Open Plan Apartment Design Ideas in Kalorama by FORMA Design

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In this 1000sf 2 bedroom one bath 5th floor flat in the Kalorama neighborhood of Washington, DC, the client- (himself an architect and avid scuba-diver) – asked FORMA to think out-of-the box; to create an open plan solution maximizing the natural light, improving on the layout and functionality of the space and creating the envelope to display his art collection and a way to share his underwater photography with his friends.

The result is a multi-functional entertainment area bathed in light, with the custom concrete fireplace surround flanked by sycamore millwork and a flat TV monitor for the scuba-diving slideshows on one end facing the matching concrete kitchen counters and sycamore upper cabinets in the kitchen area, turning the space from a series of smaller rooms into an open entertainment area.

The small Master Bedroom and second guest/study room were combined into a magnificent Master Bedroom/study suite, enjoyed by the client year round, that allows for the possibility of being subdivided into two private sleeping areas when a guest stays over. The project was published in TRENDS-Home & Renovation in the Fall of 2007 and received a Silver award for residential interior design from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).

Tags: apartment interior decor, apartment interior design, modern apartment design, modern apartment interior

Yachting House Design Ideas by MOOMOO Architects

Designing a home for an investor with a well-defined and specific passion is always a challenge for an architect; however, it demonstrates the interdisciplinary knowledge of the designer. Our client’s love and passion for motor yachts became our motto for this project. The design process did not comprise only of finding a style that related to the boat, but also finding a place to anchor the yacht within the house’s structure.

A bold decision was made to introduce a water canal through the central area in the house and having a lock lift which would allow the boat to sail in along the line of windows in the kitchen and living room. The investor can admire this view from any place in the house, like for example while enjoying a cup of morning coffee in the dining room.

The house area is 700 meters squared (this does not include storage rooms, mechanical rooms and the garage.) The house is embedded on a steep slope that is in close proximity to the shorelines. The house takes on the architectural form of the letter „U” and is oriented towards the lake giving its occupants an open and private space with an extraordinary view towards the body of water.

The garden area was established by the relationship between the house and the annexe, which encompasses the guest apartment and garden leisure lounge. The garden is not the typical garden one would find by a house because it has a yacht moored in it, but in spite of that, one is able to host garden parties, or sunbathe on a lounger by the pool.

The house relates to the yacht not only in style and function, but also in detail. Mooring handles inspired the railings on the terraces and the lounge areas have a change of floor level, which relate to the seating arrangements on the stern of a boat. The interior of the house is characterized by simplicity and is finished of with the warm tones of wood.

Project: YACHTING HOUSE
Design: MOOMOO ARCHITECTS / Jakub Majewski, Lukasz Pastuszka
design team: Justyna Pietrzykowska, Bart?omiej Skowronek, Eki?e Ruiz, Teresa Rosendo Pereira, Ricardo Alba González , Sandra Dro?y?ska
Client: private
Site of the building: Poland
Project date: 2012
Total area in square meters: 1457

Art Glass Centerpieces Ideas

When an interior designer is looking for those finishing touches to add interest to the room then Art Glass can provide the final inspiration that really makes a room. Art Glass covers the gamut; from large Art Glass Sculptures and Tall Glass Vases for centerpieces, to elegant ornaments for shelves or study tables. Art Glass can be used to tie a room together or to help reflect light in rooms with small windows or limited light.

A well cut piece of Bohemian Crystal will reflect light in a thousand different angles and can mesmerise with its radiant shine. A good piece of authentic Crystal will have light dancing all round the room and can be used in combination with mirrors to tease in extra light.

An Art Glass Flower vase that is so beautiful that it would be a shame to spoil them with flowers and fruit bowls that look more enticing without the fruit, can bring extra eye candy to bare spaces. Art Glass gives an interior designer a whole arsenal of options when it comes to the ‘adding interest’ part of the project. A tall glass sculpture can work wonders against a white walled backdrop and is even more alluring when properly backlit.

A sculpture sat on its own stand can help delineate space and provides extra material for the photo-shoot. Some of the more alluring shapes can contrast starkly with the sharp contours of the room’s architecture.

The tall glass vase is a masterful centerpiece for either a cold summer hearth or a large dining table, and the colours help enliven the whole room and can tie different colour schemes together. Glass paperweights can add interest to a study table or bookshelf and glass ornaments can be used to draw in extra light.

Sometimes glass ornaments are used on their own designated shelf with candles to give a more subtle lighting option to a cosy room. A pretty glass vase could be singing from a sunny window ledge or shining from the mantelpiece and can help lift a room just by being there.

Even in pristine interior designs there is always room for some form of art glass. It does not have to be overbearing and subtle understated pieces are often more enthralling. Art glass, generally, adds class and intrigue to a living space and the high quality of the glass pieces reflect well on the interior design as a whole.

Further details about this beautiful art glass centerpieces ideas can be search here at Boha Glass, an online shop selling art glass from Europe’s leading glass makers.

Residential Lakefront House Design Ideas by McClellan Architects

Designed by McClellan Architects, this residential lakefront home was built on a challengingly steep site, this home embraces its waterfront location. The varied outdoor spaces offer both privacy and invitation, creating a rich dialog between shelter and grounds. From front entry to back terrace there is a steady progression from masonry walls to a more open and lighter structure of steel and wood.

The steep terrain of the site presented a challenge to siting the house at a plateau along the water’s edge. The garage and second floor ADU were placed along the toe of the 40 foot high bluff to retain the bluff, and to increase the level area at the base.

To maximize the home’s views to the water, the rooms are strung along a line following the coastline, grouped into two masses: the two story residential quarters and a glassy public pavilion which opens to the outdoor deck and pool. The two forms are bridged by the entry with framed views to the water.

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