common integrates microbakery and pizzeria within flexible hybrid interior in berlin

Rome-based SET Architects has transformed a 70 sqm apartment in central Milan into a dynamic hybrid space, seamlessly integrating living and working areas. This renovation challenges traditional notions of residential design by offering a flexible environment for a young user, emphasizing a home office setting. The design approach focuses on maximizing the potential of the existing structure, turning perceived constraints into functional advantages. For instance, a residual corner created by a lift shaft is repurposed as a dedicated office space, optimizing every inch of the apartment. The renovation minimizes extensive masonry work, primarily limiting demolition to a single wall to connect two rooms, forming a unified living and dining area. This strategic intervention enhances the spatial flow and visual connectivity within the apartment without compromising the definition of individual zones. Natural light plays a crucial role in the design, with careful consideration given to its distribution to accentuate the intimate proportions of the various spaces, ensuring a bright and inviting atmosphere. A deliberate choice of a neutral and warm color palette contributes to a calming and welcoming ambiance, suitable for both productivity and relaxation. The flooring features light gray micro-cement, providing a subtle and sophisticated base, while walls and other surfaces are painted in a warm white hue. This cohesive color scheme establishes a serene backdrop that highlights the apartment's architectural features and custom furnishings. Customization is central to the project, with all furnishing elements and finishing details meticulously designed and crafted from birch plywood. This material was selected for its distinctive light grain and soft tones, adding a touch of natural warmth to the interior. These bespoke furnishings are tailored to the user's specific needs, ensuring functionality and adaptability within the flexible living space. The overall design reflects a contemporary approach to urban living, where spaces must evolve to accommodate diverse activities and individual preferences. SET Architects' project in Milan exemplifies how thoughtful architectural intervention can redefine small urban apartments, creating versatile and visually connected environments that cater to modern lifestyles. The integration of a home office within a residential setting, achieved through careful planning and material selection, demonstrates a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution for optimizing limited space. The result is an apartment that feels both expansive and intimate, designed to support a dynamic daily routine. #HybridRenovation #MilanArchitecture #HomeOfficeDesign #FlexibleLiving #SETArchitects #ResidentialInteriors #BirchPlywood #SpaceOptimization

The Hans & Werner Kantine, a restaurant project located on the modernist Siemensdam campus in Berlin, Germany, was completed in 2021 through a collaboration between van Baal interior design and Tomasz Budnicki. The project, spanning 480 square meters, involved transforming the ground floor of an old factory building into a vibrant dining space. The design approach focused on creating a "canvas for human interaction" rather than a self-contained space, blending the architectural heritage of the modernist campus with the contemporary character of Berlin's new office district. Yves Sucksdorff provided the photography for the project, and Forbo was a key manufacturer. The restaurant's interior emphasizes an open and flexible layout to foster various forms of social interaction among its patrons. The designers aimed to create a welcoming and dynamic environment suitable for both casual dining and more structured gatherings. The choice of materials, lighting, and furniture contributes to this atmosphere, ensuring functionality while maintaining an aesthetic connection to the building's industrial past. The 480 m² area allowed for distinct zones within the restaurant, accommodating different dining experiences and traffic flows. The design considerations extended beyond mere aesthetics to the practical aspects of a high-traffic restaurant environment. Key design elements include the strategic use of natural light, which filters through large windows, enhancing the sense of openness and connecting the interior with its surroundings. Artificial lighting is integrated to complement the natural light, ensuring a comfortable ambiance throughout the day and evening. The furniture selection features a mix of communal tables and smaller, more intimate seating arrangements, providing versatility for various group sizes and preferences. The color palette and finishes were chosen to reflect a modern yet timeless appeal, harmonizing with the existing architectural features of the factory building. The project demonstrates how an adaptive reuse approach can breathe new life into historical structures, transforming them into functional and aesthetically pleasing contemporary spaces. The collaboration between van Baal interior design and Tomasz Budnicki was central to achieving this balance, bringing together expertise in interior aesthetics and architectural principles. The Hans & Werner Kantine serves as a model for integrating new functions into old buildings while respecting and enhancing their inherent character. Its location within a prominent modernist campus further underscores its role in the evolving urban landscape of Berlin, offering a contemporary social hub within a historically significant context. The design process involved a detailed assessment of the existing factory structure, identifying opportunities to preserve its industrial charm while incorporating modern amenities and design trends. The goal was to create a space that feels both historic and current, inviting and efficient. This balance is crucial for a restaurant, which must cater to the practical needs of service and operation, as well as the experiential desires of its customers. The successful execution of the Hans & Werner Kantine highlights the potential for interior design to act as a catalyst for community and interaction within urban environments, showcasing a thoughtful interplay between past and present. #HospitalityArchitecture #RestaurantDesign #BerlinArchitecture #InteriorDesign #AdaptiveReuse #ModernistCampus #UrbanRenewal #ArchitecturalHeritage #TomaszBudnicki

Architect and designer Ana Arana has developed the Gali system, a portable, ultra-compact micro kitchen designed to address the challenges of living in small apartments where space is at a premium. The Gali system is conceived as a solution for individuals residing in compact living environments, aiming to minimize the footprint of a kitchen when it is not in use. The design allows the kitchen components to unfold and expand, much like a Swiss Army knife, when cooking or food preparation is required. The Gali system was publicly introduced at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair during NYCxDesign week, where it encouraged attendees to reconsider traditional kitchen layouts and their potential for space efficiency. Arana, based in Madrid, drew inspiration for the Gali from her personal experience of living in a small apartment with a disproportionately large kitchen, which she perceived as an inefficient use of space. Her research further indicated that kitchen designs have remained largely unchanged since their post-World War I standardization, suggesting a need for innovative approaches to modern living requirements. The Gali project thus represents an effort to modernize kitchen functionality to better suit contemporary urban dwelling. When fully closed, the micro-kitchen unit resembles a conventional dresser, allowing it to blend seamlessly into living spaces and occupy minimal room. Upon activation, various modules can be extended to reveal a fully functional kitchen. These modules collectively house essential kitchen components, including a sink, a stove, a refrigerator, and an appliance space capable of accommodating a microwave or toaster. Additionally, the system integrates a trash can, a countertop for food preparation, and storage compartments for utensils, plates, and other kitchen tools. The design ensures that all these elements are contained within a structure that can be compactly folded down to occupy less than nine square feet, maximizing spatial efficiency. The countertop component is designed to flip out, effectively doubling the available preparation surface area when the kitchen is in active use. This feature highlights the system’s adaptability and its ability to provide comprehensive functionality within a constrained physical footprint. The Gali system includes ample storage solutions, with drawers and compartments dedicated to organizing kitchen essentials, contributing to an uncluttered and efficient cooking environment. Arana’s prototype for the Gali system was developed with an estimated cost of approximately 2,500 euros. Currently, Arana is actively seeking manufacturing partners to facilitate the production and market introduction of the Gali system. Her objective is to make this innovative micro-kitchen solution accessible to a broader audience, thereby offering a practical and space-saving alternative for modern apartment living. The Gali system reflects a thoughtful approach to interior design, aiming to optimize functionality and living comfort in compact urban homes. #microKitchen #smallSpaceSolutions #modularDesign #urbanLiving #interiorDesign #spaceSaving #AnaArana #productDesign #compactLiving

The Commons, a SoHo test kitchen and event space for Tasting Table, was designed by Float Studio with a primary focus on versatility and adaptability. Designer Barbara Giacoman aimed to create a space that could seamlessly transition between various functions, including a test kitchen, a video set, and an event venue, while still offering a sense of comfort and refuge. The design ethos centers on maximizing functionality without compromising aesthetic appeal. The core of the design revolves around a flexible layout featuring moveable islands. This allows the space to be reconfigured quickly and efficiently to suit different needs and accommodate a range of chefs and activities. The islands serve as dynamic elements, enabling multiple work zones or a more open plan for events. This adaptability is crucial for a multi-purpose space like The Commons, which hosts diverse culinary and media activities. Beyond functionality, the aesthetic elements contribute to the warm and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen is defined by oxblood cabinets, which add a rich, distinctive color and a touch of sophistication. These cabinets are complemented by matte-finished hardware, providing a subtle yet elegant detail that enhances the overall contemporary feel of the space. The material palette and finishes were carefully selected to be both durable and visually appealing, suitable for a high-traffic professional kitchen and event space. Natural light plays a significant role in the design. Sunlight floods the space through large windows and a skylight, creating a bright and airy environment. This abundance of natural light not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to a more pleasant and productive working atmosphere, which is particularly beneficial for a test kitchen where precision and visual presentation are important. Potted plants are strategically integrated throughout the space, adding elements of greenery and nature, which further contribute to the feeling of comfort and well-being. The design also capitalizes on the architectural features of the building, specifically the 12-foot-high ceilings. These high ceilings contribute to an expansive and open feel, preventing the space from feeling cramped despite its multi-functional nature. They also allow for better air circulation and provide an impressive backdrop for events and video shoots. The kitchen area seamlessly opens into an adjacent lounge area, further extending the functional and social possibilities of The Commons. This integration allows guests to move freely between cooking demonstrations, dining, and relaxation, making the space highly suitable for various social gatherings and corporate events. Overall, Float Studio's design for The Commons successfully balances practical requirements with aesthetic considerations. The innovative use of moveable elements, combined with thoughtful material choices, natural lighting, and a connection to a lounge area, creates a highly functional and inviting environment that can effortlessly transform to meet the diverse demands of a modern culinary and event space. #TestKitchenDesign #EventSpace #SoHoDesign #FlexibleLayout #InteriorDesign #CommercialKitchen #FloatStudio #OxbloodCabinets #NaturalLight

This article explores innovative kitchen design trends, focusing on the offerings of BauTeam, a German kitchen manufacturer, as showcased at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS). BauTeam positions itself as 'German Kitchen Tailors,' emphasizing furniture-like design, superior engineering, and advanced functional hardware. The company's KBIS exhibit featured a particularly notable "party pantry" within their SM45 kitchen, designed by Natasha Shtapauk. This conceptual kitchen, inspired by "Fifty Shades of Gray," incorporated sleek, high-gloss finishes, integrated lighting, and an enclosed bar with custom accessories, all dominated by gray and black tones. A key feature was the use of full-height pocket doors made of black-and-white marble veneers over aluminum honeycomb, concealing the martini bar. Another push-to-open door in black walnut revealed the "party pantry" itself, a plush-walled room with a disco ball and provocative dancer imagery, toned down from its racier German counterpart for the American market. Shtapauk highlighted a challenge in the North American design market, where designers often adhere to existing trends like white oak or white Shaker kitchens, even when more innovative, diverse, and affordable finishes are available. She stressed the distinction between understanding design and effectively selling new ideas to clients. The article further discusses the evolving role of functionality in kitchen design, pointing to BauTeam's advanced pocket door system as a significant innovation. This system, demonstrated at KBIS, concealed a sink, stove, and cooktop behind a gray wall of anti-fingerprint finished panels. The doors, operating smoothly and silently, retracted into pockets and returned to a closed position with a gentle nudge, signifying a leap in hardware technology. Shtapauk predicted that such systems would become a crucial trend, allowing homeowners to hide working kitchen elements and clutter, thus maintaining a sophisticated, furniture-like aesthetic in their primary living spaces. Traditionally, German kitchens are known for engineering and functionality rather than design. BauTeam aims to merge these two aspects, bringing world-class design to German engineering. The company's factories in Germany, which include facilities for custom kitchens, accessories, and closets, utilize advanced technology, with machines costing billions of dollars. During the pandemic, BauTeam introduced the "Super American" line, BauBasic modular kitchens built to Imperial dimensions, offering superior design elements at an accessible price point, starting under $5,000. BauTeam's material palette is diverse, incorporating textured thermally fused laminate (TFL) and high-pressure laminate (HPL) in various finishes, anti-fingerprint solids, Alpi engineered veneers, real glass, acrylic, lacquers, and wood. They also work with porcelain, ceramic, and stone over aluminum honeycomb, frequently utilizing materials from suppliers like Cleaf and Egger Wood Products. The article also mentions E.B. Bradley, a West Coast distributor, taking its sales team and design specifiers to Milan for EuroCucina and a visit to Cleaf. This trip aimed to expose designers to the source of high-quality materials and the European design environment. Cleaf, known for its innovative textured laminated composite wood panels, has redefined the TFL category with bold textures and Italian style. Their materials were prominently featured in high-end kitchens at EuroCucina. This initiative underscores the importance of educating designers about advanced materials and encouraging them to explore beyond conventional choices to foster innovation in kitchen design. #KitchenDesign #GermanEngineering #BauTeam #KBIS #InteriorDesign #FunctionalHardware #MaterialInnovation #Cleaf #ArchitecturalMillwork #Cabinetry

Milan, a city traditionally characterized by its quick-stop cafes and limited casual office spaces, has welcomed an innovative concept: Tenoha. This establishment, the second international location for the Tokyo-based concept, integrates a shop, cafe, event venue, and co-working space. Situated in a 2500 sq m former wallpaper factory from the 1930s in Milan's Navigli neighborhood, Tenoha presents a unique blend of Japanese aesthetics and Italian design sensibilities. The interiors, crafted by Milan-based Park Associati, deviate from a direct replication of Tenoha's original Daikanyama location. Instead, the design team aimed to create a space that evokes a contemporary Tokyo as imagined through an Italian lens. This approach, which involved experimenting with the design, was well-received by owner Hiroshi Sato. Michele Rossi of Park Associati emphasized the goal of merging Milanese and Tokyo influences, resulting in visuals that reference the vibrant Daikanyama scene while utilizing materials deeply rooted in Italian design heritage. Key interior elements include cherry wood banquette seating, Horigotatsu-style booths, and a custom gridded lighting system. Notably, shōji screens are adorned with textiles from Milan-based Kvadrat, and the bar is clad in hexagonal kelp-green tiles by Botteganove, which complement the overall deep teal and orange color scheme. At the heart of the expansive space lies a classic Milanese courtyard, offering outdoor seating with bamboo and cherry blossoms—a welcome feature during favorable weather. Beyond its co-working and cafe functions, Tenoha features a shop along Via Vigevano that imports Japanese art gifts and homeware. This includes items like Toyo-Sasaki glassware, tokyobike cruisers, and Kobeha Keikaku stationery. The shop's prominent location and large windows ensure ample daylight and attract curious passersby. The cafe's menu, developed by Hideyuki Manaka of Tokyo's Da Fiore, offers a mix of traditional dishes like Tonkatsu pork cutlets and udon noodles, alongside more innovative options such as Caprese salad with tofu and yuzu Monkfish. While Italian wine is served, the cocktail selection leans towards Japanese influences. A glass wall demarcates the restaurant from the co-working areas, which are furnished with a tiered wooden platform and cushions. This flexible seating arrangement caters to the diverse working habits of Tenoha’s freelance clientele. The establishment is anticipated to draw a large number of designers and design enthusiasts, especially with events like Salone del Mobile, and is seen as a significant addition to Milan’s burgeoning landscape of innovative venues. #MilaneseCafe #JapaneseDesign #CoWorkingSpace #InteriorDesign #CrossCulturalDesign #NavigliNeighborhood #ParkAssociati #MilanLifestyle #ZenSpace

Studio Krubka designed P Home in Bangkok as a hybrid residence and office, skillfully layering diverse functions within a compact concrete structure on a 400 sqm urban plot. This architectural project integrates rental offices, a private studio, and a family home, demonstrating how urban living can maintain a strong connection to natural elements despite its density. The design directly addresses Bangkok's challenging climate, characterized by intense sunlight and heavy monsoon rains, by incorporating features that maximize natural ventilation and daylight penetration. The vertical organization of P Home is central to its design. Parking facilities are located on the ground floor. The second level and its mezzanine are dedicated to office spaces. The residential areas, encompassing the third floor and an upper mezzanine, are distinctly separated yet seamlessly integrated through thoughtful design. Circulation paths within the building are carefully choreographed to create transitions and moments of openness. A red steel staircase serves as the primary vertical access for office users, providing a visually striking contrast to the surrounding fair-faced concrete. For residents, a private elevator offers exclusive access to their living quarters. The residential zone features a central courtyard, a pivotal element of the design, anchored by a mature Crescentia alata Kunth tree. This open-air space functions as the heart of the family home, mediating between interior rooms and the external environment. It allows for natural light, fresh air, and a sense of connection to nature. The act of crossing this courtyard to enter the double-height living room is intended to create a daily ritual that acknowledges and integrates nature into the residents' lives. Large sliding doors, strategically placed skylights, and a retractable fabric canopy are incorporated to manage daylight, facilitate breezes, and offer protection from rain, ensuring comfort and adaptability to varying weather conditions. The interior design of P Home is characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, allowing the inherent qualities of the materials to shape the space. Fair-faced concrete, with its smooth surfaces achieved through steel molds, forms the primary structural and aesthetic component. Glass blocks and perforated bricks are used to filter light and airflow, contributing to the building's climate responsiveness. The combination of these materials, alongside accents like red spray-painted steel, creates an environment where light and shadow play a significant role in defining the spatial atmosphere. This approach aims to create a sanctuary where the solidity of concrete coexists harmoniously with the tropical climate and the daily lives of its occupants. Ultimately, P Home serves as an exploration of how architecture in a dense urban setting like Bangkok can remain open, breathable, and deeply connected to nature. By vertically stacking multiple programs and integrating natural elements, Studio Krubka successfully designed a structure that provides both functional spaces and a serene living environment. The central courtyard, beyond its climatic function, acts as a symbolic link, embedding the rhythm of nature into everyday life within an urban context. #BangkokArchitecture #HybridBuilding #ConcreteArchitecture #GreenCourtyard #TropicalDesign #ResidentialOffice #SustainableUrbanism #StudioKrubka

The Cradle Office Building, completed in 2023 in Düsseldorf, Germany, was designed by HPP Architects with a focus on innovative architectural paths, circular thinking, and creating added value for people, the neighborhood, and the environment. Situated in the diverse urban landscape of the Düsseldorf Media Harbor, the building establishes a distinct architectural identity, emerging from the integration of an integral facade, a timber hybrid construction method, and the implementation of the Cradle to Cradle concept. This project represents a departure from traditional building conventions, aiming for sustainability and human-centric design. The building occupies an area of 11,400 square meters and features a design that prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and environmental responsibility. Key elements of its construction include the extensive use of wood, glass, and concrete. The timber hybrid construction is a central aspect of its sustainable approach, utilizing renewable resources and contributing to a reduced carbon footprint. The integral facade is another innovative feature, likely designed to optimize energy performance and integrate seamlessly with the building's overall aesthetic and environmental goals. The Cradle to Cradle concept, a design philosophy that models human industry on nature's processes where materials are seen as nutrients circulating in healthy, safe metabolisms, is foundational to the project, indicating a commitment to material health, recyclability, and waste reduction. HPP Architects led the design team, with specialized contributions from various engineering and consulting firms. Knippers Helbig GmbH was responsible for structural engineering, ensuring the stability and integrity of the timber hybrid structure. TRANSSOLAR Energietechnik GmbH provided expertise in environmental sustainability, likely influencing the energy efficiency and ecological performance of the building. MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) engineering was handled by Bähr Engineering GmbH, while nees Ingenieure GmbH and Drees+Sommer Advanced Building Technologies GmbH provided additional engineering and consulting services. These collaborations highlight an interdisciplinary approach to designing a complex and sustainable office building. The project's emphasis on sustainability extends beyond its material choices to its operational aspects and overall impact. The building is envisioned to contribute positively to its surroundings, offering a healthy and productive environment for its occupants. Its location in the Media Harbor, a dynamic area, suggests that it also interacts with a vibrant urban context, aiming to enhance the quality of life and work for those who use it and the broader community. The Cradle Office Building stands as an example of how contemporary architecture can combine advanced design with ecological principles to create spaces that are both functional and environmentally conscious. The photographic documentation by Ralph Richter captures the building's exterior, interior, and various design details. These images showcase the interplay of materials like wood and glass, the integration of lighting, and the overall spatial quality of the office environment. The photographs also provide glimpses of the building's context within Düsseldorf, illustrating how it fits into the urban fabric. Site plans and floor plans offer further insight into the building's layout and its relationship to the surrounding area, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to urban integration and internal organization. #OfficeBuildings #CommercialArchitecture #SustainableDesign #TimberHybridConstruction #CradleToCradle #DüsseldorfArchitecture #HPPArchitects #ArchitecturalInnovation

This article details the collaboration between kitchen design specialist Et Lorem and Rotpunkt, a German kitchen manufacturer, to create a sophisticated and functional kitchen for a modern family barn conversion in Buckinghamshire. The project was executed in partnership with the homeowner, Jade Glynn of Willow Home Design, who sought a contemporary living space with a characterful kitchen as its centerpiece, harmoniously integrating with the rustic architectural elements and open-plan layout of her new home. Et Lorem adopted a holistic design philosophy, treating the kitchen, dining, and living areas as a single cohesive unit. This approach ensured that the style, materials, and layout were all strategically chosen to enhance functionality and aesthetics. The focus was on fostering a sense of spaciousness and promoting greater human connection within the home. The chosen Rotpunkt kitchen is lauded for its climate-friendly production, high-quality raw materials, distinctive design, and incorporation of cutting-edge product innovation and technology. The kitchen features contemporary Rotpunkt Ergo LX furniture in a Matt White Lacquer finish for the tall cabinets, pantry doors, and island drawers. Complementing these, Tempo SY furniture in Bardolia Real Oak was used for the base units, end panels, and shelving in both the main kitchen and a hidden walk-in pantry. A notable feature is the innovative access doors in the secret walk-in pantry, also by Rotpunkt, which open in reverse and match the main kitchen's style and finish. When open, these Ergo pantry doors reveal a galley-style pantry, providing convenient storage for food, kitchen supplies, and other household items, effectively keeping clutter out of the main living area. Jade Glynn expressed satisfaction with the Rotpunkt furniture, highlighting its ability to create a captivating centerpiece and its excellent usability and efficient workflow. To add depth and character, Et Lorem blended warm wood cabinetry with classic-style framed white doors, creating an inviting and neutral aesthetic. All Rotpunkt cabinets are equipped with Hendel & Hendel handles in a dark brushed brass finish. The kitchen's focal point is a monolithic island, which subtly references the furniture and hardwood flooring through its warm white marble-effect surfaces with grey-brown veining. Designed at Rotpunkt’s special 910mm height, the island provides ample legroom and a comfortable working height. The five-meter island, which steps down at either end, defines the seating area and features a dramatic waterfall worktop. An angled worktop detail on the dining side draws the eye to a custom bronze panel that mirrors the design of the front door. The design thoughtfully integrates functional elements, such as two standard-height base units flanking the elevated island, providing additional storage and counter space. The culinary zone behind the central island houses a Lacanche range cooker, which adds timeless character and professional performance. This is further enhanced by a custom Dekton-clad cooker hood and open shelving, which soften the space and maintain balance. A Westin extractor unit, designed to conceal practical aspects of an open-plan kitchen, acts as a dominant feature in the cooking area, establishing a visual link between the island and the feature wall. Jade Glynn praised the cooker hood as a standout triumph, transforming a functional component into a notable statement piece that seamlessly blends form and function. Jade Glynn, having previously collaborated with Et Lorem on other residential projects, valued their creative expertise for her own home. She drew inspiration from American-style kitchens, considering the room's grand scale and vaulted ceiling. The final design successfully creates an ergonomic, timeless, and personalized kitchen-living space that reflects her aesthetic while enhancing daily living in the expansive barn conversion. #KitchenDesign #ModernKitchen #Rotpunkt #EtLorem #BarnConversion #OpenPlanLiving #LuxuryKitchen #GermanKitchen #InteriorDesign

This blog post details the complete renovation of a mid-century ranch-style home in New York, originally built in 1954, by designer Amy Courtney. The primary goal of the renovation was to update the property to a modern aesthetic and functional open-concept living space, specifically focusing on transforming the previously closed-off kitchen and dining areas. The project aimed to increase natural light, expand perceived square footage, and improve circulation throughout the home, reflecting both its historical character and the current owners' needs. The original dining room, described as dated and lacking character, had no built-in storage or overhead lighting. The designer's vision was to make it more usable as an entertaining space by incorporating appropriate storage, comfortable furniture, improved lighting, and a cohesive color scheme that extended from the adjoining living room. To achieve this, the millwork from the living room was extended into the dining area, creating a built-in sideboard for ample storage of serveware, craft supplies, linens, and entertaining decor. Floating shelves were integrated into the upper portion of the dining room millwork to provide distinct character while maintaining visual continuity between the spaces. These custom millwork elements were crafted by HB Construction of Westchester. For the dining area's furnishings, vintage chairs were sourced from a Danish seller via 1stDibs and reupholstered in white bouclé to give them a fresh, modern look. A versatile lighting fixture offering both uplighting and downlighting was chosen for task and ambient illumination, featuring a contemporary design. An emerald-colored bamboo silk rug was selected to add a touch of color and anchor the dining seating, consistent with a mid-century modern aesthetic and offering durability. The kitchen, previously separated from the dining room by a small doorway, suffered from a closed-off feel and lacked sufficient light and circulation. To address this, the dividing wall was removed, creating a spacious and inviting open kitchen and dining area suitable for both family life and entertaining. The new kitchen design emphasized practicality and a casual yet curated aesthetic. A breakfast bar/peninsula was installed where the old wall once stood, offering a convenient spot for quick meals and additional counter space. The renovation minimized major plumbing work by retaining the gas stove and sink in their original locations, focusing instead on maximizing functionality and aesthetic appeal. Handmade Zellige tiles from Zia Tile were chosen for the kitchen backsplash, providing a distinctive, artisanal touch with their natural variations in semi-translucent glaze over a warm terracotta base. The kitchen storage incorporates both open and closed elements: custom hand-rolled steel cabinets with glass fronts by Emmanual Delalain for decorative items, and Omega cabinets for utilitarian storage. Drawers were preferred over doors for most lower cabinets to facilitate easy access to pantry items, pots, and pans. Full-height cabinets were added along the fridge wall for extra pantry storage, along with specialized compartments like a cookbook nook at the peninsula and pull-out drawers for spices and cutting boards near the range. All appliances were paneled to ensure a seamless, integrated look. A smart blue-green tone, inspired by Benjamin Moore’s Knoxville Gray, was selected for the kitchen cabinetry to instill a calming vibe that extended throughout the connected spaces. The cabinetry was sourced through Jilco in Westchester, with Omega Cabinetry providing the ideal color match. Breakfast chairs, sourced from a Brazilian artisan via 1stDibs, were chosen to complement the dining room's wood tones, ensuring a cohesive design without being overly coordinated. The overall renovation successfully transformed the home into a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and open-concept living space, demonstrating a thoughtful integration of modern design with the home's original character. The enhanced storage solutions and improved spatial flow contribute significantly to the home's practicality and luxurious feel. #KitchenRenovation #DiningRoomDesign #OpenConceptLiving #MidCenturyModern #HomeTransformation #InteriorDesign #CustomMillwork #SustainableDesign #KitchenStorage

This article highlights a transitional kitchen designed by Becky Shea, showcasing a harmonious blend of organic modernism and industrial design. The designer emphasizes the aim to create a space that offers both warmth and utility, characterized by heart and grit. A key feature of the kitchen is its two-tone cabinetry, combining dark paint-grade finishes with flat-sawn oak in a custom stain. This contrast creates a dynamic visual energy, with the exposed dovetail of the flat-sawn oak providing natural warmth, while the painted cabinetry maintains a modern and streamlined appearance. Industrial elements are prominently integrated through a steel-clad hood and concrete countertops. The bold, architectural hood acts as a focal point, embodying the functional ethos of industrial design. The concrete countertops further contribute to a raw and functional aesthetic, inviting tactile interaction with the space. These materials, like steel and concrete, are chosen for their inherent history and integrity, adding a compelling quality to the design. A significant highlight of the kitchen is a 21-foot span of windows that open directly to an outdoor deck and barbecue area. This feature is central to the organic modernist aspect of the design, promoting seamless indoor-outdoor living. The expansive windows allow abundant natural light to flood the space, enhancing its open, airy, and vibrant feel, thereby connecting the kitchen with the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the upper cabinets feature dimpled chicken wire glass, sourced from an old sewing factory in Detroit. This material choice adds a sense of history and texture, contributing to the soul of the space. The glass offers visual openness while maintaining a degree of separation. The blend of these two distinct aesthetics, organic modernism and industrial design, is presented as natural, given their shared emphasis on material integrity and function. The resulting kitchen is described as timeless, edgy, lived-in, striking, functional, and full of soul, representing a successful convergence of contrasting styles. #TransitionalKitchen #IndustrialDesign #OrganicModernism #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesign #BeckyShea #TwoToneCabinetry #SteelCountertops #NaturalLight

The contemporary UK consumer is increasingly seeking interior spaces that offer a multitude of functionalities, pushing kitchen designers beyond conventional layouts. Matt Phillips, head of UK operations at Rotpunkt, highlights that design professionals are now tasked with incorporating a broad spectrum of skills, moving past traditional kitchen configurations to align with modern lifestyle and design trends. This shift means UK retailers are strategically positioned to design entire ground-floor spaces, not just the kitchen, as clients desire adaptable home environments that harmonize with their individual tastes and societal values. While the kitchen fundamentally retains its four core functions—cooking, cleaning, storage, and socialisation—its role has expanded significantly. Current design schemes frequently include secondary areas for dining, laundry, home entertaining, remote work, relaxation, and even pet care. This demand for multi-use design is a primary driver behind the evolving layouts, necessitating a cohesive integration of furniture, surfaces, and lighting across shared spaces. Designers are encouraged to anticipate client briefs that introduce new zones and disciplines into the kitchen's purview. Custom design elements serve as a crucial avenue for enhancing the utility of the main kitchen. This includes innovative worktables, multi-purpose islands, interchangeable storage walls, walk-in pantries, and discreet utility and laundry solutions. These elements are employed to maximize efficiency and aesthetic appeal. The use of atypical furniture sizes, such as non-standard kitchen cabinets paired with standard-sized units and worktops with increased width, depth, and height, is proving to be a valuable asset. These specialized dimensions cater to the desire for super-sized built-in appliances in open-plan environments and also contribute to improved user ergonomics, supporting proper posture and enhancing the overall kitchen experience. The most prevalent design request today involves creating a unified ground-floor space. This typically features a kitchen with integrated dining, openly connected to the living room, and offering discrete access to laundry facilities. These secondary spaces are designed to function as extensions of the main kitchen, whether for overflow storage, a home bar, a breakfast or coffee station, or as independently linked utility rooms. Careful design planning facilitates the inclusion of complementary TV media units that match the kitchen furniture's style and finish. Furthermore, there is a growing preference for more 'liveable' surface textures, such as wood and glass, over laminate doors. This choice contributes to a more comfortable and inviting aesthetic, effectively blurring the distinctions between the kitchen, living, and dining areas. As multifunctional living spaces continue to gain popularity, it becomes increasingly important for retailers to consider furniture solutions that extend beyond the kitchen to meet customer needs. This presents a significant opportunity for kitchen designers to broaden their skill sets and offer a multifaceted design service. Such a service prioritizes the client's requirements and innovatively leverages existing assets to create highly functional and aesthetically pleasing living environments. #ModernKitchenDesign #VersatileSkillSet #OpenPlanLiving #MultifunctionalSpaces #CustomKitchenDesign #Rotpunkt #HomeInteriors #KitchenTrends #InteriorDesign

The Bardem cocktail bar in Helsinki, designed by local design studio Fyra, offers a modern take on the Speakeasy concept, utilizing ceramic tiles from AGROB BUCHTAL to create a distinctive and atmospheric interior. Completed in 2019, the design centers around a prominent, large bar, illuminated by discreet lighting that contributes to the mysterious ambiance of the space. The selection of ceramic tiles, specifically from AGROB BUCHTAL's Craft series, plays a crucial role in complementing the relaxed mood of the bar and adding visual depth through a vibrant interplay of colors. Fyra's design approach merges traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics, focusing on dark colors and subdued lighting to enhance the Speakeasy theme. The central bar, a focal point, features curved surfaces covered with light, honey-colored wooden panels. These are meticulously arranged with spirits and artistic wall decorations, creating a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere. The integration of ceramic tiles is highlighted as a key design feature, bringing life to the dimly lit interior. The ceramic tiles, a product of a traditional long-time firing process in a classic tunnel kiln, distinguish themselves with their high-gloss glazes and intense colors. This unique manufacturing method, which involves the tiles being fired standing upright and exposed to open flames, imparts a natural, archaic appearance that cannot be replicated by modern horizontal fast-firing techniques. The high-gloss finish of these tiles seamlessly blends with the soft forms and materials present throughout the bar, creating a harmonious environment. To establish a continuous visual flow between the floor and ceiling, the tiles are arranged in horizontal rows, forming a color gradient. This gradient, along with the high-gloss surface, contributes to the dynamic play of light and color within the space, enhancing its visual appeal. The Craft series offers a variety of colors and variants, and for the Bardem Cocktail Bar, Fyra specifically chose mid-grey, olive-green flamed, and benit-blue tiles. Furthermore, the inclusion of centrally placed strip tiles with a wave profile, also in olive-green, introduces a rhythmic, three-dimensional texture to the wall. This texture, depending on the light incidence, generates varied visual effects, adding another layer of complexity and interest to the bar's interior design. The project demonstrates how carefully selected materials and a thoughtful design concept can transform a commercial space into an inviting and unique experience. #CeramicTiles #InteriorDesign #CocktailBarDesign #AGROBBUCHTAL #CraftSeries #SpeakeasyBar #HelsinkiDesign #ArchitecturalFinishes #CommercialInteriors

Pia Mendaro, a Spanish architect, undertook the transformation of a 100 sqm warehouse in Madrid into a flexible living and workspace for her artist friend, Clara Cebrian. Cebrian's request for a home that could adapt over time, similar to a 'Ron Weasley house,' guided Mendaro's approach. The design aimed to be minimal, allowing life to unfold within the space while incorporating specific existing elements, including a kitchen Cebrian had purchased and immovable downspouts. Mendaro emphasized understanding the space as a square, a fundamental concept informing the layout. The central element of Topo's Shed is a semi-hanging platform that serves as the artist's sleeping area. This innovative feature, developed in collaboration with architect Manuel Ocana, was conceived after considering various mobile and enclosed bed designs. The decision to elevate the sleeping space was driven by the desire to detach it from the ground. Thin steel rods and corrugated rounds secure this structure to the ceiling truss, creating an ethereal and spacious sleeping area. The platform is strategically positioned near the gabled roof's opening, allowing light to filter into the space and offering views of the warehouse's horizon. A movable ladder provides access to this elevated platform, which is designed to accommodate multiple people. Additionally, a flight of steps, doubling as seating, leads to a balcony that provides views of the surrounding neighborhood. The layout of the warehouse integrates a discreet bathroom, concealed behind a wall that also separates the kitchen and main living area from the storage facility. The kitchen floor is distinguished by wooden planks, contrasting with the larger cement flooring throughout the rest of the space, a practical choice to maintain cleanliness. The home's design incorporates a lounge area, a hammock suspended beneath the elevated bed, and a substantial open area designated as the artist's studio. The color palette primarily features greys and whites for walls, floors, and ceilings, which are accented by pastel and coral hues in the kitchen cabinetry, furniture, and artworks. Reflecting on the completed project, Mendaro noted one potential area for improvement: the lack of direct sunlight due to the north-facing windows. While this aspect is beneficial for avoiding harsh glare, she considered the future need for curtains to facilitate longer sleep, acknowledging the natural light conditions. The project, named Topo's Shed, was completed in 2020 and is located in Madrid, Spain. It spans a built area of 100 sqm, with Clara Cebrian as the promoter and Fast&Furious Office responsible for production. This design exemplifies an unconventional approach to residential and studio spaces, prioritizing flexibility, adaptability, and a distinctive elevated living experience within a repurposed industrial structure. #PiaMendaro #WarehouseConversion #MadridArchitecture #ElevatedLiving #ArtistStudio #FlexibleSpaces #ArchitecturalInnovation #AdaptiveReuse #InteriorDesign

The article explores a curated selection of modern co-working spaces globally, highlighting their innovative design approaches that cater to evolving working behaviors and post-pandemic needs. These spaces prioritize adaptability, ergonomic soundness, and a balance between aesthetic appeal and functional requirements. Common themes include the integration of natural elements, flexible layouts, and a focus on community and well-being. Fathom Architects designed the No 6 Babmaes Street in London, retrofitting a 1970s building into a flexible workspace with warm decor, rich planting, and diverse facilities. The Malin in New York, conceived by Ciaran McGuigan, emphasizes craftsmanship and curated amenities to foster a contemporary yet inviting environment for the creative community. Kosloff Architecture transformed a hangar at Melbourne Airport into B64N Co-working, cleverly softening its industrial nature with a two-story internal structure and thoughtful furniture. Snøhetta’s Digital Garage in Tokyo offers a serene, boutique office experience for digital nomads, featuring a central Japanese cedar wood furniture piece that reconfigures to serve multiple functions. Campfire & Co's Assembly in Norfolk, Virginia, balances historical context with modern flexibility, providing a wide array of amenities from meeting rooms to a podcast booth. Plantworks in the UK, designed by Marek Wojciechowski Architects and Kono Designs, stands out as an 'urban farm office development' incorporating 10,000 plants to boost well-being and productivity. Roz Barr's Bureau in London's Greenwich Peninsula is presented as a 'hybrid third space,' blending home working freedom with office structure and support, informed by Barr's previous projects like Selfridges’ creative studios. Squire & Partners created The Department Store Studios in Brixton, next to their own office, offering hyperlocal working spaces within an Edwardian structure enhanced with contemporary elements. SODA's Brock House in London's West End revitalizes a historic building with colorful, contemporary design elements, while Studio Besau-Marguerre's co-working space inside Hamburg's Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe offers a bold, acoustically optimized environment. Hawkins\Brown's Clockwise in Wood Green, London, emphasizes a clean, modern interior inspired by the local community. Kinrise's 34 Boar Lane in Leeds is noted for its environmental friendliness, utilizing 100% green energy and sustainably sourced materials. Ivy Studio Inc's Spacial in Montreal transforms former commercial spaces into a vibrant co-working hub with striking colors and patterns. Hutchinson & Partners collaborated with LABS to turn London's Grade-II listed Victoria House into a modern co-working space that respects its neoclassical grandeur while integrating modern amenities. Threefold Architects' Paddington Works in London incorporates wellness principles and advanced air circulation for a safe and craft-focused workspace. SODA Studio's Liberty House in London, for TOG, draws inspiration from its dynamic context and the aesthetic of Liberty London. NeueHouse Bradbury in Los Angeles, designed by DesignAgency, is located in the iconic Bradbury Building, preserving historical features while adding modern furniture and versatile communal areas. Sella Concept's PUBLIC Hall in London blends heritage with modern design in a French Renaissance-style building, fostering collaboration among innovators. Baroness O. and Keper Architecten's Firma + Cantine II in Brussels provides a temporary, minimalist co-work and art space using cost-efficient, reusable materials. Aim Architecture's Shui-On INNO SOCIAL in Shanghai offers extensive workspace across two buildings, weaving wood interiors with social spaces and a 'community loop' courtyard. Studio Alexander Fehre's MATES in Munich provides a bright, relaxed interior for young creatives, featuring flexible working pods and vibrant furniture. Ippolito Fleitz Group's SOHO 3Q WuJiaoChang in Shanghai revitalizes an 1980s department store into a flexible, colorful workspace for millennials, highlighted by a sculptural spiral staircase. Suzy Hoodless's Allbright in London's Mayfair is a female-focused members' club with bright, art-curated interiors and extensive amenities including roof terraces and a spa. Zanon Architetti Associati and Squared Architects' InfiniteArea in Montebelluna, Italy, transformed an abandoned factory into a 'glocal' office campus with polished concrete, timber, and vibrant furniture. Beza Projekt's Warszawski Ul in Warsaw takes inspiration from 'Mad Men' with 1960s-style rosewood panels and brushed gold accents. Beauty Shoppe Terminal Building in Pittsburgh, designed by Beauty Shoppe, integrates maker studios and Bauhaus-themed design with local craft pieces. Piercy&Company;'s Fora in Reading offers a hotel-like co-working experience with bespoke interiors and a focus on internal landscapes. Squire & Partners' The Frames in Shoreditch, London, provides a creative workspace for small businesses, blending warehouse aesthetics with highly crafted details. Alda Ly and Chiara de Rege's The Wing in San Francisco is a women-focused, community-oriented space that complements its historic Beaux Arts-style building with decorative interiors and features empowering women. Beza Projekt’s The Nest in Warsaw creates a flexible, inspiring environment for creative industries with distinct zones and bespoke furniture. Fora and Hassell’s Fora Borough in London, inspired by Borough Market, features a vibrant entrance, rich materiality, and hospitality-focused amenities. WeWork’s Champs-Élysées in Paris utilizes a palette inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Majorelle, incorporating subtropical plants and Moroccan patterns. Squire & Partners transformed Ministry of Sound in London into a chic, shared working space with extensive facilities. Eskew+Dumez+Ripple's The Shop in New Orleans opened up a historic building to create an airy co-working space with a roof deck. WeWork Galaxy in Bengaluru, India, incorporated Indian materials and a five-story communal atrium into its design. Gensler’s The Nest in London serves as a co-working hub for photography, film, and TV production. Valerie Vanermen's Ampla House in Ghent, Belgium, is a collaborative workspace in a former patrician's residence, offering a serene, color-infused environment. Atelier MKD's The Bureau in Paris, located in an art deco building, combines business facilities with a boutique hotel atmosphere. SelgasCano's Second Home Holland Park in London showcases a colorful, biophilic aesthetic within a historically rich building. Natalia Sanchez's Nomad Workspace in Copenhagen, housed in a former courthouse, is a kaleidoscopic environment that blends vintage and bespoke items with art displays. Freehaus' Hermann’s in Berlin's Mitte is a versatile, plant-filled co-working space for food innovation. Going East’s Fosbury & Sons in Antwerp, located in a modernist tower, offers a comprehensive lifestyle experience alongside professional workspaces. #CoWorkingSpaces #ModernWorkspaces #OfficeDesign #Architecture #InteriorDesign #FlexibleWorking #BiophilicDesign #AdaptiveReuse #UrbanInnovation

Febal Casa presents Origina Vol. III, an evolution of its contemporary kitchen design that redefines living spaces through a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality. Origina is conceptualized as an open and modular system where materials, light, and space converge to create a unique sensory experience. The design emphasizes clean lines, suspended volumes, and expressive surfaces, resulting from extensive research into geometric forms, minimalist purity, and material evocative power. This project caters to individuals who view design as an extension of their identity, translating contemporary living into fluid scenarios where elements engage in continuous dialogue within an evolving space. The new Origina compositions highlight modularity, refined finishes, and exclusive details. A central feature is the Atlas island, designed with raised bases and a recessed plinth to create a suspended effect, combining visual lightness with architectural solidity. Its countertop and side panels are available in various Febal Casa finishes, with a perimeter plinth crafted with 45° joints. Another notable detail is the Square fluted doors, which incorporate vertical slats to enhance the natural beauty of wood, creating depth and movement when paired with smooth surfaces. The continuous grain pattern on these doors ensures coherence and authenticity, making each composition unique. Fluidity in design is further seen in the Sinua side panel, featuring a 20 mm radius and rounded corners that extend to countertops and island worktops, ensuring visual continuity. The collection includes a terminal unit with an integrated handle groove, ideal for islands and peninsulas, and wall-mounted solutions. The Daily open column with a hinged door functions as a connective element between the kitchen and living areas, offering elegant access to pantry spaces. Internal baskets with smoked glass inserts enhance the aesthetic of metallic elements, adding a sophisticated touch. The versatile Lapis system, available for wall or freestanding configurations, offers infinite solutions with aluminum uprights and modular elements such as ovens, wine coolers, drawers, 'C'-shaped trays, and various shelves. Vertical LED lighting with adjustable color temperatures further elevates the visual experience. The article showcases six distinct Origina compositions. Origina 01 features minimal elegance with the Atlas island, a steel countertop, and Shadow Oak veneered fronts. It includes a Lapis system with glass and metal shelves and floating base units with an equipped rail. Origina 02 evokes nature with Warm Grey lacquer and Vintage Green accents, incorporating retractable doors and an integrated sink with a Verde Alpi Laminam top. It features a central island with a hob and a Disk circular peninsula for conviviality. Origina 03 combines essential forms with refined materials like Metal Viva Champagne lacquer and Abitum Rigato Black Marble, utilizing 75 cm modules and a worktop with a 45° beveled front edge. Origina 04 offers sophisticated color combinations, featuring a Fenix Rosso Jaipur peninsula, Oxford Grey lacquer base units, and a Line Bronze melamine wall of tall units, creating a multifunctional social hub. Origina 05 highlights tactile fluted veneered fronts and a Monolith block with integrated sinks and cooktops, alongside wine coolers and storage drawers within the Lapis system. Finally, Origina 06 dissolves boundaries between kitchen, living, and architecture, featuring the Atlas island clad in polished Emperador Extra Laminam, bronzed mirror details, and full-height tall units with continuous grain veneered finishes and illuminated glass cabinets, offering a luxurious and technologically integrated living concept. #FebalCasa #KitchenDesign #ModernKitchen #InteriorDesign #ModularKitchen #HomeFurnishings #ContemporaryLiving #DesignInnovation

The field of contemporary architecture is continually exploring innovative approaches to the interior design of sports facilities and wellness spaces. This exploration focuses on incorporating diverse uses, installations, and materialities to attract broader audiences, cultivate novel spatial experiences, and foster the simultaneous engagement in various activities. While each sport necessitates specific architectural considerations, such as the distinct requirements for climbing training facilities, architects and designers are increasingly dedicated to crafting environments that transcend mere physical exercise. These spaces aim to offer a holistic psychological experience, fostering a profound connection between mind and body through physical renewal, relaxation, and social interaction. Adèle Winteridge, founding director of Foolscap, highlights the psychological journey individuals undertake before, during, and after physical activity. She notes that the initial phase, upon entering a gym, involves maintaining a public persona, which sets the stage for the subsequent exercise experience. Beyond the well-documented physiological benefits of regular physical activity, including enhanced self-confidence and overall well-being, its efficacy in alleviating psychological ailments such as depression, stress, and anxiety is also widely recognized. The architectural interventions discussed in this context aim to amplify these psychological advantages by creating spaces that cater to both physical and mental rejuvenation. This trend involves the integration of social and relaxation zones, such as bars or cafes, within athletic facilities. These hybrid spaces acknowledge the human desire for community and post-exercise recovery, moving beyond the traditional, purely functional gym model. The design choices, including material selection, lighting, and spatial arrangement, are critical in shaping the atmosphere and influencing user experience. For instance, the use of natural materials, comfortable seating, and strategic acoustic treatments can transform a utilitarian gym into a welcoming hub for both intense workouts and casual social interactions. Such designs consider the entire user journey, from arrival and warm-up to strenuous activity, cool-down, and social engagement. The evolution of sports and wellness architecture reflects a broader societal shift towards a more integrated understanding of health, where physical fitness is intertwined with mental well-being and social connection. The hybrid gym-bar model exemplifies this by offering a comprehensive environment that supports various aspects of a healthy lifestyle. These interiors are not just about providing equipment for exercise; they are meticulously designed to foster a sense of belonging, encourage sustained engagement in healthy habits, and provide spaces for relaxation and community building. The architectural solutions aim to blur the lines between physical exertion and social enjoyment, thereby making healthy living more accessible and appealing to a wider demographic. The careful consideration of spatial flow, aesthetic appeal, and functional versatility are paramount in achieving these interconnected objectives. #InteriorDesign #SportsArchitecture #Wellness #HealthyDesign #GymBarHybrid #FoolscapStudio #KevinVeenhuizenArchitects #BalbekBureau #RabihGehaArchitects