Dark Facades

Gardenista

 

Earlier this week I had a dream. I was hiking up a hillside path with a few friends when we saw a house that I said was my dream home, sort of a cabin-meets-tudor that was painted jet black and backed up to a forest with a big front lawn. No sooner did the event take place in my dream than my subconscious filed it away as 100% true. I’ve been in love with all black homes since seeing my first – a Victorian in San Francisco, I believe – but my location has never lent itself to making it a sensible reality. With the way black traps and collects heat it would have been a deathtrap in Oklahoma City, but here in Pennsylvania it makes a little more sense with the weather as well the style of house. In other words, I would happily paint the facade of my place obsidian if I could only get the nagging voice that keeps saying resell value! out of my head.

 

Dwell

 

Design Bureau

 

The Fresh Exchange

 

Todd Davis Architecture

 

Design*Sponge

 

Dwell

 

Habitus Living

 

Jean Verville Architecte

 

Møn Huset

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Print Edition: January 2017

Ask More Questions by Anthony Burrill

 

Be Who You Needed by The Old Try

 

Earth Print by Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.

 

House by the Sea Print by Catherine Campbell

 

Kitty Stardust Print by Niaski

 

Equal Measure Print by Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.

 

My Butt Print by Helena Wurzel

 

MIKO Print by Mathilde Aubier

 

Pastures Print by Kara Rosenlund

 

The Present is Female Poster by Samantha Hahn

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10 Benefits of Himalayan Salt Lamps

 

I’ve long admired the aesthetics of Himalayan salt lamps, and after doing some research last autumn I bought one. These artful light sources aren’t just a treat for the eyes, they also have a slew of benefits to accompany their warm glow.

Himalayan salt lamps are made out of just that, hollowed out blocks of pure Himalayan salt. We’re surrounded by air that’s full of positive and negative ions. Positive ions, AKA electronic air pollution, are created by electronic devices and can contribute to health problems such as allergies, stress, and insomnia. Salt lamps work by emitting negative ions that create a cleansing effect on the air.

 

 

10 Benefits of Himalayan Salt Lamps –

+ improves mood and concentration

+ purifies the air

+ reduces allergen and asthma symptoms

+ reduces stress

+ reduces insomnia

+ improves seasonal effective disorder

+ supports immune system

+ improves mood

+ boosts energy

+ reduces static electricity

 

 

Himalayan salt lamps do have a limited range, so you’ll want to place yours in the room in which you spend the most time. Check to make sure that your lamp is made from pure Himalayan salt rather than rock salt to experience actual benefits. And once purchased make sure to keep it away from humid spots like the bathroom, near the dishwasher, or by the washing machine.

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January Desktop Calendar Download

 

Check it out – our first new column of the year right out of the gate!

My favorite desktop wallpaper always includes a calendar, the more minimal and modern the better. Last year I never really found one that I loved, so this year I decided it was time to design one of my own instead. Each month will bring a new desktop calendar download with a fresh color scheme.

Download here.

 

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2017

 

IT’S HERE!

While I don’t expect the world and all of its issues to change because we flipped a calendar page, I am hopeful for a fresh start. Last year was a huge rollercoaster for many, and even though much of that will carry over it feels like there’s a bit less baggage in acknowledging a new year.

I stopped doing resolutions several years ago and instead do intentions. The word itself is much less intimidating and I’ve found I’m more likely to last past January 2nd with this mindset. I managed to make headway with two out of three 2016 intentions, which isn’t half bad in my estimation.

This go around I’m only focusing on one – pushing out of my comfort zone. This could be taken any number of ways, but what I’m hoping for is growth in both my life and my business. Saying yes but not being afraid to say no. Turning my weaknesses into strengths. There is great growth in discomfort and I can’t wait to dig in and get dirty.

So here’s to a happy and healthy 2017. Let’s be our best selves.

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