Dareen Jaamour is a Syrian interior designer who was born and raised in Jeddah. She is now the creative mind behind Jou-L Handmade Art with Love. Jaamour has always been interested in art since she was young. This was further nurtured with a degree in interior design from Genius Academy Institute. She initially trained with architects, which helped to shape her career. I have worked with different interior design companies and have gained exposure to real life experiences, dealing with contractors and suppliers. My last job before going independent was with the famous Italian brand Visionnare, an IPE Cavalli furniture line where I was a senior manager responsible for the design studio and was privileged to design their showroom in Jeddah, she said. Im passionate about the environment and I believe that the up-cycling and re-use of materials is the way forward. By turning them into something functional and visually stunning, I am creating something utterly unique, she said. Two years back the interior designer created her own brand Jou-L that adopts the idea of up-cycling. She spoke to Arab News about her project, interior design and future plans.

What is the meaning and the story behind the name of your brand? The name Jou-L was inspired by my daughters Joud and Lamar who are truly my little jewels. They were the reason that I started my own business, so I can spend more quality time with my sweethearts and have them around.

Tell us about your brand. Jou-L is a reflection of my personality, passion, creativity and love for art. Having an interior design background helps me come up with stylish and unique designs. Jou-L offers up-cycled, one-of-a-kind furniture and home accessories. Each piece is unique, ready to live a new story and make memorable memories with you. By owning a Jou-L up-cycled product you are helping the environment because all products are refurbished, old or unused furniture is brought back to life once again in a new gown. Also, five percent of the selling price will be donated to different charitable organizations.

What got you interested in designing furniture? As an interior designer, furniture is part of my daily work and finding the right piece for each project has always been a challenge. I wanted to bring art into furniture and come up with something unique and personalized. I was motivated by two points: 1. I was searching deep inside me to find a job that keeps me around my kids and at the same time something that I love to do. 2. Seeing all the pieces thrown away because of a ripped cushion, a broken leg or a scratched table top just broke my heart, but at the same time it inspired the artist in me.

What inspires you when working on a new line? I dont follow a specific style or line, my work is inspired mainly by life and those around me. Each piece I work on is different. I work with different materials in my designs, playing with the relationship between the various elements.

What are the obstacles you faced in the Kingdom when establishing your brand? I have just started this new business and I am still trying to establish my brand in Saudi Arabia as a range of exquisite artistic handmade furniture and accessories catering to those who appreciate art and the extra attention to detail that I put into each piece. One of the obstacles I have been facing is the lack of skilled craftsmen and the availability of raw materials used in my work.

You are Syrian, but your brand is in Saudi Arabia. Why did you choose to establish your brand in the Kingdom? I was born, raised and I live with my family in the Kingdom. In addition to that, the Saudi market is very strong and the Saudi consumer appreciates art and originality.

What makes your work special? My work is a reflection of my love for art and each piece I work on is different in terms of style, material used and finishes, etc. I dont repeat myself and everything is handmade. I am an artist and a designer at the same time which allows me to project this into my work. I get to wear both hats frequently. I do not separate the design and production process, they often happen together and at the same time. In addition I understand the close relationship between the design, materials, and production, which makes my work special.

How would you describe your personal interior design style? In my designs I dont focus on anything in particular and it is whatever I get my hands on. My style is simple, functional, traditional, rustic, eclectic, cottage, boho, vintage or authentic. Whatever serves the design concept.

Are you environmentally friendly? Do you recycle, reduce and reuse? I believe in recycling and my work revolves around that concept. Im actually up-cycling old, unused and abandoned pieces

Excerpt from:
Dareen Jaamours dream: A green house in every house

Bed manufacturer Sealy is calling on New Zealanders to get in to bed for a good cause this October.

For the second consecutive year, Sealy is supporting the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation (NZBCF) with help from four leading creative local talents.

Masters in their own fields, Artist ASKEW ONE (Elliot ODonnell), fashion designers Denise LEstrange-Corbet from WORLD and Juliette Hogan, along with interior designer LeeAnn Yare have now mastered the art of sleep by designing a bespoke fabric panel for a Sealy Posturepedic Exquisite bed.

The four Exquisite beds will be listed on TradeMe between 15 and 28 October with the entire proceeds donated to the NZBCF to help fund research and support women with breast cancer.

Each fabric panel is very different with designs ranging from bright polka dots and monochrome to pastel chevrons and fine art geometric prints.

Sealy NZ marketing manager Jenni Gaze says, "We are thrilled to be working with these exceptional artists and really appreciate the time and skill that has gone in to creating the designs. For the second year running, we have some talented individuals working alongside us on the campaign and we are really looking forward to watching the auctions on Trade Me".

"We are proud to be associated with such a deserving charity. Sealy and the NZBCF both believe in the importance of wellbeing and sleep is an integral part of that," Ms Gaze says. "Were eager to see New Zealanders get behind such a worthwhile cause, knowing the proceeds will benefit a significant number of New Zealand women."

Van Henderson, chief executive of the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation, is thrilled to have Sealy NZ on board for a second year with such a creative initiative.

"This years designs are works of art that anyone would be proud to own. Support women with breast cancer by going on Trade Me and placing a bid - every dollar counts," says Henderson.

When you bid on one of Sealys bespoke designer beds, you are closer to securing an exceptional nights sleep. The Sealy Posturepedic Exquisite collection is designed using the latest expertise in Responsive Support Technology providing three stages of support and enabling you to escape to the luxury of deep sleep every night.

Read more:
Sealy designer beds for charity campaign kicks off

Under threat of strike, South Burlington cancels school Under threat of strike, South Burlington cancels school

South Burlington classes are cancelled indefinitely and it appears school won't be able to resume until Friday at the earliest.

South Burlington classes are cancelled indefinitely and it appears school won't be able to resume until Friday at the earliest.

Updated: Monday, October 13 2014 11:20 PM EDT2014-10-14 03:20:44 GMT

The countdown to election day is continuing, and in New Hampshire that even means calling on Vermont politicians to hit the campaign trail.

The countdown to election day is continuing, and in New Hampshire that even means calling on Vermont politicians to hit the campaign trail.

Updated: Monday, October 13 2014 10:39 PM EDT2014-10-14 02:39:31 GMT

New estimates in the counterfeit ticket trouble that hit the Addison County Fair and Field Days this summer.

New estimates in the counterfeit ticket trouble that hit the Addison County Fair and Field Days this summer.

View post:
Redesigning with Ruxana: adding pops of color to a room

The most dangerous time for a house is just before its 50th birthday.

"At 50 years, it's considered to be historic but, before that, it's not that new and it's not that old, so nobody cares about it," says Dave Seeburger.

In 2012, Seeburger quit his job in the oil and gas industry and started renovating old houses, mostly bungalows in the Heights. But when he saw a crumbling midcentury ranch house in Woodshire with some unusual architectural lines and a low pitched roof, he knew it was different. At 62 years old, the house had aged out of the danger zone, but its worn condition still made it a tear-down target.

"The home was just so unique and impressive for the area. Inside it was all fairly original, which I like because that means there's less of a chance that someone else went in and messed things up," says Seeburger, who is the president of real estate investment/development company P&G Homes. "We wanted to maintain everything that we could while making it livable."

Outside, Seeburger and Houston interior designer Jamie House added onto the front facade wall so that the edge of the roof didn't extend so far past the body of the house. The exterior brick has seen better days, so after repairing them as needed Seeburger painted the house white to keep everything consistent. The original front door was restored and painted a bold turquoise, with House adding a vintage Schlage starburst knob backplate she found on eBay. To play up the mod sensibilities, House scoured the Internet for '50s-style exterior globe lights, eventually hanging a trio from Austin's Hip Haven in the entry.

Inside, the floorplan offered challenges but lots of space - 3,300 square feet - to work with. The living area was divided by a wall and two different floor levels, so Seeburger opened it up as a single room to give the house more flow.

Rather than dictate the placement of furnishings, House removed the original pendant lights that were in the former dining room and installed them in the large master closet, which had previously been an office. Seeburger also added a pair of doors on each end of the kitchen - one in the former pantry to transform it into a combination storage space and mud room, and another facing the front of the house, where the newly extended exterior wall created a small courtyard.

For the flooring, House was inspired by the architecture school at Texas Tech, where she studied, which was built in the same time period and still had its original cork floors.

"Cork is a little different, but it's more in line with what might have been in the house originally, plus it's renewable and affordable," says House.

The kitchens and bathrooms were gutted then updated with contemporary fixtures, using clean lines to connect the look with the midcentury vibe.

Go here to read the rest:
Before and after: The revival of a midcentury home in Houston

Organized Home #8: Celebrity Dream Nursery Makeover Fit for a Princess, Part 1
When actress and expectant mother Terri J. Vaughn wanted to create a princess palace for her new baby she turned to interior designer Denise Gordon to transform the room. After helping Terri...

By: Cocoa Fab

Visit link:
Organized Home #8: Celebrity Dream Nursery Makeover Fit for a Princess, Part 1 - Video

Shahrukh Khan Celebrates Gauri Khan 44th Birthday
Shahrukh Khan Celebrates Gauri Khan 44th Birthday - Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan #39;s interior designer and entrepeneur wife Gauri Khan celebrated her 44th birthday with husband and close...

By: Shahrukh Khan

Read the original post:
Shahrukh Khan Celebrates Gauri Khan 44th Birthday - Video

Part 2 - Benefits of Working With an Interior Designer
Visit http://www.waldenwood.com for further information. In this episode, Jenny discusses the value of the designer in carrying out the vision for the remode...

By: Waldenwood Ltd.

Read the original:
Part 2 - Benefits of Working With an Interior Designer - Video

Careers in nightlife | Steve Lewis | TEDxStGeorge
This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. A journey three the pitfalls and victories of each passing era of n...

By: TEDx Talks

The rest is here:
Careers in nightlife | Steve Lewis | TEDxStGeorge - Video

25x6 Ristrutturazione e arredamento di una abitazione di 150 mq
Ristrutturazione e arredamento di una abitazione di 150 mq. Progetto degli interni di Giovanni Carlo Vinci interior designer Taranto. http://www.giovannicarlovinci.wordpress.com.

By: Giovanni Carlo Vinci

Read the original here:
25x6 Ristrutturazione e arredamento di una abitazione di 150 mq - Video

A new world of vibrant colors, floral patterns and eclectic touches await guests checking into the newly-revamped Colony Palm Beach.

On Friday, the iconic landmark hotel reopens for business after closing Sept. 2 the first time in 40 years to complete a $9 million "re-imagining," that included dramatic upgrades to its lobby, guest rooms and restaurants.

The new centerpiece of the remodeled lobby is a more than 1,300-pound glittery chandelier with 637 crystal pendants.

"Guests are going to walk through the new brass doors and say 'wow'," said Roger Everingham, the hotel's vice president and general manager, of the new lobby dcor. "Everything's redone, except the floors."

The luxury hotel at 155 Hammon Ave. opened in 1947 and has long been a local favorite, especially during summer, but during peak season, the majority of guests hail from the New York metro area, Everingham said.

It's also a popular site for weddings and private banquets.

Nightly room rates for opening weekend start at $275 for a classic room and $400 for a premium, however the hotel is already 100 percent sold out, a hotel spokesman said.

Each floor of the 91-room hotel now sports a different color palette and rooms have unique personalities accentuated by individual paint schemes such as Pink Fancy, Wolcott Salmon or hues of blue, green and purple.

"It's still traditional but it's got an active modern vibe to it," said Everingham of room decorations. "It's got a lot of whimsy to it."

The fourth floor for example has 19 different paint colors, but the smorgasbord of boldness, doesn't assault the senses.

Follow this link:
The Colony Palm Beach opens Friday after $9M makeover