Fish Tail Tea Room / Pablo Luna Studio

Derek Pearce, an artist and designer, has been creating unique 'water tables' since 1997. These pieces function as both furniture and sculpture, characterized by a glass top that mimics the surface of water and a base featuring animal figures. The animals, which include hippopotamuses, dolphins, otters, and seals, are either carved from wood or cast from resin. The tempered glass used for the tabletop is central to the 'water effect,' providing a transparent surface that suggests a body of water through which the animal figures appear to interact. Pearce's design philosophy centers on bringing elements of nature and wildlife into interior spaces in an imaginative and functional way. Each table is a one-of-a-kind creation, showcasing the artist's detailed craftsmanship and artistic vision. The animal sculptures are meticulously rendered, capturing the dynamic essence and natural poses of the creatures, making them appear as if they are emerging from or interacting with the 'water's surface.' Over the years, these distinctive 'water tables' have gained international recognition, leading to exhibitions and sales across various global markets. The demand for these unique pieces has also prompted Pearce to offer custom commissions, allowing clients to request personalized 'water tables' tailored to their specific preferences and spatial requirements. This bespoke service ensures that each piece is not only a functional item but also a unique work of art designed to integrate seamlessly into diverse home aesthetics. In response to broader interest and to make his designs more accessible, Derek Pearce has also established an online store. This platform allows customers to purchase some of his more popular 'water table' designs, typically featuring resin-cast animal bases, which provides a more standardized yet still artistically driven option for those who admire his work. The availability through an online store broadens the reach of his artistic furniture, enabling a wider audience to acquire these sculptural coffee tables. #CoffeeTables #FurnitureDesign #AnimalSculpture #GlassArt #WoodCarving #ResinArt #InteriorDesign #FunctionalArt #DerekPearce

In 2019, Simple Longboards, a skateboard brand from Vienna, embarked on a global expansion, selecting Taipei as the location for its inaugural concept store. The design brief for the Platypus Cafe, located in Taipei, was centered around creating an interior that reflects the brand's commitment to nature, sustainability, and its Austrian heritage. The design strategy aimed to infuse the space with natural elements and textures, while also incorporating the brand's core values. The cafe is characterized by its use of raw and untreated materials, establishing a rustic yet modern aesthetic. Exposed concrete walls and floors provide a neutral backdrop, highlighting the warmth of wooden furniture and accents. Large windows facilitate natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere that connects the interior with the urban environment outside. The layout is designed to be flexible, accommodating various seating arrangements and social interactions, from individual work to group gatherings. Key design features include custom-made wooden display shelves for skateboards and merchandise, which double as artistic installations. These shelves are integrated into the architecture, ensuring that the products are presented as an integral part of the cafe's ambiance. A prominent feature is the cafe's central counter, crafted from recycled wood and concrete, serving as both a functional service area and a focal point for social engagement. The lighting scheme utilizes a combination of ambient and task lighting, with pendant lights and track lighting strategically placed to illuminate key areas and create a cozy evening atmosphere. The material palette extends beyond wood and concrete to include steel elements, such as industrial-style light fixtures and structural accents, adding a contemporary edge to the natural theme. Glass partitions and windows are used to maximize transparency and light flow, while also offering views of the streetscape. The spatial design emphasizes a sense of flow and openness, with minimal barriers between different zones, promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment. Color choices are predominantly earthy and neutral, with shades of grey, brown, and green, complemented by occasional splashes of color from branding elements and natural flora. Indoor plants are strategically placed throughout the cafe, enhancing the connection to nature and improving air quality. The furniture selection includes a mix of communal tables and smaller, intimate seating arrangements, catering to diverse customer needs. The overall design creates a cohesive and immersive brand experience that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, reflecting Simple Longboards' ethos of quality, nature, and community in an urban setting. The 100 square meter space was completed in 2020 by Radius Interior Design Studio. #CafeDesign #RetailInterior #SkateboardCulture #SustainableDesign #NaturalMaterials #TaipeiArchitecture #CommercialInteriorDesign #ModernRustic #RadiusInteriorDesignStudio

The article explores the state of home design in Tampa Bay at the beginning of a new decade, featuring insights from three local designers: Enrique Crespo, Larissa Hicks, and Ann Cox. These experts discuss prevailing trends in interior design, covering various aspects from overall aesthetic to specific room designs and material choices. Enrique Crespo of Crespo Design Group highlights a significant shift from the heavily ornamented traditional styles of the 2000s towards a coastal transitional aesthetic. This style draws inspiration from the colors of the sea and nature, incorporating creams, greens, blues, and linen, with a focus on clean, tailored, and less ornate furniture. Crespo notes the growing demand for durable, commercial-grade fabrics like velvet, making furniture virtually indestructible and easy to clean, reflecting a desire for livable spaces rather than formal rooms. He also observes an increasing embrace of modern trends such as wallpaper for added texture and the investment in art pieces that can serve as focal points for a room. Crespo emphasizes the importance of being "current" rather than "trendy" to ensure a style's longevity. Larissa Hicks of S&W Kitchens discusses the evolving landscape of kitchen and bathroom design. She notes that while the transitional style, characterized by shaker-style cabinets and light finishes, remains popular, a significant portion of clients are now opting for ultra-modern designs with sleek finishes, slab cabinets, and minimal hardware. Hicks points out a return to warmer, natural tones like walnut and white oak, moving away from the cool white and gray palettes that dominated in recent years. She anticipates a rise in options like natural rift-cut oak and rich colors such as black, dark bronze, and shades of blue and green in modern kitchens. Integrated appliances continue to gain traction, becoming seamless components of the kitchen's overall design. In bathrooms, the trend is moving towards spa-like, digitally controlled showers with rain heads and aromatherapy, and free-standing bathtubs that act as art pieces. LED-lit mirrors are replacing traditional wall sconces for a more natural daylight effect. Hicks concludes that kitchen and bath design is heading towards a blend of modern luxury, durability, and low-maintenance, with features like clean counters, hidden storage, and effective lighting. Ann Cox, an interior designer, observes that contemporary design, often with transitional contemporary elements, is dominant in 2020. This involves sleek lines and high contrast to achieve a modern aesthetic. Given Florida's location, blues and greens are popular additions to the typical white and gray contemporary palette. Cox also sees an increasing interest in warmer tones, including taupes, oranges, corals, terra cottas, and golds. For exteriors, the California-inspired modern farmhouse look, featuring all-white reclaimed wood or textured brick with black accents, is gaining popularity in Tampa. Incorporating nature into interior spaces is a key trend, with demand for pieces made from cane, bamboo, rattan, or rope, which add dimensional texture. Cox also highlights the growing emphasis on environmentally conscious living, predicting an increase in requests for sustainable materials like bamboo, known for its hardness and regenerative properties. Ultimately, Cox believes that people desire livable spaces, favoring soft materials like velvet, cotton, and linens, and using mid-level lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere. Her approach involves curating an environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional for daily living. #TampaBay #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #CoastalTransitionalStyle #ModernDesign #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #SustainableMaterials #LivableSpaces

The Blue Bottle Zhang Yuan Cafe, designed by Neri&Hu; Design and Research Office, is located in Shanghai's historic Zhang Yuan district. Zhang Yuan, once the most famous garden in Shanghai at the end of the 19th century, evolved into a prominent public and commercial hub, reflecting the emergence of a new urban lifestyle in modern China. The area recently underwent a comprehensive rehabilitation of its historical buildings, culminating in its reopening to the public in 2022. The Blue Bottle Cafe occupies a space within one of these revitalized traditional Shikumen residences. Neri&Hu;'s design for the cafe aims to foster a dialogue between Shanghai's rich historical context and the contemporary urban social sphere, with coffee acting as a central element in this interaction. The project covers an area of 175 square meters and was completed in 2022. The primary architects in charge were Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu, with Qiucheng Li serving as the associate in charge. The design team included Jiaxin Zhang, Xi Chen, Peizheng Zou, Shangyun Zhou, Greg Wu, and Luna Hong. Design Republic was responsible for the decoration and furnishing, and Blue Peak Image Producing Co.,Ltd acted as the contractor. The cafe's design integrates elements that honor the building's historical Shikumen typology while introducing modern aesthetics and functionality suitable for a contemporary coffee shop. Shikumen, meaning "stone gate" in Chinese, refers to a traditional Shanghainese architectural style combining Western and Chinese elements, characterized by strong brick walls and elaborate stone archways. The rehabilitation of Zhang Yuan's buildings, including the one housing the Blue Bottle Cafe, ensures the preservation of these architectural heritage sites while adapting them for modern use. The project uses materials such as glass, steel, and concrete, reflecting a blend of traditional structural elements and modern construction techniques. The interior design emphasizes a connection to the past, likely through the retention of original structural features or the use of materials and finishes that evoke the historical period. At the same time, it provides a welcoming and functional environment for cafe patrons, aligning with Blue Bottle Coffee's brand identity which typically prioritizes minimalist design and a focus on the coffee experience. The cafe serves as a contemporary urban social space, drawing both locals and visitors to experience a piece of Shanghai's revitalized history through the lens of a modern coffee culture. This project contributes to the ongoing architectural discourse in Shanghai, particularly concerning the adaptive reuse of historical structures and their integration into the modern urban fabric. It represents a successful effort to blend preservation with commercial viability, creating a unique destination that respects its heritage while catering to present-day social dynamics. The cafe's location in Zhang Yuan underscores the district's renewed importance as a cultural and commercial center, making it a significant addition to Shanghai's architectural landscape. #CoffeeShopInteriors #HospitalityInteriors #ShanghaiArchitecture #Shikumen #HistoricalRehabilitation #InteriorDesign #NeriHuDesign #AdaptiveReuse #UrbanRevitalization

teamLab, an international art collective, has partnered with TikTok to launch an innovative immersive art and sauna experience in Tokyo called 'TikTok teamLab Reconnect.' This unique exhibition, open until August 31, aims to allow visitors to experience art in an enhanced mental state, referred to as a 'sauna trance.' This state is achieved by cycling through saunas, cold showers, and periods of rest, which are believed to sharpen the senses and clarify the mind, enabling a deeper appreciation of the art. The concept draws inspiration from ancient Japanese traditions, blending this historical pastime with digital and immersive art. The exhibition features various saunas, each equipped with colorful lighting and calming scents, followed by a cold bathing area. After this cycle, visitors enter one of five immersive art installations. The experience encourages repeating this process before viewing each new art piece. The installations showcase several of teamLab’s signature boundary-defying works, including pieces from their new project, 'Supernature Phenomena.' Notable installations include 'Levitation,' 'Ephemeral Solidified Light,' 'Proliferating Immense Life in the Rain,' and 'Step into the Light Circle.' These pieces incorporate elements such as levitating orbs that pulsate with energy and color, and floating crystals of solidified light, creating an otherworldly environment. The exhibition challenges conventional notions of art viewing by integrating a physical and mental conditioning process. In collaboration with TikTok, teamLab also developed an augmented reality (AR) piece called 'Every Life Survives in Fluctuating Space,' which can be experienced remotely through the TikTok app. This extends the accessibility of the art beyond the physical exhibition space. The entire experience of 'TikTok teamLab Reconnect' is designed to be unconventional, pushing the boundaries of how art is perceived and interacted with. Further details about the exhibition are available on teamLab's official website. #TeamLab #ImmersiveArt #SaunaExperience #DigitalArt #ArtInstallation #TokyoExhibition #TikTokCollaboration #SupernaturePhenomena

The Floral House, a newly renovated three-story home in San Francisco's Bernal Heights, has garnered significant attention online and in its neighborhood due to its unique and whimsical design. This transformation, from a typical 1980s flat-top house into a "tulip fever dream," was conceived and executed by DIY designer and social media influencer Tay “BeepBoop” Nakamoto. Documented on Nakamoto's TikTok, where she has 1.9 million followers, the 2,300-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bath residence underwent a comprehensive overhaul in just five months. Key features of the Floral House include a custom two-story tulip mural on its exterior, a dedicated covered "catio" for the owners' two cats, and an elaborately designed movie screening room. Nakamoto undertook this ambitious project for clients who allowed her creative freedom, resulting in distinctive elements such as a custom squiggly handrail, a custard-colored rug resembling a waterfall on the staircase, bespoke swirly wallpaper, and a custom blue scalloped bookcase with movable shelves. This project represents a significant milestone in Nakamoto’s personal and professional journey, symbolizing her transition from a tech career to design and her efforts to find a creative outlet amidst mental health struggles. Nakamoto, 30, openly discusses her bipolar disorder diagnosis on social media, explaining that her initial foray into home design, which she terms "dopamine design," began during the pandemic. After purchasing a $1.2 million Victorian condo in the Mission in 2020 during a manic episode, she started transforming her home with DIY projects to combat feelings of being trapped by the pandemic and health issues. She integrated vibrant colors and whimsical elements into every room, aiming for her living space to be a source of happiness. Her rise to social media stardom began unexpectedly when a 14-second video of her creating a plant wall in her bedroom went viral. This success motivated her to continue documenting her home makeover, eventually providing a financial incentive to pursue design full-time. Despite her large social media following, Nakamoto expresses a dislike for the influencer label and does not consider herself an interior designer in the traditional sense, preferring to be seen as someone who enjoys decorating and creating "happy places." Her career path was further shaped by a tech layoff in 2023, which pushed her into full-time influencing and led to projects like the Floral House. With the Floral House completed, Nakamoto is now focusing on smaller community-based projects, such as collaborating with a local jeweler for a benefit ring design for Maui’s wildfire victims and helping local businesses update their storefronts. She is also engaged in decorating her new residence, which she calls the Dream House, viewing it as a symbol of a positive new chapter in her life. The Floral House, therefore, stands not only as a testament to her unique design aesthetic but also as a powerful representation of her personal evolution and resilience. #FloralHouse #TikTokDesign #TayBeepBoop #HomeRenovation #DopamineDesign #SanFranciscoHomes #InteriorDesign #DIYProjects #SocialMediaInfluencer

Water, a symbol of tranquility and clarity, serves as a significant source of inspiration for product designers, injecting movement, freedom, and flow into interior spaces. This article highlights nine home design products that uniquely capture the essence of water, showcasing a diverse range of interpretations from various artists and brands. Each featured design demonstrates how water's fluid characteristics, reflective qualities, and symbolic meanings are translated into tangible home furnishings. The featured designs include interlocking handblown vases from Manu Nanu, created by artist Mansi Shah. These vases are designed to fit together like molecules, with the glass itself mimicking water and casting shifting shadows when exposed to sunlight. Beacon Custom Lighting's Pond decanter, designed by New York City architect Dean Maltz, extends a theme previously explored in a ceiling lamp that evoked a water drop. The handblown carafe features a bulbous glass filament rising from its center, reminiscent of a splash in a pool. Tina Scepanovic, a Chinese American artist, draws on her experience as a competitive swimmer to infuse her Narcissus catchall with the 'hidden power' of water. She translates the loose gestures of Chinese brush painting into metal sculpture, aiming to capture the object's 'qi' or vital energy, conceptualizing the pool form as a portal to another dimension. Joseph Algieri, a New York City designer, presents Construction vases where pigmented foam appears to break through ceramic barriers, challenging the conventional containment of water and emphasizing its transformative power. Italian designer Paola Navone, a self-proclaimed Pisces, created the nautical-inspired Oblò lighting collection for Lodes. These pendant lamps, named after the Italian word for 'porthole,' are suspended like buoys, creating an oceanic sway with milky white or limpid blue glass diffusers. Oki Sato, founder of Tokyo design studio Nendo, developed the Windy collection of grès porcelain tiles. These tiles feature subtly incised patterns that emulate the marks a breeze makes on water surfaces, rice paddies, and grasslands, available in various colors. Golnar Roshan of Rive Roshan, an Amsterdam design firm, designed the Fluid rug collection for Moooi, inspired by the light and sky reflecting and rippling on the canals outside her studio. These rugs are available in both rectangular and circular forms. Kast, an English concrete basin company, offers the Wave series, including the Tilde, Dune, and Prim fixtures, which complement the inherent water theme of bathrooms with their curvy forms and a palette of 28 colors, such as Storm (blue) and Brick (terra cotta). Lastly, the Tanba basket by Enkay features a sinuous rim that traces the lines of a river. Asha Chaudhary, the company's founder, highlights the enduring appeal of water motifs in interior design for the softness they impart to spaces. These handwoven baskets are crafted from ilala palm leaves sourced from Zimbabwe. Together, these nine products illustrate how water's symbolic and physical attributes continue to inspire innovation and creativity in contemporary home design. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #WaterInspired #ProductDesign #LuxuryHome #ArtisanCraftsmanship #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #CeramicArt

The Heytea Lab flagship store in Shenzhen, designed by Tomo Design, exemplifies new consumerism and experiential design, targeting millennials. The project focuses on optimizing every consumption procedure to create an immersive and interactive customer experience, deconstructing consumer demands and feelings to extend the brand's potential value. The design concept integrates traditional materials like stone and brick with contemporary elements such as metals and digital screens, particularly evident at the entrance. The exterior of the flagship store features a landscaped entrance, conceptualized as a futuristic Zen courtyard. This area includes curving benches and custom seating, patterned brickwork, and a steel rock formation, setting an evocative tone before customers enter. This preliminary design element aims to draw visitors into the unique environment Heytea Lab offers. Inside, the store is divided into distinct zones, each with its own character and design elements. The Dessert Lab boasts a silver metal bar counter, contributing to a sleek and modern aesthetic. The Tea Geek Lab is distinguished by a striking sloped ceiling, where various metal textures are employed to add depth and visual interest to the space. Another section, the Illustration Lab, arranges seating at the periphery, creating an illusion of expanded space and an immersive experience for patrons. A minimalist seating area within the store offers views of the leafy outdoors, establishing a visual connection between the tea product and its natural origins. This design choice reinforces the brand's association with nature and freshness. The Ice-making and Dessert Lab further showcases textured metal bar counters and carefully arranged clusters of lights, enhancing the futuristic and sophisticated ambiance of the space. A central feature of the building is a geometric steel staircase, around which an LED screen is integrated. This screen continuously injects color and dynamic moving art into the environment, serving as a focal point and contributing to the overall futuristic and engaging atmosphere of the store. The overall design emphasizes a harmonious interaction between landscape, objects, and people, encouraging engagement and creating a memorable visit for customers. Through these varied design elements, Tomo Design successfully crafts a multi-sensory experience that reflects Heytea's innovative approach to retail and brand engagement. #HeyteaLab #TomoDesign #ExperientialDesign #RetailDesign #FuturisticInterior #ShenzhenArchitecture #TeaShopDesign #ModernInteriors

The Fanshan Alunite Mine in Lujiang, Hefei, is a historically significant industrial heritage site that ceased operations in 2001 after market decline in the 1990s. The closure left behind dilapidated factories and crystallization ponds, leading to ecological deterioration. This project by FLIP studio, completed in 2025, aimed to transform the abandoned industrial site into a vibrant retail interior spanning 2165 m². The design team, led by Kailun Sun and Zhiming Wang, sought to leverage the unique historical value and spatial potential of the site, which had almost faded into oblivion. The core of the design philosophy revolved around a two-pronged approach: preserving the industrial memory while injecting new vitality through contemporary interventions. The existing structures, such as the main water tower, were not demolished but repurposed as central elements, symbolizing the site’s past. For instance, the main water tower, a key feature of the former mine, was integrated into the new design, serving as both a historical anchor and a functional component of the renovated space. The design team carefully considered how to maintain the site's authentic industrial atmosphere while adapting it for modern retail use. Material selection played a crucial role in achieving this balance. The project utilized a blend of concrete, glass, and steel, reflecting the industrial origins of the site while introducing contemporary aesthetics. Concrete was employed to maintain a sense of robustness and connection to the original factory buildings, while glass and steel were used to create transparent and open spaces, allowing natural light to penetrate deeply into the interiors. This material palette aimed to create a dialogue between the old and the new, ensuring that the historical context remained palpable within the modern environment. One significant challenge involved addressing the deteriorating ecological environment left by the mining operations. While the article does not detail specific environmental remediation efforts, the focus on transforming the abandoned site implies a broader revitalization goal. The integration of the crystallization ponds, though not explicitly described in terms of environmental restoration, suggests an approach that acknowledges and incorporates the existing natural and industrial features. The transformation into a retail interior implies a new functional life for the area, potentially drawing people back to a site that was once a source of environmental concern. The design incorporated various elements that nod to the site's industrial past. For example, the overall layout and structural elements were conceived to echo the functional geometry of industrial facilities. The choice of interior photography showcasing glass, steel, and beam structures further emphasizes the industrial aesthetic maintained throughout the renovation. The project's success lies in its ability to transform a derelict industrial landscape into an engaging retail experience without erasing its historical narrative. This approach provided a new chapter for the Fanshan Alunite Mine, converting a symbol of decline into a new community asset and retail destination in Hefei, China, while preserving its unique character. #RetailInteriors #IndustrialHeritage #ArchitecturalRenovation #UrbanRevitalization #HefeiChina #FLIPStudio #AdaptiveReuse #InteriorDesign #ConcreteArchitecture

Miyabi by Sunaba, situated at a bustling intersection within a modern complex in Tokyo, Japan, is a Japanese tearoom designed to function as a versatile spiritual sanctuary. The project aims to celebrate the ancient Japanese tea ceremony while seamlessly transitioning between everyday commercial activities and traditional Japanese practices. The design integrates calming natural elements into an urban setting, creating a quiet space that evokes a Zen ambiance through a deliberate sequence of spatial movements, warm lighting, and traditional Japanese architectural features. The primary objective is to provide visitors with an immersive and extraordinary experience through carefully considered spatial development. Drawing inspiration from the traditional tea ceremony's concept of Shichu no Sankyo, which signifies a mountain retreat within the city, Sunaba incorporates a small tea garden, or Roji, to bring the tranquility of nature into the urban environment. A narrow Roji path, characterized by small rocks and dark wooden paneling, marks the transition from the city's hustle. This path guides visitors into the tearoom, enveloped in a contemplative atmosphere created by warm wooden interiors and stone-lined walkways. As individuals proceed through the softly lit space, corrugated glass diffuses natural light, contributing to a sense of spiritual purification. Inside Miyabi, the layout is structured around the sacred Koma space, which is the small, intimate area for the tea ceremony. This central space is surrounded by a Mizuya (preparation room) and the Roji, ensuring a quiet and secluded environment for the ritual. To further enhance the tearoom's privacy and serenity, the architects installed a 100 mm thick corrugated glass screen along the condominium's large glass wall facade. This screen effectively attenuates external sound and light, maintaining a peaceful atmosphere suitable for the tea ceremony. The design ensures that the space remains adaptable, capable of hosting various commercial activities while retaining its spiritual core and traditional aesthetic. #JapaneseArchitecture #TearoomDesign #ZenDesign #TokyoArchitecture #UrbanSanctuary #TraditionalJapanese #SpatialDesign #NatureInspired #SpiritualSpace

Mifune Design Studio has implemented an innovative and interactive design concept for Room 211 of Hotel T'Point in Osaka City, Japan. The project redefines the spatial arrangement of a hotel room by utilizing three flexible partitions, inspired by shower curtains, to delineate different functional areas. This approach challenges conventional hotel room layouts, which typically feature fixed walls, by offering guests the ability to reconfigure their immediate environment. The core idea behind this design is to create a dynamic and engaging experience for the guests. Instead of static boundaries, the translucent curtains can be moved to enclose or open up the bed, shower, and toilet areas. This flexibility allows guests to personalize their space according to their preferences and needs at any given moment, transforming the act of defining space into a 'graceful dance'. The studio intentionally placed these essential functions in close proximity to emphasize the need for their concealment, thereby highlighting the curtains' role. The design aesthetic of Room 211 is minimalist, with decorative elements purposefully omitted. This stripped-back environment ensures that the interaction with the movable partitions becomes the primary visual and experiential focus. The 'dance' of the shower curtains serves as the room's sole decoration, drawing attention to their material quality and the way light interacts with them as they are repositioned. This absence of traditional decor encourages a more thoughtful engagement with the spatial dynamics. A key functional detail in the design is a slight inclination of the floor around the shower area. This subtle change in elevation is the only physical differentiation in the floor plan, serving the practical purpose of containing water while maintaining the overall fluidity of the space. While curtains are commonly used to prevent water splashing, Mifune Design Studio expands their utility beyond this conventional role, showcasing their potential as versatile architectural elements. The project, named 'Room 211 (Hotel T’Point)', was designed by Yasutoshi Mifune of Mifune Design Studio. Located in Osaka City, Osaka, Japan, the hotel room covers an area of 42 square meters. The primary materials used are shower curtains, plaster, and concrete, chosen for their practical and aesthetic qualities within the minimalist scheme. The construction was carried out by Obai Carpentry Shop, and the photography was done by Yasunori Shimomura. This design was submitted to designboom through its 'DIY submissions' feature, inviting readers to share their work for publication. The design offers a unique perspective on hotel room functionality and guest interaction, prioritizing adaptability and interactive spatial experiences over static room layouts. #HotelDesign #ShowerCurtains #FlexibleSpace #MinimalistDesign #InteractiveDesign #SpatialDynamics #YasutoshiMifune #HotelTPoint #OsakaArchitecture

This article details the journey of Amy and Bruce Paul in designing and decorating their 11,000-square-foot home in Rye, New York, focusing on integrating their extensive art collection into a cohesive interior design. Having previously lived in a post-modern home with traditional furnishings and a growing contemporary art collection, the Pauls sought to create a new residence where the exterior architecture and interior aesthetics were harmoniously aligned with their personal taste in design and art. Their objective was to construct a home that could comfortably accommodate their family of six while optimally showcasing their practiced and perfected collection of paintings and sculptures. The couple acquired a 13-acre estate in Rye before the 2001 World Trade Center attacks, subdividing it into seven lots and reserving a two-plus-acre parcel for their own home. They collaborated with builder Michael DiChiaro to construct a six-bedroom, seven-full-bath residence that offers views of a wooded yard, later enhanced with a pool and waterfall by Coral Sea Pools, and adorned with bronze sculptures by Mexican artist Bruno Luna. For the interior design, Amy Paul enlisted Joseph R. Stabile of J.R. Cattington, who had previously worked with them. Stabile and his team were involved from the ground up, providing input on architectural design, interior finishes, electrical layouts, and lighting selection. Stabile chose a palette of cream and gold to complement the Pauls' artwork and suggested structural modifications, such as adding a doorway to improve flow in the formal living room. Amy's primary design directive was for a "light and bright" home, which was achieved in the living room through buttery gold satin-striped fabric from Robert Allen for window treatments and crystal wall sconces by Crystorama. This room serves as a gallery for various notable paintings, including works by Janet Treby, Liane Abrieu, and Russian artists. The soft color scheme is accented by silk brocade wing chairs with colorful throw pillows and fuchsia and silk rugs from China. The family room continues the luminous theme with yellow walls, a toile pattern by Antonia Vella, Seabrook wallcoverings, and similarly colored fabrics in lemon, green, and persimmon for window treatments, pillows, and side chairs. Crystal chandeliers from Murano, imported by Castilian Imports, were chosen to coordinate with paintings by Isaac Maimon and Charles Levier. The coffered ceiling in a green apple shade with cream-colored woodwork further enhances the vibrant, garden-like atmosphere. Bruce Paul's personal space, a clubby card room, contrasts with Amy's preferences, featuring dark wood paneling, built-in bookcases, a bar, and masculine fabrics. This room, separated from the family room by a stone-front fireplace, includes Biedermeier chairs with leopard-print fabric and various personal artifacts. Stabile designed the fireplace with intricately carved mahogany lions and used a Serengeti Leopard carpet to connect Bruce’s adjoining office. The Pauls' children, Joanna, Ryan, Matt, and Jason, also contributed to the design of their respective bedrooms and bathrooms, incorporating elements such as Masland Carpets, Bernhardt furnishings, and Thibaut wallpapers. The master bedroom, with its vaulted ceiling, presented a challenge in scale, addressed by Stabile using Highland Court silk brocade for a cornice "headboard" that coordinates with custom curtains. The article highlights the Pauls' passion for art collection, which began with a French artist Charles Levier painting and expanded to include works from their travels to Europe, South America, Asia, and the Southwest. Despite concerns about diminishing wall space, their quest for art, driven by personal connection and memories from their travels, continues. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #ArtCollection #LuxuryHome #RyeResidence #JosephStabile #CustomDesign #ArchitecturalFeatures #PersonalStyle