8.31.2011

Light, Texture, Volume


Created for the Boa Mesa Exhibit, Brazilian architect presented Chef's Kitchen as her take on a contemporary kitchen space.  


The formal qualities of this space as simply incredible.  The different wood selections completely surround you and hug the space and create a sense of intimacy.  The living wall is a refreshing addition.


 The wooden ceiling creates a beautiful sense of movement with its undulating pattern of waves that rhythmically guide the light through the space.


Notice how the sculptural Corian Dupont counter transforms to a bar then a bench before finally being incorporated into the design of the ceiling.


Photos by Demian Golovoty [via]

DESIGN.INSPIRE.REPEAT.

8.30.2011

Inspiration on the Horizon

This weekend was a much needed break from all the craziness that I've been dealing with lately.  So to my loyal readers, I apologize for the break in inspiration, but as you all know, sometimes a little break is all you need to return feeling refreshed and with a new outlook.  I hope your week is off to a wonderful start!  Enjoy a little "you time" this week, even if just for a moment...


There's something so striking about this first image.  I love how the horizon line cuts through the view creating perspective and depth.


Focus and focal point.


I love how the materiality, use of texture, and camera angle work together to convey the emotion here.  Beautiful solitude.
Images via [1,2,3]

DESIGN.INSPIRE.REPEAT.

8.25.2011

Fearless Confidence

Great designers aren't afraid to take risks when everyone else is playing it safe.  Have the confidence to stand by your designs when others think you're crazy. You might come out on top or you might fall flat on your face, but either way, your guaranteed to stand out! So here's to taking risks, dreaming big, and doing things a little(or a lot) different!  

Make a statement

Pay attention to details

And when in doubt, go graphic!

With these in mind, sensational design is sure to follow.
Images via [1, 2, 3]


DESIGN.INSPIRE.REPEAT.

8.24.2011

Ying Lao

A while back, I had the honor of doing a guest post for the very talented Anna of La Boheme.There, I gave a sneak peek of fashion designer, Ying Gao.  I couldn't help but share more of her amazing designs with you today.  For me, this is a perfect mid-week breath of fresh air--I  hope it can be the same for you....Her ability to express form with limited material is quite amazing!

From her "Playtime" collection
Material: Super Organza




Materials: Leather, Super Organza, Electronic devices
This dress will have you saying, "Lights, Camera, ACTION"(literally!).  The dress contains hundreds of hidden motors equipped with light sensors that change the structure of the dress in reaction to different lighting conditions.







living pod, interactive coats from ying gao on Vimeo.


Images courtesy Ying Gao[via]  You can also check out her blog, ça va aller 



DESIGN.INSPIRE.REPEAT.

8.23.2011

NORDIC VACATION HOME

Iceland

The idea behind this breath-taking Icelandic vacation home was to take into account the distinctively different landscapes in all directions of the site.  With Casa G's unique position, the north captures a view of the mountains, the south view is of the sea and islands, to the east, glaciers, and to the west, a river and canyons.  
  

The tilting and slightly curved wall is the architect's interpretation of the glacier.  I love how you can see the light cove mimicking the curve from the outside.


The only window on the east wall is huge!  It is meant to frame the view of the glaciers to focus the visual experience.


Its amazing to think that these designs were created by an office consisting of only 5 employees!


Concrete and glass...it couldn't be more perfect than in this application.  I love the light creeping out from beneath the landing--nice touch.


I love the materiality and simplicity of design.  The natural wood and lighting combined with the amazing views keep the home feeling clean and modern without coming across too cold.  The sheep help too :)


Love the mantle detail and the monochromatic effect of the flooring, sofas. and mullions.


There is no need to say how amazing these next couple of shots are.  Amazing perspectives!


Simple. Clean. Minimal.
Love the panels in contrasting directions.


Here's to a great start to the week!  I hope yours is filled with good things and great design.
Images courtesy Gudmundur Jonsson [via]


DESIGN.INSPIRE.REPEAT. 

8.22.2011

Character

Finnish designer company, Character, recycles the neon letters from businesses that are changing their logo, replacing their sign or have gone out of business.  They select the letters with the most "character", replace the old neon tubes with LEDs, clean them up, and place them on their website to be sold individually.  





Images courtesy Character [via]


DESIGN.INSPIRE.REPEAT.

8.20.2011

Long Week...

Its been a long week, and I am exhausted!


Way too many things going on, so I'm hoping for some much needed r+r...Happy weekend!

DESIGN. INSPIRE. REPEAT.


8.18.2011

Al Dente Restaurant

Al Dente Restaurant :: PSLAB Lighting
Beruit, Lebanon

In Italian cuisine, "al dente" is perfection as far as pasta is concerned--not too soft, not too hard.And speaking of perfection...May I present the lighting design of Al Dente Restaurant located in the Albergo Hotel in Beruit, Lebanon.  PSLAB, the masterminds behind this project, are known for their site specific lighting design and installation.


PSLAB utilized various lighting decisions to delineate the different areas and programs of the relatively small space.  Above the bar and secondary hallway, they created a fixture out of superposed brass discs jutting from the ceiling on metal rods.


The continuity of light creates a visual border for the different spatial and programmatic experiences.  It also creates a sense of way-finding, guiding individuals through the space seamlessly.  The materiality adds just the right amount of old world charm and modern innovation.


The dim lighting creates an intimate environment, perfect for an after work cocktail or a quick night cap-- and apparently an amazing working environment.  Do you see how happy she seems to be here? Haha


In the main hall and dining area, the lighting takes a dramatic turn.  Here, PSLAB designed what they describe as metallic "branch-like" chandeliers.  I can definitely see the branch quality of these chandeliers, but I kind of wish they were supposed to represent homemade pasta hanging to dry.  Growing up Italian, this was a common sight...[insert twinge of nostalgia here].  


I love how the designers integrated the lighting into the form of the chandelier itself.  Its such an elegant yet clean design.  And I LOVE the raw appearance of the steel--excellent use of material!  


Anyone care to join me for a glass of vino under these babies?  It sounds like an amazing mid-week day dream, don't you agree?


I hope everyone is having an amazing week all, and continue to think, dream, and design out of the box!
xx to you all :)

Images courtesy PSLAB [via]


DESIGN.INSPIRE.REPEAT.

8.17.2011

More MOLO, please


molo, a Canadian based design and production studio, accounted for the talented group of designers behind the Nebuta House in Japan.  Led by Stephanie Forsythe and Todd MacAllen, molo designed this head turning  museum in the Northern Japanese city of Aomori.  The inspiration for the design came from the city's winter Nebuta Festival, honoring traditional Japanese storytelling in which "heroes, demons, and animals from history and myth  come alive as large scale paper lanterns (Nebuta)"[via]. 
        

The structure itself is enclosed by twisting, powder coated ribons.  Each of these ribbons was handcrafted and installed and adjusted manually, like many of the finest Japanese artistic creations.  Also--notice the snow lanterns...so very cool!


The variation created by the steel ribbons allow amazing possibilities for light, shadows, and an overall, incredibly unique spatial experience.


The ribbons are attached to structural columns and exceptional system of glazing, making the whole structure seem visually light weight.


The palette of the interior is extremely simple!  Black, red, and what ever colors are created by the reflections of the steel and glass.  Simple, but amazing... 


Check out the reflection on this floor.  Wow!  Amazing.  And the naturally occurring differences in opacity created by the openings between the ribbons...thank you. 


It's incredible how a Canadian design team created such an amazing structure to honor an ancient Japanese tradition using materials typically thought of as modern--steel, glass, and concrete.  With design, the possibilities are really endless! 


Images by Iwan Baan [via]


DESIGN.INSPIRE.REPEAT.

8.16.2011

SAOTA in South Africa

After searching through SAOTA's website, I found myself definitely intrigued, and at times speechless!  Part of this speechlessness stems from the name-- Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen--talk about a mouthful.  Thank goodness they're sticking with SAOTA, at least for the time being.  But whatever name they choose to go by, there's one thing for sure,  these guys have got it going on in South Africa!

I love the contrast of the natural wood door amidst the concrete and glass.

Curves, curves

and more curves! I would love to see the CAD on this one...

The stairs cantilever out from the wall and create an elegant decent.

I can only imagine the amazing view from that deck!

Love the graphic details!  They'll be more to come from these guys in the future---guarantee it.
Images courtesy SAOTA [via]



DESIGN.INSPIRE.REPEAT.
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