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Exotic Bamboo Details Shaping a Customized Dream Home

Bamboo has been used in architecture for its sustainable, functional and decorative features. Lately, creative minds have come up with inventive ways of showcasing bamboo details in residential or commercial architecture. If you’re a big fan of this amazing tree, then you might have even thought of bringing its beauty and natural influence into your own home, so let’s explore a few variations on this theme.

Starting with an exemplary use of bamboo seen in the Urban Cabin designed by Fabio Galeazzo, we find ourselves in a world of possibilities. Bamboo elements have this exotic appeal that speaks about the need to surround ourselves with natural materials. Inspired by modernist painter Tarsila do Amaral’s works, this modern cabin received its defining traits in the shape of a sustainable framework of giant bamboo beams and columns. This fascinating combination of colors and textures might inspire your next project.

Exterior use of bamboo brings into the spotlight the Bamboo Forest House in eastern Taiwan. Dressed in an inspiring bamboo skin, the urban family vacation residence is a brainchild of Roewu Architecture. Solid volumes were adorned with a series of bamboo screens that wrap around them in a successful effort of making it easier for the interiors to be naturally ventilated while keeping the windows open. Privacy was also strengthened by this bamboo addition – it acts like a buffer between the calm interior atmosphere and the surrounding urban outdoors.

Another dazzling display of bamboo comes from the Bamboo Courtyard House – a contemporary office building in Yangzhou, China. Extensive use of bamboo brings this design by Harmony World Consulting & Design to our attention – having been built on water, the amazing example filters natural light through bamboo poles, creating an interesting play of light and shadow. Contemporary details like the playful geometry of doors construct the bridge to modern architectural design we have come to cherish.

How about showcasing beautiful bamboo on the ceiling? This idea below was presented by Galeazzo Design in a residential project built in São Paulo, Brazil. The countryside residence makes use of natural materials and modern technologies to create a welcoming environment for the extensive family meeting here once in a while. Known as the Ranch House, the house displays bamboo used in many forms, from the main entrance bamboo doors to the ceilings in the social spaces. By using sustainable materials, the designers prove that we can enjoy both the uprising of informed environmental decisions and the comfortable lifestyle we all strive for.

Last but not least, the use of bamboo in its natural growing state can become the best way to improve a garden, a side of the house or define a beautiful interior garden. As seen in the example below, bamboo sticks go very well with a simple contemporary architecture. Portrayed in the collaboration between San Francisco-based architects Lucian Rosciszewski and Marek Slosar, the bamboo trees make their mark on the collaborative effort of inducing a Zen atmosphere in and around this Californian home.

Which way would you use bamboo to define spaces in or around your own home?

About Ada Teicu: An architecture enthusiast, Ada shares finds from all over the world, constructing a spotlight on modern design. Expressing personal preferences on her blog – she loves uncovering new designers and find what makes acknowledged architects so unique. Follow her on Twitter or Pinterest for inspiring surrounding design.

Indoor Trees Composing a Fabulous Atmosphere

We all strive to bring nature indoors, whether it’s with a bunch of flowers or a seamless connection to the outdoors via sliding glass doors. But how about building a long-lasting, growing relationship with the natural world by using a tree as focal point in the room?

Take inspiration from this amazing restaurant in Rome that has a large tree growing under a skylight, capturing the essence of modern interpretation of rustic elements. The Kook restaurant was designed by Noses Architects as a concrete space touched by the warmth of wooden details, with an olive tree growing in the middle as if it wanted to root the Mediterranean tradition while allowing contemporary details to take over. This olive tree is supposed to “strengthen the relationship between innovation and tradition, between grandmother’s recipes and recipes from chefs”. As a symbol of wisdom, the tree was captured in between dark-framed windows as if the architects wanted to accentuate its existence.

Sometimes, a large tree is a better option, but other times a couple of slim ones would do the trick even better. The Pit House by UID Architects proves that architecture and nature can become two sides of the same coin. The Japanese residence gives the impression that the surroundings and the architecture coexist in balance. Rounded shapes and a cylindrical concrete core set the tone for a unique view on home life. Slim trees spread their branches just like the branch-like columns supporting the floating volumes that shape the interior spaces, creating a strong bond between natural and man-made.

In a luxurious, contemporary setting like Casa Anapanasati’s main social space, a few tree branches break the monotony, creating a valuable connection with the outdoors. The concrete and teak wood Costa Rican residence is abundant in modern details. This is what makes the indoor tree stand out and architects of Aarcano Arquitectura chose to display it in the double-height space to give it a sense of belonging to nature.

An indoor tree can also become part of a relaxation zone or it can be used as decoration as it is the case with the North Eagle Project by Jeremy Levine. Built around three trees, the house provides both a close tactile relationship with trees, but also an enclosed, strictly visual connection with the boxed trees (pictured above and below). So you see, some people choose to build around the existing trees, while others plant new ones and enjoy their steady growth.

Which kind of indoor tree would you choose to display in your home?

Privacy, Comfort, Calmness and Health: Contemporary Saunas

Perfect for a party of people or seen as a private retreat, a sauna conveys your routine to a relaxation circuit week after week. Carefully choose the size, shape and features of your new sauna to avoid using up too many resources for your enjoyment – respect the environment as you respect yourself.

Whether you’re having a sauna built in the basement where the unused space can be transformed into a fascinating place to retreat to whenever you feel the need, or any other place in your home that has a view, the effects will be the same once you drift off into the dream world, eyes shut and body relaxed. A panoramic sauna could accentuate your relaxation moments, turning them into a unique experience you will want to repeat.

Drawing inspiration from any corner of the world results in an ever growing knowledge about international design that helps put your favorite details in order. For example, the inviting Gitschberg Hotel is a quiet location at the foot of the Gitschberg mountain, in the Italian South Tyrol region. Mixing design and natural panoramas of the surroundings, Italian studio Bea Interiors created a stunning array of spaces culminating with a naturally lit sauna overlooking fabulous winterscapes.

Conventional or highly contemporary, a sauna brightly lit by sunshine provokes you to let go and live in the moment. Wood expands your connection to the outdoors, while a glass wall floods the sauna with natural light, as we can see in the example below. This sauna is part of the Canadian holiday home known as La Luge and ws designed by Montreal-based Yiacouvakis Hamelin Architectes.

Wet or dry, the idea behind this wellness helper remains the relaxation of the body and mind. This is why it is so important to enjoy the experience as a whole and imply all senses necessary for the results to be magnificent. Simplicity remains the best choice, as exemplified by this beautifully crafted sauna seen in the Big Bay Beach House (below). The collaboration between COA and Fuchs, Wacker Architekten led to a minimalist approach throughout. Visible in all spaces of the house including the sauna, quality craftsmanship raises the bar for modern professional design.

Using lights and shadows inside the sauna creates a different atmosphere than the usual spa feeling, it enhances the outcome of your relaxation experience while offering a customized visual effect. If daylight is welcomed inside your sauna, the effects will be energizing and in tune with the natural daytime/nighttime occurrence. Flanked by a glass wall on one side and a terrace door and window on the other, this sauna can be seen in a renovated townhouse spotted on HomeDSGN.

Part of a spacious wellness space, this small sauna below can be seen in an elegant Madrid home, El Viento, designed by Otto Medem Arquitectura. Besides capturing inspiring surroundings through large windows, this home is prepared to offer comfort and relaxation in every room. The sauna room completes the relaxation choices and extends the influence of the natural surroundings with its unique design.

Are you prepared to be more relaxed?

Contemporary Skylights for Brightly Lit Interiors

Skylights should be a mandatory part of any home. The light, the atmosphere, the connection between the outdoors and living spaces should be fully exploited. More secluded ocean homes can be blessed with a stunning view of the night sky – when the city is far enough, the fascinating constellations show off. Looking at the surrounding universe through the skylight above the bed would be an evening routine I could easily get used to.

Most romantic bedrooms have that unique combination of details that create an atmosphere suited for special moments in two. Imagine having your bed under an awe-inspiring skylight. A rounded love crib under the stars, with a stunning view overlooking large expanses of water. Each time the sun shines, the bedrooms is flooded with natural light, while at night it becomes a beacon of light. No morning will ever feel the same waking up in this magnificent ocean view bedroom seen on Pinterest!

On the practical side, an entrance or hallway can be designed to filter natural light inside with the use of a carefully placed skylight. Shining down on an art installation or a an indoor water feature, blessed sunshine can create a dynamic light movement throughout the day. This lit space can be the one connecting two part of the house or it can light up a dark core from above. The example below is actually part of the Morning Star school in Mauritius, designed by NoCoffee Architects.

Two exemplary uses of skylights in the bathroom come from different homes. The first one pictured above showcases a round bathtub accompanied by a tall, elegant faucet and the charming use of wood. Renovated by LENS°ASS Architects while maintaining its original charm, this bathroom adorns the farmhouse that opens towards the rural scenery in many occasions. Upstairs, this sky lit bathroom proves that history and contemporary design can be merged to shape an inspiring bathroom design.

The shower pictured below is part of the Hillside Residence designed by Turnbull Griffin Haesloop architects – a home that gathers views of the natural surroundings from different vantage points. Piercing through the clear glass, tree crowns are the only ones disturbing the privacy when someone takes a shower. Flooded with natural light from above, the breathtaking shower is halfway between indoors and outdoors.

Matching the rest of the house, the bright kitchen displays a yellow backsplash beautifully seen under the white kitchen furniture. Following the long and narrow path underneath, a skylight provides natural light for cooking dinners for the family. The Eames chairs continue the mid-century modern appeal seen throughout the home. Part of Melissa Collison‘s design portfolio, the Vaucluse interior presents an elegant geometry seen in the choice of furniture and details. No detail was left to chance and no possibility was ignored, resulting in the creation of a bright, open and aired cooking space.

Continue reading Contemporary Skylights for Brightly Lit Interiors

Water Views Beyond the Bedroom’s Glass Walls

When Isak Dinesen said that “the cure for anything is salt water – tears, sweat, or the sea” he was right. I could even see a quote like that in many bedrooms overlooking the sea and many people agreeing with the author. From the top of your bed, every evening, the sun can be seen descending to meet the horizon in an always unique representation. When the solar disc is barely visible and ocean waters become immersed in darkness, you lay your head down to rest, you can watch the sunrise from the terrace on the other side of the house in the morning.

Some people only dream it, others live it and then there are those who never notice it. The thin line of the still horizon seen through glass bedroom walls every morning. Ocean homes have the privilege to feed a wish that has already been accomplished, why not enjoy every minute at your dream home after spending so many years dreaming about it?

Ocean view bedrooms are an energy source for beach lovers – waking up every moment to amazing water views or the sunrise, or taking a few moments to see the sun set is not only a geographical privilege, but a spiritual one. Exemplary seaview bedrooms are like guides through the maze of creativity – some idea might spark up and you end up exchanging dreaming for living. Like the bedroom shown below, part of the Alvarez Beach House designed by Longhi Architects, it is just one of the five glazed levels of the residence. Clean modern lines define the interior design mirrored in the glass wall leading out to the terrace.

There is even more you can do to intensify the feeling of closeness to nature. Building a modern fireplace to go with your panoramic glazing brings one of the elements indoors. Below is the Otter Cove residence by Sagan Piechota Architecture. Overlooking Californian shores from atop a rocky cliff, the contemporary home cladded in stone boasts this spectacular bedroom – a union of stone, wood, glass and fire overlooking water – this is what a dream looks like in reality.

Depending on the bed’s position, the atmosphere changes. Maybe some like to rise their heads from the pillow for an energizing start of the day with the view of water at their feet, others prefer to sleep on the side and open their eyes to see the sea in the morning. Either way, the ocean is still there to wake up to. Dark-framed sliding doors accentuate the dramatic views, as we see in the crisp white bedroom of a splendid home on the market for $22.5 million.

Corner windows have an amazing way of creating a different perspective on the outdoors. A panoramic view is born with this idea of prolonging the viewing possibility “around the corner”. Orienting your bed towards the views captured through a corner window inspires contemplation, just like in the Birdview residence bedroom seen below. A collaboration between architect Doug Burdge and interior designer Tim Clarke brought to life a comfortable home showcasing relaxing private spaces with splendid views of the ocean and coastline beyond.

The Beacon House, pictured below, boasts a water view bedroom with panoramas filtered by trees. WOW Architects also designed an inspiring space for the desk at the bed’s head. Overlooking the vast ocean from its location at the southernmost part of Singapore, this amazing residence had to have a stunning bedroom – a view like that one could not remain on the outside.

Experience Wooden Textiles Like Never Before

We all have a daily routine we don’t think about. A routine that is so natural we have shoved it deep into the mechanical part of our brain. We stick to these habits to feel comfortable in our surroundings and to make sure we’re always on point in our daily lives. However, there are other ways we achieve comfort, whether habitual or not. Regardless if you are enjoying a cup of tea and a good book, creating a bubble of warmth as you lounge in the dead of winter, or simply wrapping into a cocoon just because, covering ourselves with blankets can recuperate our souls after a challenging day. But, what if your covers were made out of wood?

Forcing people to look beyond the already known ideas, concepts and techniques, designer Elisa Strozyk works with a versatile concept that merges the hard nature of wood with the softness of textile cloth into a unique experience simply named Wooden Textiles.

Introducing us to this new experience, the young German designer is able to manipulate small wooden blocks into a delicate textile material while keeping some of the wood’s features intact. The Wooden Textiles by Elisa Strozyk ruffle to create a new world of versatility. Inspired by the barrier between hard and soft materials, the talented designer wanted to affect the senses in other ways than the usual ones – “we know the feeling of walking across wooden floors, to touch a wooden tabletop or to feel the bark of a tree. But we usually don’t experience a wooden surface which can be manipulated by touch.”

Moving in unexpected ways, the textiles shape blankets, covers or rugs bending to reveal their true nature. Half wood-half textile, each piece springs from one single moment in the designer’s life.

The idea blossomed in Elisa’s mind when she came across a photo of a water-warped parquet floor back in her graduate school years. This served her as inspiration and, thinking that “the wood came back to life and is frozen in motion“, she experienced with veneer wood strips on fabric. Her collection of wooden textiles was born one year later and immediately attracted applause, winning her the 2010 German Design Award for Newcomers. After that, her wooden carpets were on the lips of every design lover, creating a challenge for further experimentation.

The wooden carpet was born in 2010 and since then, it has become the inspiration needed to create more elaborate designs like blankets or even a daybed. Each rug displays a body made of linen lined with oak, maple and beech (Ashdown) or with teak (Mortimer), even a combination of mahogany, walnut and moor oak (Sherwood) and finally cherry, pear, mahogany and bubinga in the Wentwood version. Triangles and rectangles, squares or diamonds were carefully attached to textile, shaping the concept for a brand new tactile experience. With familiar looks and smell, the wooden textile warp your perception on the use of wood as a textile.

Reminiscent of delicate origami objects, the artist’s inspirational works showcase repetitive geometry shaping long and sinuous wooden textiles. Her latest work, the quilted wood daybed, was designed for “The Thread That Binds Us” exhibition at Plusdesign Gallery during Milan Design Week 2012.

Constructing different patterns, the simple geometric blocks of wood shape an elegant faceted geometry. The size of the tiles, as well as the geometric representation shapes the final result in terms of mobility and flexibility. With a wide range of possible applications – flooring, curtains, drapes, plaids, upholstery or furniture parts – this technique is bound to see even more glory days.

3 Amazing Ski Chalets To Explore This Winter

Every ocean home inhabitant experiences ski winter vacations more intensely, after soaking in the sun for the rest of the year. An enjoyable ski vacation is not linked only to the sport possibilities, it also needs to be sustained by a comfortable private place to retreat to when you’re tired. A small collection of three beautifully designed chalets will guide this winter’s exploration of inspiring ski locations – which one do you think would stand a better chance of receiving a visit from you?

1. The White Pearl Chalet in the French Alps

This fantastic modern chalet in the French Alps – between the village of Val d’Isère and the Funival funicular in La Daille – displays an inviting rustic appeal. Standing against the large snowed rocks, the lightly-colored rustic construction known as the White Pearl Chalet spreads over 3,330 square feet. Promising peacefully private moments of relaxation after the hours spent skiing, the interiors designed by by Philippe Capezzone capture a welcoming atmosphere.

Elegant choices in furniture accentuate the natural colors mirroring the surroundings. Exposed wooden beams lit by carefully selected lighting pieces create a cave-like ambiance in soft colors. Warming up by the stone fireplace and enjoying the comfy cushions, you retreat to a world of carefully constructed luxury earned after a day of up and down the ski run.

Sleeping up to ten guests at once, the private chalet rises three stories in the air. Each of the five en suite bedrooms overlooking the memorable French Alps are prepared to offer the best in modern luxury, while the public areas are perfect for spending time with friends. Gathered around the dining table, guests can re-connect and share ideas on the new experiences, create new memories and bond over a good meal.

2. Chalet Brikell in France

French studio Pure Concept imagined and implemented a concept of unobstructed views of the surroundings seen from welcoming interiors. Chalet Brikell is found in Megève, a commune in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France, right at the foot of the mountain. This 12,900 square foot luxury accommodation facility merges the rich sobriety of noble materials with an inspiring choice of furniture in highly functional spaces accentuated by natural and glamorous colors.

Constructed of elegant details, the public interior spaces are basked in natural light and have permanent visual contact with natural forces outside. Bespoke rugs lie at your feet while chic textures and patterns shape a luxurious surrounding space. Enhanced by an authentic simplicity, the Chalet breaks the monotony of hospitality accommodations with splashes of luxurious finishes and elegant materials.

Capturing the essence of this winter sport, this ski lodge is proud to display a comforting warmth inside, contrasting with the snowy surroundings. Bedrooms offer a twist and each guest feels the warmth with which the design team encourages relaxation via textures, colors and details.

3. The WhitePod Alpine Ski Resort in Switzerland

These ultra-modern hospitality pods overlooking a beautiful Swiss valley in the village of Les Cerniers surprise us with their excellent design. The eco-luxury WhitePod Alpine Ski Resort gathers 15 original igloo-shaped accommodation units in a picturesque landscape 1,700 meters above sea level.

The traditional igloo shape served as inspiration for these highly modern pods. Each pod hides a king-sized bed near a fireplace looking out the wide window to discover awe-inspiring views. There are also social spaces where guests can enjoy food and drinks – one of the luxurious domes shelters the Restaurant des Cerniers where refined cuisine rich in local traditions and savory mountain dishes surprise you with their uniqueness.

There is a wide range of exemplary accommodations all around the world, some of them indulging guests with a traditional take on things, while others bet on modern hospitality – which one do you prefer?

Wonderful Woodpiles: Proudly Showcasing Firewood Indoors

It’s autumn already – where did the summer go? I find myself looking out the window to see colorful leaves, I find myself drinking more tea and looking forward to the winter season. But between these two perfectly contrasting seasons – summer and winter – I look around the home to find decorative ways to stock up tree logs and firewood.

Those of you living in a beach home have enjoyed amazing summers, with sand caressing your feet on every walk and the breeze gently absorbing your cares and taking them with it, far away. Winters at a ski resort must feel like a real vacation and teatime by the fireplace must have a deep meaning. Imagine yourself taking a hot bath in this wonderfully designed contemporary bathroom while enjoying promises of what is to come – snowfall and lovely holidays bringing families together. Now look at the firewood display – it simply showcases the wonderful contrast between the sunny sea and the warmth of a fireplace. Find a cozy space to display firewood – it will surely take you on an imaginary journey towards the months to come, supporting your dreams of flying down a ski path or throwing fluffy snowballs at friends.

Another way you can display firewood before winter comes is to embed the woodpile in your interior space design. Consider building storage space under the windows, creating a beautiful arrangement. If you have glazed doors leading outside, a large wood pile will be seen through the glazing and continue to shape a smaller wood arrangement, creating an intentional play or large and small. Besides, you can always stock the interior woodpile with more wood if necessary.

Here is another idea- use the spaces adjacent to your wood-burning fireplace or stove to create a decorative storage space. In the photo below, the woodpile has been split in two – one pile is showcased in a tight space between the stove and the wall, while the other pile has become part of a sinuous display right under the window. A curvacious bench was carved to display more firewood and add balance to the contemporary arrangement.

Transform your home by displaying a long line of firewood right under your modern fireplace – this way the wood will not only be handy whenever you need it, but it will be part of a praise-worthy design.

The last example presents a firewood storage solution for a modern kitchen. Don’t be afraid to compose an inviting space by blending modern inspiration like the open shelves, dark granite countertop and white furniture with a masonry hood and cast iron stove – it will definitely attract compliments. Under the chic stove, firewood fits in perfectly, creating a surprising corner reminiscent of old, cozy kitchens. Enjoy your decorating projects!

Autumnal Atmosphere By The Sea: Candles, Pine Cones, Pumpkins, Seashells

An autumn arrangement for the beach house is like a daily encounter with natural shapes and aromas, a luxury we might not afford to miss. Simple decorations that announce the coming of autumn and its passing into the colder day should remind us of the colorful beauty this season offers. It’s too bad the sunny days are further apart, we should use our increased interaction with nature to draw inspiration from the changes around us. So, after a pleasant walk on the beach, you come home to a lovely space. Think about this: you will want to light up those candles once they beautifully adorn the fall arrangements, hence save on your electricity bill.

Candles and Pumpkins

If you’re living on the beach but want to subtly hint towards the autumnal feeling you have, choosing some white candles to display on your coffee table or mantle can reshape the atmosphere. This ideas seen on StarfishCottage can be applied in many ways – for Halloween, a cheesecloth might become part of this subtle autumnal hint. Decorating in black and white creates an elegant interior design that might not be suited for adding colored decorations. If you want to keep your love for this duo, use white pumpkins and black candle holders. Try a white framed blackboard to display the traditional “trick or treat” and keep it beyond this holiday as part of your decor – just write something that inspires you every day!

A seashell mirror and orange pumpkin

Simple, right? That’s all a dining table needs – a beautiful decoration to accompany your slow meals and conversational atmosphere. The seashell mirror tray and ceramic pumpkin seen on Sally Lee by the Sea is a great idea to keep your family memories on the table in an autumnal display perfect for a beach home.

Autumn harvest Demijohn and seashells

Thinking about autumnal grape picking? Showcase your love for wine in an autumn-inspired corner, next to some oversized jars filled with seashells. A second idea from StarfishCottage, this autumn decoration with two tall candle holders flanking light colored pumpkins on a rug of ivy leaves is bold, elegant and traditional. This decoration for a buffet in the dining room shows a lovely collection of motifs, inspiring us to gather together our favorite fall reminders in a natural palette. The wine-storing glass bottle embraced by traditional wicker weaving mirrors its rustic shape in a seashell-adorned mirror – beautiful, elegant, traditional.

Pumpkins and pine cones

A bright starfish next to a few mini pumpkins and gourdes on a bed of pine cones is a very natural “beach meets forest” decoration for a beautiful autumn. Bring natural shapes and smells inside by adding a centerpiece like the one seen on Modern Vintage Coastal in your living space. And enjoy this year’s colors!

About author Ada Teicu: An architecture enthusiast, Ada shares finds from all over the world, constructing a spotlight on modern design. Expressing personal preferences on her blog – she loves uncovering new designers and find what makes acknowledged architects so unique. Follow her on Twitter or Pinterest inspiring surrounding design.

Gather family and friends around the inviting dining table

Modern dining spaces by the beach are free to embed the surrounding natural beauty in their design. Creating a home oriented towards the property’s best views is incomplete without that magic dining room that should be as addictive as social networking sites. Accommodating more or less friends and family depending on the available space, long dining tables are always a great way of gathering people you love in one place for at least an hour. Now, doesn’t this space deserve some respect? And the right to tap into this amazing world of creativity named interior design?

Transparent chairs overlooking the ocean

There’s nothing more beautiful announcing the following cold season like a collection of transparent dining chairs in a minimalist home. The space arrangement you can see in the photo below is part of a complex beach house design imagined by Longhi Architects and located in Misterio Beach, a little south of Lima, Peru. Known as the Alvarez Beach House, this five story property overlooks waves crushing on the beach – dining in an uplifting space above the surroundings can turn into a fairy- tale routine.

See how the transparent plastic chairs filter light at different moments in the day? This never ending transformation benefits from an awe-inspiring position – looking across the water and colored clouded skies. Framed by the window profiles, the evening views are incomplete without candlelight, I imagine.

Daylight floating in through glazed retractable walls and the breeze integrating in the atmosphere – imagine hot summer days when all you need is a refreshing salad – call a few friends over and enjoy the breeze together over a meal, that should get your day going.

Dark lamps and translucent curtains

Three elegant hanging lamps above a rounded dining table in an open dining space overlooking the ocean – what can beat that? Perhaps its reflection in the dark floors. This simply striking space below is part of the Balcony Over Bronte residential project designed by Luigi Rosselli Architects. For an intimate dinner, the glazed walls close up and beautiful floor-to-ceiling translucent drapes filter natural light inside.

How about dining almost outside, on the beach – family and friends gathered around the wooden table, under a sculptural chandelier. For a powerful impact, choose white chairs on the long sides of the table and dark ones at each end. This specific dining space is part of a beautiful vacation home in the Caribbean – I couldn’t imagine a better way to draw inspiration from hospitality than learning from the experts.

A long table surrounded by Eames chairs is always a beautiful sight. Just like in the Hillside Bungalow by Interlink Design Solutions, you can use a small army of your favorite monochromatic chairs and line them up around a patterned dining table. Featured here is a 10 feet dining table was custom made from Turkish Marmara white marble reflecting in the 11 feet custom-made mirror on the wall. Luxury meets opulent elegance in this architectural residence – search for your inspiration and apply it in the most social space of your home.

Cheerful yet elegant, this next example inspires us to play with colors and textures in a new, enchanting way. A vibrant palette does wonders in a high, white space. Colorful chairs with metal structures flanking both long sides of the opaque white dining table adorn a large orange carpet. The geometric play of colors and shapes are pierced by a dark hanging light. Large glazing floods this inviting dining space with natural light and the space’s soft sobriety ensures lovely dinner parties. Part of the Beach Walk House by SPG Architects, this last inspiring dining space wraps up the general idea – enjoy what you have with who you love!

Photo source: 1and 2, 3 and4,5,6, 7

Textured Home Ambiance Flourishing from Stone Walls

Whether you would like to create a stunning decorative wall or embed your cabin’s design in the surrounding landscape, stone walls are the perfect connection between outdoors and interior spaces. A home decorated with one or many stone walls will always display that imposing elegance defining castles and a pinch of that traditional well-being. Knowing that you spend your days close to a beautiful natural material like stone, you will be more inspired in your daily activity.

Stone walls as explosive focus points
English design studio Baynes & Co imagined an unexpected decorative element for the stunning contemporary Wickstead Lodge in England. The two story residence features a sculptural dining space under a high ceiling, adorned by a spectacular glass wall with a stone curtain on the outside. At night, the facade looks lit up by holes in the wall, as if the house was not properly constructed. The large hanging light contributes its light to the outdoors spectacle and its beauty to the interior space arrangement.

Stone walls as binders

A holiday cabin built just for the enjoyment of you, family and friends is often mistaken with a tear-down old cabin, but it doesn’t need to be. Stone walls can beautifully become part of your wooden cabin design, integrating the new construction in the rocky landscape. A stunning example of modern architecture showcased by this Buholmen Cabin inspires us to choose the best surrounding we need to make us happy and then find solutions to integrate our life without disturbing surrounding nature. Project managers of Skaara Arkitekter AS designed this beauty in Norway, giving it life with a pine facade, sedum-moss roof and a stone wall to capture the natural coloring of the surroundings.

Stone walls reaching to shape ceilings

There’s nothing like living in a splendidly remodeled apartment with reinterpreted design lines. Vaulted ceilings seem to have been made to capture the beauty if stone walls ascending up to become part of the ceiling. Successful renovations of old apartments are challenging, but the results are magnificent. The exceptional Jaffa Apartment (designed by Pitsou Kedem Architects ) overlooking the Mediterranean Sea was brought back to its original charm. Accentuating the natural-colored atmosphere, modern design lines and contemporary furniture create an up-to-date residence.

Stone walls flanking the fireplace

A tall living space can be defined by stone walls, keeping the main idea contemporary at all times. If a room with a modern fireplace needs to become more sumptuous, stone walls add that extra dimension reminiscent of the glorious castles once acting as residences. Can Manuel d’en Corda by Marià Castelló Martínez on the Spanish Formentera island showcases traditional dry stone walls that allow it to blend in with surrounding farms. Original exposed walls were partly enveloped in vertical panels housing the electrical installation and indirect lighting, creating a rustic yet modern atmosphere.
Find the perfect ways of accentuating a stone wall in your home and enjoy its splendor!

Photos: 1 and 2, 3, 4

Late Autumn Showers: Experience Showers Almost Outdoors

Showers have long been used for more than cleanliness – they offer privacy, time to yourself and the perfect setting for singing. Modern showers compose a customized atmosphere around you every time you need to be refreshed, re-energized or re-shape your dreams. Under a rain shower, the world is reborn in our minds, it’s like we can wash away our fears and unnecessary thoughts.

As close to outdoors as possible

Raining down water from its almost outdoor location in the inspiring House in Banzão, this exquisite open shower is part of by Federico Valsassina Arquitectos’ portfolio. Continuing outdoors, deck floors adorn a private garden creating a seamless connection to the outdoors. A plant greens the compact space, reaching for the sky to meet daylight flooding in. Taking advantage of Portugal weather, the owner can enjoy showers as if outdoors – a glass screen separates the shower area from the rest of the bathroom.

Private indoor garden walk-in shower

A walk-in shower opening into a minimalist interior garden is a spectacular feature to have in your home. Imagine your shower being partly outdoor, in a customized bathroom adapted to your love for natural light- how would a shower experience like that change your day? Privacy is ensured while sunlight flows inside – this seems to me like a perfect combination of perfect privacy and unwinding luxury.

Showering under a skylight

Pouring in from the skylight, natural daylight will accompany your daily showers and create a revitalizing experience to start your day with. Relaxing while energizing, a shower under the pure daylight coming from the ceiling is pure heaven. Inside the Hillside Residence by Trunbull Griffin Haesloop Architects, this stunning shower is perfect to use at night, when dazzling stars and the moonlight contribute to an extremely pleasurable experience. This is more like a walk-through shower, large enough for a romantic time spent under the rain shower head.

Modern shower clerestory window peeking outside

If your bathroom cannot be fully opened to the outdoors, clerestory windows offer a contemporary solution to drawing in natural light without being exposed to neighboring buildings. This privacy-protective window is part of the Casa nel Bosco di Ulivi created by architect Luca Zanaroli. The Italian residence is built with natural, locally resourced materials – dark lime plaster decorates the decadent walls of the shower, enveloping you in a private design cocoon.

Compact shower with glamorous details

Finally, a closed-up shower can be just as glamorous as tapping into the power of a natural stone wall adjacent to glamorously-colored tile. Under the rounded shower, an elegant woman can become an integrated part of the design. Seen in the Seacliff House by Chris Elliott Architects, this almost claustrophobic modern shower comes to contrast the light showcased by previous examples. The beauty remains in the eye of the beholder.

Photos: 1,2,3,4,5

Leaf Inspired Decoration for an Inviting Autumn Beach Home

When it comes to autumn inspiration for your beloved beach home, leaves are the first things that come to mind. Surrounded by a plateau of colorful leaves, nature seems to compose a breathtaking spectacle that marks the end of a natural cycle. Taking time to enjoy nature in its course towards white stillness, we find it appropriate to bring some of its inspiring shapes and colors inside and become tuned with the beautiful surroundings. In the garden and in between the walls of your comfortable home, a collection of leaf-inspired autumn decorations can make a difference in your daily routine. I would like to share with you 10 leaf-inspired decorations for an autumn beach home.

1. Leaf Lounge

Perfect for the end of summer by the ocean, this modern interpretation of elegantly curved leaves eases our transition from summer’s warm to autumn’s chill. Designed by Belgium-based Frank Ligthart, the inviting leaf-shaped lounge chair can easily be placed on the beach any sunny day of the year, constantly reminding you that a carefully constructed piece of furniture can carry with it the power of its inspiration.

2. Leaf outdoor bench

Part of the Boston collection from Thailand based Deesawat, the Leaf outdoor bench looks more like a nature-inspired jewelry than a functional piece of furniture. Imagine displaying this beautiful outdoor bench in your garden, among natural leaves. Shaped out of a modern combination of Teak and stainless steel, the cute benches can easily become the focal point of any autumn garden.

3. Leaf Swing

To remain in the great outdoors, this wonderful leaf-shaped swing you can see in the photo below is designed by Alberto Sánchez of Enea Studio. Why not have a beautiful swing designed for you – an adult – in your backyard? Just imagine the sun setting and soft rays of light piercing through its holes, casting shadows underneath – isn’t that one of the memories you would cherish?

4. Foglia patio furniture

Besides being elegant and inviting, the Foglia patio furniture collection is also comfortable. Its materials speak the language of modern furniture design: teak, aluminum, steel and natural textiles. Designed by Corradi, the perforated frames are reminiscent of veins on leafage, constructing an appealing autumn vibe.

5. Turn the Season rug

Moving inside the home, a beautiful seasonal rug welcomes you, family and friends to a place where the changing of season is clearly visible. Turn the Season rug by Yvette Laduk of YLdesign can literally be turned from displaying green leaves to showcasing autumn leaves on the first day of the new season, marking its beginnings.

6. Leaf cabinet

Inside the home, many designs can make it seem like you live outdoors, between brown, yellow, dark green, plum and red leaves. Inspired by the shape of autumn’s main elements, this collection of a leaf-shaped cabinet and similar shelf can easily change the design angle of a room. Designer Svilen Gamolov brings the sinuous shape of a leaf inside your home with his solid wood, plywood and MDF creation.

7. Hyphae Lamp

If you would like to showcase something with a more subtle leaf reference, the Hyphae Lamps from Nervous Systems are perfect for your home. Gathered in a collection of algorithmically generated lighting designs, these LED lamps cast amazing shadows part of their visual presentation. Printed using state-of-the-art 3D printing technology, each lamp appears to be delicate and airy, but they are surprisingly strong.

8. Seasons Silicone leaf plates

On the kitchen table, a modern set of silicone plates from designer Nao Tamura easily reminds you about the last green leaves, creating a sentimental transition between seasons and crating a cultural bridge. “Seasons is an interpretation of functional kitchen and serving ware, inspired by nature and technology, through the cultural lens of Japan.”

9. Leaf Tie cable organizer

Cables usually lying unaesthetically around can be neatly organized with a cute and joyful Leaf Tie cable organizer. Efficient, functional and decorative, they have two little plastic leaves sprout out from their ends. It comes in many colors for those who like to experiment with different visual impacts: Emerald, Olive green, Espresso Reindeer white, Kingfisher and Scarlet.

10. Appree Leaf It Stickies

Finishing our journey through the season of colorful leaves with this collection of sticky notes from Appree Leaf It Stickies, I would like to see more creative ideas next autumn, so we can add them to seasonal pleasures that fill our heart with joy. Until then, rustling natural leaves are the best way to decorate your home – they’re natural, have exceptional decorating qualities and you can find them in the backyard and on sidewalks.

Lighting up an Autumn Atmosphere with Candles

Autumn has a special place in every heart – it either induces an awe-inspiring feeling with all its colors, textures and refreshing rains or a moody atmosphere with melancholic moments, but it never leaves anyone neutral to its passing. Mixing these emotions with fire creates an accentuation of each stand-still moment, allowing you to witness a moment that sparked up our evolution – taming fire.

Social get-togethers and candlelight dinners

Just place a bunch of different sized candles in the fireplace and you will be aware of this beautiful change from summer to winter that we call autumn. On the dining table, above the table prepared for a casual dinner or on the floor surrounding this blessed space, candles can help guide your feelings towards being thankful for what you have and we all know we need to be reminded of that.

Do yourself a favor and build a faux fireplace for candles

An interesting weekend project would catapult your living room into the world of modern space arrangement you see in other people’s homes. Think about building a modern faux fireplace that safely displays a collection of candles – it will definitely become the focal point in the room. Umbra were the ones who beautified the den in the photos below with an eggshell-colored mantle. Candles in autumn are perfect to compose a cozy atmosphere, where family and friends can relax together.

If you already have a fireplace, you are only a few candles away from exceptionally relaxing design solution. Gather fall produce to decorate your fireplace mantle, but don’t forget to give the decorated area a deeper dimension by adding two elegant candles to frame the space above the mantle. All you need to do is make sure fire is safely contained – it never hurts checking twice.

Nesting candlelight in transparent containers and branch nests

You probably use candles to decorate your beach home in the summer, when the evening breeze gently rushes over dancing flames. Taking an interest in fabricating an inspired atmosphere inside during the colder autumn days will go a long way when you feel the need to relax in a cozy atmosphere. A few nested candles can instantly change your mood and provoke you to daydream.

Any large candle will do

You might not want to transform your home into an altar-looking collection of spaces, but one single candle can do wonders for any corner of the room. I can’t stress enough that you need to be careful with fire, but a single large candle on the table, near a window (without curtains) or even on the floor in a corner of the room is a spectacle in itself. Gently dancing in the air currents, a candle mirrors every movement around it. Dynamic, yet softly warming a room, an oversized candle matched up with your favorite song and warm drink eases the way to a serene autumn.

Candles create the perfect setting for autumn romance

The bedroom becomes a movie set with a few candles burning their wax down while you and the one your love indulge in a romantic evening. Candles in the bedroom soften the light and exposes this room’s potential for romance. Cozy up near a candle set while waiting for winter to come so you can enjoy a real fireplace, with large dancing flames and crackling sounds that personify winter comfort. I could only dream of a fireplace in the bedroom …

Fall decorating means capturing the warmth of an earthy color palette, accentuated by natural textures. Candlelight is the perfect way to accentuate a detail and soften the appeal of a room, creating a decorating opportunity with a huge relaxation potential. Are you ready to light up candles and relax?

Indulge Yourself in Luxury with Rooftop Terrace Possibilities

A quiet evening overlooking the sun set over expansive waters stretching into the night when stars appear one by one to remind you of our true nature is the perfect ending to a challenging day. Design lines mirroring the house’s architecture can construct a perfectly adapted terrace on top of your existing house. A creative architect can expose your home to a luxurious addition shaping your daily or weekend activity into a relaxing outdoor bliss. Transparency and a fluid attention-grabbing panorama will easily guide the view towards the ocean and capture light breezes, while the design you opted for will sooth your soul and prepare your mind for the following day.

Part of the stunning architecture and displaying creative voids and dot-pierced shades, the rooftop terrace in the photo below extends the luxurious design details towards the water. Long wooden planks shape the floor and side walls, topping off the Stereoscopic House designed by Singapore-based architects Pencil Office. This modern rooftop terrace induces a relaxed state of mind while showcasing the wonders of modern architecture.

There are so many rooftop terrace design ideas out there, but you need to make sure your wishes match the structure of the house. Topping rooftop apartments or modern residences by the water, terraces extend the beauty of your interior design outside, creating a smaller version of an outdoor entertaining space with far better views than from the garden. Here, you can have an outdoor kitchen or a swimming pool installed, even grow a small garden.

Another great example of a rooftop terrace, small and cozy, is the one on top of the Carmel Residence in California, imagined by Dirk Denison Architects. The next photo showcases a simply brilliant idea of constructing a sofa lined with comfy pillows and add two armchairs for a fun social time on the roof.

Imagine working out on a rooftop terrace – breeze cools you down, while the fresh air fills your lungs and provokes you to take on the challenge of a new day. To keep things in the same wellness-related area, you can treat yourself with a natural rug of pebbles to massage your feet while walking around the terrace or go for a swim in the luxurious rooftop pool – it all depends on your preference and on the architect’s capacity to come up with solutions for you to enjoy the perfect rooftop terrace.

Privacy protection could easily lead to creating a terrace up on the roof, above neighboring buildings. If the neighbors’ houses are still too close to construct a comforting feeling of privacy, there are a few smart solutions that will help focus on the view and not adjacent buildings. Screens add drama to the overall design, filtering natural light and casting beautiful shadows. Plants and greenery that block the views from neighbors also create a lush rooftop landscape, seasoned with colors. A beach house is the perfect place to display either a beach-inspired rooftop terrace design or a lush green terrace landscape. Take an evening to enjoy an outdoor dinner with the loved one or indulge in a spa day on your own terrace on the roof – if you can dream it, it’s possible!

Cruising the Ocean with Style: Red Pearl Yacht

For whoever likes heading out to the ocean pursuing an extraordinary feeling, the yacht itself is a second home. Visited every time you need to escape the world, a luxury yacht like the Red Pearl promotes a luxurious lifestyle shaping many sailor dreams. Designers of MCP Yachts describe this fantastic project of theirs as an exquisite blend of classy elegance and modern technology:

“Red Pearl is the result of a highly customized project for a demanding Russian client. Exquisite painting, a fine piano on the game room, LED lightning and NAIAD zero speed system are some examples of the specific features in this project. The most modern construction technology bond together with a superb interior design and decoration to support maximum comfort, sophistication and safety to travel all oceans.”

On the outside, the luxury yacht Red Pearl cuts the water with a sleek shape and surprises with a bold yet elegant red tone obvious in its name. Recreational sailing transcends into the world of creativity, becoming an excuse to go out on the ocean more often. Accentuating the white foam with its pristine dynamic deck, the luxurious yacht imposes its unique look in any harbor.

The main deck provides a large space for entertaining, making evening trips across water memorable. A dining table seating up to 6 people comfortably invites you to enjoy the breeze and witness distant city lights reflect their glow across the mirroring surface. Dark-framed sliding glass doors open to reveal the living space and bar beyond. A set of stairs leads to the upper deck, subtly showcasing their wooden steps.

Inside, the feeling of coziness is only surpassed by a striking visual appeal. A sofa and two armchairs opposing each other are close enough to maintain a conversation going. As much as 10 people can dine inside, while the adjacent bar provides a continuous flow of beverages to keep you hydrated. Wooden floors define a corridor leading to illuminated stairs taking your further into the dreamy interiors.

The spacious upstairs presents itself as a classy collection of fine furniture, culminating with a black piano placed under the spotlight. If you’re in the mood for a challenging game of chess, the small rounded chess table welcomes you surrounded by four dark chairs. A sofa and bar ensure the comfort a traveler searches for when faced with such a luxurious recreational opportunity. The kitchen, on the other hand, is compact and carefully planned to ensure maximum flexibility. Long and narrow, the well-lit kitchen looks out to the water through two large windows.

The private bedrooms compose a fairy-tale atmosphere. In the first bedroom pictured below, soft smart lighting reflects in the glossy surrounding walls and furniture, while the large bed doesn’t seem to consume the space, rather offer an island of perfect comfort. Another bedroom mirrors the pristine bedsheets in a framed TV, constructing a more dynamic interior design. Dark wood adorns the white walls and defines a line in the ceiling, contrasting in style with the previous bedroom. A third bedroom showcases two separate beds, divided by a mirror and nightstand. Glossy gold-colored surroundings shape an inviting atmosphere. Cradled by the motion of the yacht, sleep will be comforting and dreams will wonder towards amazing lands.

Bathrooms are elegant and bright, with large mirrors constructing a visually larger space. Luxurious shower cabins featuring relaxing seats ensure long showers in two are followed by a comfortable sleep. In the morning, short showers will leave you feeling energized and lead you to the deck, where sunshine caresses sparkling waters all around the Red Pearl.

Fresh from the shower, the breeze wakes you up while the salty air fills your lungs. Glass railings avoid obstructing the views, so the line where water meets the sky is always visible. Enjoy sunsets or sunrises from an open deck, where two chairs can become the unforgettable picture-perfect moment for romantics. Sharing a glass of champagne watching the day turn into night is the perfect end to any sunny day.

And no yacht is complete without the captain’s deck – an elegant space in perfect harmony with the rest of the yacht’s design. The floor-plan will deepen your understanding of the yacht’s space arrangement. Is there anything missing from this exceptional display of luxurious lifestyle?

Composing Inspiring Interior Spaces with Glamorous Glass Staircases

Entering a home means meeting the owner for the second time – every detail, texture and color speaks about the inhabitant’s personal preferences, they way they like to receive guests and how much importance they give to comfort, style and organization. There are a lot of things that can be learned from visiting different homes and the best ones are those which leave you with at least an inspiring detail in mind.

Choosing to construct a bold focal point in your home can end up redefining the entire house, or at least the main social spaces. Custom built staircases present the opportunity of creating a spectacular overall feel, never failing to generate interest.

Showcasing a custom glass staircase in your home binds all decorative elements together while its deceptively floating appearance creates a picture-perfect space arrangement, allowing the surrounding display of furniture to shine through and colors to interact more vividly.

A combination of different building materials can assist the glass in transforming your interiors – pairing the glass up with metal or wood surprises the beauty of a bold statement without losing the powerful elements that bring comfort and warmth (wood) or are reminiscent of industrial design (metal). Pairing the glass up with carbon fiber leads to a futuristic display of materials, while a spiral staircase can add more character to this daring combination.

Carefully designed homes gravitate around a central focal point, so why not impress yourself and guests with the striking silhouette of an unconventional glass staircase, designed especially to accentuate the beauty of your home? Ocean homes benefit from the amazing possibility of opening up towards the sparkling water, making a glass staircase within a transparent staircase shaft a spectacular decorative element.

A multi-level home can be easily opened up to draw in natural light with the help of a glass staircase. Uniting two or more levels, a transparent set of stairs can make the home look more spacious and compose a light shaft drawing in light either from glass openings in the walls or skylights at the top.

Glass staircases delimited by transparent railings or subtle vertical strings acting as separators are the ultimate light-loving elements for a home. Constructing an elegant, glamorous interior design through their fine crafted details, these functional and decorative elements have led to improving technologies for creating glass used for structural purposes, while constructing a refined alternative to wood, metal or concrete staircases.

Modern technology ensures that glass staircases are as safe as they are beautiful. To add even more drama, LED lighting can transform your glass staircase into a glamorous, sculptural decorative element even at night, guiding your steps up and down with a subtle glow.

Addressing the need to have a brighter space and allowing views from one side to the other, glass staircases outshine usual focal points. Completely transparent or translucent, displaying a combination of glass and other materials and leading to next floors while displaying a very stylish architectural fashion, glass staircases can transform an average home into an elegant dream home, insisting on the striking composition of refined elements and paving the way towards creating a inspiring home.

Transparent Terraces Make for Unobstructed Views

An inviting ocean home is constructed of a collection of customized solutions for the existing space, spiced up with carefully chosen details that capture the essence of the owner’s personal preferences. Function meets style in different areas of the house and everyone has a special place in their home they feel most comfortable in. Residences overlooking water have this exceptional, unique opportunity of creating a powerful connection to the surroundings. Windows offer glimpses into the wilderness of the ocean, capturing the movement of the water, but a terrace showcasing disappearing walls of glass offers unequaled unobstructed ocean views.

Unique sunsets / sunrises can be enjoyed from your terrace showcasing imperceptible glass railings. Just imagine yourself lying on a chaise-lounge, breezes gently touching your skin, sun lowering in the sky to meets the day’s end. Waves gently crashing underneath your terrace transform the air into a perpetual salty fascination while completing this serene scene. Opening your eyes, this natural spectacle is interrupted by opaque railings unless the transparency of a carefully designed glass encourages you to keep dreaming with your eyes open.

Pair the glass railings on your terrace with a retractable glass roof and you have a safe comfort place, where rain cannot penetrate but it can still offer a marvelous connection to natural elements.

A terrace above water can greatly influence the relationship with the surroundings, exposing you to the passing seasons and providing relaxing moments whenever you need them. Ideal for swimming pools, decking, balconies or patios, frameless glass railings ensure a luxurious transparency and functionality achieved through the possibilities offered by modern technologies. Protective and functional glass railings mounted on terraces also help flood the interiors with more natural light – an element we have come to adore after being captive between four walls for too long.

Private terraces with glass railings offer a sense of opulence, constructing a luxurious outdoor design for modern homes and choosing to adorn them with frames can lead to interesting framed views of the surroundings. Frames help in composing a terrace that you can be proud of while still allowing you to see through the glass – this could be a great solution for those who don’t want to experience the complete transparency of glass and want to match the terrace railings with other building materials in or around the house.

These glass barriers keep you safe while allowing you to enjoy the water as if you were floating above foaming waves. Including glass railings as part of your terrace design could have a significant impact on your life, perspective and connection to your surroundings. Excellent examples can be found if you’re looking to replace your outdated terrace railings with something edgy and challenging. Enjoy the panoramas!

Building Comfort Space with Mezzanine Levels

After seeing how high ceilings can have a powerful impact on our lifestyle, it’s time to go the opposite way and see how a mezzanine level can cut through this vast space to create a more intimate interior design. Designing an intermediate level to break the abundant space in half creates more space both above and below, allowing you to plan a room upstairs and use the space below as storage, for example.

This half way level between the floor and ceiling is known as a mezzanine level. This structural floor helps alleviate the sometimes impersonal feeling of a space that displays high ceilings, creating a cozier design preferred in many cases and increasing space possibilities in your home.

An existing high ceiling space can become the backsplash for a more compact lifestyle. If you need to increase the square footage of your home and don’t want to build additional spaces, building a mezzanine level is an inspired solution.

Although high ceilings help create a luxurious atmosphere, some people prefer living in homes with a less imposing design. Depending on your preference, an open living space with high ceilings can provoke the feeling of being outside, while mezzanines construct a balcony-like space keeping part of this space open, but allowing you to almost double the usable space and create a cozier feeling. The luxury of creating and improving your home is made of a set of personal choices adapted to the existing space possibilities.

Mezzanine levels are extremely helpful when transforming a formerly industrial building into a comfortable, modern living space. There are many examples of how barns, industrial structures or even churches were transformed into contemporary residences with the help of mezzanine levels.

Use this space for creating a special place in the house, with visual access to the space below – it can be a working space, dining space, bedroom or any extra room you might need. This new functional space should be carefully planned and constructed to avoid ending up with a crowded-looking room.

This new space can become the library you always dreamed about or an extra bedroom. Creative people can indulge in designing a hobby space within the home, with direct visual access to the space below. Sharing the same ceiling with the rest of the space, the mezzanine level should reflect this in its design.

Spiral staircases and bespoke stairs are the best solution for accessing mezzanine levels without taking up too much space. Projecting from the walls and partially enclosing the view from the floor below, mezzanine levels can extend halfway over the floor below or run along the building’s perimeter.

Supported by pillars or floating above the level below, displaying railings and accessed by a staircase, a mezzanine level remains and effective solutions to increasing floor space within your home and constructing that extra room you always dreamed about.

Connecting to Natural Elements – Outdoor Fire Features

Natural elements – fire and water – unite in a breathtaking spectacle offering ocean home owners unique moments. In the presence of flames consuming the air, our thoughts travel to undefined places only to return to their starting point fed with inspiration and composing new strains of thought. Lost in this natural desire to be in the presence of open fire, we created sculptural objects taming the element that allowed our evolution.

Deciding to incorporate an outdoor fireplace in your home proves to be as hard as it is rewarding. Fire helps guide your thoughts towards inside rather than outside, while the image of dancing flames on the background of what seems to be an infinite stretch of water composes one of the most breathtaking panoramas. Vividly constructing an architecture of pleasure based on the primary need for warmth and introspection, outdoor fireplaces take you back to a much-needed simplicity.

There are a myriad of outdoor fire features that can re-shape the landscape to suit your needs and wishes. Contemporary fire features can be used to define a special space of your house. For example, two fire cones can be placed on either side of the entrance, guarding it with an imposing character. Another way to enjoy the benefits of open fire is to have a long and narrow fireplace running alongside the terrace and displaying a line of flames constructing the atmosphere for an amazing evening. Fire bowls and sculptural fireplace designs customized to suit your space extend the comfort zone outside, furnishing the landscape with a duo of natural and man-made composition.

The warmth of fire chilled by a soft breeze creates an ethereal atmosphere – portable fireplaces encourage you to experience its warmth in any given space: the manicured garden, an ocean deck or directly on the beach.

Designer Elena Colombo’s outdoor fireplaces celebrate the elements through unique, uplifting shapes and materials. Her collections break the boundaries of design, taking you one step further through the power of flame-taming design. Custom designs shelter your personal style in unequaled shapes, all based on the rise of flames from a carefully constructed container exposing your personal style.

Refined outdoor fireplaces are inspired by natural surrounding details: the Lotus Bowl fireplace from Elena Colombo presents dancing fire rising from steel petals, while studio AK47 designed a fireplaces named Hole that constructs a refined enclosure in the ground for the flames to dance uninterrupted.

These are only a few examples of how design can create a different perception on life, but keep us focusing on what is truly important – the connection to our basic needs. Danger and relaxation meet in one defining action we all enjoy – watching flames rise up and dissipate in the air. Luxurious fireplace design helps capture the essence of comfort surrounded by carefully chosen palette of materials that celebrate an ancestral humankind need for being close to fire.

A place for quiet meditation or a social zone set around a sculptural fireplace – evenings will never be the same accompanied by a modern vision of the bonfire. Embedded in a table or flickering freely while rising from a geometric shape, fire is the perfect element to be tamed by creative designers.