My New Home: THE DEN
January 22nd, 2012 § 3 Comments
I’ve started 2012 in a new home! We closed January 3rd, moved in January 4th and slept here for the first time on the 5th. It’s now been almost 4 weeks. Naturally, the more time passes by, the more ideas pop into my head for what the spaces can become.
First of all, I realize I have completely contradictory tastes. There is the minimal modernist in me that came from my days in architecture school. There is this love for everything natural and vernacular from my childhood in Rio de Janeiro. There is this inexplicable love for nostalgic and old things that I believe can be traced from my love for history and travels abroad. There’s also my feminine side that’s attracted to shiny, soft and pretty things like silk, cashmere, crystal, flowers, colors, and ornate patterns.
How do I mesh all those things into 1 home? Well, I’m guessing it might be a bit tricky, but it’ll be a fun challenge.
Today I used my den for the first time. I now have a white Parsons desk, a reading lamp and a camel leather office chair. I want to paint one wall with chalkboard paint (an idea I’ve been drooling over for sooo long) and place the Distressed Wood Bookshelf from West Elm immediately adjacent to it. In front of the bookshelf I want to create a cozy reading spot with a beautiful leather butterfly chair, a fluffy pillow and a floor reading lamp. The desk area will have two Parsons desks with Ikea Besta cabinets above and under-cabinet task lighting.
So here’s my take on creating a modern vintage vibe (a marriage of my loves) while providing all the necessary storage for my den.
Hope you like!
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THE SHOP: Design Bar
December 30th, 2011 § 3 Comments
On Friday, December 16th, one of my favorite design boutiques in town had a relaunching party: Design Box became Design Bar.
This shop has vintage and handmade objects for the home from all over the world. From old polaroid cameras to handmade cards, stitched fencing masks and delicious French incense, Design Bar is a gem. In a place like Miami where glam and glitter abounds, it’s refreshing to meander through their collection of unique objects. Each item seems to have a story to be told, a home left behind, a previous life.
It also helps that Design Bar is located in one of the most charming parts of town. Next time you’re in Coconut Grove, stop by to meet the lovely shop owner, Leslie, and pick up some beautiful unique treasure for yourself or a close friend. Prices are incredibly reasonable so there’s no reason to be shy.
They also constantly change out the collection of items so it’s always worth a re-visit. I find something new and extravagant every time I do.
SECOND LOOK: The Setai In Miami Beach
October 2nd, 2011 § Leave a Comment
In 2005 Hotelier Adrian Zecha and designer Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International Architects collaborated in bringing to life the swanky Setai Hotel in Miami Beach, FL.
This week I had the pleasure of revisiting the hotel as our firm is working on the interior design of one of the residential penthouses. As I was waiting in the hotel lobby I observed the multitude of materials that refer back to Asian architecture. The weathered black pavers on the floors are reminiscent of Chinese roads. The rhythm in the wooden panels reminded me of the proportions of screens in Japanese temples. The play of what is seen and what is hidden behind intricately carved wooden panels and a sensual lighting (even at 11:30 AM) help establish that mysterious silence which is so characteristic of Asian architecture.
I was so absorbed by that 15 minute experience that I felt the need to come home and find the drawings and photos of the project to study it at a closer glance! If you’re not familiar with the project then prepare to be delighted. If you are, take one more look! I promise it’ll be worth your while!
FAVORITES: Iconic Panels
September 30th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
So this week I found out B & N Industries has created this mesmerizing series of Iconic Panels. They use formed laminate panels over carved wood core to create amazing 3D effects. The applications are truly limited only by your imagination. Make it into a door, a table top (add a layer of glass for a smooth surface), or simply use it as eye candy for your walls! Love, love, love this product!
Have a Great Weekend!!!
XoXo,
How Is it Already September 2011?!
September 24th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
I feel I MUST explain my silence but instead I’ll just tell you what I’ve been up to for the past couple months!
“Goin’ to the chapel and they’re gonna get married” – Yep, that’s right guys love is in the air since my big sister is going to the chapel next month. Except it won’t be a chapel it’ll be a big building. We threw her a couples shower a la tiffany-blue-vintage-Rio that I’ll be sharing photos of!
Since I’m planning on moving to another part of town I’ve started documenting my neighborhood in Miami Beach using black and white film, my digital SLR, and a polaroid camera.
I’ve also photographed several new interior design projects for Dkor Interiors in the past months that I’ll be uploading for your viewing pleasure!
And, of course, there’s all the inspiration that comes along the way!
ALVARO SIZA: Iberian minimalism
August 3rd, 2011 § 2 Comments
Designer Feature vol. 5
Sports Center, Llobregat, Spain
I love the work of Siza. His projects arise as natural reactions to the physical, cultural, and, I could almost say, spiritual environment which they inhabit. He masterfully blends *vernacular architecture with minimalism to create poetic references to place while exploring issues of form and space. When I think of Siza’s work I always imagine these large spans of white-washed walls or these intricate plans where every turn and edge has been thought out. That’s part of his genius – being able to work from the largest scale of the site plan to the minute details of where the concrete meets the wood.
The following are some of my favorites of his many projects…
*vernacular architecture uses methods of construction which use locally available resources and traditions to address local needs.
Boa Nova Tea House, Matosinhos, Portugal
Boa Nova Tea House, Matosinhos, Portugal
Mimesis Museum
Mimesis Museum
Mimesis Museum
Mimesis Museum
Mimesis Museum
Mimesis Museum
Church of Marco Canaveses, Portugal
Church of Marco Canaveses, Portugal
Leca Swimming Pools, Leca da Palmeira, Portugal
Leca Swimming Pools, Leca de Palmeira, Portugal
Leca Swimming Pools, Leca da Palmeira, Portugal
Leca Swimming Pools, Leca de Palmeira, Portugal
Portugal Pavillion, Lisbon, Portugal
Serpentine Pavillion, London, UK
Anyang Pavillion, Korea
Anyang Pavillion, Korea
Ibere Camargo Foundation, Porto Alegre, Brasil
Ibere Camargo Foundation, Porto Alegre, Brasil
Ibere Camargo Foundation, Porto Alegre, Brasil
Ibere Camargo Foundation, Porto Alegre, Brasil
Ibere Camargo Foundation, Porto Alegre, Brasil
House in Mallorca, Spain
House in Mallorca, Spain
House in Mallorca, Spain
House in Mallorca, Spain
House in Mallorca, Spain
Serralves Museum, Oporto, Portugal
Serralves Museum
Serralves Museum
Tolo House
Tolo House
Tolo House
Tolo House
Tolo House
Insel Hombroich Architecture Museum, Germany 2008
ALEMANYS 5 by Anna Noguera
July 26th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
I’ve always been in love with new architecture that interjects with old architecture to create another being. In these buildings the charm and history of the past still remain while the appearances of modern design make the old relevant and fresh through it’s new interpretation.
Barcelona based architect, Anna Noguera converted this 16th century house in Girona into two holiday apartments. In the dining seen in the photo above the thin steel casing framing the opening and the contemporary furniture beyond is a perfect example of this harmonious marriage. Below, the beauty of the placid rectilinear pond next to the ancient stone wall is so simple but elegant. The project is an exercise of balance between time and materiality.
Photos from Article @ Dezeen Mag
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Thanks for tuning in!
I’M DIGGING: Summer Lovin’, NYC Farming + Timeless Objects
July 9th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
1. Okay so browsing through my bookmarks of favorite blogs I came across thismodernromance and was reminded of how stunning and truly romantic is the work of this husband + wife team of photographers. I insist, you must browse their portfolio of latest work for a dose of this sweetness!
2. Last month Hospitality Design Magazine released their 2011 Design Awards and this laid-back industrial-cool New York spot stole a Best Green/Sustainable Project Award. Bell Book & Candle, designed by Grade Architecture & Interior Design, has an aeroponic roof-top tower garden where they grow 60% of the fresh produce that goes into their dishes. Their menus also constantly change according to what’s growing upstairs. Talk about vertical farming!
3. So last but not least, while shopping for a client on my day job this week I spruced on up into this gorgeous store in Miami’s Design District only to find an amazing collection of the most beautiful and sophisticated furniture and accessories! Even if you have no plans to purchase it’s honestly worth a “window-shop” for any interior-design enthusiast! Michael Dawkins Home.
Have a beautiful weekend!
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DESIGN TREND: A Natural Modern
July 5th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
The Natural Modern interior takes architectural cues from minimalism but decorative direction towards industrial and mid-century pieces. This creates a balanced contrast of cool and warm through the use of linear and organic forms. Here, finishes lean towards natural untreated materials such as metal, wood, concrete and stone. Pops of color are used to create moments of interest though the general color schemes are more of a combo of neutral shades of grey, tan, white and black.
I’m loving this transition into more restraint. I feel like it establishes a continuity that is actually refreshing and timeless!
Photos are from Elle Decor, Metropolitan Home, IKEA, Dwell and a very nice condo building in Chelsea, New York that likes to go by +Art.
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PROJECT FEATURE: Casa BOX
June 29th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Project Feature vol. 1
This 387.5 squared ft getaway on the shores of Sao Paulo was designed by Brazilian architects Alan Chu and Cristiano Kato as a maid’s quarter . The petite treasure of a building was featured in the 8th Brazilian Architecture Biennale in 2009.
This often forgotten programmatic space was given a new importance in the Casa Box. The upper bedroom juts out from the large boulder adjacent to it as the kitchen grows organically below. The structure is at once modern and contextual with the use of linear forms and natural materials such as stone and wood. In this not-so-humble abode the simplicity of the design establishes its elegance and beauty. Oh, and did I mention the view?
(Photography by Djan Chu)
