inspiring architecture – Page 5

Inspiring Design

Published on April 16, 2020April 15, 2020 by soreiyaLeave a comment

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. The 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. The 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. The 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. The 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

Inspiring Design

Published on February 17, 2020February 17, 2020 by soreiya1 Comment

The first picture that I ever saw of the Brighton Homestead by Robson Rak Architects was the incredible white entryway. It quickly earned a spot in my dream design file and I often found myself staring at it wondering what the rest of the home looked like. Last week though, The Local Project featured a breathtaking home in Melbourne that I quickly fell in love with. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the entryway that had left an indelible mark on my design dreams belonged to this dream worthy home.

Architectural firm Robson and Rak were tasked with the brief of adapting a stately home into a family enclave for a family with four young boys. They respected the original features and built a complementary extension which successfully elevated the design of the entire home.

The brief included creating an amazing zone for the children and this home balances formality with a sense of play throughout the home. This included extending the underground basement garage to allow for indoor cricket matches.

The colour palette throughout the home is restrained and elegant, with pops of colour to further elevate the sense of play vibe that this home has.

The colour play of light and dark along with large windows that allow for natural light throughout the home along with exquisite carved details, combine to make a unique and dream worthy residence.

Spacious, beautiful and light filled, this home is a study in playful elegance. One that I hope to achieve in my own home.

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

Photos via http://www.thelocalproject.com.au

Inspring Interior

Published on October 30, 2019October 30, 2019 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Hi Everyone!

Maybe it’s the season, but lately I have really been feeling the need to nest and get my home comfortably decorated for the winter. My winter plans include spending a lot of time hibernating indoors and I want to make sure that my place is warm, welcoming and comfortable. I was scouring magazines and online sites looking for inspiration when I came across today’s Inspiring Interior.

Actress Lea Michele is well known for her role on Glee and her gorgeous voice. Her recently listed LA home is just as stunning as the actress herself. With four bedrooms and four bathrooms this light and spacious home is both welcoming and chic.

Just under 3200 square feet, this home would be perfect for all types of residents including families, couples or even a solo dweller like me.

Marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, a pivoting glass door, light colour palette, textured accents and large fireplace all help to give this home a charming yet modern vibe.

The outdoor area features a pool and a covered area to relax and enjoy the beautiful LA weather. Overall this house is warm, welcoming, spacious and chic which is exactly the vibe that I would like to bring into my own home.

I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

Photo Credit:www.dwell.com

Behind the Design with Guilherme Torres

Published on August 8, 2019August 7, 2019 by soreiya1 Comment

Hi Everyone!

As you know architecture and design are huge passions of mine and while I love looking at and learning about new projects and spaces, lately I have found myself wanting to know more about the people behind my favourite projects and designs. Today I am so excited (you have no idea just how excited) to introduce a new series to Stylishly Zen called “Behind the Design” featuring the designers and architects behind some of my favourite projects.

Today’s featured architect is Guilherme Torres. Based in Sao Paolo, Brazil Guilherme’s work is absolutely beautiful and unique. With clean lines, uncluttered aesthetic and natural materials, I would best describe his work as elevated natural luxury with a twist. Without further adieu, here is my interview with Guilherme Torres:

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

Always, ever since I was a child. Actually, I’ve always known I wanted to be an architect, and design was something that came later, to complement my creative process. If I weren’t an architect I’d be an astronaut.

> How would you describe your design aesthetic?

I like to think that I have an antenna in my head that can be directed at several sources. Now I see a common syntax in everything I do. I try to be prudent with my lines, maximising the effects whilst using very little.

> Where do you find your inspiration from?

The day to day that I create for myself is my source of inspiration. I’m very curious, and I love music, cinema and visual arts. I just absorb everything that is in my reach and let my subconscious work it out. I don’t research anything on Pinterest, for instance.

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

Designing furniture is always a big challenge for me. In part, almost everything has already been designed, because we have several rules to follow. In Brazil, for instance, we don’t have a greatly developed industry in this field, so the aesthetics repertoire is somewhat limited. There’s also the ergonomics factor, that defines a lot of the standards that have to be followed. The space to create, using the same materials and technology is then reduced, so I need a lot of time to research to mature my ideas.

> What has been your favourite project to date?

I have many, but I guess I would say Mangue Groove, which I did for Swarovski, and Tree House, my last house design, still unpublished.

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

It depends on the project. Designing a house, for instance, takes me about 15 minutes, and a chair, about 5 years!

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

I love exotic and nature-filled places. Places that are wild and that have new cultures, smells and experiences. Yet, there’s a lot more “mainstream” places that I don’t know yet. I guess the top three destinations on my wishlist are Japan, Egypt and Russia.

> How would you describe the design style in Brazil?

Tricky. We’ve had a golden period after the Second World War, born out of the migrants that came to Brazil to rebuild their lives. Brazilian design made in the 50s and 60s was brilliant. Ever since that our production’s been shyer and less representative. The world has also become too “pasteurised”.

> Describe your perfect day in São Paulo – what would you do? Where would you go?

My perfect day starts in my house, the best place in the world, with my dog, a Jack Russel called Bolt. But of course I’d want to go out to do something. That’s the fun of living in São Paulo: there’s anything you want! Also, I don’t really like planning.

> Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Younger, richer and humbler.

> Any words of wisdom for someone who is considering becoming an architect or designer?

Don’t!

Special thanks to Guilherme Torres and his colleague Renato Freddi for participating in this interview. All images courtesy of Studio Guilherme Torres.

I hope that all of you have a beautiful day! XXS

Inspiring Interior

Published on June 27, 2019June 27, 2019 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Hi Everyone!

I don’t know what has been going on, but these past few months have just flown right by! A part of me still thinks that it is March, but the fact that I am currently writing this blog post while sitting on my balcony, enjoying the warm weather and sipping on an Aperol Spritz implies that we are much further into 2019 then I care to admit to myself. This means that I have now been living in my new place for over six months and I have barely scratched the decorating surface! It is about time that I kick things into gear and give myself a deadline.

The biggest challenge that I am currently facing in terms of decorating, is that I can’t seem to decide what I like, and when I do decide I can’t seem to find it OR it is completely out of my budget! What is a girl to do???

Having said all of this, I think that I have narrowed it down and in my head things are finally starting to come together (or so I hope). I finally painted my living room – I went for a pure white colour which I absolutely love, and now time for the fun part…decorating! To find inspiration I have been doing A LOT of research and today I am sharing with you a project that I recently stumbled across from a studio who’s work I have admired for a few years now.

Bao Proyectos is a Madrid based firm who’s work is clean, fresh and absolutely gorgeous! Their projects include the One Shot Hotel in Saville along with countless private residences and restaurants. Today’s Inspiring Interior is a private residence in Madrid that really captured the mood that I would love to achieve within my own home.

This light filled residence has a clean aesthetic thanks to countless windows, bright white walls and minimal furnishings. Despite the minimal aesthetic, the home still looks lived in and welcoming – this is often challenging to achieve, yet the team at Bao Proyectos has achieved it beautifully. Built in book cases and storage along with intelligent furniture choices helps to achieve a clean, sleek yet inviting look that I absolutely love. Playful accents such as the yellow couch against a mint green wall and the geometric designed storage in the bedroom and rugs throughout the home, help to infuse some fun into the overall clean aesthetic. The icing on the proverbial cake of this stunning apartment is the gorgeous bathroom with marble and matte black hardware – heaven! Bao Proyectos did a wonderful job on this project and I can’t wait to see what they achieve in the future! Take a look: