© 2SW

Description from 16k Architectes
“Specialising in the outfitting, refurbishing and conversion of office spaces, head offices and company restaurants, this group of architects aimed here at creating high-performance communal areas, with the use of long-lasting, hard-wearing materials, particularly resistant to fire, but also innovative, in terms of their pliability and styling. A must-have for architects and interior designers, HI-MACS® was once again the choice material for the implementation of this prestigious Parisian project.

This material in fact boasts a host of qualities, both aesthetic and technical and it was therefore used here to create the reception desk and the pods making up the waiting area. One of the main requirements for this project was the use of durable material which was especially fire resistant, in order to comply with the applicable safety regulations. HI-MACS® and its M1 classification – non flammable – complied with this requirement perfectly.

The architects were also taken with its thermoformability and therefore its ability to create the most original shapes. The pods feature voluptuous and soft shapes, all rounded, giving the waiting area a sense of conviviality. Indeed, HI-MACS® is ideal for a lobby or waiting room where one is forced to pass the time, since it is a warm and silky smooth material, which is extremely pleasant to touch and hence highly appealing. The architects picked the colour white offered by HI-MACS®, due to its light refraction quality, which makes the venue much brighter. These many qualities make this Solid Surface the ideal material for outfitting the sophisticated settings of this Haussmann building, specifically the reception lobby and transit zones. Featuring an Oriental and exotic style with 1930s inspiration, the vegetation is imposing here, with a large number of palm trees which form a single whole with the pods made of HI-MACS®.”

© 2SW

© 2SW

The post Reuters HQ in Paris by 16k Architectes appeared first on Roomidea - Interior Design Magazine.

© Corben Architects

Description from Corben Architects
“The three storey house is concealed behind a timber battened garage door and entry gate to the street but then reveals itself as one enters the site and moves through the landscaped garden from the front gate to the front door. Only glimpses of the panoramic water view that lies beyond are revealed along this journey. It is only upon entering the house and moving into the large open plan Living/Dining/Kitchen that the full impact of the stunning view is felt. The substantial living space with its large sliding windows and high ceilings flows out and becomes one with the outside encouraging the indoor/outdoor lifestyle.

The main entry, two living areas and guest wing are located on the middle level with three bedrooms on the upper level, the main one designed as a luxury suite. The lower level incorporates a large rumpus / media room and store areas. The building is a simple rectilinear form of concrete and masonry construction, carefully layered with timber battening and sandstone cladding to present a modern home with a focus on natural materials and clear design principles. Energy saving options were adopted including an operable skylight over the central core allowing natural light and ventilation, timber slated screens provide sun control, concrete floors and roof to provide thermal mass and Energy Efficient glazing to the external windows and doors.”

© Corben Architects

© Corben Architects

The post Modern Mosman House by Corben Architects appeared first on Roomidea - Interior Design Magazine.

Images by Rix Ryan Photography

Description From BGD Architects
“Situated on an exclusive residential street, this home was designed for a family of four with the brief to achieve ideal spaces for work, rest and play. The internal planning required a clever balance to achieve a house of private spaces with maximised outlooks to the Surfers Paradise skyline. Corten steel screens wrap the first floor bedrooms providing a veil for the bedroom spaces within.

The approach to the house, presents a structured and grounded design, balanced by the delicate screen pattern and soft landscaping. At night, the house transforms to a glowing lantern. Entry via the side arbour gradually opens upon a generous internal courtyard which looks through the main living area, framing the city skyline. Each layer of glazing and the waterfront screens can be pulled back almost out of sight to allow the house to breath effortlessly all day long. Louvered glazing has been utilised throughout the home to promote cross ventilation via natural breezes.”

Images by Rix Ryan Photography

Images by Rix Ryan Photography

The post Luxury Promenade Residence by BGD Architects appeared first on Roomidea - Interior Design Magazine.

Since January people have had the chance to vote on a number of key elements of the home. This year’s Blog Cabin home that will be transformed is a cottage built 1895. While the cottage has already undergone major renovations and there’s not much to do anymore, viewers can still participate in the “Cabin Comforts” Sweepstakes. You can vote for a number of home accents as well as housewarming gifts for the chance to win an identical selection for yourself. The voting started April 4th and will run through May 16th.

Here’s the schedule for the Cabin Comforts voting:

April 4-17: Bathroom comforts like slippers, bath mats,spa brushes, planters, etc.
April 18-May 1: Bathroom accents (blanket, storage container, scented candles, step stool).
May 2-16: Coastal entertaining items (beverage containers, outdoor speakers, stereo system, serving ware).

For more information and to give your vote, go to DIYNetwork.com/BlogCabinVote. Note that you can vote up to 10 time a day.

Disclosure: This post was requested by an advertiser.

The post Help Complete this year’s Blog Cabin appeared first on Roomidea - Interior Design Magazine.

In West Chester, a variety of services may be necessary to get your lawn and garden back in shape in time to enjoy spring. Some tasks that may need to be completed include mulch application, tree or shrub planting, landscaping, pressure washing or soil aeration. Businesses like the West Chester lawn and garden service Froio’s, are able to provide these services along with many more. Best of all, their referral program can open you up to some free services you’ll greatly benefit from.

When selecting any West Chester lawn company, it’s important to evaluate what you want to accomplish and determine what you need the professional for. To save some money, you may be able to complete some projects yourself. Others, you’ll need a sturdy and experienced green thumb like those found at Froio’s and other related businesses.

Do not be afraid to speak clearly to the professionals and express what it is you want. After all, this spring is all about making your garden look beautiful on your terms – you’re the one who will be spending time in it, and you should get the final say in every situation. If you’re feeling “mowed over”, then it may be time to try a new landscaper or look online for advice and recommendations.

When it comes to living in West Chester, lawn and garden possibilities are endless. You can minimize your lawn space so there is less regular maintenance involved and place rock, gravel or sand around your grassy area for a whole new look. Or, you can choose between sod or seed for a brand new lawn that encompasses the entire front or backyard. The choice is yours, and professional companies like Froio’s Lawn & Landscaping can guide you through your entire decision making process.

Not willing to wait until it’s warm enough to spend all your time outside? Many landscaping companies offer snow removal services as well as many tasks that are able to completed while there’s still frost on your plants. The sooner you book a professional service, the more time you’ll have for great springtime relaxation.

In West Chester, lawn and garden companies are a dime a dozen – be sure to take the time to find one you are compatible with. An ideal lawn service will be not only local, but also fair, honest and efficient with every order you place.

Bio: Paul is a freelance writer who writes about West Chester Lawn and Garden. He understands the importance of a quality family company like Froio’s Lawn & Landscape to get the job done right. Everyone wants to enjoy their garden as soon as possible during the spring, so consider checking them out in the West Chester, PA area today.

The post Springtime Brings Cleanup Time to Many West Chester, PA Yards appeared first on Roomidea - Interior Design Magazine.

courtesy of Parsonson Architects

Parsonson Architects have designed modern holiday house in dramatic site in Apple Bay, Marlborough Sounds New Zealand. This location accessible by 4 wheel drive vehicle and boat from the nearest township Picton. This house consists of two parts, each with a fine roof that follows the slope of the land. The upstairs living areas are configured as a large elongated space with decks at each end to enjoy both the morning and afternoon sun and with retreat and service spaces serving these. Downstairs bedrooms float among the trees with windows opening across the tree tops. The gap and junction between the two building parts is a continuation of the path up from the boat house.

courtesy of Parsonson Architects

courtesy of Parsonson Architects

The post Holiday House in Apple Bay by Parsonson Architects appeared first on Roomidea - Interior Design Magazine.

Photos credit Chonnasit Sundaranu

Description from Tierra Design
“The entry reflection pond shadowed by the living span above, forms a threshold between the forecourt and the expanse of the ocean beyond. Limestone clad walls, with their expressive horizontal jointing pay homage to the beauty and clarity of the sea’s horizon. Interpreting the traditional typology of the Thai residences; with separate pavilions but having a unity as a whole, the living wing connected by a glass enclosed spiral staircase from the pond, is distinct from the complex. The linearity of the volume, the transparency of the glass enclosure, light stone interior and the kitchen islands reinforce this traditional attitude expressed with modern articulation. A roof deck accessed by an open spiral metal and teak staircase is revelatory of the site’s position on the coastal headland.

Following the terrain of the site, the pool and social spaces are stepped below, offering privacy from the entry but open to views of the sea. The pool traverses the site and while generous in scale, is distinctly secluded by its’ connection with the site’s rocky outcrops and landscape. From this vantage point, the scale of the house becomes readily apparent and its’ cascading landscaped pathways suggest a discovery of the coastal edge beyond. The adjacent two level guest wing separated by terrace, is experientially connected to the forecourt landscape and surrounding mountains. Views of the sea are intentionally limited by framing from within its’ teak clad and screen enclosure. Its’ separateness is part of the client’s brief to provide a private house within a house. The interior volumes are generous and well appointed with finely detailed stone floors and walls and fittings.”

+ Photos credit Chonnasit Sundaranu +

Photos credit Chonnasit Sundaranu

Photos credit Chonnasit Sundaranu

Photos credit Chonnasit Sundaranu

The post Exotic Villa Mayavee in Phuket by Tierra Design appeared first on Roomidea - Interior Design Magazine.

Courtesy of MAXX

Think space

One of the first things to remember about contemporary bathrooms is that less is definitely more. What I mean by this is that you shouldn’t cram fixtures in – instead leave plenty of space between them.

Of course, this isn’t always practical if you don’t have a large bathroom to begin with, but if this is the case consider whether there are any fittings you can do without. For example, if you have a separate toilet, do you also need one in the main bathroom?

This also applies to the storage in your bathroom – pick one or two striking units that can cater for all your needs and do away with the clutter littering the sides.

Think sleek lines

When you’re shopping for a contemporary bathroom suite, you should focus on finding products that have clean-cut, sleek lines. I think one of the great things about contemporary bathroom design is that you can go for items that are a little more unusual.

Standalone baths are a great example, with plenty of stunning tubs on the market that really draw your eye. Roll-top baths always look stylish, although they can be more appropriate in a period setting. For something truly striking, go for a deep, oval-shaped bath that will look amazing in the centre of the room.

Make sure you carry any design cues from your tub over to the toilet, sink and shower, too.

Think bold colours

While white is the colour of choice for bathrooms, you don’t need to stick to pale tones in a contemporary setting, even though they can work very well. If you want something bolder, choose a shade that complements the white of your suite and use it on a feature wall or as part of the tile design.

Don’t go all out in a bright or garish colour, as this can be overwhelming. Instead, use your chosen hue in selected areas of the bathroom to create continuity and make the space truly unique.

Think chrome accessories

Don’t neglect the finishing touches like taps, towel rails and toilet roll holders. As a general rule, items in chrome will look great in a contemporary setting, no matter what else you’ve done in the space. As with the bathroom suite, choose products with sleek lines that will fit in with the rest of your fixtures. You should, however, be wary of over-accessorising – buy too many odds and ends and you’re in danger of having very cluttered sides, something you definitely want to avoid in a modern space.

Think mirrors and glass

Mirrors are an essential addition to any bathroom, but don’t just fit one because it’s practical; incorporate it into your wider design. There are a host of stunning mirrors on the market that look fantastic in modern bathrooms.

Among my favourites are the ones with LED lights set behind the glass. This lends a very futuristic appearance to the mirror and is good for task lighting. A well-placed looking glass can also be a great way to make the room feel larger than it actually is, in addition to reflecting the light around.

Another top tip if you want your bathroom to seem bigger is to use glass screens around the shower. These look infinitely more stylish than shower curtains and mean that, while you have separation between the shower and the rest of the room, it never feels closed off.

The post A Guide to Creating a Contemporary Bathroom appeared first on Roomidea - Interior Design Magazine.

What does an interior designer do? What are interior designers? Interior designers are people who are artistic, imaginative, and creative.  They are organised, disciplined, and highly-skilled people. They have business acumen and aesthetic skills. They work with professionals as well as clients to produce the best possible results in office interior design, as well as residential interior design.

They need to develop solutions which are functional, attractive, and safe. Interior design is a rewarding, fulfilling, and sometimes demanding job. If you want to excel in this career, you need to be dedicated and highly proficient.

Image credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WLANL_-_jankie_-_1e_verdieping_ING_gebouw_Amsterdamse_Poort.jpg

How to be a successful interior designer

Interior design is a service profession. As an interior designer, you will be using your talents and expertise to help people select the best possible design for their house or office. Your fortune in the field highly depends on your ability to make sure that your clients are satisfied. It is a must for every interior designer to comprehend the technical and artistic requirements of projects they take on. There must be good line of communication between them and the people they work for and work with.

• Good management

For an interior designer to be able to complete their tasks on time, it is necessary to have excellent management skills. Most often, deadlines can be very demanding, and you may take on several projects at a time. Another valuable asset to have is the ability to sell your ideas to clients with presentations which are informative and persuasive at the same time.

• Artistic and Technical Knowledge

One of the best ways to persuade clients to hire you instead of your competition is through knowing how to present your plan visually. You must be an expert on the products and materials which are required for the project. You must be aware of how the combination of lighting, space, colour, texture, and other factors can make or break the beauty of a space. These are some of the things which are needed for excellent residential and office interior design. Aside from the aesthetics, you must also determine if the design is structurally sound and safe for the occupants.

• Communication

Regardless of the field you are in, if you are working with clients directly or with other people, communication is a given. In order to make sure that ideas are conveyed directly from one person to another, good communication is a must. Not only should you be able to express yourself well, you should also be an attentive listener. You must be a team player and a leader at the same time. You should be open for negotiations and you should be ready to solve problems when they arise.

Elizabeth Shannon has a degree in interior design and works in one of the top design firms in the country. For her, good office interior design can make a huge impact on the employees and how they perceive their work environment.

The post What You Can Expect from a Career in Interior Design appeared first on Roomidea - Interior Design Magazine.

QT Hotel Sidney

Nic Graham in a collaboration with Indyk Architects recently complete the QT Hotel Interior in Sidney Australia. This hotel interior designed with modern reflective historic Gowings and State theatre buildings. This boutique Sydney accommodation retains many of the buildings most distinctive features, such as the blend of Gothic, Art Deco, and Italianate influenced architecture that form the dazzling exterior of the building. With a contemporary and, at times, quirky design, all guestrooms feature creature comforts such as luxurious bedding, high-speed internet, walk-in showers and most guest suites also offer an indulgent oversized soaking tub. The lower levels of this truly designer Sydney Hotel, will retain a historical allure but be the home of Sydney’s hottest new bar Gilt Lounge and Robert Marchetti’s newest creation Gowings Bar & Grill.

QT Hotel Sidney

QT Hotel Sidney

QT Hotel Sidney

The post QT Hotel Interior by Nic Graham and Indyk Architects appeared first on Roomidea - Interior Design Magazine.