YOSSAWAT

Ceramic House by Héctor Ruiz Velázquez

Yossawat — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:45:11 +0000

Héctor Ruiz-Velázquez, Spanish architect has transformed the attic space of an early 20th century building in Madrid, into a new living space with a variety of levels. Following story photography by Pedro Martínez This new concept of living space is placed: UNLIMITED SPACE or Ceramic House is presented by architect Héctor Ruiz-Velázquez and built out of total freedom of layers. As if the design would be a three-dimensional object, every one of the rooms or points of the home can be located by specifying the axis of coordinates.

The result is the power to move around in few square meters at different heights, going up and down, offering a new experience of roominess in the context of a home: to explore the space. The transition between the rooms is continuous and lets the movement flow freely across the numerous levels.

The spatial flexibility that transforms this home is an innovative housing concept which adapts itself to the actual necessities and to the new usages. Where roominess, brightness and time flow in a multifunctional space without corners or precedence. It is also about expanding the parameters of interior design as well as the conventional trends of arrangement.

This project responds to the assignment by ASCER (Asociación Española de Fabricantes de Azulejos y Pavimentos Cerámicos – Spanish Association of Tile and Ceramic Flooring Manufacturers) for the creation of a new living concept, where the ceramic receives special treatment which turns it into the indisputable protagonist of the space. The ceramic is a material which offers, due to its versatility of application, multiple possibilities in its planimetry. According to the architect’s objective the ceramic thus transforms itself into an excellent dynamic entity able to offer the luxuriousness of working in three dimensions. “Change and continuation”, “tradition and innovation” simply unfold with a new angle on the use of ceramic material.

Source : Photography by Pedro Martínez

At Home with Town & Country

Yossawat — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:18:10 +0000

At Home with Town & Country, the first-ever home book from the magazine that is the last word in defining the affluent lifestyle, opens the doors to 30 distinctive dwellings, providing rare glimpses of lives being lived in sleek urban showplaces and luxurious rural retreats alike-and offering advice and inspiration for creating stylish, soul-sustaining spaces of your own.
These remarkable homes, lavishly photographed to the publication’s singular standard, reflect the latest developments in residential architecture and design, including the “Invisible House,” Tadao Ando’s avant-garde dwelling for the Benetton family in northern Italy and Antoine Predock’s art-filled Dallas retreat for Deedie and Rusty Rose. But classic design also plays a part: here, too, are Chatsworth, the 400-year-old ancestral seat of the Dukes of Devonshire; Ralph and Ricky Lauren’s 1920′s-era family estate in Bedford, New York; and Spike and Tonya Lee’s historic Manhattan town house. Each of the chapters concludes with a practical guide to a universal aspect of design, from planning the perfect cook’s kitchen to building a second home.
This sumptuous book is sure to grace the coffee tables of the most fashionable homes.

Via…Amazon.com

Paula Deen’s Savannah Style

Yossawat — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:59:48 +0000

The Food Network queen of buttery Southern fare departs from publishing cookbooks to present—with help from Branch, her personal assistant and creative director—a photo-laden guide (photos by Deborah Whitlaw Llewelyn) to her style of home decorating. Like Deen’s food, the decor she highlights is welcoming and comfortable, and often over-the-top (music rooms complete with harps and grand pianos; oversized crystal chandeliers). She covers plenty of topics applicable to many readers, such as porch livin’, the practical use of slipcovers, and collecting. There’s not a house in Savannah that doesn’t lovingly display a collection of plates, pottery, canes, ceramics, crafts, or anything that takes our fancy, she explains. The frequent Brandon’s Style Secrets sidebars scarcely offer secrets, but they do contain nuggets of fun and time-tested wisdom: For your [holiday] flowers, use several tiny bunches instead of one big expensive arrangement. You will get the same look for less money. Though reading Deen’s accent (nothin’; havin’; fixin’) isn’t as charming as hearing it, the prose is friendly, and the volume offers a warm invitation to those who want a peek at how Deen and her fellow Savannahans live.

Via…Amazon.com

The Codes Guidebook for Interiors

Yossawat — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 07:54:43 +0000

Get the acclaimed guide to essential codes and standards, now fully updated and expanded! Few guidebooks offer such a comprehensive guide to building codes and interior projects as The Codes Guidebook for Interiors, Fourth Edition. Its wealth of information and easy-to-search format saves research time and effort for any architect or designer, whether you are planning to design a new building or renovate an existing one.

The only guide devoted exclusively to codes applicable to interiors, this award-winning resource provides jargon-free explanations of all the major codes, standards, and federal regulations pertaining to the construction, alteration, and maintenance of commercial and residential interiors of all sizes. The easy-to-navigate format allows you to quickly find specific code topics and their relevance at each stage in the design process. You will find important code information on everything from occupancy classifications and fire protection systems to plumbing requirements and finish/furniture selection. Dozens of examples and an enhanced set of illustrations, including sample floor plans, show clearly how codes apply to actual interior projects.

Revised, updated, and expanded to account for the many recent code changes, the Fourth Edition of this hailed resource provides:

* The latest coverage of the 2006 ICC codes, including the International Building Code.
* Comprehensive explanations of the NFPA codes and standards, including the 2006 Life Safety Code and the 2005 National Electrical Code.
* Introduction to new code concepts based on new and upcoming codes and standards, such as sustainability issues, energy-related issues, and emergency egress.
* Detailed coverage of all related accessibility issues based on the ADA Accessibility Guidelines and the most current ICC/ANSI A117.1 accessibility standard.
* Up-to-date information on working with code officials and documenting projects.
* The newest code tables, design examples, diagrams, and project checklists.
* A thorough review for interior designers and architects taking the NCIDQ and ARE exams.

The Codes Guidebook for Interiors, Fourth Edition is an essential reference for architects, interior designers, and engineers, as well as facilities managers, construction managers, and developers.

Via..Amazon.com

The Home Within US – Romantic Houses, Evocative Rooms

Yossawat — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 07:26:54 +0000

Architect and designer Bobby McAlpine creates idyllic houses that wed historical precedent with gracious modern living. His distinguished firms, McAlpine Tankersley Architecture and McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors, are renowned nationwide for their talent in designing residences that resonate with nostalgia, fantasy, and a sense of place. Their dwellings—from country and seaside retreats to homes in historic American neighborhoods—offer favorite period styles with a timeless quality. Presented are over twenty houses in a variety of settings that illustrate concepts running throughout their work. Juxtaposing intimate spaces with lofty entertaining areas and combining unexpected materials, such as stone with thatch, are among the hallmarks of these prestigious firms. Examples include a Mediterranean-revival house with sleek factory-sash windows and classical Roman columns, a beach house with a vaulted hallway leading to a light-filled contemporary salon, and an unusual house that blends Scottish vernacular style with modern details. With lush photography capturing the romance of these houses, The Home Within Us is ideal for anyone wishing to be inspired by the poetic design of a romantic home.

Via…Amazon.com

Professional Practice for Interior Designers

Yossawat — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 07:01:32 +0000

The text of choice for professional interior design practice, now with companion CD-ROM Since publication of the First Edition in 1990, Professional Practice for Interior Designers has remained the leading choice for educators for teaching interior design business practice as well as for professionals seeking to advance in their own practices. This ASID/Polsky Prize winner is recommended by the NCIDQ for exam preparation and covers the gamut of legal, financial, management, marketing, administrative, and ethical issues. You gain all the essential skills needed for planning and maintaining a thriving interior design business, presented in the clear, easy-to-follow style that is the hallmark of this text.

This Fourth Edition is completely current with the latest business practices and features a host of new practice aids:

*Companion CD-ROM includes a trial version of professional practice software, business forms, numerous short articles, plus additional information and resources

*New examples help you manage the latest challenges and implement the latest business practices

*A new chapter devoted to strategic planning explains this important business concept in easy-to-understand language for students and professionals

*Brief “what would you do” case studies in each chapter challenge you to respond to ethical issues faced by today’s interior designers

From creating a business plan to launching a promotional campaign to setting up a computerized accounting system, everything you need to launch and sustain a successful interior design practice is here.

Via…Amazon.com

Atelier Abigail Ahern

Yossawat — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:52:00 +0000

“Someone once described my home as walking into Alice in Wonderland on acid,” says Abigail Ahern, interior designer, boutique owner and author. After beginning her career working for Terence Conran’s publishing company, Abigail re-trained as an interior designer when her husband’s job required them to move stateside.

“I retrained because I’d been working on interiors picture books and really loved it. I got a job in an architectural practice in New York and it grew from there.” After four years in New York, the couple moved back to London and Abigail opened her flagship interiors store in Islington. “My first love is the store because interior design I can do it very easily. In this sort of market the store is more of a challenge.” She has recently enjoyed opening her first concession, too, in the famous Bluebird concept store on London’s King’s Road.

Abigail’s working life is undeniably a juggling act – with the store to run, international interior design clients (including a super spa in Miami) and her book, Decorating for Girls about to be published in three different languages! “It is quite crazy trying to juggle the design side with the store side but it’s all good fun.” Decorating for Girls, which was published this summer, is a must-buy for any home decorating enthusiasts, explains Abigail: “It demystifies DIY – all the projects can be done in a lazy Sunday afternoon kind of way. Plus it personifies my style playing with colour, scale and making homes quirky and fun.”

Next, Abigail is turning her attentions to design. “Probably the most exciting thing in my world right now is that we’re designing our own range of lighting and we plan to branch out to furniture and textiles too”. This builds on Abigail’s increasingly bold approach to buying for her shop. “Before I had quite a conservative range with a few of my eclectic pieces but now, having been in the store so much, I’ve realised that people really love the quirky stuff.” So what advice could she give other budding interior designers? “You’ve got to totally follow your gut, don’t diversify into too many fields and stick to your style.”

Source : atelierabigailahern.com

A Girl’s Guide to Decorating by Abigail Ahern

Yossawat — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:57:46 +0000

A Girl’s Guide to Decorating is a hip, practical decorating guide full of insider advice, cool and original ideas, fabulously glossy photography and clever tips for turning your space into a fabulous stylish pad – without spending a lot of money. Internationally renowned designer and stylist Abigail Ahern imparts her expertise on all aspects of home decoration – from the initial planning of a space to make it work for you, right through to the small details that will add a touch of glamour and make it unique. Abigail includes simple suggestions for how to approach every room in your house and all major decorating techniques are fully explained – from hanging wallpaper and painting walls, windows and doors, to creating shelving and achieving different lighting effects. Easy to follow step-by-step instructions and accompanying photography will inspire you to try your hand at every suggestion. Chapters are based around the fundamental elements of home design: space, colour, light, texture and the individual touches that make it your own. Abigail encourages you to be brave with colour and pattern and to make a bold statement with your home. With Abigail’s insider knowledge, you can effortlessly turn something cheap from the high street into a unique and luxurious focus piece. With her low cost tips and idea adding instant glamour that are super easy to put into practice, Abigail proves that style has nothing to do with money.

Via : Amazon.com

Pasinetti Residence by Design Plus Construction

Yossawat — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:45:19 +0000

Living in California is all about sun, sand and sexiness. And that’s what the newly renovated Pasinetti House— originally designed in 1958 by Romanian architect Haralamb Georgescu, is all about. Redone by Aaron Torrence of Design Plus Construction, the new look of the home comes due to extensive use of glass and wooden add-ons that bring in better ventilation while still keeping in line with the original design.

Comprising of a series of 20-foot cubes, including an open-framed deck in the back overlooking the cityscape, some unique modern artwork and a large storage space for books, this is seems like the perfect hub in the sunshine state.

Source : Design Plus Construction

The Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro By Philippe Starck

Yossawat — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:20:44 +0000

The Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro, located on Avenida Vieira Souto, in the heart of Ipanema beach, the Fasano combines the sophistication of Rio’s most coveted address with modernity and efficiency in design and service. Envisioned by Philippe Starck, everything has been thought out to reverberate the glorious Bossa Nova Era, when Ipanema was blossoming into the most charming neighborhood of Rio.

The Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro exterior swimming pool

The Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro exterior seating area

The Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro interior bar

The Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro interior restaurant

The Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro interior dining table

Source : Starck