bltd

I’m not sure if you’ve had the distinct displeasure of getting an estimate for repairing a non-working fireplace, but let me tell you, it’s more than you probably care to spend. I know it’s certainly more than I care to spend. Anyway, this post started out being about bath planning (hence the photo via Kohler featuring the Provinity vanity), but then I found this fantastic image of a non-functioning fireplace filled with fire wood.

Now say that five times fast.

[posted by kris]

Here’s another inspiring interior project from Studio Ilse. It’s an interesting juxtaposition between both industrial and ornate, and stark and colorful.

[posted by kris]

Recessed lighting transforms rooms into modern spaces because unlike a traditional fixture, it doesn’t break the ceiling space, but instead provides a nice consistent light throughout the room.

[posted by kris]

I was perusing the lovely Below the Clouds today and came across the portfolio of ODOS architects. The Thor Place is heartbreakingly beautiful. It is so modern and simple with an amazing use of space.

I just found these fantastic cantilevered stairs over at stairporn.

[posted by kris]

(This item’s link and price was updated 11/19/09.)

Christopher Dezille, designer for Honky has a not-to-miss portfolio with some inspiring work. I love the simplicity of this den.

[posted by kris]

If you like the look of this bath from the Woolsey Studio, it can be done economically with discount plumbing.

This above the counter lavatory sink is $294, and this
wall-mounted faucet is only $268.

[posted by kris]

This home by architects Jakub Majewski & Lukasz Pastuszka (aka Moomoo) in Poland is quite stunning. The exterior is an amazing charcoal/black color–It’s worth a look.

[posted by kris]

When design agency The Apartment was working on a conversion of the old Chelsea YMCA into the apartment of Ad Agency head Cindy Gallop (BBH), she told them “at night, i want to feel like I’m in a Shanghai nightclub…” which they took and ran with, deciding to make the interior feel as if you’re inside a black lacquer box.

It’s worth a look.

It’s refreshing to see a beautiful bath space that doesn’t require tiles everywhere. The nice simple wooden sink (although I think I would worry too much about the upkeep) and the horizontal-mount mirror and the wall-mount faucet brings it all together. It’s perfect how the alignment is slightly askew.

To create this look in your own bath remodel, you can get the faucet for under $300 here. The mirror is pretty much a no-brainer. Start at Ikea and work your way up as your budget allows. The sink is more difficult to locate but since I have a problem with the idea of wood, I would probably use something like the Omvivo washplane or the erosion sink, which can be custom made to any length.

[posted by kris]

I love this tiny prototype summer cottage by Dorte Mandrup Architects. The space, which is roughly 110 square feet, appears to have only enough room for a bed and some books.

[posted by kris]

This is an amazing remodel done by architecture graduate students in Philadelphia. They purchased an old garage and completely renovated it from front to back. The subtle transition from public space to private is inspiring. You can view the entire Flikr set here.

[posted by kris]

The BlobWall is an interesting alternative to traditionaly building materials. Each “blob” is made of lightweight recyclable plastic and can be mass produced.

Here’s a stunning summer cottage in the Baltic Island of Gotland. I love the simple treatments and major architectural statements. The loft is amazing, and I really like the light and airy kitchen.

The important thing to consider when trying to achieve a space like this is super smooth walls (this requires skim coating) and nice floors of a high quality, such as a nice real wood. The large windows also help, as well as the raised ceilings and skylights. Mainly though, attention to detail is important for achieving the feel of a nice modern structure.

[posted by kris]

I stumbled upon the I29 architecture portfolio today and I have to say that I was blown away by how they created lovely, small spaces which in which every detail is considered. In this space they managed to fit a tiny kitchen in a very narrow space without it looking like they were skimping on anything.

Another thing I noticed while perusing the portfolio is that they seem to use very simple materials, such as cement, plywood, walnut and simple drywall. Here’s where the craftsmanship and architecture comes into play, making it a simple, modern space.

[posted by kris]