#mid-sized minimalist living room with a brick floor

[rilayagifs]

Living Room Formal (New York)

[plotsforsaleinmysore]

WHAT IS THE PRICE OF A PLOT IN MYSORE THAT IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE? 

Plots for sale in Mysore

Plots for sale in Mysore, the “City of Palaces,” beckons with its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and relaxed atmosphere. For many, the dream of building a haven in this captivating city takes root. But before the bricks and mortar come into play, the first crucial step is finding the perfect plot. With a diverse range of “plots for sale in Mysore” available, determining the ideal size for your needs can feel overwhelming. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will equip you to navigate the world of Mysore’s plots and choose the canvas that best suits your dream home.

Envisioning Your Dream: A Lifestyle Canvas Plots for sale in Mysore

Before diving into Plots for sale in Mysore, take a moment to envision your ideal home. Here are some key questions to ask yourself:

Family Dynamics: Consider your current and future family size. Do you require a single-family home or a multi-generational space? The number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas will significantly influence the plot size needed.

Living Style: Do you crave a sprawling garden for family gatherings and backyard barbecues? A rooftop terrace for stargazing and city views may be helpful. Identify the lifestyle aspects you prioritize and the outdoor spaces you envision incorporating into your dream home.

Budgetary Constraints: Plot size directly impacts cost. Be realistic about your budget and factor in construction costs and the plot price.

A Spectrum of Possibilities: Plots for sale in Mysore

The beauty of Mysore’s real estate market lies in its diverse selection of plot sizes, catering to various needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of some standard Plots for sale in Mysore

Compact Plots (Under 1200 sq. ft.): These for sale in Mysore are ideal for budget-conscious buyers or those seeking a minimalist lifestyle. They are well-suited for single-level, compact homes with clever space optimization. Think efficient layouts, built-in storage solutions, and multi-functional furniture.

Mid-Sized Plots (1200 sq. ft. – 2400 sq. ft.): This popular category offers more breathing room. You can comfortably design a double-story home with 2-3 bedrooms, a dedicated living area, a small garden or balcony, and even a designated parking space.

Spacious Plots (2400 sq. ft. and above): If you desire a sprawling home with dedicated areas for relaxation, entertainment, and hobbies, these plots are your answer. You can consider features like a swimming pool, a home theatre, or a large landscaped garden with fruit trees or a vegetable patch.

Plots for sale in Mysore: Location & Amenities

Remember, Plots for sale in Mysore are just one piece of the puzzle. Here are other crucial factors to consider when searching for “plots for sale in Mysore”:

Location: Do you prefer a central location with easy access to schools, hospitals, and bustling marketplaces, or a quieter neighborhood on the outskirts offering a serene escape? Proximity to amenities and infrastructure will significantly impact your decision.

Development Status: Is the area fully developed with established infrastructure like roads, water supply, and electricity, or is it an upcoming locality with potential for future development? Developed areas often command a premium but offer immediate access to necessities.

Amenities: Are parks, playgrounds, community centers, or shopping malls nearby? Proximity to such amenities can enhance your quality of life and provide recreational opportunities.

Plots for sale in Mysore: Balancing Needs and Budget

Here are some tips for finding the right balance between plot size and other considerations:

Prioritize Needs: Identify your non-negotiables. Do you need a dedicated study room or a spacious kitchen with ample storage? Prioritize these needs when considering the required plot size.

Explore Smart Design: A skilled architect can work wonders, even on a compact plot. Explore options like open floor plans, vertical gardens that maximize space utilization, and multi-functional furniture for multiple purposes.

Consider Future Needs: If you plan to expand your family or anticipate future needs like a home office, consider this when choosing the plot size. A slightly larger plot might offer more flexibility in the long run.

For more information, visit Plots for Sale in Mysore.

[justanotherdaywaiting]

San Francisco Formal Mid-sized minimalist formal and open concept light wood floor living room photo with white walls, no fireplace, a brick fireplace and no tv

[nestfullofeggs]

Living Room Formal San Francisco Mid-sized minimalist formal living room with white walls, an open concept brick fireplace, no television, and a light wood floor.

[nsfshews]

Formal in New York

Image of a formal, enclosed, mid-sized minimalist living room with a brick floor, a media wall, a ribbon fireplace, and white walls.

[prosejudo56-blog]

A Passionate Home Cook's Bright Mid-Century Modern Home

Welcome to My Life at Home, where we slow down for just a minute to share a glimpse into the lives of food lovers we'd love to get to know better. Kick off your shoes and get comfy!

When I first met Kevin Masse, I knew immediately he was my type of people. Seatmates at a dinner, we chatted each other's ears off all evening. Our shared love of good home cooking, mid-century modern design, and sweet furry pups had us reach near-BFF status by meal's end. As the head of integrated marketing and brand partnerships for Bake From Scratch magazine, Kevin has an unsurprisingly appetizing Instagram feed, but I quickly discovered this marketer-by-day was chock-full of talents that extend beyond the kitchen.

Turns out this self-professed "serial home cook" is a downright modern-day Renaissance man. Sure, he can whip up beautiful, impressive (but always doable) meals, but he's also a veteran marathon runner (10! PLUS an "ultra marathon"—that's 37.2 miles, people), a classically trained pianist, a yoga teacher-in-training, and a budding philanthropist.

(Catches breath.)

Most importantly, Kevin couldn't be a kinder, more down-to-earth person. Come join me in getting to know this devoted dog dad a little better...

HANA ASBRINK: Hi Kevin, please tell us about yourself.

KEVIN MASSE: I am, first and foremost, a marketer by profession. I spent more than 10 years working in brand strategy in New York City before going into the world of start-ups and working for a growing food media company, where I was in charge of community engagement. This year, however, I decided to leave my job behind and spend time exploring ways to bring purpose into my life. So far, it has been an incredible experience.

I started volunteering with an organization called Healing Meals Community Project, which delivers organic meals to families facing health crises. The meals are cooked by high school students during an after school program, with adult mentors in the kitchen. I have been mentoring these high schoolers for the past few months now, and I can honestly say, nothing has been more nourishing for my soul than being in the kitchen with these kids.

I have also spent much of the time this year in the kitchen, focusing on creating new recipes and learning more about bread baking. The next chapter that I am embarking on is yoga teacher training. This year, my husband and I committed to doing a 40-day yoga challenge through a local studio called The Yoga Shop. I have seen so much of my life transformed that I am now enrolled in a teacher training program that starts this month. What I love is that yoga and food are very intertwined. They both require practice, commitment, and time; and both nourish the soul and make you feel whole.

HA: How long have you lived in your current home? What do you like most about it?

KM: We bought our home almost three years ago. We wanted our dogs to have a backyard and we were ready for more space. We saw the house the day it went on the market and had an offer in just hours after. We love that it's just the right size for us (about 1,800 square feet), which is much bigger than any of our old New York City apartments. It also has an open floor plan, which is something that's harder to come by in older homes.

The entire house (kitchen included) was remodeled before we moved in, which was a huge plus because we loved the finishes they put in: white cabinets, quartz marble counters, marble backsplash. We also loved that the house is on one floor, which means we can look forward to growing older together here.

Kevin's kitchen is part of the home's open floor plan. Photo by Kevin Masse

HA: Tell us more about your cutie pups. How did they come into your lives and how do they make themselves at home?

KM: Our dogs are our children. We got our first dog, Huxley, a Brussels Griffon, when we lived in Manhattan and he quickly stole our hearts. To say that he changed our lives is an understatement. He loved living in the big city and had so many friends at the Washington Square Dog Park. He was (and still is) a social butterfly.

When we moved to Connecticut, we got him a brother—a legitimate brother, actually. Orwell, our second Brussels Griffon, is Huxley's half-brother (they share the same father). They love each other so much. They have run of the entire house when we are home and have beds in pretty much every room. They love being right next to us when we are on the couch, but also just lounging on their own in different parts of the house. When I am working, 9 out of 10 times, they are in the living room or bedroom, either in their beds or hanging out in their crates.

We'll be right here, 'kthanks. Photo by Kevin Masse

HA: Describe your decorating style. What are you influenced by?

KM: We are very mid-century and minimalist in our style. Both my husband and I appreciate the clean lines and proportions of mid-century furniture, and we were fortunate enough to purchase an original dining set from my grandparents' neighbor right before we moved to Connecticut. What I love about the pieces is that they are not only beautiful to look at, but also really ingenious in their design functionality. Our table sits at 48-inches round, but expands to more than 10 feet, which means we can have great dinner parties without having to occupy a gigantic dining room.

I would say our home is influenced heavily by our personal tastes, rather than any one particular designer. I’ve really focused on trying to find pieces for our home that we will have forever, and not just pieces that will get thrown away with the changing tides of decorative taste. I love the history that comes with the furniture and pieces we have started to collect. Each one brings a different story, but collectively, they tell the story of who we are and our home that we are making together.

Bright pops of color in the mid-century modern arm chair cushion pillows. Photo by Kevin Masse

HA: Where do you like to shop for your home?

KM: Here are just a few of my favorites:

Inspirational online sites: I love Horne, which is an online retailer that sells everything from furniture to lighting to kitchenware. It's great for inspiration. I could also spend hours on Etsy looking at different things, and often, can find amazing pieces for a fraction of the cost.

Kitchenware: I truly love going to Food52's Shop as I think they've done a really fantastic job finding products that help real home cooks without relying on the fluff of gimmicky tools. I know that if Food52 sells the product, it has likely been well-used in their test kitchens.

Lighting: Rejuvenation has incredible lighting and I love the mix of styles. They also have great sales so you can usually find what you are looking for at a pretty reasonable price.

Furniture: I love Blu Dot and have a lot of the furniture in my office. The styles are exactly what we love and the quality is really great, which is important to us.

Brick and mortar shops: Mud Australia is one of my favorite stores to visit. I have been collecting pieces over the years and love going into the shops any chance I can get. I love the aesthetic of the stores, and even purchased a Vitsoe Shelving System for my home, based on how much I loved them in the Mud Australia shops.

Vitsoe shelving on display in the office, along with Huxley and Orwell. Photo by Julie Bidwell

HA: Something you hate-to-love or love-to-hate about your home?

KM: Our house has popcorn ceilings and I really wanted to have them all removed before we moved in, but it never happened. I have grown to not notice them, but still really want to have it all removed and redone. It is a VERY expensive project and all of the rooms have them!

HA: Do you have a favorite corner or nook of your home?

KM: The one project we undertook a few months after moving in was the removal of a broom closet at the end of our kitchen. When we moved into the house, it came to my attention that our cabinets were mounted at 16 inches above the counter, rather than the standard 18 inches, which meant many of our countertop appliances, including our coffee maker, did not fit under the cabinets.

That became the impetus to take out the closet and in doing so, it turned out that the closet was exactly the width of a built-in wine refrigerator. We converted the closet to become our bar/coffee station, and it was one of the best things we’ve done. Now we have a place to pour our coffee in the morning and mix our cocktails in the evening, genuinely multipurpose.

We are so here for this clever coffee/bar nook. Photo by Kevin Masse

I also really love our dining room. Of course, there is the furniture, which makes me happy every time I see it, but we recently hung wallpaper from Hygge and West and it has made all the difference in the world. The birds add just the right focal point to the heart of our home.

An accent wall anchors the dining area. Photo by Kevin Masse

HA: If your walls could talk, what would they say?

KM: “Who’s Alexa and why are you always talking to her?”

HA: How often are you cooking? Is your husband Michael a cook?

KM: On most weeknights, you will find me in the kitchen. The kitchen is where I spend most of my time and I could not be happier about it. I do some form of cooking every day of the week; I cook dinner for us about six nights a week. We’ve been trying to limit our dining out in the new year and focus more on being home at night with the dogs. We’ve also been going through a really rigorous yoga program, which has really driven us to focus on being more thoughtful with our food choices. While Michael does not normally cook, he did make a really fantastic quiche back in January.

HA: Are you guys entertaining often?

KM: We entertain at least once a week. My favorite way to entertain is low fuss and low stress. I love inviting friends over last minute when I realize I have enough to feed more than the two of us at home. I like to cook for our guests just as I would for us on a typical weeknight. I think when the food is unfussy and honest, it creates the best experience for those you have over. I think if people want fancy or fussy, they'll just go out to a restaurant. I want people to feel like they are home when they are here.

Hi Kevin, we'll be right right over.

HA: Do you have a signature drink or dinner party fare?

KM: I love roasting chickens for dinner parties, especially during the cold winter months. People are often intimidated by roasting whole chickens, but with just a little pre-planning and a good dry brine, you can create an incredible and easy dinner party that guests just go crazy for. I love spatchcocking the birds and two chickens will usually feed six people. Roast some vegetables to go with it and you’ll have a really happy crowd.

HA: What is your ultimate comfort food?

KM: Pizza is my ultimate comfort food and I love making it at home. I have really gotten into sourdough and have been making pizza with a sourdough crust. I bake it at 550°F on my baking steel and get restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. I also love that pizza is easy enough to make on a weeknight, and if I don’t have time to make the dough, I go with store-bought and let it rest before working with it; it works like a charm every time.

Pizza and roast chicken (spatchcocked or whole) make the world a better place. Photo by Kevin Masse

HA: What do you always keep in your fridge?

KM: Each week, I take out a few jars of homemade stock that I keep in the fridge. I use these during the week to add depth to recipes without having to take all day to cook something. Stock is so much easier than what most people think. I freeze all the ends of my vegetables when I am prepping (onions, carrots, celery, herbs) and also freeze chicken carcasses.

I also amp up my cooking with good condiments like harissa, tomato paste, and crushed Calabrian chili peppers. I also lean heavily on things like Greek yogurt, buttermilk, parsley, and cilantro. (Tip: I keep my cilantro and parsley, washed, in Ball jars in the fridge and they can keep for anywhere up to two weeks!) These key ingredients function as the backbone of my cooking.

Open sesame! Photo by Kevin Masse

HA: What are your top three kitchen tools?

KM: The ones I turn to again and again:

Huge cutting board: I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a big, heavy, top-quality cutting board. It allows you to prep a lot of things at once and not have to work on a teeny tiny space. My cutting board weighs approximately 15 pounds and sits on my counter all the time.

Chef's knife: My Miyabi chef's knife is a powerful and beautiful piece of equipment to work with and makes prep a breeze. I sharpen it myself with a wet stone and can work with it for hours without feeling fatigued.

Enameled cast-iron Dutch oven: I have a small collection of Dutch ovens in various sizes and these get used almost daily in my kitchen. I cook on induction, which has been a game changer for me and I love that cast iron works on such a modern technology. The Dutch ovens are incredible because they heat really evenly, retain the heat very well, and can go from stovetop to oven to table all in one shot.

HA: What is your favorite way to unwind after a long week?

KM: Baking bread is my favorite way to relax after a long week. I love the methodical, slow nature of the process and knowing that with only a few ingredients, you can get something so incredible and rewarding. Not to mention, it makes the house smell really incredible while they're in the oven.

Look at those ears. Photo by Kevin Masse

HA: What's on your playlist right now?

KM: “Hey Alexa, play Brahms on Spotify.” I love all different kinds of music, but 90 percent of the time I am listening to classical. I love the Romantic composers: Brahms, Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, etc. I love that each time I hear a classical piece, no matter how many times I've heard it before, I can pick out something new, like a new line or note that I did not notice before.

I was classically trained on the piano for nearly 20 years and I think this has had a big influence on my musical tastes. However, I do love all types of music and have a real soft spot for Neko Case, Lana Del Rey, Florence and the Machine, and Mumford & Sons—music that feels like music, if that makes sense.

HA: Do you have a favorite Food52 recipe?

KM: The Genius Nekisia Davis Olive Oil and Maple Granola Granola, hands down. I have made this recipe with some variations for years now and each and every time I make it, it comes out incredible. It hits on all the right notes for me: sweet (but not overly so), crunchy, and salty. I have to be careful not to eat too much of it!

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Another Genius Granola Recipe

What do you love most about Kevin's home? Let us know below!

Source: https://food52.com/blog/23889-my-life-at-home-kevin-masse

[ftnbooks-blog]

I did not know anything about Maloney and stumbled upon an article by Elena Filipovic and it is a great introduction to this conceptual artist . I recently added the Bulletin 34, from 1971 to my inventory which is now for sale at http://www.ftn-books.com

The history of art is an ocean with many wrecks . Some floating on the surface, most almost inaccessible submerged on the seabed. As an art historian, you can surf the waves, and pick up the supernatant oeuvres, or you can go deep sea diving in the hope of discovering less known, less  obvious artists. Today you must scrape the bottom to find literature mentioning the name Martin Maloney (1938 – 2003), and even then you will find only loose fragments and faint traces of an oeuvre .

However, this American artist once was amongst the founders of conceptual art. He had close contacts with the, now classical, conceptual artists and took part in a number of key exhibitions in the late sixties and early seventies.

During this period he was represented by the top galleries of the avant garde , such as Seth Siegelaub in New York, Konrad Fischer in Düsseldorf and Art & Project in Amsterdam. 

But the man did not refrain from criticizing the art establishment and his fellow artists , and even used criticism explicitly as the starting point for a number of postcard sized ” language pieces ” (”Designation Deposits” and ”Reject Deposits” , 1967-2001 ). This unruly and polemical art practice, coupled with his radical views and his particular temperament, isolated the artist more and more from the artistic context . 

By the time Martin Maloney, at the age of 65, died in Antwerp, he was materially impoverished and maintained only sporadic contacts with the art world .Maloney’s stubborn attitude obviously had other consequences too: because of his own (largely) chosen isolation, he cut himself off from the various channels that art history constructs: gallerists, collectors, critics ,curators ,conservators, art historians, fellow artists. Moreover, he himself destroyed much of his own work. All this results in his absence from the major, canonizing, publications since the seventies devoted to conceptual art .

By putting his radical critique in relation to the art world down on paper, Martin Maloney literally wrote himself out of art history.

After dropping out of university, in 1962, Maloney settled as an artist in New York. Initiall he had a special interest in the work of the postwar New York School painters like Ad Reinhardt , Barnett Newman , Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock, but gradually shifted his attention away from the pictorial to the textual and non-material forms of art which from the mid- sixties began to emerge. He shared a studio with Lawrence Weiner and maintained relations with artists such as Carl Andre, Joseph Kosuth and Dan Graham.

In 1966, Maloney took part in the infamous ’25’ group exhibition, organized by the young art dealer Seth Siegelaub,who was to become the great promoter of conceptual art a few years later.

Maloney exhibited at Siegelaub several times and also had shows in several major European galleries. By this time, Maloney was  looking for alternatives to the traditional gallery exhibition. In many cases, his solo exhibitions would be accompanied with, or even take the form of an artist’s book. Examples are ‘Interguments’ (1969), ‘Fractionals’ (1970) ‘Reject Objects’ (1971) and ‘Five days and five nights’ (1970). The latter book was published in an edition of 500 copies in the framework of Maloney’s one man show at the MTL gallery in Brussels. Maloney locked himself for five days and five nights in the gallery to work on the resulting booklet of poetic statements. The conventional presentation of objects in a gallery made room for the direct communication of ideas in print .

For his next exhibition at London’s Lisson Gallery (1971), Maloney takes things even a step further. After distributing a poster designed by the artist, Maloney takes residence in the gallery and throughout the whole duration of the event goes into direct confrontation with his audience. The resulting insights and frustrations he wrote in white chalk on the black painted walls of the basement. After a short sojourn in London, Maloney moved to Amsterdam in 1973 and leaves behind the hardcore minimalist concept to include wood sculptures and painted text works. Four years later he returned to New York, to gradually retreat in the privacy of his studio, now serving as a laboratory for numerous installations and presentations.

  From 1995 until his death he resided in Antwerp, where in 2000 he was invited by Flor Bex to realize a mural for the Museum of Contemporary Art (MUHKA). 

Maloney occupied a studio in a dilapidated building on the Jordaenskaai 13 .

What remained in the six rooms of Maloney’s Antwerp working and living environment were, in addition to a number of ”language pieces” and works on paper, the results of his latest artistic experiments: minimalist ‘floor pieces’ and corner stacks, composed of pieces of fallen ceiling plaster, wallpaper, fabric scraps, canvas and wooden beams from the solid oak doors in the building.

Like an architectural archivist Maloney recycled and ordered materials of the decaying building into geometric compositions. It is as if these material traces of a precise and time-consuming labor, the quiet, repetitive activity of the hands were a necessary remedy for the chronic anxiety of the mind .

Johan Pas , Ekeren , January 2004 pace Works”

“To live,” Walter Benjamin once famously wrote, “is to leave traces.” But one could almost say that the recently deceased artist Martin Maloney (1938-2003) lived to efface his. Largely forgotten and omitted from art history, the American artist is all but invisible in institutional collections of the conceptual art he participated in from an early stage.

Thus the title of Maloney’s first posthumous exposition, “Here to Stay”, captures all of the ambiguity of the artist’s oeuvre. The exhibition fills the vast decrepit spaces where the artist lived and worked in solitude for the last 8 years of his life while the Antwerp building was waiting to be demolished.

The works, like the space they occupy, are not there ‘to stay’ at all. Immanent destruction is a ghost that has haunted the building for years. And even though his arrival in this space was relatively recent, Maloney’s works made from the recycling of building detritus have evoked architecture and entropy since the late ‘60s.

He made floor-bound geometric ensembles, each composed of thousands of pieces of any one element: neat piles of fallen ceiling plaster, pyramids of broken bricks, layers of split timber from his studio’s oak doors, or thousands of identical maniacally cut squares of carpet. In his work, the ceiling sat on the floor and wall elements became precarious rubble in the corner. In short, boundaries were elided between architectural elements and sculpture, between object and installation.

These ensembles made infinitely mutable, fragile works—more often than not with nothing holding the components together. They could change form a hundred times… or simply be swept away. ‘Structure’, ‘edge’, ‘edged’, ‘angle’, ‘cut’, ‘split’, ‘split space’: these words line Maloney’s texts, canvases and painted brick-works. Even a sampling of his exhibition titles, “Up Against the Wall” (at Konrad Fischer, Dusseldorf 1971) or “White Walls are Animals” (at Micheline Szwajcer, Antwerp, 1980), give the sense that the constraints of architecture and space — particularly the exhibition space — were never far from Maloney’s thoughts.

For him, the gallery’s symbolic ‘white walls’ needed to be fought, resisted and shown for what they were. In 1971, he locked himself in the confines of the MTL gallery in Brussels for five days and nights. His solitary act and refusal to allow the gallery space its role in visual presentation was the ‘exhibition’, with only a published version of the texts he wrote during his stay in the gallery as material trace.

Martin Maloney’s contribution to David Lamelas’ Publication, Nigel Greenwood Gallery, London, 1970.

For his exhibition at the Lisson Gallery in London that same year, he painted the walls black and wrote lines of conversation and provocation on them during the gallery’s opening hours to incite the visitors who came to communicate with him. Little, if anything, is left of these meetings of the conceptual, the textual and the architectural, and one has the sense that this is somehow as Maloney wanted it.

Maloney was active as a conceptual artist in the ‘60s close to the likes of Lawrence Weiner, Carl Andre, Joseph Kosuth and Dan Graham. He made his material pile sculptures and conceptual projects alongside a vast body of intricately shaped canvases, highly structured language pieces, box sculptures, and painted statements on canvas.

Poster “Here To Stay”

  To see some of what remains of this work on exhibit is to feel a ricochet of influences, references, and dialogues (with Weiner and Andre, of course, but also Frank Stella, Robert Smithson, Gordon Matta-Clark, Arte Povera…). Over time, however, he managed to alienate himself from his fellow artists, galleries, collectors, curators and art history alike. With the exhibition’s end, the works on show will travel to museum spaces that share little of the precariousness that make a building in ruin a fitting context for the artist’s complex, volatile work.

The form of the works and their dialogue with space will necessarily change, and Maloney would probably never have accepted such an exhibition at all. As he knew too well, white walls are animals indeed

Martin Maloney (1923) I did not know anything about Maloney and stumbled upon an article by Elena Filipovic and it is a great introduction to this conceptual artist .

[cathrynstreich]

Top Residential Architectural Styles for Real Estate Professionals

When working with buyers, one of the first things you probably ask about is their wish list for a new home. You may talk about such things as layout, size and amenities. However, for some buyers, a specific architectural style is at the top of the list. In that case, a solid grasp of some basic architectural concepts and movements will be an important part of signing that client.

In addition, if you are listing a home of a specific style, you’ll want to understand the features that make it unique so that you can highlight them in your photographs, property description and brochure copywriting. Staging and home improvements for a unique style of property might also involve choosing fixtures, finishes and design elements specific to the particular home’s style.

What follows is an overview of some of the most common and widely available architectural styles you’ll encounter when working with clients.

Colonial

Dating from the 17th century, Colonial architecture is defined by symmetry, practicality, and a connection to local climate and readily available building materials. While we often think of the United States and Canada as British colonies, there were also Spanish, French and Dutch colonial powers in charge in various parts of the country, so Colonial architecture will differ depending on the region.

Colonial architecture generally features a steep, gabled roof and an interior layout that is one room deep and opens from a central entrance. Depending on the climate, Colonial homes may feature a single, central fireplace or a fireplace at either end of the home. Homes feature small, multi-paned windows symmetrically arranged on either side of the entrance.

Classical/Greek Revival 

Inspired by the temples and public buildings of ancient Greece, Greek Revival was a movement in Europe and North America dating from the 19th century. Featuring an even number of grand columns with an entablature above, the style became popular due to the connection between North American democracy and that of ancient Greece.

Greek Revival homes are generally painted white in order to mimic the white marble of the originals. While the style is common in public buildings in many areas along the East Coast, many of the Greek Revival-style residences that survive are located in the Southeastern United States.

Victorian

Dating from the late 19th and early 20th century, Victorian architecture remains a beloved and popular style in many areas. With ornate trim, asymmetrical design elements, and, in some markets, unusually bright or pastel paint colors, Victorian design is considered a fun and often quirky style. The elaborate detail and often expensive custom finishes reflect the Gilded Age wealth of the era.

Part of the charm of many Victorian homes is their layout, consisting of a variety of nooks and crannies, small rooms, side porches, turrets and other interesting elements. However, for contemporary buyers used to open-concept floor plans, these can be seen as drawbacks. In addition, much of the hand-hewn custom woodwork in elaborate moldings, trims and mantels are costly to duplicate when making repairs or refurbishments. It is important to properly understand and appreciate these elements and their value when advising clients and determining value.

Tudor

Unique and romantic, Tudor architecture in North America originated in the mid-19th century and is easily identified by its dark wood beams set against a white backdrop, as well as brick or stonework foundations, chimneys and other architectural elements. Tudors can range from small, cottage-style homes to expansive and elaborate mansions. Windows are another distinctive feature of this style, usually small, multi-paned and either rectangular or diamond-shaped.

Because Tudor homes are expensive to build and maintain, they fell out of favor in new construction after the affordable housing boom of the post-World War II era, but they have never gone out of style. You’ll still find a Tudor dream home at the top of many buyers’ wish lists, and homeowners lucky enough to own their own will no doubt expect top dollar when it’s time to sell.

Craftsman

The Craftsman-style home is rooted in the early 20th century Arts and Crafts movement. With low-pitched gable roofs, generous porches with squat, square columns and prominent structural elements, the style was traditionally used for bungalows. Now, however, sprawling, newly-built mansions in the Craftsman style can be found in luxury neighborhoods all over the country.

Craftsman homes have a number of unique decorative elements, including square light fixtures in decorative metals like copper and bronze, double-hung windows with multiple panes in the top and a single pane in the lower half, and built-in cabinetry and other practical elements. In order to ensure long-term value, any improvements or renovations should be in keeping with the Craftsman aesthetic.

Ranch

Rambling 20th-century ranch-style homes are a fixture of neighborhoods all over the United States and Canada. Beginning on the West Coast, the style became popular in an era when large lots and suburban sprawl ruled the architectural world. They come in a variety of configurations, including L- and U-shapes which are often arranged around a central recreational space like a pool or terrace. In addition, open-concept floor plans are uniquely suited to the ranch-style home.

While some people love a second story, many others will be drawn to the style and simplicity of a ranch design. For older couples, the style offers the opportunity to stay put after retirement without worry about accessibility as they age. For families with young children, the lack of stairs can mean an easier and more worry-free lifestyle, and the location of many ranch-style homes in suburban neighborhoods is often desirable.

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century modern is currently one of the most distinctive and highly sought-after styles of homes. Because they were generally produced from 1930-1960, these homes are somewhat rare and, therefore, more highly valued. Combining structural elements of the ranch-style suburban home of the post-War era with artistic and design flourishes impacted by the Modernist aesthetic, these homes are truly works of art.

Mid-century modern homes have a clean, minimalist aesthetic and often feature a neutral background with pops of color on doors, light fixtures, artwork or furnishings. They are often low-slung and built to be part of the landscape, with an emphasis on the connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. The aesthetic also requires similarly minimalist furnishings, especially those specific to the time period, so keep this in mind when staging and showing these homes for maximum impact.

Contemporary 

Introducing new materials and a new profile, contemporary architectural styles draw on the minimalist influences of the modern aesthetic using metal and glass to make the home feel connected to the outside world. Current contemporary homes often have an emphasis on green, sustainable design, building and operations.

Contemporary design is often seen as cold, especially with the emphasis on hard building elements. However, the most current contemporary designers favor the use of natural stone, wood, textiles and greenery to warm up the look and to seamlessly integrate indoors and out.

Remember, while the architectural styles listed above are fairly common throughout the United States and Canada, some coastal, historically significant and geographically isolated areas may have their own unique architectural styles and features. It’s worth familiarizing yourself with common styles in your area so that you can be as informed as possible when working with clients.

Diane Hartley is president of The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, an independent authority in training and designation for real estate agents working in the luxury residential market. Hartley brings her passion for luxury marketing and more than 20 years of experience growing and leading businesses to her role as president of The Institute. For more information, please visit www.luxuryhomemarketing.com.

The post Top Residential Architectural Styles for Real Estate Professionals appeared first on RISMedia.

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Japanese Influenced Interiors – A World Of Inspiration

Japanese Influenced Interiors – A World Of Inspiration

Interiors

Lauren Li

Amber Road designed a Japanese-inspired café called New Editions and incorporated ‘zaisu’: Japanese seating typified as a chair with no legs. Custom versions were upholstered in linen and featured the typical ‘sashiko’ stitching. Photo – Prue Ruscoe.

From Belgium to California, and right here in Australia, Japanese design has made a big impression.

I am an interior designer, not a Japanese design expert, but like a lot of us, I’ve visited this magical country, and I found it to be instantly captivating on so many levels. This feature won’t delve into what ‘true’ Japanese design is, but rather, will touch on the ways Japanese style has influenced a whole range of aesthetics globally.

While Japan might be recognised for ‘zen’ minimalism – think pristine spaces and glass elements that make up a house by SANAA or the bare concrete made famous by Tadao Ando – there are so many diverse Japanese interiors that I wouldn’t necessarily describe as minimalist. I’m very much drawn to more eclectic Japanese spaces, that are layered with texture, plants and meaningful objects.

This got me thinking about the paradox between how we imagine stereotypical Japanese minimalism, and then what you actually encounter when visiting Japan: a 100 yen store on every street corner, or at least a sublimely tasteful Muji! It seems to me that the Japanese appreciate minimal spaces, but also love to consume. Uh oh, Marie Kondo!

Inside Sydney’s New Editions cafe, by Amber Road.  Photo – Prue Ruscoe.

New Editions references traditional Japanese ideas and materials. The interior by Amber Road feature a highly textured yet all-black palette. Japanese techniques have been employed such as ‘shou sugi ban’ a traditional way to preserve timber by charring it. Photo – Prue Ruscoe.

These interiors see the ‘wabi-sabi’ philosophy interpreted by Axel Vervoordt. Photo – Jan Liegeois

Wabi-sabi

You might be surprised to know that even Kanye West (!) has been influenced by Japan throughout his career – firstly with collaborations with Takashi Murakami and recently with his brand new ‘minimal monastery’ house designed by Axel Vervoordt. This Belgian architect is known for his intensely pared back design approach, and has long been inspired by Eastern philosophies. His stunning book Wabi Inspirations, features his own Westernised version of wabi features, including peeling paint, bare boards, distressed plaster walls, and muted colours. ‘It looks poor but it’s very costly. It’s the opposite of what most people want, which is something that looks expensive but is cheap,’ Axel chuckles.

Axel’s greatest inspiration is the spirit of zen monks in Japan, who sought contentment in simplicity, purity and restraint. ‘It’s the celebration of beauty in humble things’ Let’s just let that sink in for a minute.

Simplicity, purity and restraint are values that are an antidote to our fast, frenzied consumerism, and the scrolling social media spiral in which many of us live. Kim and Kanye are the most influential celebrity couple of our time (love them or hate them) and they have bought wabi-sabi to the mainstream, by showing the world how they live in an entirely bone coloured house, void of decoration (other than some exquisite Japanese ceramic pieces – raw ceramic ‘rocks’ and vessels by Yuji Ueda) and an unbleached grand piano (a Steinway no less). Their house isn’t exactly humble, however, it is somewhat surprising to see they have rejected having ‘things’ in the pursuit of wabi-sabi. (If you haven’t already… suss their sleek new home by Axel Vervoordt here).

Courted House by Breakspear Architects. Photo – Tom Ferguson.

Studiofour use the technique of ‘borrowing scenery’ in their projects to create a quality of space that provides a sense of sanctuary, enclosure and comfort. Photo – Shannon McGarth.

This house by B.E Architecture features a particularly unexpected detail in an urban property; a secluded Japanese garden with an outdoor shower. Alongside Japanese design, they channelled inspiration from Chilean landscape architect Juan Grimm and Australian gardens by Edna Walling. Photo – Peter Clarke.

BE Architects often design the landscapes for their residential projects. They feel that these gardens should invoke a sense of calm and serenity. The purpose of the gardens is to support the architecture as well as the occupants, while not making a grand statement in themselves. Photo – Peter Clarke.

The tranquil gardens of the Kawaii Platypi project by Splinter Society. Photo – Jack Lovel, courtesy Australian Interior Design Awards.

Borrowed Scenery

We know that houses are seriously compact in Japan, although they still feel amazing to spend time in.

Often, this is thanks to a well-positioned window with a view to a garden, which gives an impression of more space.

To borrow scenery is an ancient technique known as ‘shakkei’, and it makes a lot of sense to employ this philosophy in our homes in Australia. A great example of this in practice are spaces by Studiofour, which have a tangible connection to the outdoors. The Melbourne-based firm believes that a strong relationship to the outdoors ‘is a pathway to human health and happiness’.

this Japanese-inspired ‘Hideaway‘ cabin on Tasmania’s Bruny Island was designed as a place of refuge by local firm Maguire Devine. It enjoys unencumbered views out to the natural surrounds. Photo – Robert Maver.

Timber cladding combines with seamless concealed joinery, offering hidden storage space, in the minimalist micro-living apartment in Richmond by T-A Square architects. Photo – Jack Lovel.

The handmade brick seen in the Mayfield residence by Studiofour was chosen for its imperfection and variance in colour, tone, texture and size. Photo – Shannon McGrath.

For their Captain Kelly’s Cottage by John Wardle Architects sourced tiles from Japan, the very same that were originally commissioned by Frank Lloyd Wright for his Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. Photo – Trevor Mein.

Although geographically very far from Japan, Captain Kelly’s Cottage by John Wardle Architects, also in Tasmania, references Japanese design. The walls, floor, and ceiling of the living space was crafted entirely out of Tasmanian oak, and furniture items like a writing desk and coffee table were made out of leftover materials. Photo – Trevor Mein.

Dramatic panoramic views across the coastline of the north end of Bruny Island from Captain Kelly’s Cottage by John Wardle Architects. Photo – Trevor Mein.

Materiality

Imagine visiting a construction site, taking off your boots and sliding on a pair of slippers. This is exactly what happened to me when I visited Japan to work on an interior design project for a global retailer. I’m used to dusty worksites, with Triple M blasting from a radio in the corner, but I didn’t find anything like that on the Japanese construction site that day. The boots/slipper comparison reveals a lot about the way that building is approached in Japan. I encountered the cleanest and most organised building site I have ever seen, and I began to understand that everywhere I went I was talking to craftsmen.

The Shinto belief system, indigenous to Japan, influences Japanese architecture in terms of materiality and form. Materials are treated with care and the greatest craftsmanship. Materials are most cherished in their natural form.

The Nobu Ryokan in Malibu, designed by Studio PCH, incorporates Japanese traditions in a Californian beach setting. The retreat features hand-crafted teak soaking baths, combined with indoor and outdoor spaces. Photo – Dylan + Jeni.

This mid-century home in San Francisco features interiors designed by Charles de Lisle, including a powder room with a hand-carved elm sink and black lacquered rosewood paneling on the walls. Photo – William Abranowicz.

(left) BE Architecture begin designing by looking at the materials that best represent the feeling that they want a house to embody. Photo – Peter Clarke. (right) Senses by Louisa Grey & Frama. Photo – Rory Gardiner.

Bathing

Having a bath in Japan has its very own set of customs and rules.

Maybe, in the West, we’re not ready to bathe completely naked with strangers (!) however, we could learn a thing or two about the Japanese ritual of bathing – and the serene way the Japanese design their bathing spaces, with great emphasis on the bath, natural materials such as timber and stone, and natural light.

This serene bedroom in Arent & Pyke’s Pyrmont Apartment features a hand-painted screen with a Cassina Tokyo Chaise Lounge. Photo – Tom Ferguson.

Back in the mid-century house in San Francisco, this living room’s bar is enveloped in a custom de Gournay silk inside a custom indigo-dyed ash cabinet with brass countertop and shelves. The inspiration from Japan is endless. Photo – William Abranowicz.

This space references design ideas by American designer/craftsman George Nakashima. He introduced an appreciation of a tree’s natural forms and colours to celebrate its ‘imperfections’ to the American market. His live edge tables are iconic and he also designed pieces for Knoll, which blend American Shaker design with  Japanese joinery. Photo – Terence Chin.

Decoration

It’s fascinating how Japan has influenced Western design for hundreds of years. Notably, designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright and William Morris found inspiration from Japan during the rise of the Arts & Crafts movement. Many Nordic designers have also found common ground in their shared appreciation for fine craftsmanship.

From nature-inspired motifs, to the use of timber cladding and black lacquer, there are countless ways that Japan has influenced design and architecture in Australia and beyond. Personally, I’m totemo grateful!

[plotsforsaleinmysore]

WHAT IS THE PRICE OF A PLOT IN MYSORE THAT IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE? 

Plots for sale in Mysore

Plots for sale in Mysore, the “City of Palaces,” beckons with its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and relaxed atmosphere. For many, the dream of building a haven in this captivating city takes root. But before the bricks and mortar come into play, the first crucial step is finding the perfect plot. With a diverse range of “plots for sale in Mysore” available, determining the ideal size for your needs can feel overwhelming. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will equip you to navigate the world of Mysore’s plots and choose the canvas that best suits your dream home.

Envisioning Your Dream: A Lifestyle Canvas Plots for sale in Mysore

Before diving into Plots for sale in Mysore, take a moment to envision your ideal home. Here are some key questions to ask yourself:

Family Dynamics: Consider your current and future family size. Do you require a single-family home or a multi-generational space? The number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas will significantly influence the plot size needed.

Living Style: Do you crave a sprawling garden for family gatherings and backyard barbecues? A rooftop terrace for stargazing and city views may be helpful. Identify the lifestyle aspects you prioritize and the outdoor spaces you envision incorporating into your dream home.

Budgetary Constraints: Plot size directly impacts cost. Be realistic about your budget and factor in construction costs and the plot price.

A Spectrum of Possibilities: Plots for sale in Mysore

The beauty of Mysore’s real estate market lies in its diverse selection of plot sizes, catering to various needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of some standard Plots for sale in Mysore

Compact Plots (Under 1200 sq. ft.): These for sale in Mysore are ideal for budget-conscious buyers or those seeking a minimalist lifestyle. They are well-suited for single-level, compact homes with clever space optimization. Think efficient layouts, built-in storage solutions, and multi-functional furniture.

Mid-Sized Plots (1200 sq. ft. – 2400 sq. ft.): This popular category offers more breathing room. You can comfortably design a double-story home with 2-3 bedrooms, a dedicated living area, a small garden or balcony, and even a designated parking space.

Spacious Plots (2400 sq. ft. and above): If you desire a sprawling home with dedicated areas for relaxation, entertainment, and hobbies, these plots are your answer. You can consider features like a swimming pool, a home theatre, or a large landscaped garden with fruit trees or a vegetable patch.

Plots for sale in Mysore: Location & Amenities

Remember, Plots for sale in Mysore are just one piece of the puzzle. Here are other crucial factors to consider when searching for “plots for sale in Mysore”:

Location: Do you prefer a central location with easy access to schools, hospitals, and bustling marketplaces, or a quieter neighborhood on the outskirts offering a serene escape? Proximity to amenities and infrastructure will significantly impact your decision.

Development Status: Is the area fully developed with established infrastructure like roads, water supply, and electricity, or is it an upcoming locality with potential for future development? Developed areas often command a premium but offer immediate access to necessities.

Amenities: Are parks, playgrounds, community centers, or shopping malls nearby? Proximity to such amenities can enhance your quality of life and provide recreational opportunities.

Plots for sale in Mysore: Balancing Needs and Budget

Here are some tips for finding the right balance between plot size and other considerations:

Prioritize Needs: Identify your non-negotiables. Do you need a dedicated study room or a spacious kitchen with ample storage? Prioritize these needs when considering the required plot size.

Explore Smart Design: A skilled architect can work wonders, even on a compact plot. Explore options like open floor plans, vertical gardens that maximize space utilization, and multi-functional furniture for multiple purposes.

Consider Future Needs: If you plan to expand your family or anticipate future needs like a home office, consider this when choosing the plot size. A slightly larger plot might offer more flexibility in the long run.

For more information, visit Plots for Sale in Mysore.

[homedesignlog-blog]

20 Gray L-Shaped Sofa for the Living Room

A front room seems empty and not using a sofa. it is one in every of the front room essentials that one must have. but when you are buying a settee, there are many things that you simply need to believe. Yes, you'll be able to’t just select one and purchase it directly. one thing that you want to imagine is the dimensions of the sofa as well because the shape. be certain that that it isn’t too big or too small to your house. But that’s not all! the color can even matter. most homeowners select impartial colored ones like white however you'll additionally opt for colored ones like pink, blue and others. There are even some that have prints on it. However whatever you choose, be sure that you just select the perfect settee which isn’t simply aesthetically appealing but additionally comfy to use. These Days, we're going to turn you a suite of grey L-shaped settee within the front room. this may provide you with concepts on how you'll be able to position your furniture within the residing house. Here we move:

Alexander Architecture, PLLC Isn’t this a pleasing sofa? It appears good on this front room but what made it look even nicer are the green accents in it that we will be able to see within the chair and throw pillows.

CATO creative Ltd There are many lovely decors in this room which introduced to its enchantment. However what is going to get your consideration are the sofa and the fireplace. the combo of sunshine wood floors and white partitions look in reality brilliant.

Nathalie Priem Images On This area, the world between the furnishings and the ceiling used to be larger so as to add a way of height. Noticed this is a low L-formed sofa that is ideal for this lounge, liberating up the area above it.

Hege in France Like The rest of her space, Morris’s lounge has a mix of kinds, with a modern, L-shaped sofa, vintage espresso desk and classic striped rug. She tries to not keep on with one formula, as an alternative opting for simply what she likes.

Jason Snyder This Modern front room with white walls and a wooden floors. the grey settee is an even selection because it compliments with the walls and the black space rug.

Legacy Custom Properties, Inc. This mid-sized coastal living room has an open concept which features light wood ground. Additionally noticed here's a coffee table comprised of reclaimed wood and a grey settee with published throw pillows.

Krasyuk Sergeys This living house used a unfastened back cushion in grey. The again of the sofa is roofed in many huge throw pillows. This style of the settee has a undeniable informal vibe.

Woodson & Rummerfield’s House of Design In This brand new glam open-plan space, a row of clear Murano glass C-hyperlink chains are used to divide the area. It creates a visible and bodily barrier between the sitting and eating zones. It also provides every other layer of understated glamour at the side of the pretty sofa and low desk.

CAVdesign The householders needed help so they can come to a decision what to maintain, what so as to add and the place to put a mixture of furniture that they bought from a smaller condo. in addition they want to convey a warmer, extra lived-in feeling to the brand new area. to add casualness, a grey sectional sofa was introduced in the space.

Claudia Leccacorvi A Proper and open thought carpeted living room with white partitions and gray L-formed sofa. Realize that the position of the settee is just easiest for the layout of the gap wherein the settee’s corner is parallel to the partitions.

Layout Lab Layering neutrals, textures, and materials are used to reach this pretty front room. a snug, gentle and elegant vibe is completed within the house. Isn’t it nice that it used many spherical mirrors on the wall?

Clean Design A compact living area with a plastic clear desk and grey L-formed settee. the realm rug has grey styles on it at the same time as the throw pillows carry pops of colour into the gap.

Tamara Eaton Layout An business formal lounge with a mix of textures in it from the brick partitions to the comfortable carpets. You too can see an even contrast of colors in it.

Linc Thelen Design Add navy cushions with charcoal grey and light gray sofa to a small front room and you'll be able to get this look! don't hesitate to usher in some plants too!

Dennis Mayer – Photographer Seen above is a contemporary area with dark wooden floor with a typical fireside, white partitions, and an L-shaped settee. Realize that artistic wall decors are introduced within the area.

D’Oro Construction, Inc. Dev, Building & Layout If You Happen To want something with a minimalist glance however luxurious and sophisticated on the related time, then this is the perfect lounge for you.

Kat Alves Pictures One side of the wall is black with a wall-fastened TELEVISION. Under it's a typical hearth whilst there are open cabinets on both sides of it. The white wall has a photo gallery in it with images in white frames. i love the brilliant appeal of this space and its use of a triangular coffee table and an L-formed sofa.

Metricon Observed this is a trendy and formal open idea living room with gray walls and a light grey settee. On its finish is a black facet table at the same time as the middle has a coffee desk with pointed legs.

Eden LA Furniture and Interiors A transitional medium tone picket flooring is used on this lounge with beige partitions. Realize that the sofa has throw pillows with other covers.

Claudia Leccacorvi This one looks vivid and sophisticated as a result of its selection of colours and furnishings. The stone fireside is one highlight within the area. Whatever is the style of your interior, an L-shaped sectional sofa will glance excellent within the living room. it is additionally an excellent solution to outline the living house in addition as create a division between those areas to different spaces of the home. When it involves color, you can also choose other colours except for grey. Even Supposing white is usual, you'll be able to also check out sofa with shiny and ambitious colors just like the ones you'll see in this Bohemian condo. This becomes a nice statement and feature on your dwelling area. Do you've gotten an L-formed sofa in your house? What made making a decision to get one? Read the full article

[yahoosg-betterlivingbetterprices]

10 style inspirations for your home

If you are planning to give your home a makeover — be it a small or big change — or just starting on that exciting journey of building a home, then these style inspirations will come in very handy.

Take your cue from these 10 home decorating ideas that aren’t difficult to achieve and find out how you can create this desired space at a lower price.

1. Nordic Style

With decluttering and simple living being today’s zeitgeist, it is no wonder that the Nordic style is becoming more popular. Its pared-back design aesthetic focuses on functionality, clean lines, minimal styling as well as the use of natural materials.

In particular, Nordic style is characterised by white walls and light wooden flooring. Wood adds warmth and you can also incorporate this by way of furniture and wall panels. This neutral combination is the perfect canvas for striking pieces and colours to stand out. A royal blue sofa and matching accents will liven up interiors.

2. Mid-Century Modern

With the popularity of the TV series Mad Men, mid-century modern has seen a revival. A look that originated in the mid-1940s to 1970s, mid-century modern has its emphasis on smooth shapes, clean lines and organic curves.

Achieve a mid-century modern dining room with a sculptural piece such as the Gera and Iris dining set, which has a light and shiny tabletop, polished dark wood and clean lines. A backdrop of neutral beige palette, a lot of natural light and greenery will make the dining set more conspicuous.

3. Modern Minimalism

For the minimalist home, which emphasises greatly on simplicity, less is more.

Let the sleekness of each piece of furniture take the limelight with a monochromatic muted colour scheme, such as white and grey or beige and brown. Remember: the less furniture and clutter, the better.

Store everything out of sight with seamless cabinets. Spared and streamlined, these cabinets cut clutter and are stylish with its crisp lines and clean surfaces.

4. Contemporary Chic

To achieve contemporary chic, focus on colour, space and form.

Contemporary style is dominated by neutral tones of grey, black and white, but you can still subtly introduce vibrant colours to the mix. For instance, dining room chairs in a bright yellow colour will brighten up the monochromatic scheme.

The bedrock of the style is an open floor plan and uniting interior spaces into one great room. Expansive spaces call for the use of organic materials such as wood, teak, cotton, wool, and other gorgeous textiles to make it more intimate. For instance, a lovely fabric sofa in deep tones can add a textured touch.

However, avoid sofas with skirting details as these will ruin the clean aesthetic of the contemporary home.

5. Urban

Contemporary and modern, the Urban-styled home is all about simple, refined lines and angles as well as a neutral colour palette.

For furniture, opt for soft fabrics for your sofa and in muted tones to evoke contemporary city living. A customised sofa from Courts allows you to achieve just that and in the configuration of your liking in order to fit into your space, just the way you want it.

With more than 100 colours available, refresh your sofa’s look every now and then with the changeable slip covers. You could also layer on textured accents such as a shag pile rug, a knitted or an upholstered pouf to make the room more appealing.

6. Smart Functional

Smart functional furniture is the credo of the city living where spaces are tight. The sofa bed in particular is the most functional piece in most homes. If you have to build your living space around a single piece, opt for a high-design with clean, straight lines and in a striking colour, like red.

Keep the rest of the space spare and stylish, with the sofa as the centre of attraction. Create a cosy milieu with dimension by adding textured rugs and throws, heavy draperies and pillows of all sizes.

7. Eclectic Chic

Eclectic style means putting together a multitude of styles, colours, textures and trends. Home accents, such as throw pillows in colourful prints and fabrics, objects d’art, rugs and paintings are easy ways to mix things up.

While there are no rules to it, eclectic style should exude an intentionally collected, curated feel. The trick to make it work is to set busy patterns against plain solid backdrops to avoid competition. Plain brick walls with a dark upholstered leather or fabric sofa is one way to showcase your colourful and eccentric collection of items. The end result is a one-of-a-kind, personalised space.

8. Modern Hollywood Glam

Do you love drama, glamour and putting an opulent twist on classics? If yes, Hollywood glam is perfect for your vivacious personality.

The style, which has been around since the 1930s, demands for daring designs such as those from the likes of designer and TV personality Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen. His design aesthetic is to meld together disparate elements — think mirrored marble tabletops, matte steel and elaborate jacquard weave.

The Londoner has specially designed an exclusive collection for Courts. One of his creations is the perfect conversation piece for a glammed-up living room — a tufted sofa upholstered in velvet and rich jewel tones such as purple and midnight.

Plush velvet lends a seductive touch and is set to be big next year. Another way to add velvet is to have an upholstered bedhead. A staple in luxury hotel bedrooms and celebrity homes — this will instantly update your bedroom.

Complement the opulence with picks from Courts’ The Hotel Collection, which comprises a range of high-quality mattresses that five-star hotels such as Marina Bay Sands and the W Hotel use.

9. New Traditional

New traditional, or traditional with a twist as some might call it, is great for those who love modern elements but still appreciate classics. This style is all about mixing the old and the new in fresh, original ways.

These include adding modern lighting to play up dark furniture and furnishings or putting old and new art pieces together.

For instance, mix a chesterfield sofa and an antique-looking table to add that extra touch of texture and history to the living room. Matching armchairs will also effortlessly hold the room together but could be juxtaposed with a light, yet solid-coloured carpet for a modern touch.

Gold or brass accents add warmth to the room whilst keeping to the classic vibe. Liberal use of throw pillows in all types of similarly hued prints — floral brocade, geometric lines or shapes — pulls the space together while making it look snug.

10. Classic

Classic country is perfect for those who want a warm, timeless home that is underlined by elegance. This is a marriage of old-world sensibility with sophistication.

To achieve this look, contrast main furniture pieces and stay away from coordinated sets. Create drama by teaming a dainty floral-print sofa with a luxe leather wingback chair. You can up the ante with dark wood panels and rich curtain draperies — hang these high if possible to create the illusion of height.

Finally, complete its vintage-chic vibe by embellishing with unique antique-looking decor items — much like flea market or thrift store finds.

With the myriad of interior design options, it’s always best to seek assistance from a professional, just so your vision of a dream space is not lost.

Not many are aware of this but Courts’ very own Design Studio offers interior design services, which is a one-stop solution for renovation and furnishing requirements. Courts Design Studio is a partnership with CaseTrust-accredited interior design firm Ciseern.

Aside from exceptional designs and workmanship at affordable prices, the other benefit of Courts Design Studio is its term payment options under the Courts Flexi Plans, which allows you to pay for your home comfortably and at your own pace.

Source: SPH-Brand Insider© Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission required for reproduction

[maximumtyphooncollection-us-blog]

Living Room Design Strategies & Room Inspiration

But the white partitions, with furnishings and lightweight colour of flooring can brighten the area of your living room. Example of a small trendy open idea gentle wooden floor and beige floor living room design in London with white partitions and a wall-mounted television. Whereas there is a stage of difficulty and intricate artwork of decorating living spaces utilizing other interior design types, adopting the minimalistic method does not make the process any easier. By bigtime design modern minimalist living room in pristine white colorful and ultra inspiration for the furnishings interior. Concise and simple, minimalism interior design style in the interior of the apartment, home or workplace brings a harmony of space and lightweight. If you want to make your minimalist room look extra spacious, use totally different shade of colors on your walls and other furniture because it creates tonal concord and make house more open. Horizontal shiplap wainscot wraps the partitions in this Provincetown, Massachusetts living room, the place the householders brightened the house by whitewashing the flooring and ceiling beams. This living room — in designer John Barnwell's Toronto residence — is properly-equipped for parties: the ample coffee desk holds piles of drinks and the Ultrasuede on the sofas wears properly. In a small area, like this charming living room, white partitions and ceilings allow an eclectic collection of classic accessories, standout artwork and sculptural furniture to pop. Living room - mid-sized modern open concept medium tone wooden ground living room thought in Austin with white walls, a two-sided fireplace, a brick fire and a media wall. Mid-sized fashionable open concept light wood ground and beige flooring living room picture with white partitions and no television. Instance of a stylish white ground living room design in Miami with a ribbon fire and a wall-mounted tv. I still implement touches of an industrial moody feel without losing all the mild by adding a darkish statement floor against white walls. From sofas to coffee tables, selecting the right furnishings on your living room is crucial to ensure the area works efficiently and to creating the room's aesthetic. In the event you're on the lookout for monochrome living room adorning ideas, check out this modern black and white espresso desk that includes black candleholders. Add brightness to your living room design by using a colorful and uniquely shaped coffee desk. Purple living room walls paint white gray tufted glass ground aluminum wine pillows and rug. For living room furniture, choose pieces that have a low visible weight when it comes to measurement, color and design as these lend a breezy, light-weight perception to your space. Browse living room designs and shop for elegant, yet practical, living room furniture, from sofas and seating to TELEVISION items , coffee tables , and storage. Walls, couch, curtains, and table are all on stable hues, whereas throw pillows, the rug, centre pieces, and the column of the flooring lamp all feature interesting prints and details. Here is a teensy living room that fantastically illustrates shabby stylish type famous for its gentle colors, white slipcovered furniture, and vintage accents. A classically trendy living room design will generally avoid brilliant colours, preferring pure white walls and muted tones. Designer Emily Henderson , together with Crypton Dwelling , achieved this natural living room with plenty of standout pieces like the leather chairs and wooden table. The Minimalist Society may add an superior green, living wall to the living room, bring in a espresso table or facet table with reside edge or turn to other organic varieties to create a comfy and pleasing ambiance. Small living room designs ideas 2017 - New Living Room Furnishings and Decor Modern Style. Furthermore, the contrasting colours of black and white provide more space to let you add extra fashion to your own home such that accent colours and items are in a position to stand out higher. The clear, simple concept of minimalism allows for a powerful aesthetic, expressed by means of coloration schemes, furnishings styles, and clever design. Minimalism was an inventive motion that became common in the late Nineteen Sixties and was influenced by the straight, clean traces and easy spaces found in conventional Japanese design. Lighting is one in all the most essential but usually overlooked design elements that set the tone for minimalist spaces.

[drewebowden66]

Living Rooms With Brown Sofas: Tips And Inspiration For Decorating Them

You saw it, you loved it, you just had to buy it. But, what exactly do you put with that lovely brown sofa to make your living room decor work for you? Your sofa is almost certainly going to be the largest piece of furniture in the room (unless you have a huge bookcase to contend with) so there’s no sneaking it into an existing room design by just crossing your fingers and hoping for the best. No. Your beautiful brown sofa should be given a warm welcome with a complementary colour scheme, and we’re here to show you how with the help of some brown sofa centric visualisations.

Visualizer: Sasha Gnativ   There is a massive trend surrounding copper accents right now, from copper desk lamps in the home office to canisters in the kitchen. This visual illustrates just how amazing copper globe pendants like these look in tandem with a brown leather sofa. Both the tone and the sheen work together in harmony. In addition, a cool grey backdrop is a more modern alternative to the traditional and obvious cream coloured wall treatment we’ve seen done to death around brown sofas in years gone by.

Photographer: Federico Cedrone   Looking at home in a mid century modern living room, a ruddy brown sofa can be visually cooled by the implementation of a grey area rug and grey accent chair. A duo of marble topped coffee tables complete the look.

Visualizer: YoDezeen   Earth tone palettes are always a safe bet when working with brown sofas, and can be very effective. A natural coloured area rug and wooden floor are the perfect base for a brown sectional, and natural greenery provides amazing contrast. Painting one wall in solid fresh white is a good idea so that the overall scheme doesn’t become too muddy.

Source: Ditre Italia   Curtains don’t have to match the colour of the sofa or sofa cushions; the selection of random sized throw cushions here are shades of cool mid-brown on a rich warm brown sofa. Two armchairs mirror the silhouette of the sofa rather than its upholstery colour, whilst a black bookcase matches its thin black legs.

Visualizer: YoDezeen   This two-tone sectional sofa has both brown and grey volumes in its make up, so the interior design of the room has been based around this modern colour combo. A living wall lifts the muted scheme with a stripe of bright green. Chrome floor lamps and stainless steel frames end tables are great for providing a bit of sparkle. When using darker shades over furniture and walls, consider keeping the floor and ceiling white to maintain a spacious and airy feel.

Visualizer: Dasha Chevrole    This soft brown sectional sits in front of a dark backed display that has a bronze frame and detailing. The dramatic colour combination makes everything appear more sophisticated and expensive. Note how the two large pendant lights add a fresh white spray to proceedings, matching a light marbled floor.

Visualizer: Adán Martín   Multiple tones of brown in a solid wood herringbone floor make a stunning accompaniment to a brown chesterfield sofa. Grey scatter cushions and curtains balance out the look.

Source: B&B Italia   When working only with a palette brown and white, introduce different tones for added depth. Ruddy brown floor lamps match a single throw cushion on this sofa, with the rest of the cushions covered in dark chocolate against the sepia brown upholstery.

Photographer: Soopakorn Srisakul   Industrial style living rooms are a natural fit for brown sofas. Look through our industrial home decor for more inspiration on how to accessorise this look.

Visualizer: Nordes   A brown leather sofa works well with bright red and navy blue accents.

Visualizer: Fathy Ibrahim   A contrasting accent chair is a great way to boost the look of your brown sofa and keep your room bang up to date.

Visualizer: Jakub Cech   There is something very sophisticated about a brown sofa in the right setting, and nothing shouts intellectual sophistication quite as loudly an extensive and organised home library. Team these elements with a live flame fire and you’re good to go.

Source: Busnelli   You can pick out the tone of your sofa with an area rug but be sure to introduce a brighter accent colour in there too. Also, leave a small border between the couch and matching rug to let them visually ‘breathe’.

Visualizer: Sequoia design studio   You could create a scheme where each item in it is a stand alone piece. Take this scheme interior for example: Each seat is of a different style and colour, as is the coffee table. The thing they have in common is that they are all from the neutral colour family. The artwork and floral arrangement provide the only issue of bright colour here.

Visualizer: Sam Habbaba   How about a brown ceiling to match a brown sofa? The rest of the space should be open and bright to carry off this feature.

Visualizer: Taner CANDAN   If you have plenty of natural light then don’t be afraid to go dark with the decor.

Visualizer: Para Design   A black painted brick wall gives an edgy youthful look.

Visualizer: Maksym Iuriichuk & Artem Trigubchak   Even a subtle array of indoor plants boosts brown.

Visualizer: Cesar Vazquez   When putting a brown sofa in an all grey scheme, add a feature wall of wooden panels to tie in with its tone.

Visualizer: 365 Design   A Scandinavian style living room with a monochrome scheme makes a great base for just about any colour sofa.

Visualizer: Bellevue NZZ   Following on from the black painted brick wall… How about a white one!

Visualizer: Zinaida Baklanova   These modern outdoor chairs make a quirky accompaniment, especially with a traditional brown toned rug.

Visualizer: Thao Nguyen   You can go ahead and match the colour of your walls with your sofa, but only if your sofa will stand in a spot that is isolated like the one seen here. You don’t want the sofa to become so camouflaged that you can’t find it!

Visualizer: 365 Design   Black and brown work gloriously together when made crisp by swathes of white.

Visualizer: Oporski Architektura   Minimalist living rooms lend themselves to the creation of unusual sectioning. This one has one half completely cappuccino, and the other ice white.

Visualizer: Fenix Design   Sometimes one feature wall is enough.

Visualizer: Concretica   A large sofa can be offset by a bold accent chair.

Visualizer: Erlind Llanaj   Pairing the color with appropriate wall textures can help. Check out our living room wall texture post for inspiration.

Visualizer: Annete Manuilova   A yellow accent can work wonders with brown.

Designer: Matiz Architecture & Design   Last of all, how about putting your brown sofa with every colour of the rainbow!

Recommended Reading: Industrial Style Living Room Design: The Essential Guide

Related Posts:

Industrial Style Dining Room Design: The Essential Guide

Warm Industrial Style House (With Layout)

Industrial Style Bedroom Design: The Essential Guide

Industrial Style Living Room Design: The Essential Guide

Rich Industrial Style Unites Jewel Colours with Exposed Brick Walls

20 Modern Sofas To Go With Any Type Of Decor

[garagedoorshampshire]

Living Rooms With Brown Sofas: Tips And Inspiration For Decorating Them

You saw it, you loved it, you just had to buy it. But, what exactly do you put with that lovely brown sofa to make your living room decor work for you? Your sofa is almost certainly going to be the largest piece of furniture in the room (unless you have a huge bookcase to contend with) so there’s no sneaking it into an existing room design by just crossing your fingers and hoping for the best. No. Your beautiful brown sofa should be given a warm welcome with a complementary colour scheme, and we’re here to show you how with the help of some brown sofa centric visualisations.

Visualizer: Sasha Gnativ   There is a massive trend surrounding copper accents right now, from copper desk lamps in the home office to canisters in the kitchen. This visual illustrates just how amazing copper globe pendants like these look in tandem with a brown leather sofa. Both the tone and the sheen work together in harmony. In addition, a cool grey backdrop is a more modern alternative to the traditional and obvious cream coloured wall treatment we’ve seen done to death around brown sofas in years gone by.

Photographer: Federico Cedrone   Looking at home in a mid century modern living room, a ruddy brown sofa can be visually cooled by the implementation of a grey area rug and grey accent chair. A duo of marble topped coffee tables complete the look.

Visualizer: YoDezeen   Earth tone palettes are always a safe bet when working with brown sofas, and can be very effective. A natural coloured area rug and wooden floor are the perfect base for a brown sectional, and natural greenery provides amazing contrast. Painting one wall in solid fresh white is a good idea so that the overall scheme doesn’t become too muddy.

Source: Ditre Italia   Curtains don’t have to match the colour of the sofa or sofa cushions; the selection of random sized throw cushions here are shades of cool mid-brown on a rich warm brown sofa. Two armchairs mirror the silhouette of the sofa rather than its upholstery colour, whilst a black bookcase matches its thin black legs.

Visualizer: YoDezeen   This two-tone sectional sofa has both brown and grey volumes in its make up, so the interior design of the room has been based around this modern colour combo. A living wall lifts the muted scheme with a stripe of bright green. Chrome floor lamps and stainless steel frames end tables are great for providing a bit of sparkle. When using darker shades over furniture and walls, consider keeping the floor and ceiling white to maintain a spacious and airy feel.

Visualizer: Dasha Chevrole    This soft brown sectional sits in front of a dark backed display that has a bronze frame and detailing. The dramatic colour combination makes everything appear more sophisticated and expensive. Note how the two large pendant lights add a fresh white spray to proceedings, matching a light marbled floor.

Visualizer: Adán Martín   Multiple tones of brown in a solid wood herringbone floor make a stunning accompaniment to a brown chesterfield sofa. Grey scatter cushions and curtains balance out the look.

Source: B&B Italia   When working only with a palette brown and white, introduce different tones for added depth. Ruddy brown floor lamps match a single throw cushion on this sofa, with the rest of the cushions covered in dark chocolate against the sepia brown upholstery.

Photographer: Soopakorn Srisakul   Industrial style living rooms are a natural fit for brown sofas. Look through our industrial home decor for more inspiration on how to accessorise this look.

Visualizer: Nordes   A brown leather sofa works well with bright red and navy blue accents.

Visualizer: Fathy Ibrahim   A contrasting accent chair is a great way to boost the look of your brown sofa and keep your room bang up to date.

Visualizer: Jakub Cech   There is something very sophisticated about a brown sofa in the right setting, and nothing shouts intellectual sophistication quite as loudly an extensive and organised home library. Team these elements with a live flame fire and you’re good to go.

Source: Busnelli   You can pick out the tone of your sofa with an area rug but be sure to introduce a brighter accent colour in there too. Also, leave a small border between the couch and matching rug to let them visually ‘breathe’.

Visualizer: Sequoia design studio   You could create a scheme where each item in it is a stand alone piece. Take this scheme interior for example: Each seat is of a different style and colour, as is the coffee table. The thing they have in common is that they are all from the neutral colour family. The artwork and floral arrangement provide the only issue of bright colour here.

Visualizer: Sam Habbaba   How about a brown ceiling to match a brown sofa? The rest of the space should be open and bright to carry off this feature.

Visualizer: Taner CANDAN   If you have plenty of natural light then don’t be afraid to go dark with the decor.

Visualizer: Para Design   A black painted brick wall gives an edgy youthful look.

Visualizer: Maksym Iuriichuk & Artem Trigubchak   Even a subtle array of indoor plants boosts brown.

Visualizer: Cesar Vazquez   When putting a brown sofa in an all grey scheme, add a feature wall of wooden panels to tie in with its tone.

Visualizer: 365 Design   A Scandinavian style living room with a monochrome scheme makes a great base for just about any colour sofa.

Visualizer: Bellevue NZZ   Following on from the black painted brick wall… How about a white one!

Visualizer: Zinaida Baklanova   These modern outdoor chairs make a quirky accompaniment, especially with a traditional brown toned rug.

Visualizer: Thao Nguyen   You can go ahead and match the colour of your walls with your sofa, but only if your sofa will stand in a spot that is isolated like the one seen here. You don’t want the sofa to become so camouflaged that you can’t find it!

Visualizer: 365 Design   Black and brown work gloriously together when made crisp by swathes of white.

Visualizer: Oporski Architektura   Minimalist living rooms lend themselves to the creation of unusual sectioning. This one has one half completely cappuccino, and the other ice white.

Visualizer: Fenix Design   Sometimes one feature wall is enough.

Visualizer: Concretica   A large sofa can be offset by a bold accent chair.

Visualizer: Erlind Llanaj   Pairing the color with appropriate wall textures can help. Check out our living room wall texture post for inspiration.

Visualizer: Annete Manuilova   A yellow accent can work wonders with brown.

Designer: Matiz Architecture & Design   Last of all, how about putting your brown sofa with every colour of the rainbow!

Recommended Reading: Industrial Style Living Room Design: The Essential Guide

Related Posts:

Industrial Style Dining Room Design: The Essential Guide

Warm Industrial Style House (With Layout)

Industrial Style Bedroom Design: The Essential Guide

Industrial Style Living Room Design: The Essential Guide

Rich Industrial Style Unites Jewel Colours with Exposed Brick Walls

20 Modern Sofas To Go With Any Type Of Decor

from Interior Design Ideas http://www.home-designing.com/living-rooms-with-brown-sofas-tips-and-inspiration-for-decorating-them

[spencerthorpe]

Inside a Magical House of Books

Today’s house tour takes us to a unique ‘House of Books’ in Hampstead. The former home of Labour grandee Michael Foot, it’s been transformed into a modern design and bibliophile’s paradise by SHH Architects. Behind a traditional facade, the interior is a marvel of clean lines, stunning attention to detail and imaginative use of space.

The name ‘House of Books’, though grounded in some kind of abstract and perhaps architectural reality, can be seen as flirting more with pure fantasy. The name inspires images of make-belief rooms, magically walled by a patchwork of browns, burgundies, blues and emerald greens -the spines of weathered, leather-bound books that proudly endorse philosophies, scientific advancements of bygone, and possibly more enchanting times.

So it’s not difficult to appreciate the gravity of the challenge faced by the West London Chartered Architecture and Interior Design practice SHH, who had to negotiate a bibliophile’s dream-world and reality when commissioned to develop the former home of politician, Michael Foot, into a ‘House a Books’. Foot’s former ownership of the property somewhat increased the weight of expectation for the project. Beside a rather turbulent political career, Foot’s lengthy time as a writer and massive erudition resulted in an enormous personal library that covered every corner of his home. As journalist Anthony Howard remarked, Foot’s house was ‘dedicated to books – reaching high to the ceiling in bookshelves, piled untidily on tables, even scattered randomly about on the floor’.

Needless to say, the ‘House of Books’ envisioned and brought to life by SHH, is nothing short of breath-taking. Imaginatively reconfigured from the ground up, the unique construction of SHH’s ‘House of Books’ truly evokes the idea of a home being poised somewhere between reality and a booklover’s fantasy land.

‘Never judge a book by its cover.’

If you were to walk down the street where the ‘House of Books’ is located, it’s probably likely that you’d walk right past it without ever noticing. This is chiefly due to the property’s period façade being no different from any other that you would find in Hampstead’s leafy suburbs.  SHH were legally obliged to retain it as part of the planning permission agreements with the local council. However, make no mistake, the period façade is where commonalities between the property and other houses of the area both begin and end. As SHH Associate Director and leader of the project, Stuart McLauchlan recounts:

‘We ripped the whole house out behind the façade and built a new steel and timber-frame to sit within the old brick skin and connect it to the existing structure. The space configuration and resulting floors, walls and stairs are all new.’

This sense of reconciling the house’s past with its present undeniably adds to the ‘House of Books’’ charm. The contrast between its normal exterior and ambitiously extravagant interior similarly lends to the narrative of fantasy, in an almost Narnia-like fashion, marking the transition from the ordinariness of the outside to the infinite possibilities of home, constrained only by one’s imagination.

A bibliophile’s paradise

Jointly inspired by the new owners’ passion for books, who themselves own over a hundred linear metres of them, and also as a tip of the hat to the house’s past, incorporation of a book-based motif was part of creating and distilling an atmosphere befitting to the house’s name. McLauchlan’s team responded with a central structure that spans the height of the house, like a book, functioning as a top-to-bottom spine that binds its five storeys. Made from machine-anodised steel sheets, the bookcases’ almost underdressed, minimalistic look assert the pieces as a central structural component to the home, a beating heart in much the same way the book motif serves as a motif to the home. However, its simplicity does not detract from its elegance. Designed so that its panels are bound by countersunk, stainless-steel screws, the piece offers clean and defined lines, in an almost silhouette-like fashion, accentuating the books it holds. By the same token, its muted, metallic finish fits well with the overall colour palette of the house, meaning a structure of such great size does not overbear or shrink the room.

SHH’s manipulation of perspective injects a sense of magic into this centrepiece also. The bookcase features clear, walk-on slots that sit flush with timber flooring on the first, second third and fourth floors of the house. The effect created by this is nothing short of spectacular. At any given moment, one is able to get a full, top-to-bottom view of the bookcase in its entirety.  Capped by a broad window fitted to the ceiling space immediately above it, catching this view in the correct lighting is certainly something special, asserting the house’s identity as the ‘House of Books’ whilst also dabbling with name’s fantastical edge also.

Floating a clinical 50mm from the book case are the stairs of the property, designed to wrap around the bookcase. This ingenious design ensures that every book is within reach and easily accessible to the owner. This ease of access transforms and elevates the bookcase into something more organic. It remains in a state of perpetual flux, able to evolve and be reshaped by the tastes of its owner. By this token, what also remains at the heart of the house is, ultimately, a candid and personal bibliographic snapshot of the owner.

The stairs also instil a sense of drama in the way it tonally accentuates the open, neutral tonal palette that ornaments much of the house. Each individual step, a formed and bespoke steel tray, is dipped into a bright orange liquid rubber. Its tangerine glow injects a youthful energy to the home. Nevertheless, retention of industrial black grey tones in the design of these trays, paired with their open design, mean that they do not disrupt the overall ambience of the space. Rather, inviting, and further developing, a sense of theatre to what is already an enchantingly imaginative living space.

Intelligent Space

When commissioning the redevelopment of the ‘House of Books’, the new owners wanted to give visitors a sense of surprise from the moment they entered. SHH certainly delivered on this aspect. Through keeping the entrance and kitchen-diner garden level floors open plan, visitors are immediately greeted with views of both the entrance and garden-level extension. The view enhances the dynamics of the property, displaying the seamless and organic flow between both rooms and levels.  So that the space remains functional and accommodating to the needs of the owners, SHH skilfully implemented methods to allow the house to adapt with the daily lives of the owners. Just the entrance floor alone is a masterclass maximising the functionality of the home through use of flexible space. Featuring the house’s ante-lobby lounge area and also a workspace for one of the owners, the various areas can be separated through use of discreet sliding doors. Sofas at the far end of this entrance floor overlook the extended floor space of garden-level floor immediately below, in addition to unobstructed view of the garden, seen through sliding glass doors. These views are meticulously thought out by SHH, who constructed the garden-floor level a whole metre higher so that this sightline and perspective could be achieved.

Setting the tones

The many elements in the first two floors of the property, the entrance and garden-floor kitchen-diner levels, are tied together by selection of a choice, core colours. By sticking to predominantly open, and earthy shades: off-whites, browns, ashen greys and copper notes, SHH achieve a flow and continuity between the various spaces contained within these levels. These tones also allow for the house to breathe, carrying a relaxed and uncongested ambience.

This is same philosophy is maintained with textural aspects also. Dark zinc, used on the railings, pairs gorgeously with the house’s many black and grey elements, injecting metropolitan sophistication and silhouette-like depth to the room. Matched with the warmer, natural hues of solid cedar, the harshness that sometimes comes with high contrast clashes between the spaces’ off-whites and black zinc notes is lessened. The wood’s grain means that continuity is achieved between indoors and out, gorgeously marrying with the wooden patio area. 

A style anthology

SHH’s incorporation of this tonal and textural palettes make the ‘House of Books’’ living spaces highly compatible with a variety of different styles of furniture and furnishings –and-truthful to this claim, the myriad of different styles found in the home’s social rooms demonstrates the sheer robustness of these palettes. The house boasts the ease with which it effortlessly pairs and accommodates mid-century modern elements with pieces styled in the classical European and Ottoman traditions.  These elements are effortlessly incorporated into the kitchen, by Bulthaup, and the lounge areas – never jarring with the clinical sleekness of their modern styling as one would imagine it would. The talent and ingenuity in SHH’s interior design work can be seen in how effortlessly these historically separate styles are made to work, and that too, with a certain finesse.   

Moving up:

The first floor, immediately above the house’s two social levels, features the master suite and dressing rooms. It carries the architectural and design philosophies observed in the house’s first two levels. Fold-back double doors completely transform the suite during the day and night, adapting to a more open planned space during the day, and seal off during the night. Designed in a neutrally toned, modern style, the bedrooms and bathrooms showcase the clean lines and precision geometries of the furniture and furnishings contained within. The upper floors shift gear from the entrance and garden-level kitchen through a heavier use of muted grey notes. This alters the mood slightly, giving the bedrooms a more complex, metropolitan edge over the roundedness and communally airy feel of the lower levels. The tasteful use of black mosaic tiles in the shower-area of the master suite, a hip and sophisticated touch reminiscent of underground tiles, reinforces this shift to a more metropolitan state of mind. Similarly, walnut replaces the cedar of the home’s lower decks. The wood has a bronze tinge, giving it a slightly more metallic tone which makes for a smoother pairing with the rooms’ grey notes. Other family bedrooms and a shared shower room can also be found on this floor, with an additional bedroom, shower, toilet and guest suite on a higher floor.

An art form

The ‘House of Books’ is a name that suggests a type of magic, a flirtation with the unreal. In many ways, SHH’s ‘House of Books’ embodies this brand of magic. The house breaks from conventional floor plans by inventing its own, new and original cartographies that give the ‘book’ a primacy befitting to the house’s name. There’s also a particularly mystic allure in the way the ‘House of Books’ is an adaptable space, being able to move and evolve with the needs and requirements of its owner; an organic living space in the truest sense. In appreciation of this, it’s difficult to deny that SHH’s ‘House of Books’ is a celebration of both design and modern architecture. However, it would be wrong to assume it a product of the two as separate entities or processes. On the contrary, with the ‘House of Books’, SHH interweave architecture and design into a singular art form, a singular mode of thought and process, with the house that emerging from that being an embodiment of this method: part piece of art, part home. We love it.

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All photography courtesy Alastair Lever/SHH Architects and Interior Design.

The post Inside a Magical House of Books appeared first on The Idealist.

from The Idealist https://www.theidealist.com/inside-a-magical-house-of-books/ from The Idealist Magazine https://theidealistmagazine.tumblr.com/post/162076080153