Amazing Technology Turns a Patio Into a Pool

Irwin Weiner ASID - Thanks to our lovely designer friend Bev Kahn in Sydney, Australia for sharing with us the story of Hidden Water Pools. This is an amazing patent pending technology that turns a high-and-dry circular patio surface into pools of different depths (up to 6 feet deep, half that depth, and a kiddies wading pool with as little as an inch of water). The patio surface lowers and water magically bubbles up to fill the gap and create the pool area. Families with small children, in particular, will appreciate the safety features this type of pool offers - no more dangerous pool water for children to play around when they're unattended in the yard ... just raise the pool floor and the water disappears and the patio surface is back in play. Quite ingenious. Visit the Hidden Water Pools website for more information ... and enjoy the following video demonstration.

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Trends from Latest AD Home Design Show

 

Irwin Weiner ASID - The Architectural Digest Home Design Show isn't the sole arbiter of style trends for the home, but it's interesting each year to see who exhibits and is putting money and public relations into their product lines. Will someone new break through the noise and become a standout and a true trendsetter? The following LifeMinute.TV video shows their favorite trends including some mid-price pro ovens and a refrigerator solution from Jenn-Air, US-made shagreen furniture from Skatemoderne, fascinating stereo speakers turned into high art from TON Art (each piece combines gold and light), and indoor-outdoor furnishings from Oasiq Outdoor Furniture.

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Favorite Fire Pits to Keep You Toasty Warm in Autumn

Irwin Weiner ASID - People living in all different types of climate areas are making increased use of outdoor living spaces to extend the entertainment, relaxation, and hangout options of their homes. Fire pits help to bring warmth, coziness, beauty, and an exciting focal point to patios, pools, and backyards. We've picked some of our favorite pre-made fire pits from the outdoor furniture specialists at Home Infatuation. (You can build your own pit, of course, but sometimes it's easier to order a stylish pre-made model, like the Ak47 Design Zero Outdoor Fire Pit in the top photo.)

Barefoot Beach Fire Pit from Artisan Rick Wittrig

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Summer Project: Decomposed Granite Patio

Irwin Weiner ASID - In our first installment of our Summer Project series at Design2Share, I talked about how to do-it-yourself as much as you please when it comes to building a deck onto your home. You really need to know what you're doing to make sure your deck is safe and sound; but this DIY Network video shows you just how easy it is to make a patio that will be relatively maintenance free and quick to install. You'll need a half day or more - try morning when the sun isn't so hot - and the results will be impressive. Decomposed granite, when tamped down over a layer of larger foundation gravel and a fabric mat - all within treated lumber borders anchored to the ground - will provide a solid patio surface that will support furniture and foot traffic. For an interesting variation, you can use the DG as a filler around flat stone pavers that you can lay out in interesting patterns, either evenly around the patio surface or in other patterns like a decorative stone border. Summer fun, straight ahead!

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