Behind the Design with Thomas Cravero

Hi Everyone!

I am so excited today to re-start the Behind the Design series here on Stylishly Zen.  It’s been nearly a year since many of us around the world went into lock down, and in this time design and our spaces has become more important than ever before.  I first discovered today’s featured designer via Instagram, which many of you know is my favourite tool to learn, research and discover all things design.  Thomas Cravero is an incredibly talented Argentinian designer based in Buenos Aires.  His renders are absolutely captivating and discovering his work was eye opening to the infinite possibilities of what good design can achieve.  Here is Behind the Design with Thomas Cravero:

Did you always know that you wanted to work in architecture? Has it always been your passion?

Architecture in my life is a passion that was born from a very young age, I think that at 8 or 10 years old I already knew that one day I would be an architect

F065EBF1-3C73-423D-899F-3E726C332582How would you describe your design esthetic?

I would describe my aesthetic design as a dynamic architecture, something that activates all the senses when walking through it. That is, possibly my projects force the user to move, interact with the spaces. but also, I think it is a contemporary architecture that responds to the chaotic fluids of the modern era.

8C192F92-E0F2-49F6-8A5F-B6328944877FWhere do you find your inspiration from?

I find my inspiration, looking at great contemporary masters of architecture, masters who understand that architecture is not just a box, that there are different ways to enhance a space, a home, or a building.

What has been your most challenging project so far? Why was it so challenging?

I think that one of my most challenging projects was the project recently carried out in the city of Ibiza, I think the most difficult part of that project was being able to mark that beautiful landscape in an unusual way. Forcing the user to move within the space in order to find their perfect perspective towards the landscape.

B4A4D3FF-EAA9-4428-BA90-45D2CE84D296What is your favourite project to date?

I believe that the favorite project is always to come, one loves each project that he does, but without a doubt when you finish it, that project becomes one of the many that you execute, I think that the favorite project is born, when there is a client with give you the possibility of creating a new space, for me that is my favorite project from start to finish.

How long does it take for you to normally complete a project?

It all depends, the scale of the project, the client’s needs, on the other hand, also play an important role in the project stage, but I would tell you that a home can take approximately 6 weeks from start to finish, while a larger-scale project much more. weather. Anyway there are projects that are born in 1 week, all this depends on many factors.

57A2B6C9-8273-4B7C-9C37-FEF8A563CAC284619015-9341-4447-AA13-EBB6B4F419D9What is your favourite part about working in architecture?

I think the best part is being able to create and materialize something that exists in your mind and transform it into reality, it is created in the mind, it is born as a dream and it comes true.

Any favourite travel destinations that you like to escape too? Why?

In the last 5 years of my life, I dedicated myself to traveling through different countries, always trying to get to know new cities, cultures but fundamentally being able to visit emblematic works of architecture that many of us see in the world portals of contemporary architecture. I undoubtedly believe that much of the innovation of the project process is nurtured by traveling and understanding how the great masters act.In my case, I have dedicated my last trips to studying the architecture of Zaha Hadid.

How would you describe the design style/esthetic in Argentina?

I think Argentina had great masters of world architecture, Cesar Pelli, I think he was our last great master who left his legacy in many of the great cities. especially in Malaysia where I create the Petronas Towers. But I think that Argentina, fulfilled and fulfills a fundamental role both in the past, highlighting that the only house that the famous Le Corbusier built in Latin America was in Buenos Aires and emphasizing that the first tower of Zaha Hadid in Latin America will also be here

814C389A-EB8A-45A9-B300-17FEFEA8F737Do you have a favourite type of project to work on (private/commercial)? Why?

I don’t think I have something decided, I think that if architecture is necessary to improve the quality of life of any user, for me it is satisfactory to be able to execute it. but I would say that residential architecture is one of my favorites.

What wellness practices do you incorporate into your lifestyle to help you deliver such beautiful projects? (This can range from workouts, nutrition, meditation practice, etc)

Undoubtedly, I believe that the daily balance of rest, sport and physical activity, and mental relaxation is essential to be able to develop good projects, fundamentally I believe that the connection with nature opens the head in some way for new ideas.

0AA21B0E-1409-4CAF-99F0-21A573871B54Any words of wisdom for someone who is just starting out their design career?

I would advise them, to prepare, to study and to travel and look and experience different ways of projecting spaces, without a doubt it is a beautiful profession that gives you the freedom to make something that comes from a dream come true.

To see more of Thomas Cravero’s work please visit his Instagram profile @tc.arquitectura

Special thanks to Thomas Cravero for taking the time to be interviewed for Stylishly Zen.  All images courtesy of Thomas Cravero.

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

Inspiring Interior – St. Germain by Montana Labelle Design

Hi Everyone!

If you have been following my blog for a while, then you know about my love for all things marble. I love seeing how designers use marble with a space to create some very dreamy interiors. One designer whose beautiful use of marble gets me every time is Toronto based designer Montana Labelle.

Today’s Inspiring Interior is one of my favourite projects by Montana Labelle Design. The St. Germain project is a sleek and modern residential project. True to Montana’s design style, it is made up of a neutral colour palette with a heavy use of black and white. Various marble stone is used as statement pieces throughout the home elevating it to a modern, chic and inviting space.

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The marble used in the kitchen on the range, backsplash and hood (how gorgeous is the hood!?!?), is also carried thru to the living space where the same marble is used on the fireplace. White cabinetry paired with a sleek black kitchen island perfectly complement and showcase the beautiful stone.

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The plush grey velvet dining chairs paired with a statement marble top dining chairs set the tone for the luxe dining room. The dining room is further elevated with a vintage chandelier and oversized mirror. The beautiful chevron oak floor provides the perfect chic base for this space.

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A bold black and white marble is used in one of the bathrooms.  Pairing it with matte black hardware and an abstract shaped mirror keeps the marble from looking too heavy and overbearing.  Sleek white tiles and black hardware in the shower nearby ensure that focus is not pulled from the eye catching marble sink but complemented by its surroundings.  

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I love this home for it’s chic, modern, and minimalist style, neutral colour palette and fearless use of marble throughout the space. Vintage pieces such as the leather club chairs in the living room help to create a welcoming vibe throughout the home

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What do you think of this 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 from http://www.montanalabelle.com

Commercial Interiors Crush – STK Toronto

Hi Everyone!

It feels like the longest January ever and combined with the lockdown that we are currently in here in Montreal things seem a little bleak. One thing that I am doing to keep my spirits up is to research and plan all of the places that I would love to visit once things start to open back up. One mini getaway that I would like to take is to Toronto for some good food and great design.

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STK Toronto is the first Canadian outpost of the STK dining concept, that blends the qualities of an upscale steakhouse with a chic nightclub lounge. The Design Agency was commissioned to design the Canadian location. Located in the former Four Season’s Yorkville Hotel, The Design Agency did a beautiful job creating an incredible dining locale that is both welcoming and sultry making a dining experience here memorable like any other in Toronto.

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What do you think of the design of STK Toronto? 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 from http://www.thedesignagency.ca

Heavenly Home – Ornamental Modern by Dylan Farrell Design

Hi Everyone!

I love a good house tour and today’s project is one home that I am completely in love with. Located in Melbourne and designed by the extremely talented firm Dylan Farrell Design, this home is exquisite. With it’s modern Italianate exterior, and grand interior proportions, it would be easy to for many design decisions to underwhelm, but by adding layers of warmth such as gorgeous timber chevron floors and a black and white repetition throughout the home the design elevates the overall mood of the home. Steel and glass doors framed by floor to ceiling wire brushed oak, help to create a sense of separation and flow throughout the home. The result is an urban edginess combined with a rustic farmhouse vibe, love it!

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Given all of the incredible features throughout the home it’s hard to pick a favourite, but the warm warm tones of the dining room next to a well stocked wine cellar create a welcoming and intimate vibe that I love. I am also completely smitten with the aged mirror panels on the steel framed closet doors.

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The warm tones of the interior are carried throughout the exterior spaces of the home. With a sprawling leafy garden, gorgeous lap pool and outdoor fireplace area this home is the perfect place to entertain indoors and out.

What do you think of this home? Let me know if the comments below. I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

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

Vacation Dreaming – Mykonos Home by Block722architects+

Hi Everyone!

Not being able to travel over the past year has been challenging for me.  The best way that I have found to counter my desire to get on a plane and immerse myself in a new culture has been to lose myself in dreamy projects around the world.  Today’s feature project is located in a country that is very high on my bucket list – Greece!  746767DD-FB5E-47A1-9706-B4F192456476Mykonos Home by Block722architect+ is a luxury home designed in Cycladic style of architecture.  With its use of earthy materials and textures, whitewashed walls and open spaces this home is an unmistakably dreamy refuge.  While currently it is only a render, once built it will blend perfectly in with the other building on the beautiful island of Mykonos.  9F93AD09-E9C9-4C5B-A151-0F0622CCDB0EAD3530D2-9026-406E-BBBB-77794E8D3043The natural light from the tall windows that stretch nearly the entire height of the wall give the impression of a larger space than the home really is (300m2).  Bringing in a Scandinavian design influence into the interiors, the main materials used within the home are stone and timber.  The use of these materials is also an intelligent design decision as they are naturally cooling which is particularly useful during the hot summer months.  54322476-3DA1-46EE-9084-D59FA977EBFFC0843F29-5691-42A5-9F1C-ED16DDAF6259One of my favourite spaces within the home is the kitchen, with its finely latticed timber cabinetry in a washed timber paired with lime washed walls and brass details its both chic yet warm and calming.891B1214-EDAF-4C40-A4C6-82A03D2C91E4Stone platforms are featured prominently throughout the home both inside in the living areas and within the outdoor area where they are used as day beds.  The outdoor shaded area overlooks the teal tiled pool  The outdoor space also features an outdoor shower along with areas to relax and entertain.  The decor is kept simple yet welcoming and very zen.   50A853D8-5B3B-4B96-9725-8471FBC41E83BF159559-2214-4B88-8802-AB159C657E87It is very easy to lose yourself in daydreams about this gorgeous space.  What do you think of this home?  Let me know in the comments below!

I hope that you have a beautiful day!  XXS

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