an elegant touch, a luxurious throw and pretty pillow encourages you to work harder so you can take breaks! In your home office, you can take a nap and no one will ever know! Having stylish accent pieces that are personal to you creates a balance between being at home but allows you to have a professional atmosphere to apply serious work ethics.

Whatever type of work that motivates you to design a home office space, remember that it is your home and your working environment. Let it reflect you and all you need is a little inspiration to get you going!

Here are ours, at Red Knot:::

RedKnotHomeOffice

**Chanella Office Desk, $399
**Dalino Office Desk, $349
**Johnny Wall Unit, $449
**Plump Office Chairs,$99
**Pinnadel Swivel Stool, $99
**Lucca Wall Unit, $699
**Lightbulb Blow Table Lamp
**Colorful Hourglass, $39
**Bookends, $79

Setting The Bar

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The busy modern lifestyle has got us multitasking, with very little time to spare. It’s no wonder that in the past few years, there has been an increasing trend in home bars. The perfect home bar is no longer just the place to serve cocktails, it’s where you can also relax. It is great for entertaining and is the ideal hangout spot with friends when late night club and bar hopping is no longer an option. They allow you and your guests to enjoy a bit of bubbly fun in the comfort of your own home.

Let’s look at features and current trends in designing a home bar.

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+Stools
Like any other seating areas, your stools must be comfortable. This is where the party chatter happens. Stools must be stylish, yet relaxing. Standard barstools are 30” high, and counters tools are 24”. They come in different finishes and styles, ranging from all wood to upholstered in leather or fabric, to low back to backless seats. If you’re unsure of the actual height of your bar table, consider adjustable swivel barstools as they have gas lifts that allows height adjustment, such as these Nitro Bar Stools from ZuoModern.

+Storage
Another important feature of a home bar- storage space as much as possible. This is to store your wine, alcoholic mixers, glasses, etc… Old armoires and bookcases make for awesome bars. Just a little paint here and there, and walaa! you got yourself a shabby chic home bar with a lot of drawers and shelving.

+Glassware
Home bar design is not complete without a variety of glassware, a blender, and other bar tools. Glam up your bar with beautiful glass decanters.  Be creative when selecting trays and coasters!

+Accents
Add conversation pieces on or around the bar to add personality. Interesting wall art or tabletop accessory will bring up the mood and encourage guests to have something to talk about.

If you don’t have the room for a sideboard or server, a mini bar or a bar-cart will do.

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Create a home bar that fits your space best and then fill it with the best mixed drinks of your choice.

Speaking of, we’re sharing a favorite cocktail perfect for the summer- Tequila Sunrise, recipe courtesy of Drink Mixer.

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2 msr tequila
orange juice
2 dashes grenadine syrup

Pour tequila in a highball glass with ice, and top with orange juice. Stir. Add grenadine by tilting glass and pouring grenadine down side by flipping the bottle vertically very quickly. The grenadine should go straight to the bottom and then rise up slowly through the drink. Garnish stirrer, straw and cherry-orange and enjoy!

*photos courtesy of Houzz.com & Google Images.

Stepping up

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Images Courtesy of Google images and Houzz

Staircases make me think of how grand a home can be. As a millennial growing up in the nineties it also makes me think of nostalgic moments in film where the beautiful heroine makes an unforgettable entrance down a staircase. Rose Dawson in Titanic, Cher Horowitz in Clueless and Laney Boggs in She’s All That. Staircases can visually enhance a home’s décor, while providing functionality. Let’s not forget it’s also a confidence booster for anyone who needs to make a grand entrance.

The sky is the limit when it comes to staircase style and design. Let’s look at the different types of staircases and their qualities.

STRAIGHT

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Image Courtesy of archieexpo.com

Straight stairs are the most standard and common types of stairs in both residential and commercial properties. The stairs go from one floor to another effortlessly and are easy to assemble. General rule is 16 steps maximum for a full flight, or no higher than 12 feet. There are various sub-models- full straight stairs, half landing stairs and quarter landing stairs. Advantages: Easiest staircase to move furniture or heavy things up and down. Simplicity of design allows easy measurement and building of rails/handrails. Disadvantages: Because of the linear design, they take up more space than other staircase models. Falls down straight staircases can also be very dangerous.

L-SHAPED

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Image Courtesy of ammtools.com

A variation of the straight stair is the L-Shaped stair. This model has a transition point where there is a landing and a 90 degree bend. It adds visual interest and can be placed in a corner of a room. Advantages: The landing gives a rest-stop for those who may get tired walking up the steps. In case of falling, the landing reduces the number of treads one can fall in a straight flight down. Disadvantages: They are more difficult to construct. Moving large items are a bit trickier because of the turn.

WINDER

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Image Courtesy of fontanostaircase.uk.co

Winder stairs are a variation of the L-Shaped stair. Pie-shaped steps takes place of the landing, having one narrow end and the wider end on the other. Advantages: They require little space and the compact is a popi;ar choice in modern and sustainable home design. Disadvatages: Winder stairs are generally more complicated to build and harder to navigate. In addition because there are no uniformed steps it is less safe than other stair designs.

ARCHED / CURVED

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Image Courtesy of muxhome.com

Arched or curved stairs add a touch of elegance. Often times this design is found in the entrance for making a grand impression. Advantages- The grandeur of the staircase design add luxury to any home, so it’s a great investment as it increases resale value of your home. The radius is larger compared to spiral stairs, so they are easier to walk up. Disadvantages- Curved stairs are the most difficult and most costly to build because of the intricacies in the steps and the railings.

SPIRAL

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Image Courtesy of steelystairs.com

Spiral stairs are the most complex of all stairs. The steps circulate around a central support pole. They are made very compact, extensively used in lofts and other small spaces. Advantages- Spiral stairs can be made to fit any space. They are visually interesting and there are many styles of railings available. Disadvantages- Since the design of the stair is a space-saver, the steps are steeper than regular stairs. They are more difficult to walk up and down especially for older individuals.  Lastly only one person can use the spiral staircase at a time.

What type of staircase fits your personality?

Dress Your Walls

Ever stared blankly into space? Yes, when I’m running low on caffeine.
Sorry, let me rephrase that. Ever stared at a blank space? Specifically at home, at a blank wall that is screaming for help, and the creative guru in you wonders about the different ways you can give your walls a makeover. Then literally, you are staring blankly into space with endless ideas in your head about how to turn your bare walls into instant eye candy.

Don’t settle for plain Jane and give your space a wow factor with these easy and fun ways to add texture and style to any blank walls.

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Painting doesn’t have to be just one solid color. You can do different designs such as stripes and chevron, with the help of painters tape. For bedroom walls use moody and sensual colors. For the living room, light, bright and sunny colors. Stripes create optical illusions an increase room size. And ombre is no longer just an exotic hair trend, it also works for an interesting wall color! You color schemes are endless!

WALLPAPERWallPaperIdeas

Aspiring to create different looks without the labor (and unpleasant scent) of paint? Whether you’re feeling cool, glamorous or shabby chic, there are so many unique ways to incorporate wallpaper in your room. Geometric designs add a modern twist to a room, floral prints give a feminine touch, or pops of color for a casual and fun vibe. Wrap the room one pattern or create a focal point by trimming out a section of wallpaper with molding as an accent.

ART / PHOTOSWallArtIdeas

Photos

Another way to prevent a blank wall from looking empty is by filling it with a collection of artwork or photos. An oversized painting or artwork makes a statement piece in any space. Abstract paintings give life and color, while landscapes create a soothing aura against a soft blue wall. Personal photos help the space feel more intimate. For those who love order and organization, set various pictures in identical frames. For those who believe chaos is beauty, show off a collage of photos on the wall Pinterest or Instagram style– random yet stunning.

DECALSDecals

Simple and cost-effective, wall stickers and decals are becoming more and more popular. You can find decals in almost any design, color, shape or size. They are lightweight and can be applied on any smooth surface (wall, ceiling, mirrors). Decals can be as easily removed when you are in the mood to redecorate.

MIRRORSMirrors

Mirrors make a stylish accent piece while making spaces look larger. Hanging a large mirror on a blank wall can reflect light, opening up the room while acting as a wall art. There are a lot of unique styles and DIY opportunities for mirrors. Consider arrangements of smaller mirrors, such as side by side, or by pairs.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

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Don’t limit yourself to just one of the above. It’s great to mix and match –turn your blank wall space into a gallery of your favorite prints, photos, and objects! Boring? Absolutely not. Eclectic? Of course, it helps give your own personality.

Now let’s stop staring… if your walls could talk, what would they say?

Home of the Future

Last week we unplugged and disconnected from technology, finding bliss in the simplicity of life unwired.  Today we are celebrating technological advancements as we go back to the future and share with you Five New Home Technologies we are kind of excited about.

Kevo UniKey

UniKey

Image courtesy of www.unikey.com

For those of us who are tired of fumbling through our keys to get into our homes, Kevo eKey is the perfect solution. An ultimate convenience, a light touch of your lock is all that’s needed. Your smartphone takes the place of the old-fashioned physical key, running the app in the background so you don’t have to turn on the app to access entry. You can send an eKey to anyone, anywhere, anytime. You can also disable and delete access, even controlling the days and time the eKey will be active. If you don’t have a smartphone, a Kevo Fob is available. If you run into any technical glitch, a physical key is available as back-up.

HomeChat

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Images courtesy of www.lg.com

It now possible to chat with your home appliances. Wha-at? Not kidding. And not only can you chat with your refrigerator, washing machines, etc.. they can text each other as well! All of this is possible in the new intuitive interface from LG, HomeChat. Seong-jin Jo, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Home Appliance Company says, “Not only does LG HomeChat help simplify and enhance our products, they also deliver a unique user experience, adding even more value to our customers’ lives.” The smartphone app can allow user to check what is in their refrigerator without even opening the door. Very useful when you’re in the grocery store and didn’t make that shopping list! You can also text your washer to wash your clothes and ensure that laundry is done by the time you get home. If you’re going on vacation, no worries. You can instruct your appliances to go on safe mode until you return.

ELAN g1 Universal Remote

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Image courtesy of www.elanhomesystems.com

When it comes to controlling technology at home, wouldn’t it be grand if there was one magic gadget that could allow you to access not just one, or few, but ALL of them? Apparently so. Through ELAN Home System users can gain complete control not just to their televisions and home theaters, but to their entire homes. The versatile ELAN g1 Series features a single hand-held remote control that can manage up to “16 zones of security, two electronic door locks, an audio/video receiver with up to 32 connected TVs, up to 24 lighting keypads, three thermostats, three IP surveillance cameras and up to 16 groups of irrigation”. This can expand depending on your home capabilities or budget. It makes me feel incredibly powerful just thinking about it.

LED Light Bulb Speaker

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Images courtesy of www.sony.jp

At home, some occasions call for light… and music (at the same time). You can have the best of both worlds in a brilliant concept – the Sony LED Light Bulb Speaker, which, through Bluetooth, provides up to 360-lumens of app-controlled lighting and integrated speaker system. The bulbs’ brightness and songs can be controlled and played through a smartphone app or a wireless remote controller. The LED Light Bulb Speaker can be placed anywhere lighting is available, providing simple audio installation without the hassle and cost of a complete home renovation. It’s the perfect gadget for creating instant ambiance such as a romantic date night at home.

Tulip Shower + Bath

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Images courtesy of www.designrulz.com and www.dornob.com

A luxurious space saving shower & tub in the shape of a beautiful flower? Sign me up! The Tulip, designed by Piotr Pyrtek, takes inspiration from the flower in the minimalist form of bathtub/shower. The flip-down feature makes room for lying down in the bath. It retracts to an upright position, the enclosure prevents splashing and contains steam for showering.  A revolutionary home technology designed for tiny spaces, the Tulip is small but ultra-modern.   The bathtub features underwater jets and massagers.  Patent pending, and not yet available for purchase, but hopefully soon.