A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: Its loveliness increases; it will never Pass into nothingness; but still will keep A bower quiet for us, and a sleep Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
A favourite picture and a favourite poem of mine that I am linking together to wish you all a Happy Weekend.
A Thing of Beauty is a JoyForever From John Keats' epic poem, Endymion, 1818: Picture from Makanyane Safari Lodge, South Africa
Janus et Cie makes the ultimate in teak umbrellas. I am fascinated by the attention to detail and craftsmanship they put into their umbrellas. The brass pulley assembly and the leather strapping is what makes this teak umbrella a work of art. I like to refer to it as the 'Hermes' of umbrellas. How wonderful to sit under this umbrella and gaze up into the beautiful design of the interior. Janus et Cie's teak is plantation harvested and is truly an investment that will give years of pleasure.
Janus et Cie Teak Octagonal Umbrellas
Care and Maintenance for Teak: Teak is a wood that has traditionally been used on ships because it is strong and durable, and because of it's ability to stand up under humid conditions.Teak is one of the best woods for outdoor furniture and umbrellas because it requires little or low maintenance depending on the look you want. If teakis left untreated it will weather to a beautiful silvery gray patina, while retaining its strength and durability for many years. Weathering can be accelerated by washing the teak with a mild soap solution and the addition of a teaspoon of bleach to a gallon of water. Rinse with clean clear water. If you want to keep the natural beauty of teak, treating it with good quality teak wood care products will enable it to keeps it's characteristic golden honey golden color. If oil is applied to teak, it must be done to a perfectly clean and dry surface. Proper care and maintenance of your teak umbrella and teak furniture will enhance its beauty for years to come.
A canopy bed is a decorative bed similar to a four poster bed but with a top to it. A typical canopy bed usually features posts at each of the four corners extending four feet high or more above the mattress. Ornate or decorative fabric is often draped across the upper space between the posts of the bed and a solid swath of cloth may create a ceiling, or canopy directly over the bed. The modern version of the four poster canopy bed is often left undraped. Canopy four poster beds make a dramatic design statement for the Bedroom.
The canopy four poster bed came into existence more from practical purposes than that of extravagance or decadence. The the earliest incarnations were probably beds of common people seeking an additional layer of shelter and warmth beyond that of a less-than-impenetrable thatched roof. Canopy beds with curtains that could completely enclose the bed were used by lords and noblemen in medieval Europe for warmth and privacy, as their attendants often slept in the same room. Please take the poll in the right hand column and let us know which is your favourite Four Poster Canopy Bed.
2. Viceroy Mayakoba features this distinctive four poster canopy bed with a canopy of woven reed textile.
3. 'Loire' Four Poster Canopy Bed by Niermann Weeks One hundred years ago you would find four poster canopy beds like this in colonial hotels and residences in the four corners of the world. The distinctive "bell or square top" was originally conceived for attachment of mosquito netting.
4. Bodie and Frau Four Poster Canopy Bed is Perfect for draping or leaving open & fresh.
7. One of my favourites is the ultimate 'Daydream' Four Poster Canopy Bed from Dedon. It is designed for outdoor use, but I think that it could make the transition to indoors quite nicely.
8. 'Valois' Four Poster Canopy Bed from Niermann Weeks in Venetian silver leaf with antiqued mirrored panels.
9. A Huanghuali Six-Poster Canopy Bed with Latticework Railings, Jiazichuang. 17th Century Christies Images Corbus
10. 'Arezzo' Four Poster Canopy Bed Richelieu Mahogany by Niermann Weeks.
This is what I am longing to do this weekend, weather permitting.
My girlfriend Ann is leaving for a Trans Atlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2, girlfriend Linda is off to Paris to celebrate her daughter's 21st Birthday, and my Aunti Anne is off to Hawaii.
Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, I wish you a Safe and Happy Easter!!
This picture of this interesting canopy bed was sent to me by Ivan Meade, and is designed by Asli Tunca, who is a designer in Turkey. She does beautiful minimalist work using stunning antiques. Ivan recently did an interview with her -In Conversation with Asli Tunca & Carl Vercauteren
Ceilings left untreated are one of my pet peeves. Walls and floors get all the attention. Why are ceilings neglected, when they are one of the largest surfaces in a room and are a perfect opportunity for adding an extra dimension to the room.
1. Faux Finish Ceiling Treatment - Add interest to your ceiling treatment by painting on a pattern or a Faux Finish.
2. Medallion Ceiling Treatment - A ceiling medallion treatment is usually in the form of an ornate rosette. Most are round, but for something unique they are also available square or oval. It can be an interesting feature to add to a contemporary setting.
3. Tudor Style Ceiling Treatment - This ceiling treatment can look equally good in a modern setting or a traditional setting.
4. Honeycomb Ceiling Treatment - A contrasting honeycomb pattern adds drama and focus to this ceiling treatment.
5. Contemporary Dropped Ceiling Treatment - This home from Budapest uses a contemporary ceiling treatment by varying heights & geometric patterns. Notice the square recessed pot lights.
6. Painted Ceiling Treatment - Painted stripes on this ceiling treatment. This is fun and creates visual interest on the ceiling.
7. Coffered Ceiling Treatment - Coffered ceiling treatments are an great way to add architectural focus to your ceiling.
8. Pressed Tin Ceiling Treatment - See Architectural Depot for some great Tin Ceiling Tiles
As many of you are probably aware, there is a drive underway this April 1st, for bloggers to unite and donate to the organization Feeding America and Food Banks Canada. April Food Day is asking all those who write blogs and those who read them to donate $1.00 in April. One dollar is such a small amount, yet it equates to ten pounds of food, or seven full meals! If you wish, and are able, you may donate any amount. Please help us fight hunger.
Left: Dominio Canopy Bed Right: Anthony Todd Canopy Bed
To achieve the above DIY Canopy Bed treatment - mount curtain rods on the ceiling and hang your choice of draperies
The above drawing is from Blogger Erin at Elements of Style and this is her directions for creating your own Canopy Bed..... "You'll need two drapery rods and a very long length of fabric. If you feel up to it, I like the idea of sewing together a solid on one side and a pattern on the other (for the under side). install one bar right above the head of the bed and one at the foot and run the fabric behind the bed (you can tack it to the wall near the floor so it doesn't move). I think it's a beautiful and cheap way to create a very romantic and dramatic look for your canopy bed." Thanks Erin.
Dominio Canopy Bed Photo by Simon Upton Dominio Canopy Bed Photo by Paul Costello To achieve this DIY Canopy Bed: Screw 4 small hooks in the four corners of the ceiling above the bed and hang a length fabric.
Fancy up plain mosquito netting for a fun & whimsical canopy bed. India Hicks photo by Arthur Elgort as seen in Vogue, 1998 via Style Court
This year, Earth Hour 2009 has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.
For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth Hour 2009 or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH HOUR 2009 and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.
This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard. Earth Hour 2009 is aiming to reach more than one billion people in 1000 cities around the world
