Thursday, July 30, 2009

Half Dose #65: Villa in Pedralbes

Just came across this wackiness by Foreign Office Architects, their Villa in Pedralbes, Barcelona, Spain, completed last year. The architects describe the house as a response to the steeply sloping site, its three floors merging with the landscape at each level.

FOAvilla1.jpg
[Villa in Pedralbes, Barcelona, Spain by Foreign Office Architects | image source]

Basically the house opens itself at the front and the back of the house, allowing for cross-ventilation, light and views in those two directions. The house closes itself off to its neighbors on either side.

FOAvilla2.jpg
[Villa in Pedralbes, Barcelona, Spain by Foreign Office Architects | image source]

Of course, addressing the topography, light and vent, views, and the neighboring buildings could have occurred in many different ways. The architects went with what they're known for: continuous surfaces that warp, wrap and blend with their surroundings. The influence of the Yokohama Ferry Terminal is evident, especially in the shape of the glazed openings and the handrails, a necessary feature that nevertheless appears to be an afterthought.

FOAvilla3.jpg
[Villa in Pedralbes, Barcelona, Spain by Foreign Office Architects | image source]

Like other FOA designs, this one is striking, but it reminds me of what I don't like about their designs, namely a certain clumsiness in the forms, a lack of elegance when they venture into topographical designs. Projects like the Spanish Pavilion at Expo 2005 or the folding facades of Carabanchel Housing, which exploit the potential of the orthogonal, are better results than this house or even parts of the Ferry Terminal. Maybe FOA thrives on restrictions, so when they're given free reign their designs scream for somebody or something to keep them in line.

Some Things I Saw At The DCOTA Market / July & August 2009

I wanted to get your feelings on a few things I saw.
I think the skirts on these pieces feels fresh as a slipcover. I think it is a step above ordinary outdoor cushions. Imagine how much you could do with fabrics and this style of cushion.

This is Italian, made of Venetian Crystal/Glass. (17" x 41"H) The frame is made by hand of iron, and then is antiqued gilded.
This chandelier is part of the 2009 Summer Lighting Collection and should be available now. Decorative Crafts is located in Dania Beach Florida (to the trade).
I personally love this style. I don't know...it is simple and elegant. What is better than that?

Magni – Colette

The "Colette" table, is a limited edition series of (50) and signed by James Magni. Each table is hand-crafted in Southern California, is made of solid hand-cast bronze with a natural finish.

The table is petite. The glass top is 12", so you get the idea. And the price is less than small...I promise you.
This table would be FABOO between 2 chairs in an sophisticated /eclectic setting. To me, this tiny table is art.
I was drawn to the piece because if you glance at it quickly....it has an Art Nouveau-ish feel.
I think this table could be an incredible finishing touch to a room. It is art, and you use it.
It Functions.
(BTW - That's why I love watches...they are jewelry, yet you use them, they have a function)

Canasta by Patricia Urquiola

The (my) jury is out on this collection. I love the 'caning' effect, but it is just soooo big.
One thing I have learned is this; I may not love a certain piece, but you can never judge 'a chair' or 'a table,' or anything by itself. The room must be complete and tweaked. That means with the area rugs , art, window treatments, lighting, the paint, and all other accessories.
I mean these lounges are wild. Aren't they? In the right setting....they could be just perfect.
I have seen many products from this company. They really look like glass. Or shall I say 'lead crystal.' The pedestals are really, really beautiful. And if you are trying to achieve 'The Hollywood Regency Glamour' look. This is a winner!

La Fete Commode (www.pierredeux.com) A Louis XV-style two-drawer chest covered in our iconic La Fete Taupe/Noir toile. Constructed from solid mahogany with a hand-rubbed, antiqued finish. The fabric is polyurethane-coated for lasting beauty. Undulating carved apron and graceful cabriole legs.

41''W x 191/4''D x 35''H

I know all my traditional bloggy pals will like this. It was the color that grabbed me.
I have started my new job, and all seems to be going smoothly. Just have patience with me while I find my way with my schedule and getting my post up.
I adore all my bloggy friends. And here is something that will blow your mind...I can not access any blogs from work. They have some crazy filter on the internet. Aparently they had a disaster with a bug that shut the company down for 7 days.
Needless to say, I am 'jonesing' to comment and visit with my favorite Design Blogs.

jonesing (definition) the act of needing something badly.and associated with an addiction or craving. Not affiliated with 'keeping up with the jones'.

Renee Finberg 'TELLS ALL' in her BLOG.....
Interior Design, Palm Beach, Boca Raton,Design Sources, Window Treatments, Custom Design, Paint, Color Coordination, Online Interior Design, Floor Plans, All Custom, DCOTA Market/July & August

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Just Listed - St. Ives Country Club

Tina Fountain Realtors recently listed a home located in the St. Ives Country Club community. 1058 Wild Dunes Way features 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and upgraded architecture which can be seen in every room of the floor plan. St. Ives Country Club is a renowned gated community with a variety of recreation areas. The full terrace level has been finished off complete with a Sony High Definition home theater. The screened in veranda overlooks the private, level backyard. The chef style kitchen includes upgraded chef style appliances, granite counter tops, custom cabinetry, and Palladian windows throughout.


If you would like more information on this home or any other Atlanta real estate, please visit our website at www.tinafountain.com/

Today's archidose #338

Here are some photos of Capella Singapore in Singapore, Singapore (2003-2009) by Foster + Partners, photographed by parameters75.

Capella-1

Capella-2

Capella-5

Capella-6

Capella-7

Capella-8

To contribute your Flickr images for consideration, just:

:: Join and add photos to the archidose pool, and/or
:: Tag your photos archidose

Kids Bedroom Furniture

Kids Bedroom Furniture

Kids Bedroom Furniture

Kids Bedroom Furniture

Kids Bedroom Furniture

Kids Bedroom Furniture

Kids Bedroom Furniture

Kids Bedroom Furniture

Kids Bedroom Furniture

Kids Bedroom Furniture

Kids Bedroom Furniture

Kids Bedroom Furniture

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Remix It for Girl's Bedroom


You may remember this post regarding a new remix it online project I received for a 9 year old girl's bedroom. Even though mom initially submitted this as a remix it online, it has turned out that I am doing some in-home consulting on this project. They live in the Minneapolis area and it has been a fun project to help them with so far. The project involves at least one DIY project for them, so it will be finished as they have the time to get it done, but hopefully I'll be able to post some photos of the completed room.

The partial design board above shows a mini-peek of some of the things we'll be using in the room.
  1. The walls will be painted Sherwin Williams 6710 Melange Green. Sherwin Williams 6766 Mariner will be used as an accent.
  2. Pendant light from IKEA.
  3. Window treatments from Walmart.
  4. Bedding from Bed Bath and Beyond.
  5. Desk from IKEA.

Have a great day!

New modern minimalist residence with beautiful landscape

New modern minimalist residence with beautiful landscape

New modern minimalist residence with beautiful landscape

Collections of bedroom furniture minimalist interior design

This collection reflects the latest trends in contemporary bedroom design and looks even minimalist. Besides it is interesting because of original futuristic bed. It seems that this bed is suspended and hasn’t support except headboard, but in the reality this surprising effect is achieved by unusual shape of the platform. Minimalism is a trend in design where a substance is reduced to only the necessary elements. The minimalist furniture design has been highly influenced by the traditional design. Locally available materials are used and organized in certain way to make quality substances.

Collections of bedroom furniture minimalist interior design

This collection reflects the latest trends in contemporary bedroom design and looks even minimalist. Besides it is interesting because of original futuristic bed. It seems that this bed is suspended and hasn’t support except headboard, but in the reality this surprising effect is achieved by unusual shape of the platform. Minimalism is a trend in design where a substance is reduced to only the necessary elements. The minimalist furniture design has been highly influenced by the traditional design. Locally available materials are used and organized in certain way to make quality substances.

Collections of bedroom furniture minimalist interior design

This collection reflects the latest trends in contemporary bedroom design and looks even minimalist. Besides it is interesting because of original futuristic bed. It seems that this bed is suspended and hasn’t support except headboard, but in the reality this surprising effect is achieved by unusual shape of the platform. Minimalism is a trend in design where a substance is reduced to only the necessary elements. The minimalist furniture design has been highly influenced by the traditional design. Locally available materials are used and organized in certain way to make quality substances.