Partitions

October 24, 2014, 9:10 am

≫ Next: Celebrity Bathrooms

$

0

0

Design: Takaaki Kawabata and Christina Kawabata; Image: Mikiko Kikuyama for Remodelista I have a new obsession, which means you get to learn all about it. Lucky you. No, really—I mean, lucky both of us actually. I get to learn about stuff and then write about it so you can decide if it’s of use to you. I’m sure this will be interesting and useful because who doesn’t need to partition off a space from time to time? And who couldn’t use a few new ideas about attractive ways to do that? String Section It’s this image above that got me started on my quest. This large, open plain space was renovated on a tight budget – I can relate – and the designer owners decided to use partitions to create multi-use rooms. These simple steel frames have been strung with white nylon; a smart solution that allows an area to be used as a playroom during the day and as a bedroom at night. Light It Up  Design & Image: Areti  Looking for a more glamorous partition idea? How about this screen using simple globe lights—it would make a great divider between dining and living spaces in a big open room, creating more intimacy for a special occasion. Mid-Century Marvel Design: Eugenio Escudero; Image: 1stdibs  If you’re still decorating your place to look like Don and Megan’s from “Mad Men” – or even similar Mike and Carol’s from “The Brady Bunch,” then take a look at this mid-century marvel. Groovy shapes in overlapping wooden screens are where it’s at. Spin A Web Design: Matteograssi; Image: Archiproducts  And this divider made of leather webbing would be at home in both a contemporary space and a sports bar. Maybe in the man cave in your own home to discreetly and stylishly partition off the laundry room from the rest of your special space. How do you partition your space?

The post Partitions appeared first on The Interior Collective.

---

Celebrity Bathrooms

October 29, 2014, 9:28 am

≫ Next: The Sky’s the Limit

≪ Previous: Partitions

$

0

0

Design: Made LLC; Image: Elle  Now and then, when I’m daydreaming about having a very (VERY) large budget for a new home, I turn to the unreal-to-me lives of celebrities and their abodes for inspiration. There are plenty that I wouldn’t touch with a proverbial 10-foot pole (money does not equal taste, in case you haven’t heard), but then there are those that are very appealing. Here are a few that I particularly like: Julianne Moore There’s so much about this first celebrity bathroom that I would emulate in my own. Specifically, the mid-century modern feel of the double sink vanity. It seems like a piece of furniture—the way it’s set on legs and the design of the cabinetry both help with that. I also really like the marble-surrounded tub sitting in the middle of the room on top of the old wood flooring. Michael Bay Design: Lynda Murray; Image: Roger Davies for Elle Decor  First of all, if you were to argue that film producer/director Michael Bay doesn’t really qualify as a celebrity, I wouldn’t fight back. But I would argue that his gigantic and luxurious bathroom, shown above, is worthy of the same kind of envy as any others I’m including here. That shower is really terrific. Sarah Jessica Parker Image: AOL  It’s not a celebrity interiors post without mentioning SJP (and, of course, husband Matthew Broderick), and the bathroom this New York townhouse shows off why. The separate double vanities with a lot of industrial chic appeal, plus their floating mirrors positioned in front of windows are the features I’d like to steal. Will Ferrell Design: Shawn Henderson Interior Design; Image: Architectural Digest  Who knew that funny man Will Ferrell was one who would go for such a sophisticated look? All that marble, the sleek contemporary vanity, and the double shower are design elements that show quite a refined side. Do you have a favorite celebrity bathroom?

The post Celebrity Bathrooms appeared first on The Interior Collective.

The Sky’s the Limit

October 31, 2014, 11:10 am

≫ Next: Unusual Bathroom Mirrors

≪ Previous: Celebrity Bathrooms

$

0

0

Design: Takaaki Kawabata and Christina Kawabata; Image: Mikiko Kikuyama for Remodelista  You know how sometimes you’ll be looking at interior design images online and something in one of those images will just reach out and grab you, make you amazed, and leave you star struck? That happened to me just the other day when I suddenly became aware I was seeing all sorts of terrific images of rooms with skylights. And these weren’t just any old skylights; these were something very special. So, of course, I thought I’d share them with you. Opened Up It was this first image that started it all for me. There I was, minding my own business and taking a look at this very interesting home renovated by an architect and his wife from a run-down cabin, when I saw the amazing use of exposed beams and then noticed the skylight behind all those beams. It’s four feet wide and runs 18 feet along the peak of the roofline of the house. Can you imagine the flood of light that it allows in? Fantastic. Part of the Plan Design: OOPEAA; Image: Jussi Tiainen When you’re designing a contemporary take on the traditional Finnish farmhouse, you want to bring in as much light as possible—and then maximize what comes in by having all your interior space be white. This simple—but so satisfying—structure incorporates skylights as part of the plan for allowing a tremendous amount of light into the space. Minimalist Bliss Design & Image: Kolman Boye Architects  What if your minimalist design plan doesn’t allow for many windows but you still want to emphasize natural light? Well, one gigantic skylight—placed over the kitchen sink, which is a nice touch—might be just the thing. That really does make an impact, doesn’t it? Take Me Higher Design: Stewart Reniers Design & Knickerbocker Group; Image: Trent Bell Finally, what’s better than windows that stretch to the top of the wall? Why, skylights that open the ceiling above those windows of course! This is just the kind of sun-drenched kitchen I’d love to have coffee in each morning. Are you a fan of skylights?

The post The Sky’s the Limit appeared first on The Interior Collective.

Unusual Bathroom Mirrors

December 5, 2014, 8:32 am

≫ Next: Black Beach Houses

≪ Previous: The Sky’s the Limit

$

0

0

Design: John Pawson; Image: Åke E:son Lindman When it comes to finding ways to improve our homes or make the interior design of a space feel like it’s unique to you, most of us tend to think of the same kinds of changes or improvements. Things like a new coat of paint or a kitchen remodel always seem to be at the top of the list, but sometimes it’s the little details that we often take for granted that, when changed, make the biggest difference. Rethinking your bathroom mirror, for example, can have a major impact without a ton of effort. Back-Light As the first image demonstrates, there’s plenty of wow from using a simple mirror in an unusual way. This designer places three tall, plain mirrors into a shallow inset and adds tube lighting on either side of each one. Don’t worry if you don’t have an inset or room for three mirrors—one backlit mirror can add a lot of interest in your space. Mix it Up Image: Danielle de Lange Try playing with scale to give new life to your bathroom space. Yes, that’s a very small mirror above the sink—too small for most of us—but it’s got great visual appeal and makes you think twice. Luckily, this designer thought to put a much larger mirror over the tub, which is both practical and creative. Float Your Boat Design: Vanessa Alexander; Image: Lisa Romerein  In this bathroom, having mirrors above the sinks when the wall is essentially one big window forced some creative thinking that led to two mirrors suspended on poles. But there’s no reason you couldn’t do this in a bathroom that has standard solid walls as well and provide some wow factor this way. Face It Design: William Tozer; Image: Matthew Williams on Dwell  Solving storage issues in the bathroom while also creating a full wall of mirrors is such a good idea that I wish it would become the new standard. This designer filled the entire wall with shallow cabinets all faced with mirrors. Unusual and eye-catching all at once; that’s my kind of smart design! Do you have an unusual bathroom mirror?  

The post Unusual Bathroom Mirrors appeared first on The Interior Collective.

Black Beach Houses

December 10, 2014, 8:44 am

≫ Next: Only In Miami: Tommy Hilfiger’s Vibrant Beach Home

≪ Previous: Unusual Bathroom Mirrors

$

0

0

Design & Image: Lukas Machnik I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again (and I’m sure this won’t be the last time): when it comes to designing and decorating your home, my philosophy is “if you like it, then why not do it?” Sure, some folks talk about—and, for reasons that I’m sure are quite justified, worry about—resale value, but there’s very little someone can do to permanently reduce the value of a home; most things can be remodeled, or simply repainted. So, if you want your beach house to have a black exterior—then I say do it! Here are a handful of examples of others who’ve taken the step. The go-to exterior cladding for beach and water front homes seems to be wood; this first example shows an LA-area beach house with dark stained wood that really gives it a contemporary feel. The previous neutral stain that this house wore really dated it to several decades ago—and not in a good way. You’ll recognize this house if you watched last summer’s “American Dream Builders” television show; it is the final project that won the show. General online opinion of the designer’s choices is mixed—and quite heated; a lot of people don’t like his decision to go dark on the exterior, but I think it makes a world of difference. Design: Fearon Hay Architects; Image: Patrick Reynolds On the other side of the world, this black beach house (trust me, the house faces the water) in New Zealand is firmly set in our present time period with its minimalist feel and large expanse of windows. Design & Image: Hyde + Hyde Architects  Another glimpse of a black beach house—note the easily seen wood grain—this time in Great Britain. Design & Image: Muskoka Living This lake house—it’s at least partially built right on the lake; there’s a drive-in boat dock that’s part of the living space—uses black shingle siding. A very classy and traditional style given the contemporary treatment by using black on the exterior. Would you want a black beach house?

The post Black Beach Houses appeared first on The Interior Collective.

Only In Miami: Tommy Hilfiger’s Vibrant Beach Home

December 12, 2014, 2:09 pm

≫ Next: Urban Holiday

≪ Previous: Black Beach Houses

$

0

0

Design: Martyn Lawrence Bullard; Image: Douglas Friedman for Architectural Digest The story goes like this: fashion magnate Tommy Hilfiger and his wife Dee decided to buy a place near Tommy’s latest project: refurbishing the Raleigh Hotel in Miami Beach. So, naturally, they found a 14,000 square foot place on the beach and decided to bring in “million dollar designer” Martyn Lawrence Bullard to oversee design, then told Bullard “if it’s not shagadelic or groovy, it’s not coming into the house.” Add the couple’s tremendous collection of Pop and post-Pop art masterpieces, a love for all things ‘60s and ‘70s inspired, and a Hilfiger sized budget, and the result is the kind of place that has a Scarface meets Studio 54 vibe—in a good way. The design brief kicks into high gear right off the bat in the red, white and purple living room. The wave-like design of the carpet, coupled with white upholstery and chrome accents, not only establishes that we’re in the ultimate #TBT of a home, but also provides a palette that ties in nicely with the large Andy Warhol/Jean-Michel Basquiat art piece that dominates the space. Design: Martyn Lawrence Bullard; Image: Douglas Friedman for Architectural Digest Can’t you see Michelle Pfeiffer’s Elvira Hancock making coffee—or cocktails—in this graphic black and white kitchen? Bullard has pulled together just the right amount of just the right elements here, including Caesarstone in both black and white for the counter tops and kitchen island. Design: Martyn Lawrence Bullard; Image: Douglas Friedman for Architectural Digest There’s more of the 1970s disco era feeling in the master bedroom. White shag rugs and an abundance of chrome tell the story, but somehow Bullard pulls it off and makes it luxurious instead of laughable. Design: Martyn Lawrence Bullard; Image: Douglas Friedman for Architectural Digest Off the master bedroom you’ll find his and hers bathrooms. Tommy’s gives us more of the black and white graphic treatment we first saw in the kitchen… Design: Martyn Lawrence Bullard; Image: Douglas Friedman for Architectural Digest While Dee’s bathroom softens the palette to olive and ivory, both bathrooms feature Caesarstone counters. Dee’s tub is also surrounded by Caesarstone. What do you think? Are you ready to embrace shagadelic and groovy in your home?  

The post Only In Miami: Tommy Hilfiger’s Vibrant Beach Home appeared first on The Interior Collective.

Urban Holiday

December 19, 2014, 8:48 am

≫ Next: Chalet Time

≪ Previous: Only In Miami: Tommy Hilfiger’s Vibrant Beach Home

$

0

0

Image: Beth Evans on House to Home Hanukkah is here and Christmas is just around the corner. No matter how you celebrate the season—and even if you don’t celebrate a specific tradition—holiday decorating can sometimes be the last thing on your mind this time of year. For me, I’m the son who still helps his mom with her holiday decorating and some years the effort that takes makes me decide to skip my own holiday décor. Plus, sometimes being in an urban environment during the holidays takes its toll on a person’s energy level. Whatever the reason, there are years when I don’t feel much like decorating for the season. But when it’s one of those times and I’m not going to put in the time on my own décor at home for the holidays, there’s still a simple and elegant way to bring in some spirit—in a completely urban holiday way: hanging a strand or two of lights. The hallway above shows a variety of lights brought together in what seems like a haphazard way, but when you add it all up, it’s actually pretty joyful. Holiday Spirits Design & Image: Urban Outfitters See how a simple strand of lights added to your existing décor can help bring in some sense of festivity? It doesn’t take much to get into the spirit. Magic Mantle Design & Image: Urban Outfitters A strand of colored globe lights, a few evergreen sprigs, and a variety of candles is all it takes to turn your mantle into a holiday focal point. Down-Home Holiday Design & Image: Urban Outfitters  These white globe lights strung overhead are the kind of décor you could leave up year round. Trimmed Tree Design & Image: Urban Outfitters And if you’re especially handy, you can also make yourself a yarn-wrapped tree to decorate with these jewel-like lights. Who wouldn’t get in the holiday spirit with this simple urban holiday décor?  

The post Urban Holiday appeared first on The Interior Collective.

Chalet Time

December 26, 2014, 10:00 am

≫ Next: Shimmering Interiors

≪ Previous: Urban Holiday

$

0

0

Design: Bénédicte Ferrari; Image: Patrice Binet for Elle Maison Winter has its pros and cons, don’t you agree? The weather is sometimes awful, the holiday season can be stressful, and then there’s all that food and the extra pounds it brings. On the other hand, it’s the time of year we get to reflect on the previous year and resolve to be or do or have something different in the New Year, the holiday season can be joyful, and then there’s the family chalet to escape to where you can ski off all those extra pounds. Wait a minute. You mean you don’t have a family chalet to escape to? There’s not a snow-covered mountain cottage where you can enjoy a hot toddy by the fire after a day of skiing and perhaps escaping from other international spies… oh, sorry, I got my interior décor blogging mixed up with my action novel manuscript for a moment there. Well it should come as no surprise that I don’t have a chalet either, but that won’t stop me from stealing great design ideas from this one I found in the French Alps. Design: Bénédicte Ferrari; Image: Patrice Binet for Elle Maison Don’t let the traditional exterior of this place fool you; the inside mixes the warmth of wood with cool contemporary design and mid century pieces. This living space is clad in wood, but balanced by large windows and a focal point fireplace. Design: Bénédicte Ferrari; Image: Patrice Binet for Elle Maison The use of wood continues throughout the house, but never feels rustic or antiquated. The contemporary kitchen appliances and use of stainless steel counters help bring a feeling of today to this space. As does the chandelier fashioned from multiple clear glass globes. Design: Bénédicte Ferrari; Image: Patrice Binet for Elle Maison A bedroom, which again is wrapped in wood. Beams and built-ins help keep the space from feeling to closed in, while a mixture of antique furniture, art, and modern lamps help to bring interest to the room. Design: Bénédicte Ferrari; Image: Patrice Binet for Elle Maison When you’re creating the chalet feeling at home, remember to include your outdoor space. Weather-resistant teak pieces are always a good choice, and a blanket or two (plus that hot toddy I mentioned earlier) will help to keep you warm. Are you ready for chalet time at your home?

The post Chalet Time appeared first on The Interior Collective.

---

Shimmering Interiors

December 31, 2014, 10:00 am

≫ Next: Bathroom Fireplaces

≪ Previous: Chalet Time

$

0

0

Image: Roxanne Stellmacher There’s so much to consider when thinking about interior design and décor; from color and texture to scale and functionality, the ways to combine design elements are practically infinite. And that’s one of the things that’s so much fun about interior design and about observing and writing about interior design, seeing how different people use the variety of tools available. One of those interior design elements is light. Most of us tend to think of light in the most literal of ways: illumination provided by electric fixtures or natural light through windows and other openings. But there’s also the factor of reflected light; one of the things I always look for in a balanced and pleasing interior is reflection. And today I’m going to show you some examples of reflection in these shimmering interiors, starting with the bathroom seen at the top of this post. Bathrooms are one of the spaces that are typically full of reflection – mirrors, porcelain, tile work, fixtures – all of these typically include reflective qualities. What I particularly like about the black bathroom photo above is the variety in the amount of reflection that each of the shimmering pieces brings to the space; it’s not overwhelming and it makes for a ton of interest. Image: Heath Ceramics Sometimes a shimmering surface is better off being a bit more subtle, like in this kitchen with all of its natural finishes and tones. The glazed tile covering the wall provides just the right amount of reflection for this style of décor. Image: Luis Ridao On the other end of the spectrum, we have this dining room lined in walls covered with brass. That choice of material really amps up the level of sophistication, and is a terrific idea for this space. Design & Image: Mimar Interiors This wall clad, partially in a high-gloss enamel finish and partially with rich warm wood, is a great example of modulating the amount of reflection by using different levels of shimmer on the same surface. How are you including reflection within your home?  

The post Shimmering Interiors appeared first on The Interior Collective.

Bathroom Fireplaces

January 2, 2015, 10:00 am

≪ Previous: Shimmering Interiors

$

0

0

Image: Better Homes and Gardens I used to dismiss things like having a fireplace in the bathroom as needless and frivolous—and then I lived for a year in a 100-year-old house with no central heating. Even here in the south, that was a tough winter. In addition, the only bathroom in the house had only a wonderful old cast iron footed tub—no shower—and on those cold mornings it was not fun bathing. I could have really used a fireplace in that bathroom. Ever since then, I’ve enjoyed seeing how people incorporate fireplaces into bathrooms. One of the most prevalent instances of bathroom fireplaces in contemporary homes is when they are used in walls shared with bedrooms, like you see above. It’s a very appealing look, and one I think makes a lot of practical sense, as well. My only thought: be sure you have a WC in that bathroom! Image & Design: Jonathan King This renovated Victorian already had a fireplace in the bathroom, and what the owner did with it is terrific. There’s a gorgeous marriage of traditional and contemporary in this space. Image: Jebiga If minimalism is your style, take a look at this bathroom fireplace option. It’s a simple square partnered with a floor to ceiling log stack. This is just the right look for this space. Image: Laure Joliet for Remodelista; Design: Leigh Herzig And here’s another pass-through fireplace, but this one is placed to allow for more privacy on the bathroom side of the fireplace. I heartily approve. What do you think about bathroom fireplaces?  

The post Bathroom Fireplaces appeared first on The Interior Collective.