We recently received a modern kitchen design from Kira Varvanina on behalf of Studio 1:1 Inc. Here is the description we were sent by the project developers: “A modern kitchen is not only a center of a house, but also a cultural reflection of personal tastes, habits and heritage. The Lin's kitchen project set an extra challenge for designers because of client's traditional background. Both of the owners are Chinese Buddhists with excellent cooking techniques, which they frequently practice by cooking grand Chinese feasts. The main objective of the project was to design a comfortable and convenient space, but also prepare the kitchen for future cultural introductions (such as Buddha statues, candles and Feng Shui artifacts). Hence, the warm ensemble of bamboo counters was introduced to complement the coldness of the Caesarstone and darkness of the cabinets which created an Oriental backdrop. Even thought the Buddhist Kitchen was created as a bold and minimalist design, it was also conceived as a flexible environment with enough room for the client's interpretation“. What do you think of the Oriental vibes this contemporary kitchen offers?









Source: http://freshome.com/2011/08/15/statues-candles-and-feng-shui-artifacts-buddhist-kitchen-by-studio-11-inc/

Statues, Candles and Feng Shui Artifacts: Buddhist Kitchen by Studio 1:1 Inc

Located in Holviken, South of Malmo, where recently vacation homes turned into permanent residences, the Hakansson Tegman House is connected to the world by roads to the north and west and “angled around an inner garden and, much like the Bergman Werntoft house, rests on the tradition of the Danish atrium house from the 60s and 70s“. Interiors basked in natural light are protected by wooden screens that filter the light that floods each space. Three small bedrooms are located in the northern wing of the house and the other living spaces unwind in a carefully selected sequence: kitchen, dining room, library, living area, and winter garden. Describing the exterior appearance of the house, the architects say: “The outer walls of the house are clad with Pedersen clay bricks, working as a screen. The structure is a steel-enforced timber frame. Windows and sliding doors are made from Schuco aluminium profiles. The front and garage doors are custom made from ammonium smoked oak“. The family living in this one storey residence is a middle-aged couple whose children have moved away, so they needed a place to entertain and enjoy their newly acquired couple time together. It seems that Johan Sundberg did a great job, don’t you think?













Source: http://freshome.com/2011/08/15/home-for-two-in-sweden-hakansson-tegman-house/

Home for Two in Sweden: Hakansson Tegman House

The Cube Illusion was designed by Laszlo Tompa, the Hungarian ceramic designer that describes his work on this project as follows: “At a first glance it's not visible that the furniture hides a relatively large storage place inside due to the optical illusion of the ornaments. The case is diagonally symmetrical, so the storage section can be covered with the lid rotated 180 degrees.” Because the box was so intricate and needed precise assembly and hand-carved elements, the designer had to glue more elements at the same time without making mistakes, but his love for wood turned this detailed work into a challenge with a fascinating result. Laszlo Tompa used cherry wood to shape the square (40x40x40 cm) and the surface was covered with geometric ornaments produced by CNC-woodturning. Innovatively patterned for a box, the Cube Illusion found on Beautiful Life offers the impression of a must-have object, don’t you think so?












Source: http://freshome.com/2011/08/15/fascinating-square-box-cube-illusion-by-laszlo-tompa/

Fascinating Square Box Cube Illusion by Laszlo Tompa

Its location in Buenos Aires, Argentina, makes this residence an important candidate for great weather. The subtropical climate is beautifully enjoyed from this amazing contemporary home designed for an older couple whose children have moved out. Casa del Cabo, as it was named, was designed by Argentina-based architects Andrés Remy Arquitectos and features a mix of functionality and design. The residence has access to the neighbouring lake through extensive panoramas that can be enjoyed from two of its sides. The interior space is cleverly organized: “On the inside, there is a central double high green space – structuring axe of the house – that makes air circulation moving more freely, brings some indirect zenithal light to the different areas of the house and generates crossing views between them all. With the stairs, this space connects and separates visually serving and served functions. It creates this way a new landscape that organizes into a hierarchy the hall, the stairs and the suite.” The slightly sloped terrain made a great support system for the stair-like structure built next to the pool. This allows beautiful views of the lake to be enjoyed while relaxing in the pool. Look closer to see inspiring details, like the volumetric architecture, the undulating line of the pool and terrace, or the small water feature at the entrance. Aren’t they lovely?

























Source: http://freshome.com/2011/08/15/contemporary-casa-del-cabo-displaying-a-terraced-landscape/

Contemporary Casa del Cabo Displaying a Terraced Landscape