Happy Birthday - Frank Lloyd Wright

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT

Olá!

This morning I learned that today is the birthday of one of my all time favorite creative persons - FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT.

But he wasn’t just an architect – he was also an interior designer, writer, and educator.  He would have turned 147 years old today.

"Wright’s designs were driven by the desire to nurture the lives of their occupants. He referred to his architecture as ‘organic’ – in complete harmony with itself and its surroundings, as if it had developed as naturally as a tree."  - ArchDaily                                            

I fell in love with Wright's work when I visited the Ennis House in 2004.  I was in awe of this beautiful, modern house that was built in 1924.  It is timeless and definitely in harmony with its surroundings as it sits on top of a hill in the Los Feliz section of Los Angeles.  It was also used in the movie BLADERUNNER. 

ENNIS HOUSE FAÇADE

ENNIS HOUSE - DINING ROOM

His most famous house is Fallingwater which is located in southwest Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands and 90 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh.

FALLING WATER

One of my favorite museums in the world is the Guggenheim Museum in New York City designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM - EXTERIOR

GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM - ROTUNDA

Wright completed over 500 projects. The timelessness of his designs continues to reveal just how strong that vision was. 

Thank you for being my inspiration!

- Eddy

Paul Rudolph’s Iconic Walker Guest House To Be Re-Constructed

WALKER GUEST HOUSE

I was reading my daily edition of ArchDaily earlier this week, when I came across an article on the Walker Guest House in Sarasota, Florida.  It caught my I 

What I love about this modernist house is its very specific approach to sustainable design.

INTERIOR, WALKER GUEST HOUSE

The Walker Guest House was built in 1952 characterized by a particular attention to climate and terrain. Using only standard, locally sourced materials, the Walker Guest House pays respect to its environmental context of southwest Florida. Large windows and screens on all four sides of the house allow air to flow throughout the dwelling, removing the need for air-conditioning whilst simultaneously providing generous views out towards the landscape.

One of the more whimsical components of the cottage are the series of ropes and pulleys, counterbalanced by large red concrete balls, that control the external window shades. These shades ensure flexibility by providing the dwelling with security, permeability and shelter from the sun. This allows the architecture to remain dynamic, adapting to the changing needs of the occupants while “gracefully” withstanding the elements.

TOTALLY AWESOME!

- Eddy

Are Prefab Homes Ready for the Mass Market?

My dream home from BLU HOMES

Bom Dia!

I came across this article in my newsletter from SOURCEABLE, 
'Are Prefab Homes Ready for the Mass Market?'

As you all already know, I strongly believe in modular homes.  But in the back of my mind, I always wondered - Why hasn't this caught on?

The advantages of prefab building:

• The price  of a manufactured home is significantly less than a site-built home.

• Semi-custom homes coast 20 - 40 percent less per square foot than a standard stick-built home.

•  Unlike site built homes, prefab homes are not exposed to the elements. The sections are built indoors and put together on site.

• Waste is reduced because the material is managed more closely.

• Low-cost factory-built homes are often sold like cars, with a selection available on a dealer's lot, meaning a buyer can have a new home on site in a matter of days.

Pre-Fab home from Wallace Creek

Black Glass Modular Home Design by A-Cero

As you can see from the images I selected for today's blog, these homes can be very SEXY!!

Pre-Fab homes are manufactured in a way that reduces it's impact on the environment and they cost 40-50 percent less than a regular stick home.

Do an internet search on Pre-fab homes and will be amazed at all of the possibilities!!


- Eddy

Eco-Friendly Upholstery

Olá!

Recently, I finished my first Interior Design course - MATERIALS.  I learned so much and you should see the back of my SUV - FULL OF SAMPLES!!!!

I have decided to share some of the things that I learned in my MATERIAL class.

Eco-Friendly Upholstery

One of the topics in my course was UPHOLSTERY.  One of my main goals of becoming an Interior Designer is to incorporate as many materials that are ECO-FRIENDLY/SUSTAINABLE in my designs.

The Upholstered Sofa I Designed for my course

I fell in love with upholstery from BRENTANO FABRICS. 

"At Brentano, we have developed green criteria for our fabrics that reflect the diverse and interconnected nature of sustainability. Our eco-fabrics include our high performance and high quality eco-friendly faux leathers, as well as beautiful upholstery patterns and contract textiles -- overall displaying an uncommon variety of design and versatility available in environmentally-conscious textiles. The Brentano Green fabric label demonstrates our commitment to pursuing green mindfulness while designing textiles with beauty + performance in mind.

In order to qualify for the Brentano Green label, our fabrics must comply with green standards in at least two of the following three categories: raw material, process, and facility and social responsibility."

Brentano Fabrics

Here is the Brentano Fabrics Sample Board I created for my class.

I fell in love with this pattern as soon as I saw it! 

I will be sharing more from my Materials Course soon!

- Eddy

Furniture Designers | Cisco Brothers

Ola,

I have decided to write about sustainable | eco-friendly furniture designers in my blog.

In today's blog, I would like to spot light John Derian's furniture line manufactured by the Cisco Brothers.

Cisco Brothers is an eco-friendly, family-run, California-based company. They use soy and petroleum-based foam, non-toxic glues and FSC certified domestic maple wood. 

Here are some of the pieces from the line that I liked:

TETE-A-TETE CHAIRS

The first item that caught my eye was the TETE-A-TETE CHAIRS.  They are a reproduction of a 19th century piece.  It would be a great to have a very good conversation in these. 

Thorntail Wingback Chair

This chair was inspired by an American piece dating back to 1870. The enormous proportions, indulging depth and large "wings" seem to envelop the sitter. I would love to sit in this chair with a good book and read for hours!!

Dromedary Loveseat

The Dromedary loveseat seems to be a timeless piece as far as style and period. I loved it because it just looks so comfortable.  Guests would love to sit on it for hours. For me, it would be another great place to curl up and read a good book (You can tell that I LOVE TO READ BOOKS!!!)

This line of furniture is very conservative and very different from my personal taste. Being that I am studying to become an Interior Designer, I feel it is very important to be knowledgable about different styles to help create pleasing designs for my clients.

To learn more about the Cisco Brothers, please go to the Cisco Brothers site.

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!

Sustainable Expectations: An Interior Perspective

Ola!!!

As you all know, I am a serious advocate of SUSTAINABILITY in Interior Design.

Recently, I have been reading in various publications that sustainability is a trend and not very important to consumers here in the United States.  It made me sad to read this, but it has given me even more impetus to always include sustainability in my design projects.  Living here in Hawai'i, where we are always so close to nature, one realizes that we are all connected to everything here on this planet.  

This week, I came across an article entitled: Sustainable Expectations: An Interior Perspective, by  Angela Fedele, Interior Design Source.

In the article, it discusses Sustainability in Australia:

“The ‘trend’ face of sustainability at its most accessible is up-cycling because the concept of reuse is becoming more and more important to consumers whose focus has shifted from brand new and replaceable pieces to one off or hand made pieces,” Palmer explains.  

Darren Palmer, Designer. Image Courtesy The Interiors Addict

Green Interior Design is basis of my work and, while writing this blog entry, it brings to mind  my favorite quote and life mantra which is so dear to my heart:

"You must be the change you want to see in the world.” 

                                                                    - Mahatma Ghandi

Do you feel that sustainability is a passing trend?

What is the view of sustainability in your country?

Please share!!!

A Great Reused Item | End Grain Flooring

Ola!!!

In my earlier post entitled -  A Great Example of a Loving Restoration, I mentioned that I received a great comment from Kristi Nelson at KM NELSON DESIGN on my blog entry 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!!!!

Last week, I found a great example of reused wood paired with brick to create a beautiful floor on HOUZZ.COM.

Here is the photo:

Contemporary Wood Flooring by Smithville Specialty Contractors Elmwood Reclaimed Timber Inc.

Have you found any great items that can be reused in a design or remodeling project?

Please share!!!!

- Eddy

Necessity is the Mother of INVENTION

Aloha!!!!

I live in a 1 bedroom in-law cottage here in Honolulu with my partner and our 1 1/2 year old Jack Russell, Keona.  I love our little house and I am finally ready to decorate.  I have decided on minimalistic approach due to the fact that our house is so small and too many things will make it feel even smaller.

I was reading the article below on HOUZZ.COM and realized that I made the right decision!!!

Houzz Tour: Airplane Efficiency for a Minimalist Hong Kong Flat

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Outdoor Products on Houzz- For Example:

Gardening Tools · Greenhouses · Grills · Hammocks · Bird Feeders · Doormats · Mailboxes · Retainer Walls ·

I will definitely let you know how my design project is going here in my litte house!

What would be your ideas for designing a small space?

Let us know!!!!

Renovate And Be Kind To The Earth

Aloha,

In my previous blog entitled, SUSTAINABILITY IN INTERIOR DESIGN, I talked about my goal of incorporating sustainability in my projects.  Recently,  I came across an article that made me SIT UP AND PAY ATTENTION!!!

The article on HOUZZ.COM was entitled -  'Contractor Tips: 10 Ways to Remodel Greener.' 

The first tip was my AH-HA MOMENT:

1. Start with an existing house. Obviously you can go out of your way to break this rule, but when you remodel, you are reusing an existing structure. Both building and remodeling are wasteful processes. But by remodeling, you are creating less waste, using less energy and putting your money into more labor than materials, which helps support your local economy. A side benefit of not building new: Existing buildings are more likely to be close to established infrastructure, trees and cool old neighbors with lots of stories.

Here is the article from HOUZZ below:

Contractor Tips: 10 Ways to Remodel Greener

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Window Treatments on Houzz- For Example:

Cellular Shades · Curtain Poles · Curtains · Roller Blinds · Roman Blinds · Venetian Blinds · Vertical Blinds · Window Blinds ·

What do you think of remodeling instead of building from scratch?

Do you think that remodeling is a good way to reduce the amount of waste produced in construction?

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.

  

Sustainability in Interior Design

Aloha!!!

I have been an advocate for eco-friendly and sustainable designs for many years and decided to incorporate SUSTAINABILITY in my future projects.

"Sustainability is not just a marketing buzzword anymore. In fact, one could say that it has become an important-and some would even argue necessary-factor for many designers and architects when considering any new project today." 

- Sustainability as a Best Practice  

Sara Pepitone, Interior Design Magazine

Here are some examples of projects that have used sustainability in their designs:

Heifer International Education Center, Little Rock, Arkansas  

City of Tucson Police Department Forensic Crime Laboratory, Tucson, AZ

Engine House No. 5, Denver, CO.

NASA Sustainability Base, Moffett Field, CA

After my sister had my nephew, it made me think about what kind of world are we leaving for future generations. At the same time, I feel that children learn by example and if they see us being sustainable they will naturally incorporate sustainability into their lives.

What are your feelings about sustainability?

How would you use sustainability in your projects?

Please share your ideas. It will help all of us!

MAHALO!!!! [THANK YOU!!!]

POCKET DOORS

Aloha!

I came across an article on HOUZZ.COM that made me scream with excitement!

It was an article on POCKET DOORS. When I lived on Miami Beach, I had a cute, large studio with a lovely dining room.  One day, I was talking with the owner and he told me that my apartment originally had POCKET DOORS and he decided to take them out before I moved in.  I WAS DEVASTATED!!!! I have always felt that pocket doors were such a CHIC AND CREATIVE way to divide rooms.

While reading the article on HOUZZ.COM, I noticed that the photos illustrate the many ways POCKET DOORS can be incorporated into interior design and are LIMITLESS! The examples shown have got my CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING!!!!

Here is the article and let me know what you think!!!!!

- Eddy

Discover the Ins and Outs of Pocket Doors

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Lighting on Houzz- For Example:

Ceiling Fans · Ceiling Lighting · Chandeliers · Kitchen Lighting And Cabinet Lighting · Light Bulbs · Pendant Lighting · Recessed Lighting · Table Lamps ·

Furniture | Carl Hansen & Son

This morning while thumbing through my current issue of ELLE DECOR, I came across an ad for CARL HANSEN & SON. I remembered pinning a lot of their items to one of my boards on PINTEREST and I said to myself, "You love their work so much, why don't you write about them in your blog!!!" So, here goes!!!

Carl Hansen opened his furniture workshop in Odense, Denmark in 1908. The company produced bespoke furniture - from dining room sets to bedroom suites. The combination of hand craftsmanship and national series production became the firm's hallmark.

SALESCO played an important role in promoting "Danish Modern" furniture internationally, "Danish Design" began to capture interest around the world.

Carl Hansen & Son likes to find and incorporate new designers. Today, Carl Hansen & Son produce furniture by the Danish design duo Strand & Hiass as well as Thomas Bo Kastholm, son of the famous architect Jörgen Kastholm.

SAFARI CHAIR

The Safari chair has been a design gem since its debut in 1933. With its simple functionality, it has become a true modern classic.

Watch the movie from the production of the Safari chair

What are your favorite furniture designers/companies? Please share because I feel that we all can learn from one another!!!

MAHALO!!!!

O MEU PRIMEIRO PROJETO [MY FIRST PROJECT]

Aloha!

Recently, I downloaded an awesome book from AMAZON entitled INTERIOR DESIGN COURSE by Tomris Tangaz. I felt that it was time for me to start thinking and seeing things with the eyes of an INTERIOR DESIGNER.  

My first project is a SITE RESEARCH AND BUILDING STUDY. This project is teaching me the skills to observe, question, record, and communicate architectural ideas of interest.

My assignment was to find an interesting and easily accessible building. I did a search on interesting buildings in Honolulu and chose the building that houses the Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawai'i, Manoa.   

Notes from Site Survey

Solids and Cavities - Each building is comprised of a square prism with a trapezoidal roof structure reminiscent of the ancient structures built for the Hawai'ian Ali'i [Royalty]. The main entry way is formed by the northern glass wall of the main building and the southern wall of the smaller front building. A flat plane covers the opening created by these two buildings.

Scale and Proportion - Each building of the Kamakakuokalani Center is of the same scale.  Because all of the buildings are of the same size, a harmonious feeling is created and does not disturb the surrounding area. It actually looks like it is apart of the surrounding area.

Rhythm - In between the glass planes, which make up the walls of the main building, are large panels made up of smaller panels [3 panels x 7 panels]. Vertical and horizontal lines are created by the smaller panels within the larger panel. Similar panels are also found on the facades of the roof trapezoidal structures.

Texture -The use of lava rock on the northern wall of the Kamakakuokalani Center compliments the area of the building and gives the building an organic feeling as if it were naturally apart of the surrounding flora.

Light and Scale - Patterns of light on the building do enhance or change design elements.

Color - The use of a monochromatic brown palette in and around the Kamakakuokalani Center creates energy that is more subtle and peaceful due to a lock of contrast of hue.  

Images 

Here are some views of the Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies:

FRONT VIEW
KAMAKAKUOKALANI CENTER FOR HAWAIIAN STUDIES

NORTH SIDE OF KAMAKAKUOKALANI CENTER FOR HAWAI'IAN STUDIES

ENTRANCE CORRIDOR KAMAKAKUOKALANI CENTER

WALKWAY TO ADJACENT BUILDING

TEXTURE AND FOLIAGE NORTH FACING SIDE
OF BUILDING

LAVA ROCK WALL

PLAQUE DEDICATING THE BUILDING TO KAMAKAKUOKALANI  - GLADYS K. 'AINOA BRANDT CENTER FOR HAWAI'IAN STUDIES

"The Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies is surrounded by massive moss-rock walls, native plants and topped with four conical roofs. The two-story, U-shaped structure - bordered by Manoa Stream, Kanewai Cultural Garden and Dole Street - boasts a resource room, a computer lab, seminar and conference rooms and two large classrooms with optional wall-sized doors for open-air activities.

It also has a 48-seat lecture hall, a 150-seat open-air auditorium overlooking the three-acre garden, graduate and faculty offices, a faculty lounge as well as a student services wing with private study rooms, carols and project offices.

Moreover, the center's upper courtyard serves as a burial site for the remains of 18 skeletons, believed to be pre-contact Hawaiians, unearthed during water main work on Dole Street. The remains were reinterred last year using a traditional rock wall burial vault, adding a spiritual aspect to the only stand-alone Hawaiian Studies building in the world, says center Director Haunani-Kay Trask."

From the article: Hawaiian Style - The University of Hawaii's New Center for Hawaiian Studies Is A Showcase Of The Island's Cultural Heritage .  

By Pat Omandam, Honolulu Star-Bulletin

I learned so much doing my first assignment.  Now, I look at buildings with a different eye.  It is such a great feeling!!!

ON TO MY NEXT ASSIGNMENT!!!!