Author: soreiya

Inspired by Wabi Sabi

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Hi Everyone!

There has always been something about Wabi Sabi inspired design that captures my attention. The term Wabi Sabi in design became popular thanks to the talented architect Axel Vervoordt. In traditional Japanese aesthetics, Wabi Sabi is a world view that is centered around the acceptance of imperfection and transience. It is often described as appreciating beauty in the imperfect and incomplete.

Located in the heart of Beijing and designed by Tianjin-based studio Touch Design, today’s featured project is a beautiful example of residential Wabi Sabi. With an inward focus, this home evokes feelings of a sense of belonging, rejuvenation and harmony throughout the home.

What makes this house so memorable is that there is not a single tile or stone used throughout the home. Instead, the main material used was micro cement.

There is a sense of calm and serenity felt throughout the home. With paired back furnishings, a bare colour palette and pops of greenery and natural light, the apartment is a beautiful example of elevated simplicity.

In lieu of art, one niche in the apartment houses circular windows. Paired with green plants and a simple but solid wood bench, the space feels thoughtful and fresh.

Another notable feature in this home is the backwall of the master bedroom. Designed to imitate the texture of stone, the designer painted over an artificial material with a stone coloured latex paint.

Aside from the use of micro cement throughout the home paired with green plants, I love the arched doorways as they add an extra level of warmth and design to this gorgeous space. Love it!

What do you think of this Wabi Sabi style home? Would you design your home in this style? Let me know in the comments below!

Thank you for stopping by Stylishly Zen today! I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

All images via http://www.design-anthology.com

Spaces That Make Me Smile – North Bondi by Greg Natale

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Hi Everyone!

A few weeks ago an image came across my Instagram feed of a subtle but colourful french manicure. While it is not normally my style as I tend to stick with classic nudes or the occasional dark red for my nails I fell in love and promptly screenshot the image. The next time that I was at the nail salon I shyly pulled out my phone and asked my manicurist if she could copy the colourful manicure instead of my usual. While this may seem small and insignificant to some, I am slowly trying to break out of the somewhat monotonous routine I find myself in lately and a colourful manicure was my own small act of rebellion in order to change things up. My manicurist was able to achieve the look that I had requested but was not shy in telling me that “it was a trend from last summer”. Truthfully though, I didn’t care – every time I looked at my nails I smiled and I received more compliments about my nails over the following couple of weeks then I ever had before. This experience made me more aware that it was important to do and see things that made me happy and smile, especially as life just feels so hard and boring lately. The little things matter regardless of what that looks like to others.

Today’s project profile made me smile when I first saw it. I am not normally into art deco aesthetic but this one captured my attention from the first image that I saw – it made me smile. Located in North Bondi, Australia this home is a playful respite from the outside world.

Originally built in the 1970’s, Greg Natale opened up the interiors of this home and the results are both fun and memorable. Overlooking the ocean, bringing in the stunning views and optimizing sightlines were key for this project. Adding modernity by blending the living room, kitchen and dining room together the aesthetic of this home is light hearted and welcoming.

I absolutely love the playful touches added to this space especially the light mint colour of the fridge and cabinetry paired with the brass hardware of the stools and the open bar. Love it!

The rest of the colour palette is left light and airy which helps to elevate the lighthearted playfulness of the space. Softened edges such as the arched doorways and mirrors further added a lightness to the home. The bedrooms are kept clean and light as well, and the lime washed walls add a gorgeous subtle texture to the space.

Anchored by camel tones and wood help to keep this space from looking space and dreamlike.

Overall, like my previous manicure this space makes me smile and I hope that it adds a smile to your day as well!

Thank you for stopping by Stylishly Zen today, I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

All images via http://www.localproject.com.au

The Sussex House by McKimm

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Hi Everyone!

We made it thru a very long January! The freezing temperatures, continuing lockdown measures in place and early sunsets made for an extra long start to the year here in Montreal. Now that we are well into February, hopefully happier times are not far behind but in the interim I am diving head first into researching and dreaming about projects filled with natural light and outdoor spaces. Today’s featured project is located in the Melbourne neighbourhood for Brighton. The home beautifully balances clean architectural lines in a welcoming space while providing a sense of protection to the harsh surrounding environment.

Brutalist design has been a favourite of mine for quite some time and with its liberal use of concrete, clean lines, and natural light via large window this home is straight out of my design loving dreams.

Entering the home thru a gorgeous pivot door, the home offers a sense of journey and discovery as guests move thru the home. Communal spaces such as the kitchen and dining room are kept clean and minimal but offer a sense of welcome to any guests to the home. The refined colour palette of blues, greys and charcoal elevate the elegance of this large family home.

The home provides a deep sense calm and stillness boosted by uninterrupted sightlines. Exposed concrete elevates the level of grandeur within the minimalistic space while elements of brass and timber add warmth without being too stuffy.

The exterior of the home is kept minimal, combining concrete with tonal textures and black trim. Clean lines elevate the minimalistic luxury of the home. Surrounded by greenery and an outdoor pool, the large windows throughout the home help to bring the outdoors inside.

This home is the perfect place to get over the February blues. What are your thoughts on this home? Let me know in the comments below.

I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

All images via http://www.thelocalproject.com.au

Residential Project – India

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Hi Everyone!

Happy Monday! If you have been following the projects that I feature on Stylishly Zen for a while then you know that Barcelona based designer Katty Schiebeck is one of my favourites. Her talent for mixing rich raw materials with natural light and chic colour palettes is incredible and statement making.

Today’s feature is a residential project by Katty. Located in India, she has seamlessly blended the warmth of the environment with paired back minimalism. The result is an elegant, welcoming and memorable home.

Filled with natural light and voluminous shapes, the micro cement covered walls elegantly blends with custom furniture made with leather and marble to give this home an artistic touch.

The high ceilings, arched doorways, use of natural materials and raw colour palette meld together perfectly. This sophisticated home is the epitome of paired back upscale elegance and may be my new favourite project from this talented designer.

What do you think of this gorgeous home? Let me know in the comments below.

Thank you for stopping by Stylishly Zen today! I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

All images via http://www.kattyschiebeck.com

The Mit Chit House

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Hi Everyone!

Since the pandemic started and we were forced to stay indoors more often than not, I have become more aware of open spaces, green space and natural light. In Montreal we are now back in lockdown, so naturally today’s featured project has many areas that I am currently missing in my life right now. It also checks off all of the boxes of projects that I am currently loving!

Located in Bangkok Thailand, The Mid Chit house by Looklen Architects features four different courtyards that extend beyond the double height interiors of the home.

The Mid Chit house is a new residence the is connected to an existing family home that is connected by an upped level enclosed bridge. Mid Chit means “close together” and it a beautiful example on the balance between private spaces and more public ones that invite the outdoors inside via courtyards.

Strategically placed skylights and windows allow daylight into the heart of the home, while natural materials and light colours give the home a natural airy feel.

The home is three levels entered around an open living and dining area that encourages interaction and openness within this family home.

The private level on the third floor houses the bedrooms that allow the residents privacy within their own personal space.

Light, airy and open while still allowing it’s residents privacy, Looklen Architects has done a wonderful job renovating a preexisting home to suit modern day. What are your thoughts on this stunning home? Let me know in the comments below.

Thank you for stopping by Stylishly Zen today, I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

All images via http://www.dwell.com