Of course, the pool table has to blend in well with the rest of the room. Its placement should not be forced or lack planning for its addition to result in room décor that works. Otherwise, it would simply look garish.

An important element in the installation of a pool table is its lighting. When we think of pool table lighting, pendant fixtures usually come to mind. Most of the time, we envision something with a Tiffany shade. While that certainly makes for a picturesque setup, some might find it rather cliché and prefer less common pool table lighting. In any case, for homes with a contemporary feel, something more modern and streamlined might be called for.

For the proper illumination of a pool table, you have to make sure that all the sections are well lit. The light should reach up to the edges of the table. However, it shouldn’t be too harsh that it interferes with your game. There are other considerations, of course. After all, when you play pool, you are wielding a long stick and dealing with balls that could potentially go flying off the table surface, not to mention the possibility of bumping your head on the lamp. Your fixture should definitely hang at least 30 inches above the playing surface for it to be sufficiently out of the way.
For contemporary homes sporting a pool table, monorail lighting is the perfect option. The style is sleek and modern. When it comes to functionality, it is extremely practical. They come in thin rails that can be shaped by hand. To learn more about monorail applications, you can visit techlighting.com.

For your pool table, you can get creative with your monorail to strategically place the light on all the crucial points. Naturally, it can also enhance the style of your pool table setup. The following are three cool monorail designs for your table:

The S-curve design looks very fluid and sinuous. It is also a great way to place lamps exactly where you want them. The rectangle design with lamps running on two parallel lines look very clean and efficient. With this design, you can also be certain that your pool table is completely awash in light. The single line of lamps, on the other hand, is very streamlined and straightforward. Its appeal is distinctly modern. All three designs provide contemporary lighting style and do a great job illuminating your pool table. With one of these monorail designs over your table, your pool setup will be a gorgeous focal point in the room.

To a person investing in a beautiful, comfortable space, a ceiling fan makes a very sensible purchase. There are, however, several things to consider in choosing what kind of ceiling fan to go for. Blade size, mount type, finish, light, remote control option, damp rating, etc. should all be taken into account. For instance, in terms of blade size, the bigger the room, the longer the fan blades should be. When it comes to mount type, it depends on the kind of ceiling you have, whether it’s high, low, angled, etc. As for the finish, it’s a fair assumption that anyone adding a ceiling fan to a room would want it to complement the overall décor of the room. This, however, is merely the tip of the iceberg. It might seem overly meticulous, but with your money, efforts, and even safety at stake, it is best to get it right in the first attempt, right?

First and foremost, your fan should be securely installed, preferably by a professional. Size is also important. Be sure that the blades will not come in contact with walls, sloped ceilings or decor. A fan can also pose a safety risk so be sure that the fan is mounted high enough to not come in contact with people below. American building code dictates that ceiling fans should be mounted with the blades no lower than seven feet from the floor. That may be the law, but common sense should come into play as well. Many people are over six feet tall and if they accidentally raised their arm while below a fan hanging at 7 feet above the floor, that would be extremely unfortunate. At the same time, you don’t want the fan so high that its effect on air circulation is limited. For optimal air flow, the ceiling fan ideally should be installed in the middle of the room at a safe 8 to 9 feet from the floor, with its blades at least 18 inches from the walls.

When it comes to the issue of ceiling fan height, the mount with its downrod is a very integral element. The downrod is the support that extends from the bracket that attaches to the ceiling to the top of the actual fan. Standard mounts usually have a 3-5 inch downrod. For ceilings that are higher than normal, longer downrods will be necessary. If you’re dealing with an exceptionally high ceiling, consult the sales associate as to the correct downrod length. On the other hand, low ceilings (under 8 feet in height) call for hugger/snugger/low profile fans with flush mounts. Take note though that hugger fans usually do not circulate air as much as regular fans do since their blades are closer to the ceiling. For angled or vaulted ceilings, fans with sloped mounts are required as well.

Overall, ceiling fans are great investment and can make any room look and feel great!

Black or macassar ebony, on the other hand, has a color banding that gives it a very dramatic appeal. The irregular striping of black and dark brown is quite uncommon. It is a really beautiful wood and very ably enhances the style of any interior.

A natural walnut finish is usually a very distinctive deep chocolate brown color. The walnut is the only native American hardwood that is naturally dark, so it has an appeal for those who want to patronize local resources.

Zebrawood is definitely an unusual finish with its dark stripes on a pale golden yellow background. It is a very decorative sort of wood and looks great on wall panels and furniture trims.

Any of these exotic wood finishes will bring warmth your contemporary room.

Floor sculptures come in all shapes, colors, materials and sizes. Often beautiful and interesting, these artistic pieces were all the rage in the late 19th century and, clearly  continue to be popular to date. The Impressionists started the ball rolling and now modern floor sculptures continue to offer visual fascination in a room. The ’60s and ’70s produced some really evocative modern pieces, which continue to be in demand today.

Nowadays, contemporary floor sculptures depict all the relevant elements in our lifetime. The styles represented cover a rather wide range and the media keep on getting more innovative as the years go by. Many of these floor sculptures are abstract in form, but they clearly speak to the psyche so that you can easily tell if they are supposed to be dramatic, playful, whimsical, etc.

Make no mistake about it; these floor sculptures are actual works of art. Whether built by celebrated artists, unknown artisans, or mass-produced by commercial enterprises, they, as a rule, effectively create a form of visual interest, very often captivating and moving. Take, for instance, the gorgeous Hurricane Floor Sculpture.

From the form of the sturcture, you can feel the strength and gravity of its subject. Beautiful to look at, yet it effectively captures the intensity of a natural force. There are color options available allowing you the chance to pick the ones that you personally feel best represent the idea behind the piece, or at least, the ones that best complement your room’s color scheme.

It is particularly clever when home furnishings have more than one purpose. Some floor sculptures actually double as floor lamps. During the day, it serves as an attractive sculpture and at night, it transforms into a striking lighting display.

Floor sculptures can be placed in various areas throughout the home. Of course, you have to be certain that they are well-placed, standing where they can be easily seen and yet safely out of the way of the usual traffic. Whether as a solitary piece or part of a grouping, floor sculptures are sure to add charm and ambiance to a room.

In physical appearance alone, the Marshmallow Love Seat easily captures attention and holds it. Its eye-catching style is indubitably one-of-a-kind. It is an effective blend of whimsy, comfort and efficiency. As you inspect it further, you will discover how smart the design is.

Essentially, the Marshmallow Love Seat is comprised of 18 round, comfortable cushions arranged in such a way to look as though they are floating on the brushed tubular steel frame with black satin legs. It was designed to have detachable cushions for easy cleaning and maintenance, as well as for equalized wear. This feature also allows playful owners to make things fun and unpredictable with the different colored cushions. The cushions were originally upholstered in genuine Italian leather, but those who are creative will easily perceive the wealth of options when it comes to maximizing the versatility of the love seat’s look. In fact, you can purchase several Marshmallow Love Seats and attach them to each other using the connecting elements that they come with to make a really long sofa .

There has been some debate over the comfortability of the Marshmallow Love Seat. It does make comfortable seating, but don’t expect it to be as cozy as your typical couch. You can, however, sit and relax there for long periods of time without any discomfort.

The Marshmallow Love Seat was made to be strong and durable. It was created not only to make a fashion statement in homes, but to serve beautifully and efficiently in high-traffic areas such as waiting lounges, offices, lobbies, etc. One of the earliest manifestations of Pop Art in the category of home furnishings, the Marshmallow Love Seat has gone down in history as one of the very few truly uncoventional sofa designs ever. It took a hiatus in the ’60s, but was later rightfully revived to greet the birth of the new century. After all, the Marshmallow Love Seat exemplifies a true modern classic design.

So what are some things to think about?  Well of course, the rule of thumb in space planning your living room is to pay attention to function. Are elements including the table, chairs, and sofas the right distance from each other to serve their purpose well? Is there enough room for comfortable movement and easy foot traffic? Do light sources give illumination on things they should? Does the seating arrangement make sense? These are just some of the guiding questions you have to consider when planning your living room space in order for it to be of the utmost practicality.

Living room seating is particularly essential as it is, in fact, the section of the house where you do a lot of sitting. It is also usually where you receive guests and sit them down for a spot of entertaining. Seating should be planned well. It should allow people to chat comfortably, see each other easily, and place drinks down without having to get up and look for an available surface.

Your living room space may involve several seating elements. Couches are an assumed staple, of course. Living room seating is usually composed of a sofa and a couple of armchairs. You can add individual chairs and ottomans, but these elements are more flexible in terms of placement.

When it comes to choosing a couch for a contemporary living room, style and comfort are equally important. A modern sofa is preferably durable in material and construction, withstanding the onslaught of active kids and the strains of entertainment. It is also neutrally attractive, capable of surviving the shifting decorating trends and easily modified with accessories to complement the seasons.

A modern living room is usually represented by furnishings with sleek, clean lines. It also often reflects innovation and the desire to break free from the traditional setup. It has, for instance, been noted that contemporary living rooms tend to sport sectionals instead of the regular sofa.

Sectionals with a chaise end give you more seating options and the ability to put your feet up without potential damage to your coffee table or the need to place a footstool next to the couch. The thing about sectionals is that they are usually bigger than the traditional sofa. They definitely require more width and depth when it comes to space. On the other hand, if you were thinking of getting two sofas, then a sectional will actually do the job of maximizing your space.
Another trend in contemporary living room seating is the penchant for dual function sofas.

Daybeds and sleeper sofas are more fashionable than ever. The modern decorator, after all, knows how to think ahead. It is simply a matter of getting pieces to go with this kind of couch. The old-school two sofa combo/love seat set/couch with two arm chairs may be a classic, but an eclectic, mix-and-match style of seating is definitely a fresher way to do things. If your eclectic mix works, it will also speak well for your taste and eye for design.

Already an amazing sight in all of its 125 feet and clever pattern of steel and glass, the Frank Lloyd Wright Spire is an even more remarkable image at night. It normally looks like a futuristic elevated and elongated pyramid with an enormous spire at the top, but when it gets dark, it transcends architectural beauty and becomes something magical to behold. It is illuminated from within by more than a hundred eight-foot lamps, which give the building an ice blue glow to onlookers outside.

The Spire is said to have been inspired by local elements, such as forms of native plants reflected in the serrated edges of the light fixtures; the image of the Saguaro cactus seen in its verticality; the colors of sky and vegetation manifested in the shades decorating the geometric patterns on the structure, etc. You can just imagine the meticulous thought process at work when the Spire was being designed. All this is actually quite typical of Frank Lloyd’s adherence to the concept of organic architecture.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Spire has since its construction become a famous landmark in Scottsdale. Located in an a small park that is home to many architectonic elements and other works of art, the Spire is nothing short of spectacular and is very hard to miss. Although this area at the intersections of Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard and Scottsdale Road is a favorite haunt for architecture and art lovers, you do not have to be an aficionado to realize that the Spire is a true city treasure. Not only does it literally look like a cool blue gem, it is also part of the great architect’s legacy to the world.

Had Phoenix embraced the proposal instead of dismissing it, it would have had another landmark to add to the city’s charm and character, in pretty much the way Paris has the Obelisk, Seattle has the Space Needle, etc. In the case of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, spires are, in fact, very representative of the Modernist movement. It would have definitely been a great art statement for the State Capitol, but perhaps the Spire actually ended up in the best place for it. Amidst other inventive pieces of art and architecture, the Spire looks very much at home. However, let it be a lesson to cities that get design proposals from brilliant architects. If the government of Paris had listened to residents opposing the erecting of the hideous eyesore, the Eiffel Tower might have never come to be.  In the meantime, the people and visitors of Scottsdale have The Frank Lloyd Wright Spire to enjoy and to remind themselves of the genius of an architect who was light years ahead of his time.

A novel approach to upholstered headboards is called Wall Art Pixels. These pixels are definitely the latest and the freshest when it comes to wall art innovations. They make excellent headboards, but you do not actually need a bed to have an excuse to put them up on your wall. By themselves, they make great wall décor. As headboards, they add visual interest to your bed, making a dramatic background for your stay there.

The pixels come in two sizes, in terms of thickness. You can get ones that are an inch thick, but if you prefer your headboard to be softer, you can go for those that are two-inches thick. The pixels are US-made and are composed of sturdy foam, fiber padding and spot treat fabric. They come in squares measuring 16 inches by 16 inches. The pixels are very easy to install using an easy adhesive Velcro wall application. It is recommended that you plan the exact location of the pixels on your wall as well as the arrangement that you desire before you start attaching the Velcro. In the event that you do have to pull the Velcro off the wall, you can simply iron it on high setting with a paper in between. It should come of in about 15 seconds. Pull the Velcro off slowly and carefully to avoid damage to your wall.

The Wall Art Pixels are not merely decorative, they also have sound absorbing properties, which allows you to enjoy a quiet room. They can even be protective when strategically placed to cushion cruising toddlers and the like. There are also pixels that come with pockets where you can store folders and documents or simply display pictures.

The pixels come in all sorts of fabric, shades and patterns. It is up to you to choose which pixels to get. You can go for a uniform set or a combination of different patterns. They are so versatile that they are sure to cater to whatever your design sensibilities require.

The following, Circa and Soho Chestnut, are just two of the available fabric options:

Here are some examples of how to arrange your pixels as a headboard.

With Wall Art Pixels, the wall décor possibilities are endless. To learn more about them, you can watch the Chicago Textile at the August 2008 Las Vegas Market video.

For more details on using Wall Art Pixels, please visit the Thingz showroom nearest you.  Because of the highly flexible nature of these, you will want to see the samples first hand!

We have spent a lot of our time finding products that are environmental friendly.  From LED light fixturesthat use less than 10% of the electricity of a typical light to sourcing furniture locally to avoid the long and environmentally unfriendly shipping cycles, we are vigilant.  We do this because it’s good for the environment and good for business.  At Thingz we are proud of our record on sustainability and will continue in this as a cornerstone of our contemporary interior design approach.

Definitely a brand with a conscience, Oios Metals is a revolutionary and green concept that anybody would be happy to use and endorse. True to their name of Oios, which is Greek for “unique”, Oios Metals products are all “Sustainable Design”. They are the first name in  Eco friendly commercial and residential furnishing with all of them made of 98% recycled material. They are durable and excellently crafted, but should they ever get damaged, they can also be recycled into reusable metal. If you would like to know about their carbon footprint, rest assured that Oios Metals products are 100% USA made. The company’s practices are laudable in their commitment to be as environment-friendly as possible. Everything in its operation is in strict adherence to this commitment. Packaging is done with recycled boxing; orders are consolidated for low fuel usage in shipping; scraps are recycled back to local material suppliers; and the only wood products used come from recycled crates and pallets for shipping. Despite these commendable practices, Oios Metals continues to strive to be even greener. Its goals include tapping renewable energy sources such solar panels and wind turbines.

Do not even for one minute think that Oios Metals products are all about functionality and being green. They are all attractively designed with edgy patterns and the most fashion forward shapes. For instance, you would think that metal tables cannot be much more than utilitarian, but behold the following beauties and you will see that nothing could be farther from the truth. Any of the following would be a gorgeous focal point and make a fashionable statement for your room.

The Apostrophe Desk is uniquely shaped. It is eye-catching in its design, yet its curves and components are created to be very ergonomic. This is a very inspiring desk to have in one’s office.

The Carusso Dining Table is another unique product with its striking beauty. Shaped with simple and clean lines, the table makes up for the traditional form with its distinctive pattern.

The Boomerang End Table, on the other hand, makes an enchanting focal point. There is no doubt about its functionality as it is sure to serve its purpose well. Its design, however, is truly remarkable. Another unique product from Oios Metals, this end table makes a very engaging conversation piece.

Our steel tables are — in addition to being stylish and environmentally sensitive — fully customizable.  We have created custom conference room tables, kitchent tables, metal contemporary bars, and metal counter tops.  In fact, visit the Thingz Tempe showroom.  The front counter is made of a custom countertop that is 18 feet long and completely unsupported in the middle.  As with all of our products, this line of metal contemporary furniture is sturdy, stylish and customizable!

Visit our blog or our contemporary furniture website often to see our expanding offering of environmentally friendly furniture.  Or of course you may always visit one of our beautiful modern design showrooms in Scottsdale or Tempe!

The first thing you notice when beholding the Aeron Chair is its imaginative design. Its look is certainly versatile, easily fitting in all sorts of interior. It has no trouble complementing an elegant setup since it is pretty much a work of art in itself. As with most outstanding works of art, the Aeron Chair’s presence always makes sense and never necessitates explaining or rationalizing. There have been numerous attempts to imitate the chair’s distinctive design, which is completely understandable as the Aeron is a gorgeous chair.

You will also notice that the chair is not cushioned. Many believe that cushions are synonymous with comfort, but the Aeron Chair will have no trouble proving this belief wrong. For a chair to be comfortable, it should conform to the shape and contour of your body while relieving pressure points as well as heat build-up. Chair cushion doesn’t do that. The Aeron Chair, on the other hand, has the Pellicle. It is a woven material which effectively cradles you in such a way that keeps pressure even across your entire body and keeps you cool despite long stretches of sitting down. Besides this, the chair also boasts of PostureFit, which supports the pelvis’ natural forward tilt and keeps the spine aligned to avoid the usual back pain.

The rest of the Aeron Chair’s features are all geared towards supreme comfort – the high, wide and contoured backrest; the slightly sloping armrests; the “waterfall” drop at the front of the seat; the Kinemat tilt mechanism, etc. You can manipulate everything from the seat height, arm height, arm angle, lumbar position, etc. Besides having all these smart features, the Aeron Chair is also available in three sizes to guarantee that you end up with a chair that is a perfect fit for you.

Also adding to the chair’s prestige is the list of accolades it has received (one of Your Company magazine’s “Designs Greatest Hits”, one of Industrial Designers Society of America and BusinessWeek’s “Designs of the Decade” Gold Winner for the Office Furniture category, etc.). After all these, however, what makes the Aeron Chair even more special is how green it is. More than half of the chair comes from recycled materials while almost all of it is recyclable.

With a chair that caters so much to your comfort that it addresses everything from your posture and joint movements to your blood circulation and body temperature, working has certainly become a pleasure. Clearly, the Aeron Chair has the power to achieve the impossible.