Unusual Zinc-Cladded Leaning House Disrupts Hillside Landscape

Unusual Zinc-Cladded Leaning House Disrupts Hillside Landscape
Modern Japanese Residence Pierced by a Tree: TY House by Yo Yamagata
Original Handcrafted Gentleman’s Accessory: The Ultimate Valet by Karv Luxury
High-Tech Desk With Built-In Technology Charges Your Phone
Why Minimalist Interiors Are Good For You

Posted: 20 Nov 2014 04:13 AM PST

An unusual house rises in South Korea, occupying 127 square meters in a rural landscape. Architects Dongwoo Yim and Rafael Luna of PRAUD imagined this strikingly modern home overlooking the Chungpyong Lake as leaning to shape an open floor-plan and offer more room than traditional architecture. The slanted shape showcased by this Korean home known as the Leaning House was imagined as a solution to have both southern sunlight as well as views towards the lake. This way, the family living space downstairs can be exposed to sunshine while the private spaces upstairs can grasp lake and hillside panoramas while flooded with light.

In photographs by Kyungsub Shi, the house is presented as connected to its surroundings via vertical and horizontal windows punctuating the facade. Dressed in glass, the lower floor living room opens to the deck and surroundings, while the upstairs boasts an outdoor terrace. The client’s request was to have a bedroom, reading room and living room, yet the architects provided more than what was necessary and dressed it in an admirable shape. Zinc-wrapped and definitely eye-catching, the unusual Leaning House brings modern architecture to an almost wild landscape.

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Modern Japanese Residence Pierced by a Tree: TY House by Yo Yamagata

Posted: 20 Nov 2014 01:13 AM PST

TY House is a modern Japanese residence designed by Yo Yamagata Architects in collaboration with AND associates. The two-story dwelling located in Tokyo, Japan pays tribute to nature in an unconventional matter. A single tree preserved on the site pierces through the building and rises above the roof. The black and white exterior of the structure showcases a powerful geometry which visually stands out in its neighborhood. The main entrance is set back from the edge of the street, ensuring a good safety level.
According to the architects, the bedrooms are situated on the ground floor with living spaces on the level above. An entire corner of the roof is sectioned off as a unique approach for additional natural lighting. It is here that a generously-sized terrace was created, providing space for outdoor contemplation. The minimalist interiors are comprised of walnut wood floors and furniture, adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise sober design scheme. An array of textures dynamically contributes to the simple elegance displayed throughout. [Photos courtesy of Yo Yamagata Architects and AND Associates]

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Original Handcrafted Gentleman’s Accessory: The Ultimate Valet by Karv Luxury

Posted: 19 Nov 2014 12:27 PM PST

According to the creative team at Karv Luxury, nothing says manliness like big and broad hand-sculpted Walnut shoulders. The designers of The Ultimate Valet wanted to bring some style and additional utility to the common valet, while simplifying its appearance. Another goal was to add an element of craftsmanship and sculpture that is absent in a lot of today's mass produced furniture: “The way we see it, either we let automated manufacturing and homogeneous design take over, or we stand up (with chisels, rough hands, and an eye for detail) to create something that's out of this world.” The project is designed by artist and master woodworker Jacob Sorenson and built by traditional craftsmen in New Hampshire.The Ultimate Valet combines cutting edge design with traditional craftsmanship. Anatomically correct, life-sized shoulders carved by hand from solid Walnut set the tone for a masculine furniture piece. A surprising USB charging unit for smart phones and a shoe cabinet enhance the functionality of the design. You can back this project and find out more about the studio’s work via Kickstarter. Check out the presentation video at the end of the post and let us know what you think!

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High-Tech Desk With Built-In Technology Charges Your Phone

Posted: 19 Nov 2014 12:20 PM PST

After charming our senses with the remarkable bathtub and washbasin fusion Symbiosis, Ljubljana-based design studio Desnahemisfera amazes us with a high-tech savvy office desk named Katedra designed for Donar d.o.o. This functional furniture item is a high-tech desk that also charges your phone and does it in an elegant manner. Just place the phone on its surface, on the built-in wireless phone charger (AirCharge) and watch it turn from white to red to green as the phone stocks power.

“Katedra office desk is a triumph of contrast; a large white surface leans onto a solid wood block that mimics stacked beams. The block has three push-to-open drawers and the desk itself is made out of Kerrock, which is fully recyclable. Its large working surface has a built in wireless phone charger AirCharge, so your phone will never run out of juice while you are working. The charger is connected to the LED-charging indicator, which is flashing white when in stand-by mode and turns red when you place your phone on it. When the phone is fully charged it turns green.”

Contrasting materials helped shape this contemporary desk design. A curved white Kerrock surface rests one side on what resembles a stack of wood beams. Three push-to-open drawers help better disguise its function and appear sleek and contemporary. A pocket under the high-tech desk top can hide a keyboard or a laptop, helping you keep the ambiance uncluttered. Photos by Rok Trzan show the simplicity implied in designing this desk meant to simplify your tasks.

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Why Minimalist Interiors Are Good For You

Posted: 19 Nov 2014 08:50 AM PST

Did you ever consider the idea that your home could be increasing your stress levels? There are many reasons why a minimalist home is a happy home. Image Source: World Architecture News

There’s no place like home. At least that’s what we all want to think, but is your home making you stressed out? Do you walk in the door after a long day of work only to be greeted by piles of laundry, dishes and dust bunnies? Did you ever consider the idea that your home could be increasing your stress levels?

You may be surprised to learn emerging research has shown that your home can drastically affect your mood, and it can even make you sick. The Journal of Social And Personal Relationships reveals that this stress is further exasperated when husband and wife both work outside the home—naturally, neither sex wants to come home after a long day of work to be greeted by household chores and messes.

Could your home actually be making you depressed? Depression is no laughing matter! Our homes are supposed to be our sanctuary; the place to escape and unwind.

Let’s look at some ways to change your home from a depressing domicile to a mood-enhancing manor. The first step is to look toward a minimalist interior—yes, minimalists may be happier in their homes for many reasons.

Here is why minimalist interiors are good for you:

minimalist kitchen Why Minimalist Interiors Are Good For You

The lines of this minimalist home are simple and clean, but are certainly not boring—ensuring a happy home. Image Source: Design Harmony

Your Home Interior Can Make You Sick

Emerging research is showing that your homes lighting, space, and room design can affect how you feel. These studies have lead the creation of a new field of architecture called, Neuro-architecture. This is a very exciting, innovative development whereby neuro- science is combined with architecture in order to create modern designs that are effective, functional and even possibly healing!

Here are a few home designs that could be causing your bad mood:

If a room is too cluttered, then you can become anxious.
If a room is too dark, then you can become depressed or feel gloomy.
If a room is too bright, then you can feel stressed and hurried.
If a room is too small, then you can feel cramped, trapped or closed-in.

None of those scenarios sound like the welcoming retreat we crave.

modern minimalist bedroom Why Minimalist Interiors Are Good For You

This bedroom is the perfect welcoming retreat ! There is no clutter inside this modern minimalist room. Image Source: Arte Facto

Knick Knacks Collect Dust and Allergens

It only makes sense—all that clutter collects dust. Look around your home. Do you have tables and shelves covered in knick knacks? Do you have laundry all over the bedroom floor? Do you have layers of pillows on your couch or bed? Do you have areas rugs on every floor of every room?

We understand, you have all these decor items because you wanted to make your home feel cozy and welcoming. Unfortunately, you may be doing the opposite by making your home cluttered and a haven to allergy-inducing dust mites. Look through our Freshome images of minimalist interiors and you will not see layer upon layer of rugs, pillows and knick knacks—rather, these homes look clean, uncluttered, yet remain welcoming. This minimalist style is what you should try to replicate in order to achieve a less stressed home environment.

But remember, it’s important to keep some memento’s around as they can help you feel grounded and satisfied. After all, your favorite books and family photos make you happy, right? If your home is too sterile, you may have the opposite effect and actually cause feelings of loss, emptiness or sadness.

white minimalist interior design Why Minimalist Interiors Are Good For You

Minimalist homes are healthier thanks to less dust-collecing knick knacks and layers of stuff. Image Source: Designer Premier

Simplicity and Symmetry Make You Calm

Our brains are funny and complicated organs. We may never completely understand how the brain functions, but there are studies that show how the brain reacts to symmetry, and it’s a positive reaction. Our brains love symmetry!

We realize that it may seem silly to say that placing matching end tables with matching lamps beside your sofa will make you happier, but there is some psychological proof to achieving balance in your interiors and how it can make you feel content.

This connects back to our argument about minimalist homes—they are usually simple and symmetrical in design and layout, thereby giving you a happier outlook when you walk in the door. Personally, clutter makes me stressed to the max! When these feeling hit, there is a quick-fix—tossing out all the clutter. The minute the clutter starts hitting the trash can, feelings of relaxation and organization take over. Do you have these same moments; ones where you absolutely must get rid of the clutter in order to feel more calm and relaxed?

Perhaps, we should all consider embracing a more permanent minimalist approach to our home design?

symmetry interior design Why Minimalist Interiors Are Good For You

We realize that it may seem silly to say that placing matching end tables with matching lamps beside your sofa will make you happier, but there is some psychological proof that is does. Image Source: Eladgonen

Color Can Affect Your Mood

Most minimalist interiors have a simple approach to color—keep it light and simple. You will notice that minimalist homes usually have rather large windows that allow natural light to fill the room. You may also notice that wall colors are usually quite neutral, with a splash of modern red or other bold colors used sparingly via accent walls or accessories.

These light, neutral colors allow a home to feel open, inviting and airy. Doesn’t that sound relaxing? It certainly sounds like the type of environment that would make you happy.

Neutral , simplistic rooms allow our brains to process the room as a whole, without causing our eyes to flit about between confusing, bright colors and small knick knacks.

If you want to add pops of color into your home, then do it in a balanced manner by adding hints of the same color throughout the room. For example, red cushions on your sofa balanced with red vases flanking your fireplace mantle and maybe some red picture frames on a side table. All of these accents match and give a room a sense of balance while avoiding the boredom of a plain neutral room.

black and white bedroom modern Why Minimalist Interiors Are Good For You

A rooms color and lighting can affect your mood. Large windows allow your home to be bright and airy. Image Source: Mcclean and Design

Are you ready to embrace a more calm and happy home? Consider getting rid of some of that crabby clutter and opt for a more minimalist home. It doesn’t mean that you have to get rid of all of your personal objects or live in a sterile environment, it just means that a simple home that has balance, symmetry and minimalism will make you happier.

Is your home making you grumpy? Would you consider a minimalist interior to see if it will make you happier?

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