Thursday, June 30, 2011

Outdoor Bar Furniture by Edwin Blue - modern contemporary




There are many reasons to consider this gorgeous and contemporary outdoor bar furniture by Edwin Blue. The most obvious being, it just looks so good. Plus, an outdoor bar, maybe by the pool – who doesn’t want that? Edwin Blue’s motto is ‘handmade modern’ and their products clearly reflect that in every way. The clean, modern straight-forward design of this bar simultaneously breathes organic, natural and honest qualities. This is no wonder when you consider that they use ‘Sinker Cypress’ wood for all their products. It was in trying to avoid cutting down trees that they came across this special wood with a very interesting story and very special qualities. At the turn of the twentieth century, many of these felled Cypress tree logs sank to the bottom of rivers that were being used to float logs to woodmills. 
 
These logs have sat there since and some have been discovered to be over 100 years old. Due to the cold temperatures and lack of sunlight, these logs were actually preserved over time. Because of all this underwater time, the wood developed a particular color – unique to the ‘Sinker Cypress’ logs, giving the furniture you see here that beautiful color. As if that wasn't enough – the high oil content of these logs means the wood is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation – ideal for outdoor furniture. To furnish your outdoor space with a bar and give it an awesome look with a great story attached, visit Edwin Blue for more info. 

Plywood Lamp by Northern Light - Diva



With so many new and interesting lamps out there, it’s a joy to see products like the Diva floor and pendant plywood lamp series by Northern Light. Just by looking at them, you get the feeling that the designers are passionate about lighting solutions and that they understand the power and meaning of it. This lamp is beautifully sculptural and therefore a decorative piece on its own – but when turned on, it creates a warm yet vibrant atmosphere. 
 
The outer frame is made of thirty two oak or walnut laminated plywood slices that are gently curved and gathered around two wooden cylinders. Inside, a solid mouth blown frosted glass globe is maintained by a thin metal stem. The floor lamps can sit on either end, each giving the lamp a different look. Visit Northern Light for more information

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Modern Rocking Bed by Shiner - Mood

 
This modern rocking bed has definitely rocked a piece of our inspiration world, and so – we share. Designed by Shiner’s very own Joe Manus, the awesome Mood Rocking Bed can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors. Rock yourself into a blissful sleep or freeze it at whichever incline you fancy best (with the help of the included rubber stoppers) – this bed is designed to adapt to your every mood. The carbon steel frame can be blackened or brushed and the wooden base is available in pine, oak, walnut or calico. Its simple modern design is enriched by an industrial quality from the carbon steel frame and a rustic feel thanks to the wooden base. Actually this feeling is true for a lot of the products at Shiner – mainly because they are upcycling masters. Their main goal is to “ transform tons of landfill-destined materials into killer design”, which we believe they do exceptionally well. Some of our other favorite products include the Friend Chair, the Stacked Plywood Dining Table and the Revolver Chandelier – to name a few. Be sure to check out Shiner to see more of their unique, modern and earth friendly designs. The queen size bed retails for $2995.




Minimalist Sofa by Matteograssi - Jazz



We love Jazz – as in Matteograssi’s minimalist sofa, that is. The now well established Italian company started off specializing in crafting leather and developed into producing wonderful furnishings – among which the Korium armchair marked one of their first big successes. Since then, they’ve produced a great number of amazing pieces – Jazz being one of them. Jazz is actually a system of modular pieces that may be arranged to accommodate a linear or corner placement, positioned to create full back and half back sofas and at its most minimal, a bench. Its strong straight lines support a minimalist, no fuss design – appealing to modern and contemporary spaces. Jazz is texturally well balanced with sleek dark chromium plated feet contrasted with exceptionally soft leather of superior quality. Learn more about this minimalist sofa at Matteograssi.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Modern Farmhouse Plans: Style and Storage

AppliancesDining and EntertainingHome AutomationModern OutdoorsHome Design Ideas

Passive House Plans – Swedish Eco Home

As far as passive house plans go, this one by Swedish architects Kjellgren Kaminsky just makes sense. People and household appliances exert lots of energy. Rather than having it go up in smoke, so to speak, this eco house design uses it. In fact, the annual energy consumption for heating this sustainable architectural design is estimated at just 25 kWh/m2. This passive solar home also boasts roof-mounted solar panels, is made from sustainable materials, and because it’s a prefabricated timber house, it has a lesser impact on its environment. Well-insulated to keep the heat in, this house features a Swedish aesthetic – a wood-clad cabin style home, but with a twist. The circular design eliminates cold spots and created a connected, communal environment. The winding design culminates on the rooftop deck overlooking the lake. Kjellgren Kaminsky
via Digs Digs
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You could say this modern farmhouse plan has one up on the rest – this rooftop garden house by Japanese architecture firm, Archi Farm, blends the flair of Japanese house design with the function of a farmhouse. But the result isn’t quite what you might envision. The open concept home features living areas delineated by different levels, minimizing the need for walls and promoting socialization. This raised house plan is most notable for its green – a lawn in the unconventional spot of the second-floor walk-out. It makes sense though when you think about it, as below the lawn is a sheltered and hidden storage space to park the heavy (not to mention unsightly) farm equipment. And speaking of “green,” another great feature is the well-water cooling system that naturally regulates indoor temperature by pumping ground water up. Archi Farm


via Digs Digs

Passive House Plans – Swedish Eco Home


As far as passive house plans go, this one by Swedish architects Kjellgren Kaminsky just makes sense. People and household appliances exert lots of energy. Rather than having it go up in smoke, so to speak, this eco house design uses it. In fact, the annual energy consumption for heating this sustainable architectural design is estimated at just 25 kWh/m2. This passive solar home also boasts roof-mounted solar panels, is made from sustainable materials, and because it’s a prefabricated timber house, it has a lesser impact on its environment. Well-insulated to keep the heat in, this house features a Swedish aesthetic – a wood-clad cabin style home, but with a twist. The circular design eliminates cold spots and created a connected, communal environment. The winding design culminates on the rooftop deck overlooking the lake. Kjellgren Kaminsky
via Digs Digs





Monday, June 20, 2011

Light Sofa Couch by de Sede - adjustable DS-480

Inspired by the smart, sporty lines of fast cars, this light sofa DS-480 by de Sede is in the lead when it comes to comfort and style. Fully and easily adjustable to maximize the pleasure of your lounging experience, this serious sofa couch is also elegantly light in its design. The minimal stainless steel base, the softness of the leather, the perforated side surfaces and the wing like adjustable arm rests all enhance its weightless feel. Made of premium quality materials, this couch is begging you to sit down and stay a while and would be perfect for any modern contemporary space. Visit de Sede for more info.


Art Deco Lavatory Faucets by Brizo - new Charlotte

Inspired by the Art Deco movement, Brizo’s Charlotte lavatory faucets truly embodies elegance, glamour, functionality and modernity. One can’t help but notice Charlotte’s smooth curves and confident symmetry. The new Brizo Cocoa Bronze finish is also very appealing and gives the faucet a unique quality. The luxurious and warm brown tone of the finish is a wonderful complement to Charlotte’s polished nickel accents. Brizo claims that the finish introduces an “air of warmth and friendliness” which it really does, without sacrificing style and sophistication. Learn more about this art deco lavatory collection, which will be available starting Fall 2011 at Brizo.


Unique Dining Table by BD Barcelona Design

It was by studying the possibilities allowable by the table leg that the Aracni2 dining table by BD Barcelona Design was born. And would you look at the legs on that thing! They’re long and elegant and strong, reminiscent of spider legs or maybe even deer antlers. Very modern and unique, this table comes with a choice of either a rectangular glass top or an oval shaped one. This dining table, designed by Peter Sans, is amazing because although it is quite light in terms of visual space, it still makes a strong statement. Check out BD Barcelona Design to learn more.


Cozy House Design in Italy

This cozy house design in Italy by Italian architects Damilano Studio sets the stage for luxury living and contemporary tastes. This glass wall house has a light, airy quality without being minimalist or cold. With a unique multi-level layout, private yet connected living areas bring the best of both worlds. And yet another cozy "layer" of this house plan can be found outside its walls. For every indoor level, there is an outdoor entertaining area equivalent overlooking the piece de resistance – this swimming pool house truly has it all! Interiors are clean and cool, but with nature at every turn, both in its styling and materials as well as the ever-present views. Even the bathroom offers a bit of the great outdoors through its open concept design overlooking a large window and frosted-glass walls, for privacy. Damilano Studio Architects
via Contemporist
photo credit: A. Martiradonna




Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Japanese Beach House Design: Contemporary Concrete



This Japanese beach house design by Yamamori Architect & Associates is as much about the architecture as it is about the environment experience. The contemporary beach house overlooks a sparkling bay and fishing village, with a unique design feature that highlights arguably its best attributes – the views. The Japanese architecture firm designed this raised house plan to create the sense of floating in mid-air, among nature. Visible through a floor-to-ceiling glass wall, views of open sky, ocean and the leafy landscape stretch as far and the eye can see. This concrete house has a contemporary, ultra modern aesthetic, starting with its unusual floor plan. This open concept home design still offers relative privacy and a multi-level layout, while enjoying the unobstructed views. And it would not be complete without outdoor living rooms, so the full front of the home is a veranda where you can sit and watch the world go by. Yamamori Architect & Associates
via Arch Daily
photo credit: Kei Sugino


Saturday, June 11, 2011

Galvanized Metal Cladding House Built on Budget

This galvanized metal cladding house built on a budget proves that you can have your cake and eat it too. Designed by Substance Architecture, this humble home was built for an Iowa family looking to downsize on this four-acre pastoral property. The structure – a simple galvanized metal tube reminiscent of agricultural structures – captures views of a pond at one end and a meadow at the other. The home’s shape serves up more than just the views. Its shape maximizes its square footage and function on a minimal budget. This farmhouse cottage style home features two glazed facades, and coupled with its orientation, results in a passive solar home. Inside, the open concept house plan promotes socialization and family living, but still offers privacy in bedrooms and bathrooms. The stunning fireplace feature is a certain hotspot in this house. Substance Architecture via Arch Daily photo credit: Shimer @ Hedrich Blessing




Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Modern Design Chairs


A unique lounge chair has begun on the design, plan every detail of this recliner based on what he had in mind before making it. Recliner and impressive modern has a very high quality and certainly has a fairly high price for its class. In the business world this chair is perfect for investing, because with a model that no one could match.

French Style Courtyard

Summer is around the corner and this French style courtyard awakens dreams of outdoor gatherings. This amazing building, formerly a mill in the 16th century, was converted into a residence by Gerard Faivre. The beauty of the building itself is enough to stir feelings of wonderment, and the contemporary furnishings are the perfect choice for adding a modern touch to this courtyard space without taking away from the architecture and rustic feel of the building. The furnishings along with the brick work, the stone work, the pond, the trees and climbing vines - they all create an enchanting setting for enjoying the sun as well as a starlit sky. To learn more about this French house design, visit Gerard Faivre.



Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Bended Roof House in Netherlands


This chic bended roof house by Netherlands architects GAAGA takes a conventional concept and gives it a contemporary, abstract twist: the curved roof is modeled after a traditional saddle roof, only inverted to dip at the center. The V-shaped house roof may be its claim to fame, but interiors are just as innovative as the unusual exterior. The exposed-wood ceilings are showcased with open-to-above and two-storey living spaces. The open concept home features a main-floor entrance hall with views of the garden and street. And check out this loft design idea – housing the den, kitchen and dining area, this great living space overlooks the main floor and is flooded with daylight through the home’s strategically placed windows and skylights. Wood and stone throughout give this house a friendly, “homey” feel. GAAGA
via Arch Daily
photo credit: Marcel van der Burg


Small Villa Design: Cute and Just Right





Austrian firm LOVE Architecture designed this small villa design, and there’s so much to love about this little home! Villa 3S in Graz, Austria is packed with fab features in its small but sweet footprint. Starting with its irregular shape, this contemporary style home certainly stands out among its natural surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood interiors with natural light, while the sliding-glass doors extend interiors into the unending landscape. To add living space to its compact floor plan, this small house design has a large outdoor entertaining area to accommodate relaxing, dining and entertaining al fresco. LOVE Architecture
via Contemporist
photo credit: Jasmin Schuller




Panoramic View House Plans: Riverfront in Korea


Built to capture the breathtaking vistas, this panoramic view house plan by Hyunjoon Yoo Architects frames these picture-perfect panoramas beautifully. Located in South Korea facing the Bukhan River, the homeowners wanted to enjoy this pristine view from above. Thus, the Korean architecture firm designed a riverfront home complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor entertaining areas and balconies to maximize its view potential from any point of the home. Interiors are described as a “space within a space,” featuring functional areas (like the bathroom and kitchen) concentrated in the center of the plan, the bedroom to the east, the main living area to the west, and a corridor running the perimeter – all designed according to the principles of Feng Shui. The circular layout offers easy access to all living spaces while creating a visually larger floor plan. Interiors are cool, clean and contemporary in style; minimalist interiors that surrender the spotlight to the panoramic view. Topped with a lushly landscaped green crown, this rooftop garden house is a nature-lover’s paradise. Hyunjoon Yoo Architects
photo credit: Seunghoon Yum


Sunday, June 5, 2011

Small Cottage Plan by Rural Design




A sunny spot on Scotland’s landscape, this small cottage plan by UK-based Rural Design has all the makings of a perfect countryside getaway – peace and quiet, great views and the sparkling waterfront always within view. The wood clad house features a distinctive sloped roof and an understated, timber exterior befitting of a relaxed rural retreat. This raised house plan was designed as such to maximize the sun to the south and the views to the north. The glazed north facade frames the lake and mountain views. Inside the compact cottage, the main living area features an old-fashioned style stove and an open concept house plan to make the most of these breathtaking vistas. Rural Design

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Tower Home Architecture in Wood and Stone




This unusual home addition by Andersson Wise takes a very deliberate turn with its tower home architecture. Attached to an existing stone house on Lake Travis in Texas, this vertical volume, as the highest point in the home, enjoys the best views and privacy from the rest of the house. In addition, its dimensions maximize living space within a minimal footprint, lessening its impact on the environment. The wood-clad tower addition is the perfect complement to the stone structure and the earthy surroundings. Forest and trees and the lake within easy reach, this natural house design is a real outdoor-lover’s paradise. Andersson Wise.