Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Modern & Mobile California Roll House

California Roll House is a project of Violent Volumes. Modern and mobile California Roll House is a life-saver in a desert. The modern architecture allows using various technologies to design and conceptualize modern homes and that’s what Violent Volumes did. The house is equipped with window transparency control system, assembling/disassembling mechanism, and other various technologies.

California Roll House is made out of fiber-reinforced plastic that is supported by carbon fiber truss frame. The unusual shape of the house provides a platform in the outdoor space that open possibilities for various outdoor activities. The hydraulic powered doors save space in the interior while disguising the entrance in the exterior. The divided door opens in two pieces the upper and lower while making a doorway height up to two meters.
The interior is lit with natural light coming from the glazed wall that can be controlled to customize transparency and hence the amount of light coming through. The structure can also be placed at such a location that would provide the right amount and angle of light.
The bedroom in the house is disguised with a curtain and an open bookshelf that also acts as a room divider.  The layout is open so there is a need for privacy which can be easily provided with help of dividers and light curtains.
California Roll House is a two-story concept structure that is a futuristic technological alternative to modern trailers and mobile homes.

Unusual Kitchen Interior Designs


long hours in the kitchen so a unique design can add to the enjoyable cooking (or eating) experience. There are many solutions for creating a unique kitchen design. It can be designed by a theme or with an interesting color scheme. The decorations and architectural details can also add a unique touch to the kitchen design

Unusual Color Scheme

An unusual color scheme can make a difference in the kitchen. A bright or dark color scheme will add to even a simple design and decor. Choose the colors according with the room’s size and the atmosphere you want to create in the kitchen.

Architectural Details

Architectural details can transform the look of any room. An interesting window or a doorway will add to the design and decor. Of course it should be coordinated with the decorating style of the kitchen.

Furniture and Accessories

If architectural details are not an option go for interesting furniture. The kitchen islands come in plenty of interesting and unusual designs. If there is not enough space for a kitchen island opt for stylish eye-catchy chairs and table. Even certain kitchen appliances and utensils can add to an unusual kitchen design.

Food Inspired Mug Design by Andrea Filogonio

Designers seek inspiration everywhere as well as the inspiration can come from anywhere. Food has inspired not only culinary but fashion, interior and product designers around the world. “Docup” is a colorful doughnut-inspired mug designed by Andrea Filogonio.

 An unusual mug is waking up not only senses with freshly-made coffee, but also an appetite. Shaped as a delicious glazed doughnut the “Docup” features the bitten edge that allows sipping the drink that fills the hollow body of the mug.
 The doughnut mug is also decorated with sprinkles and flavors to smell like a real doughnut. How cool is that? The rounded mug shape is pretty unconventional too, prompting individual approach to drinking from it. “Docup” cookie-beige ceramic body features glazing that varies in colors and flavors. Looking for favorite breakfast mug?

Dream Terrace Design Ideas

There are many ways of creating a cozy terrace design. From a small garden to a reading nook the terrace can be transformed into anything you want. With these ideas and tips you can make your dream terrace come true.

Hammock

A hammock or a daybed can make for a great lounge space on the terrace. If there is little space try a swing or a hanging chair to create a perfect lounge area. There are many different designs and styles to choose from. A floating daybed is a great combination of a hammock and a daybed – both soft and airy. Canopy daybeds are great if you need to create shade or increase privacy.

Umbrella

Umbrella is also a good way to create a shade and increase privacy. Choose an outdoor umbrella that goes well with the seating furniture set. It can be of similar color or made in the same material and style. Make sure it fits the size of your seating area creating enough shade space for everyone.

Water, Earth & Fire

A big enough terrace can be equipped with a small pool or a Jacuzzi. Other water wells are also able to add to the terrace decor. A garden is also a common addition to a terrace which is a great spot for creating a garden especially in an urban area. A fire pit is a widespread terrace feature that can be both decorative and functional during cool evenings.

Furniture

You don’t have to have luxurious outdoor furniture on the terrace. Vintage benches can create a beautiful look, decorated with coverlets and throw pillows. Cover wooden floors with a thick carpet and throw pillows to create super comfy colorful lounge area.


Landscape Lighting Techniques

Landscape lighting adds a unique look to your house in the night when it’s dark and only lights illuminate the exterior at the angles you set them. There are not only lanterns available right now but first it’s useful to know some landscape techniques. These techniques can be helpful if you want to accentuate certain parts of landscape such as flower beds, pathways, trees, fences, shrubs or other. From standard lamp poles to built-in lights there are many lighting options as well as techniques you can use to enhance the look of your outdoors.

Uplighting & Downlighting

The most common lighting method is uplighting. It is great if you want to highlight the architectural design of the house. The lighting fixture is installed on the ground below the building you want to uplight. Uplighting is also used to illuminate water installations like pools and fountains, as well as the walk paths.
Downlighting is when a lighting fixture is installed on a tree or pole or wall and it is used to create a certain lighting effect. It can be used illuminate the pathways, doors and fences, or flower beds.

Moonlighting

Moonlighting is achieved by installing a lighting fixture high on the tree and directed downwards. The tree crown breaks the light giving a mild gleam that is pertinent to the moon.

Shadowing or Backlighting (a.k.a Silhouetting)

Shadowing is used to create shadows of object against the surface like a tree or decoratively shaped shrub. To make this work you need to place a lighting fixture in front of the object so that its shadow fell onto the adjacent wall. If you want the shadow to be larger place the light source closer to the object.

Spread Lighting & Spotlighting

Spreadlighting is used to illuminate shrubs and flowers and the fixtures are installed lower to the ground. Spotlighting can  be used to illuminate certain object or parts of the landscape. For this  a narrow beam of light is directed right at the object. The floodlighting is similar to spotlighting but this has lighting fixtures produce wider beams that provide lots of light.
There are also other landscape lighting techniques that can enhance the look as well as increase safety of your outdoors. Want to accentuate the texture of stone in your walls? Use grazing lighting technique that requires to place a lighting fixture from six to eight inches of a wall or facade at an angle of 90 degrees. To increase safety for walking outdoors in the evenings look into step lighting, a built-in lights in the stairs or deck lighting the lighting used for decks.

How to Choose Fire Pit

First you need to decide what functions the fire pit should have. Is it purely decorative or will you use it as campfire to cook food, gather around and enjoy the warmth of fire together with your family and friends?  Be sure to know the laws and regulations for the outdoor fires.
Choose a spot in your backyard where you want the fire pit to be. It should be a spacious spot to seat your family and guests safely around the fire pit. You can opt for a built-in fire pit in which case a hole is dug in the ground and the pit is laid with stones. Or if your backyard is small you can choose a portable fire pit that you can move and put away when not using it.
When choosing a fire pit take into consideration its functions, the frequency of use and weight (for portable ones). If you want to cook on your fire pit then make sure it has grill accessories. Make sure you have a fire pit screen that helps prevent sparks and ash from scattering during windy weathers. Opt for those made of thicker metal to ensure it served longer.
Cast iron pits are heavier to move. Stainless steel fire pits are rust resistant so they can be left outside. Copper pits look great though the copper needs to be cleaned from time to time to give it a shine. There are also other materials fire pits are made of and which one to choose really depends on your needs and budget.
If you are planning to store your fire pit outside don’t leave it without the cover to protects it from the elements. Decorative fire pits are usually placed near the loungers, tables and swimming pools. These can also be smaller than usual multipurpose fire pits.
Finally when you are ready to use your fire pit first read the manufacturer’s instructions of use and follow them carefully to avoid accidents and damages to the fire pit. Always follow fire instructions. And have a fire extinguisher at hand just in case.

Indoor & Outdoor Swing Designs

Swing create dreamy and romantic atmosphere when set outdoors surrounded by a blooming garden or on the porch of the house. But swing can also be used indoors in almost any room. Beside its purposes swing can also simply be decorative.

From classic rope and deck to elaborate sofa-like seats swing designs vary considerably so that it is possible to find that one for your interior design. Outdoor swings can come with a canopy to create shade as well as a frame to stand on.
When choosing swing for indoors or outdoors make sure it fits the size of the room or sight it is going to be set in. Small spaced homes can be equiped with sleek and simple rope swing while outdoors can handle bigger swing designs.
Swings are also made from different materials and in various styles. Pay attention to them when choosing swing for your interior or outdoor decor. There are swings made of wood, leather, fabric, and metal. Swing beds are also becoming more popular.

Creative Multifunctional Morfeo Sofa by Domodinamica

Italian design company Domodinamica creates modern and bold furniture for contemporary homes. Their creative multifunctional sofa “Morfeo” is incredible. Multifunctional furniture can be so bold and creative. The Morfeo Sofa by Domodinamica is equipped by two side lamps that allow you read at nights but this is not all. Morfeo can also be unfolded into a double-size bed.

Morfeo Sofa in light green looks like some kind of creature but the sofa is called in the name of the God of sleep – Morpheus. It’s is great for adding a splash of color to your interior design as well as providing a spare sleeping space for guests. If you live in a small-spaced/one-room apartment its space-saving design can make your interior both interesting and functional.
The Morfeo Sofa is also available in red color and the lights are equipped with switches. Domodinamica also has some creative multifunctional furniture pieces that include a rotating chair, Swing and upholstered foam blocks for seating, Hi Pouff.

Creative Nightstand Ideas

Nightstand or bedside table is a handy furniture item. Beside the traditional nightstands that come in sets with or separately from the beds there are quite interesting alternatives that can serve as decorative and eye catchy nightstands. There are many alternatives to traditional set nightstands. You can use old discarded furniture to create a new unique nightstand or repurpose some items for this.

Creative Nightstand Designs

 Ladder can make for a few different furniture items including a creative and interesting nighstand. You can use ladder of any material, shape, or finish, anything that will suit your bedroom design. Wide steps are great for storing things but thinner steps can still be used to hang things on them.

Upcycled suitcase is another option of utilizing old discarded junk. Stacked suitcases can become great nightstands and provide additional storage space as well. If you have a pair of vintage suitcases think how you can repurpose them before throwing away.


 Wall-mounted nightstands can be fixed at different height on the wall, for instance if the bed is low a regular size nightstand wouldn’t be very convenient to use. The wall-mounted nightstands also have an airy feel to them thanks to hovering position.




 Built-in nightstand is an interesting and unexpected variant. Some beds come with one or two built-in nightstands.

 Small leaning consoles can add different angles and lines to the interior design. Ottomans, old chairs, old tables, storage boxes, pet houses, and other things can be used as creative alternative nightstands.



Optical Illusion

Peter Bristol has created an interesting piece of furniture that will leave you wondering how it is even possible. Peter Bristol’s Cut Chair is partly an optical illusion but it is absolutely steady and stable. You can sit, you can even stand on it and it won’t collapse although it make look as if it’s going to.


The Cut Chair design is simple but interesting. It’s legs are slashed and painted red as if the thing is live and it’s back is featuring three angles due to the diagonal cut. The principle that makes this thing work is that the thick rug is covering the plate that enables stable and firm cantilevered seat.
Creative and simply magical the Peter Bristol’s Cut Chair will definitely catch the eye of every guest and will make an impression, amuse kids and add magic abstraction to the interior decor. Peter Bristol is, by the way, looking for a partner who would install or produce the Cut Chair. Any volunteers?