Modern Two-Level Pool House in Los Angeles With a Cheerful Vibe

Modern Two-Level Pool House in Los Angeles With a Cheerful Vibe

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Modern Two-Level Pool House in Los Angeles With a Cheerful Vibe

Posted: 17 Sep 2014 05:14 AM PDT

architecture modern house2 Modern Two Level Pool House in Los Angeles With a Cheerful Vibe Riggs Place Residence is a 6500 square-foot pool house designed by Soler Architecture in the Westchester section of Los Angeles. What we like about this place is its high level of openness, mixed with a vibrant mix of materials and colors. Unlike many contemporary residences that inspire soberness and lack of personality, this home seems friendly, fresh and welcoming. According to the description provided by the architects, the project was envisioned in an L-shaped plan which embraces the pool and opens the rear of the house to the expansive yard and territorial views of the city and mountains beyond.
design riggs place residence soler architecture Modern Two Level Pool House in Los Angeles With a Cheerful Vibe
Large sliding patio doors stack and disappear, blurring the distinction between inside and outside. Large cantilevered roof planes knit the one-story and two-story masses together and are clad in anthracite zinc with large bamboo soffits and ceiling planes. The steel screen provides privacy for the entry and protects against the western sun, while automated clerestory windows allow the cooling ocean breezes to naturally flow through the space. Daytime electrical requirements are satisfied by rooftop photovoltaic cells and domestic water is preheated through a rooftop re-circulating system and stored in a holding tank for later use.  [Photos and information provided by Soler Architecture]
exterior riggs place residence soler architecture Modern Two Level Pool House in Los Angeles With a Cheerful Vibe 001 riggs place residence soler architecture Modern Two Level Pool House in Los Angeles With a Cheerful Vibe 003 riggs place residence soler architecture Modern Two Level Pool House in Los Angeles With a Cheerful Vibe 004 riggs place residence soler architecture Modern Two Level Pool House in Los Angeles With a Cheerful Vibe 005 riggs place residence soler architecture Modern Two Level Pool House in Los Angeles With a Cheerful Vibe 008 riggs place residence soler architecture Modern Two Level Pool House in Los Angeles With a Cheerful Vibe 009 riggs place residence soler architecture Modern Two Level Pool House in Los Angeles With a Cheerful Vibe 010 riggs place residence soler architecture Modern Two Level Pool House in Los Angeles With a Cheerful Vibe 011 riggs place residence soler architecture Modern Two Level Pool House in Los Angeles With a Cheerful Vibe 012 riggs place residence soler architecture Modern Two Level Pool House in Los Angeles With a Cheerful Vibe

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Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages

Posted: 17 Sep 2014 12:08 AM PDT

architecture modern store Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different BeveragesThe Bottles' Congress project by Tiago do Vale Arquitectos came as an answer to the very particular challenges presented by a wine and spirits store in unique circumstances. Located in the outskirts of the city of Braga, in northern Portugal, next to Minho's University, the client required a system to display over a thousand different wine and spirits bottles. According to Tiago do Vale, "three questions presented themselves as the development vectors for the project: how does one display over a thousand different references while still treating each bottle as a special, unique product; how does one address that uniqueness with a modular solution; and how does one design a modular solution that still answers, with no compromise, the particular characteristics of a place".
design modern store Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages
The modular design brought order to the products' display: "Considering we had over one thousand different bottles, each with its shape, size, color and label, the modularity of the design, with its rhythm and repetition, introduced a deliberate order in a potentially chaotic, noisy context. We felt we needed that visual systematization and subtly reinforced it with the illumination. But we equally needed to strike a balance: if we overdid it, each individual product would get lost in its context." The best balance between modularity and individuality was found by designing four different types of display boxes, with each design coming as a precise consequence of the particular shapes, presentation characteristics and resting needs of each specific kind of bottle.
modern store 4 Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages
Each module consists of four pinewood display boxes, with a storage area underneath. A palette of dark rich tones was elected throughout the store to convey a sense of luxury and coziness, contrasting with pinewood features. "There's a recognizable image of what a wine store should be, with endless walls of bottle shelfs and pine boxes, but we felt this kind of wine store ended up banalizing the product. Though still establishing a connection with the traditional wine store through the use of pine wood elements, we wanted to present the product as something really special, like a luxury item, so I always had the image of a jewelry store in my mind." The store is located on a quiet residential area, featuring two glass fronts, one facing an urban context and the other facing a soothing park, crossed by the Este river and served by open-air sporting facilities. [Information provided via e-mail by Tiago do Vale Arquitectos; Photos: Joao Morgado- Architecture Photography] modern store 5 Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages modern store 8 Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages modern store 10 Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages modern store 11 Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages modern store 12 Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages modern store 13 Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages modern store 15 Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages modern store 16 Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages modern store 19 Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages modern store 21 Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages modern store 22 Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages modern store 23 Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages modern store 24 Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages modern store 25 Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages modern store 26 Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages modern store 27 Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages1 Plan Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages 4 Shelves Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages 8 Counter Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages 12 Showcase Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages 13 Mobile Counter Wine Store Design in Portugal Stylishly Exhibiting Over A Thousand Different Beverages

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Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada

Posted: 16 Sep 2014 02:24 PM PDT

architecture modern residence6 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada
On a snowy backdrop, 285 Chaplin Crescent residence developed by Zeca Homes Inc. in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, looks like a cozy refuge. A mix of materials (stone, wood, glass and zinc) and an irregular geometry make the building visually stand out. A few terraces and balconies, as well as generously-sized windows ensure an optimum indoor-outdoor relationship. Currently listed for sale at $3,185,000, the project comes with state-of-the art appliances, hi-tech entertainment systems and an overall interior design that most contemporary-style enthusiasts would probably crave for.
design modern residence4 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada
Space, neatness and light are the defining characteristics for the social level of the house. A floating staircase in walnut and glass sets the tone for a minimalist contemporary interior scheme. The color palette is kept simple, yet powerful visual contrasts can be seen throughout. Just notice how the red carpet in the living zone becomes the focal point in relationship with the white walls and floors. Another element of interest is the three-sided stone fireplace, dividing the kitchen area from the family room. Can you spot other details worth highlighting?
exterior modern residence5 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada modern residence 43 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada modern residence 55 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada modern residence 66 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada modern residence 74 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada modern residence 85 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada modern residence 95 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada modern residence 104 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada modern residence 114 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada modern residence 124 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada modern residence 134 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada modern residence 143 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada modern residence 152 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada modern residence 163 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada modern residence 173 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada modern residence 181 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada modern residence 193 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada modern residence 203 Inspiring Design Scheme Showcased by 285 Chaplin Crescent Residence in Canada

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Why Our Brains Love Luxurious Interiors

Posted: 16 Sep 2014 09:03 AM PDT

luxury living room Why Our Brains Love Luxurious Interiors

Have you ever wondered why we love luxury interiors so much? Image Via: Marilee Bentz Designs, Inc.

Luxury. The word even feels nice rolling off your tongue. There's something so clean and crisp about it. Perhaps it's the way that the simplest mention instantly conjures up mental images of sprawling mansions, designer collections, and sleek cars.

Reality is, everyone loves lavishness, especially when it comes to interiors. The proof is all around us. Why else would insider peaks into celebrity homes cause magazines to fly off the shelves? Why else would we love tips on how to give our own interiors a luxurious feel?

As it turns out, there are a few unifying characteristics about the ways in which our brains perceive luxury. Take a look below to find out more.

luxe kitchen Why Our Brains Love Luxurious Interiors

Read on to learn about the psychological effects of luxury. Image Via: Tobin Dougherty Architects

What Defines Luxury, Anyway?

Where interior design is concerned, there is no set formula for how to produce luxurious surroundings. It's more about creating a certain feel for the space than following a few of hard and fast rules. But, to try and give you some guidelines, asked a few designers to tell us what "luxury" means to them:

  1. Candice Olsen: “Luxury, to me, encompasses all the elements of life that aren’t absolutely necessary, but without which life would be less charmed, less beautiful and not nearly as fun.“
  2. Christina Hadzi: “Rooms are increasingly tailored to personal demands and an element of convenience."
  3. Raymond Boozer: “Flexibility is the big trend I'm seeing. Now it's okay to mix high and low and still create a luxurious room. Pedigree is not as important as personal preference.“
  4. Billy Baldwin: "Lately, I have been thinking how comfort is perhaps the ultimate luxury."
  5. Michael Foran: "At my company, luxury means custom, quality, unique designs, and attention to detail."

Keep these thoughts in mind as you as look your own interiors. How do they match up to your own personal definition of luxury? If you are considering working with an interior designer for your next project, make sure to ask them the same question. It's a quick but effective way to get a sense of how well your design styles match up.

luxurious bedroom Why Our Brains Love Luxurious Interiors

Think about what makes you feel like you’re luxuriating. Image Via: S. B. Long Interiors

Lavish Items Feel Self-Indulgent

We often associate particular feelings with the concept of luxury, lounging on a plush, sofa after a hard day at work, soaking in a hot bath in your elegant Jacuzzi tub, or even cooking on a kitchen island that leaves plenty of room to spread out. When we have the chance to do these things, we feel a little naughty, almost as if we're being indulged.

It would seem that we are not alone in these feelings. A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found evidence to suggest a link between luxury brands and the area of the brain that controls self-interest. In it, they asked participants to look at images of cars. Half of the group was given high-end brands, while the others were given more pragmatic choices. The researches found the luxury group experienced brain activity in their medial prefrontal cortexes, which is related to self-reflection and self-relevant processing, while the pragmatic group did not.

Of course, who ever said that a little self-indulgence was a bad thing? Your home should feel like an oasis from the outside world in which you're constantly catering to others' needs. Close your eyes and consider which aspects of home design will make you feel pampered. If you're not sure, take some time to browse design magazines and websites like Freshome. Take note of anything that catches your eye, especially if it happens more than once. Then, try to work something similar into your spaces to create luxurious interiors.     

luxurious girls room Why Our Brains Love Luxurious Interiors

Go ahead, feel free to indulge a little. Image Via: Kristin Ashley Interiors

It's All About Convenience

Convenience and self-indulgence go hand-in-hand. After all, what's more self-indulgent than getting the results you want with minimal effort? As you go through your day, think about the areas where you notice yourself expending extra effort. Do your best to brainstorm ways to inject a little connivance into your daily routine.

Remember: Not all luxury items have to be a huge expense. You can easily DIY similar experiences for pennies on the dollar. Are you a movie buff with no home theater? Invest in a universal remote that lets you dim the lights, start the show, and adjust the surround sound from the comfort of your seat. If you enjoy an evening cocktail, put together an outdoor bar cart to transform your backyard into a patio bar.

Don't hesitate to keep an eye out for luxurious trends. Who knows? You may end up stumbling upon an extravagance you never thought possible. Creating a small coffee station for your master bedroom was once unheard of outside of hotels, but is quickly gaining popularity. You never know what could come next.

outdoor kitchen Why Our Brains Love Luxurious Interiors

Bring luxury to your home by adding convenience items. Image Via: Archadeck of Charlotte

Luxe Fits Every Style

As diverse as the particular aspects of luxury design may be, one statement holds true: Every style has a luxury option. Whether your tastes are ultra-modern or tend to veer more towards a comfortable country aesthetic, there are ways to ensure a luxe feel. Follow these tips:

  • Play Up Features With Character: Do you have any fireplaces in your home? How about built-in shelving or window seats? These elements are often perceived as "extras" or "upgrades", so do your best to make them the focal point of the room.
  • Splurge In Lasting Items: If you have to choose where to spend, make sure it's on big-ticket items that will be around for years. A high-quality stainless, appliance package will have more impact than a huge TV that will likely seem outdated in just a few years.
  • Quality Over Style: Just remember style can be altered. Wood can be stained and furniture can be reupholstered. When shopping, opt for high-quality pieces over shoddier models that are ready-made for your aesthetic.
  • Don't Overcrowd the Space: When it comes to layout, keep things clean and simple. Provide only as many design elements as are needed to clearly define the room's purpose.

Once you have the main components in place, infuse your (no doubt, excellent) sense of style into the room with things like fabrics, accessories, and décor. If you can't get enough of the great outdoors, focus on using natural materials in your design or if you can't stop dreaming about of Classical interiors, work in a few marble elements. Whatever items you end up choosing, your luxurious foundation will be sure to shine through.

luxe bathroom Why Our Brains Love Luxurious Interiors

Play up natural light for an instant luxurious feel. Image Via: Stocker Hoesterey Montenegro

Luxurious interiors will never go out of style. Regardless of what fads come and go, we're always going to feel drawn toward spaces that make us feel pampered. It's only natural. Our brains are wired that way. Take these tips into account as you consider rooms in your home. There's no doubt in our minds that you can infuse a little luxury.

What is your definition of luxury? Which luxe design features leave you drooling? Have you managed to recreate a DIY version in your home? Let us know in the comments!

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