Food For Thought

RAINDROP

2019-04-16T09:26:00.001+02:00

Journey of a Raindrop: Issey Miyake Collaborates With Jólan van der Wiel

Discover the Exclusive Collaboration During the Salone del Mobile

about 23 hours ago

Issey Miyake has collaborated with Dutch designer Jólan van der Wiel on a special project on the occasion of Milan’s Salone del Mobile. Entitled Journey of a Raindrop: The strange attraction of water, the installation recreates the phenomena found in nature, translated through different design elements and materials.

Read more after the jump:

Share

If you could live the life of a raindrop, the world is your roller coaster. Exposed to different environments, a drop of water can be either a waterfall, a dancing snowflake or a raging storm. Rain brings fertility and abundance, but can just as well be a powerful force of destruction. Therefore mankind has had an ambivalent relationship with rain throughout its history. At ISSEY MIYAKE in Milan, Jólan van der Wiel lets you travel along on the journey of a raindrop. In his innovative installations, science and uncanny beauty meet to create an experience of the many forms rain take, to see the world through a drop of water. – from Issey Miyake

Share

The installations use water and air, recreating different shapes that the raindrop experiences throughout its lifetime: a spiral shows how rain is swirled around by the wind, crystal-like shapes recall its frozen state, water streaming upwards represents evaporation.

Share

The installation creates a visual dialogue with the store interior, creating a unique experience which resonates with the spirit of Issey Miyake.

Share on Pinterest Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

Issey Miyake Milan store is showcasing Journey of a Raindrop by Jólan van der Wiel from 9th – 14th April.

HOME U P G R A D E

2019-04-13T08:50:00.002+02:00

Ways and Reasons to Upgrade Your Home

Getting ready for a remodel of your home? We have a few valuable tips!

14 days ago

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to increase the value of your home or if you’re just bored with it, remodeling can renew your interest in your home, make it a bit more functional, and maybe even increase its marketability. If you’re looking for a change, here are some reasons to do it as well as a few ideas.

Getting Ready for Retirement

If you happen to be planning on remaining in your home throughout your golden years, it’s critical to upgrade it with features that’ll make it easier for you to age in place. This might include putting in step-in showers or bathtubs or installing toilets that are made for those who might be in a wheelchair or have limited mobility. You might also want to get a 1 ¼ hp garage door opener to make it easier to get in and out without having to manually open the garage.

Curb Appeal

If you’re looking to sell your home, one way to increase the value is to bump the curb appeal up a notch. The front side of your home is the first thing that any potential buyers will be able to see. This means that making it stately and welcoming is of the utmost importance. Paint the house including the front door, add some plants to your entryway or porch, and get the lawn landscaped.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

If you think you might be paying a bit much for your utilities, think about replacing your regular windows with double-paned, energy-efficient ones. This can save you money and also reduce your carbon footprint.

The Heart of the Home

In most homes, the heart of the home is the kitchen. Friends and family tend to gather here and spend quite a bit of time having conversations and bonding. Think about upgrading your appliances and putting in new cabinets. Make sure that there isn’t any wasted space because in most kitchens, there’s a lot, but don’t aim to be too cluttered either.

Make Things Right

Yes, your bathrooms might be functional, but upgrading the plumbing is always a good idea. If you have a large but boring mirror in your bathroom, why not replace it with one that is beautifully framed? Pay close attention to the lighting too. Lighting can make or break a room, especially a bathroom.

No More Embarrassment

You really shouldn’t waste even one more day with those hideous avocado colored counters. If you’re embarrassed to invite any of your friends to your home because you’re worried about the impression you’ll make, consider small changes such as painting rooms and replacing countertops. While your friends and family likely don’t care about these things, you’ll feel better about inviting them over.

Make Use of Your Basement

Have you reached the point where you’re tired of the basement being used solely for storage? How about changing it to a living space, like a media room. You might even put in a closet and a small window to use it as a spare bedroom. This will add to the square footage of the home while also increasing its value.

If full remodeling isn’t a possibility for you, you can always make little changes here and there. Over time, they will add up and you’ll begin to see your home in a new light.

MODERN LIVING

U N D E R W A T E R RESTAURANT

2019-03-23T08:36:00.002+01:00

Underwater Restaurant Has Been Completed In Norway And It Looks Out Of This World

Architecture, Food

ByLi

The first, the largest and the most research-friendly. Under is the world’s largest underwater restaurant with a total seating capacity for 100 guests, it’s the first of its kind in Europe, and it also functions as a research center for marine life. The Snøhetta-designed dining experience started operating just yesterday but people are already adding it to their Norway destination lists.

More info: snohetta.com

Image credits: Ivar Kvaal

In Norwegian, ‘under’ means both ‘below’ and ‘wonder.’ Half-sunken into the sea, the building’s 111-foot long monolithic form breaks the surface of the water to rest on the seabed below. Taking it a step further, the structure is built to eventually fully integrate into its marine environment, as the roughness of the concrete shell will function as an artificial reef, welcoming limpets and kelp to inhabit it.

Image credits: Ivar Kvaal

Thick concrete walls allow it to withstand pressure and shock from the rugged sea conditions and, like a sunken periscope, the restaurant’s massive panoramic window offers a view of the seabed as it changes throughout the seasons and varying weather conditions.

Image credits: Ivar Kvaal

Image credits: snohetta

“Under is a natural progression of our experimentation with boundaries,” Snøhetta Founder and Architect, Kjetil Trædal Thorsen said. “As a new landmark for Southern Norway, Under proposes unexpected combinations of pronouns and prepositions, and challenges what determines a person’s physical placement in their environment.”

Image credits: Ivar Kvaal

Image credits: underlindesnes

“In this building, you may find yourself underwater, over the seabed, between land and sea. This will offer you new perspectives and ways of seeing the world, both beyond and beneath the waterline.”

Image credits: Ivar Kvaal

Image credits: underlindesnes

The restaurant focuses to create a fine dining experience based on high quality, locally-sourced produce, emphasizing on sustainable wildlife capture. Danish expatriate Nicolai Ellitsgaard from the acclaimed restaurant Måltid in Kristiansand is the Head Chef, bringing an international, 16-person kitchen team with experience from top Michelin restaurants.

Image credits: under

In Norway, Lindesnes is known for its intense weather conditions, which can change from calm to stormy several times a day. Upon arriving at the site, the visitor’s impressions of the unruly outdoors quickly dissolve as they are ushered through into the hushed, oak-clad foyer. The rich interiors create a warm, welcoming atmosphere inside the restaurant.

Image credits: Inger Marie Grini

As a metaphor for descending from land to sea, textile-clad ceiling panels reference the colors of a sunset dropping into the ocean, accompanying one climbing down the stairs. Moreover, the elegance of the finely woven ceiling panels provides the building with a serene ambiance.

Image credits: underlindesnes

The furniture perfectly represents the philosophy of the whole project as well; to build solid structures for the future without compromising the natural beauty that lies inherent in the raw materials.

Image credits: http://www.ingermariegrini.no/

Image credits: Ivar Kvaal

But Under isn’t just a restaurant. The building also houses a marine research facility. It welcomes interdisciplinary research teams that will be able to study marine biology and fish behavior through cameras and other measurement tools that are installed on and outside the facade of the restaurant. They will be able to document the population, behavior, and diversity of species that live in the surrounding areas. The goal of the research is to collect data that can be programmed into machine learning tools that monitor the population dynamics of key marine species on a regular basis.

Image credits: Ivar Kvaal

Image credits: underlindesnes

According to Snøhetta, Under is a story of contrasts: the contrast between the landscape and the sea as well as above and below. The project underscores the delicate ecological balance between land and sea and draws our attention to sustainable models for responsible consumption.

Image credits: Ivar Kvaal

It emphasizes the coexistence of life on land and in the sea and introduces a new way of understanding our relationship with our surroundings – above the surface, under the water, and alongside the life of the sea.

Image credits: Ivar Kvaal

“For most of us, this is a totally new world experience. It’s not an aquarium, it’s the wildlife of the North Sea. That makes it much more interesting. It takes you directly into the wildness,” Rune Grasdal, lead architect of Under, told Dezeen. “If the weather is bad, it’s very rough. It’s a great experience, and to sit here and be safe, allowing the nature so close into you. It’s a very romantic and nice experience.”

Image credits: Snøhetta

“The idea was to make a tube that would bring people from above sea level down under the sea,” Grasdal said. “That transition is easy to understand, but it’s also the most effective way to do it. It also feels secure, but you don’t feel trapped.”

Image credits: Snøhetta

HOME V A L U E

2019-03-21T08:53:00.002+01:00

Ways to Add Value to your Home

Besides basic structural repairs and focusing on tasks such as fixing your roof, installing a skylight to create the illusion of space with light, changing the flooring and/or carpets, and insulating your loft, there are many other ways to work your way up the property ladder and add some serious value to your home.

Here are some of them worth considering.

Read more after the jump:

1. Turn your Cellar into a Living/Storage Space

Although it may sound complicated, this home improvement project is not as complex as you may think. You could convert your basement or cellar into a beautiful studio or even a small apartment that includes a bedroom, playroom or living room, shower room, and a kitchenette (or more, depending on the floor space). A nice addition would also be a landscaped staircase that could lead from the basement-turned-into-a-living-area to the garden. The same could apply to your extra garage area.

2. Convert the House into Several Flats

With the rise of Airbnb popularity, available flats for rent are hard to find, especially in the downtown London area. So, if you have a house big enough to accommodate your needs and still leave sufficient room for an extra flat or two, why not go for it? That way, you will maximise your income and also boost your profit on sale in the long run. Splitting the house into smaller apartments, though, makes sense if the demand for smaller, single-bedroom units is high in your area. Otherwise, it is not to your best interest to go down that road.

3. Add a Conservatory (or Improve the Existing One)

A conservatory is an excellent way to increase the available living space and feel closer to nature. Plus, it will add value to your property (experts estimate around 10% of potential value added). To get there, you will need to decide the style you prefer, take into account the glazing options and frame materials that best suit your needs and lifestyle, and also ensure its energy efficiency. Now, if you already have one, why not add a tiled roof? Tiled roof conservatories are not only a delight to look at but also come with added benefits due to their handy features that contribute to a pleasurable living, which also translates into more value for your property overall.

Share

4. Update your Kitchen and Bathroom(s)

Upgrading an old kitchen and bathroom is one of the best ways to get the biggest returns on your investment. Given that both kitchens and bathrooms are among the areas with the highest traffic and use, working on giving them a nice facelift will have a colossal impact on your home resale value. You could start by replacing anything old in the kitchen, from appliances and cabinets to flooring.

If you can’t afford new cabinets, you could consider having the existing ones refaced. Adding a new backsplash will also be enough to make your property worth more. You won’t believe how such small projects can change the visual appeal of your kitchen (and what it is worth in the eyes of potential buyers)! As for old flooring, you could revive it with vinyl or tile options. Now, if your countertops are worn out and feel dated (see Formica pieces), swapping them out for granite, quartz or gourmet-style ones will give you a winner. As for bathrooms, try replacing inexpensive elements, such as fixtures, toilets, and vanities and allow your bathroom infuse a spa-like sensation that will be like butter in the bread of future buyers.

Other Ways to Add Value to your Home

Change the light switches – Detail or not, replacing the standard white switches that usually yellow over time and look dirty with new ones that fit the overall design and style of the home is a handy and cost-effective project to work on. You could head to the nearest hardware store and get some yourself and then have an electrician install them in a flash. Now, if you want to make your switches a feature, metal and coloured switch plates are ideal.

Window treatments upgrade – Besides cleaning your windows and keeping them in tip-top shape, preventing dirt from accumulating and affecting the amount of light entering the house, you should ensure your windows are in perfect working condition. Check the latches and replace any cracked panes. A great start to add to the style of a room is to put up a new curtain or Roman blinds made from simple colours and fabrics. They will not only add style and warmth to your interior but also exude luxury.

Landscaping – Boost the appeal of your home with blooming flowers, healthy trees, and well-manicured lawns. Avoid installing gravelscaping or synthetic turf, though, as it will reduce environmental resilience and increase your energy costs. Instead, you could focus on planting native trees that raise the value of your home and the neighbouring properties while also cutting down your energy costs by nearly 50%.

Putting your good foot forward and ensuring you have a well-looked after, structurally sound home will help maximise its current value and enable you to make the most out of such a significant investment. Good luck!

Images – Seaside House in Croatia by Red Moon Design

ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR

VALUE G A R D E N

2019-03-04T08:09:00.001+01:00

How To Use Your Garden To Add Value To Your Home

By | February 19, 20190 Comments

5SHARES

Whenever you are preparing to sell a house getting things into shape is pivotal. However gardens are often neglected in the moment the sellers are preoccupied with the interiors and fixing up any major issues within the home going up for sale. Knowing how the landscaping affects the value of your home is one of the most important parts when selling a property.

Nevertheless, a garden is the 1st impression of your hose, and in this day and age we all know the first impressions count. Here’s how you should use your garden to add value to your home:

KEEP IT TIDY

Selling a property is expensive, even if you are in no rush to sell, thus very often you won’t have any additional funds to invest in renovating your garden. The easiest thing you can do is keeping your garden tidy is no doubt pivotal. Very often a simple garden will attract the buyer more easily, firstly they will have enough room to redesign it the way they see fit and also a garden requiring a tremendous amount of upkeep can easily turn the buyer off.

Without any budget at hand the easiest thing you can do is take some time to mow the lawn, clear the weeds and naturally sweep up and fix up any pathways throughout your garden. In case you are no longer living in the home you have up for sale, make sure you remove any clothe lines, since the same are very unsightly and may leave a bad impression of your outdoor area. Simple tasks like those mentioned above are quite enough to make the interested buyers pay attention to your property without investing major funds in home improvements.

THE SHED SITUATION

Once selling a property a shed in your garden may turn into a massive problem. Most often sheds are neglected for years, since built most likely many legislation have changed and you may not even have a permit to have one. This really depends on the state your shed is in, if used for simply storage like millions of home owners do the potential of it being simply said a mess is much higher. If specious enough, with all permits aligned, investing a little into remodeling a shed into a summer home or a small guest house is to without any doubt add value to your home.

The well designed outdoor buildings, especially when there is plumbing and electricity available, are sure to make the potential buyers much more interested in buying your home.

GARDEN PRIVACY

This is quite a hard subject, it depends on a lot on local regulations and pre-existing conditions. Very often building a garden wall is not an option, however if you already have one and you are in luck of having no sky-rises in sight this is a side of your home you should definitely use to add value to your property.

Owning a secluded portion of garden or even better the whole garden is sure to catch an eye of any potential house hunters. Whether it’s a wall or large plants next to the fencing both are sure to improve the value of the home you are trying to sell. In much smaller gardens, you should consider getting permits to build a timber arbour seating space creating a private space within the garden itself.

PAVE THE ROUTES

Keeping tidy all the routes in your garden is as important as maintaining the rest of the garden in top shape. Rock paths are quite valuable today, and considered much easier to maintain.

THE OUTSIDE IN

Furthermore if your house is able to connect it’s indoor and outdoor space that is a major box ticked in any potential house buyers check list. A well shaped terrace which connects your homes living area to the outdoor garden is a dream for every home owner. It extends the space of your home during the summer, and if by chance your home has bifold doors opening into garden make sure you accentuate this feature in your home.

Furthermore help the buyers have a feeling of what the garden is to be like once living in. Seeing themselves living in the space and using the garden is to make them much more interested in the property. Getting some outdoor furniture and lighting is a great way to do so.

Images – Kiah House by Austin Maynard Architects

RELATED ITEMSARCHITECTURE

← Previous StoryZaha Hadid Design X Rosenthal New Porcelain Collections

5 TIPS O U T D O O R P ARTY

2019-03-03T08:19:00.002+01:00

5 Tips for Your Next Outdoor Party

By | December 28, 20180 Comments

6SHARES

When it comes to having a party, whether it’s a Christmas party for family and friends, or a summer BBQ for the whole neighborhood, cooking in your indoor kitchen can be tiring, crowded, and downright inconvenient as well. However, now that you bought a new house and installed your outdoor kitchen, you no longer have to cook inside. There are a few tips below that you might want to follow to help you put your outdoor kitchen to its best use, so that you can cook and still be at the party with your family and friends, at the same time.

Furthermore, spring is around the corner it is a great moment for outdoor parties and wedding celebrations as well.

Check out DESIGN SCENE Magazine outdoor party tips:

KEEP THE BEER TAP AND DRINKS AT THE END OF THE COUNTER

Now that you have installed your kitchen and carried out all of those great outdoor kitchen countertop ideas that you loved, the last thing you want is people crowding your counters when you’re trying to prep food to cook. That’s why it’s a good idea to have the mini fridge with the sodas and beer, or even a beer tap if you so choose at the end of the counter, so people can get drinks without getting in your way.

No matter what you do, be sure your fridge is to become sort of a ‘water cooler’ hotspot of your party. Therefore by placing a mini fridge outdoors you will have more of your guests enjoy your beautiful garden.

HAVE ALL PREP AND FOOD WITH YOU

It’s beyond aggravating to be in the middle of prepping food, only to turn around to throw something away and find that the trash can is missing or the honeycomb that you need especially for that new recipe is still in the house. Instead, take a tally before the guests arrive and you start cooking. Make sure you have all of your food, your spices, and essentials such as trash cans, bowls, and utensils you need, so that you don’t have to keep running back inside to grab something, instead of spending that time with your family and friends having fun.

The secret of every great chef is preparing in advance, before cooking! Make sure to have all of your ingredients and equipment ready, that way everything is to run much smoother!

LET FAMILY AND FRIENDS HELP

The point of having a large indoor or outdoor kitchen with plenty of counter space is so that you can talk to your friends and family while you cook. The next natural step is to let them help you with the prepping, the cooking, and, of course, the cleaning up afterward as well. After all, everyone knows that the family that cooks together stays together. What could be more cozy and fun, than cooking a meal together in your outdoor kitchen?

A big kitchen in one way or another becomes the meeting point for family and friends. If your friends and family are helping you prepare for the party not only will they make it easier for you they will feel far more included. These beautiful moments around your kitchen peninsula‘s are sure to become true memories to hold.

HAVE YOUR LIVING SPACE CLOSE BY

Of course, when you have an outdoor kitchen, you also need an area where your guests can sit to do everything from eating to socializing. Arrange your outdoor living space so that it is close to your kitchen area. You also want it to be comfy and cozy, so everyone has a great time. Think of it also as an outdoor living room!

These are just a few of the top tips out there for using your outdoor kitchen to throw your next party. The last thing you want at your party is to be the only one not socializing and having fun.

THE BIG OUTDOOR EVENTS

Having a beautiful garden and spacious yard also make it a great space for special occasions. As we already mentioned above an outdoor kitchen accompanied by a cozy ‘living room like’ sitting area is sure to bring a beautiful connection between the indoor and outdoor for your home. Such a setting is no doubt to make you enjoy the warm months much more.

Once you are set up and you have enough outdoor space birthday, celebrations, engagement parties and weddings are all simply much more memorable in a beautiful outdoor space. Lately, outdoor weddings have turned into a true trend, Goop founder and Oscar winning Actress Gwyneth Paltrow is one of the latest celebs to tie the knot outdoor and prepare her lavish wedding party in her garden as well. Gwyneth Patlrow’s wedding celebration to TV producer Brad Falchuk made the most of the early Autumn days. With some luck Paltrow had great weather for her September 29th wedding, with her wedding going strong into the evening where her guests later dined and partied outdoors.

Let’s hope these tips will help you create memorable parties and events for you, your family and friends.

All photos ©John Dolan / Lynsey Addario / GOOP – source goop.com see the full

ROSENTHAL C O L L E C T I O N S

2019-03-01T09:09:00.002+01:00

Zaha Hadid Design X Rosenthal New Porcelain Collections

By | February 12, 20190 Comments

5SHARES

Discover Zaha Hadid Design’s new collections for German manufacturer of porcelain and household goods, Rosenthal. The collaboration consists of three collections – The Lapp, The Wave and The Strip.

Creating timeless collections throughout its 140-year history, Rosenthal has also collaborated on acclaimed edition pieces with leading artists and designers including Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, Walter Gropius and Werner Panton.

The Lapp collection comprises a family of vases of different sizes in varying combinations of matt and gloss ceramic finishes. Informed by the motion of a liquid droplets flowing along a solid surface, the design creates openings and voids that allow for many different flower arrangements at the top – as well as on the sides – of the vase.

Defined by the fluid lines of Zaha Hadid’s sketching hand, the Weave vases incorporate delicate strokes that interweave and diverge to express their interplay of fluidity and symmetry.

The Strip collection includes three sculptural vases and two bowls of different sizes. A sequence of vertical strips with rhythmical offsets, the Strip collection transitions their square base into a circular top edge. Metallic highlights between each strip generate an intricacy within each design.

Discover more after the jump:

RELATED ITEMSART DESIGN

← Previous StoryEngineered Flooring – The Affordable Alternative to Solid Timber Flooring

Next Story →How To Use Your Garden To Add Value To Your Home

HOME D E C O R 2019

2019-02-23T08:37:00.000+01:00

Home Décor Tips For 2019

By | February 22, 20190 Comments

5SHARES

When it comes to home decoration, your primary target is to attain some level of uniqueness that will impress your visitors. In 2019, home décor takes a whole new direction thank to the appreciation of innovations that can completely transform your home. Apart from hiring a renovation company to decorate your home, there are simple things that you can do to improve your home, and they include;

Read more after the jump:

INSTALLING MURALS

These are some of the trending home décor ideas that can work for anyone. The good thing about murals is that they are easy to install and some are also easy to re-install depending on the kind. Additionally, your mural can be fully customized in terms of size and image used. Another reason why people in 2019 will buy more murals is that they have the real ability to influence the mood in your home. It is therefore imperative that when choosing an image to use for your mural, you have to be sure about the kind of ambience is suitable for your house. You should also know that wall murals have different themes and designs for different types of rooms in your home.

GO SMALL BUT STAND OUT

Another good way of making your home more attractive is by collecting small unique things and using them to decorate your house. Several things can be part of our collection, especially old items. A lamp base that existed during the colonial rule period can be a powerful décor statement that everyone visiting will be amazed by how such an antique is still available and functioning. While collecting unique pieces to decorate your home, you can consider old paintings and other unique artworks as well. You should however not be carried away to end up buying an item that will not blend well with the rest of your décor and furniture.

REPLACE OLD FITTINGS WITH MODERN ONES

While decorating your home, it is critical to ensure that other parts of the house are also repaired. It will make no sense if you renovate your hose, but your old windows are still letting in the cold making a night stay in your house quite unbearable if you don’t have a working AC system. You should, therefore, consider replacing things like old window panes with modern ones which are designed to trap and retain the heat from the sun.

DO NOT LIMIT YOUR CREATIVITY

Home decoration is something that you can fully participate in if you have a creative idea that you want to portray correctly. You don’t always have to borrow ideas even if you are not good at doing the actual work. What you can do is hire an expert and work with them closely to achieve your intended design.

CONCLUSIONH

Modern home decoration ideas are cheap as most of them you don’t need to hire someone for the job. However, when it comes to things like colour combination and blending, you might have to get professional advice if you don’t understand the process.

Images – Apartment in Born by Casa – Colombo and Serboli Architecture

RELATED ITEMSDECOR INTERIOR

← Previous Story4 Ways to Make Your Home Cozy and Comfortable

FLOORING E N G I N E E R D

2019-02-16T08:09:00.002+01:00

Engineered Flooring – The Affordable Alternative to Solid Timber Flooring

By | February 11, 20190 Comments

3SHARES

If you have your heart set on a beautiful hardwood floor in your living room, you certainly wouldn’t be alone. Solid timber flooring takes a lot of beating, and while there are composites like vinyl and laminate, there is another affordable option that ticks all of the homeowner’s boxes, which is engineered flooring.

WHAT IS ENGINEERED FLOORING?

The term “engineered flooring” refers to a material that has a real timber veneer that covers a composite core, which gives you the look and the feel of solid timber flooring, but at a much-reduced price. You are not limited with design choices, as just about every species of wood is represented, ranging from a deep brown Mocca oak to a stylish light brown Jarrah, with lots in between. The top and bottom of the laminate flooring is made from real timber, whereas the core is fabricated from a composite material, which gives the board added strength, and as the layers are criss-crossed, this adds essential tensile strength.

Adding value to your family home are timber stairs

STUNNING FINISHES

With more than 30 timber species to choose from, there is bound to be one that matches perfectly with your concept, and the finish can easily be sanded down at any time, which restores the finish to its original condition. You might prefer a high shine gloss finish or something matt, and you do not have to worry about wet areas, as engineered flooring is impervious to water.

Various timber flooring can be a great solution even for your bathroom area.

ECO-FRIENDLY SOLUTIONS

When you consider how many trees it would take to install solid timber flooring in your home, engineered flooring makes perfect sense if you are concerned about the environmental impact. Unlike solid timber, engineered flooring will not warp or bend, regardless of the temperature or moisture levels, and the manufacturing process does not use harmful or toxic adhesives, which is another bonus for the eco-friendly homeowner.

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

Unless you happen to be a flooring expert, you are advised to have the supplier install the flooring. In some cases, a cork backing would be used, depending on the substrate, which also gives the flooring a softer feel underfoot. If the supplier installs the flooring, they would be happy to issue you with a long product warranty, and with a little effort, the flooring will always be in tip-top condition. When you compare the cost of a solid timber floor, engineered flooring does make for a very attractive alternative, and being waterproof and scratch resistant, you really wouldn’t be able to tell the flooring wasn’t solid timber.

EXPLORE THE POTENTIAL

If you would like a quote for engineered flooring, all you have to do is search online for a local supplier, who would be happy to send a flooring expert to your home, where you can discuss the many options. The representative would carry a large number of samples, making it easy to select the most suitable, and as engineered flooring can be installed on any substrate, the interior design project would soon be completed.

All images from Apartment K160 by Line Design Studio – discover the full project on our ARCHISCENE Magazine.

Hubert

2019-02-04T11:58:00.001+01:00

EVA L O N G O R I A

2018-12-24T08:16:00.001+01:00

ARCHISCENE: INTERVIEW WITH ROCKWELL GROUP MADRID’s EVA LONGORIA

By | December 22, 20180 Comments

0SHARES

International architecture and design firm Rockwell Group’s Madrid office headed up by two female design directors, Eva Longoria and Elisa Rodriguez has overseen many major European and Asian design projects including W Suzhou and The Prince Gallery Tokyo and most recently a redesign of the landmark 28-room Gran Hotel Inglés. Eva and Elisa were at the helm of this massive a design task that honors the hotel’s history and shapes it into an urban oasis for a contemporary traveler.

For DESIGN SCENE Magazine our Editor IGOR CVORO sits down for an exclusive interview with Rockwell Group Madrid Studio Leader EVA LONGORIA to talk about her love of architecture, creative process and Gran Hotel Inglés in Madrid.

What originally made you want to go into architecture?Architecture has always been in my family; I grew up around design. My father is an architect and my mother is an interior designer. So ever since I was a child, I have always been interested in how a space shapes one’s mood and experience. For me, design is about exploring the feeling and spirit of how people will inhibit the space.

Do you have a role model or an inspirational person in the architecture field?Andrée Putman gave a lecture at Parsons School of Design when I was attending as a student. Her vision of elegance and clarity is a great source of inspiration.

How long have you been working at the Rockwell Group?I first started at Rockwell Group after graduating from New York’s Parsons School of Design. I worked in the New York office for a few years before moving back to Spain. I joined the Madrid office eight years ago.

What does your creative process look like?At Rockwell Group, we’re interested in seeking out new, unfamiliar project types and reinventing existing ones. Creating these different experiences is a constant source of inspiration when I start a new project. Our goal is to then spend as much time understanding the client’s goals and dreams and the location so that we can create a narrative. We use every device—texture, technology, craft, unexpected collisions—to create a rich, evolving story.

Do you have a favorite project?It’s impossible to name just one! Our Madrid office has worked on a diverse array of projects all over the world, from Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho Hotel and W Suzhou to Virgin Hotels Chicago to the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel in Mumbai. Each one presents a new and exciting design opportunity.

What is your ultimate goal when it comes to your work?At Rockwell Group, we strive in every project to create opportunities for people to connect and share experiences. In our hospitality work, I love the idea of creating a home away from home where everyone feels very special as a guest.

Could you tell us about the concept of the Gran Hotel Inglés restoration? What was the main inspiration? How did the history of the hotel affect the redesign?A landmark since it was built in the 1853, Gran Hotel Inglés was the first hotel to have a restaurant, and on the first street in the city to receive electric lights. It also attracted politicians, artists, and writers from Spain and all over the world. As designers, we were in the unique position to tell this story through the design. Our goal was to celebrate the hotel’s past in a contemporary and luxurious setting that meets the needs of today’s modern traveler. We poured over the rich history of the hotel’s location and of the iconic hotel itself – to weave allusions to the past into our design concept with clever details. We researched original newspaper clippings and advertisements from the time of the hotel’s opening in 1886 and looked to past cultural figures, Virginia Woolf and Henri Matisse once visited! That passed through the hotel for inspiration. For example, the lounge on the west side of the lobby has antique bronze mirror with faded historic images of long-ago guests and famous hotel visitors. The lobby also features some of the hotel’s original chandeliers and columns. In the guestrooms, closets are lined with wallpaper that features vintage copies of hotel postcards. The original hotel passed these to guests to write letters and mementos, so we also designed custom valets that hold new postcards for guests, allowing them to continue the tradition.

What are the interesting aspects behind this project that you won’t be able to experience with an entirely new building?The building’s history! We had the exciting opportunity to provide a fresh point of view for the property that still retains the hotel’s original splendor and celebrates its storied past as a meeting point for intellectuals. Every single detail, from the notion of the space to the level of service, has been designed to deliver an individualized and memorable experience particular to the original building and its unique location.

The hotel is located in Madrid’s famed Barrio de las Letras, a cultural and historical center home to many writers of the Spanish Golden Age. Within walking distance to the Puerta del Sol and various attractions, the neighborhood is vibrant throughout the day. So we also really wanted to create a hotel environment that not only engages guests, but also locals. People can enjoy authentic Spanish tapas at Lobo8 restaurant or unwind with a cocktail in the hotel lobby. We really wanted to turn it once again into Madrid’s gathering place.

What were the biggest challenges that you had to face while working on a project of this scale?The biggest challenge was working within the 165-year-old architectural envelope of the building. The hotel was built in 1853, so the structure was really showing its age. Many years had gone by since a renovation had occurred.

What is next for Rockwell Group’s Madrid office? What projects are you currently working on and could you give us a sneak preview of your upcoming projects?We’re currently working on W Madrid, Fairmont Vesper Hotel & Residences in Moscow, two restaurants in Oman, and a luxury resort in the South of Spain.

Log on to Rockwell’s Group official web page to get familiar with the Madrid office – www.rockwellgroup.com

All images featuring Gran Hotel Inglés – Calle Echegaray, 8, Madrid, Spain, photography by ©Eric Laignel courtesy of Rockwell Group.

Originally published in DESIGN SCENE Magazine Issue 27, available in print & digital.

RELATED ITEMSINTERIORS

← Previous StoryTips For Transforming an Old Factory Into a Trendy Fashion Design Studio

Next Story →DEVON WINDSOR by HELENA CHRISTENSEN for DSCENE + INTERVIEW

N E C E S S I T Y FASHION

2018-12-22T08:16:00.001+01:00

5 Times Fashion Became Popular Out Of Necessity

By | December 17, 20180 Comments

0SHARES

Sometimes fashion becomes popular because of a celebrity, like the resurgence of bike shorts thanks to Bella Hadid sporting silver Yeezy bike shorts and a Bulgari diamond necklace at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. Bike shorts were originally popular in the 1980’s among bikers, and with the neon colors of the 1990’s, became a fashion statement.

Bike shorts aren’t the only piece of clothing you’d never suspect would become popular. Sometimes ugly fashion is so practical, it can’t help but become popular.

01 LEGGINGS

Leggings have been around for decades. They’ve made several comebacks since their debut in the 1980’s as brightly colored workout wear layered underneath scrunched up leg warmers. They’re practical and comfortable, and have escaped the fashion police for decades with changing patterns and prints.

Today, leggings aren’t just for working out – they’re everyday attire. Some leggings double as shapewear, and others are designed to give you a butt lift. Other leggings come lined with fleece to keep you warm in winter months.

While most of the world accepts leggings and yoga pants as public attire, airlines don’t always agree. You can wear leggings as a regular passenger, but don’t try to board a plane in leggings if you’re flying on an employee pass. Many airlines have strict dress codes all employees and guests must adhere to when flying on employee passes, and leggings (spandex) isn’t approved.

02 FANNY PACKS/BUM BAGS

In the U.S., we call them “fanny packs” but in Britain they’re called “bum bags”. Regardless of what you call it, this little bag that snaps around your waist has an interesting history. The fanny pack was originally designed in the late 1970’s to conveniently store personal items like hand lotion, makeup, sunglasses, keys, and band-aids. They were most popular in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Today, some fanny packs are designed for concealed carry. Military and law enforcement units use them to carry first-aid equipment, night vision goggles, and other equipment that personnel need quick access to. Although they’re considered out of style by many, there are still die-hard groups of fanny pack fans out there carrying everything they need hands-free.

If you think fanny packs look silly, you’re not alone. Many people associate fanny packs with an out-of-place tourist, or consider them just plain unfashionable. However, when you call it a belt bag or a chaos pouch, it suddenly seems a lot cooler. And everybody wants one!

03 CARGO SHORTS

What can’t you stuff in a pair of cargo shorts? That’s probably what the 1938 British Infantry and American paratroopers of the 1940’s thought when they stuffed maps, rations, and extra ammo in the pockets. Cargo shorts were originally designed for the military, and as personnel were required to wear more gear, the pockets were redesigned even bigger.

When veterans brought their cargo shorts home, and they made their way into surplus stores, they quickly became street fashion.

Although cargo shorts have been popular in some form since the 1940’s, they reached the height of popularity in the 1990’s. Ironically, cargo shorts in the 1990’s had more pockets than ever but most people left them empty.

04 HIGH-WAISTED JEANS

High-waisted jeans were popular in the 1980’s and 1990’s, and were phased out in favor of mid-rise and low-rise jeans. However, not everyone feels comfortable wearing those styles. When older women complained about not being able to find normal jeans in department stores, manufacturers started producing jeans with a higher rise once again. Today, it’s common to see high-waisted jeans among the low-rise styles at major retailers across the world.

05 CHUNKY SNEAKERS

Sneakers were once reserved for sports activities, but are so comfortable that it’s impossible not to wear them everywhere and with everything. Today’s sneakers have become chunkier than ever with large, rubber soles. They’ve also adopted trending patterns and designs, making them fashionable to wear with just about any outfit.

To further validate the fashionable nature of chunky sneakers, just look at some current runway models and fashion shows. You’ll see an abundance of chunky sneakers being paired with pants, shorts, and even dresses.

COMFORTABLE AND PRACTICAL ALWAYS WIN

There will always be people who push the boundaries for what’s acceptable to wear out in the world. Whether it’s fanny packs or wearing sneakers to prom, people tend to push for comfort. If what’s comfortable and practical isn’t fashionable, just wait, it will be soon.

All images from DESIGN SCENE STYLE online exclusive starring breakthrough modeling stars Tijana Zlaticanin & Avril Guerrero by Amr Ezzeldinn – see the whole shoot as well as an accompanying fashion film.

RELATED ITEMSREADING TIME STYLE

← Previous StoryLOOKBOOK: AGNONA Pre-Fall 2019 Womenswear Collection

Next Story →Rebecca Leigh Longendyke Models Alberta Ferretti SS19 Collection

C O N D E N S A T I O N

2018-12-16T09:01:00.000+01:00

DESIGN SCENE HOME: Why is There Condensation on the Inside of my Windows?

By | November 28, 20180 Comments

6SHARES

Condensation can arise on your windows for a number of different reasons, and possessing double glazing glass isn’t necessarily a safeguard against all of your window woes. In most cases, condensation can arise through poor ventilation across your home.

However, condensation can be prevented if you improve ventilation throughout your property by purchasing a dehumidifier or removing curtains that rest against the glass. If you want a more in-depth look at the condensation that’s appearing on the inside of your windows, then read on…

Read more after the jump:

CONDENSATION IN MY BATHROOM, KITCHEN, AND BEDROOM. WHY?

You may have noticed that condensation on your double glazing is often worse in your bathrooms and kitchens, as well as your bedrooms. This is because these are areas where the most moisture is exposed. When we’re showering or cooking, we create the by-product of steam that causes windows to fog and increased moisture to enter the air.

In the past, single glazed windows were not as insulative as the double glazing solutions that can be provided by a company that installs residential windows. Whereas those single glazed windows allowed heat that was inside the room to escape, modern double glazing features a layer of glass in-between two panes that prevents heat from escaping.

The cold moisture-filled air that circulates around our homes is less capable of holding onto the water vapours within it when it comes into contact with a cold window pane. This collision means that the air and water vapours are dispersed onto your windows, forming a wet residue otherwise known as condensation.
Condensation on windows can result from poor ventilation

It’s important to ensure that your home is adequately ventilated throughout all months of the year. Although this may seem like a silly idea in the winter, just 20 minutes of open window exposure can create vast improvements to the ventilation in your home.

In addition, using extractor fans and dehumidifiers, as well as choosing to dry laundry outside where possible, all help with the situation by reducing any moisture that’s in the air.

WHY IS WINDOW CONDENSATION BAD?

According to research by the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation, increased exposure to condensation in your home can negatively affect your health. Condensation on your windows will add more moisture to the air and so provide a perfect breeding ground for mites and mould to form.

Exposure to this environment can create negative health benefits when it comes to pulmonary function and make you more susceptible to chest infection because of the humidity in your home. It is recommended that you seek to achieve humidity of around 50% in your home.

Although double glazing windows don’t 100% safeguard your home or property against condensation issues, they provide a much better solution than the single paned models of the past. A local window-fitting company can help; if you’re looking for quality windows in Bristol or Bath, for example, then don’t look past the ability of Polar Bear Windows to install quality glass panes at your home.

HIDE & S E E K

2018-12-09T08:05:00.002+01:00

Hide & Seek Exhibition by Maarten Baas in Design Museum Holon

By | November 28, 20180 Comments

0SHARES

Award winning and internationally renowned Dutch designer, Maarten Baas will present his solo exhibition Hide & Seek in Design Museum Holon from November 27, 2018 to April 27, 2019. Known for his artistic expression and imaginative projects, the designer explores the boundaries between art and design. Hide & Seek takes visitors on an exploration of time, humour and limitations, through a variety of installations, conceptual objects and video performances.

RELATED: ART

Hide & Seek shows the world how I continually explore and alter my course of working. Having my works in Design Museum Holon’s inspiring space presents my evolution in two extremes. – Maarten Baas

Hide & Seek shows our visitors there is no limit to design. “Maarten Baas’ distinctive and extraordinary character provides us with the perfect opportunity to look inward at testing the boundaries of design and art. – Maya Dvash, Chief Curator of Design Museum Holon

See more after the jump:

RELATED ITEMSART DESIGN

← Previous StoryPhotographer Rafael Rios Explores The Latino Family Unit and Culture

Next Story →Kaleidoscope Magazine’s FW 18 Exhibition With Virgil Abloh

STEP B Y S T E P

2018-12-08T09:04:00.003+01:00

A Step-By-Step Guide on Renovating Your Home

By | November 22, 2018 Comments

10SHARES

Renovating your home is taking the base investment you made and making it better. Done right and chosen well, your investments could pay off both in the present and in the future. They can help you love your home and enjoy living in it for decades upon decades, and then, when you finally want to sell, the right renovations can drastically increase the value, allowing you to make a healthy return on your initial investment.

Renovations, however, need to be done with care. It is all too tempting when you first move into a new property to make all the changes you think need to be done without actually consider what needs to be done. Don’t waste your money and be sure of every change you make by following these steps to the perfect home renovation.

Read more after the jump:

WAIT BEFORE YOU RENOVATE

It is always wise to wait before you make any big renovations. We can get so excited when it comes to getting a new place. We want it to be perfect immediately and have the feeling of home that we all crave. The only issue is that when you rush into a renovation, you don’t take into account your needs or how you live in the property. Going in and renovating the kitchen entirely is a huge investment, especially if you take a second later on and realise that, rather than a complete renovation, only a few aesthetic updates were needed.

By waiting at least three months, you can learn how you live in the space and what it needs to be completely functional to your needs. This wait will also help you make smart, timeless design choices that you will love for years to come.

TRY THESE INTERIOR DESIGN TRICKS FIRST

As renovations are expensive, it is also wise to try out different design tricks before you invest in a full-blown renovation. A dark room doesn’t necessarily need a wall blown out when you could fix the issue with a new paint job and some beautiful mirrors. As stated before, you don’t necessarily need a full kitchen remodel when just a facelift will do. Consider steam cleaning your carpets instead of replacing them, and so on. There are a lot of ways you can update how your home looks and feels. Once you have finished with these changes, you will then see exactly what areas still need work that cannot be fixed with a simple makeover. It is these areas that need to be renovated.

BRING A PROFESSIONAL IN

Before you get excited about what you want to do, you should bring a professional in so you can know for a fact what can be done. There is no point in getting your hopes up only to learn that your design ideas cannot be done for one reason or another. Brainstorm and then sit down and strategize on what you want. Though you might think a builder will be happy to help you come up with design ideas, the only way to get exactly what you want is to be hyper-specific. Put together images, have a layout plan, and take it back to them so you can get an assessment on whether or not your design is plausible. If it is, you will be good to go.

GET THE FUNDING

Unless you have substantial savings, chances are you will need a loan. Before you head on over to the bank, however, it is wise to learn about your options. Prosper loans, for example, can provide you the loan that you need from $2000 to $35,000 with repayment options ranging from 2 – 5 years. These loans can be very competitive and offer you a great rate if your credit score and financial history are sound enough. Put in your request, and so long as you get 70% of the backing of your loan you will receive the money put forward.

All that is left is to hire the right people and to get the work started! Remember to get everything in writing, from the startdate to tasks that need to be completed, to the end date. If you don’t, you could end up facing a very complicated legal battle in the future if the results are not what you have hoped for. Protect yourself, hire well-recommended contractors, and keep in touch with the work and how it is progressing. Once they are done you will have a beautiful home to return to.

Images – A White House In The Blue Hills by la SHED architecture

YEAR END OFFER

2018-12-06T13:29:00.001+01:00

Best price guarantee on www.hotelcosy.be take advantage of extra special year end rates to come and visit this exquisite little boutique hotel in the Belgian Ardennes

Got to BOOK NOW and the to PROMOTIONS at the bottom of the page! Good luck!

#deals #hotelcosy #yearend #takeadvantage #boutiquehotel #gastronomy #chillax 

Hotel Restaurant Le Cosy Propose

2018-12-01T12:08:00.001+01:00

Hôtel Restaurant Cosy Propose

Le menu Noël 24 décembre 2018         65

Amuse du jour

La crème de légumes d’hiver, crevettes grises

Wintergroentenroomsoep, grijze garnalen

Cream of winter vegetables, grey shrimps

Lobe de foie gras mi-cuit, lentilles, gelée de pommes

Eendelever « mi-cuit », linzen, appel gelee

Duck liver « mi-cuit » lentils, apple jelly

Caille et pigeon sauvage, chou chinois, sauce beurre blanc

Kwartel en wilde duif, chinese kool, botersaus

Quail and squab pigeon, chinese cabbage, lemon butter sauce

Le steak de biche, sauce poivrade, purée de choux de bruxelles, champignons

Hinde stuk, poivradesaus, spruitenpuree, paddestoelen

Doe deer steak, poivrade sauce, brussels sprouts puree, mushrooms

Le nougat glacé

Les vins assortis : apéritif maison, vin blanc, vin blanc, vin rouge, vin dessert    

35

www.hotelcosy.be

#booknow

info@hotelcosy.be

+32491340897

GARDEN G U E S T R O O M

2018-11-30T08:36:00.002+01:00

The Advantages Of Owning Your Own Garden Guest-Room

By | November 16, 20180 Comments

10SHARES

Inviting friends or family over to stay in your house can be frustrating, especially if they plan to stay for longer than you expected. Even when the guests happen to be close friends or family, having people constantly bump into one another and living in each other’s spaces can become tiresome.

But what if you could own a private and practical guest-room dedicated to your guests? Sounds ideal! Here at Bridge Timber our company specializes in creating bespoke and customized garden rooms, and we believe garden guest rooms are a great solution for sociable and busy households.

COZY AND COMFY

With our complete planning, the design followed by the installation process, we will work alongside you to create and build a garden room of the highest quality.

Once the garden room is installed, it’s now your turn to convert this useful space into a room where visitors or guests can stay for a weekend or longer. Aim to create comfortable and relaxing surroundings for your guests, to achieve a safe space that they can re energize for weekends filled with fun festivities.

It is easy to add a few comfy surroundings so that your guests feel welcomed and safe in their own dedicated space. If you wish to get some ideas, visit this website.

PRIVACY

In some cases, many people like some time to themselves to reflect and relax during a hectic weekend. The garden guest-room offers your guests with all the space they need to unwind. This type of space offers the guest with a feeling of having their own hotel-room, which is separated from your house, but still close enough to feel a part of the festivities.

Many guests do not enjoy the feeling that they are getting in the way of people that live in your home or that they are an inconvenience. Having a private room of their own offers privacy and a bit of independence.

EXTRA CASH IN YOUR POCKET

You can use your garden guest-room to generate a bit of extra cash. For example, you could list the guest-room on a site like AirBnB or something similar which would advertise the space to tourists or visitors that are coming to your area.

This is the perfect solutions for guests that hate to intrude and would prefer a room that is away from the main house. They are also offered with the opportunity to come or go when they like, offering a feeling of independence and privacy all at once.

You could also recoup the costs of a garden-room investment if you choose to rent the room out, with an opportunity to meet different people at the same time.

A SAFE HAVEN

Life is always filled with unexpected surprises and nothing in life will always go as planned. If one of your family members or friends is going through a difficult time and they need accommodation for a few weeks or months, then your garden guest-room is the ideal option.

Having a suggestion that is practical to offer a person when they need it the most or they just need to get away for a while is the perfect solution. The garden room offers a safe haven and instead of worrying that your friend or relative will be alright, you have the opportunity to offer a welcoming life-line, with a comfy room with a fantastic view.

Images from King Bill by Austin Maynard Architects – See the Full Story Here

HOME

2018-11-29T08:15:00.001+01:00

Why Owning a Home is Mostly Glory, But a Little Guts

By | October 24, 20180 Comments

6SHARES

Owning a home is a dream of many people throughout the world. When you pay a mortgage, you are for the most part paying yourself. But the pride you feel that one day the home will be yours and will no longer have a mortgage payment is a good feeling shared by many. Owning your own home opens up doors of possibility for parties, starting your business, or simply making the best personal space you can for yourself on this planet. Here are some great points about owning a home and a few minor setbacks that can occur but can be overcome when buying a home.

You Get To Choose

Maybe you have supported everyone else in their decisions. When it comes to ownership of a home, it is your time to choose. You get to choose where to live, what house, and what you can do with the house you buy. Yes, there will always be some restrictions on these decisions like money and distance from work. Nobody lets these things get in their way of choosing a house to buy to make it their own. There is a real sense of stability you begin to feel once you have established yourself in your own home.

Extra Home Expenses

It is important to note that there are always expenses involved with owning a home throughout the years. If anything breaks, you are of course responsible. Pest control can be an issue that you have to add to your monthly expenses. Professionals like Joshua’s Pest Control are people you can call to help you get rid of pests in your house. Sometimes pest control can be an ongoing expense, or just something that can be taken care of in a pest control visit or two. You want to buy a home that has everything up to par, so you can save money until the next issue that may occur with the home. Thankfully, you can have long periods of time where nothing goes wrong in the home. These are the times, though, you want to save a little money for when things occur like the hot water heater going out.

Decorate, Decorate, Decorate

A lot of times, you see houses that are just a mess inside. It is understandable, time and energy is a factor in keeping a good house. It is no lie to say that taking the time to organize and have fun with decorating your own home is worth every penny. You can actually get more energy by taking the time to get rid of unwanted things. There are so many discount places in the US that can help you with your decorating needs. You can tap into your creativity and create interiors in your house that are awesome. All you have to do is try.

Typical Home Expenses

A roof usually needs replacement every ten to fifteen years. Usually, people have been working a while and have the money to replace the roof. A roof can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000 on an average house. Central air and heat will eventually have to be replaced. The house usually needs to be painted over time. The natural deterioration from the weather and sun breaks down exterior materials.

The Hidden Joys

There are many hidden joys to owning your own home. Privacy is a luxury that you can afford when you own a home. If you have a family, hopefully everybody will get their own room. Couples can have space in their master bedroom. Putting an office in your home can make organizing your life and money a lot easier. It is possible to start your own business from your home. Most states allow a certain amount of money to be made from a home business. You can also have space for your hobbies in your own home.

Owning your own home is a responsibility and a blessing. A nice bonus of homeownership is you get to make most of the decisions when it comes to your own home. You are the boss. If you are up for the challenge, owning your home can be a financial gain in many different ways. As you build equity in your home, it helps you have buying power throughout your life.

All images Casa de Montana by Studio Lawang – see more on our ARCHISCENE.net.

B I L L AND M E

2018-11-27T08:52:00.002+01:00

The Story of Bill and Me: Yacht Design Re-Imagined

By | November 5, 20180 Comments

15SHARES

Beautiful design is often restricted by one key thing: the budget. However, not so in yachting, where architectural funding goes into the billions and yacht owners are determined to put their stamp on vessels at any cost. Much like land-based homes, yachts can take many forms. However, when we think of a yacht, we tend to think of the same thing: a glamorous white exterior with blacked-out windows around the facade. That’s why Frers Design’s Bill and Me yacht caught our eye, as a beautiful example of how yacht design can take a different direction.

RELATED: DESIGN

Read more after the jump:

BILL AND ME: YACHT OF THE FUTURE

Frers Design is a yacht architecture firm in its third generation of Frers men. The company focuses on finding that perfect balance between beauty and performance, and Frers yacht design studio certainly has a recognisable style; all sleek lines and contemporary finishes. Bill and Me is a beautiful example of Frers’ yacht design ethos.

The first thing to notice is her futuristic look, which designer Mani Frers explains was a key part of the owner’s vision. “The brief for Bill and Me was to have something sleek and simple; something contemporary. Not something that is looking at the past or recreating something that doesn’t exist, but [a yacht that is] looking forward,” Frers said. To achieve this, the Frers yacht design team played a lot with the curvature of the Bill and Me yacht to find something unique and pioneering.

Frers’ wish for the boat to be in harmony with its environment is also clear. After all, the Frers yacht design process thinks beyond the boat as simply a standalone object, considering how it would integrate with nature. “The mirror glass helps introduce it into the surroundings. I don’t like a boat that invades a space, but a boat that blends with the space,” he explains.

The Bill and Me yacht comes across as one clear vision, with not a line or object out of place. This is achieved through heavy customisation. Look closely at the swim deck for example: though the deck platform is standard, the look has been adapted by adding a silver lining to suit the unique design and shape of the boat. There is nothing on this boat that is off-the-shelf, as Frers notes: “We detailed every single item that is on the exterior, so that it all becomes a unit.”

CRUISING ON BILL AND ME

Her unique design is what makes Bill and Me so adaptable; the perfect boat to make an impact on the glitzy shores of Monaco or to blend into the rugged Amalfi coastline. You can imagine her sailing up to Ibiza’s Port d’Eivissa for the island’s famed closing parties or dropping anchor in a secluded bay in Corsica.

Therein lies her true appeal. A statement yacht that blends beautifully with her surroundings; a yacht you’d be happy to share with grandparents, young children or best friends.

Bill and Me is a Y.CO charter vessel in and around the West Med, cruising the French and Italian Rivieras, the Balearic islands and other sun-soaked destinations. She provides a chic on-water base for families and groups of friends, accommodating up to seven guests.

Like all the best designers, Frers has ensured his yacht is both beautiful and functional. Her combination of shaded aft-deck and abundant interior space ensures Bill and Me is suitable for summertime jaunts and winter cruising alike. If you are interested in chartering her and want to find out more, read Y.COs guide to yacht charter as a starting point.

As yacht design goes, the Bill and Me yacht is definitely bringing something different to the table.

W A T C H JOB

2018-11-26T09:50:00.002+01:00

Choosing The Right Watch For Your Job

By | November 15, 20180 Comments

10SHARES

Keeping track of time remains as important today as it were decades ago. But apart from tracking time, watches have become an important accessory to our style. Every profession has a certain perception or generalization regarding their assumed styles and fashion choices. For instance, bankers are expected to dress in formal suits while engineers and architects dress in minimal fashion. Similarly, different watches complement different professions depending on the style associated with the profession as well as the demands of the job.

A watch can subtly accentuate any outfit, making it smarter and sharper. In addition, the different watch complications, styles, and strap types may complement the unique challenges of each job. Therefore, a nurse will require a different watch from an accountant, and so will a pilot. To ensure you wear a watch that fits your job, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Right Watch for Your Job

Dress Code

One of the most important factors when choosing the right watch for a job is the dress code. Is it a casual outfit kind of job or is it a suits-only? Maybe your job gives you some wiggle room in what you wear. You should match the formality of your watch with your outfit’s formality. Let’s consider the different levels of formality.

Formal dress

If you have a white collar job, you’re required to observe a formal dress code. For formal dressing, it’s important to keep things simple. In this case, analog watches are more classic and formal. Get a classic watch face with a steel bracelet or leather-strapped styles in timeless colors such as black and brown.

Business dress code

The business dress code is less formal hence offers more flexibility. Anything from the formal dress code is acceptable as well as simple and classic styled watches. Gold and silver watches are ideal, and you can also get more vibrant colors.

Casual dress code

Casual dress code requires casual watches. In this regard, digital watches and those with a metal band are considered less formal hence suitable for casual wear. You can get creative with everything from design to size and color.

A few tips for matching your watch by your dress code.

– Leather complements leather
– Metal complements metal
– Sometimes match your watch to your shoes
– Rough straps work better with jeans
– A watch with a rubber band should be worn strictly for casual or sports

Watch Complications

The basic watch tells time. However, many watches come with additional features called complications. Some of these features include calendars, moon phases, alarms, chronograph, tachymeter, etc. How many and which watch complications you want is a matter of preference. Watches for different jobs come with different complications which help a person to do their work better. For instance, a doctor’s watch may have theLongines Pulsometer Chronometer, which screens a patient’s heart rate. A lawyer’s watch may have a chronograph with split-seconds function which helps to track the exact time expended on a client.

Therefore, when choosing a watch for your job, you have to consider watch complications and ensure you choose the one with features that are relevant to your work.

Now let’s look at a few jobs and their watch requirements.

Pilots

Pilot watches are simple, with large displays that are easy to read. An ideal watch for a pilot should also not stop when exposed to vibration, centrifugal force, and changes in gravity. In addition, the watch should also be able to keep up with the different time zones due to a pilot’s constant international travels.

Nurses

If you’re working as a nurse, you want a watch which can help you ensure that your patients get their medications on time, assess vital signs, and keep track of time for various tasks you need to finish within your shift. An analog watch is better for easier viewing and accurate readings. In addition, the watch should be comfortable to wear. If you would like to get one, check out NanaDC’s list of watches for nurses.

Watches above from GUCCI Fall Winter 2018 Watches Collection available on MATCHESFASHION

Lawyers

If you’re a court lawyer, you know that how you look and present yourself can influence how you’re perceived, by the judge, the jury, and other counsel. A sharp suit and smart accessories like watches can earn you respect even before you speak. Therefore, you need a classy, elegant timepiece. Also, due to the busy nature of the job, smart watches can help you to stay connected.

Architects

The architecture world is full of creative and high-quality designs. Therefore, architects also dress in a style that conveys their work. An architect will generally opt for a watch with a unique design, patterns, and high accuracy.

Soldiers

Soldiers, security personnel, and extreme sportsmen have tactical watches. These watches are made to withstand harsh conditions and keep perfect time even when power runs out. Therefore, if you work a job with a high level of risk factors, or just love extreme, outdoor adventures, a watch with these features would be great for you. The watch should also be waterproof, scratch resistant, and have a path-finding feature such as a compass.

#TECH S O U N D

2018-11-25T08:58:00.000+01:00

#TECH: Sound And the Best of It in the Speakers

By | November 24, 20180 Comments

4SHARES

If the amplified speakers have won many followers, it is thanks to their compromise between power, sound quality, but also small size and ease of commissioning.

Leading brands are working on providing better design, smaller size and better prices. Before choosing the right amplified speaker here are some of the tips you should consider.

TRADITIONAL SOUND VS. AMPLIFIED SYSTEM

The traditional sound system means having to buy separately an amp, passive speakers, cables, and depending on the case, feet and a mixer . Much simpler, the amplified PA brings all these elements together in an all-in-one combo, ready to use. The amplified subwoofer is usually associated with two or more satellite speakers and their cables, with a more or less advanced mixing interface. Optionally, you can find the feet to raise the speakers.

B&0 speakers from BeoVision Collection by David Lewis Designers, Torsten Valeur

In general, the amplified sound source is preferred for the animated one which gives pride to the music, in front of an audience. If it is the voice that we want to sound first, portable ones can suffice. You can have the perfect dj speakers for the task now.

THE ADVANTAGES OF THE AMPLIFIED SYSTEM

The advantage of this type of combo is above all practical: it focuses your sound in a single combo whose elements are designed to work together. The control of the equipment is accelerated, as well as the installation, for a quick and easy start-up on the premises of your services. The amplified system also saves space, which is a great asset for installations in rooms where space is limited. In addition, for all mobile DJs or nomadic animators, it can be stored in a trunk of a car or utility, for travel and storage facilitated.

B&O Beovision 750 speakers

HOW TO CHOOSE THE POWER OF YOUR AMPLIFIED SYSTEM?

Power is without doubt the main criteria when planning to purchase an amplified PA system. The best indicator, to evaluate it, is the Root Mean Square Watt (RMS): it allows you a possibility of having to estimate the real perceived power of the material, without taking into account the volume in the
ridges.

Criteria for defining the required power:

– 200, 500, 800 or even more than 1000 W RMS

– To know how much power is needed to properly sound your animation, the number of people in the audience is the most important criterion (see reference data below).

However you must know how to qualify this data in relation to other criteria that you can predict in
advance, such as:

Type of animation to sound

Inside or outside: Outside, there are phenomena that attenuate the power of the sound such as wind, high temperatures, etc. It is necessary to find a supply of power, right for the public you are to work with.

Wireless Audio 360 Speakers from Samsung Age range: For a young audience, it is pivotal to mention we will most likely need more bass and power. For a senior audience, the bass is secondary.

Which amplified system power to select according to the audience?

Indoors, the reverberation of sound strengthens the power. It is estimated that it takes about 5 to 6 WRMS per person. Outdoors, we will need more power, 7 to 10 W RMS per person.

HOLIDAY S E A S O N 2018

2018-11-24T08:42:00.002+01:00

HOLIDAY SEASON 2018: Absurd but Awesome Gifts

By | November 23, 20180 Comments

10SHARES

Looking for something weird, funny and completely absurd? We’ve gathered together a stunning array of gift ideas, if you are looking for something different this season.

From giant paperclip, to flavored toothpicks, we made a list of weird gifts you definitely need, but you never knew you did.

Discover Design SCENE Magazine’s list after the jump:

ANTONIO MARRAS PICKWICK I VASE

VERSACE BAROCCO SET OF TWO 3KG BARBELLS

BALENCIAGA KEY CHARM NECKLACE

SELETTI MAC MOUSE LAMP

MAKE MONEY NOT FRIENDS COTTON PILLOW

ASSOULINE LOUIS VUITTON WINDOWS BOOK

SELETTI LOVE IN BLOOM VASE

CARL AUBÖCK LARGE PAPERCLIP

OTIS BATTERBEE GLEN PLAID EYE MASK

SELETTI TOILETPAPER SPAGHETTI CANDLE

NEIGHBORHOOD FLAVOURED TOOTH PICKS

VERSACE FRONT LOGO FRINGE CASE

PAUL SMITH STRIPED MODEL CAR

BUNNEY GOLD DIP ATOMISER

PLAYSTATION MUG

FIZZ LASER TAG GAME

SOURCE SLOT MACHINE MONEY BOX

TIPS FOR F I N I S H I N G

2018-11-17T07:59:00.002+01:00

Tips For Finishing Your Design Research Paper Strongly

By | November 4, 20180 Comments

6SHARES

A research paper can be a master’s thesis, doctorate dissertation or even a term paper in your fashion or design university. Irrespective of the nature of what you are writing, you still have to give it your best shot. But let’s be realistic; research papers are demanding tasks because you are turning many years of research into a single and coherent piece of work. That is the same thing people who offer research papers for sale go through too. But saying research paper writing is a tough task doesn’t mean it’s not something you can handle.

Here is how you can finish your academic project strongly.

1. UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS BEFORE WRITING

You should never assume you know the requirements before you start writing. Check properly and ask questions to have a better understanding of the instructions. It will help you save time and avoid making unnecessary alterations to your paper. If the supervisor asks you to write a Ph.D. thesis of 300 pages long, understand it has to be double-spaced. If you are not sure of this, don’t be shy to ask. The general Ph.D. thesis usually contains eight chapters and is also 300 pages long. It should also be double-spaced.

2. GET A PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOL

Technological advancement has made academic lives of students an easy one. Compared to past years, students can now multitask and get tasks done in a short time and with little effort. And you will find myriads of tools designed for different purposes.

Trello is one of the many reliable project management tools that allow you to organize your task and work on them effortlessly. It makes complex tasks easy to manage, giving you the opportunity to create boards wherein you can pin all outstanding tasks, concept and even deadlines. With such tools, you can accomplish much because it will cause you to focus attention one task at a time. Plus the feeling of moving notes into the done column alone is motivating. Trello i one of the many tools that can make your research paper writing task a breeze and cause you to finish strongly.

3. IDENTIFY UNRESOLVED QUESTIONS

Your research paper will raise other unanswered questions, have this in mind. Never ignore such questions when writing, as doing so will only make your supervisor feel you are lazy and question your character and commitment to the program. Once you can pinpoint the unresolved questions, mention them in your conclusion as issues that need further investigation. That way, nobody will accuse you of providing ignoring the obvious.

4. MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS EVERY DAY

Research paper writing is not a task you can finish in one day. You need to remain consistent, patient and work smart. In other words, there are days your brain and body will be too tired to write as little as 500 words. You can use those periods for something else if you feel the need to work so you can meet up the deadline. The point is to take on tasks that are less stressful on days when your body or brain is tired. You can check your quotations, citations, bibliography or even edit your paper manually to make the final editing less time-consuming and stressful. Have in mind that you are making progress with every little effort you put into your research paper writing.

Make sure to stay on top of the latest in fashion and design, browse through top web pages and grab the latest renowned fashion glossies from your newsstands.

5. MAKE YOUR CONCLUSION CONCISE

There is no point in writing a comprehensive and lengthy conclusion. Concise is always better. The more you write, the higher the tendency to provide unnecessary details, which is not the best option for an academic paper. Conclusions are not the right place to including details about results and methodology. And even when writing summary of things learned from the research work, you still need to make it as brief as possible because the emphasis when writing a conclusion is usually on the evaluations, implications, insights and other analysis made.

6. GET READY FOR CRITICISM

When it comes to research paper writing, you need to learn to handle rejections and negative comments. In other words, expect the worse from your supervisor or colleagues. Not everyone knows how to make constructive criticisms. But you should never let anyone’s negative remark to weigh you down.

An easy way to handle rejections is to expect them. Also, take them as a challenge and prove a point with your hard work.

7. FIND FRIENDS WITH THE SAME GOAL

It is advisable to make friends with people who will motivate and assist you mentally and otherwise. And it will also be better if they are the same program as you. Each of you will have something to contribute that will benefit everyone and make the writing less challenging. So, for the sake of your research paper, consider changing your peer group. In other words, make friends with people who have the same drive as you. But have in mind that not everyone is affected by negative peers. If you are disciplined, you can handle such situations.

8. FIND AN ACADEMIC COACH

The fact that you are writing your research paper for the first time should make you find an academic coach to avoid confusion and challenge that beginners face. Even after showing desperation in the beginning, most students still find it challenging to complete their papers. On the other hand, issues like this are usually as a result of procrastination, lack of measurable goals and even isolation.

However, an academic coach can help you accomplish your research paper writing tasks effortlessly. Most of the time, you will receive short assignments and deadlines, which will motivate you to finish up strong. According to an homeworkhelpdesk.org expert, using professional assistance can help students to speed up their writing project.

CONCLUSION

Research paper writing is a demanding task that’s why many students run away from it. But the process can only be more challenging for students who are not prepared mentally and otherwise. The tips on this post will help you position yourself to complete your research paper strongly and impressive your supervisor.

All images from DESIGN SCENE Style Story starring Maxim by Alexander English & Callum Vincent – discover the full session.

DESIGN S U S T A I N A B L E HOME

2018-10-27T09:55:00.000+02:00

Green Design Tips for a Stylish and Sustainable Home

By | March 27, 20181 Comments

26SHARES

Green design is more than just a hot trend on home design blogs and on social media. Green design can transform your home and your health. When you live in a home that is designed holistically and uses energy efficient systems, natural materials, and sustainably produced finishes your home will be the sanctuary you need to destress and renew your energy at the end of the day.

Here are some green design tips that homeowners can use to give their home a stylish and sustainable upgrade:

COMBINE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR LIVING

The best home designs combine indoor and outdoor living. This can be done in many different ways so no matter what type of house you’re currently living in you can find ways to bring the outdoors in and vice versa. Start simple by adding healthy houseplants to each room. Plants reduce carbon dioxide in the air and pump out healthy oxygen that will make you and your family feel better and stay healthier. Forget using toxic room sprays and air freshers. Scrub the air with some attractive natural plants.

Another way to combine indoor and outdoor living is to transform your patio or deck into actual living space. You can put down some beautiful sustainable flooring over concrete to make it more comfortable and inviting. And you can use cladding to make an outdoor patio or screened in porch feel more like part of the home.

OVERHAUL YOUR ENERGY USE

Modern appliances do more than just give your home a style upgrade. They give you an efficiency upgrade too. Replacing your appliances, heating system and other energy using elements will use less energy which will save you money and lower your carbon footprint. You may even want to add solar panels to your roof or install solar shingles so that you can generate your own power. This is a smart way to go green if you live in an area that has extreme weather because if there is a major storm or power outage your home will have its own power. You could even go a step further and use a green company like Shiply to find a delivery company already travelling in a similar direction to deliver your new energy efficient purchases.

FOCUS ON AIR QUALITY

When you’re redecorating and resigning your home make careful choices about the materials that you use. If you’re going to paint make sure that you use non-toxic paint with no VOCs. Or better yet, use modified wood plywood panels or wood cladding as accents instead of painting. Replace dirty old carpets with natural hardwood, cork, bamboo or other sustainable and renewable materials. And be careful with the materials that you choose for furniture also. Try to find furniture that has natural fabrics like linen, cotton or hemp. Not only are those fabrics durable they are sustainable and healthier for kids and pets.

OPEN IT UP

There’s a reason why the open concept home design isn’t going away. Well, there are several reasons. But one of the reasons is that open concept design creates multi-functional spaces that are just better for today’s modern lifestyle. And open concept design makes it more fuel efficient to heat, cool, and light a home. That means lower energy bills and lower energy usage which is good for your wallet as well as the environment. If you want to really upgrade your home consult a design professional to see how feasible it is to open up the design of your home.

The key to making an open concept home work for a family that needs adaptable spaces is to use smart design elements to carve out individual areas within the home. Bamboo veneer panels are stylish and sustainable and they are perfect for creating separation in an open concept home. You can move the panels easily when you need to create more spaces or when you want to open the space up again. But using bamboo panels is a smart and attractive way to create a play space, a work space, a work out space, or whatever other kind of space your open concept home needs.

Images Tred Avon River House by Robert M. Gurney Architect

Food For Thought

RAINDROP

HOME U P G R A D E

Getting Ready for Retirement

Curb Appeal

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

The Heart of the Home

Make Things Right

No More Embarrassment

Make Use of Your Basement

U N D E R W A T E R RESTAURANT

HOME V A L U E

1. Turn your Cellar into a Living/Storage Space

2. Convert the House into Several Flats

3. Add a Conservatory (or Improve the Existing One)

Share 4. Update your Kitchen and Bathroom(s)

Other Ways to Add Value to your Home

VALUE G A R D E N

How To Use Your Garden To Add Value To Your Home

KEEP IT TIDY

THE SHED SITUATION

GARDEN PRIVACY

PAVE THE ROUTES

THE OUTSIDE IN

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

5 TIPS O U T D O O R P ARTY

5 Tips for Your Next Outdoor Party

KEEP THE BEER TAP AND DRINKS AT THE END OF THE COUNTER

HAVE ALL PREP AND FOOD WITH YOU

LET FAMILY AND FRIENDS HELP

HAVE YOUR LIVING SPACE CLOSE BY

THE BIG OUTDOOR EVENTS

ROSENTHAL C O L L E C T I O N S

Zaha Hadid Design X Rosenthal New Porcelain Collections

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

HOME D E C O R 2019

Home Décor Tips For 2019

INSTALLING MURALS

GO SMALL BUT STAND OUT

REPLACE OLD FITTINGS WITH MODERN ONES

DO NOT LIMIT YOUR CREATIVITY

CONCLUSIONH

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

FLOORING E N G I N E E R D

Engineered Flooring – The Affordable Alternative to Solid Timber Flooring

WHAT IS ENGINEERED FLOORING?

STUNNING FINISHES

ECO-FRIENDLY SOLUTIONS

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

EXPLORE THE POTENTIAL

Hubert

EVA L O N G O R I A

ARCHISCENE: INTERVIEW WITH ROCKWELL GROUP MADRID’s EVA LONGORIA

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

N E C E S S I T Y FASHION

5 Times Fashion Became Popular Out Of Necessity

01 LEGGINGS

02 FANNY PACKS/BUM BAGS

03 CARGO SHORTS

04 HIGH-WAISTED JEANS

05 CHUNKY SNEAKERS

COMFORTABLE AND PRACTICAL ALWAYS WIN

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

C O N D E N S A T I O N

DESIGN SCENE HOME: Why is There Condensation on the Inside of my Windows?

CONDENSATION IN MY BATHROOM, KITCHEN, AND BEDROOM. WHY?

WHY IS WINDOW CONDENSATION BAD?

HIDE & S E E K

Hide & Seek Exhibition by Maarten Baas in Design Museum Holon

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

STEP B Y S T E P

A Step-By-Step Guide on Renovating Your Home

WAIT BEFORE YOU RENOVATE

TRY THESE INTERIOR DESIGN TRICKS FIRST

BRING A PROFESSIONAL IN

GET THE FUNDING

YEAR END OFFER

Hotel Restaurant Le Cosy Propose

GARDEN G U E S T R O O M

The Advantages Of Owning Your Own Garden Guest-Room

Share

4. Update your Kitchen and Bathroom(s)