Imposing Aztec Serpent Office Building in France

Aztec Serpent Office Building was designed by Manuelle Gautrand Architecture and is located close to the main train station in Saint-Etienne, France. The architecture of this building is daring and original, not to mention highly contemporary. According to French studio Manuelle Gautrand Architecture, the project is like a large ‘Aztec serpent’ rising on the lot. Its body has three identical outer faces, and an underside that is different: a skin of silvery transparent scales, and a bright yellow ‘throat,’ shiny and opaque. As reported by My Modern Met, a courtyard plays the central element of the structure, as the building loops around it. Parts of the imposing architecture project are cantilevered, which gives it a bold, spectacular appearance. The contrast between the rectangular windows and the yellow walls is of great visual effect. (Photo credit: Philippe Ruault)

source : freshome

How to Add Functional Space to your Kitchen Pantry

Depending on your size of kitchen, storage may or may not be an issue. Although, there are not too many people who would say they wouldn’t mind adding more functional space to their kitchen pantry.  In many homes the pantry is an afterthought by the home builder, and a minimal amount of shelving and storage is provided. For you apartment owners as well that have small pantries, here are tips to help you add more functional space.

• Remove items that can find a home in other places: in many kitchen pantries the storage is adequate, but the pantry is being used for a catchall of other items too. The kitchen trash can, recycle bins, and storage of large items like pet food, and bulk beverages can find a new place in your home. Consider installing under counter/sink trash cans and recycle bins to free up space in the pantry. Bulk items may be able to be housed in the garage in an air tight bin, or in a laundry room or utility closet that has more space than the kitchen pantry.
• Assess your current storage options: If your shelves do not hold enough items, consider getting new shelving installed that is deeper or wider to accommodate more. Instead of only using one type of shelving, vary the storage throughout the pantry. Spices and condiments may be able to be stored on an organization shelf on the back of the doors to free up shelf space. Pullout drawers for and varying height shelves can give flexibility for housing small kitchen appliances and varying sized boxed goods.

Remove the doors: For many kitchens, especially in older homes, a swinging door to a pantry can be the culprit of unusable space. Especially doors that are inward swinging, getting behind the door with full hands may be a hassle and storage becomes cumbersome. Consider removing the doors, or if pocket doors or accordion doors are an option, install these. If you are a person who keeps a tidy pantry, a well organized pantry, can be beautiful décor in a kitchen!

Utilize vertical wall space: Instead of using shelving on every wall, leave some areas free for hanging wire storage from ceiling to floor for pots and pans, aprons, and large utensils. If you don’t have a free vertical wall, than consider using ceiling hanging pot racks that can maximize vertical storage. Remember, as long as you can see all the contents of your pantry at one time, all space is fair game for adding functional space!

Kitchen pantry organization can be the sole reason you enjoy cooking or not! If you can’t find what you need quickly, and you spend more time searching than creating delicious dishes, these pantry storage tips should help. If you are puzzled as to how to use the space more efficiently, visit organization stores for inspiration or hire a kitchen designer or consultant. Every pantry has the ability to be used more efficient, it may take some creativity and shuffling of existing contents, but there is a light to the end of the pantry.

 

 

 

 

source : freshome

Luxurious Russian Penthouse Apartment Balancing Light and Dark Accents

Russian interior design studio Geometrix transformed the interiors of this next luxury penthouse into a surprising modern space meant to be enjoyed to its full potential. Featuring a combination of dark and light colour schemes, the interiors of this scrumptious penthouse call for a certain order in furniture arrangement. The interior designers created an extremely contemporary inside living space that extends on to the terrace for a full exploration of the panoramic views of Moscow. Situated high above the city, in the Triumph Palace, a 57-story apartment building in Moscow, the penthouse is compartmented into spaces that have many accents in common. Created as a unified space, the residence balances light and dark in a carefully planned manner. Large windows allow gorgeous, uninterrupted views of the Russian capital and the generous terrace extends the living space over the city.

source  : freshome

Fun and Functional Night Light Table for Soothing Bedrooms

Night Light Table was developed as a result of a collaboration between designers Charlie Crowther-Smith and Richard Bannister.You are looking at an original product that can create a subtle, yet strong effect in any bedroom: “We wanted to design something that omitted an ambient glow within any room as well as being functional furniture.” The result- an intriguing piece of furniture made from walnut legs and an oak top that serves both as a practical night table as well as a cool decorative item. Books, magazines, CDs and other small objects can be placed within this uncommon night table. Glowing all through the night, it can be a true friend for those who have fear of the dark. Pretty creative, don’t you agree ?

source : freshome

How to Creatively Display Interior Decor in your Kitchen

The kitchen has always been the heart of the home and its main purpose was for preparing food. As the years have gone on, the kitchen has become a place for guests to gather, and in turn a show piece of the home. Decorative accessories, shelving and lighting to accommodate kitchen decor, and bookshelves in kitchen islands are commonplace. If you’re looking for a way to expand your kitchen into a decorative show place for your creative style, here are a few tips for displaying all you hold dear.

• Make your kitchen all about the display: If you have a great collection of books, or an unbelievable collection of wines, why not make your kitchen the perfect place to show them off? Creative wood cabinetry and display can utilize bookshelves, custom shelving and unique storage areas to display your most prized collectibles. If your kitchen is adjacent to your living room, bar, or dining room, consider using display to serve both areas. Glasses, spices, and home collectibles can find a home in creative display in your kitchen.
• Glass cabinets make for great display: Remember when cabinets used to be closed off and dinnerware and glasses would hide behind closed doors? Glass front cabinets enable you to use your dishes as display. Creative glass applications can range from frosted glass, etched or pebbled glass, or completely transparent to allow personal collections to shine through. Ensure lighting is installed inside your cabinets for highlighting displays at night.

  
Casual meets function: If you prefer a more laid back style in your kitchen display, consider open shelving made from rustic wood, metal or natural surfaces. Open shelving is ideal for casual decorative styles, and allows your dishes and display to be visually showcased easier. Consider using empty wall space around kitchen windows or vacant space between upper kitchen cabinets to truly maximize on space and display your artisan artifacts beautifully.

Keep the family organized: Creative display can also mean a place for organization and updating the family quickly and easily. Bulletin, chalk, and creative wall paint solutions are a great place to display to-do lists, grocery lists, and notes to the kids. Consider installing simple organizing shelves adjacent to your kitchen and dining room area for quick access to dinner table items, or kitchen gadgets that are close at hand. Another great place for organization is the refrigerator. Instead of using dozens of magnets and papers, opt for open shelving or custom memo boards around the refrigerator area. It will look organized and keep your family connected.

 Kitchen display can be creative and unique with the help of these suggestions. If you have a kitchen island, use cabinet area for display too. Storage area that once served as cabinetry can be removed and replaced with shelves, wine storage, dish racks, or creative collectible display. Custom millwork designers can customize your kitchen to suit your needs, or visit an organization store for do it yourself options. Regardless of your style, display areas in your kitchen make the room become a livable space, and an expression of your family, not just a place to boil some water!

source : freshome

Delightful Swedish Crib or How to Make the Most of a Small Apartment

In this post we would like to showcase a fabulous 1,5 room apartment which brings tribute to Scandinavian design. This highly functional crib stretches over a surface of only 42 square meters, yet it does not seem to lack many things. The living room is airy and bright with windows looking out onto the quiet neighborhood. During the last renovation, the living room and kitchen were united, which contributes to an overall feeling of space. A rustic brick wall acts as a “decorative” border between the two rooms and ensures a high level of originality. The walls are painted in a white hue that provides a neutral base for decorating. Beautiful color contrasts are achieved by the gray sofa and flooring. To the left of the hall and directly adjacent to the living room, an extremely convenient and comfortable sleeping space can be observed. Two of the walls are painted in white, while the third is a beautifully patterned wallpaper in pleasant tones. This special alcove is greatly appreciated in a crib of this type, giving the feeling of a  perfectly planned small apartment.

source : freshome