Category: Living

6 Essential Tips to Make a Small, Dark Space Appear Larger

Not everyone has the luxury of living in an open space that welcomes plenty of natural light. A drab, dull appearance can also affect your mood within the home, as it may feel impossible to transform a small, dark room into a spacious, light and functional area. For this reason, we’re offering 6 essential tips to make a small, dark space appear much larger.

Paint the Floor White

One handy trick to elongate a space is by painting a floor white, which will make a room feel much bigger. The bright flooring will make a room feel lighter, brighter and airy, so your guests will focus more on the interior design over its limited size.

Avoid Stuffing a Room with Furniture

Don’t try to cram too much furniture into a small room or it may appear cramped and untidy. Maximize your space by picking a few functional and fashionable furniture pieces, which should be lightweight and minimalistic. For instance, a low-profile furniture with legs will showcase the space underneath, and so it will create a much bigger space for you and your guests to enjoy.

Reflect Light with the Right Accessories

Decorative accessories can either amplify your space or detract from your room’s size. Aim to incorporate accessories that both emit and reflect light. For instance, if you are limited on space for a table or floor lamp, opt for wall-mounted sconces, which you should place in areas that don’t receive much light. From metallic accessories to hanging a mirror opposite the window wall, there are many ways you can create the illusion of space to present a beautiful interior design that will be memorable for all the right reasons.

Flush Mount Lighting

Do you have a small room with a low ceiling? Flush mount lighting could be the answer you’ve been searching for. The stylish fixtures not only complement a range of interior designs, but allow ambient light to flow throughout a small space. Buy flush mount lighting to transform the look and style of a small, dark bedroom.

Brighten Up Your Walls

Add a little color to a small, dark room by brightening up the walls with a light or neutral color. While dark colors can add both scale and definition to a room, light colors can add air and openness to a tiny space. Unless you are a lover of the cozy look, use white or bright colors by using acrylic sheets to maximize your room’s size.

Floor Length Drapes

Floor-length drapes might be all you need to make a window appear larger, as they can help to extend a wall visually. Beautiful floor-length drapes will highlight a small window, so your eyes will be drawn to its size and view, which will add much-needed light into a room. However, avoid anything shorter than floor length, or you could risk cluttering a space. If in doubt, remove the drapes altogether and restore your privacy with blinds.

July 13, 2017
The Graceful Moving Veil of Bund Finance Center, Shanghai
Waterfront of Shanghai’s old town is attracting many tourists as it revives the cultural history of Chinese people, covered with curtains. In this case, the facade of Graceful Bund Finance Center is covered with a series of movable bronze tubes, carved to look like bamboo. 96,000 square meters of total area is variety of attractions including dining, cinema, children’s recreation center, fitness club, brand concept stores etc. The Bund Shopping Center is a perfect blend of modern technology with the Chinese art and cultural dramatic design.
June 21, 2017
Moormann’s Kammerspiel – The Space-Saving Living Cube
Moormann’s Kammerspiel is a unique concept displaying micro apartment and its significance in futuristic living solutions. It doesn’t only allow storage options for three drink crates, 25 wine bottles, a vacuum cleaner, your clothes but also promotes mobility. The living cube has a bed that’s 140 x 220 cm wide, connection points for electrical devices, walk-in closet, 3 compartments for cleaning utensils.
April 8, 2017
Boutique Luxury Hotel Essque Zalu Zanzibar

Tanzania might not be new to you if were discovering travel destinations around the world. As it has an awesome luxury hotel right beside Nungwi Beach, Essque Zalu Zanzibar, it’s purely a perfect spot to spend your travel vacations this year. The Boutique Hote Essque Zalu Zanzibar is 5 star hotel that accommodates 40 suites, 8 three and four-bedroom villas and offers an exquisite view of turquoise colored Indian Ocean on the front. The real essence of Hotel Essque Zalu Zanzibar doesn’t only include lush green forest on one side, beautiful turquoise waters on the front but it also includes a great deal of Service & Facilities for instance,
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February 7, 2017
Crafting the Ideal Bachelor Pad

Close your eyes and think of the words “bachelor pad” – what comes to mind? Probably 80’s mustaches, exaggerated red and black color schemes and pleather couches. Not exactly a designer dream. But despite the bad wrap, there are ways to ensure that your pad doesn’t fall into the cliché and stands out instead.

Stay Away from Clichés

The classic, cliché pad is all about bold colors, usually some combination of red, black and white. Red walls, black couch, checked sheets – you get the picture. Avoid that scheme at all costs. Instead, opt for sophistication with soft neutrals that allow accessories to shine. Rather than a dark wall color, go for a muted grey or soft blue. Same for furniture; a classic leather couch or neutral grey never goes out of style. To add a pop of color, choose standout curtains and throw pillows.

Furniture Must-Haves

The most important part of any apartment? The furniture. Everything from the texture, size and color will play a part in the overall aesthetic of your place, so make sure a good amount of time (and budget) is spent selecting the perfect pieces. First must is the couch – likely where you and any guests or friends will be spending a lot of time, so make sure it’s large and comfortable. If you plan to host parties or other get-togethers, investing in a custom bar cabinet or island will make a great centerpiece and keep your home prepped for entertaining. It also serves as a great way to let your personality shine – go wooden and rustic if you’re into the craftsman look, or stick to sleek and traditional if that’s more your style. Modern furniture can immediately add refinement and class to any space, so choose wisely.

Play with Lighting

If you intend for your pad to make your guests feel comfortable, there’s no place for fluorescent lighting. It’s universally unflattering in a situation where you want to be painted in the best light possible, and nothing kills the mood faster than harsh fluorescents. Do yourself a favor and invest instead in a variety of lighting. Try mixing it up with pendant lights, oversized floor lights or pick up other modern unique modern options.

Stretch Your Budget

Avoid looking overly put-together by shopping in flea markets and antique stores for one-of-a-kind pieces. A mix of furniture from major retailers and smaller shops will give your home a more personal feel and add a standout piece or two.Try shopping for things like light fixtures, coffee tables and chairs at your local flea market; you’ll be surprised at the gems you may find.

Make Space with Mirrors

Adding a large mirror to the wall will not only help reflect natural light, but also give the illusion of a bigger space. Try placing one in a smaller space like an entry hall to open up the room. Added bonus? It’s an easy decoration tool that takes little thought and covers lots of space.

Don’t Rely on Sports Gear for Decoration

Yes, you may want to pay homage to your favorite team in every way possible, but save the jerseys for your closet, not your wall. A unique signed or collectors piece deserves to be displayed, but if your entire decorating scheme consists of posters and team memorabilia, it’s time to upgrade. Try abstract paintings that draw attention and go well in almost any room. Or, keep it simple by decorating with books and DVDs. Putting them on display will help guests get to know you through your tastes and serve as a conversation piece. Just make sure you display them properly – a sturdy bookcase is always a welcome addition. Music lovers can take the opportunity to frame some of their favorite albums and display them on the wall.

Gear Up with Games and Gadgets

True bachelor pads serve as a frequent meeting place for the guys, so make sure you have something on hand to entertain. Pool tables, dart boards or foosball tables are always crowd pleasers, while that custom bar will certainly come in handy here. The best pads also come with the latest trends and gadgets, so invest in a big screen TV with a home theater system or state of the art speakers and sound system.

October 27, 2016
Aqua Mekong Luxury Cruises
Aqua expeditions have reached the Asia with their new luxury cruises exploring through the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. The 205 feet long cruise is custom made with highly stylish 20 luxury suites is designed by the British architect David Hodkinson at Noor Design. The ship exhibits the different cultures of Mekong. The first two decks tender the lodgings of 320 feet with top to bottom windows and personal balconies. The ship has dual sinks and a large shower hall accompanying the bathrooms with natural bath facilities and eco-sensitive technology. The vessel also has an observing deck, a library, a fitness gym and a screening room. The ship is equipped with the staff of 1:1 ratio for all the passengers in one expedition and has a diverse menu in foods supervised by Chef David Thompson. The booking starts at $3000 per night/person for 3, 4 and 7 nights stay. Be the first to seek the deeper insights of culture and history of the rich natural landscapes. [VIA]
October 11, 2016
Mid-Century Modern in the Movies: A Look at 5 Set Interiors

There’s a reason that Mid-Century Modern design has continued to hold its ground for the past several decades. Its aesthetic is clean, functional, streamlined and mod. It’s pleasing to the eye and the body. Mid-Century Modern is pure in form and transcendent in grace. Mid-Century Modern isn’t just a movement, it’s a way of life.

The Mid-Century Modern Aesthetic

You may not realize it, but you’ve seen film and television works from, and inspired by, this 20^th century design movement. The films I am about to discuss feature an actor that is both beautiful and organic in nature. The actor is, drum roll please…set design.

Set design is as instrumental to a film as the actors’ performances are. Think about it: how many times have you heard “that didn’t look real” or “The CGI was awful?” You might have been like me and thought the graphics in James Cameron’s Avatar were (at best) of video game quality.

If the set design isn’t believable, if it’s not authentic, an audience will have trouble with the story. Set design helps us to better understand the emotional, spiritual and intellectual state of the character on screen. We learn about their habits, likes and dislikes just by the way an arm chair is angled in the room. Okay, enough of me droning on. Let’s get to the movies!

The Fountainhead, 1949

Based on Ayn Rand’s novel of the same name, The Fountainhead focuses on Howard Roark, an egocentric architect who puts his design integrity above business and personal relationships.Loosely based on American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (who some Architectural Historians believe to be the father of American modern design), the film delves into the psyche of a man who refuses to sacrifice his creative freedom and chooses to instead wander the streets in search of someone or something who will recognize modern architecture as a superior design movement. Using hexagonal grids, straight lines and square, geometric shapes in its set design, The Fountainhead captures the austerity and the beauty of true Mid-Century Modern.

The Graduate, 1967

Like The Fountainhead, The Graduate was based on a book written by American novelist Charles Webb. The film follows a young 20-something college grad named Benjamin Braddock who doesn’t have an answer to the big question: what to next? Enter Mrs. Robinson. Seduced by an older woman and family friend, Benjamin soon finds himself in love not with Mrs. Robinson, but with her daughter. What follows can only be described as a comedy of errors.

We can see the Mid-Century Modern design aesthetic in Mrs. Robinson’s earth-toned home, providing a stark contrast is the white innocence of her daughter’s bedroom. The rounded, oval leather chairs, wooden legs and leafy greenery all suggest a calf lost in the cougar’s den.

The Big Lebowski, 1998

Perhaps one of the Coen Brothers most well-received films, a scene from The Big Lebowski featuring an interior/exterior shot of the Sheats Goldstein Residence shows the asymmetrical, geometric architectural masterpiece designed by John Lautner. The blurring of interior and exterior space emits a feeling of centeredness. With the elongated lines, sunset-colored seating area and sandstone materials,we’re shown just how far removed the protagonist,‘The Dude,’ is from what he thinks is normal. Horizontal planes, earthen tones and pops of color (such is in the pool and the surrounding greenery) marks this set as Mid-Century Modern.

The Incredibles, 2004

In 2004, Disney’s Pixar released The Incredibles, an animated film about a retired superhero family that is called back for one last job, or so the patriarch of the family thought. In a scene typical of the nuclear family, we find the five members of the Parr family sitting around the dining room table.

Unlike other interiors we often see in film, live action or animated, the Parrs’ sit at a Danish Modern table. Their dishware, cutlery, and even the lighting is angular in shape and perfect in its geometry. This children’s film exemplifies the fluidity of the Mid-Century aesthetic.

A Single Man, 2009

According to set design expert,Amy Wells, the film’s director, Tom Ford, studied every object before it was placed as a prop item or set piece in the making of A Single Man. Filmed on location in the Schaffer Residence in Los Angeles, the interiors of the house showcases the traits of George, a homosexual man who has lost his partner in a car accident. Set in the early 1960s when love was still not open to all, George is forced to keep going through his daily routine as though he has not lost the love of his life.

The house is immaculate. The steel, wood and leather finishes combined with the straight linearity of the Furniture and objects tells us George is a man of refined taste. He likes things to have a place, to belong. George does not belong to anyone now that his partner is gone, and this is where the conflict begins in the film. Mid-Century Modern in this film is used to show us that beauty needs life to thrive.

Mid-Century Modern design encapsulates reflection, conviction and willpower. Wouldn’t anyone want to have a home mirrored to their own aspirations?

July 20, 2016
Luxury Cantilevered Restaurant Overhangs Mexico’s Copper Canyon
Tall Arquitectos is known to have experience where the others don’t appear to be interested in. The amazing Cantilevered Hanging Restaurant Biré Bitori is among some of their finest works in Mexico. Hanging over the edge, Cantilevered Restaurant is clearly a heart-stopping diner. Especially for adrenaline junkies, this restaurant is just another way of hanging over a canyon.
The floor is made of glass, which may not only suit the design architect in terms of reducing weight but also it’d allow a stunning view of the deep heights (approx 6,000 feet) beneath the restaurant. Viewers are open to take panoramic photos along with of famous Basaseachic Falls in the front. Biré Bitori is made with minimal design architectural engineering while the material finishes of Biré Bitori render

The glass and concrete materials elegantly blend into each other to show a natural material palette. Alongside the complex, there lies steep and sharp rocks inviting the Base Jumpers to dive from 6000 ft height. Biré Bitori luxury diner is not alone in this creative hanging restaurant ideas. Check out.
Dinner in the Sky
March 7, 2016
Vipp Shelter – A Timeless Forest Cabin
Escape from the urban chaos while maintaining all the facilities that provide you comfortable life. This mobile home was made by Danish designer brand Vipp.

Designed in a loft style the Vipp Shelter is a 55 square meter living space. Simple but strong steel frame forms the basic structure of the building, which is divided into two floors. To offer unobstructed views of the surrounding nature the front and rear sides are managed by large glass walls. Glass partitions allow amazing views from inside and outside and the interior becomes the part of nature. All the furniture is designed by Vipp itself. Integrated fireplace ensures that the heat is also sufficient in cooler weather.

In addition to glass walls, to benefit from sunlight some parts of roof are also made of glass. High roof also increases the feeling of space. Steps lead to the upper floor where you can find master bedroom. Here you can enjoy the starry nights directly from bed.

Vipp is now accepting order for Shelter but it will cost you $585,000 to own one.

https://vimeo.com/144857811
January 31, 2016
GWdesign’s Luxury Hill House in Los Angeles
Studio GWdesign built this luxury house on the hills in the legendary West Hollywood. The house covers total area of 520 square meters. On all four floors this residence gives a spectacular panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and Los Angeles.

Team GWdesign designed house in minimalist manner with very spacious and bright rooms. The decoration is dominated by natural wood combined with white stone and glass. The house has a swimming pool, sauna, spa, gym, bar and home cinema: all you need for entertainment and leisure in one place. All floors have terraces where you can enjoy stunning views of Los Angeles.

On the ground floor there are two car garage, kitchen, dining room and bathroom. The second floor is dedicated to master bedroom with bathroom and a balcony, living room, utility room, another bedroom with a second shared balcony. The third floor has a gym, sauna, spa, yoga room and a third bedroom with bathroom. On the top floor is another bedroom with en suite bathroom, a lounge area under a canopy, and a home theater. On the main terrace of the mansion is a large swimming pool and a relaxation area with arrangements for eight people. [via]
January 23, 2016
Beautiful Retreat Surrounded by Mountains in Paluzza, Italy
This beautiful residence is located in Paluzza, a village in Italy surrounded by huge mountains. Architect Ceschia Mentil and Associates turned an old farmhouse into a modern retreat. The original building was using stone bricks. The team built a new wooden structure on its top. The living area features wood stove, casual sitting arrangement right next to a large window opened towards spectacular Italian Alps. A corner on the right side of living room is dedicated for kitchen and dining. The lower level get the master bedroom with attach bathroom. For lighting and electricity they added solar panels. Beautiful!! isn’t it?
January 21, 2016
Millhouse – A Tiny Farm House In Sweden
Designers from Wingårdh Architects turned an old village farm in a comfortable country house. Once a barn, is now a proper place with a bedroom, a kitchen, sauna and gym, all managed in an old building of the late 19th century.

Located near Malmo, Sweden, the cottage has a relatively small area – a total of 50 square meters. The building has only two floors. Thanks to the talented designer who fit not only the bedroom and kitchen but also a spacious living room with a fireplace and a luxurious sauna as well. The second floor serves as the attic.

In addition to the interior, the designer also took care of surrounding area. Right through the house a small natural stream of water flows. The pond is decorated with cobblestones and several large boulders, reminiscent of a Japanese garden. Just cozy!
January 18, 2016
Compact Wooden House by Takeru Shoji Architects
This wooden house is located in Nagaoka, a place in the beautiful Niigata Prefecturem Japan. Dubbed as “House to Catch the Tree” it’s a tiny two-story rectangular house. The house has an area of 75 square meters, divided into a living room, kitchen and bedroom in the living room with high ceilings. Shoji Architects used large 3.5 wide windows for proper sunlight and outside views. Starting from ground floor, right next to entrance there is a kitchen.

One corner of the living room is used for stairs. Rest of the ground floor is left cleared. The middle floor has small sitting arrangements. Right next to it, there is a small library accessible through wooden ladder. The top floor gets the bedroom and a balcony to enjoy spectacular scenes of 200 years old trees.
January 17, 2016
Modern Sustainable House Designed by LIAG
This stylish villa is designed by LIAG Architects in the Dutch city Hague. Architects have proposed a clear structure of the building, lined with modern essentials for a comfortable stay. The house is equipped with solar panels and efficient heating and ventilation system. On the side of the main facade we see a little bit raise above the ground extending to the kitchen area, where you can enjoy views of the canal. On the opposite side of the house is the living room, connected with a large terrace through glass sliding doors. The ground floor is being used for guest rooms, a cinema and a storage room. And then there is an underground garage.
January 14, 2016
Hallenhaus by Reichel Architekten
Reichel Architekten renovated and upgraded this old house, location in Visbek, Germany, dating back to the 19th century. This is the place we are presenting today to inspire you for your next farmhouse.

So at first glance this house can surprise because it looks like a mix of everything but on closer observation you may realize how skillfully and tastefully this house combines contemporary interior design and modern facilities. The architects have placed a priority in adaptation to create architectural connection between the historical elements and modern accessories.

Charming details of old structures consisting brick facade and ceiling beams in the interior are skillfully integrated into a new, inspiring design and a welcoming atmosphere. In addition, the extension of the house gave the opportunity to build fitness and wellness with large swimming pool that offers a spectacular view of the large garden, woods and fields.

Sliding doors in this area provide a summer variant atmosphere because then it becomes a pool outdoors. The house is equipped mostly minimalist modern furniture and pieces belonging to Scandinavian design and is dominated by bright neutral tones – black, white, gray, black. Feed your eyes!
January 8, 2016
De Markies – A Timeless Mobile Home Design
This unusual caravan dubbed as “Markies Camper” is the work of Dutch architect Eduardo Bohtlingk, who made it as part of “Temporary Living” competition in 1985. The architect decided to redesign the trailer so that it increased its surface area more than doubled, yet still allowed easy transportation. The result was a timeless design which still is being appreciated by designers.

In the central part of the house there is a kitchen, storage room and dining room. In one of the side parts lies a bedroom and living room. Interestingly, this project was already realized in 1985. However, after 11 years De Markies managed to scoop first Public Rotterdam Design Prize.

Despite the passage of years, owning a home on wheels in such a form is probably the dream of many of us.
December 31, 2015
JumboStay – A Boeing 747 Converted into Hotel
The space today we’ve chosen for you to stay is JumboStay Hotel in Stockholm. Spend a night in a hotel made in a Boeing 747. This unusual hotel stays in Stockholm Arlanda Airport in Sweden. You can reach Jumbo Hotel in 15 minutes walk from the main terminal, or via a shuttle bus.

Opened since January 2010, the Jumbo Stay offers 27 rooms equipped with wifi and a TV set. Upstairs, the first-class cabin has been transformed into a 24 hours open cafeteria so without staying there you can enjoy a drink at Jumbo Lounge. In the cockpit there is a shared balcony, from which you can enjoy views of the runway. All rooms are air-conditioned and soundproofed and have private bathroom. The rooms are decorated very simply and are dominated by the white with orange and blue accents. The charges to stay in JumboStay vary according to bedroom location in plane. A single bedroom starts for around $175 per night and double bedroom for $225.
December 29, 2015
Uppgrenna Nature House in Sweden
In Uppgränna, north of Gränna lies this green house, a venue with café, conference rooms and nature treatment. Uppgrenna Visitor Center is a unique visitor center available for hosting meetings and private function. The building is based on eco-friendly sustainable plan that uses lush plant beds to purify sewage operations in a cycle system. The building is constructed with very high ecological materials, heating systems and energy consumption.

The upper entrance level consists partly of isolated building and unheated greenhouse that extend over the entire roof with room for crops and sheltered terraces with views of Lake Vättern and Visingsö in a similar climate to Northern Italy. The exterior is portrayed with inspiration from traditional barn style with simple gates, shutters and red wooden lid panel. The base plan offers you $175 per night (breakfast included).
December 23, 2015
Concrete House – A Nest for Tough Guys Designed by Luciano Kruk
People hardly find beauty in concrete because most of them cover it with tiles, wood and paint. But this house dubbed as ‘Concrete House’ from architect Luciano Kruk shows how much beauty a naked concrete can offer and we love it unconditionally. This magnificent house is built on a golf course in the coastal city of Pinamar in Argentina.
The famous architect Luciano Kruk, who has just been awarded for this achievement, give us a minimalist building on three floors a lot of 90 degree angles. The whole house is characterized by unfinished concrete walls and floor-to-ceiling large windows.
December 22, 2015
Chicken Point Cabin is a Truly Industrial-themed Loft for Men
When you spend millions to design your loft what would be the most desirable thing to consider? Well that would not be anything inside the loft but outside the loft, “the view”. The Chicken Point Cabin is a truly industrial-themed loft with a unique hinged door located on the front that opens completely to offer stunning views of the lake. To open the overhead door of the loft, a little elbow grease is required because the system is not powered by electricity.

Notably the other facilities created, including dining table, fireplace, ceiling and access to upper portion via a submarine-style metal ladder, in loft also respects the industrial design. Enjoy the video and image gallery.
December 19, 2015