Dreamy Design – the Liminal House

Hi Everyone!

Located in West Vancouver, the Liminal House is a three storey residence that boasts a roof garden, inner courtyards and a swimming pool. Made of materials such as glass, concrete, aluminum plate and Accoya wood blends beautifully into its surroundings. 

Taking four years to complete, this gorgeous home was designed by McLeod Bovell for a couple that was soon to become empty nesters. The name Liminal reflected the changes in both the owners lives and the area to where to home is located. 

The home inspires a sense of tranquility and grounding. The affect of the sharp angles, combination of materials and breathtaking views is almost meditative. 

I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

All images via http://www.coolhunter.net

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

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

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