Interior Design, Design News and Architecture Trends

Blog

Creative Armchair Inspired by the Volcanic Eruption for Original Interiors

Looking for genuine pieces of furniture with intriguing yet highly original design? Today, Keren Shiker‘s armchair, Volcano, drew our attention thanks to its eye-catching form, unusual for such an item, and bright colors combination. The Volcano armchair was inspired by a mesmerizing and spectacular natural phenomenon, the volcanic eruption, its unconventional look mimicking the powerful features of a volcano when the hot eruptive lava is expelled from the volcanic fissure.

Soft sponge tubes in different colors “erupt” from a base built from a round wooden surface with holes, creating a unique and fresh sitting experience both in private or public spaces. The tubes are flexible enough to allow for various forms for sitting and lying according to your needs. You relax your body on this interesting armchair while watching your favorite TV show, reading a good book or on the contrary, you can nestle in it to have a great play time with the kids, to share the experience with your partner or hang out with other friends. Volcano appears to us functional and quite comfortable, and its creative design could be integrated in a variety of contemporary arrangements, creating a strong visual effect. It’s available in different colors and sizes.

Photos © Keren Shiker

April 18, 2013
Wall-Mounted Sinks for Small Bathrooms

Wall-mounted sinks are excellent design solutions for those of you who have small bathrooms, because they free up the floor area and make the space feel roomier, when undersink storage isn’t a necessity. Far from being a new interior design idea in terms of space saving, wall-mounted sinks are a very popular choice nowadays when designing a bathroom, especially if that space is at a premium. Besides the fact that they have more advantages for a small bathroom area than the pedestral sinks have, wall-hung sinks have also decorative qualities adding personality and originality to our relaxation space.

Photo © Ofer Wolberger

Forget the idea that a wall mount bathroom sink isn’t a quality design element that looks like a standard institutional sink, because things have changed a lot over time and they aren’t what they used to be. From vitreous china bathroom sinks, porcelain sinks, cultured marble ones to sinks made of cooper, corian or entirely from clear glass, nowadays there are hundred of fabulous designs that fit easily to any interior design style, helping you to create your dream bathroom.

What you really have to know is what you want to accomplish, make sure your walls are strong enough to fix it safe and and what your budget is, because they come in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colors, so probability of not finding what you want is very small indeed. Although pedestral sinks are sleek and beautiful, you’ll see that you’ll find wall-mounted ones as attractive as the others, but more practical when it comes to small powder rooms that should be considered great places for major design statements. Here we gathered some beautiful designs to inspire to your bathroom remodeling project. Have a look!

Photo © Zinc Interior Concepts

Photo © House of Locations

Photo © Vanillawood

Photo © Barry Halkin

April 17, 2013
Interior Design Trends That Keep Coming Back

Whilst some interior trends are fleeting fancies, there are others which never die, coming back into fashion on a regular basis. When decorating your home you should pick designs that stand the test of time, whilst still including elements of your own personality – but which trends could go the distance?

Embroidery and knitwear

It’s a shame we did not learn everything our grandmothers and mothers taught us; if we did, our homes would probably look a lot more cheerful right now. But, this can all be rectified as embroidery and knitting is a major trend for 2013. From colourful carpets with thousands of knots to various storage baskets and foot stall covers, handmade is back and is planning on being here for a while.

Photo © Laura Bielecki

Swinging 60s

The 60s have never really left us but instead lay quiet for a few years and then reintroduce themselves again. And as ever, the 60s style is back in fashion yet again.

Big bold colours and stripes are big in the interior design world right now. One of the simplest ways of achieving this effect is by employing stripes in an elegant manner. Carpets, wallpapers, upholstery, graphic art – each of these elements can wear the distinct feature of the 60s as long as they are defined by stripes.

Photo © Tracy Murdock Allied ASID

Animal prints

Nature always seems to pop back up in interior design trends. This is quite a nice trend that can be taken up in full force or used to create a more subtle decorative element in your home.

Animal print fabrics come back into fashion every few years and are big for 2013. But there is more to come with the printed fabrics this year. Animal shaped furniture or accessories are very popular and make a great conversation starter at any party!

Photo © Amoroso Design

Merging the outdoors and indoors

Finally, nothing screams classic style more than the concept of bringing the outdoors in. This has been a trend for as long as many of us seem to remember and the general idea is to harmonise your home so that outdoor and indoor areas become one. You don’t need to go overboard, but uninterrupted views of a beautiful garden afforded by patio doors and a few house plants or vases of flowers strategically placed can work wonders.

For more ideas on how to redesign your home and keep up to date with the interior trends, visit Betta Living to see how your home could benefit from a makeover.

April 17, 2013
All White Magnificent House on the Cliff in Calpe, Spain

Just as its name suggests, the “House on the cliff” is a stunning modern residence designed by Valencia-based architecture firm Fran Silvestre Architects on a steep terrain in the known area of Calpe, Alicante, Spain, a unique resort, a place for tourism and recreation worthy of visiting. Surrounded by a staggering landscape, a backdrop of rocky mountains and spectacular Mediterranean Sea views on the opposite, the house is a charming secluded place for its inhabitants: they can enjoy fresh air, take long walks, admire the sunset and the panoramic views, walking poles and disconnect from the busy city life.

Standing on the plot of 962,84 square metres, the “House on the cliff” was cleverly adapted to the uneven terrain, its white monolithic concrete structure respecting the natural contours of the site. To minimize adjustments to the topography, architects designed the living spaces of the house spreaded over four floors. An infinity pool and a leisure large terrace are on the lowest level, while the upper volume accommodates the generously-sized bedrooms, living room, dining room and the kitchen. An interesting architectural detail is a functional outdoor stair, which not only allows the lucky residents to change levels, but also gives them the possibility contemplating the outstanding scenery.

The interior of the residence is very much connected to the exterior through floor to ceiling windows that offer extensive forest views in the living and dining areas. The passageway leading to the main entrance is carved within a space between the home and cliff enabling the rocky landscape to double as a backdrop to the bathroom and kitchen. Minimalist neutral furnishings embellish the sleek, modern interior, making it comfortable and inviting, while the use of this color palette inspires tranquility and harmony. A perfect place for a holiday retreat too. What do you think?

Photos © Fran Silvestre Arquitectos; Diego Opazo

Project details:

Project name: House on the cliff
Location: Calpe. Alicante, Spain
Architects: Fran Silvestre Arquitectos
Project team: Fran Silvestre (principal in charge), María José Sáez (principal in charge), Maria Masià (collaborator architect), Adrián Mora (collaborator architect), Jordi Martínez (collaborator architect), José V. Miguel (collaborator architect)
Contractor: Construcciones Alabort
Site area: 962,84 m2
Built area: 242,00 m2
Cost (p.e.m.): 650.000 EUR

April 16, 2013
Peaceful Eco-Resort for Guests Visiting Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park, Portugal

Situated in the north of Portugal within 580 meters of altitude, at almost 1 hour away by car from the city of Porto, the Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park is a unique, secluded 4 star resort with more than 100 years old which attract tourists from all over the world thanks to its natural beauty and the power of the thermal water found there. Full of purity, the park is the perfect destination for those whoo enjoy nature and are looking for a relaxing environment that makes you forget about the stress of everyday life.

Besides its Thermal Spa which is a temple of health and wellness in the middle of the nature where you can benefit from their water with unique therapeutic properties, recognized for several decades by the most prestigious national and international scientific community, another attraction that will make your experience unforgettable is related to the seven small Eco-Houses, a new project completed in 2012 under the signature of architects Luís Rebelo de Andrade & Diogo Aguiar.

Nestled amongst the trees of the Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park and totally isolated from the city, the Eco-resort is designed to provide a heavenly experience of rest and harmony with the outside world for those who love experiment natural surroundings in their purest form, whilst maintaining comfort. With a capacity up to 6 people, each eco-house is extremely well designed in a modular prefabrication system but flexible enough to adapt to the specific places within the park, taking on nature in its foundations. Three modules (entrance/bathing – living – sleeping) are combined to create several various spaces unique and special in their design.

Their walls are built with grey slate tiles referring to the local construction traditions and balconies are surrounded with wooden slats, while the cabins with pitched roofs were raised up on stilts in order to have a minimal inpact on the ground. The use of the interior space is very well done, being very welcoming as well as modern. Divided into bedrooms, lounge, a very well equipped kitchen, bathroom , hall and deck, they are designed in detail to ensure the utmost comfort supplemented by surrounding scenery of absolute tranquility. They are small but highly functional, with an absolutely trendy décor that pays tribute to the minimalist style. Whether for a family stay or a business retreat, this eco-resort is certainly a great destination to enjoy your holiday. Have a look and if you have any thought regarding this project, please post them in the comment area below.

Photos © FG + SG

Project details:

Architects: Luís Rebelo de Andrade & Diogo Aguiar
Collaborators: Madalena Rebelo de Andrade, Raquel Jorge, João Jesus
Location: Parque de Pedras Salgadas, Bornes de Aguiar, Portugal
Client: Unicer, Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park
Construction: Modular System
Typology: seven dwellings for eco-resort
Area: 687,96 sqm
Completion: 2012

April 15, 2013
Dress Up Your Garden with Concrete Flowerpots by Julia Kononenko

Warm weather and the freshness and vibrancy of all kind of colorful flowers and leafy plants are evidence that the cold winter season is already a distant memory. Spring is in the air and it’s time to celebrate it by changing your patio or garden decor with new attractive flowerpots and planters. If you’re among those who appreciate originality and style, you are probably looking for plant containers that have an unconventional look or impress by some distinctive features.

Well, we find these appealing concrete flowerpots designed by Ukrainian industrial designer Julia Kononenko, that help you cultivate some personality indoors this spring. What makes them special and different from other standard pots is that they are covered with a special marble chips, which collects sunlight during the day and releases it at night, so they acts as a garden lamp as well. Their simple yet eye-catching concrete design will surely stand out and will create an image of sculptural composition at your landscape site.

Photos © Andrew Lyhushyn

April 14, 2013
The Ultimate Montreal Bar at W Montreal Hotel

Known for its innovative approach, sublime design and world-class professionals, the stylish luxury W Montreal Hotel is all you need for a perfect trip to Montreal. Located in the fashionable Citi Internacionale district adjacent to Old Montreal, the hotel offers accomodations, highly-personalized Away® Spa and exquisite modern Italian cuisine, infused with Asian and local “terroir” ingredients with Mediterranean flavors, while promises you to experience Montreal nightlife and entertainment like never before with its amazing bar concept -Wunderbar, envisioned by the creative minds of BPC.

Wunderbar is the centerpiece nightlife destination within the W Montreal Hotel that exudes the outdoors vibrancy whlist offering one-of-a-kind cocktail of local culture. Its dynamic design featuring sleek, contemporary décor, vivid colors and undulating forms is an abstract and modern interpretation of Montreal’s splendid natural surroundings and its four different seasons. The elegant multi-level lounge is a colorful space with plenty of soft sweeping light that creates an ultra-stylish environment, where guests could enjoy unique cocktails, video projections and inspiring Montreal music.

An enormous light fixture that flows over the space and down and a long wall of silver chain beads sets the mood for whatever tunes the DJ is spinning, transforming the space from a soothing monochromatic environment to a rainbow wonderland with a few quick settings. The sky of wavy illuminated ceiling animate the chic estalishment, ensuring a memorable experience for both hotel guests and international tastemakers. Take a look!

Photos © Stephane Groleau

April 14, 2013
Stay Connected with Your Friends and Family with The Good Night Lamp™

Turning on a lamp takes a whole new meaning with the Good Night Lamp™ envisioned by Alexandra Deschamps-Sonsino and her London-based team. Born out of the desire of staying connected with her family and friends who are spread around the world, to share a little bit of her daily routine with them, the Good Night Lamp™ is daring and attention-grabbing project that impress not only through the beautiful simplicity of the design, but also through the creative concept behind it.

Describing a family of connected lamps via Internet, the eye-catching, minimalist house-shaped lamps aims to bring people together wherever they are in the world, while offering a modern and awesome alternative to traditional table lamps we all know. How do they work? Well, it consists of an expandable set of WiFi-enabled lamps, a Big Lamp and Little Lamps that are paired with it, that allows you to communicate the act of coming back home to your loved ones. By pressing down on the Big Lamp’s chimney, the light turns on and off for one or more Little Lamps in the same time.

It’s a simple way to see whenever your daughter goes to sleep at night, to know when your partner leave work to start preparing the dinner or to let your business partners around the world know you’re ready for your conference’s call by turning on your Big Lamp. So, the Good Night Lamp™ acts as a reminder of the other’s presence, as a sort of personal signal or code between people -letting them stay connected like they do via social networks, but in a smaller way. Cool design project, what do you say?

Photos © Good Night Lamp

April 12, 2013