BATHTUB + HAMMOCK = RELAXATION

Ola!

I am always looking for things that are interesting and new.  Recently, I received an email newsletter from FRESHOME.COM - THE ART OF RELAXATION: BATHTUB AND HAMMOCK COMBINED BY SPLINTER WORKS.

Being that I grew up with MACAS [HAMMOCKS], I was immediately drawn to this BATHTUB/HAMMOCK combination.  Just imagine - the relaxation of a hammock fused with a bathtub.  The only word the comes to mind is CALMA [CALM].  

Designed by Splinter Works for use in a wet room, the limited edition Vessel tub is suspended from the walls and does not touch the floor. It is fixed with stainless steel brackets that can be covered over, or left revealed. The bath is filled using a floor standing tap and the waste water released through the base into a floor drain. A down-pipe drain can also be installed if a wet room setting is not possible.

More about Splinter Works

Splinter Works was formed in 2009 and is a collaboration between Miles Hartwell and Matt Withington. Their mission is to create sculptural furniture that is engaging and inspiring. 

They strive to enrich the lives of the people who use their furniture, by creating pieces that enhance their environment and elevate the experience of everyday life. Their aim is to create work that is individual, thought provoking, aesthetically beguiling, intelligently designed and a delight to use. 

Their designs are experimental and theatrical, but the function of the piece is always paramount. We love to play visual tricks especially where balance comes into question. Opposing dichotomies of solidity versus weightlessness, motion versus stillness, and strength versus fragility are played out in our ambitious designs through innovative materials. 

They work on both a limited-edition collection of furniture and on special commissions. Examples of commissions currently include mini bars, conference tables, extending dining tables, reception desks, kitchen installations, integral storage and cabinet solutions and dressing room furniture. Their limited-edition furniture collection currently includes, a desk, dressing table, console, stool, a bathtub and a pool slide, with new designs released throughout the year. 

Their ambitious projects are fuelled by their passion for absolute quality, technical ingenuity, artistic integrity and a solid belief in creating the most considered and exquisite work befitting of its purpose.

I am happy to add the VESSEL TUB into my design repertoire!!!! 

Interior Design | The Kitchen 2013

Ola!!!

Recently, I received a link to a great article entitled: Interior Design: The Kitchen 2013 by  Jura Koncius - The Washington Post.

"The reign of the trophy kitchen is officially over. The dream kitchens of today aren't about the sexiest six-burner range or the most exotic countertop material. As cooking has returned to center stage and remodeling budgets have sobered, the kitchen island is nurturing family togetherness and reviving casual entertaining."

A Solis Betancourt & Sherrill kitchen in Virginia with mahogany cabinets that were bleached and cerused
to a driftwood gray color. (Marcos Galvany.)

The 2013 member survey by the National Kitchen & Bath Association identified a menu of some of today's top style choices in kitchens:

1. WHITE PAINTED CABINETS
2. QUARTZ COUNTERS
3. MANY SHADES OF GRAY
4. LED LIGHTING
5. ELECTRONIC FAUCETS
6. SATIN NICKEL FINISHES
7. GLASS BACKSPLASHES

When I saw the image above of the kitchen done by Solis Betancourt & Sherrill, I immediately felt that I would love to have friends in the kitchen with me while I prepared a meal.  I have often noticed when I attend a party, it always ends up in the kitchen. I feel it is  because of its size and it is the place of great childhood memories.  Everyone always gravitates to that room in every one's home.

Do you feel that the latest trend in kitchen remodeling/design food takes center place and is now a place of nurturing? 

Share with us what you think!

A Great Example of a Loving Restoration

Aloha,

I received a great comment from Kristi Nelson at KM NELSON DESIGN on my blog entitled RENOVATE AND BE KIND TO THE EARTH.  She suggested using costly pieces such as wood floors, doors, window, etc. from homes that are being renovated or demolished.  Reusing these kinds of items are so great for the environment and the pocketbook!!!!

Kristi has inspired me to look further into remodeling first when working on a project, if at all possible.  I came across a great example of a Home Restoration that looks so chic and modern on my favorite interior design source, HOUZZ.COM.

My Houzz: 1950s Rebound for a Cliff May House

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Home Office Products on Houzz- For Example:

Bulletin Board · Cable Management · Desk Accessories · Desks · Filing Cabinets And Carts · Task Chairs ·

Have you thought about reusing items in your design projects?

Please share your comments!!

The Front Porch

Aloha,

As you probably have guessed, HOUZZ.COM is one of my favorite sites!!!!!

I came across an article on FRONT PORCHES and here is the first paragraph:

"The front porch has evolved along with the quickening pace of everyday life. Porches were originally designed to create a more tolerable living space — a place for rest, relaxation and cooling breezes. Their decline can be attributed to many things: air conditioning, cars, radios, televisions, backyard decks. But despite modern conveniences, we can still revive the front porch, restoring and enjoying its quaint beauty."   

- 7 Ideas to Get You Back on the Front Porch, written by Alex Jewett

 I have always loved front porches.  When I would visit my avo (Grandma in Portuguese), we would sit on her front porch and wave hello to the passing cars as they would TOOT TOOT as they passed her house!! Being that she lived in small town, everyone knew everyone else and would always say hello to one another....

Here is the article from HOUZZ.COM:
 

7 Ideas to Get You Back on the Front Porch

With the quick pace of everyday life, the front porch was always the place to rest and unwind after a hectic day.  Sitting outside in the fresh air with a cool drink in my hand is all that I needed to wash away the day.  On the weekends, there is nothing like sitting on your front porch reading a good book and from time to time, watching the world pass by.

My dream house has a wrap around porch and I plan to use it to rest and recharge,a place to play with my doggie daughter - KEONA and have memorable 'AL FRESCO' dinners with close friends.

Do you have a memories of being on the front porch of your home, parents' home, grandparents' home??? To me, those kinds of memories are PRICELESS and always put a HUGE SMILE ON MY FACE!!!

Let us hear about your memories or tell us about the front porch you have now.