TRANSFORM YOUR POWDER ROOM INTO A PAMPER ROOM

 

When most people think of bathroom design ideas, luxury isn’t typically the first word that comes to mind. But with the bathroom being one of the most popular rooms getting remodeled in 2013, we’ve noticed homeowners are opting to upgrade the room into their own luxurious spa. The transformation of the powder room into a pamper room begins with a grandiose bath design. This will assure a sumptuous room that is fit for a king or queen. But, how ever exquisite you decide to go with your spa-to be, keep in mind that it should ultimately be functional and comfortable, as well as sleek.

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Next, to enhance the room’s tranquil atmosphere, add a dramatic custom stone fireplace. A beautifully detailed fireplace surround and mantel not only jazzes up space aesthetically, but it will create a relaxing ambiance. Because this striking architectural element is elegant and sophisticated, it’s an important piece in order to give the space that high-end chateau feel.

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Additional architectural elements such as custom vessels, columns, counter-tops, and artwork increase texture and refinement to your personal fortress by characterizing richness. Because your newly transformed Diggs should not only look impressive but inviting, decorate with candles, candle-holders, flowers, and urns to further compliment the space.

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So indulge. You are sure to unwind and revel in your new dreamy dwelling. Your only concern should be which wine to drink.  I believe Frankie Goes To Hollywood had the right idea when they sang the infamous song…’ RELAX.’

MAKE YOUR LIVING ROOM LOOK LIKE A MILLION DOLLAR ROOM

Your living room may not be quite an actual “Million Dollar Room,” but there is no reason that space can’t be made to look like one! It’s nice to dream about having endless funds to remodel and/or decorate your home. But for most homeowners, reality doesn’t quite allow that. So for those working within a budget wishing to transform their living room into a makeshift Million Dollar Room, the best place to start is by adding an essential key element–a divine fireplace.

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The fireplace is the focal point of a living room and can make or break the dwelling by setting the tone of the room. Being the area’s main attraction, it is recommended that a fireplace mantel and surround should be custom designed to compliment the look and feel of the room while creating an elegant, rich statement. This will assure that your centerpiece becomes a stately showpiece. Once the fireplace surround and mantel are completed and if your budget permits, other architectural accents can be added to enhance the luxurious “Million Dollar Room” look. Architectural elements such as over-mantels, columns, molding, arches, beams and balustrades magnifies a room’s splendor. Furthermore, embellishments including wall cartouches, sculptures and custom furniture contribute to refine the room’s expensive look as well.

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So even if you don’t have a million bucks to spend on your living room, a few key pieces can certainly make it look like you did!

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THE GROWTH OF GREENSTONE

 

With the big push for residents and builders to “Go Green” and reduce their carbon footprint, GreenStone has become quite a popular product in the building industry. But first, let’s fill you in on what GreenStone is (for those who may not have heard of the product already.) GreenStone is a patented environmentally-friendly building material that is made from 100% recycled glass and fly ash—as well as a few other renewable ingredients. This eco-friendly material can be used to replace standard concrete in virtually any project. The glass that is utilized and upcycled into GreenStone comes primarily from the discarded alcohol bottles from the Las Vegas Strip. In fact, this patented green architectural stone has already saved over a half million beer bottles from being landfilled.

Greenstone close up

Since its official launch in early 2012, GreenStone has received quite a bit of media attention and was featured on DIY and HGTV. The biggest project that put GreenStone on the map was the construction of the Morrow Royal Pavilion in Las Vegas – Realm of Design’s manufacturing facility. The building project utilized the GreenStone material on its exterior which proved that the concrete replacement can be used on a large scale design as well as withstand the weather elements.

morrow royal pavilion

With the completion of the new manufacturing facility, along with all the media attention, Realm of Design has seen an increase in homeowners and builders wanting to be green, therefore, requesting GreenStone when remodeling their property and/or adding architectural elements (fireplace mantels, columns, embellishments, etc…) Even the Las Vegas casinos are getting on board by adding GreenStone items such as Trash Cans, benches, urns, and the list is growing…

GreenStone Bench

It’s good to see the effort being made by individuals and corporations to be more eco-friendly and recycle instead of landfill. We’ve got a long way to go but the growth of GreenStone certainly is a good start!

ADD A TOUCH OF TUSCANY TO YOUR HOME

 Tuscany is a region in central Italy that is historically known as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Tuscan style emerged as an homage to its historical region’s culture and traditions. It has remained a popular decorating style throughout the years because of its elegance, richness and simplicity. The Tuscan décor style, commonly referred to as “Old World Country Style,” is a combination of Old World and Mediterranean Style elements. These elements include natural materials from the Earth such as stone, metal and wood. This look is heavily influenced by nature and exudes a sense peacefulness, warmth and rustic beauty. The style is comfortable and can be achieved by incorporating architectural accents with aged stone, tile and wrought iron pieces. Exposed faux wood beams, architectural door arches and window shutters also add a touch of the Italian design style to a space—even if it’s on the home’s exterior. When Tuscan accents are paired with rich colors and natural textures, this enticing look will bring the spirit of Italy right to your home.

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 Whether it’s an interior or exterior—any space within a home will look beautiful and more appealing with the Tuscan style. However, the kitchen has been one of the more popular rooms to showcase the Italian style because it brings an elegant charm to the heart of the home. By incorporating an aged stone kitchen hood and an artistic decorative backsplash, these architectural pieces help achieve the look and atmosphere of an Old World Italian bistro on the countryside that is warm and inviting. But most of all, it’s classy, stylish and tasteful.

 Tuscan Style Kitchen

History has proved that homeowners enjoy basking in Italian culture and ambiance. And Realm of Design Tuscan style architectural elements can help create /re-create those surroundings– all without leaving the comfort of your home.

Tuscan Kitchen Hood

 

THE OUTDOOR FIREPLACE TREND HEATS UP

The hottest trend in outdoor furnishings and accessories is the addition of an outdoor fireplace.  This popular trend, which has had an ever-growing demand over the past 5 years, has really been thriving in 2013 and here are some of the reasons why…

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For starters, the outdoor fireplace creates an outdoor room which extends a home’s usable square footage and living space. This makes the expanded space the perfect location to enjoy a quiet cozy night outdoors or entertain guests.  With a customized mantel and surround, the functional focal point will highlight your patio and instantly give your backyard an upscale look.  And the rustic ambiance the centerpiece creates provides a relaxing environment which can be enjoyed during the day as well as night-time.

 

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These beautiful backyard accents not only add drama to an outdoor space, but they also add value. According to the NAHB, an outdoor fireplace adds an average of $3500 to a home’s value. Additionally, because of its elegant flair and value, a fireplace outside is one of the most sought after features in luxury homes.

 

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Furthermore, with more and more cities banning outdoor fire-pits and bonfires, especially in dryer climates, the outdoor fireplace is a practical choice. And with the ease of igniting gas burning fireboxes with the flick of a switch, these dream exterior fireplaces are a trend that is here to stay.

 

WHAT IS GFRC?

 

If you are architecturally remodeling your home and have heard the term GRFC tossed around, you may be wondering what exactly it is. Well, GFRC is an acronym for Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete. It is a composite material that consists of Portland cement, fine aggregate, water, additives, color pigments and most importantly—GLASS. This popular glass reinforced material can be used to replace standard concrete in architectural designs, facades, and elements. Even some engineering projects utilize GFRC in its designs because of the material’s many benefits.

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The main advantage of GFRC over standard concrete is the composite’s lightweight attributes. On average, GFRC is 10X lighter than concrete. Because of the significant weight difference, the glass reinforced material is more economical, easier and faster to install. It also allows the composite to be cast in unlimited shapes and designs—including 3D designs. But this lightweight substitute for heavy concrete is not slight in the durable department. GFRC has proven to be extremely durable and resilient. It can stand up to weather elements like heavy rain, wind, scorching sun, and salt-water environments. As for winter, it is even more freeze-thaw resistant than standard concrete so it won’t shrink as much as regular concrete.

GFRC fireplace

Other advantages of GFRC include that it looks completely natural– just like real carved stone or limestone (without the weight of course) and its flexible strength. Because of the mixture’s moldable nature, it can be cast into beautiful architectural designs that will last a very long time. Artisan designers appreciate the creative freedom the material affords them. And because GFRC is cast/precast, it allows for fine artistic details to be sculpted into architectural elements such as fireplace mantels, kitchen hoods or any other custom architectural project. Common exterior architectural accents that benefit from utilizing GFRC are columns, copings, balustrades, wall caps, and pavers.

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Realm of Design manufactures and incorporates GFRC, as well as our patented eco-friendly recycled glass material GreenStone, into our unique architectural pieces created at our Las Vegas facility.

ADD EUROPEAN FLAIR WITH ANTIQUES

 

Antiques have grown in popularity and are considered timeless treasures which is why more and more homeowners and interior designers are opting to include these historical pieces into their décor. No matter what the design style of a home is, an antique will add endless chic style and class. By definition, an antique is a collectible object such as a piece of furniture or work of art that has a high value because of its considerable age. But it needs to include sparsity—not just age. Considering the scarcity of European Old-World era period pieces, these limited antiques are considered more of rare historical artifacts rather than just ordinary antiques. Therefore, they hold a higher historic, artistic and monetary value.

Antique Candle Sticks

Adding European flair by accessorizing your home with collectible Old-World antiques is a valuable and worthy investment. They never lose their luster and the rare classic treasures will continue to appreciate with time. Furthermore, each historical European artifact has an interesting and unique cultural story which makes the distinct showpieces an instant conversation starter. So enriching space with this precious aged works-of-art not only brings charm and elegance to a room, but the dwelling will showcase an esteemed artistic asset that you and your guests can appreciate.

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In summary, these beneficial prized possessions embody luxury, sophistication and value with its rich authentic European heritage and beauty. The artistic and historical merit of these rare architectural relics are sure to turn them into treasured family heirlooms.

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To view and/or purchase more European architectural antiques visit our ONLINE STORE.

TURN YOUR BACKYARD INTO A RESORT

 Summer is here! It’s the time of year that we spend quite a few interim hours enjoying our backyard design. Whether we are BBQing, entertaining guests or just sipping on a cold one– our backyard becomes our summer sanctuary. And since so much time being spent in this extended living space, why not make it into your own personal resort area?

architectural rock by Realm of Design

To begin the transformation of your backyard digs, integrate architectural rock (or mock-rock as some may call it) around your patio and/or pool to create a dramatic visual effect. When architectural rocks are combined with a waterfall, this breath-taking outdoor architectural feature aesthetically turns your gathering place into a gorgeous 5-star retreat. The mesmerizing scenic environment will create the perfect backdrop while swimming or lounging in the summer sun.

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Architectural Columns will also visually enhance the outdoor haven. When added to a pool area, Grecian and/or Roman style columns are a distinct architectural detail that will add instant elegance and finesse. This romantic decorative detail turns your ordinary swimming area into a luxurious Roman Bath. To further cultivate this outdoor space into an oasis, incorporate columns along the patio as well. Custom architectural columns can transform any common courtyard into a beautiful veranda.

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Outdoor decorative rock and columns can be custom designed by Realm of Design in Las Vegas to suit any taste or style. Your newly refined personal playground is sure to become your favorite living space—even after the sun sets.

SPRUCE UP YOUR WINDOWS WITH SHUTTERS

 

If your home’s exterior is looking a bit bare and is in need of a finishing touch, custom window shutters may be just what the structure needs! This affordable approach to spruce up a plain exterior not only garnishes your windows but adds balance and symmetry to the structure as well. Historically, the charming architectural accents were functional window protectors safeguarding the glass against harsh winds and storms. Today, the exterior shutters are mainly used to decorate and enhance the windows appearance.

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The polished look of attractive window trim enhances the visual appearance of the exterior and boosts curb appeal– consequently increasing the home’s value. To incorporate additional flair and character to the structure, paint the louvers a bold shade. The colorful architectural accents really improves aesthetic appeal and makes the dwelling visually pop.

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For the most pleasing exterior appearance, it is recommended that exterior window shutters be customized in order to properly fit the length, shape, and size of your windows. Quality customized shutters look noticeably more superior than their stock counterparts. Realm of Design can create beautiful customized window shutters to fit any architectural design and/or style.

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INJECT ART INTO YOUR INTERIOR –INCLUDE A WALL CARTOUCHE

 

The Cartouche is a decorative art form that is rooted in history originating with the Ancient Egyptians. Carved scroll-like oval tablets were attached to the tombs of Egyptian Kings / Queens encircling the Royalty’s names and titles. The historical relic was believed to honor and protect the deceased leaders from evil after death. Today, the cartouche has taken on different forms—literally and figuratively.

Wall Cartouche

Although the Cartouche has evolved from a historical archive into a beautifully sculpted artful accent, it is still meant to create a statement. The ornate wall decoration implies an exquisite artistic expression by distinguishing a room and symbolizing sophistication. Although some nostalgic people still believe that the cartouche represents good luck, its primary present-day purpose is to grace an interior. An embellishment adds elegance to thereupon any wall or entrance way it is affixed to. And the detailed hand-sculpting of these adornments has transformed these architectural accents into true works of art. They are sure to become a conversation piece.

Entryway Cartouche

Realm of Design artisans can sculpt a customized artistic cartouche with a unique design, shape and size to reflect your personal taste and personality. Instead of using heavy rock, like they had to in ancient civilizations, these art pieces are made with 21st century lightweight precast stone material. GreenStone can also be utilized for those who wish to own beautiful eco-friendly art.  All of the Realm of Design architectural cartouche elements are made in Las Vegas Nevada.

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Check out more hand sculpted cartouches in the Galleries section of  our site.  Some pre-made pieces are also available in the ONLINE STORE.