Bathroom Renovation

One of the many projects I worked on this past summer was a bathroom renovation for  a summer home on Martha’s Vineyard. The project consisted of tearing down a couple of walls, adding a built-in fully tiled shower with seat and shelf, a custom designed and built double vanity by my fiance, and a total rework of the existing space. It was a great project to work on because it drastically improved the space both design-wise and for the users.

I begin every project by collecting inspirational images for the clients to look through and gauge their needs, wants, design style, comfort level, and budget. This gives me an initial understanding of my client. I then create various space plan options/floor plans to see how the space works best. Once the client approves of a plan I do multiple renderings from a couple of perspectives to show the space in 3-D with furniture, lighting, materials, and styles. This is a wonderful way for the client to really get a sense of their space and what it actually will look like in the end. Then the construction begins…

Below are  “before and after” images and the renderings.

AFTER

Custom built cabinet by Derek Logan

I used the existing door and had it turned into a built-in pocket door to create more usable space.

The shower that was once a closet

 

BEFORE

 

RENDERINGS

(Different furniture/mirror were picked out in the end)

 

 

 

John Lum

Architect John Lum designed this gorgeous cardboard “Dining Womb” for DIFFA’s Dining By Design in San Francisco. It is made from laser-cut sheets of packing cardboard set into plywood combs and can seat 20 people. The gorgeous shape is accentuated by the unobtrusive glowing light.  I love how the plants are integrated into the design of the table.

{via California Home + Design}

Vaughn Bell

I love exploring in the woods. I am particularly fond of coming across those emerald-green, mossy mini micro environments that have so much life…it takes me into another world. Vaughn Bell has captured that feeling for me with his Village Green biosphere like installation. He has built house shaped terrariums with a hole in the flooring for the viewer  to poke their head through and be at eye level with the mossy world of wonder. He has even created some that allow two people to be in it at the same time.

I saw his exhibition two summers ago at MASS MoCA in North Adams, MA and it is still very clear in my mind. After the exhibit I was ready to go home and build one so I could experience it on a daily basis.

{via Vaughn Bell }

Brunello Cucinelli

I love BRUNELLO CUCINELLI‘s new fall/winter collection. Every season I look forward to their catalog; between the gorgeous photography and the clothing I am always inspired.

Michelle Stitzlein

Riffling through old magazines today I came across an article in the Design New England July/Aug 2009 issue with a picture of Michelle Stitzlein’s amazing recycled sculptures. Astounded by the beauty, concept, and medium I immediately looked her up and was amazed at the scale and the material of her moths. She does such an incredible job of transforming junk into gorgeous pieces of art.

 

 

 

 

 

 

{via Michelle Stitzlein}

color

Did you know why pencils are painted yellow?

“During the 1800s, the best graphite in the world came from China. American pencil makers wanted a special way to tell people that their pencils contained Chinese graphite.

In China, the color yellow is associated with royalty and respect. American pencil manufacturers began painting their pencils bright yellow to communicate this “regal” feeling and association with China. However, according to Henry Petroski’s history of the pencil, the European producer Koh-I-Noor was the first to paint one of their pencils yellow.”

Color: A Natural History of the Palette . is an amazingly inspirational book. Victoria Finley travels throughout the world investigating the origins of color. Her book is filled with intriguing stories about each color of the spectrum. What a  creative idea and fantastic way to experience and see the world. I wish I had thought of this!

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Staying on the color theme, I saw a beautiful informational you tube clip about the making of ink. This is the best marketing piece I have seen- it makes me want to go out and buy ink or for that matter work there. Check it out. Click HERE

 

{image via Alibaba.com}

Pei-San Ng

Pei-San Ng’s piece, Passion,  is made up of approximately 2.500 match sticks, hand written text, and a total of 24 hours.  I am drawn to 3dimensional pieces that use multiples of one functional object, blurring the objects main function and bringing it into the realm of art and thought. Ng’s use of matches as the medium for this typographical piece is great.  I love that he uses a reclaimed art board as his canvas.

{via Follow the Colours}

Mehmet Ali UYSAL

Mehmet Ali UYSAL’s focus is researching art and it’s context. By interconnecting the two the context becomes an integral part of the work. I love the playfulness and scale of these installations, as well as the integration of the art and its surroundings.

{via Follow the Colours}

Gary Chang, Architect

Gary Chang,  a Hong Kong architect, has transformed his tiny 330 sq. ft.  apartment into a hip, livable, and movable space. He has managed to incorporate 24 rooms into one space through the use of a custom built sliding wall system in which “the house moves for him”. He nicknamed it the “Domestic transformer”. Chang explains, ” living in Hong Kong, it was a necessity to learn how to cope with tight space and to utilize every inch.” In turn he created a unique,  efficient, and user friendly space.

click here to watch the “Domestic Transformer” in action.

{via newyorktimes}

nau : sustainable urban + outdoor apparel

This is a great company. I love their jackets…stylish, durable, and functional!

Urbane Jacket

 

Shroud of Purrin Jacket

 

Down Sole

 

{via nau}