Friday Fav - Big Brick Wall Edition

Friday Fav, and its from one of the better design blogs you will ever follow.  Dezeen has been around for, well, I don't know how long.  But its been and while, and its been a good while.  

Onto the picture!

Follow the link, and check out the rest of this article.  I have a super soft spot for modern additions to traditional spaces, and this is a great example of how to blend them.  

Sneak Peak - A New Project In The Beaches

A little sneak peak here of a project in transition.  The home is in a fantastic location in The Beaches, down near the R.H. Water Plant.  Quiet street, trees everywhere, and incredibly private.  Down the street, cafes, restaurants and shops.  Spots like this are the reason people want to move here!

Now to share.  Like I said, this is a sneak peak, so bear with me, these aren't exactly professional. 

  

Kitchen space is white cabinets on white cabinets.  Framed inset, classic, simple lines.  Counters are Super White Quartzcite.  Floors are walnut with just enough colour on them to hide some of the strongest variation.

This cabinet section will act as a servery for gatherings and be the coffee center for early morning brews. The coffee machine is a counter model, but it's got a dedicated water line and everything needed will be housed in those drawers.  The best of looks and the best of function.  Knock box can sit in the top drawer, and all of the storage you need for cups and beans.

Cute laundry room, soft blue gray tone.  A little cleaner than some of the other spaces in the house, and I love how the crown and light valence trim turned out.  

 And these baths!  Oh these baths!  Each is different, but all carry a similar tone and weight throughout the project.  More to come too, Mudroom, Master Bath and Living Room Built-Ins.  

A little bit beachy, a little bit elegant, and you've got to admit, some of these are just a lot of fun.

Bill

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1,000 and Counting - The Pinterest Edition

When Keri introcduced me to Pinterest, I didn't know what to think.  Is this another social network?  Seems like a massive distraction?  I was right about one of those.  Its become a bit of a guilty pleasure.  I'm increasingly finding myself neglecting which ever project I should be working on, and scanning Pinterest for the latest fashion find or DIY project.

I even have a favourite Pinner I follow.

Over the weekend I passed the 1,000 follower mark, so I thought I would share some of my favourites with you, and post a couple new picks before I pin them to one of my boards.  

Men's Fashion - What Men Wear: A Men's Style Board 

My Men's fashion board was a huge surprise for me. I didn't expect to enjoy pinning to this board nearly as much as I do, and it's become the one that is followed most.  These are my favs and most pinned.

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What am I pinning right now? These two, right from  Cup of Couple & Style of A Guy  

Interiors & Exteriors - In, On, or Around the Home

My biggest passion for sure. Residential design is where I spend my time.  I find Pinterest especially  inspiring for interior spaces.  Such a massive variety, all in one place, all for me to devour! 

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And finally, down here at the bottom, two new Pins from Desire to Inspire.

Bill

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Eames and Others - The Black Dining Chair!

I'm a big fan of all things black when it comes to accenting a space, especially a dining space.  As such, I'm here today to share with you some of my favourites!

One of the benefits of using a black dining chair is the versatility.  The striking contrast of a molded Eames chair and rustic or rough hewn table fits into a number of styles and decor.  The above are great illustrations of this.  From the very slick modern to a blending of mid-century and industrial.  In all three of these the chair, (and this may simply be the case whenever you are putting an Eames chair in a space!) are the highlight.

They can blend as well, and very well at that.  The chrome legs add a splash of shine to these otherwise understated spaces, and some much needed contrast.  Here though, they don't steal the show, they merge into it.  They become part of the overall, and that's a very good thing.   

Black warmth?  It seems counter to general thoughts, but a less formal chair painted out in black really does warm a space.  Or at the least,  breaks the formality of a space, and makes it more accessible to your guests and families.

 Lastly, and really just because I love this dining area, a blend of all the others above.  Minimal and with strong contrast, but the round table speaks to informality, and warm chair cushions to comfort and east.  This space is well designed, but it's somewhere I want to eat and drink with friends.  

And would you look at those black chairs!

Bill
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California Countdown - 1 day to go

As I mentioned in an earlier post, this Thursday night, I'm headed out to California for some fun in the sun.  We're making our way up the coast from L.A. to San Fran with stops, well, everywhere along the way. 

 While there, I will hopefully spend time at the Getty Museum, see the Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall, MoCA and that's only L.A.!

Sooooo, I thought I would share a few of my favourite west coast flavoured spaces for you and I to find inspiration in today.

Above you'll see some classic California design.  Spanish influence, luxury finishes, limestone and worn wood.  Ornamental without being french, white walls without being perfect.

Below is a great, modern/classic California kind of space.  Like above, you have some decorative and ornamental items, worn and aged, with an honest feel. The concrete waterfall counter echo's the plaster wall from the picture above and  the chandelier is of Spanish influence as well.   One thing to note: The wear and tear doesn't speak in the slightest of a 

mid-west country vibe. 

Now, forget everything else I just said, and look at those white walls!  Splashes of colour! Ease and comfort.  That's the modern California feel.  A little Scandanavia mixed in for good measure, not too much though. You don't see many Cacti in Scandinavia 

(at least I don't think so).

I like the bohemian aesthetic to these two images.  Collections, Eclectic choices and a place to spend time.

I think one of the strongest design elements to incorporate into this type of project, are the transitions between in and outdoor space.  Blend those boundaries.  Frameless/minimal glass windows, doors that open wide, unobstructed views and integrated outdoor elements like the interior courtyard pictured above. If you think of your space immediately around the house as a landscape designers problem you are missing a huge opportunity.  Think of it as living space, as an extension of the interior and you will be thrilled with the results.

And, If you don't have the house, you can always jump into the VW, California Van, and drive on out the left coast! 

Any other recommendations for places I need to stop and see?!

Bill

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All of the above images were shamelessly stolen from Commune Design, Desire to Inspire, House Beautiful, Pinterest and Volkswagen Germany.