Design Haus Liberty’s Staggering Light Sculpture Made from One of a Kind Crystal Droplets

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Design Haus Liberty’s Staggering Light Sculpture Made from One of a Kind Crystal Droplets
Sprawling Tribeca Triplex Boasting Mid-Century and Modern Design Elements
Massage Therapy Pavilion Paying Tribute to Modern Design and Soothing Views
Why Italian-Style Home Decor Is So Popular

Posted: 08 Aug 2014 04:44 AM PDT

When you see a light sculpture designed to increase the visual appeal of a room and define its luminous character, you stop on your way to admire it. It’s the case of the Raindrop chandelier known as "The Pour", a modern light sculpture meant to illuminate and beautify its chosen location in Tribeca, New York City. Lisa Hinderdael and Dara Huang of Design Haus Liberty worked on the design that was supposed to create a unique vibe in a living room featuring exposed industrial columns on either end of a dropped beam. According to the design brief, the light sculpture was supposed to “create an architectural relationship with the space” while beautifully hanging off the exposed beam.

The light installation is a teardrop-shaped chandelier with deliciously unique lights that celebrate the fascinating nature of raindrops, where no drop is the same as the next. Photographed by Lauren Coleman, the installation was imagined as a whole made of unique pieces: “Each drop is hand blown by artisans and intricately engineered to house the lighting strategy for the chandelier.” Working with UK-based glass-blowers and metal engineers to create the crystal tear-drops, designers fabricated each droplet after careful observation of real raindrops.

“The drop itself is constructed of two parts: the brass screw cap, which houses the light, and the hand-blown crystal reflecting the light to create puddles on the floor below. To replicate the nature of raindrops, no two drops are blown identical. The name “The Pour” derives from the distinctive shape that the chandelier forms: an exaggeration of the dramatic motion of water pouring out of a carafe. Designed by forming a grid mimicking how puddles ripple outward in concentric circles, each teardrop is hung to brass pipes of varying lengths. Placed strategically on the grid, the teardrops lock into the mirrored base that fits seamlessly between the two existing columns. The mirrored base reflects the teardrops endlessly into the sky above and when lit. The chandelier echoes rain frozen in time with ephemeral puddles overlaid on the floor below.”

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Sprawling Tribeca Triplex Boasting Mid-Century and Modern Design Elements

Posted: 08 Aug 2014 01:31 AM PDT

Amy Lau Design recently completed the development of a mid-century Tribeca triplex in New York, United States. This design connoisseur's sprawling residence captivates with a double height, light filled living space enhanced with bespoke pieces by both mid-century and contemporary designers. Featuring several functional areas, the living room acts as the core of the residence, where inhabitants and their many guests can engage in long conversations. The massive interior boasts a modern kitchen, two lounge areas and a dining table for ten. The color palette for the first level was kept simple, with white and gray tones rarely contrasted by wooden additions. A massive white textured accent wall increases the feeling of space, while ensuring a sense of dynamics. The stylish mix of materials and textures is emphasized by natural light flooding the apartment through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Sustaining white columns add a royal touch to the overall design scheme and one must definitely appreciate their subtle integration. The triplex gradually unveils more bold colors, such as brown, beige and golden hues. Enjoy the virtual gallery and be sure to give us your input on this contemporary New York apartment!

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Massage Therapy Pavilion Paying Tribute to Modern Design and Soothing Views

Posted: 07 Aug 2014 10:54 AM PDT

This new massage-therapy pavilion is part of a resort grouping built on a mountainside in the town of Rawdon, in Quebec, Canada. Blouin Tardif Architecture managed to integrate the contemporary structure into the landscape through the use of natural materials, generously-sized glass windows and openings. The construction of this building on three levels improves the range of services offered to the establishment's clientele. The facilities include thirteen massage spaces and two new lounges. In addition, the new pavilion integrates a reception area for customers and administration offices.

Respect for the topography and the existing facilities was a prerequisite for successful integration. Throughout the design and construction process, a primary concern was conservation of the trees near the site. The use of simple forms and noble materials allow a continuously changing show – nature itself – to play a starring role. The elevation takes the form of a wide plane of wood that protects the interior spaces from the view of the access road and the site. The openings on this façade are treated as large, metallic frames protruding from the solid wood cladding and a gigantic shutter with slats. This project is intended first and foremost to be a space of relaxation and contemplation in the midst of nature. [Information provided via e-mail by Blouin Tardif Architecture; Photo credits: Steve Montpetit ]

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Why Italian-Style Home Decor Is So Popular

Posted: 07 Aug 2014 07:27 AM PDT

This modern dining room is a perfect example of modern Italian sophistication. Image Source: Aristea Rizakos

The real question is, Why wouldn’t it be? Of course Italian-Style home decor is popular! It is ornate, gorgeously-gilted, elegant and designed of only the highest quality furnishings. Italian design is the epitome of luxury.

Historically, Renaissance design and architecture dates back to the early 15th Century in Florence, Italy. This design was dominated by architectural stone columns and elegant baroque stylings. Fast-forward to today’s Italian-Style homes, and you will still see amazing craftsmanship and stunning styles, but there seems to be two prominent schools of design that have emerged— Old World Ornate Italian and Modern Italian.

Whether you are a modern design lover or your tastes veer more towards traditional Italian design, you will want to read this article that details all the wonderful offerings of Italian-Style homes—both modern and Old World. Once you are done reading here, you may also want to read, 10 Simple Ways to Awaken Your Interiors With Luxe Details.

Here are the reasons why Italian-Style is so popular:

luxury bath Why Italian Style Home Decor Is So Popular

This marble-coated bathroom would fit well into an Italian-style home. Image Source: Isler Homes

Italian Style: Layered in Luxury

We are not sure if it is a result of ancient Italian history or simply good taste that runs in this gene-pool, but Italian’s sure know how to decorate a home.

Italian-style homes are not just luxurious, they are literally layered in luxury from floor to ceiling—not a corner is missed. Every detail is top-quality and fine craftsmanship reigns supreme. Old World Italian homes have Murano crystal chandeliers draping from paneled ceilings. Their walls feature ornate trim and one-of-a-kind painted murals, and floors are covered in glossy wood or marble with plush area rugs strewn about for added comfort.

Then there are the clean-lined modern Italian homes that may be more minimalist but maintain luxury design through glistening lacquered kitchens, sculptural chandeliers that are still draped in glass crystals, and streamlined furniture that continues the tradition of high-quality.

In order to mimic either of these Italian styles you must have an eye for the utmost in quality. You may even want to hire a designer to assist you in this decorating mission, as the last thing you want is a tacky nouveau riche decor—that is anything but exquisite Italian style.

luxury bedroom Why Italian Style Home Decor Is So Popular

This bedroom is layered in luxury. Image Source: Exclusive Home Bath

Italian Style: Supreme Elegance

We are not talking about understated elegance. No, Italian decor is anything but understated, but when properly done, it remains elegant none-the-less.

Old World Italian style may sometimes seem over the top to those who prefer a more minimalist approach to decorating, however, the supreme elegance of Italian style cannot be ignored. How can one deny the refined quality of stately columns that border these rooms and the architecture in the arched windows and tray ceilings? If you like the idea of adding columns into your home, then you may also want to read 10 Ways to Use Columns as Design Features in Your Home.

This stately elegance travels to every room in an Italian-style home, including the bedroom. Look at this elegant boudoir in the image below; it is saturated in Italian elegance. This is the perfect example to mimic if you want a rich look of layered luxury.

sitting area Why Italian Style Home Decor Is So Popular

This luxurious bedroom seating area is very Italian-luxe. Image Source: Exclusive Home Bath

Italian Style: Gilted in Gold

This is where Italian decor can go over the top for some. However, when done properly the added gilt of Italian design can add that final layer of luxury.

Gilt trim is popular in Italian design (both modern and traditional) and shows up everywhere — mirror frames, inlaid in mahogany furnishings and inlaid in tiles. Even the veining in the marble stone reflects this love of glamorous gold (see image below).

Another place this gilt style reveals itself is through accessories, and there are a lot of accessories used in these homes. Of course, even these are made of the highest-quality— you will not find some chain store knock-off in an Italian home. Rather, you will find elegant accoutrements that are hand-carved of stone, marble or goldleaf-covered wood and metal. Crystals, glass and mirrors also play a large role in styling these lavish homes. How could one not marvel at these gilt-laden, gleaming homes?

luxury gilted bathroom Why Italian Style Home Decor Is So Popular

This gilted bathroom is extreme Italian opulence. Image Source: Hawawinata

Italian Style: Tile, Marble and Stone

From marble to terra cotta, stoneware of all varieties find its origins in Italian history. Ancient Italian artisans worked this rustic stone into pieces of beauty. The article, Art of Italian Tiles and Decorative Floors, cites that Italian flooring reached a new level in decorative standards thanks in large part to its marble floor tiles, and that this was greatly supported by the Papacies requesting this tile for their church floors.

The geometric designs, color and inlaid artistry of these stone tiles is elaborate, elegant and a must-have in the Italian-style home. Today’s elegantly appointed homes cover their floors and walls in this veined, gleaming marble stone, and modern designs take advantage of these shiny stones to add glamour to their minimalist interiors.

If you want just a touch of this design, then consider adding an elegant marble tile in your homes entryway, or make your bathroom extra sumptuous by adding marble to the walls and floor. If rustic styling is more for you, then use terra cotta tiles in your home— their colors and textures are a whole other level of fine Italian artistry.

marble bathroom Why Italian Style Home Decor Is So Popular

Marble is paramount in Italian design. Image Source: Eurocraft Interiors

Italian Style: More Modern Design

As mentioned above, there seems to be two prominent schools of design that have emerged out of Italy— Old World ornate Italian and Modern Italian. Most of the home interiors that we have shown up to this point have been quite traditional in design, but modern design most definitely has a place in Italian homes, too. Italian elegance and luxury certainly finds itself in the modern Italian home.

Yes, the furnishings are more sleek and less ornate, however the same level of luxury remains through the supreme quality used in these homes. The modern Italian design is more clean-lined, and a bit more black and white than its sister, the elegant traditionalist. However, there remains that added touch that screams luxury, such as an unexpected crystal chandelier, or gleaming accessory that you would not normally find in a minimalist modern home.

So, yes, all you modern enthusiasts can still achieve a glamorous Italian interior by using high-quality materials in your design and by adding a little unexpected glamorous touch in all the rooms of your home.

modern kitchen Why Italian Style Home Decor Is So Popular

This elegant, yet modern kitchen is very high-quality and would work well in an Italian home. Image Source: Exclusive Home Bath

From 15th Century Florence to today, Italian style remains exquisite. Its use of high-quality furnishings, artistic stone and tile, and gilt stays popular for good reason— the final outcome of combining all these elements results in supreme elegance that will never go out of style.

Whether you are a traditionalist or a modernist, an Italian-style home can be yours. Just go for the gusto by buying the best of everything! And if this is unaffordable, then invest in one to two high-quality pieces that will last a life-time, and don’t forget to use stone, marble and tile wherever possible—it just screams Italian luxury.

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