My Urban Garden Deco Guide

Why settle for functionality? ... seems to say Italian brand 21ST LIVINGART via its collection of light/planters.

Why not ensure pots and lights become stunning sculptures for your modern outdoor space?

The brand was at Maison et Objet and it drew my attention because the booth was buzzing with admirative visitors discovering this new kid on the block.
 
http://www.italian-furniture-design.com/vmchk/lighting/floor/caprice.html

 
'Kadabra' and Caprice are two of their designs (available is white, orange and green).

I will admit I felt remarkably (embarassingly ???)  out of touch with things when I discovered 53 % of young parisians have tried Narguiles and that in US campus they are hot and not even for pot!

Then, worse I discovered how many trendy people have now bought one to share ....at home.

It is about aromas 

Why do people buy and love their Narguiles?  Honey, apple, cinnamon and a zillion others It is not about smoking pot !....Got that wrong too!

Now I am taking this seriously (personally???) and will explore designs !!!!

 

If you are like me and think OK, I will give this new trend ... maybe... but help!!! they are too cheap and ugly..Join me in my discovery of this new deco item ...for outdoor spaces.

First a few of the classic designs...by www.AIRDIEM.Com

I am off to Maison et Objet 2010  where I know Airdiem have a stunning edgy new designs...

 

 

Yes yes yes... the garden is the new outdoor room...OK OK OK it is the new lounge and cooking space...
Now that is kind of old news.

THE NEWS now is the revival of the Narguile,the Hookah. The news is that they will be the hot item on terraces and outdoor spaces. Some designers will even dedicate special corners to this 'pleasure'.

A French company, Airdiem , will be presenting a completly new approach to this 5 century old product at the forthcoming Maison et Objet show.

The site is www.AIRDIEM.com .

 

International designers

Airdiem has teamed up with a whole range of elite designers including Hilton Mc Connico .. they have a range of designs that make this not only a sublime deco object in its own right but it is set to be the hot item any decent terrace will have very soon.

Hot Hotels are ordering, the press is tapping them... because they are great entertainment pieces for guest.

 

'Top Gun' high tech meets design

Narguilés designed by Airdiem have an extra secret added oumpff because the components are top notch.

Mr Gormand, the co founder was a helicopter pilot in the elite french school of Saint Cyr... That says a lot about him and his demanding nature.

When he and his wife fell in love with the Narguile they decided to up the game in line with France's tradition of producing the most exceptional pieces.

They researched and researched and went so far as to use aeronautic's most adavnced materials....

Honey, apple, cinnamon...

They offer a range of flavors and aromas in beautful bijou/ perfume like 'pots'

I 'll post a few images when they come in... Here is the newest of the range a very cool design for the younger party animals!

 

 

If I had a talent to organise such a thing I'd love to organise a Holiday For Haitiens..thing.

Each person offering a week's relief later in the year when the dust has settled...and the cameras are off.

 

Maybe if each blog posts the idea: a talent will find a way?

A

As promised, first a quick update on www.OutdoorzGallery.com, run by Beth Boutry and Deborah Sommers which opened earlier this fall  > It has now become an actual company, which is good news  ...though their terms and conditions really need to be read if you shop their cool pieces .

I would certainly not be satisfied  with them given the high ticket value of the products sold, the international nature of the orders and the fact they have no real control it seems over the stock amongst other things.
I hope that these  terms of business will indeed evolve as the company grows.

This inspires me to encourage checking your transactions are really safe and your guarantees are meaningful.

As the holiday season approaches, I am concerned over the issue of security of transactions in online shopping. I was defrauded recently so I learnt to be a little more cautious.The police told me fraud was up 60 % in the past quarter...

A few tips from someone who did not follow them:

> Really check terms and conditions in full- however dull and boring that is ! Ask yourself if these seem to be designed to protect you first or the seller only?
> Though the recession seems to be behind us, many online stores are going bust: check what would happen if your provider went out of business?
> Are they in control of stocks they sell etc...? If they do not you are at increased risk something goes wrong as more people in the process can drop the ball.
> Does the 'store' comply with general online standards and are they a member or an affiliates of regulatory bodies? Remember this is key if a dispute happens > you will have some kind of possible leverage ensuring things are put right.
> Do they have the 'safe to trade' icons such as ?

> Remember that guarantees are only as good as are your ability to enforce them:
If you shop a piece from the comfort of your Nantucket home ...and the company is based in Europe : how will you enforce your rights?

A great example of a well managed online store  is http://www.madeindesign.com/


 

Dear All,

A few days ago I posted about the new online boutique http://www.OutdoorzGallery.com opened by Beth Boutry and Deborah Sommers....
The selection at OutdoorzGallery is rather cool but it appears that it is not an actual company registered in any way.

Online shopping really needs to be secure so I apologize for breaking the news before they actually comply with basic online trading standards.
As soon as the do: I will let you know.

If you are in the market for great designs do go to  secure online sources such as : www.Sabz.Fr and see what is out there or to www.Silvera.fr


PLEASE SHARE YOUR recommended design stores by the way!

UV resistant 'art' at ancadres.com:

Synthetic lawn was a style no no...But no longer. Ultra high end garden designers are using this in more and more creative ways.
And the industry has caught on.
The buzz now is on Black fake lawn.
www.ma-pelouse.com