Creative Storage Walls

Storage is always useful, but it is certainly not something we always want to see front and centre in a space.  I love built-in storage walls as a practical and discreet solution.  While great for any setting, they are particularly useful in small spaces.

Lighthaus, a new development in Toronto, designed by STAMP Architecture, Cecconi Simone, and Janet Rosenberg.

Toronto-based Great Gulf Homes is in pre-construction with Lighthaus, a development of twenty (20) luxury townhomes in within the city.  The design team from Cecconi Simone devised some great storage walls within the model suite (shown directly above and below).

More from Lighthaus…

Mounting televisions into built-ins is nothing new.  What I love about the concept design, however, is the clever niches that are framed to provide artful showcases for books, sculpture, or anything else you might wish to display.

Contemporary storage system from Acercbis.

Built-in storage does not need to feature a flat facade, as demonstrated by Acercbis International.  Incorporating lighting is a great way to add depth and soften the overall appearance to something more custom and furniture-like.

Image: archiproducts.com

Not everyone enjoys seeing what is hidden behind closed doors or the fingerprints that sometimes accompany glossier finishes, but the reflective qualities of both are great for visually expanding smaller spaces.

Design: Charlie & Co. Design, Ltd. | Image: Houzz

Without all the built-in storage to keep this space neat and organized, this combined office and family area has the potential for disaster.  The selection of white cabinetry keeps it bright and airy even without excessive lighting throughout the room.

Image: decoist.com

Any parent will tell you how much “stuff” comes with having small children.  A brightly coloured wall with storage, whether open or closed, provides everything with a place and encourages clean-up and organization from a young age.  That said, this look could be easily translated to suit just about any other space.

Image: stvnbrgs.com

I can honestly say I’ve never before seen a bathroom with so much built-in storage.  The idea of plumbing fixtures sliding back into place when not in use is rather intriguing and could prove rather useful in a bachelor or shoe box-sized apartment.  Naturally, a solution for privacy would need to be added to this if it were shared with a more public space.

W’s Worldwide Design Statements

Some hotel chains make a concerted effort for consistency of design to represent the brand from one location to the next.  W Hotels, on the other hand, make it a point to have each destination make its own unique statement.  Whether you’re contemplating a trip and where to go and stay or simply looking for inspiration for a room in your home, W definitely measures up.

W Chicago City Center
I love the contrast of the playful modernity of the guest rooms versus the sweeping architectural details of the public spaces.

W Barcelona
Bright and airy. A great example of whites done right!

W Los Angeles – Westwood
Never underestimate the impact of great lighting to create the perfect mood for a space.

W London – Leicester Square
The public spaces in Leicester Square exude the vibrancy of the area.

W Maldives
I never thought about visiting the Maldives until looking at these photos. I love the glass floor! If you’re looking for inspiration for your outdoor room, look no further…

W Paris Opéra
A phenomenal tribute to the existing architecture and heritage, with a twist.

 

Designing your Balcony

The Victoria Day long weekend is generally considered the official launch in of summer weekends for Canadians.  With sunny skies and temperatures exceeding 25 the past couple days, it looks like it will be a great one.  If you’re a condo dweller and staying in the city, it is a great time to deck out your balcony (if you haven’t already caved in to the anticipation).

Some balconies are truly tiny. Be inspired by some Parisian style.
Image: hotnick.com

Container gardens can do more than add some much needed greenery. In this case, they provide both great style and some privacy from those across the way.
Image: eblander.com

Just because there is a concrete pad above you doesn’t mean you need to look at it. This simple fabric solution softens the look and makes the space more inviting.
Image: goodshomedesign.com

We can’t all have a New York penthouse with balcony to match, but we can create seating groups in long, narrow spaces.
Image: Houzz

If you can get that fabulous outdoor daybed to fit, why would you not?  Surrounding it with various containers and plants creates additional shade and breeze.
Image: scoop.it

Don’t be afraid to use a patio umbrella.  Just be sure to check the weight and wind worthiness beforehand: you wouldn’t want to watch it fly away in a storm by mistake.
Image: goodshomedesign.com

Sheer curtains are great for outdoor spaces; they seem tropical in the way they billow in the breeze. I love them in combination with natural fibres, such as the rounded seats that double as storage.
Image: interior-dsgn.com

If you have the space, consider built-in seating. Customize the seat and toss cushions.
Image: hotnick.com

Before adding rocks and/or platforms, it’s a good idea to check with the condo board to ensure there are no weight restrictions or issues with altering the surface.
Image: sharehomedesign.com

Many companies sell modular deck flooring in wood, composite material, and rubber. Visit your local big box building centre to see what’s available. Or choose a great outdoor rug.
Photo:Angus Fergusson | Image: styleathome.com

Simple is good. Keep it comfortable and enjoy the view!
Image: styleathome.com

Beds Designed for your Teen

Most homes and condos have bedrooms that are smaller than desired, particularly those not deemed the “master suite.”  There are many options for very young children, but finding the right solution for bed, storage and work space for tweens and teens can be a challenge for tight quarters.

Some of the many variations available through Gautier’s Dimix collection.

Gautier has some incredible options that work interchangeably to create the ideal space.  Many of the beds are modestly elevated to incorporate storage options, both open and closed.

Collections from Tumidei offer a full range of colours and customization.

I love the ideas presented by Tumidei of creating platforms for living and/or work space above the bed.  When not in use, it tucks neatly out of the way, leaving the rest of the room clear for other activities.

More offerings from Tumidei, these ones focusing on more loft-like solutions.  Notice all of the storage beneath?  I particularly love the walk-in closet!

One of the easiest solutions when space is at a premium is to look upwards.  This can be a challenge if you are faced with low ceilings, but do not rule them out without further exploration for the right solution.

This sculptural bed is not only a piece of art, but incorporates a separate desk, lots of storage ideal for adolescents, as well as lighting and a place to mount a television.
Image: lushome.com

Outdoor Area Rugs from Surya

It used to be that “outdoor carpeting” meant horrible green AstroTurf-like blends that felt horrible and looked about the same.  Those days are long gone.  Add a stylish area rug to your front porch or outdoor room for greater presentation and enjoyment throughout the seasons.

Cannes collection

Large patterns are great for the outdoors, with florals being a natural choice (no pun intended) that will add liveliness and colour.  Because these area rugs are intended for the outdoors, they are resistant to fading in the sun, meaning the vibrant tones will remain.

Rain collection

Floral and fauna are not for everyone, even in the outdoors.  There are many simple geometric patterns from which to choose that will add a simple elegance and completion to your space.

Elements (left and right) and Labrinth (centre) collections

If you prefer to keep things neutral, do not ignore the detail and warmth that can be achieved solely through texture.  Pay attention to the material and purpose of the rug, as many more neutral toned area rugs are woven using natural fibres such as jute, which is coarser than many other fibres and some do not enjoy it on bare feet.

Though outdoor rugs are designed to withstand the elements, be sure to take care of them according to the manufacturer’s instructions in order to prolong the life and enjoy their use through multiple years and seasons.  They can also be used indoors and are often great alternatives in homes with small children and/or pets.

All images from Surya.

You’ve Got Mail: Modern Mailboxes

A mailbox may seem an inconsequential part of your home and its design, but design is very much an area where the minutest details come into play.  Given its placement, a mailbox is often front and centre when someone approaches your home.  Surely, a shabby, rusted receptacles is not what you want to present.

Clockwise from top: Glasnost from Keilbach (available in different colours and finishes), Arregui, Chicago (bottom centre) and Phoenix (bottom left) both from Max Knobloch

If you wish to display your family or business name on your mailboxes, these examples from Keilbach, Arregui, and Max Knobloch are great options.  Their front surfaces are ideal for engraving or etching, thus serving as both identifiers and useful receptacles for snail mail.

Radius Design: Letterman

The modern Letterman comes in a plethora of colours and sizes, including post-mounted versions.  The porthole-like window allows for a quick visual check while walking by for new correspondence.

Green Mailbox

Greenery is always welcoming, provided it is well tended.  If your mailbox is not in an enclosed space, you might consider the Green Mailbox, which includes a shelf for a small plant.  The roof of the mailbox is such that rainwater will run off the top to water your plant naturally.

Who said a mailbox needs to be square?
Clockwise from top left: Spira Post SS, Honolulu (Max Knobloch), colourful variations from Arregui, mounted variations from Mailbox Doctor.

A mailbox need not be rectilinear, even if it is to be mounted on a post closer to the end of your driveway.  There are many rounded options which will soften the look and can be easily modified to suit your taste.  Many offer a secondary slot that is designed for rolled items, such as newspapers.

Born in Sweden mailbox.

Moulded from fibreglass, the Pascal Charmolu designed mailbox for Born in Sweden is offered in nine bright (9) colours, two (2) sizes, and comes in both ground and post-mounted variations.  ”It features a separation lid inside that can be removed to increase storage capacity – ideal for holding your mail while you are away on holiday.  The opening is big enough to accept large items, while the lid of the mailbox opens by 70 degrees for easy access.”

Ring my Bell

Tis the time of year when most of us want to spend time outdoors and improve the look of our homes.  Having a green thumb is great, but don’t forget the rest of your home’s appearance.  Your front entrance makes a huge impact on front impressions and the often overlooked doorbell plays a role.

Swann: MP3 DJ Doorbell

If you love your MP3 player and customizable ringtones on your phone, Swann‘s DJ doorbell may be for you.  There’s an option for a 2GB SD card (which holds approximately 600 songs), or you can expand up to a 32GB card (for up to 10,000 songs).  Included with the doorbell is software that enables you to edit your favourite songs, selecting the exact section of the song(s) to be played when the doorbell rings.  If that isn’t enough, the speaker can also be used as a portable MP3 player.

iChime Recordable Sound Doorbell

Another musical option is the iChime, which has both pre-recorded songs and sounds while allowing for  programmable MP3s and CD tracks.  If you prefer to sing yourself or offer a personal greeting to your guests, you can also record your own voice.

Keep it modern and clean, or engrave it.

Not everyone wants a personal ringtone; some are content with a more standard chime.  If that’s you, Doorbell24.net offers a variety of modern, mounted doorbells in stainless steel, glass, and/or granite.  The models all feature simple LED bell pushes and offer customization through engraving.

Spore: True

If you like the push bell of the doorbells from Doorbell24.net but prefer something that takes up a smaller amount of real estate, consider the True doorbell from Spore.  The design is sleek and completely utilitarian.  Though the colourful LEDs are functional for late night visits, the True can also be purchased without the LEDs.

DWR

Design Within Reach offers a great doorbell in brushed stainless steel.  You can rotate the button to appear in any corner when installed.

Meljac, from archiexpo.com

Glow solar-powered bell

Glow, from designer David Barry, is a wireless doorbell powered by the sun.  The user knows the doorbell is working as the outside display glows when pressed.  Inside, the homeowner receives both a visual and audio signal to alert a guest’s presence.