May 14th, 2012
I have been simply blown away by this gorgeous home design by AGI Architects. Located in Al-Nuzha, a suburb of Kuwait city, Kuwait this home is simply beautiful!
Described by the architects:
“The form of the residence is reminiscent of the movement patterns of a mop, from which flexible volumes are organized diagonally around a central axis. This axis twists upwards to generate spaces that are channeling the vision in different directions: the front side of the house, side gardens and angles of the back street.
The circulation surrounding the patio on the first floor contrives of a succession of living spaces, which not only communicate to one another, but also relate visually the interior of the patio to the exterior. The first floor overhangs to shade the rooms on the ground floor, and the patio is designed to define a break in between the volumes of the house, which subtly reveals a side garden.”
via Mop House by AGI Architects | HomeDSGN, a daily source for inspiration and fresh ideas on interior design and home decoration. via DwellingGawker
Tags: amazing architecture, architecture, stunning homes
Posted in Amazing Architecture, Design Inspiration, Wonderful Homes | No Comments »
May 7th, 2012
Perhaps it is something to do with living in England, but I always love seeing beautiful swimming pools/water features. However, for the most part, such features are quite separate from their attaching homes. In this case, however, it is almost as though the swimming pool is a part of the home and the results are undeniably stunning:
This union of ‘home and pool’ makes not only looks stunning but also adds a more social aspect to the pool area as those who do not wish to partake in the usual swimming pool horseplay can sit in (dry) comfort without being completely detached from the rest of the group. This undoubtedly lends a more homely feel to an already stunning pool area:
With any design of this nature it is vital that a degree of practicality is adhered to. In the case of a pool area being merged with the ‘home’ area it is vital that the home does not get soaked (especially in the case of an expensive sofa) and this area gives any guests ample opportunity and space to get dry before lazing on the owner’s sofa!
Credit: Freshome
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Tags: practicality within design, swimming pool and home merge
Posted in Amazing Architecture, That's Clever!, Wonderful Homes | No Comments »
April 30th, 2012
In recent weeks on this architecture blog I have alluded to the importance of the melding a home with its surroundings and this is another fine example. The architect, in this case, has dedicated a huge area to outside seating by creating a over-sized decking area (I really love the armless sofas – they are very unassuming and, colour-wise, they really compliment the decking). However, what really gives the area a great appeal is the use of lush long grass:
This is a fine example of the ‘less is more’ principle: you don’t always need a really cultivated garden to to bring out the best in a property – this ‘un-kept’ look really highlights the angular nature of the house and creates an enviable contrast. The below picture gives you a better idea of the quirky nature of the property:
This walkway leads to the Atlantic Ocean and it is apt that the greenery here is rugged to match the ruggedness of the sea. In stark contrast, to the North of the property lies the serene Mecox Bay and its serenity is matched cleverly by the garden to the north of the property which is far more cultivated than its southern counterpart:
This architect clearly understand the importance of variation within a large residence and has done an outstanding job of implementing such variation in a logical and coherent manner.
Credit: Freshome
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Tags: beach house, Variation. contrast
Posted in Amazing Architecture, Eco Friendly, Wonderful Homes | No Comments »
April 23rd, 2012
As we have seen from previous projects I love how effective white can be as a colour for the whole house. This house is sheer white perfection, the lines are clean, the design is well thought out and the finish is impeccable. Designed by Beel & Achtergael Architects the property is located just outside of Flanders in Belgium.
via Impeccable Modern Home Design: Villa VH en T in Belgium | Freshome.
Tags: amazing architecture, amazing home, architecture, awesome design, awesome home, beautiful design, Design Inspiration, innovative design, luxury, luxury design, luxury homes, modern home, new build home, white house, wonderful home
Posted in Amazing Architecture, Wonderful Homes | 1 Comment »
April 16th, 2012
Sometimes it takes me a while to find some inspirational architecture and sometimes I immediately find something stunning: today was an example of the latter! As you probably know I am drawn to rugged backdrops and, having taken a bus through the Arizona desert, this property in Arizona completely inspired me!
In order to merge the backdrop with the property the architect has brought some greenery onto the front porch. Looking at this picture you might feel that the property is a little on the small side but, as with everything in life, it is a matter of perspective!
This picture gives you a good example of how the architect had the desire to create a house that shuns symmetry and creates lots of ‘shelves and levels’. I particularly like how the porch almost feels like it is part of the interior due to clever design. It is also worth noting how important it is to have the correct plot of land with which to work and, judging from this view, it is clear that the owner got a pretty good deal!
Credit: Freshome
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Tags: desert living
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April 9th, 2012
I am always drawn to any design that incorporates a classic design and adds a modern twist. This Spanish home is absolutely stunning – the way in which the architect has invited the beautiful surroundings into the home is quite inspired. This is done through using the natural features of the stable:
The giant stable doors (that have been refinished quite expertly) allow one to not only to get fresh air and a gently breeze pumping through the property but also give one the opportunity to either eat a meal or lie in bed whilst having the sensation of being outside. In this way the architect has made the most of what are superb surroundings and has resisted the temptation of over complicating the design. A fine example of this can be seen with the water feature: an example of over design in this instance would have been to create a perfect grassed area around it but the architect/designer declined: why?
The answer is that, in order for a design like this to be truly successful it is necessary to merge the surroundings with the property. The surroundings are rugged and untamed in their beauty and so this theme must be continued within the confines of property itself:
Credit: Freshome
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Tags: converted stable, rural property
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April 4th, 2012
Last week we showed you an overview of a recently finished project in Putney, today we are going to show you even more detail on the gorgeous design for the living area!
One of my favourite elements in this area is the coffee table, it is bold, modern and chunky – it works perfectly to bring together the very traditional designs of the sofa and chairs and really help highlight the pops of colour. The window seating was actually one of the only pieces of the previous design that was kept and it works great with the new cushions and shutters. The drinks cabinet on the right is an absolute god-send in an area that is used for a lot of entertaining!
See how well the table off sets the pops of colours in the bespoke rug?!
The blue in the rug was picked to specially match these beautiful stools, it’s always so exciting to see a more modern take on a very traditional rug design and the bright blue, orange and yellow really make this rug a centre piece.
The base colour for the rug was also designed to work well with the high back chairs that are in a beautiful brushed cotton, these chairs also help to zone the room so that you can feel like you are completely secluded and not part of the kitchen area – something that is so important in an open plan space.
Even from this angle the living area is very separate from both the dining table and kitchen – it’s own little haven within this gorgeous large space.
What’s your favourite design element in this room?
Tags: Interior Design, interior design in putney, living space, luxury design, luxury homes, putney interior designer
Posted in Interior Design, Our Service, Wonderful Homes | 1 Comment »
April 2nd, 2012
I truly believe that you can’t lose when you install windows of this magnitude: instead of worrying about what wall-covering to put up you can have an ever changing view to stare at (save your funky wall-covering for another wall: you know how much we love them!). Safe to say that if you agree with me you have to admire this bit of architecture:
However, as nice as this picture is it could be (if one were in a splitting hairs mood) described as a very nice but slightly generic bit of architecture. However, the next picture really sells the property to me from architecture standpoint:
This post-modern Mediterranean design gives the property another feather in its cap and an unexpected dimension. For me this is what design is all about: merging styles that other people dare not: it is called innovation!
Credit: Freshome
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Tags: huge windows
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March 26th, 2012
When it comes to architecture I am a big fan of having various levels changes and a lack of symmetry; as a result this home really appeals to me!
I think it is fantastic how this home melds into its landscape: the wooden walkways certainly add to the idea of isolation and the multiple windows that the house boasts makes it look irresistibly alluring as one walks towards it. The pool is also a really nice touch as is the way that the top level hangs over it:
The above picture really illustrates just how natural the home feels: not only can you overlook greenery whilst in the pool but the wood chosen for the decking compliments the surroundings perfectly. An eye for detail also makes a home like this even that bit more special: the triangular window is a nice post-modern touch that confirms that this architect is able to break rules whilst creating a very special home.
Credit: Freshome
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Tags: coastal home, modern, Rural living
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March 19th, 2012
If you were walking in the Californian desert with your water bottle almost empty I have no doubt that this fantastic home would look like a mirage:
The desert is not for everyone but anyone who has seen one would struggle not to become bedazzled by its rugged beauty, enormity and unflinching power. Much like an ocean it has no conscience and he who tries to tame it will be struck down, yet he who successfully lives in conjunction with it may indeed find a very peaceful place. This architect has done a great job of, instead of creating a home that shelters one from the desert, creating a home that merges the dwelling with its surroundings. For example, notice how there is natural terrain between the living area and the pool:
Much of the emphasis with this design is placed upon embracing the great outdoors: sheltered external living space is a great feature of this home and a perfect place to admire the beauty of the desert and to feel true isolation.
Credit: Freshome
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Tags: amazing architecture, amazing homes, architecture, at one with nature, desert living
Posted in Amazing Architecture, Wonderful Homes | 1 Comment »
March 14th, 2012
We recently we’re given these inspiring images by a potential client who was looking for a modern Chinese design – we thought they were so gorgeous we had to share them with you!
I adore the use of textures in each of the photos and the mixture of contemporary pieces together with very traditional Chinese design. There is a wonderful serenity about each of the spaces, they seems to flow wonderfully from one element to the next – beautiful!
Tags: chinese design, chinese interior design, Interior Design, Modern Chinese Interior Design, modern design
Posted in Design Inspiration, Wonderful Homes | 1 Comment »
March 12th, 2012
What a clever bit of architecture this is! A very modern take on the North American porch: the way it is lit gives this porch the feeling of being another room within the house and, I’m sure, will host some excellent dinner parties!
The internal is spacious and makes the most of what is an incredible view . However, the fact that the view almost plays 2nd fiddle to this spectacular room really illustrates how well finished this room is. The architect and building team have really surpassed themselves in this case: I can’t get past the floor which is as stunning and as apt as any I can remember. I would love to get my hands on this space!
However, before we get too jealous there is a downside that I have thankfully found! The tiles in the 2nd en-suite are far too busy and clash, in my opinion, with the wood finishes. With a property as stunning as this one I believe that ‘less is more’ and in this case that would have been a useful rule to keep!
Credit: Freshome
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Tags: amazing architecture, architecture, bad tiles, contemporary architecture, flooring, luxury design, porch
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February 20th, 2012
In this day and age property in London is at a premium (and that is to completely understate the situation!). As a result it is rare to see a genuine double height ceiling that has not been converted into 2 floors. With that in mind feast your eyes on this monster of a London room:
Okay, so what is the biggest thing that can go wrong when you are dealing with a room of this size? Small pieces of furniture WILL get lost in the shuffle … the Designer of this room clearly recognized this and responded by inserting a coffee table the size of an ice-rink! This is necessary as without such huge pieces the room will feel cold and un-lived in. However, when using huge pieces of furniture you must ensure that they will fit into the building – a dining table that won’t fit into a home may not look quite so good in the garden …
I really like the way that the Designer has used a giant rug in order to section off a section of the room. The above picture illustrates this point perfectly: after dinner everyone can sit in the ‘living area’ (designated by the rug) and feel disconnected from the dining area even though they are technically in the same room. Finally, when you have a double height room make sure that the ceiling lights take advantage of it; in this case the pendants above the dining table maximize the natural beauty of the room. Overall, having a double height ceiling is such a privilege and, as long as you avoid some of the pitfalls, there is no excuse for the finished result not being stunning!
Credit: Freshome
Tags: architecture, double height ceilings, London homes
Posted in Amazing Architecture, Wonderful Homes | No Comments »
February 13th, 2012
There is something about new homes that get’s us all a little excited, don’t get me wrong we all love working on conversions and refurbishing gorgeous period homes and bringing them back to their former glory (with a little more heat insulation!). However, seeing gorgeous newly built homes like this one by Lebanese architects Karim and Rames Najjar of Najjar-Najjar Architects does get my heart pumping a little harder. Wow, I am really going crazy over architecture this fine Monday morning, and I haven’t even had caffeine!
There you go, now I think you understand why I am so amazingly perky this morning. I just love that pool, I think the external cladding is a beautiful but subtle texture that really works well with the extended cantilever roof structure (gorgeous!)
via: Lebanese Architects Najjar-Najjar Design A Residence In Austria | Architecture | Un Peu De كل شي.
Tags: architect, architects, architecture, austria, beautiful design, beautiful spaces, cantilever roof, cladding, deck, homes, modern, open plan, pool, white
Posted in Amazing Architecture, Wonderful Homes | No Comments »
January 9th, 2012
I am not the best of winter people, I am really a sun type of person however I think living in this piece of heaven I could be coerced to change my mind…
What Vogue has to say about it “The light-filled living room features a Jean-Michel Frank sofa, Hans Wegner hoop chairs, luxurious fur throws, and exhilarating views over Aspen Mountain.” Photographed by François Halard
“A George Nakashima table and oversize wooden bowls in the living room.”
“The master bedroom has a low oak bed with an Andreas Gursky photograph hanging above it.”
“The semi-covered deck, furnished with David Sutherland teak lounge chairs and coffee table with provisions for hot chocolate, overlooks Aspen Mountain.”
via [object HTMLImageElement].
Tags: luxury design, luxury homes, luxury interior design, winter living
Posted in Amazing Architecture, Wonderful Homes | No Comments »
December 20th, 2011
I look at this gorgeous setting for a home and for me it just screams ‘Christmas!’ I just love how warm and cozy it seems on the inside against the harsh weather on around it. Beautiful
We are really on the count down now – what do you have planned for this Christmas season?
via Sophisticated Residence in Washington State, Perfect for a Holiday Retreat | Freshome.
Tags: architecture, Christmas, homes, luxury, luxury homes, winter homes
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December 13th, 2011
This stunning home in North Carolina works for a number of reasons: obviously it is initially aided by its incredible surroundings but, even given this, the design team have done a great job of creating an beautiful living space. The use of glass in this project is not surprising given the view but I really like how the designers have employed quite a classic design within a modern space. The sectioning off of the dining area from the living area is facilitated by a large sideboard which acts almost as a wall. It is also interesting to note how the lack of colour in the room almost goes unnoticed due to the spectacular view …
Credit: Freshome
Tags: luxury, luxury home interior design, luxury homes, luxury house interior design
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December 6th, 2011
Yes winter is upon us… at this time of year I am usually dying for some sunshine and green things to start reappearing (it usually means I am going to be booking a holiday quite soon too!)
So I thought I would get in the mood with this gorgeous property in Singapore. Designed by Guz Architects I absolutely love the amount of greenery used – it really makes the house feel like an extension of the garden!
Don’t you wish you were somewhere sunny at the moment? or are you just loving winter (I have to admit I love mince pies and mulled wine so it’s not all bad!
via Freshome: Inspiring Home with One Garden per Level in Singapore | Freshome.
Tags: green roofs, outdoor space
Posted in Wonderful Homes | 2 Comments »
December 5th, 2011
I love working with architects, I love being able to bounce our ideas of another person and bring a project to life however for me architects, for the most part anyway, are not very good at turning their baby (the design of the house) in to a home. So although all the basics are there the feeling of a usable space just isn’t there – for me this is one of those projects that could definitely do with a luxury interior design to bring the amazing wow design of the exterior in to all the finishing touches of the interior.
What do you think? What do you think could turn this beautiful, potential filled house in to a home?
via Freshome: Ultra-Contemporary Home Overlooking the City of Linz.
Tags: luxury, luxury designer, luxury homes, luxury interior designs
Posted in Wonderful Homes | No Comments »
December 1st, 2011
You may remember this Cement Factory Conversion from our Halloween post – however today I would like to bring you some of my favourite images from inside this glorious building. I absolutely love when work building such as these are re-purposed for residential use – they have such a rich history that instantly adds character to an interior design.
Which is your favourite image? Could you see yourself living here? There are (of course!) quite a few things I would do if I were to re-design the interiors however I think the space is just beautiful as it is in these images – I am sure they perfectly suit the clients it was designed for.
via Freshome: Cement Factory Conversion into Residential and Exhibition Spaces by Ricardo Bofill.
Tags: cement factory, luxury, property conversions
Posted in Interior Design, Wonderful Homes | No Comments »
