Commercial Crush: Blueness Restaurant by Space Copenhagen

Hi Everyone!

There are many architecture and design firms around the world whose work I greatly admire. Within the many there are a few whose work continues to stop me in my tracks as I attempt to absorb every aspect of their gorgeous projects – Space Copenhagen is firmly within that group. Co-founders Singe Bindslev Heriksen and Peter Bundgaard Ruitzou admirably infuse each project that they complete with their oh so cool Scandinavian flare and I am hooked. Last year Space Copenhagen completed the design of a new upscale restaurant in Antwerp and it is gorgeous! Located in the heart of the city, Blueness restaurant occupies the ground floor of a 17th century Renaissance building in Antwerp’s fashion district. The result is an incredible fusion of classic interior architecture and modern Scandinavian design.

A Japanese French eatery, Blueness is a mosaic of identities. Minimalist touches beautifully contrast with the classic architecture of the space including the solid aluminum waiters station that stands in sharp contrast to the marble and sandstone columns. Space Copenhagen set out to create a “tension between past and future”, the result is unexpected, elegant and timeless. Candles suspended overhead on brass chandelier disks give the space a warm, welcoming glow. The result is just the right amount of wow factor in a stunning space.

What do you think of the Blueness Restaurant design? Let me know in the comments below.

I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

All images from http://www.azuremagazine.com

The Mit Chit House

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

The Stratford London by Space Copenhagen

There are many things that I love about travelling. Like many people bitten by the travel bug, I relish the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, attempt to communicate in a new language, meet new people, try new food and learn more about this beautiful and diverse planet we call home. Another thing that I love about travelling is staying in a hotel. Now I realize that not everyone who travels enjoys this part of it (or even does it given the growing popularity of AirBnB), but I love it and spend an enormous amount of time researching hotels while making my travel plans. This may seem odd to some but I love the luxury of a good hotel, the thought that has gone into the design and the effort that is made for the guest to have an enjoyable experience. I have such great memories of my hotels throughout my travels: crawling into a dreamy bed with a pastel de nata and watching Chicago PD after a long day of sightseeing in Lisbon, trying my first Nepresso coffee thanks to the courtesy machine in my room in Barcelona or unwinding with a chilled glass of wine on my hotel room balcony in Madrid are just some of my favourites. So while travel has been put on hold for me at the moment I am still dreaming of the day that I will get back to enjoying my hotel experiences. The most recent hotel that I am dreaming about is The Stratford in London. This room was designed by the multi talented design team Space Copenhagen.

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Like all of Space Copenhagen’s projects this room is elevated elegance while staying true to their Scandinavian roots.  The colour palette is both welcoming and relaxing and the various textures and materials used add just the perfect amount of interest without being overwhelming.  

The bathroom is a marble oasis with a lust worthy tub to relax in after a busy day. The veining in marble adds interest and helps the eye to softly move throughout the space. Black fixtures and natural accents elevate this space to dreamy.

The countertop sink further elevates the slight Eastern influence, and coupled with the balance of fixtures successfully gives guests a subtle zen vibe throughout the space.

The colour palette and textures in the bedroom is my favourite thing about this space. From the natural wood floors to the softly coloured walls elegantly contrasting and elevating the hardware and colour of the furniture throughout the room. The gorgeous green of the bench and headboard of the bed has completely grabbed my attention and I will be looking of ways to incorporate it into my own space. Love it!

Overall, this dreamy refuge by Space Copenhagen has captured my attention and has me looking forward to dreamy future hotel visits.

Thank you for visiting Stylishly Zen today, I hope that you have a safe and beautiful day! XXS

All images via http://www.spacecph.dk

Inspiring Design

Hi Everyone!

Today’s Inspiring Design is a gorgeous Victorian home located in San Francisco.  Victorian homes have always had a special place in my heart since I saw Mrs. Doubtfire when I was younger.  When I first saw pictures of this house, I was expecting beautiful and classic design, but with each picture that I saw my jaw dropped further to the floor.  It is widely billed as the former home of actress Meg Ryan but the home has undergone quite the transformation since. When the current owners purchased the home in 2014, they hired local architect Tim Murphy to update the home which included a new kitchen, master suite, family room and upstairs lounge.   IMG_7761Murphy was able to retain a lot of the original magic of the space by keeping the gorgeous crown molding and millwork throughout the home.    IMG_7762Interior design firm Nicole Hollis was also hired early in remodel process to consult on interior finishes, hardware and custom cabinetry along with the furnishings and the majority of the decorative lighting among other things.  The front living room is particular favourite (first image).  I love the contrast of the marble accents with the chevron walnut flooring against the navy, grey and white colour palette.  IMG_7755IMG_7756The house is 7050 square feet with five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms.  The blend of classic and modern throughout the home is stunning, but the incredible bay views is what really made this Victorian home stand out to me.  IMG_7759Sliding doors in the kitchen which open onto a terrace offer breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay.  The kitchen itself is a dream with a waterfall marble island, exquisite custom cabinetry and top of the line appliances.  IMG_7758Adjacent to the kitchen is the family room and the dining room, both of which offer beautiful views of the bay as well.  Aside from the beautiful view, I am completely in love with the sculptural smoked glass lighting fixture hanging above the dining room table.  Gorgeous!IMG_7757The most incredible room in this house though is on the top floor.  The upstairs lounge offers panoramic views of the city and the bay, including offering unobstructed views of Angel Islands and Alcatraz.  The lounge opens to a stunning terrace which houses a fire pit to help create a cozy atmosphere.  The views from there both day and night are fantastic and it looks like the most incredible spot to unwind with a glass of wine after a long week.  IMG_7753IMG_7752All information and images are from http://www.dwell.com and you can find more images for this gorgeous home here.  

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

Inspiring Design

Hi Everyone!

I’m sure that it comes as no surprise, but all of this extra time at home has me deep diving into the world of architecture and interiors.  So far I have completed Kelly Wearstler’s Master Class, read Live Beautiful by Athena Calderone from cover to cover, and I am now over halfway thru Kelly Wearstler’s Evocative Style. I am also slowing catching up on the pile of design magazines I have stacked up and I am loving all of the interior inspiration that Instagram is currently providing.  Aside from other activities that are keeping me busy while isolating, I am very happy in my design education bubble.

The gorgeous kitchen in today’s Inspiring Design is what first caught my attention.  While I had never before dreamt of a dark kitchen, with a stunning black marble island, floor to ceiling steel windows and chevron wood floor this may well be the kitchen of my dreams.  Heritage-Sophistication-Dutch-Gable-House-by-Austin-Design-Associates-Melbourne-VIC-Australia-Image-06The Dutch Gable House by Austin Design Associates is the design firm behind the dreamy and contemporary renovation of this historic Melbourne home.  The renovation seamlessly melds the existing Edwardian and Federation details with an elegant colour and material palette and modern design.  The result is a timeless and sophisticated home that is a design lovers dream.  Heritage-Sophistication-Dutch-Gable-House-by-Austin-Design-Associates-Melbourne-VIC-Australia-Image-03Heritage-Sophistication-Dutch-Gable-House-by-Austin-Design-Associates-Melbourne-VIC-Australia-Image-21The combination of stunning materials such as Cote D’Azur marble, oak herringbone floors and titanium granite along with the steel floor to celling windows which invite an abundance of natural light, and details such as freestanding tubs and restrained decor make this home bright, inviting and chic.  Heritage-Sophistication-Dutch-Gable-House-by-Austin-Design-Associates-Melbourne-VIC-Australia-Image-17Heritage-Sophistication-Dutch-Gable-House-by-Austin-Design-Associates-Melbourne-VIC-Australia-Image-02The outdoor space is equally restrained yet inviting.  It looks like the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon with a great book and glass of rose.  Heritage-Sophistication-Dutch-Gable-House-by-Austin-Design-Associates-Melbourne-VIC-Australia-Image-05Heritage-Sophistication-Dutch-Gable-House-by-Austin-Design-Associates-Melbourne-VIC-Australia-Image-12Heritage-Sophistication-Dutch-Gable-House-by-Austin-Design-Associates-Melbourne-VIC-Australia-Image-04The proverbial icing on this beautiful home are the furnishings that elevate the materials used throughout the home.  From the deep green dining chairs paired with a statement wood dining table, cool and varied lighting choices and the mix of furniture using both natural textures and sleek design, I can’t think of anything that I would change in this home.  Love it!

You can see more of this gorgeous home here.  Photo credit http://www.thelocalproject.com.au

I hope that you are all staying safe and well while social distancing, and that you have  great day! XXS