Saturday, January 31, 2009

Tidal Datum Tables
















































2007
steel / walnut / hardware
18” h x 18”w x 72” l

The body of work titled “Tidal Datums” is the result of my senior thesis project. The collection consists of a variety of objects inspired by the formal language of data graphics, intended to be a representation of analytic information through the medium of furniture. My work process began by gathering data graphs from NOAA’s historic tide database followed by translating the empirical information into tangible materials. The forms modeled from the data not only reveal a dynamic pattern, they facilitate a new way of experiencing information by enabling a physical interaction of tidal patterns with the body.

(Click on image for a larger view)


NOAA Tidal Graphs converted to Vector and Layered - 30 Days of Information


Furniture Sketches

Process photos

Friday, January 30, 2009

Now on Etsy - Adenga Design























Adenga Design is a new shop I created on Etsy (an awesome crafty site) where I will be selling handmade home furnishings and fun things that come out of my woodshop - such as these solid wood photo frames. www.adengadesign.etsy.com

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Tips for Decorating A Small Room


Do you have trouble or bemusement in decorating a small room? You may feel that there is not enough space for your personal belongings or collection, and it may looks cramped and disheveled.If so, start by thinking back to a room from your past that made you feel incredibly secure and happy.

Before you run off to the home decorating store, or start arranging your furniture, familiarize yourself with some of the basic principles you will want to adhere to when decorating your small space.

Storage is a necessity for all of us; unfortunately, it is often a big challenge when it comes to small spaces. But there are some unique ways that you can make the most out of your home’s storage space, without having to give up your much-valued living space. Begin by thinking of ways that you can sneak storage in. One of the best options is built-in cabinets and bookshelves. These storage areas are built right into the walls and don’t take up any extra floor space. They also add a sense of sleekness and style to any room.

Streamlined furnishings, mirror and glass emphasize available space. In order to visually expand a room's size, designers and architects include negative space (the areas of emptiness that surround furniture) wherever they can. By choosing furniture with legs rather than skirts, incorporating glass where possible, and adding reflective elements like mirror, crystal and silver to an interior, you can amplify available light and space to create an expansive feeling.

Color:One of the best ways to expand a space is with very clear colors(paint your house), says designer Mark McCauley, ASID, author of Interior Design for Idiots. "Choose a palette of sharper colors as opposed to duller ones. Sharp as in bright chintzes mixed with colorful plaids or really hot reds and electric blues, yellows and greens (with plenty of air between the pieces). Color combinations with negative space in between will enhance the space's clarity and openness."

Keep it Light.Dark rooms are not only depressing, but they also appear to be much smaller than they really are. To maximize your living space, make sure that your rooms are always filled with light. Instead of using drapes on your windows, consider using sheers that allow natural light in. Add mirrors to walls or shelving units to reflect light and space. Place several lamps around the room, including floor lamps, table lamps, and ceiling lights. This will help to add light at different levels throughout the room, giving everything a nice glow.

Please remember:
DO choose furniture that does double duty. A coffee table that rises to eating height, for instance, or a pair of console tables that can be pushed together to form an impromptu dining table.

DO use chairs rather than sofas for maximum flexibility.

DO consider a Murphy bed when a room has to accommodate an overnight guest.

DON'T opt for a sectional with arms, which limits the way it can be positioned.

DON'T overlook an island, which works not only in a kitchen but also in an office, laundry room or crafts room. Choose one with wheels; it can be set against a wall when not in use.

DON'T allow clutter from a home office to ruin the enjoyment of a room that's also used after business hours.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

How to Choose a Kitchen Sink


Kitchen Sink is an important part of the kitchen.In many homes, kitchens are high-traffic areas. They're often the hub of the home and must be able to withstand lots of traffic and lots of activity. Want to improve the style and function of your workspace from the get-go? Think new sink.

When you shop for a sink, you'll quickly learn that sink designers have been busy in recent years. Modern sinks no longer consist of a simple faucet and bowl. They come in a variety of materials: have multiple bowls of various sizes, shapes, depths, and colors; and are designed with integral drainers, cutting boards, and more.

Material.You can buy kitchen sinks made from stainless steel, cast iron coated with porcelain enamel, composite stone or metal and other materials. Stainless steel sinks are the most popular because they are durable, easy to clean and relatively inexpensive.


stainless steel:Available in a wide range of prices, but you get what you pay for. A cheap sink is made of thin metal—you can feel it flex if you push on a bowl, or a garbage disposal may vibrate noisily; plus, it's easily scratched, has a finish that is hard to keep clean, and may make a drumming sound when you run water into it.

Enamelled cast iron:Traditional look, but not as durable as fireclay. Stylish at an economical price. Look for a lifetime warranty against chipping.

Composite Acrylic and Fiberglass
Not recommended because they soon lose their glossy finish and absorb stains readily. Newer composite sinks have a more durable finish.

Many new sinks come with four holes to mount a faucet and accessories like hot water, filtered water and soap dispensers. If you decide against the accessories, buy a sink with fewer holes or purchase plugs for the holes. so,think about a kitchen faucet set before buying a kitchen sink.

Pick a color if you're not purchasing a metal sink. Consider the color of your kitchen walls, countertops and cabinets. Take paint chips and countertop samples with you when you go shopping.

Step6Buy a kitchen sink made by a reputable company. A high quality sink can last up to 50 years, so any extra upfront costs will pay off in the long run.

related articles:How to Choose The Best Kitchen Faucet

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Choose A Pretty Lamp For Your Home


There are many options available for lighting in homes such as floor lamps, table lamps, canister lamps, recessed ceiling lamps and don't forget to count natural sunlight that should be kept in mind too and can be guided using mirrors. Then bulbs are of different types too such as harsh fluorescent bulbs that emit blue light, soft incandescent bulbs that emit red and yellow light and bright yet soft quartz-halogen bulbs. Not only the color of lights emitted by these bulbs are different but they emit different amounts of light too. Bulbs of different watts can make a room look different while switching a set of the bulbs at a time and another set at another time may makethe look entirely different. Overhead fixtures above as shown in the cowboy huts may make a room appear flat, while wall washers, ambient lighting, accent lighting and up-lighting may make it quite interesting and add dramatic and romantic feel to the room.

Table and floor lamps do not only provide light, but are attractive accessories as well. Lamps are very important in home decorating. Floor and table lamps can be used to dramatize elements of interior design - line, form, color, pattern and texture. Positioning floor and table lamps so that rhythms are created by light and shadow, reflection and diffusions, can impart an active dynamic effect to the atmosphere of your home. Indeed table and floor lamps may be thought of as a sculpture.

To create an eye pleasing lighting pattern table lamps can be complimented by similar in design floor lamps. Vase with flower bouquet floor lamp will be a perfect compliment for a table lamp featured above. Where designers, architects, and artists have turned their energies to floor and table lamps design, striking lighting solutions have resulted.

Floor and table lamps, after all, are tree-dimensional forms - and there is no reason at all why the implicit functionality of floor and table lamps should inhibit the creation of significant and practical forms. Our sculptural floor and table lamps are embody in unique materials, and have a dramatic and exiting structure reflecting both practicality and aesthetics.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Dress Up Your Toilet

Do you think the toilet in you home is tedious and bleak? It is because you didn't dress up the toilet.In fact, adding somthing small decoration, you will find the toilet is a warm and cute space.Terefor, perfect life is creative life!

For example, you can covered the toilet seat with a pink cover. you also can buy a same serial paper roller cover to wrap up the paper.Beside, a cute mat is vital.To put a small piece of soft mat on the floor of toilet will make the toilet more cleaner and more warmer.

By the way, some small furniture, such as a cabinet made of cane, a wooden box will make the toilet tidy and vivid.Look at some cute toilet pictures below:




Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Which Bathtub Do You Like Best?


I have a habit that I must have a bath before sleep. I think most people have this habit, especialy women.A bathtub is an integral part of most homes, so much so that many homes have more than just one.In addition to being highly functional and allowing you to be clean, it also makes for a wonderful place to relax. By soaking in a tub with hot water, you can literally soak your worries away, not to mention the various aches and pains in your body.

Bathtub has many types,different materials, different shapes, different colors, different efficiency and so on. I will simpleandsimple.

Types
Tubs not only come in a multitude of sizes, colors and styles, but in a variety of materials as well. The choice and combination depends upon individual needs and tastes, as well as architectural limitations.

With dozens of manufacturers offering myriad shapes and sizes in a variety of materials and with numerous options, a visit to a bathtub showroom can be a bewildering experience.

Bathtubs are made from Porcelain on Steel, Acrylic, Fiberglass/Gelcoat, Composite, Cast Iron, and Cultured Marble. See our Available Bathtub Materials for detailed information on each of these materials..

Styles
The most popular tub type today is still the basic, 5 ft. wall-to-wall built-in model in white or biscuit. Millions of these units are sold every year. There is very style little difference between any of these models. Some are porcelain on steel; some are acrylic; some are cast iron. There are differences in quality and price, but not a great deal in style.

Claw-foot bathtubs are still being sold if you prefer an antique look. Actually, the quality and finish on these units today is as fine as any available. Many people still prefer this style of bathing. Some manufacturers have updated the design to appear quite modern.

In addition, Bathtubs are available in the following styles: Built-In, Freestanding, Soaking, Whirlpool, and Specialty.

When selecting a bathtub for personal use, the most important consideration is comfort. Tubs are being designed in every conceivable size and shape, of a variety of materials, and with a number of comfort features. The best way to choose one is to think about how it will be used, and then to go to the showroom and sit in a few models to find out what feels comfortable.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Do You Have a Sauna Room in Your Home?


In the modern world sauna is surrounded with an aura of health, beauty and relaxation. Many articles and books agree that sauna was used by Finnish people from ancient time to modern days and was a proven way to become more healthy and good-looking. A sauna today is associated with a healthy lifestyle and traditional medicine.The most obvious effect that an infrared sauna causes is an excess sweating while taking it. Sweating is one of the ways our body uses to detoxify itself. When we sweat, our pores open and clean themselves, resulting in more soft and healthy skin. A healthy person should regularly experience intensive sweating. Sweating in a sauna at home is just simpler - you don’t have to go out, you can multitask while taking a sauna (reading, watching TV of listening to music) and you can do it any time you want.

When infrared sauna emerged, in late sixties, it began to compete with traditional saunas on the same market. Apparently, manufacturers and sellers of infrared saunas began to look for ways to differentiate from the traditional saunas. Some of the advantages of infrared saunas were clear – lower electricity cost, lower air temperature, no humidity – but there was a need for proof that infrared saunas are as beneficial as traditional ones. Even better would be the proof that they are even more beneficial.

Classic far infrared sauna
The most common type of infrared sauna is a room which resembles a traditional steam sauna. It is made from wood and you can place it as an additional piece of furniture in your house. It’s interior usually consists of a wooden bench across the full width of a room. Infrared heaters are built in the walls in front of and behind the bench, on a different height, so that infrared radiation will reach every part of the person’s body sitting in the sauna. One can enter the sauna by the front door. There are usually one or two glass windows and the door can be made of glass too. An infrared sauna typically ships in a self-assembly kit with heaters already built in the panels, and is relatively easy to assemble.

When searching for an infrared sauna, look for comfort in the first place. There is no reason to buy a room to sit in if you don’t enjoy sitting in it, regardless of any health benefits in could provide. After that think about how it will fit your house interior, and don’t forget to determine what power outlets you will use to power your sauna.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Make Your Bathroom Bright!

The bathroom is always cool and tedious in people's eyes. The wall and the floor is tile, and ceilling is aluminum alloy sheet, the toliet seat is white ceramic, the bathroom rack is made of stainless steel pipe.Dislike the bedroom and the living room, there are not soft and warm element in our toilet. why not to change the current situation by your creation?

First, the toilet seat can be covered with a warm toilet seat cushion.The cushion make you feel soft and warm, espeacially in winter. It is also a decoration for your toilet and bathroom.

Second, Choose a bright and comfortable bathroom rack or bathroom shelf. A wooden rack may looks warm and comfortable.If you have many colorful and soft bath towels, you can folded them and put in the rack.It looks very nice, you can look at the picturers below:



Third, using the warm color curtain. It make the bathroom bright and cute.