With Art Basel Miami on the horizon, we are fondly looking back at our favorite moments at the 20th anniversary edition from last December. Can’t wait to see what this year’s fair has in store! Get your tickets here…
Jeff Koons, Bowl With Eggs, (1994-2009) at White Cube. What else can we say? It’s a stunningly giant bowl of eggs, and we have to admit we didn’t know this was a Jeff Koons piece.
Tom Wesselmann’s work is simultaneously vintage and modern, it will never feel outdated, and is always a thrill to see over and over again.
A breathtaking photo by Thomas Demand. It’s one we’ve never seen before, and it was a thrill to discover.
Another masterpiece by Thomas Demand, a brilliant photographer whose work urges you to look closely. Things aren’t always what they seem.
Difficult to get this one across in a photo, a beautiful floating cloud constructed of many layers of glass.
Sorry, we just didn’t “get it”.
Lovely sculpture of a spacegirl.
We enjoyed this modern painting of a bird’s eye view of a family on the beach.
The last time we saw one of these Jaume Plensa sculptures was in Madison Square Park in NYC in 2011, and it was just as thrilling to see it again in an entirely different setting.
Stunning chandelier built for a palace.
How much more infinity art can we take? The answer is infinity.
We always look out for the funky gallery furniture, like this cardboard table and chairs set.
Haegue Yang Twelve Pyeongchang-gil Moisture – #2 HY24018, 2022 (at Kukje Gallery). This piece was a standout and stopped us in our tracks.
Sylvia Snowden “Shell, Age 17” 2011 Acrylic on Canvas. At Franklin Parras
It’s not Art Basel without at least a couple of Warhols, which never gets old. We loved the presentation here.
David Hartt “Olimpia, 2022” at David Nolan Gallery. Photography is sadly not abundant here, but this was a new exciting find.
Excellent people watching is another bonus.
Not sure if this is supposed to be Alice Cooper? But it sure looks like it!
What’s not to like here?
Edward and Nancy Kienholz “Americans” at TEMPLON left us speechless. It’s a piece you can spend some time with.
The view upstairs while waiting for our ride. After a good art fair, even the most mundane surfaces start to look like art.
With Miami Art Basel around the corner, we find ourselves reminiscing on last year’s experience. When we checked out all the art fairs in Miami last December, Design Miami was truly one of our favorites. There were so many beautiful and imaginative spaces. Unlike some spaces that feel cold and uninviting, everything here was presented in a warm setting. It was at once relaxing and inspiring to walk through the galleries.
Some of the highlights below!
The Cristina Grajales Gallery: Leopard Skies by Mark Grattan room was giving Scarface in the best way. There needs to be more mirrored and velvet rounded furniture in the world.
Where else will you find a Cindy Sherman jewelry collaboration? We’ve never seen this before, and think this is a prime venue to see artists trying new mediums.
We love when artists experiment outside of what the public expects of them, and this type of work should be getting more exposure, in our humble opinion. More of Cindy Sherman x Lizworks cameo designs can be seen here: https://carpentersworkshopgallery.com/artists/cindy-sherman-x-lizworks/
Breathtaking moss sculptures by sculptor Kim Simonsson. Although they were in the back corner, they were one of the highlights of the show.
Sculpture by Kim Simonsson
Thought these chairs would have a soft texture like Gaetano Pesce’s other sculptures! Nonetheless, an excellent collaboration with Bottega Veneta.
Superhouse curator Stephen Markos never fails to dissappoint in his NYC space, and this conceptual bedroom designed by four artists was a hit.
We’re not mad at this Flinstones-inspired chair.
Futuristic shapes were abundant, like this new take on a simple coffee table.
This AGO Projects room was a refreshing and whimsical take on color and shape.
Maison Perrier-Jouët presents Garance Vallée’s ‘Planted Air’
USM Modular Furniture presents USM NYC by Ben Ganz, a collaboration with PIN–UP Home
The Tuleste Factory: Through and Through room was a study on blue, proving once again that a monochromatic look never fails.Here, one of our favorite glass pieces.
Galerie SCENE OUVERTE
A welcoming chair at Friedman Benda. Too bad we were not allowed to sit on it.
The disco ball thing has been overdone on social media in our opinion, but this was playful version was a fresh take. It was a hit at the show. Rotganzen’s Various works (2022) at Rademakers Gallery
A tasteful Elvis and Priscilla lamp set.
We are blown away by all of the innovative 3-d printed ideas out there, like this wall sculpture spotted at Design Miami. Can’t wait to see what else is in store in just two months!
At some point or another, almost everyone considers switching up their style. As natural as it is, it mightn’t always be the easiest thing to do. Changing your style often involves changing how you think about your clothes, too. It’s easy to see why so many people don’t know what to do.
While you might think it’ll have to be complicated, it’s far from it. It could be a lot simpler than you’d think, especially if you decide to be practical about it. Using a few tips with this helps more than you’d think, so they’re well worth diving into.
Three of them can have much more of a difference than you’d think. No matter what you’re changing your style into, they’ll be sure to help.
Changing Your Style: 3 Practical Tips
1. Try Layering
Layering is a great way to make an outfit look much nicer, and it doesn’t take too much time or effort. It’s just a matter of adding more layers to an outfit while making sure each of these layers compliment each other. During the winter months, this is also a great way to stay warm.
You could pair a t-shirt with an overshirt, and then add a jacket on top of it. Not only will this help to create an outfit, but you could end up looking amazing because of that. Keep layers in mind when you’re getting new clothes.
2. Don’t Overdo Accessories
Accessories are a natural part of many peoples’ styles, and it’s always worth investing in this. The trick is to make sure you don’t overdo it with your accessories. One or two could be more than enough for an individual outfit. Anything more than that could make everything look relatively cluttered.
Instead of buying a lot of new accessories, focus on buying two or three that you can use with any outfit. Go for higher quality options, and there’ll be nothing not to love about them. You’ll end up being able to accessorize with any outfit, no matter what kind of style you’re going for.
3. Experiment With Clothing
Changing your style often means updating your wardrobe, and this is the most obvious step you’ll need to take. That doesn’t mean just replacing everything, though. It can often be worth experimenting with the clothes you get and trying a few you wouldn’t have thought about before.
Even some branded merchandise, like this Camp Half Blood Cabin 6 merchandise, can be worth considering. With some experimentation, you could end up finding a new style you’ll love. You’ve no reason not to at least consider it, and you could end up having a better time than you’d think.
Changing Your Style: Wrapping Up
Changing your style can be relatively complicated to start off with. It takes more than just updating your wardrobe. That doesn’t mean you’ll have to struggle with it, though. It’s just a matter of being practical and you’ll update your style before you know it. You could even end up looking more fashionable than ever.
Your home should be your safe space – a place where you can relax and unwind after a busy day. However, this is easier said than done if you aren’t maintaining your home properly. After all, it’s difficult to kick back and relax if you’ve got 101 things to do before you even step through the door.
With that in mind, here are some top tips for maintaining a happy, healthy home!
Get rid of clutter.
Not only does getting rid of clutter make your home interior more relaxing, but it can also work wonders for your health. After all, if you’re surrounded by clutter, it’s highly likely that you’re also surrounded by dust and other allergens, which can quickly take its toll on your overall health and well-being.
As such, now is the perfect time to declutter your home from top to bottom. Remember, if you come across an item you no longer need or use, then you should not keep hold of it just for the sake of it!
Clean for 10 minutes a day.
Cleaning is often the last thing you want to spend time doing after a busy day at work. However, ignoring these tasks only makes them more difficult to deal with in the long run. This does not, of course, mean that you have to spend hours cleaning each night either!
Instead, write down a list of all of the cleaning tasks that you need to complete within a week, then spend ten minutes a night working on this list or ticking off one of these tasks. For example, you could spend your Monday evening doing your laundry, Tuesday polishing, Wednesday vacuuming and so on. By the end of the week, you’ll have worked your way through the entire list!
Maintain your HVAC System.
Your HVAC system is one of the most essential appliances within your home – as you’ll use it throughout the year to heat or cool your home. As such, you should make maintaining this system a priority moving forward. For example, you should clean the filters regularly to prevent a build-up of dust.
If you encounter any problems with your HVAC system or believe that it is faulty, be sure to reach out to a hvac repair specialist as soon as possible. This ensures that the problem is resolved right away!
Inspect & maintain your roof.
Your roof is your home’s primary defence against the elements, which means that any damage to this should be rectified right away. After all, something as simple as a missing roof tile could lead to a range of maintenance challenges, such as internal moisture damage, flooding and even the presence of pests within your home.
As such, you should also make maintaining your roof a priority moving forward by carrying out regular inspections of your roof, cleaning out your gutters, and bringing in the experts for assistance when necessary. You should also remember to take proper precautions when working at height.
Bring the outside in.
Not only can houseplants elevate your interior design choices or introduce a splash of color into a room, but studies have also shown that they can improve indoor air quality.
Not only could this be great for those with respiratory conditions, but caring for a house plant (and working to keep it alive) also has many mental health benefits! As such, now is the perfect time to bring the outside in. If you’ve been known to kill your fair share of house plants in the past, focus on those that are known for being low-maintenance. This way, they’ll continue to thrive even if you do not water them as often as you should.
Buy eco-friendly cleaning products. Many of the cleaning products sold in supermarkets contain harsh chemicals that damage not only the environment but also your overall health. For example, according to the American Lung Association, many contain ingredients that can “irritate the eyes or throat, or cause headaches and other health problems.” Switching to eco-friendly products can, therefore, make a huge difference.
Make your own cleaning products. If you’re looking for a way to save money while maintaining a happy, healthy home, then you may want to try your hand at making your own cleaning products. For example, lemon, vinegar and water make an excellent stain remover, whether this is used in your kitchen or bathroom!
Seal any gaps in windows, walls and door frames.
If you find that you’re constantly getting a cold or that your immune system has weakened, it could be because your home is simply not as warm as it should be. While there’s not much you can do about the weather, you should ensure that your home is as energy-efficient as possible. One way to achieve this goal is by sealing any gaps in windows, walls and door frames, as even the smallest of cracks allow cold air to enter your home. Thankfully, this is a task you can handle yourself using caulk or sealant bought over the counter or online.
Hire a cleaner.
If you don’t have enough time in your schedule to dedicate to cleaning, there is no shame in hiring a cleaner. After all, they will be able to do a lot of the hard work on your behalf, making routine house cleaning a lot easier. Remember, you don’t need to hire them to clean the entire home, either. For example, you could ask them to focus on communal spaces or hard-to-clean areas, such as your bathroom or kitchen. When you consider the amount of time, energy, and stress a cleaner can save you, it is well worth the investment.
Final Thoughts.
If you’re looking to get on top of household maintenance or want to ensure that you maintain a happy, healthy home, then the above list should come in handy.
Whether you’re refining your cleaning schedule, calling a handyman, or making your own cleaning products, this guidance can help you start 2024 on the right foot!
You may have spent some time worrying about your winter energy usage, but there are other issues you could encounter during the winter. One of the biggest problems could be household damage, especially after a winter storm if you live somewhere prone to heavy snowfall. While many instances are safe, there could be more extreme examples that put you and your family at risk, so it’s vital to know what to do after a storm strikes.
Check That Everyone Is Safe
If a storm occurs during the night, your first responsibility is to make sure everyone is safe. While this might require you to wake them up, it’s better than not knowing where they are. Once you have accounted for everyone (pets included), you should move to a safe place that is at less risk of experiencing damage. It is better to get to the living room or close to the exit so you can get out of the house quickly if you need to.
Cut The Power
Every homeowner or renter should know how to locate the circuit breaker to cut the power as soon as possible. This can prevent significant damage to the house if the property short circuits and will also prevent fires if the system gets overloaded. However, some circuit breakers are not always as easily accessible as you’d like, which is why you should try to get to them quickly before more significant danger arrives.
Take Photos For Insurance
If you believe your home is relatively safe, take the opportunity to take photographs. This tactic is to help with verification and insurance purposes as you can show your provider precisely what damage has occurred which will allow them to work out a fair figure for your payout. You may also need to take photographs outside the house, but this is not recommended while the storm is ongoing. Instead, wait for it to clear up before venturing outside to keep you safe and prevent unnecessary injuries.
Remove Damaged Items (If It’s Safe)
Once the storm has fully cleared, you can remove any damaged items to make it easier for any professionals to clear up your home. Since they are damaged, you will likely get rid of them anyway so this gets things moving quicker, and we can help you get your home back to normal faster. However, only venture into certain rooms, such as the basement or attic, if it is safe to do so.
Arrange Repairs
Household repairs after a storm can vary from quick fixes to more demanding projects. You may also discover that the low temperatures have caused further problems if you were away from home during the storm. In this case, you’ll need to consult services about frozen pipe water damage and learn your options to fix these issues and make your home inhabitable again.
Fixing
You may not be able to completely fix your home, but you can take several key steps to make it easier to keep you and your family safe. These tips should guide you in the right direction and ensure you get everything you need ready for the next steps, whether claiming for insurance or carrying out essential repairs on your property.
While many of us spend a significant amount of money on energy in the summer, especially ion AC units and keeping cool, the most expensive time for energy usage has to be the winter. However, there are some effective ways to keep your energy costs as low as possible, even during the colder months. Read on to find out what they are.
Keep your heating system well-maintained
One of the most important things you can do to save energy and money in the winter is to make sure your heating system is well-maintained. This is because a well-maintained heating system will run in a much more efficient manner, using less fuel to achieve the result you wish, as well as making sure it runs well for the longest time possible.
To that end, booking regular heating and boiler maintenance is crucial if you want to reduce your home energy use during the winter. For some, joining a heating maintenance scheme can be the best way to ensure that this task is completed regularly. It also helps them to spread the cost over a year rather than having to find the money in one go.
Replace your windows with energy-efficient ones
Another effective way to cut your energy usage in the winter while keeping your home toasty and warm is to replace your old windows with more energy-efficient ones. Indeed, by choosing the right windows you can make sure the air you expend energy on heating stays in your home and does not escape, requiring more energy spent to keep the temperature constant.
However, replacing windows is a skilled task, and while some people do attempt to DIY it, it’s usually much better to find a window replacement company specialist to complete the task for you. Indeed, by working with trained professionals you can properly install which should guarantee the most energy efficiency possible.
Use draft excluders
An incredibly simple way to reduce your energy consumption in wintertime is to use draft excluders. These are devices that are placed against the gaps along the bottom of doors (and sometimes windows) to block any cold air coming in from another room or outside.
There are two types of draft excluders to consider. The first is a long fabric item, often filled with dried beans or rice, which can be applied or removed as needed. The second is a permanently fitted item that is made from foam or rubber and creates a seal that prevents cold air from getting in and warm air from getting out.
Invest in hot/warming items
Incredibly popular right now are items that are designed to heat the person using them rather than the room in which they are located. Such items include heating mats, heating pillows, and even heating stuffies which can be placed in the microwave. Heated blankets and throws are also very popular as they combine comfort and heat.
Such devices are particularly useful for people who are sensitive to the cold in the way others in the home are not. This is because it allows them to stay warm and cozy, without the need to use additional energy to heat the home or cause temperature discomfort to anyone else.
Perfect your heating settings
Last of all, if you want to keep your home warm during the winter, but you also want to keep the cost of heating it down, it makes sense to get a good grip on your heating settings. What this means is that you set your heating to automatically come on at critical times during the day and night, so it keeps your home warm without overuse.
These times will be different depending on your home and household. However, as a rule, making sure your heating is set to come on early in the morning before you get up is best. Also setting it to come on in the afternoon around 3 pm when the temperature tends to drop is a good idea.
You may even like to invest in a SMART heating thermostat. This is because such a device will enable you not only to set automated times for when your heating goes on and off, but also allow you to adjust it to your needs from anywhere inside and outside your home. For example, if you are heading home from work in the rain, you can set your heating to come on so your house is toasty and warm when you arrive. Similarly, if you head out for the day and accidentally leave your heating on when no -one will be home you can easily turn it off from anywhere so you save both energy and money.
