Zem Joaquin of Ecofabulous reveals her design plans for a sustainable house at the Ecohaus showroom in San Francisco, California, and some of the Ecofabulous partners get to work on several projects for the Dwell on Design Conference.
Among all the countertop choices, the most modern and functional just might be stainless steel. Prized for their practicality, stainless steel countertops are the surface of choice in professional kitchens across the globe. And, whether or not you’re a gourmet cook, there are many reasons that you might choose this type of countertop.
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View in gallerySteel is stainless when it contains a minimum of 10.5 percent chromium. This is the substance that keeps the metal from rusting or corroding. While stainless steel comes in a number of grades with other metals mixed in, the most common type is 304, called austenitic steel. This is what is called food-grade stainless steel because it is safe for direct contact with food. This type is also more heat and stain resistant because of its higher levels of chromium and nickel.
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View in galleryAccording to TV home guru Bob Vila, stainless steel is the “workhorse” of countertop materials. You’ll find them in all professional kitchens for a number of reasons, and Consumer Reports names stainless steel among the best choices for a modern kitchen.
View in galleryAll materials will have drawbacks for some consumers.
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You know you’re a bookworm when your idea of an outdoor activity is reading a book outside. Casa O in Mexico is the perfect blend of a library and secret garden in the middle of a bustling city. The skillful fusion of nature and city surroundings takes a page out of the most magical book you’ve ever read.
This bookworm paradise has everything that a self respecting bibliophile could ever need. Architecturally designed to make the transition into your imagination all the more exciting, this home designed by Despacho Arquitectos HV is the envy of book lovers everywhere. Be sure to bookmark some of these ideas for your own book nook.
The focus of this design was to integrate nature and man made structure into an other-worldy haven for a keen bookworm.
One of the main features of the home is the expansive personal library. The bookworm concept has been turned into the main focus, as each area centers around the lifestyle of an avid reader.
The idea of a book nook has been taken to another level in this area. Any person who has ever read a book knows that a comfortable chair is essential. These chairs add a sophisticated aura and look like an ideal place to curl up with a good book. Check out this post to find your very own comfy reading chair.
What would a bookworm paradise be without a fireplace for those glorious rainy days? This room maintains a stylish look while having a homely feel. This is due to the wall length bookshelves and the coffee table decorated with various ornaments and neatly stacked books.
The room is also well lit to avoid any strain on reading eyes.
The well stocked bar is perfect for entertaining, or the occasional drink when unwinding with your favorite tome after a long day.
The arrangement of the bottles and glasses turns the bar into a different kind of library.
The bedroom looks like the border between the human world and an ethereal natural paradise.
The wooden floor contrasts aesthetically with the tiled floor of the balcony and connects the two areas.
The outside chair and coffee table create yet another bubble for the bookworm to retreat into.
The kitchen is a modern marvel, with suitable storage and work space.
The overhanging shelf decorated with antique containers add a refined quality.
The recipe books and large window reminds one of the central design concept without being too obvious.
The stately pillars and high ceiling create an impressive impression, the diverse colors emphasizing the different elements in the space without detracting from the view of the garden being the focus of the room.
The white cabinet prevents the room from being monotonous, and a single book connects the space to the rest of the house.
A clear pond is a calming facet that soothes the mind as one moves into the living room.
The wooden paneling on alternating walls stops the room from looking cold and impersonal.
The hallway is spacious and uncluttered, with the mirror adding dimension.
The skylight is an innovative way of allowing natural light to permeate the room, and the colorful painting is a playful accent.
The landing between the first and second floor is an area of it’s own, with a skylight drawing the eyes toward the open window.
Tree branches are expertly incorporated into the decor.
Forget Narnia’s wardrobe and Harry Potter’s Platform 9¾, this staircase looks like a portal into your private mystical realm.
The front of the house is where modern man and mother nature meet.
The garden has an untamed look without being overgrown, and a stone path directs you safely to the front door.
The expansive lawn is a design feature in itself. It connects the different species of trees and the whole garden gives off an Edenic atmosphere.
The rounded seat and fire pit is the ideal summer hosting spot, and the best place to read during those gorgeous spring days.
The space looks almost like a secret garden, thanks to the tall surrounding shrubbery.
Thanks to the towering outer wall, the delightful home is completely private.
The creeping ivy is a distinguished element, while the elegant facade only hints at the wonders to be found inside.
This trendy home is definitely every bookworm’s dream home. Do check out the the video below:
Recommended Reading:
50 Of The Best Reading Nooks We Have Ever Come Across
Home Decor For Book Lovers
32 Comfortable Reading Chairs
50 Unique Bookends For Book Lovers
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Designer Allison Willson of Sarah Richardson Design discusses how she renovated her home for her young family. See how she preserves the 1906 Edwardian semi’s charm with vintage pieces and modern updates for the perfect mix between old and new.
The home is largely traditional, but playful, contemporary accents liven up the rooms. A statement rug in the living room adds color to the neutral palette, while animal prints offer an unexpected dose of fun in the den. The kitchen features huge brass lights and marble subway tile, and the bathrooms follow suit with a similarly industrial aeshtetic. The most predominent color in the home is soothing grey, and when paired with the plush, comfortable furniture, it creates a space both kids and adults can enjoy.
To go bold with colour or not to go bold with colour? This is often a difficult decision but as you can see here in these spaces by Géraldine Prieur of Rouge Absolu, she would tell you to shut up already and just do it!
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If you’ve ever studied a color wheel, you’re likely familiar with the concept of analogous colors. Analogous colors are those colors that are located directly next to each other on the color wheel. For example, and a very simplistic one at that, yellowish green, green, and greenish blue would be considered analogous. There are many ways – infinite, actually – that you can use the visual power of an analogous color scheme in your home’s design and décor. Here are some ideas to get you started.
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View in galleryOf course, one very obvious (yet loosely structured) way to utilize analogous colors is to cover your walls, furniture, and even floor with them. The greens and blues here are analogous, with some pops of magenta thrown in for good measure.
View in galleryThis analogous combination reminds me of childhood, of sweet confections, and of good cheer. Generally, a successful analogous color scheme uses one color to be the dominant hue, and the others are used as accents to that color. In this instance, the dominant color is the coral chair, while the accents are goldenrod and that sort of deep ballet slipper pink.
View in galleryMuted shades of maroon, cherry, and sienna make a powerful trio and a breathtaking analogous vignette. It’s a good thing to remember that each color in an analogous setting doesn’t need to be equally proportioned; in fact, the palette is more successful if one is the dominant color.
View in galleryOften overlooked, neutrals can appear in an analogous color scheme with a gorgeous visual impact. It is their very neutrality that makes the slight variation of color and depth that makes analogous neutrals so beautiful and soothing. A cool brown can work beautifully with a warm grey and cool creams, for example.
View in galleryA little more subtle approach to analogous colors is considering the whole picture – the wall color plus whatever objects might be in the foreground. These ombre pendant lights, for example, are the start of an analogous vibe, but the finishing touch really comes into play with the deep burgundy wall color in the background.
View in galleryA great way to showcase analogous colors and also create a unique dining experience is to incorporate dining chairs in analogous colors. Choose the same exact chair in different colors for a more streamlined and modern approach, or opt for slightly different variations in the chairs and colors for a more eclectic experience.
View in galleryBy definition, analogous colors are those colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. Generally, this refers to the closer-knit color neighbors, such as burgundy, red, and red-orange. But analogous colors, on a broader scale, can include yellow, green, and blue.
View in galleryBy varying the size, scope, scale, and pattern of the analogous color scheme, you can create a very interesting space without a lot of excess visual “busyness.” Notice how the stripes on the furniture here are chunky and surrounded by a light neutral; the ottoman-coffee table is a large solid, and the throw pillows and lamp shade provide different proportions and silhouettes
View in galleryLighting can play a big role into the appearance of an analogous color scheme, as well. In this case, for example, soft lights cast a rosy sort of glow on all the components. This makes the entire space pick up on the wine color of the table…and run with it. (The pink throw and taupe rug complete the analogous color scheme here.)
View in galleryIn another way that lighting impacts the analogous color scheme, these black cylinder pendants have a gold-finished interior. This makes the reflecting interior surfaces appear to be a lighter version of yellow, which is a key player in this room’s analogous color scheme involving brown and orange. The light fixtures themselves provide an important brightening and lightening effect (no pun intended).
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People all over Instagram are talking about the arrival of spring, something we here in godforsaken Ottawa cannot even begin to think about at least until the end of March. While wanting to curl up under a duvet and die, I stumbled upon the portfolio of Julian Pattison and Alison Magill who make up Considered Design Inc., a landscape architecture firm located in Vancouver (which happens to have WAY milder weather than Ottawa…JERKS!). I like my landscaping modern and simple, with repetition and a casual vibe. And that is exactly what these guys do. I would give anything to turn my bland-and-never-been-landscaped-in-80-years backyard into this first outdoor oasis. Stashing this away for future reference. *LOVE*
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