Interior Design Sense

Chirp chirp! Tweet tweet! As the weather warms up, the birds are coming out to play, and what better way to celebrate than with some stylish modern bird-friendly designs for homes and gardens. Perch! is a collection of bird-friendly ceramics from Amy Adams. Brooklyn-based designer Amy Adams makes her wares out of earthenware and sculpts them into voluminous shapes using a low fire and non-toxic glaze. With little decoration, the design of the wares are very minimalist, however, we think their shapes are extremely expressive and dare we say, adorable? All ceramics can be easily cleaned with mild soap and water. They also come with a leather cord that was tanned with vegetable dyes. So spruce up your garden for spring and befriend some modern birdies today with Perch!

Read the rest of Perch! Bird-Friendly Design for the Modern Home

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Post tags: brooklyn designer, ceramic design, cermaic ware, home goods, modern design

I just saw the video for the new OMA project for PRADA, the Transformer. This pavilion currently being assembled in Seoul, Korea allows different configuration for different uses (cinema, exhibition, art , fashion show)  - related to a new mix of disciplines, between art, fashion and architecture.

Then, the question on how to mix these different uses under one pavilion become the architectural trigger for this new “object” (I rather use that word, as i think “building” is obsolet for it).

These different configurations result by rotating this object -the transformer- with a crane, and each face of this object is a plane with a given shape, specific for each use but also being used as a helper for other uses (ie: the cinema projector).

If you take a look at each of these shapes, they are all common to us: a circle, a cross, a rectangle and an hexagon… which results on a very recognizable object that Koolhaas calls the anti-blob, and I think that´s where Rem scores another one.

Anyway, i highly recommend you to watch the videos at the Prada Transformer website: Koolhaas explaining the transformer, time lapse of the construction and the transformer being rotated with cranes.

Channel pavilion (blob, by Zaha) versus Prada pavilion (anti-blob, by OMA)?

Renderings and diagrams after the break.

We can’t get enough of the current craze for marvellous modular sofas! Perfect for modern living – the new sectional collection by Antonio Citterio is the Frank collection. As the straightforward name implies, the Frank collection from B&B Italia is an understated, honest sofa range. It’s meant for real life, for cosy entertaining and relaxing for family, not for simply looking at! The six beautiful leather elements are simply shaped but generously sized, each one is different to offer maximum versatility. A palette of strong shades means that the sofas will get noticed, but won’t dominate. Their welcoming forms sit atop thin, short legs that complete the contemporary aspect of the range. Comfort is the priority of the Frank collection, and the well thought-out accessories including handy coffee tables and poufs to contrast with the sofas by offering varied textures, shapes and finishes. Contact B&B Italia, and ask them to introduce you to the loveable Frank.

Check out this ultra-modern modular sofa …

When the time comes to renovate the kitchen, it is often difficult to find an affordable design that both the husband and wife can agree upon. By nature, they generally have different visions for both style and budget. One particular couple wanted a high-end, stylish and affordable look that they both would enjoy, so they consulted interior designer Eli Mechlovitz from GlassTileStore.com. After consultation, Mechlovitz suggested they decorate with dark-shaded glass tile and mosaics, one of the hottest trends in the interior design industry.

For those unfamiliar with the glass tile trend, it can be described as a more stylish, luxurious decorating option as compared to ceramic tiles. One of the greatest characteristics in glass tile is the uniqueness – it is available in a wide range of colors, textures, shapes, blends and designs. Attempting to meet both their style needs, Mechlovitz recommended brown glass tile, specifically Zen Espresso, an affordable option from GlassTileStore. The earthy brown blend of Zen Espresso would create a modern and chic space in this kitchen, one masculine and traditional enough for the husband, and one eclectic, trendy and unique enough for the wife.

After installation, the dark glass tile, surrounded by the airy light cabinetry, provided a warm and luxurious feel for the kitchen. The different shades of brown transformed the previously dull kitchen, and offered an aesthetically pleasing pattern that perfectly united the upper white cabinetry with the lower dark cabinetry. The couple never realized there was a style that could accommodate both their needs so well. Extremely pleased with the results, they asked Mechlovitz back later this month, this time for consultation on their bathroom.

This is a post from the Freshome Magazine, who bring you the latest news in Interior Design, Decorating, Furniture and Architecture.

Decorating with Brown Glass Tile: High-End Style for Both Husband and Wife

In the light of the newest bathroom trends for 2009, a daring collaborative venture between Duravit, Phoenix Design and Hansgrohe has resulted in the extraordinary Hansgrohe PuraVida faucet collection. Working together certainly makes sense – PuraVida is a luxurious range which ‘adds a freer and more feminine approach to design’. Bright white lacquered surfaces perfectly complement the polished chrome… going beyond the practical into a realm of gleaming wonder. The entire range is rendered in white to evoke the feminine, pure visual orchestration of the faucets. White is revealing – it must be flawless to accentuate the soft, rounded shapes that are entirely free from sharpness or angles. You can choose from single joystick or double handle operation of all the faucets in the collection. The Hansgrohe PuraVida faucets feel comfortable in the palm, and invite you to interact, and to appreciate their smooth forms. New from Hansgrohe …

Who knew outdoor furniture could be this cool? The contemporary Shadowy collection of outdoor pieces by Moroso is a statement in modernity. Inspired by the North Sea of northern Europe in the ‘20s, designer Tord Boontje created this patio furniture line with shapes that wow and colors that really pop. These unique, artistic designs boast a steel frame, enhanced with curious curves and gorgeous patterns that are achieved through the artful weaving of four colors. This collection of sleek deck chairs, sunbeds and loungers is available in three designs – one featuring three tones of green and blue; one splashed with red, orange-brown and yellow; and a brown, white, pink and green variation that’ll have you sighing in admiration before you sigh in comfort. Learn more about the modern collection of Shadow outdoor furniture by visiting Moroso.

The well-know Pedini Artika Kitchens are coming back with brand new designs. The original models were first introduced during the Milan fair 6 years ago, and been extremely popular ever since. Remodelling is welcomed even for the best and these kitchens are able to reflect the lifestyle of their owners. Ergonomics are also carefully analysed as to offer a maximum of comfort during work. This relaunching of Artika comprises an unexpected twist of shapes but also bright color hues. The new Artika Kitchens from Pedini keep up with the fast changes in the design field but keep the standards high.
Another even more interesting surprise was recently announced by Pedini: the unveiling of the new Integra design by one of the worlds most famous automobile manufacturers – Lamborghini. Using Pedini’s Integra Hook Kitchen design as a base, the new round Integra Lamborghini kitchen is upholstered in ostrich skin and displays the embossed Lamborghini bull logo. Available in black, cream and Lamborghini’s signature yellow. Pedini.

The essence of versatility has now taken the shape of this modern outdoor furniture from Ivini. Vision should be a basic component for any single piece designed for the outdoor space. And Ivini clearly states that by the multitude of shapes their products can take. The Las Vegas collection is a pleasant surprise to discover again and again, each time it is put to use. Pieces can be twisted in or out, made into a single line or a circle. Allowing the products to take the form of a specific need with minimum of restrictions seems to be the Ivini ideal. Not only beautiful and adaptable design, but also strength and durability of materials. No doubt Ivini sets new standards with their modern outdoor furniture. And it couldn’t have looked any better.

The Table Rosis is a clever outdoor table from Escho… with a difference! It’s multifunctional – you can cook food, cool drinks or cultivate small plants and flowers right in the middle of the table. Built of Burmese teak with a top made of Corian, the modular system allows for tables of different sizes and shapes: square, rectangular or circular. You can choose from Corian White or Corian which is decorated with white floral motifs that are inspired by traditional ceramics. The decorations are made with a liquid inlay technique which is embedded in the surface leaving a surface perfectly smooth to the touch. Each piece is totally unique and it’s up to you to further individualise it – using it for your gardening hobby or for whatever else you have in mind. From Escho, Table Rosis is an Italian design to enjoy on the patio or deck for many years to come!

Architects: Buscando la Aurora - Carlos Coronel + Héctor de la Peña
Location: Malinalco, Mexico
Project Year: 2007-2008
Site Area: 1,000 sqm
Constructed Area: 400 sqm
Photographs: Buscando la Aurora

In the middle of a gorgeous GolfClub in Malinalco-Mexico, it is possible to discover a quiet composition of geometric “objects” with white estuco an mexican-teja roof cover.

Those geometric “objects” like to be part of the landscape, and mix their shapes with the sorroundings. The openings in the facades are the lecture of the plan, and transform the skyline of the field and become part of the silluete of the mountains around. “human and nature as one”.