Where Design and Interiors Meets Happiness and Wellbeing
Space saving design and multi-functional products are two areas of interior design that fascinate me.
The Coffee Bench caught my eye as it is a piece of modern furniture that combines these two elements. Designed by Karolina Tylka of the Polish design studio BEYOND, the Coffee Bench is a simple but clever concept. It functions as both a bench and table; adjusted and transformed by rotating the elements of the bench.
Working from your own home office certainly has its advantages: and is something more and more of us are doing either full or part time. But it can also present some design, space and organisational challenges.
In this new series we speak to a variety of interesting people who all work from home. They’ll give us guided tours of their work space, share some home office design ideas and tips on how they work and get organised.
For this first feature, let me introduce you to Will who is a freelance writer and stylist living in the UK. You might already know him from the popular interior blog he writes – Bright.Bazaar – which focuses on colour and bright interiors.
As you might have expected, Will’s workspace is stylish and organised, with dashes of colour and some cool desk and office accessories.
Imagine coming home to a front door like this? Doesn’t it look warm and inviting? Whatever the weather you can’t help but feel uplifted.
As the days begin to get cooler and memories of summer holidays fade away, why not give your front door a Mediterranean style update for a warm welcome home – even on a grey and miserable day.
Turquoise has long been a popular colour in Mediterranean homes. Traditionally, it was believed to ward off bad luck, and now this vibrant colour is making a big comeback in modern interiors.
Dani Gassner and Ori Saidi
Dani Gassner is one half of the design duo that forms Ototo. He completed a Masters degree with honours in industrial design at the Domus Academy in Milan; and in 2002 Dani co-founded Studio Ototo in collaboration with designer Ori Saidi. Together they design fun and quirky modern home accessories, such as the recently launched Jumpin’ Jack Salad Servers.
If you love architecture and interior design – and planning to be in London next weekend – then don’t miss Open House London which takes place from 18 – 19 September.
Called the capital’s greatest architectural showcase, you’ll have the opportunity to visit some amazing public buildings and private residential homes of all types and periods, including some architecturally designed modern homes. And best of all, it’s completely free!
There are probably few people who can truly say that they enjoy doing the washing up. It isn’t the most exciting of household jobs.
However, faced with the grim sight of a sink full of dirty dishes, sometimes the best thing is to just get on with it. So here are a few ideas for making it a little bit more enjoyable.
A clear desk is like a blank piece of paper: a space for new potential, possibilities and ideas.
But standing between us and that ideal working environment is paperwork. Clutter creating and time consuming, it stifles creativity and productivity.
There’s an almost mysterious process as it gradually morphs on your desk, and you’re suddenly faced with a threatening mass invading your workspace. So daunting, that often the temptation is to try and ignore it, in the hope it will simply disappear (by trying to hide it with yet more paper on top).
Then one day, the inevitable happens. You need an essential document and are forced to spend ages rummaging through the chaos in order to locate it.
How can we prevent that overwhelming paper clutter and the stress it brings with it?
What is the secret to having a clear minimalist desk where we can work more efficiently and with a sense of calm?
Home accessories can make or break the decor of a room.
Used well, home decor can enhance your interior and transform your space. However, the opposite is also true. Here are a few of the pitfalls, and how to avoid them.
Holly Palmer is the designer of the original and playful Tea Cup Stool. She graduated from Bucks New University, UK, in 2008 where she studied Contemporary Furniture and Product Design.
Here she tells us the story behind the design of Tea Cup Stool, the process involved in manufacturing it; and reveals to us the designers who have inspired her.
This striking minimalist bedroom, is part of a suite known as the Lioness Den, in the Hempel Hotel, London. Famous for its daring design feature – the bed is on a platform, suspended from the ceiling by metal bars. Also situated on this mezzanine is an en-suite bathroom and storage space. Below, there is a spacious, light and sunny lounge.
The design of the room is sleek modern minimalism with a warm and organic atmosphere. It is in keeping with the interior in the rest of the hotel: a blend of minimalist design and 21st century technology and comfort, inspired by the essence of modern and ancient travel.
The sleeping area is intimate, yet feels spacious and is perfectly proportioned. It achieves balance and harmony through the use of warm lighting and some of the natural elements associated with Zen philosophy: earth, wood, metal and fire. The inspiring modern design offers many interior ideas you could use to create your own minimalist bedroom.
