We have moved

blog.aroomwithoutwalls.com

A Room Without Walls is no longer hosted by blogger.


You can still reach as at the following locations:

www.aroomwithoutwalls.com


blog.aroomwithoutwalls.com


Thanks,

Jane

It's Time To Move On

A Room Without Walls is packing up and moving on to bigger and better things.










DRUM ROLL PLEASE

I want to thank everyone who has participated in my Blog this past year, it has been a wonderful learning experience. I feel that I am ready to move on and bring a new style and excitement to A Room Without Walls. 















I have sooooooooo many new ideas and things I want to share!! As of Friday June, 10th 2011 we will be using WordPress to wow you with products, ideas, Epicurean delights, libations and a whole lot of practical applications for creating your personal Oasis ...


Here is a preview of the new space..

The W Hotel and Fatboy furniture

If you live Los Angeles or are going to be in the proximity of the W Hotel's Westwood location between May 27th through September 3rd,  you can join them for the Summer Cinema Series. Every Friday evening at dusk in the W's Wet pool. 

The area will be outfitted with Plasma screen TV's along with projection screens for your viewing pleasure.  The proceeds from the Summer Cinema Series are going to the Make A Wish foundation!

Kudos to the W Hotel!

Snacks are provided by the W's newly appointed chef extraordinaire  Dakota Weiss.  Enjoy freshly popped popcorn, a variety of classic candies, artisan cheese plate and wine and gourmet potato chips.  Chill and watch the films under the stars with the ever cool Fatboy furniture company!






...is a funky take me anywhere blanket ! 

Just like a puzzle, each piece fits together in a unique way!

If you are looking for something a little more intimate, then cozy up under a blanket in one of the pool side Cabanas decorated by one of my favorite designers Thom Filicia.  (Yes, the designer from Queer Eye For The Straight Guy)

His style is genius!

No reservation is required and admission is free.  Donations to the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles are accepted.  For every $5 donation, guests will receive a ticket to be entered into a drawing for a one-night stay at W Los Angeles.  Doors open at 7:00PM and guests are advised to arrive early as space is limited and in high demand.  Dinner and cabana reservations are available by calling 310.443.8218  For anyone who loves this idea but lives too far from LA,  tomorrow we are going to take a look at how to do this by your own pool or backyard !! Jane

Shiny

I love the look of stainless steel and the cool vibe it gives off.  It's clearly not for everyone but for those who can pull it off, it looks amazing. Things to think about with stainless furniture:

1. It can discolour , causing those pesky marks that need to be cleaned, depending on where you live it can be pretty frequent.  A really important detail if you live close to the ocean, because the salt is the main cause of the discolouration .
2. Little fingers love to touch things.  What could be more inviting than a nice shiny surface to touch and yep, if they are anything like my children, lick? If you are determined to have stainless then think flat not shiny.   

The most important thing to think about when making the choice to go stainless is to consider the manufacturer.  Make sure they have used the correct application of stainless for the furniture. It's my opinion that the better quality companies are extremely careful about cross contamination and ensuring that the stainless you are going to purchase is going to be as easy to care for as any other material you might purchase. (i.e. aluminum, teak, woven).  Last but not least, there are some companies that make an anti corrosion wax, just for that little extra protection.


Okay, that was the negative stuff about stainless steel.  Now, lets take a look at some of the coolest designs available!


Hello... Riluc is not just furniture but a total visual feast!  The Sticks dining table has choices for table support frames from bright to natural.

Fuera Dentro does stainless steel with a mixture of other materials. it looks amazing!

There has been much talk about the line between outdoor and indoor furniture blurring.  I truly see the lines becoming less defined with both these companies!

Simple yet spectacular furniture!

Movie And A Room

Dead Poets Society





"Boys, you must strive to find your own voice. Because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all. Thoreau said , "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation." Don't be resigned to that. Break out!" ~ John Keating

1. Dessin Fournir Monceau cast stone garden chair with a rustic finish. *Contact a designer if you are interested in this item.
2. Fabulous lamp from Laura Spector Designs, the rustic Pirouette would be an excellent addition to a closed in porch with its whimsical wiring and natural moss shade.  
3. Very Rustic table from the European company, Artisans Works.  Tables are made from Willow or Hornbean and each is hand done, no two will be alike!
4. Light up the pathways with these faux stone solar lights, they will light and dim as the sun rises and sets. Better Home Improvement
5. Speakers that look like rocks will blend in nicely with any landscaping detail. Accent Plus 1 rock (s) speakers by Nuvo Technologies
6. The Moss Green Van Eyke chairs are made from lightweight composite material designed to look like concrete. Zachary-A Designs makes these funky fun chairs too look heavy, however they weight only about 50 pounds. 
7. Coyuchi blankets are made from sheep that graze the cool fields in Canada. Woven to perfection, they will become everyone's favorite throw and instant heirloom classics.  The Throws are 40"x60" and available at ABC Home 

 

1. The Cumberland bench and table are made from reclaimed old barns in the Midwest. The table comes in both six foot and eight foot size. Order from the Sundance Catalog 

     4.  Almoca Flatware from Designwithinreach  made by a third generation family business in      
         Portugal. The flat black stainless steel is unique.  
  
    5.  Tear-off napkins by My Drap are BRILLIANT! Tear-off napkins are in roll or pre-cut formats that
         can be used once or washed and used again up to 6 times.  Then you can use them in the yard as they
         are biodegradable and recyclable for other uses such as mulch.  MyDrap napkins are manufactured   
         using natural cotton or linen fibers.

Memorial Day

“God of our fathers, who by land and sea have ever lead us to victory, please continue your inspiring guidance in this the greatest of all conflicts. Strengthen my soul so that the weakening instinct of self-preservation, which besets all of us in battle, shall not blind me to my duty to my own manhood, to the glory of my calling, and to my responsibility to my fellow soldiers. Grant to our armed forces that disciplined valor and mutual confidence which insures success in war. Let me not mourn for the men who have died fighting, but rather let me be glad that such heroes have lived. If it be my lot to die, let me do so with courage and honor in a manner which will bring the greatest harm to the enemy, and please, oh Lord, protect and guide those I shall leave behind. Give us the victory, Lord.”

~ General George S. Patton

Ice Pops and Ice Cream

This must be the year of the Popsicle.  Perhaps, it's because things in the world are so complicated, we need to slow down and just enjoy a simple treat.

Yes, you can walk into you're favorite grocer and purchase a sugary treat or you can make them yourself with the new and pretty awesome makers. This way you get to control what goes into the popsicle.

Photo Courtesy of : Kevin D. Weeks

Same with ice cream.

With machine's these days, making a batch of fresh ice cream is as easy as driving to the market and picking up a pint.

No holiday weekend is complete with out popsicles and ice-cream..











I'm not a big gadget-in-the-kitchen type of gal.  I have my Kitchenaid stand mixer and attachments for it that  can do most any task.  However, I saw this at Williams Sonoma the other day and think I might have to go back and get one. 

In just seven minutes you can make the perfect Popsicle with Zoku.

Put the inner unit in the freezer for 24 hours, take it out, put it back into the unit, pour in your desired ingredients and POOF!  Seven minutes later you have perfect Glace De Jour!

The website contains additional pieces that can be purchased separately from the unit to create more concoctions.  There are trays for holding them inside the freezer and a cool looking book with idea's for creating your own wholesome treats.


This is a huge value if you have children or just really enjoy making cool treats in the summer.





If you would rather do it the old fashioned way and pour the liquid into the mold and freeze your pops then Tovolo makes all the shapes and sizes of ice pop molds you could ever want.

As well, it's not just about the kids.  Think of the fun you can having making something a little more adult.  Just don't get them mixed up with the kids' stuff! :)

 

Ice Cream machines are available in everything from hand crank to letting the machine do all the work and a few in between.

1. Musso Polo - A professional designed machine that could be used at home too.  With a two quart capacity and the ability to produce six quarts per hour, this machine would be any ice cream lovers dream.
2. The Pure Indulgence from Cuisinart makes two full quarts of ice cream. 
3. Finally, a machine that produces soft ice cream in the home.  Mix It In from Cuisinart also offers three reservoirs for condiments, add your favorite candy or nuts and enjoy! 
4. I know that this company was huge in the eighties and I'm pretty sure almost everyone had one of their ice cream makers somewhere in the cupboard.  If you want to have a little more of the "making it from scratch" experience and crank it yourself , then the Doviner Machine is for you. 
5. Cuisinart also offers the Supreme Professional model ice cream machine.
6. Musso's other model of choice is the Lessino which is designed for family use with a one and a half capacity. Only 30 minutes from start to finish!

Service

1. Norpro Aqua Scoop - The end of the handle has a cap on it.  Remove the cap and fill with tepid water. It's supposed to make it easier to scoop the ice cream.  My friend gave me one about six years ago as a gift.  It works but I don't think adding the water makes that much difference.

2. The Cuisipro ice cream scoop is pretty darn cool to look at.  I think it's my slightly perfectionist nature that really wants one.  I love that the scoops are symmetrical.  Besides, look at the pretty pink and green! 


3. I think just about everyone has a Zeroll in their home.  They make a ton of different size and I know mine is old but it still works perfectly.


* NOTE: with the Norpro and the Zeroll, don't put them in the dishwasher.  Always wash them by hand.


Bowls and spoons!

 

 1. Silver plated spoon that are hand stamped.  Each one will be slightly different, giving them even more charm.  What a perfect gift for a wedding couple. Available through Etsy at Beach House Living.

2. Fun bowl that looks like a paper cup, sold in sets of four, available at William Sonoma.

3. Spoons and Bowl set whimsical Sweet Soiree by Grassland Road.

4. Traditional glass ice cream bowl from Retro Planet.

5. Heart shaped spoons Speranza design gallery.

6. Crate and Barrel  Sorbet cup and spoon set.

Something more sophisticated?

 1. VilleryandBoch Ella partially gold plated dessert spoon.

  2. Julia Knight flower bowls, use a smaller bowl inside a larger one for drama and effect.

 3. Kim Seybert makes the most beautiful table linens.  As part of the spring 2011 collection, elegance is always in style

Books!  I'm a Barnes and Noble addict and I get 95% of my books though them.  Now that I have a Nook Colour, I get everything on it.  Love the NOOK!

Now, if you are not inspired to get out and try some home made pops or ice cream after all this info, I can't imagine what it would take to get you inspired!

Happy Weekend!

Jane

A break from reality

The weather has been brutal in much of the county.  It almost feels like spring has forgotten to make an appearance this year.  While trying to prepare for a longer blog this week, it occurred to me that I would much rather be near a aquamarine ocean enjoying the waves lapping against a villa.  However, now is not the time for running off on holiday.

So...

The next best thing is to bring the calm blue ocean into our own backyard.  There are many amazing colours being introduced to the outdoor furniture world this season.  I seem to be drawn to aquamarine right now.

Perhaps, besides a vacation, I need some serenity.

1. Uptown flatware available at Crate And Barrel. I like the shape and feel of this flatware. 
2. Tropitone Silhouette umbrella.  A nine foot manual lift umbrella. Tropitone is great for umbrella's and their site allows you to choose the size, shape, frame colour and shade cover colour.  The site gives you a great idea of how your umbrella will look when you custom order it. 
3.  Labyrinth dinnerware from Z Galleries is new and fresh looking.
4. Barlow and Tyrie get credit for being the idea behind the idea of today's blog.  I took one look at the   Equinox dinning chair and fell head over heels in LUST.  The aquamarine colour with the mix of stainless steel and teak accents is absolutely fabulous!  Then, the Mercury chair took, what little breath I had, away!  Barlow and Tyrie have several options for dining tables: ceramic, glass and teak.  From a small four person table right up to the Apex table that (get ready for it!!) seats fourteen!  Yes, fourteen people can sit comfortably at the extendable Apex table. 
5. Jones Soda  Berry Lemonade.  Check out their website as Jones Soda is so cool they will personalize a bottle with your own picture. Think prom, wedding, birthdays.
6. Fun, fun, fun, the Jardin indoor/outdoor pillow!  Z Gallerie is getting a ton of props today! 

 

 

 

Just one look at this Barlow and Tyrie picture that inspired me and I'm convinced you will see why "I'm Truly, Madly, Deeply" in love...































 Sigh.... Okay now back to reality :)

Lawn toys and furniture for the children

As you get ready for the upcoming "official" start of summer, Memorial Day Weekend, don't forget the little people in your world. Pottery Barn Kids and Crate and Barrel's own children's division The Land of Nod have the most amazingly cool things for the little ones.

How fun would this guy be to run around on a nice warm summer day? PBA- pthalate free!  Look for the shark and the giant turtle too.

Just add a hose and you have instant fun!

It's quite possibly one of the coolest pirate ships ever! A water canon attached for spraying windows or for looking out of.

A great way to cool off and have a blast!







Beach Balls ...



Pink floral sprinkler ball, just hook it up to a hose.  Pottery Barn Kids.

                             
                                                                       
Striped beach ball, water sprinkler. Pottery Barn Kids














More from Pottery Barn Kids

OMG, these are the cutest beach balls EVER!

Two types: Pink with flowers, butterflies and seahorses and the more masculine blue with pirate ships, sharks and alligators.  Just think of the hours of fun these would be for the children to play with, and a really colourful addition to the pool area.

Furniture for the little ones is always a nice touch..

A quiet seating area..

Umbrella's fit into the tables and also can be fixed to the Pottery Barn sling chairs.

 Good old fashioned (you don't need electricity) summer toys and games..

Determination and Validation

WOW, it's always a challenge writing a blog. You wonder if people are reading your words, agreeing with you or thinking your a darn fool.

You just don't really know.

I write this blog out of a love for outdoor decorating, and a sincere hope that my vision will be just the thing someone out there needs to see and to get started on a project or complete their outdoor living-scape.  I'm completely dedicated to continuing my blogging and bringing what I feel is the best of the best to my readers and friends.

Since last Friday I have been completely mired down in family business, it's been a bit of a painful time trying to finish something that has been on going for years.  It has consumed my time; leaving not a moment to seek out new vendors, to write my blog or visit any of the amazing stores that are starting to show the latest collections for the spring.  I promise that Monday, May 23 2011 will bring more writing and more information about outdoor living!





Just for now though, I want to share something AMAZING!!!  On March 3, 2011 I wrote a blog about Modfire.  Killer Fire Vessels hand crafted in Arizona by the extremely talented Artisan Brandon Williams.

At the time It was the first article written about Modfire. A few short months later and Modfire is being featured in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine June 2011 addition.  Exciting!!! I will keep you updated on future periodicals, there will be four more this season!
 









Happy Mid-Week

Jane

Decorate The Outdoors

D.Garden Collection screened art is the brainchild of Deborah Sommers.  Deborah is a graphic designer extraordinaire and avid gardener and has taken her love of both and turned them into outdoor art. Brilliant!  With six different styles: (country, patterns, nature, grasses and geometrics), each style has many options for colour and design.  The panels can be used outdoors or indoors.

From The Country Collection

The banners are made from high quality fabrics that are treated to protect against UV rays.  Each piece can be machine washed.

From The Pattern  Collection

Customize the size to be longer or shorter, smaller.  Let Garden D. Garden know the size and they will work with you to make your vision a reality.

From The Pattern Collection

Use the panels to create a finishing touch on a bare wall or as a beautiful privacy screen.

Choose how you want to hang your wall screen print.

When I first saw this courtyard, I knew I needed to find out more about the design panels.  They draw your eye right to them without overpowering the space.  Perfection!

Perfect for a space that needs something but you're not sure what.  With all the palettes and size choices the hardest part will be picking your design.


















These African panels are subtle and yet make a statement on this patio.













D.Garden Collection  also does graphic window stickers and screened toss pillows.  Check their website out for all the information.