Guest Picks: Truly Transparent
Options for introducing transparency into a space are endless. Clear, smokey and translucent color in glass and lucite come in shapes that stretch beyond the rigidity of the linear into almost-organic softness. It's "happy" furniture. Show me a hot pink glass bubble, and I'll show you a smile!
Wonder Woman was onto something with that invisible jet.
— Denise from The Swelle Life
Within the unique design of this glass coffee table is a handy feature: a curved shelf that is removable. It is a great twist on the linear rigidness often seen in clear furniture, and it adds a softness to the angular sides. I'd take advantage of the transparency and use the shelf as display rather than storage by lining up some fluffy paper flowers for a picturesque overhead view that adds some contrasting texture to the open sides.
The small details are so important when creating a room with character. For example, customize your drawers and doors by replacing the standard knobs with something made from glass or porcelain. Translucent color can be used for subtle accents on light furniture, while more opaque versions work well on dark woods.
The simple elegance of this magazine rack makes it a great sculptural piece, whether it's being used for its purpose or not. I'd love to place vibrant decor and art magazines in this for a flash of turquoise or hot pink against the clear glass. But a cool contrast is always interesting, so how about a small pile of fire logs for a little contrast between raw nature and slick man-made?
Ah, I love a piece that so distinctly reflects the sharply aesthetic eye of the fashion designer who created it. The elegant shaping of the mouth and the geometric texture on the body transform a thing for pouring drinks into an exquisite sculpture. This gorgeous and elegant carafe would sit permanently in full view on either the dining room table or my kitchen tallboy sideboard, and I would use it daily.
There's something so joyful about spheres. The product here is the concentric, recycled glass vase, but I love the look with the colored glass baubles that work brilliantly with the wavy fluidity of the vase design. The look is so easy to create: just throw in a mix of transparent and opaque Christmas tree bulbs for a cheap and easy centerpiece with bold impact. I'd change the bulbs depending on my mood, from rainbow (as shown) to monochromatic schemes. Icy blues are especially beautiful and neutral enough to go with anything.
This glass cabinet is so dreamy and modern. The grid pattern on the panels gives it an elegant, stylish look and saves it from bearing any resemblance to a shop display. It would look gorgeous with vividly colored soft textures on its shelves, like huge peonies — paper or fresh. The clear glass is an upgrade from the standard smoked-glass version, which offers a moodier feel.
I'm in love with this urn candy jar. That's right, an urn-shaped vessel for sweets! And it's exquisite, adorned with ruffled ribbons of glass and a delicately detailed lid and base. It would look just as gorgeous empty, but I see white-striped, pale pink and baby blue hard candies inside it while perched on my pale aqua French side table.
Glass bubbles are such a happy element to live with. They're so light and modern and will never date when the design is clean and minimal. I like the strong lines of the shade and base anchoring the airy baubles. This lamp will fit within any decor, and it's a great choice to use on a decorated table to add a light source without additional clutter.
This glass-front toaster is so neat; you can see if your toast is about to get a little more brown than you'd like. With counter space at a premium in most kitchens, it lightens the visual load, especially in the lovely cream version. It also comes in black for a slicker look.
I love glass where it's least expected, and no one would assume they'd find a glass sink in the kitchen! Homey kitchens are comforting, but sleek and shiny kitchens are exciting. This aqua-tinted glass would look gorgeous on a turquoise countertop with lots of matching glass cupboards.
What a light alternative to the traditional heavy white ceramic fixtures. In comparison, this is almost invisible.It would look best against a striking backdrop, such as a black granite wall or glass aqua tiles, and adjacent to an all-glass shower. I would have to add a lightly textured bath mat to keep the room from feeling too sterile.
Now this is pretty spectacular, if you don't have children. A freestanding fireplace cannot possibly have any competition elsewhere in the room. It would be a dream with lots of open space, minimal decor and plenty of natural light. Though, I would be tempted to pull up a comfy chair to be a bit closer to it.
I wonder how many people looking for a seat keep going before they get the nerve to sit on a glass chair? Not exactly made for comfort but surely doing the job, these chairs are just begging to be placed against an interesting backdrop. The beauty is not just in the clean lines, but also in the textural possibilities within the space.
Glass bricks, oh the possibilities! They are available in colors and are sold individually, meaning the design configurations are endless. I'm seeing a clear, floor-to-ceiling panel with aqua bricks arranged here and there (so that they appear to be floating within the wall) inserted into an existing wall to separate a living room and dining room.
I once became paralyzed with fear after heading up a flight of glass stairs in a very posh mall. However, I'd give it another go if it meant I could have them in my house. But they would have to have something around them to soften the look and feel, such as staggered floating glass shelves running the length of the staircase with glass vases of giant peonies — which would look awesome. Or you could just wear fluffy bunny slippers whenever you walk on them.
These gem boxes look like gems themselves with their faceted, translucent design. Imagine them filled with big colorful baubles, like emerald-cut rings in turquoise and pale pink. I'd also be happy to display them empty as adornments on the vanity table.
Sometimes the perfect curtain rod is frustratingly elusive, so I will keep this lucite option in mind for the next time I find myself stuck in that bind. However, I might just forgo the search and head straight for it. I prefer silks, and the lucite crystal balls would make a gorgeous complement for the fabric's delicate sheen.
I love that anything placed on this table will appear to be floating above the floor. I'm curious how a very heavy object, like a bronze bust, would look weighing down on such a seemingly delicate piece.
This chair is the stuff of fairy tales. Inspired by one Helena Rubenstein had in her Paris apartment, it's as if it were created for Cinderella to sit upon as she tried on her glass slipper. Imagine a set arranged around a grand dining room table. It is, undoubtedly, a stunning sight, though I'm partial to having things of such beauty standing on their own. If I'm ever fortunate enough have a powder room, I would start with this chair and build a room around it in dusty blues and pale pinks.Next: Clear Choices for Lucite Chairs
I love the idea of a brightly colored lucite cylinder suspended from the ceiling. Crude cord pulls can be unsightly and are not usually thought of as a decorative feature, so a shock of smooth turquoise would make a great surprise. A blue bathroom with a contrasting pink would be a lot of fun, or for that decades-outdated decor that you're not going to be updating any time soon, add the yellow-green color to play up the kitsch.
Q