Translating an outdoor aesthetic to an indoor décor can be daunting. The proper use of windows and open space can certainly aid in the task, but rustic home furnishings are integral to the entire design. In many ways, Bleu Nature fully expresses this sensibility with its furniture, light fixtures and accessories.

Bleu Nature offers a stunning variety of styles that capture the essence of nature. You can feel the rhythm of nature in one of their utterly unique Vibration Climatique series or comfortably ensconce yourself in one of their wood and leather hybrid sofas that infuses rustic design with simple, modern lines.

While the furniture in a room will be the focal point, Bleu Nature does not ignore the importance of lighting and accessories. There are literally dozens of inventive and sublimely beautiful lamps, sconces and other lighting fixtures in their catalogue. In addition, they have any number of mirrors, table pieces and objets d’arts that will complete the look of your room.

A home is a reflection of the owner and their personality. If the outdoors is truly your playground, then, perhaps, rustic home furnishings are the ideal decorating choice for you.

We wanted to take an opportunity to show our appreciation to all of our clients through the years. We want to thank you for entrusting us to build the home of your dreams. Whether you reside in Colorado or Hawaii, we are grateful for the loyalty you have shown us by keeping us in mind for your future projects.

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Trilogy Partners.

There was a big announcement today at the Greenbuild conference, the world’s largest conference dedicated to green building, which is taking place in San Francisco this week. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that Google awarded them a $3 million grant in “an effort to transform the building materials industry and accelerate the creation of healthier indoor environments.”

“Healthy, non-toxic building materials are a critical component in green building,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. “Fostering awareness of the materials we put into our buildings is of paramount importance, since many materials can link to a host of environmental and health issues. Working with Google enables us to broaden our efforts in the materials industry as we prepare for the next version of the LEED green building program, LEED v4. This updated rating system will paint a more complete picture of materials and products, enabling project teams to make more informed decisions.”

“The idea for this project emerged from our own work at Google, where we’re committed to creating the healthiest work environments possible that help employees perform at their best,” said Anthony Ravitz, Google’s Green Team Lead. “USGBC has a deep background in spearheading research, developing a rating system spanning the globe and engaging with the many stakeholders in the building industry, making them the perfect partner to help spur real change on the healthy materials front.”

According to Archdaily, “The new initiatives will be developed over the next two years.”

Our hearts go out to everyone on the Northeastern seaboard who were affected by Hurricane Sandy. The devastation caused by Sandy is unfathomable. Many are still without electricity and worse, their homes. As they prepare for the onslaught of another storm, we are left wondering what we can do to help.

One particular town, Seaside Heights, sustained some of the worst damage. It has been reported that close to 80-90% of all properties in Seaside Heights has been affected by the hurricane. The boardwalk, a town favorite, has been completely destroyed.

Photo via the Examiner

One organization helping to make a difference is Architecture for Humanity. Working with the Borough of Seaside Heights, Architecture for Humanity will be helping to rebuild this seaside town and boardwalk. You can help as well by donating to their Hurricane Sandy Reconstruction Fund and  “Restore the Shore” fund.

Breckenridge might be over 1900 miles away from the destruction caused by Sandy, but we can still make a difference in the lives of those affected.

Nothing like a few concept skyscrapers for a post Halloween post. Some of these designs are a little scary.

Photo via Web Urbanist.

Most of these concepts are planned for the hub of extreme architecture, Dubai.

Photo via Web Urbanist.

It seems the architect who thought up this design isn’t a fan of the principle “form over function.”

Are these designs a trick or a treat? You decide.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is reporting that “the Remodeling Market Index (RMI) climbed to 50 in the third quarter of 2012, up from 45 in the previous quarter.” This is great news for the remodeling industry. The increase brings the RMI back to 2005 levels.

“The strength of the RMI, especially in owner-occupied properties, shows that home owners are investing in remodels as home prices stabilize,” said NAHB Remodelers Chairman George “Geep” Moore Jr. “As owners become more confident that investments in housing will hold their value, they are beginning to undertake projects to improve their comfort that they had been putting off.”

According to NAHB, “All three indicators of current market conditions improved: maintenance and repairs rose to 56 (from 50), minor additions and alterations to 51 (from 47) and major additions and alterations to 49 (from 42). Current market conditions improved or held steady in all four regions in the third quarter of 2012.”

What do you think this means for the remodeling industry? Is this a sign that the housing market is picking up?

As the Northeast braces themselves for Hurricane Sandy, we wanted to share these somewhat eerie photos we found on Curbed. According to Curbed, “The MTA put New Yorkers on house arrest last night, shutting down the entire public transportation system for an indeterminate amount of time because of Hurricane Sandy’s looming arrival.”

From Grand Central to Penn Station, it appears the hallowed halls of New York City’s transportation hubs are on hiatus.

Photo via Curbed

Photo via Curbed

Another New York City landmark that was shut down due to Hurricane Sandy was the New York Stock Exchange, which was last closed for weather conditions in 1985.

Photo via NY Post

We wish everyone in the Northeast who is affected by this storm all the best.

Saturday, September 8th, British industrial designer, William Moggridge, who designed the Grid Compass, the first portable computer, died at age 69.

Photo via Dezeen

Moggridge’s foldable design, created in 1982, revolutionized the way we use our computers. Up until the Grid Compass, portable computers weighed close to 20 pounds and were about the size of a sewing machine.

Photo via Dezeen

Bill also co-founded IDEO, the award-winning global design firm and was director of the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum in New York.

Caroline Baumann, associate director of the museum said in a statement, “Beloved by the museum staff and the design community at large, Bill touched the lives of so many through his wise council, boundary-pushing ideas and cheerful camaraderie.” He will be missed.

We are once again drawing inspiration from homes across the Atlantic. This time we take a closer look at this Dutch home, which is embedded in the moorland. Designed by Dutch architects, Denieuwegeneratie Architecten, this home is literally built halfway into the ground.

According to the Dutch architecture firm, “The thermal mass keeps this warmth and cools the house in the summer.” The glass facade allows natural night to filter in and also provides heat during the daylight hours.

Photo via Cush Design Studio

Photo via Cush Design Studio

This shelving unit gives new meaning to repurposing. The engine and roof were removed from this Jaguar to create the shelving.

Photo via Cush Design Studio

Skateboard stairs, another great job repurposing.

Photo via Cush Design Studio

We love the openness of this home.

Photo via Cush Design Studio

We’d love to hear what you think.

In today’s technology-crazed world more and more people are getting their news on their readily available tablet.  Now you can also get the latest in design trends and interactive floor plans with the flick of your finger. Architectural Digest is bringing their incredible library of inspirational designs and editorial features right to your iPad, Kindle Fire and NOOKTablet.

“Developing the tablet edition of Architectural Digest has been so exciting, because it’s enabled us to completely transform our editorial features for a new platform,” says Margaret Russell, editor in chief of Architectural Digest magazine. “This isn’t a basic PDF replica of our pages—we’ve redesigned our September content specifically for the iPad and other tablets. Our readers can experience the lush photographs AD has always been known for, but the tablet edition also offers exclusive images, interactive floor plans, and special videos. Now readers can access the world of AD in print, online, and on the tablet—literally anywhere and at any time.”

The digital version is FREE to current print subscribers and just $5.99 to download the latest issue for non-subscribers. To learn more about this great new Architectural Digest App for your iPad, Kindle Fire and NOOKTablet, head on over to architecturaldigest.com.