interiors – Page 9 – Stylishly Zen

Five Faves

Published on September 3, 2019September 2, 2019 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Happy September Everyone!

I cannot believe that the summer is over! Truth be told though, I have every intention of keeping the warm weather attitude alive as long as I can. So that means, that while I will soon be bundled up in boots and coats and cozy cardigans, the happy light weight attitude of summer will remain for as long as I am able to hold on to it. How are you celebrating the new season (yes I realize that the calendar still gives us a couple of weeks until this actually happens – work with a girl please!)? Let me know in the comments below!

Here are five things that I am currently loving:

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It’s nothing new, but I am seriously loving the pairing of sporty clothing with something more sexy. I am especially into outfits like this one that pairs basic sweatshirts with a cute mini skirt and some fabulous heels. Until I need to seriously cover up and put on some boots I will happily be rocking this trend.

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I am currently on vacation in Madrid where I recently tried this dish – sautéed shrimp with mango and avocado and it was delicious! It is so good and simple to make that I will be recreating it once I get back to Montreal in an effort to keep the summer spark alive!

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I am completely hooked on Money Heist aka La Casa de Papel. I found the first couple of episodes a little challenging to get into, but ever since I am a woman obsessed. I am currently watching season three for the second time and I cannot wait until season four drops (any ideas on when that will be???). If you are looking for a phenomenal show on Netflix to watch (and you are okay with Subtitles unless you are fluent in Spanish), Money Heist is worthwhile checking out.

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Fall is the season for leather, and while I will happily be incorporating a bit of leather into my outfits I am especially loving the idea of accenting my home with it. This chair in particular matched with a jute rug has me on the hunt for a similar version. Love, love, love!

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I came across this on Instagram today felt the need to share. I loved this post because it reminded me that I do have control over somethings, and that I owe it to myself to put effort into them in order to show up as my best self. Therefore, once I am back from vacation I will be putting in the effort in all of these areas of my life in order to be the best version of myself, I owe myself that much as do you!

Thank you for tuning into todays post and I hope that you have a fabulous day! XXS

photo credit: @mrsrodial, @soreiya, http://www.fotograma.com, @happilygreyhome, @thelawofattraction

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:

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

I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

Dream Design – Dexamenes, Kourouta Greece

Published on April 23, 2019April 23, 2019 by soreiya1 Comment

I have always been a believer in love at first sight, and while I have yet to experience the type of happily ever after that we often see in the movies, the design projects that have stolen my heart in an instant remain there for many many years. Today’s Dream Design is one such design project. The first picture that I saw of it grabbed my attention and my love continued to grow with every further picture of it that I saw, and every story that I read about it – needless to say, it is a architectural love story for the modern age.

Dexamenes is located on Kourouta Beach which is a beautiful stretch of coastline in the western Peloponnese. Its history dates back to the “Era of Currents”, although it was left relatively untouched since the 1920’s. Athen’s based K-Studio created a design that successfully respected its strong history and beauty of the site while breathing new life into the space. The result is a modern, elegant and minimalist hotel with a raw, brutal and industrial aesthetic. Respecting the existing buildings by leaving them relatively untouched, K-Studio updated the site using concrete, steel, timber and glass.

The hotel rooms were built within two concrete blocks that are divided length wise into two rows of ten storage tanks. The rooms are identical with the openings facing towards the beach. Everything is connected by a raised promenade walkway that leads towards the water. Each room has a double bed, an open wardrobe and a large double shower which adds to the sense of luxury within the minimal aesthetic. The bathroom is separated by the rest of the room by a wall of textured glass which allows the light from the large sliding windows at the front to reach the back of the tank.

The entry to the hotel is from behind the tanks. Concrete, glass partitions and a louvered plywood canopy provide a warm welcome along with the guests first view of the sea.

Phase two which will see further extensions and a garden are planned along with the addition of extra amenities such as a taverna, boutique selling local wares and a history room are planned for 2019.

The design of Dexamenes is both thoughtful and intelligent. With a strong minimalistic design aesthetic, this hotel is a study in respecting history, restraint and brutal beauty that is often difficult to achieve.

All images via http://www.k-studi.gr

I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

Inspiring Interior

Published on February 26, 2019February 25, 2019 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Today’s Inspiring Interior is the very definition of Stylishly Zen. Located in Carlton, Australia, this light filled family home is chic, unique and incredibly charming. It combines elements of a Victorian era home with Parisian chic and the result is heavenly.

The bold blue door and lovely Victorian details are the perfect welcome to this home. Inside, a clean colour palette of white walls and dark floors are the perfect backdrop to showcase the many gorgeous details of this family home. Dark herringbone floors, a marble waterfall island and unexpected furniture colour choices elevate this home to a new level.

I especially love the pink dining chairs and the blue couch which helps to carry the charm of the exterior into the home. Sculptural lighting and neutral furniture otherwise help to balance out the showcase furniture.

Plenty of large windows allow natural light to fill the home and it helps to bring nature indoors which adds an additional level of calm to this serene family home.

The attention to detail is incredible and I love how certain elements such as sculptural lighting, herringbone flooring and marble quietly repeats itself throughout the home.

This dreamy family home will have a consistent spot on my inspiration board for current and future projects, Love! Love! Love!

Interior design services by Biasol Design Studio

Photo credit: http://www.biasol.com.au

I hope that you have a beautiful and stylish day! XXS