Accessories can often be relegated to after thoughts when it comes to bathroom design, and yet they can be all-important in completing a theme or making a bathroom that really stands out from the crowd. Read on to find out how a few simple touches can turn your bathroom into a stylish haven of the home.
Fabulous fittings
Just changing a tap or shower fitting can bring your bathroom bang up to date. Mira Showers mixer showers are perfect for creating that minimalistic look with adjustable slide bars fixings to match grout lines and a simple, single control for on/off and temperature.
Tap fittings are a matter of personal taste but the classic crosshead bath tap with hand shower is making a big revival this year and it’s hard to beat wide, waterfall taps when it comes to ultra-modern style. Chrome plated taps can match both a more traditional or contemporary approach and their bright shine looks great against dark walls or tiles.
Clear the clutter
It’s rare that a busy bathroom every looks stylish so sensible storage ideas can go a long way. Replace bulky storage with sleek wall-mounted units to deliver on space-saving and style. A mirrored cabinet always works well as do alcoves and niches.
Unifying a colour scheme with accessories is also a great way of adding to a stylish bathroom. Consider getting a set that includes a toilet roll stand, a toilet brush holder, a soap dispenser and a toothbrush holder. Also, if you have a relatively small bathroom, sticking to a monochrome colour scheme will help to keep the space looking stylish. Too many colours can make a smaller space look really busy.
Go for glass
Nothing hinders the style of a bathroom like a tired shower curtain or a plastic folding enclosure. A sleek glass enclosure can make a bathroom come alive and also helps create the illusion of more space. Fitting a shower tray into the floor for a wet room feel is another sure-fire way to create a contemporary bathroom. Lots of homeowners want their bathrooms to look like chic hotel spas so doing a bit of research into spa interior design can give you some great ideas for your own space.
Posted by Keren Fathi-Poor at 21 May, 2013
Talk about a full circle–architectural and commercial design firm Studio BA created the modern offices of Autodesk R&D in Tel Aviv, a software development company specializing in 3D design, engineering and entertainment.
Following the trend of ultra-hip office spaces, Autodesk’s innovative floorplan (converted from a former warehouse) is a multi-level environ presenting 3D-style offices, meeting rooms, dining area, as well as relaxation and fun lounges. (What inventive company of today wouldn’t have a video game room?)
Colored glass, steel, woods, as well as soft textiles manage to wow alongside unexpected presentations of angular walls and volumes. Original ceilings and support beams were restored and left exposed, creating a cool juxtaposition to the otherwise contemporary interiors of black, yellow, blue and grey. One particularly bold design aspect is how the light–both natural and fluorescent–penetrates the various glass walls of the offices and meeting rooms, casting colorful, glowing splashes across the spaces. How invigorating!
Literally the central hub of this vast space (approximately 5,380 square feet) is the raised platform of wooden bleacher seating and steps which offers sweeping views of the entire office. Underneath, a glazed yellow meeting space exists, while the “terrace” is selectively strewn with seating pods and mini stools, making it ideal for relaxation and socialization.
Individual workspaces are divided by low-bearing partition walls allowing for both privacy and interaction among the developers. Along the finished concrete floors, clever measurement coordinates simulate architectural and engineering software, adding yet another stand-out design detail to this modern office space.
Playing off of Autodesk’s 3D expertise, the designers implemented other genius elements to create interest. For example, the kitchen’s orange table is structural in bent steel creating a flexible, two-level dining space at either the mid-century modern chairs or raised metal stools. Another portrayal is the telephone nook in one of the offices which features a dimensional wall decal depicting an oversize armchair, flanked by actual bright lime-yellow cushions and pillows. Love this optical illusion!
With imaginative design, the Autodesk R&D offices are undoubtedly an inspirational, vibrant workplace nurturing progressive ideas–by designers for designers. (via)
Photography by Elan Nachum and Yuval Hai.
Posted by Suzanne at 21 May, 2013
Built into a bustling residential neighborhood in Yamaguchi, Japan, House J is a minimalist dream home fulfilling practical yet imaginative solutions for family living. Designed by Tokyo-based Keiko Maita Architect Office, the structure of modest wood siding sits on a tight and narrow lot which the floorplan reflects, yet manages to escape via rooftop innovation.
All three stories feature plentiful windows facing an inner courtyard which is sprouting with a tall tree extending toward the rooftop terrace. It’s on this section of the home where all floors are linked together, becoming one interconnected space. Used as an additional outdoor “room,” this rooftop is where the family comes for privacy to relax, play and ponder. And while a clever idea, the shallow perimeter walls of this space may cause worry amongst some parents, yet this family seems to have acclimated just fine.
With a clean aesthetic characteristic of Japanese architecture, interiors are white (walls, ceilings and exposed steel beams) and wood (flooring). One must admire how considering such extreme refrain of texture, color, furnishings and works of art, the dwelling manages to possess a tranquil, welcoming elegance. White metal framed windows permit light to cascade through the inner garden’s opening penetrating all three floors. Large glass sliding doors open to the outdoor core from the main living area, inviting the children to play in the fresh air at a small set of table and chairs.
This first floor features the shared family space, kitchen and dining room, while the second story houses a tiny loft and reading room/study, with the bedrooms housed on top. Scoring points in my book for maximization of small spaces, various walls within the home slide allowing for versatility, as well as additional light and privacy.
Considering the limited square footage (although honestly, this home comes across larger than it actually is) House J possesses a most unique and simplistic modern design, as well as an enviable beauty.(via)
image © yoshiharu matsumura.
Posted by Suzanne at 21 May, 2013
Eastern Chakras meet sunburst emblems and glam rock stars in the Darjeeling print. The result is a design that coordinates with and reflects the themes of the ‘Buddha of Suburbia’ collection, whilst maintaining a stand-alone appeal. It’s a kaleidoscope of cultural and design influences.
Mini Moderns founders Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire explain: “We wanted to capture the 70s vibe of the wallpaper we’d see in our friends’ houses when we were growing up. Those patterns tapped into the 1970s fascination with all things Eastern, which is exactly the mood we’re revisiting with the ‘Buddha of Suburbia’ collection.”
At the same time, its tessellating geometry, rendered in Mini Moderns’ signature contemporary colours, has a distinctly modern edge.
Posted by Keren Fathi-Poor at 21 May, 2013
Contemporary families are seemingly increasing the “wow factor” when it comes to their residence’s floorplans and features. Once such modern dream home is the Panorama House by Seoul-based architect, Moon Hoon. Presented in three stories with a zig-zag facade of varying heights and depths, randomly-sized windows, a partial stone front and bold red entry door, this unconventional structure is built into the hillside of a new suburban neighborhood.
It’s what presents itself inside, though, that is most unique. With a focus on creating a fun and creative environment for their four children, this young couple (two teachers) embarked on an in-home entertainment concept–literally a central slide, bleacher-seating and projection cinema all rolled into one. This dynamic hub of happiness features open wooden steps on either side of the central bookshelves plus the slide itself. Now mind you, this slide was envisioned with the children in mind yet adults enjoy the whimsy, too.
The owners were seeking an environment that would encourage independence for the children, while also separating adult spaces. The architect, known for some fabulously quirky designs, propelled this strategy with a logical division of areas: the huge attic loft space with kitchenette (and sweeping views) on the top floor, the vertical slide/reading/play zone, and on the ground floor the main kitchen and children’s rooms nestled behind the study. Upstairs on the first level, the master suite, dining room, living room and large deck can be found. A clever feature any parent would appreciate is a large window overlooking the play area from the living room, allowing children to be kept in full view.
Wood flooring throughout is lightly hued, while walls are kept pristine in bright white. Most lighting is recessed or track, with a couple of mirrored metal pendants adding perk. The staircase leading to the first floor features an industrial wire-mesh railing, a striking contrast to the warm wood steps.
Sparsely furnished in typical Korean style, a few design ideas were simultaneously intentional and functional. For instance, heated flooring is vastly popular here which encourages individuals to sit upon the floor versus furnishings. Following that tradition, window frames were designed to rest just above floor level, so while conversing, reading, eating or playing, residents could easily view the outside vistas.
Moon Hoon definitely maximized the multi-functional space of this minilmalist dream home, creating a family-friendly space where all can gather to play, no matter the age! (via)
Posted by Suzanne at 20 May, 2013
A former 1890s Victorian public bathroom-turned-eatery, The Attendant is London’s newest hot spot. Hidden underground on Foley Street in Fitzrovia, this tiny urban coffee bar serves up breakfast, lunch and hot bean drinks to the young professionals crowd.
From the outside, ornate ironwork and small signage with the cafe’s logo designates the undercover location. Once downstairs and inside, quaint pendant lamps hang from the low-ceiling creating a brightly-lit space. The space is small and holds on to its historical value with fully refurbished black and white floor tiles, as well as glazed white brick tile walls and cheery pops of green and orange, adhering to the Victorian color scheme.
Seating consists of a main wooden oak counter featuring the restored (and fully sanitized!) porcelain Doulton & Paisley urinal tops as dining-station dividers. Bright green metal stools line this area, while another square table with banquette booths provides additional seating underneath a wall displaying an original hand drier, as well as vintage photography and artworks.
The original attendant’s office is now the mini-kitchen where a former Michelin-starred chef serves up tasty cold and hot sandwiches, fresh vegetable salads and baked-from-scratch goods by the boutique Bittersweet Bakers. The barista component is, of course, a primary focus at The Attendant, with beans selectively sourced from Kings Cross’ Caravan Roastery and milk from the Ivy House Farm in Somerset.
With its eclectic charm, deep historic character and progressive restaurant design, The Attendant is an imaginative, subterranean gem.(via)
Posted by Suzanne at 20 May, 2013
As much as we would all love a huge apartment or a sprawling family home, we aren’t all blessed with large properties and so need tips to create the illusion of space in our homes. Small spaces mean less light and, of course make it more difficult to decorate and design our interiors. Homes need to be functional and practical, as well as looking great and combining all of these factors into smaller spaces can be very challenging.
So how do we do it? How do we go about creating an illusion of space in smaller homes?
There are various tips and tricks that interior designers use including some of the following:
Light Reflecting:
Using mirrors on walls opposite windows can bounce the natural light around the room and add an extra dimension to the feel of the room. Use more than one to really make the room feel airy and light, as well as stylish.
Clever Furniture:
Think carefully about the type of furniture you buy to fill a smaller space and keep it uncluttered and streamlined. Ensure sofas and chairs are lighter in colour and don’t obstruct your line of sight to the outdoors. Furniture with legs rather than a solid base give a greater illusion of space, and glass topped or Perspex coffee tables are a must.
Entrances and Exits:
Be careful not to block your doorways with heavy doors that restrict the view to the next room, even if that’s the hallway. Let the extra light flood into the room by using glass-filled modern doors. Do your research and find the right kind that fits your style as well as fitting the brief. If budget and structure allow think about opening up a doorway into a larger gateway to the next room and allowing it to flow into the next space.
Multi-Functional:
Being creative with storage is one of the best ways to keep your small space uncluttered and efficient. Where you can, ensure every space is utilised to its best advantage and if it can be multifunctional, all the better. Coffee tables with removable lids to store books, sofas that double up as sofa beds, storage boxes that hide a multitude of our treasures, all of these products create extra space that we so desperately need.
Decorating Tricks:
There are lots of products out there that can help make a space feel larger than it really is. Light reflecting paint for example, is a must in a tiny room. But don’t think this means you have to shy away from bold pattern if that’s your style. Pattern can work really well in a small space, whether it’s on the walls with wallpaper or wall decals, or by way of soft furnishings. Make sure it’s a pattern you love and it won’t feel overwhelming.
Don’t let a small room stop you making a style statement, just follow some of these tips to create your illusion of space.
Image courtesy of Magnet Trade
Posted by Keren Fathi-Poor at 20 May, 2013
