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Encourage Kids to Eat More Fruits Through Smart Spray Designs

Family welfare comes first and culinary education of children is a very important step towards a normal life full of achievements and with less health problems. To include healthy foods in the diet of a child, regardless of age, is an eternal struggle for parents, especially since there are many unhealthy attractions all around. Kids are reserved to change, especially when it comes to tastes that don’t agree, that’s why most of the time it’s not easy to convince them to say no to candies and pick fruits and vegetables that contains tones of vitamins and minerals.

As a balanced and responsible parents we try as much as we can to apply and transmit to our children the basic food principles of a healthy eating, but in most of the cases our creativity and ingenuity in preparing their meals seems to work every time. Here’s what was thinking a Turkish designer regarding this topic. Fatih Can Sarıöz teamed up with Dilfer Nasır and imagined a cute automatic spray that spreads different kind of fruit scents in your kids’ room.

Meet “Whiff” who promotes a healthy diet on children through its clever and playful design. The automatic spray features a digital control panel that allows you to select different times to spray various kind of fruit scents, that besides the fresh smell it spreads in the entire room, acts as a remind for kids to eat more fruits. By smelling the natural and flavoured smells of the fruits, “Whiff” makes chidren crave for their good taste and stimulate them to eat. Its lovely and attractive appearance notifies them when it’s time to eat fruits through colorful lights from the base.

Photos © Fatih Can Sarıöz

June 3, 2013
Futuristic Microwave Oven Concept Inspired by a Dome Tray

We run across Japanese designer Mac Funamizu‘s portfolio with amazingly cool designs that fascinate us and captivate our attention. One of his design concepts is a futuristic approach of the very popular microwave oven, which we use nowadays in our kitchens. We’re sure that most of you are familiar with microwave oven principles, what features have and how it looks like. In fact, they are pretty much the same in terms of design, there are small differences according to the manufacturer: a rectangular box with a transparent glass door which allows you to see inside it, and a digital control panel with various settings to heat or reheat quickly and efficiently your favourite dishes.

But one thing that don’t accomplish these devices is that they cannot show you for example how long the food should be cooked and how it will look like after heating it. Starting from this idea, Mac Funamizu envisioned a new take on the design of conventional microwave ovens, that probably will become reality in a not so far future. Inspired by a dome tray when he was watching Ratatouille, his futuristic microwave oven concept doesn’t look at all with what we know already. At first sight it resembles a modern free-standing lamp, but in fact it’s all about a mobile microwave oven with cutting-edge technology.

A circular shape standing on a tall base offers a new and improved sensory experience: it helps you overheat or burn your prepared food by telling you the period of time it should be cooked and by literally showing you what the food will be like after cooking. Just put the dish in it and the digital display will show you how will look like, allowing you in the same time to adjust the “appearance” by simply dragging the button. Moreover, it won’t be necessary anymore to get up from the table because this cool microwave oven could get close to the table every time you’ll need it. Very appealing, isn’t it? What would you say about such concept?

Photos © Mac Funamizu

June 3, 2013
Colorful Hand Strap Case for iPhone 4S

Smartphones are very resistant to different shocks, but nobody likes to have scratched or cracked phones, right? A protective case is the best thing we can have to enjoy their features and in the same time to extend their lives to a longer period. Whether you want to highlight even better the phone’s design, to personalize it, to protect it or all in the same time, there is a huge variaty of models on the market to choose from, according to smartphone size and shape.

For those of you who own an iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S, we found a really interesting and eye-catching design which allows you to play games, watch videos and take pictures with ease without worring too much for your smartphone’s safety. Unlike other similar products, “Hand Strap Case” ensures greater comfort in use and prevents accidental drops thanks to an integrated elastic strap system created especially to fit nicely the user’s fingers.

This idea came to designer Haijun Feng when he thought how to improve our everyday experience with iPhone by helping us to use one hand for handling it. In other words, using the “Hand Strap Case” the user will be able to perform multiple tasks on his mobile device with only one hand while he is carrying a bag, walking or waiting the bus or the subway. In this way, the iPhone will be very easy to be held steady on the palm of the hand and you can browse internet, email to your friends and other stuff without any stress. It comes in four trendy colours (rose, blue, orange black).

Photos © Senre Design

June 3, 2013
Unique Multifunctional Seating Design by TILT

In a world where everything happens fast, human tendency is to do as many things at the same time, therefore, even when it comes to interior design and decoration of the house we are looking for those pieces of furniture that shouldn’t only look fabulous, but also be useful for many purposes. Thus, adaptability and multifunctionality are two popular and highly appreciated features nowadays in terms of furniture design. You’ve probably seen a lot of multi-purpose furniture combinations, but certainly you haven’t seen another genuine armchair like this one we’re showing you in this post.

Its suggestive name, “OpenBook”, reveals an innovative seating design celebrating the printed form of the books in an era when cutting-edge technology made almost everything digital. Imagined by the award winning design and architecture practice based in London TILT, the “OpenBook” is a modern take of the traditional armchair and boasts a built-in shelving unit very useful to store books and magazines. Whether you want a quieter moment, to relax and read a good book or your favourite magazine, or you want to work on a project and drink your morning coffee, this original-looking furniture item could be the perfect choice whatever space you want to place it.

A fully upholstered interior promises comfort and leisure, while its multifunctional arms ensure a great interactive experience. The “OpenBook” chair incorporates on the right side a mini-library with three different-sized spaces to store and showcase books, spaces that acts as well as a lovely support for your water glass or cup of coffee; the left side creates a more intimate space due to the upholstered side panel which has two benefits: sound insulation and a series of slots for as extra library space to hold magazines of any size and shape. An evolution of TILT’s original Library Chair, its minimalist design combined with a modern white and grey colour palette make “OpenBook” a stylish addition to contemporary settings.

Photos © TILT

June 2, 2013
Dynamism and Modern Simplicity – Gallery House on a Budget

The collaborative design firm Next Phase Studios develop projects well managed, with innovative and creative design, and Gallery House is evidence of that. Especially designed to fit the needs of a family of four, the exquisite two storey residence located in Chestnut Hill, Massachussetts, showcases a strong visual identity inspiring comfort and warmth due to a clever use of materials. Modern and original at the same time, the Gallery House stands out thanks to its striking wood exterior and jagged geometric roof. No matter what the standpoint, the visual approach is different, this dynamism being expressed also internally through layers of internal and external glazing.

Despite its graphic contemporary exterior design and modest size, the house is in harmony with the more traditional neighborhood. The extensive use of wood for the facade reflects a sense of warmth and immediacy with nature, while the black and white roof’s angular shape creates a beautiful contrast and help the facade to stand out and fits very well with the black framed windows. This dialogue between the exterior finishes is also found in the interior design of this natural light flooded private residence.

Large commercial aluminum frame gallery windows and uncovered corner windows establish a connection between the indoors and the outdoor landscape and let the sunlight penetrates through all rooms from front to back, while maintaining privacy and controlling energy gain through an enormous roof and dramatic overhangs. Despite its limited space, the Gallery House reveals a good space distribution. A custom steel staircase leads to the private room which are compact and constituted around the luminous central living room and the kitchen area. Multiple layers of steel columns, glossy flooring, clean lines and white walls give the space a neat and modern overall look. Here are some inspirational pictures!

Photos © Next Phase Studios Architects

June 1, 2013
Historical Farmhouse Transformed into a Modern Holiday Villa

Jérémie Koempgen Architecture teamed up with FUGA to redesign an old farm house located in Morzine, in the historic district of Pied de la Plagne. Built in 1840 and considered a symbol of traditional local architecture, it was converted into a charming luxurious holiday villa, which can be rented for longer periods. Offering modern design with a hint of traditional architecture, all mixed up in visual harmony, Villa Solaire is a very inviting and welcoming retreat especially designed to fit the needs of 16 people. Surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery, the rental villa inspires peacefulness and is a great escape from our everyday agitated and stressful life.

The project’s aim was create a series of up-to-date facilities and functions favorable current living, whilst preserve the architectual identity of the farm. The whole design, both exterior and interior, is imagined as being part of its surroundings regarding history, landscape and geography. The framework was restored by replacing the wood structure of the first level with concrete structure, while the original looking wooden cladding that covers the whole building is the result of brushing and making perforations within the wood strips through a traditional technique of decorative cutouts, which besides the contemporary and simple motifs it creates, this method has for this project also a functional role of carrying extra light into the heart of the building.

What is interesting is the fact that the cut-out patterns aren’t randomly designed, they meet the course of the shadows that cast onto the villa throughout the year. Inside, the two-story Villa Solaire gets a modern and highly functional layout, perfectly fit for 16 people.

A ground floor wading pool surrounded with recycled slate tiles (from the roof) sets the tone for a relaxing environment. The interior concept takes inspiration from the topography of the of the Rhône-Alpes region (with mountains and valleys), and on the first floor it features a cross-shaped living room with different levels in the structure, where inhabitants shares various activities like cooking, watching a movie, warming up around the fire, and four autonomous “blocks” such as rocks, situated at each corner of the villa. Envisioned like a built-in furniture architecture, these nested spaces are suites with their sleeping areas and easements.

This logic complexity of the concept is accompanied by a reflection on treatment of details and materials. The interiors are contemporary and minimalist, as if everything that truly counts here is the tranquility of the wonderful natural setting. The extensive use of wood gives a feeling of warmth, contrasting nicely with the grey palette. The fireplace surrounded by sofa and couches creates the perfect spot for indoor entertaining and relaxation. Large windows provide the right quantity of light during the day. Enjoy the design details and the contemplative state it inspires!

Photos © Julien Lanoo

Project details:

Program: Retructuration from a farm into a rental villa
Location: Morzine, Haute-Savoie, France
Area: 620 sqm
Client: Private
Design: JKA (Jeremiah Koempgen Architecture) + FUGA (J.Aich & M.Recordon)
Economy Project: IMC ECO
Construction Companies: SARL Laperrousaz (Frame) / SARL Company Fourcade Herve (interior design) / Yves Gourvest SARL (masonry) / SAS Guy PERRACINO (millwork)
Timing: Early studies 10/2009, completion 01/2012

May 30, 2013
Top Tips for Decorating Your Home

With a new season comes a new set of trends for interior design. The sun may not have blessed us yet but that doesn’t mean to say that homeowners haven’t pulled on their aprons. Whilst we may not all be professionals, home decoration can be done even by amateurs once armed with a few simple tips.

Create a Mood

Setting a mood in your home is easy through the careful selection of certain colours, textures and fabrics. Colour can go a long way toward setting the mood and energy level in a room. Bright, warm colours impart a feeling of cosiness: choosing yellow, for example, will add cheer whilst red will invigorate a room. Let cool colours like green and blue to create a feeling of calm ambience – perfect for the bedroom.

Photo © Andrea Swan – Swan Architecture

Photo © Erika Bierman Photography

Add Interest

Incorporating a variety of textures and patterns into a room is a sure fire way of adding interest to your space. Not only do they capture the eye but they draw attention to the details of the room too. By layering rough textures with the smooth, you can add the perception of depth to your interior design.

Create More Space

Homeowners with smaller rooms will always be looking for tricks and tips for making a room appear bigger. By making a few simple changes, homeowners can cheat their way to bigger rooms. Keep floors and furnishings light, attract attention to the room’s far end or even simply add a mirror to give the illusion of extra space.

Hide Clutter

It is not easy keeping the home free from clutter, particularly if you have children. Using trunks, chests and drawers is an effective way of making sure that everything is kept tidy leaving you room to show off any family heirlooms and pieces of art.

Photo © Gavin Rae / Legacy Kitchens

Choose Accessories

Updating your room is quick, easy and cost effective if you choose to add some accessories. Cushions, throws and rugs are perfect for refreshing a colour scheme without having to break the bank. Adding plants and flowers to a room will also give life to a room but be sure to maintain them.

With a few simple changes, it is possible to completely update the room without having to paint walls or paste up new wallpaper. What colour scheme will you choose for summer 2013?

Photo © Kimball Starr Interior Design

Photo © Weego Home

May 29, 2013
Environmentally Sustainable Building for George W. Bush Presidential Center

If you want to explore the history of the George W. Bush Presidency, now you have a great place that will provide you a deep insight of his career and life, its Presidency, but also of American history and many other important issues of public policy through official records, artefacts, donated collections and innovative exhibits- the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Founded by former George W. Bush president and his wife and built with private donations, the Presidential Center located in Dallas, Texas, had its special ceremony dedication on April 25 2013 where participated all living Presidents, dignitaries and supporters, and opened to the general public on May 1st 2013.

Covering 226,000-square-foot for its beautiful building and 15-acre of urban park on the campus of Southern Methodist University (SMU), it houses the Bush Institute and the offices, the George W. Bush Foundation and the fantastic Bush Presidential Library and Museum, which occupies the 13th place in the National Archives and Records Administration system and becomes the second-largest presidential library after Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. The project is environmentally sustainable both in terms of building and landscape design. They complement somehow each other resulting in an amazing destination for researchers, historians, students and all kind of visitors.

The building’s brick and limestone design is envisioned by Robert A.M. Stern Architects and fit in perfectly with the American Georgian character of the wonderful SMU campus. Attested with LEED Platinum, the highest level in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system, the George W. Bush Presidential Center building uses on large scale local materials recycled ones (pecan paneling, millwork Texas Cordova Cream limestone) and features green and highly-reflective roofs, rooftop solar hot water panels, brises-soleils on the west and south façades, shaded balconies,etc. Freedom Hall, a 67-foot high tower stands out, being the signature architectural feature of the building.

Photo © BROOKS KRAFT / CORBIS FOR TIME

Photo © BROOKS KRAFT / CORBIS FOR TIME

This section with a unique 360-degree high-definition LED media wall brings plenty of natural daylight into the heart of the building and, at night, glows softly distinguishing the The Bush Center in SMU campus. It provides access to The Museum and Presidential Archives where visitors can explore the interactive museum galleries, sit in the recreated White House Oval Office, examine Bush’s baseball collection, enjoy the Texas Rose Garden, eat lunch in the restaurant or café, or shop in the Museum store. The Institute section of the building is “an exciting place, a results-oriented institute” as former president said, where all the programms undertaken here have the purpose to change the country and the world.

For that, it includes a 360-seat auditorium, seminar rooms, a fully-equipped broadcast and recording studio, reception rooms, as well as offices for staff. After visiting the Center, visitors can stroll through the scenic and sustainable landscape of the 15-acre park filled with native Blackland Prairie grasses and seasonal wildflowers, creation of Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates.

Photos © Peter Aaron

May 28, 2013