Lieu Painting Studio / ATELIER MOZH

This article highlights essential items for enhancing a home arts and crafts studio, emphasizing the importance of creating an inviting and inspiring space for creative endeavors. Whether the space is a small corner or a dedicated room, the goal is to improve both functionality and style. Different crafts and art forms have varying requirements, but common needs include easy access to materials, adequate storage, and suitable work surfaces. Potential locations for a home art studio, such as small sheds, attics, or underutilized dining rooms, are also mentioned. Several key items are recommended to immediately improve a creative workspace. Proper lighting is crucial, and while industrial task lighting is common, stylish options with similar functionality are available. Effective storage solutions are paramount for organization. For illustrators and painters, compartmentalized shelves help keep canvases tidy and prevent damage. Slender drawers are suggested for safely storing and easily accessing pens, markers, and brushes, with the added benefit of being stackable for increased storage capacity. Rolling storage carts offer discreet storage and mobility, allowing supplies to be moved as needed within the workspace. Metal lockers, offering a blend of functionality and distinct style in various colors, serve as an alternative to traditional industrial cabinets. Technological tools also play a role in a modern craft studio. A vinyl cutter, such as the Cricut Air, is highlighted for its versatility in creating stickers, stencils, and iron-on patches, often available with starter kits. Pegboard storage systems, a long-standing favorite for garages, are presented as a great addition for organizing small items and hanging tools like scissors and rulers. Comfortable and adaptable seating, such as adjustable stools, is essential for long hours of creative work. Functional tape dispensers, especially those designed to hold various types of tape, combine practicality with aesthetic appeal. For those needing flexible workspaces, a foldable supply cart is ideal for art spaces that need to be tucked away when not in use. A trash can that is both functionally sized and aesthetically pleasing is important for managing waste in a space prone to creative messes. A rolling cart with features like side space for paper rolls and ample drawers offers versatile storage for various art supplies. Flexible work surfaces are critical, with corner desks providing space for both digital and analog work, including raised drafting sections. Chalkboards are recommended for sketching, brainstorming, or reminders, adding an old-school, creative touch. Rotating organizers are presented as an industrial-chic solution for storing small materials like buttons or stamps. Drawered cabinets, reminiscent of antique apothecary furniture, are suggested for housing small supplies. An antique flat file is identified as a high-end, functional, and visually striking item for storing large paper and materials without creasing. A wall-mounted kraft paper roll is highlighted for its utility in note-taking, package wrapping, and sketching. Wire storage baskets offer a durable and easily cleanable alternative to traditional baskets, allowing visibility of contents. For artists who work with analog mediums, a large flatbed scanner is an essential tool for digitizing artwork accurately. Finally, a standing desk or table provides ergonomic flexibility, allowing artists to work comfortably in seated, standing, or intermediate positions, with options for custom accessories. #HomeStudio #CraftRoom #ArtStudio #HomeOrganization #CreativeSpace #WorkspaceDesign #ArtSuppliesStorage #StudioEssentials #HomeImprovement

Displaying art in a home, whether it's a house or a condo, is an artistic endeavor that requires careful consideration of various factors to create impact and harmony within the space. While there are no strict rules in design, according to Ben Leavitt of PlaidFox Studio, there are optimal approaches to showcasing artwork. The size of the living space significantly influences art placement, with larger homes offering more opportunities than smaller condos. Despite size constraints, art is considered essential for bringing life to any space. Happy Home Design, for example, specializes in optimizing art display in small spaces like modern condos, which often have abundant windows, limiting wall space. In such environments, art pieces become more impactful as they face less competition from other artworks. The density of windows in new condo builds necessitates a strategic approach to identifying feature walls and determining appropriate artwork sizes. Artwork chosen for display should allow for "breathing room," meaning individual pieces should have enough surrounding space to be appreciated. For collectors with numerous pieces, the challenge lies in curating these items to provide each piece with adequate space and to thoughtfully juxtapose them to foster a dialogue between artworks. When assisting clients in selecting art, designers consider the homeowners' interests, desired mood for the room, and color schemes. The physical dimensions and scale of the artwork must be proportionate to the furniture and the overall balance of the room. Creating visually engaging vignettes as one moves through a space is also important; blank walls that disrupt the room's balance are opportunities for artwork. In prominent areas like a foyer, a larger artwork can create a significant visual impact compared to a smaller piece on a grand wall. Different rooms call for different artistic considerations. Leavitt suggests that the choice of art for a bedroom versus a living room depends on the desired atmosphere. Calming artwork would suit a serene room, for instance. Practical aspects, such as reflections, are also important; rooms with ample natural light may benefit from art without glass or with non-glare, matte-finish glass to prevent distracting reflections. Family artwork is often preferred in more personal areas, such as bedrooms or hallways leading to private spaces, rather than in public living rooms. Thematic art, like a beach scene, might be appropriate for a bathroom, especially if it relates to family photos or interests. Another approach to displaying art is creating a gallery wall, space permitting. For those who haven't accumulated art over a long period, the goal is to create a curated look that suggests a long-standing collection. This involves selecting diverse pieces that represent stylistic contrasts, ranging from minimalist to vibrant and colorful. A well-designed gallery wall incorporates a variety of frames, including wood, gilded, vintage, and contemporary, as well as pictures on stretched canvas. The inclusion of three-dimensional pieces, such as artifacts from travels, is also recommended to add depth and interest. A common strategy is to start with a primary piece in the center and expand outwards, leaving small sections to be filled with personal items. This method allows for the collection to evolve and grow with the homeowner over time. #HomeArt #InteriorDesign #ArtCuration #GalleryWall #HomeDecorating #SmallSpaceDesign #ArtworkPlacement

Successfully hanging an art collection requires meticulous planning and careful consideration, encompassing everything from selecting appropriate fixtures and frames to creating a cohesive visual narrative among grouped artworks. Experts in art installation, interior design, and gallery direction offer comprehensive advice on optimizing the display of art in domestic settings. The initial step involves a thorough assessment of the chosen space, considering the artwork's size, potential physical obstacles, and the overall visual flow of the room. Guy Morey, operations director at Momart, an art installation service, emphasizes the importance of measuring both the walls and the narrowest points of entry into the building to avoid issues with oversized pieces or artworks that might be too imposing for a home environment. Planning the arrangement beforehand is crucial; collectors can collaborate with installers to experiment with different placements by leaning artworks against walls to determine the most aesthetically pleasing configuration. Some installers leverage 3D modeling software for precise planning. General guidelines exist for hanging height, with a consistent center-line often recommended across all artworks in a room. This center-line is typically set at eye-level or 120 centimeters from the ceiling to the artwork's center, though it may vary depending on the piece's size. Smaller works can be grouped around a shared center-line, while larger pieces might require individual placement. Lighting is another critical factor, influencing both the aesthetic appeal and preservation of an artwork. Interior designer Verity Woolf, director of Woolf Interiors, advises considering natural light exposure to prevent damage and suggests incorporating artificial lighting solutions, such as concealed ceiling lights that can be adjusted to suit different artwork sizes. Frame selection also plays a significant role in an artwork's presentation and narrative. Woolf highlights framing as an art form in itself, noting that an unsuitable frame can diminish a piece's impact, while a well-chosen one can enhance its meaning. Technical details, such as fixings, are equally important. John Paul Black, managing director of Art Works Exhibition Services, recommends implementing a versatile hanging system, such as aluminum rails hidden in cornices with wires, to facilitate easy rearrangement and temporary storage of artworks, especially to protect them from sunlight at certain times of the year. Unlike gallery settings, private homes present unique challenges with limited space and numerous obstacles like furniture, radiators, and fireplaces. These elements can affect the optimal placement and center-line of an artwork. Ben Cotton, director of Hang-Up Gallery, stresses the importance of harmonizing artworks with existing furniture. He advises against rigidly adhering to gallery-style hanging heights in a home, encouraging collectors to adapt to their space to maintain balance. Furthermore, creating a visual connection between artworks within a collection is essential for a cohesive display. This can be achieved through shared color palettes, themes, genres, or even by featuring the same artist, ultimately forming a compelling narrative for the viewer. #ArtCollection #ArtInstallation #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ArtDisplay #FramingArt #LightingArt #ArtPlacement #ArtHangingSystems

Art serves as a transformative element in home décor, offering a means to refresh living spaces and reflect personal tastes without extensive redecoration, particularly beneficial for renters. Experts suggest that a strategic selection and display of artworks can revitalize a home's ambiance, evoking emotions or establishing specific moods. For instance, abstract art with loose, expressionistic marks can create a romantic atmosphere, while a more graphic style can impart a modern, urban feel. The flexibility of art allows for periodic reconfigurations, mirroring how public galleries re-hang their collections, providing a renewed perspective within a home. Practical considerations for hanging art include using small nails for easy patching in rental properties or opting for leaning art against ledges, book stacks, mantelpieces, or consoles for a casual display. When integrating new art, it should complement existing furniture and homeware rather than compete with them. This can be achieved by placing art alongside items with similar aesthetic qualities, such as echoing patterns in a rug or the curves of ceramics, or by creating juxtapositions with personal ephemera like postcards or family photos. Wall-hung art can also provide a visual counterpoint to bulky furniture, acting as a focal point that balances the weight of larger pieces like sofas. Furthermore, carefully chosen art can unify a room by linking disparate design elements, such as contrasting materials or colors, ensuring a cohesive look. Artworks can reflect or complement tones present in fabrics or wood, thereby integrating the room's overall design. Beyond traditional wall art, incorporating usable art, such as art-themed coasters and placemats, can make art acquisition and display more approachable and enjoyable. Artists like Selina Snow demonstrate how personal art collections, including works by family members, travel souvenirs, and her own creations, can be curated against a neutral backdrop to create a unique and personal environment. Snow emphasizes the importance of linking colors and motifs in a way that enhances individual pieces without causing them to blend indistinguishably. She advocates for professional framing for original artworks to ensure their preservation and suggests installing UV protective window film in bright areas. Sculpture also has a place in home interiors, extending beyond gallery settings. Instead of relying solely on tables or plinths, sculptures can be displayed on affordable free-floating shelves at varying heights to create engaging domestic arrangements. For those looking to start an art collection, visiting art exhibitions, auctions, and open-studio events is recommended to discover art that resonates personally. Many galleries offer a 'try before you buy' service, allowing potential buyers to see how art integrates into their home environment at different times of day and in various locations. Before making permanent hanging decisions, it is advisable to experiment with configurations by laying pieces out on the floor. Ultimately, the selection of art should be deeply personal, reflecting what truly speaks to the individual, whether adhering to a specific theme or simply choosing pieces based on intuition, as there is no right or wrong approach to art selection. #HomeDecor #ArtDisplay #InteriorDesign #ArtCollection #LivingSpace #HomeStyling #ArtConsultancy #RoomTransformation #PersonalExpression

This article details the latest project by Open Studio, an emerging Australian architectural practice, focusing on an artist's studio located in Flemington, a suburb of Melbourne. Established in 2005, Open Studio specializes in designing combined and separate live and work environments. The firm is recognized for its innovative and clear approach to architecture, which was crucial for the success of this particular commission. The project originated from two relatives owning adjacent properties in Flemington who decided to remove the dividing fence between their backyards. This action freed up an unusually wide and largely unused garden area, creating the necessary space for the new artist studio. The unconventional placement of the studio, situated between two existing properties, posed a significant challenge for the architects due to Melbourne's strict planning regulations. To navigate these regulatory hurdles, Open Studio devised a solution that involved designing the building as two distinct structures, which were then combined into a single volume. Heribert Alucha, a partner at Open Studio, explained that this approach aimed to reinforce the concept of shared backyard space. The specific positioning of the new building and its angular design elements were intentionally aligned with the actual title boundaries of the properties. The careful placement of the studio within the site resulted in the creation of three distinct landscaped areas: a playground, a vegetable patch, and a seating area. The studio's unique, distorted box-shape, characterized by its angular resections and curves, plays a functional role in defining these separate outdoor zones, contributing to a harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape. The interior of the Artist Studio is meticulously designed, featuring a brightly lit painting studio, a substantial storage and workshop area, a garden shed, and a garage. The internal spaces are characterized by their clean and neutral aesthetic. Although the indoor and outdoor areas maintain their distinct identities, they are aesthetically unified through the generous openings incorporated into the painting studio space, fostering a sense of continuity and connection. Flexibility and clarity are core principles of Open Studio's design philosophy, and these are evident in the Artist Studio project. The Melbourne-based architects have successfully delivered a compact yet beautifully conceived studio on a site that might initially seem challenging. This project exemplifies how thoughtful design can overcome site-specific constraints to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and well-integrated architectural solutions. #ArtistStudio #ArchitectureDesign #MelbourneArchitecture #OpenStudio #ArchitecturalInnovation #UrbanPlanning #ResidentialArchitecture #AustralianDesign

Maison de la Luz, a new hotel from Atelier Ace, offers a serene and intimate escape from the vibrant energy of New Orleans. Located across from the Ace Hotel, this property is housed in a 1908 building that was once a city hall annex. Studio Shamshiri undertook the interior transformation, creating a visually rich environment. The hotel’s design showcases the transformative power of paint color, with bold, saturated hues used throughout to evoke specific moods and atmospheres. Nivara Xaykao, a color expert at Benjamin Moore, provides insights into achieving similar dramatic effects in a home setting. One striking example is the Bar Marilou, which features a high-gloss lipstick red from floor to ceiling, creating a vibrant and enveloping space further enhanced by matching velvet curtains. This bold choice exemplifies going "all the way" for drama. In the breakfast bar, a rich, classic indigo is prominent, appearing on the tented ceiling, wallpaper, and velvet banquettes. Xaykao notes that deep indigo, especially when paired with crisp white, evokes the timeless charm of a traditional toile pattern. The hotel’s lobby presents a dramatic teal, a moody blue-green that complements brass shelving holding silk-tasseled keys, reflecting the opulence of the Art Deco period and offering an elegant contrast to black and white elements. The foyer incorporates a silvery neutral, featuring blue-gray marble panels and striped walls. This warm silvery gray, combined with fresh white, provides a stylish and modern respite amidst antique furnishings and lavish Art Deco textures. Guest lounges utilize an iron accent color for structure. While walls are a pale gray to balance bold furnishings in citrine and tangerine, contrasting blue-toned black trim adds weight and acts as an anchor in a room filled with sumptuous furniture and eclectic artwork. The guest rooms embrace a lavender dream aesthetic, with a bare hint of lavender-gray on the walls. This calming yet sophisticated hue, paired with a wavy blue velvet headboard and warm neutral floors, demonstrates that soothing bedroom colors do not have to be uninspired. Finally, a backdrop gray is used in other areas, providing a pearly off-white shade with a touch of gray. This color is ideal for offsetting bold furniture, pillows, and rugs, creating a cozy and contemplative mood in various nooks and corners. Maison de la Luz serves as a rich source of inspiration for interior design, demonstrating how diverse paint colors can dramatically influence the ambiance and style of a space, appealing to both color enthusiasts and those who prefer more subtle palettes. #MaisonDeLaLuz #NewOrleansHotel #AtelierAce #StudioShamshiri #PaintColorIdeas #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #DramaticInteriors #BenjaminMoore

The Shed, located in New York, United States, is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to commissioning, developing, and presenting original works of art across various disciplines for diverse audiences. Completed in 2019, the building, known as the Bloomberg Building, was designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Rockwell Group. The facility spans an area of 18,500 square meters and is notable for its physical adaptability, engineered to accommodate a wide range of artistic endeavors. The Bloomberg Building features an eight-level base structure. This base includes two dedicated levels for gallery space, providing ample room for art exhibitions. Additionally, it houses the versatile Griffin Theater, designed to host performances and events. The upper levels of the base are home to The Tisch Skylights, which encompass a rehearsal space, a creative lab for local artists, and a skylit event space, offering flexible areas for artistic development and public engagement. A key architectural feature of The Shed is its telescoping outer shell. This shell can be deployed from over the base building and glides along rails onto an adjoining plaza, creating an expansive outdoor performance area known as The McCourt. This innovative design allows the building to physically transform, effectively expanding its footprint and capacity to host large-scale performances, installations, and events, responding dynamically to the needs of different artistic presentations. The project involved a comprehensive team of consultants and specialists to bring its complex design to fruition. Diller Scofidio + Renfro served as the lead architects, with Rockwell Group collaborating on the architectural design. Key consultants included Thornton Tomasetti for structural design, facade engineering, and kinetic engineering services, highlighting the intricate movable structure. Jaros Baum & Bolles handled MEP and fire protection, while Vidaris provided energy modeling consultation. Lighting design was managed by Tillotson Design Associates, and acoustic consultation by Akustiks. Construction management was overseen by Sciame Construction. Vertical transport consultants Van Deusen & Associates contributed to the building's internal logistics. Specialized consultants for the kinetic systems included Hardesty & Hanover, and Fisher Dachs Associates served as theater consultants, ensuring the functionality of the performance spaces. Cimolai was the structural steel fabricator, and Vector Foiltec fabricated the ETFE (Ethylene TetrafluoroFluoroethylene) material used in the outer shell. Additional expertise was provided by Code Consultants Inc. for building codes, Ducibella Venter & Santore for security, Entek Engineering for facade maintenance, James R. Gainfort for waterproofing, and Construction Specifications Inc. for specifications. Graphic design and wayfinding were handled by Other Means. The project's photography was primarily captured by Timothy Schenck, documenting the building's exterior and interior spaces. #CulturalArchitecture #ExhibitionCenter #NewYork #DillerScofidioRenfro #RockwellGroup #KineticArchitecture #PublicArtSpace #ArchitecturalInnovation #BuildingTransformation

The Pergola Community Arts Space, a collaborative project by CLUSTER (Cairo Lab for Urban Studies, Training and Environmental Research), THISS Studio, and Orient Productions, has been established in Giza's Agouza Children's Park in Cairo, Egypt. This independent outdoor arts space aims to counteract the increasing gentrification and commercialization of public spaces in Cairo by providing a dedicated venue for cultural activities and community engagement. The structure is characterized by its bright red color and stands ten meters tall, offering a distinctive landmark within one of the city's few remaining public green areas, located near the Nile riverfront. The project draws inspiration from traditional public bandstands and similar sheltered gathering places, reinterpreting these forms to create a contemporary public amenity. The initiative emphasizes the role of design as a tool for resistance and preservation, particularly in the face of urban development that often prioritizes foreign investment over the maintenance of cultural heritage and communal areas. By providing a vibrant cultural hub, Pergola seeks to foster an emerging arts scene and reinforce the value of accessible public spaces for local communities. The Pergola Community Arts Space spans an area of 84 square meters. It was completed in 2025. The architectural design was developed by CLUSTER and THISS Studio. The artistic programming for the space is managed by Orient Productions, while the artistic consultants for the project are also from Orient Productions. The primary clients for this endeavor are Art Jameel and the British Council, reflecting an international and local partnership in cultural development. The main contractors responsible for the construction were Rabee el Hany and Mohammed Abdul Azm, with a total project cost of £45,000. Materials used in the construction of Pergola include steel and plastic, suggesting a focus on durability and possibly innovative or recycled materials, given the context of urban development and sustainability. The use of these materials contributes to the structure's distinct appearance and functionality. The project was conceived as a public space, falling under categories such as installations and structures, and cultural architecture, highlighting its dual role as both a functional architectural piece and a catalyst for cultural activities. The location in Cairo, Egypt, further underscores its importance in a region where public cultural spaces can play a vital role in community life. The overarching goal of the Pergola project is to offer an alternative model for urban development, one that prioritizes community needs and cultural expression over unchecked commercial expansion. By creating a visually striking and functionally versatile space, the project aims to serve as a new 'beating heart' for Cairo's cultural landscape, promoting artistic endeavors and providing a welcoming environment for public gathering and interaction. This initiative reflects a broader movement to reclaim and revitalize urban public spaces through thoughtful design and community-focused programming. #PublicSpace #CommunityArts #CulturalArchitecture #UrbanDevelopment #CairoArchitecture #Egypt #InstallationsAndStructures #DesignAsResistance

The Mary Heaton Vorse house in Provincetown, a historic home purchased by interior designer Ken Fulk, serves as a unique exhibition space for the Provincetown Arts Society. Rather than a conventional white-box gallery, the house, with its meticulously renovated yet historically preserved interiors, provides a domestic setting for showcasing art. Gene Tartaglia, director of the Provincetown Arts Society, highlights the distinctiveness of exhibiting art within this context, noting that the art “resonates in a way it doesn’t in a gallery.” This approach creates a more intimate and personal connection between the artwork and the viewer, contrasting sharply with the often sterile environment of traditional galleries. The current exhibition, “A Community Affair: PAGA at the Mary Heaton Vorse House,” is the largest to date, featuring 140 works by 40 artists from 14 galleries, all members of the Provincetown Art Gallery Association. This marks the second group show for PAGA at the Vorse house. The interior design, overseen by Fulk, intentionally retains elements of the house's history, such as peeling paint, exposed laths, and worn treads, which are complemented by eclectic furnishings. These historical traces provide a rich backdrop against which contemporary and traditional artworks are displayed, creating a dialogue between the past and present. Tartaglia emphasizes the curatorial process, which involves considering how each artwork interacts with the house's interior. For example, Joel Janowitz’s watercolors of dune pathways are strategically placed next to a window, giving the impression that the pathway leads outside. Rob DuToit’s painting, "The Raft," with its cool tones, harmonizes with the patina of the wall behind it. Joshua Meyer’s "Polyphony," a portrait painted with a palette knife, finds a textural kinship with the exposed wood where it hangs. These thoughtful placements create “vignettes” throughout the house, encouraging close looking and discovery in various nooks and hidden corners. Notable pieces in the exhibition include Jane Paradise’s photograph of a dune shack, displayed in a small bathroom, offering a unique self-reflection moment for the viewer. "Mary’s Room," formerly Vorse’s bedroom, hosts a range of historical and contemporary paintings, including Charles Hawthorne’s full-length female nude, whose demure pose and placement reflect the sensibilities of its era. Another bedroom features Mike Carroll’s abstract painting, "Pareidolia," whose horizontal width corresponds to the bed next to it, inviting contemplation on its title's meaning. Downstairs, Bailey Bob Bailey’s "GLOW" at the east entrance complements and contrasts with the surrounding bookshelves, showcasing its compositional symmetry and stacked forms. The Provincetown Arts Society, under Tartaglia's direction, aims to be a “conduit and collaborator” for existing arts organizations in Provincetown. Beyond exhibitions, it hosts artist residencies, fundraising events, film screenings, dinners, and lectures. Tartaglia curates based on his instinct and personal preferences, believing that if he loves a piece, others might too, leading to sales that support the artists. The unique atmosphere of intimacy and informality at the Vorse house fosters a personal connection between art, artists, and the community, embodying the quirky spirit of Provincetown. The exhibition is open on Fridays from 5-7 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. through May 18, and admission is free. #ProvincetownArtsSociety #MaryHeatonVorseHouse #ArtExhibition #KenFulkDesign #ProvincetownArtGalleryAssociation #CuratorialPractices #LocalArtists #HistoricHome #CommunityArts

This article features an interview with David Godshall, co-owner and principal of TERREMOTO, a landscape architecture firm with offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Godshall, who describes himself as a self-proclaimed punk and art historian turned landscape architect, founded the firm with Alain Peauroi. TERREMOTO specializes in creating localized landscapes that are both formally and conceptually adventurous. The firm currently comprises seven individuals, including Godshall, Peauroi, Diego Lopez, Jenny Jones, Nadia Alquaddoomi, Story Wiggins, and Erik Schmahl. Godshall manages the Los Angeles office, while Peauroi oversees the Bay Area office. This dual-office structure allows them to undertake projects in both regions. Godshall explains that his motivation for starting TERREMOTO stemmed from a perceived lack of conceptual and philosophical depth in landscape architectural work in the United States, particularly in residential projects. He and Peauroi aimed to establish a practice that would enable them to explore innovative ideas and create intellectually and formally distinct work, while also structuring their office in an unconventional manner. Regarding challenges, Godshall notes that in a small office, every team member must be versatile and willing to handle a wide range of tasks. While he acknowledges that this can be a hurdle, he also finds it enjoyable. Cash flow is another occasional concern for the small but growing firm. Despite these challenges, Godshall expresses gratitude for their supportive clients, collaborators, and projects. When asked about scaling the practice, Godshall indicates that maintaining the current size, ideally not exceeding ten people, is a preference. He values the familial dynamic of the present team and believes it fosters creativity, a quality often lacking in larger, more corporate landscape architecture firms. Godshall views mainstream landscape architecture as fundamentally flawed due to its inability to support the creative and philosophical inclinations of its professionals. TERREMOTO aims to operate at the fringes of the profession, taking risks and maintaining an avant-garde approach, rather than becoming a conventional, profit-driven business. However, he acknowledges that this perspective could evolve as the firm and its members grow. The benefits of running their own practice include the ability to define their own rules and integrate work into their lives in a flexible manner. Godshall describes his work-life balance, highlighting that he maintains long hours but still allocates dedicated time daily for his family. The firm also implements an hourly pay model for employees, which, while offering competitive salaries, ensures that team members are compensated for overtime, promoting a healthier work environment and thoughtful time management by the owners. Godshall emphasizes that staying small necessitates honesty and a lack of ego, requiring everyone to be hands-on with all aspects of the business, from client management and conceptual design to construction documents, tree tagging, and even mundane office tasks. This approach has fostered a team of well-rounded, versatile individuals who contribute broadly to the firm's diverse projects and internal discussions, preventing the over-specialization often seen in larger firms. #SmallStudioSnapshots #LandscapeArchitecture #TerremotoLandscape #DavidGodshall #StudioPractice #ArchitecturalInnovation #WorkLifeBalance #CreativeProfession

The article describes the transformation of an old Mexican house into an artist's retreat for financial adviser Dorsey Gardner, located in San Miguel de Allende. Gardner initially sought a small studio but acquired a significantly larger 19th-century cottage, which was later expanded to 12,000 square feet. The property, built in the late 1700s, was surrounded by high walls and presented several challenges. Upon acquiring the property, Gardner faced initial issues, including a dense "cactus farm" on the premises. Hundreds of cacti, including a large candelabra cactus, were carefully relocated. The house also featured numerous false ceilings installed in the 1950s in its oldest section, which architect Sebastian Zavala removed to restore the original height and appearance of the rooms. Zavala also enhanced some ceilings with grand wooden crossbeams and refinished existing 1950s wood doors and windows with a light whitewash. During the renovation, a hand-painted frieze in the primary bedroom was uncovered and preserved. Gardner, who had previously undertaken remodeling projects on his own homes in Boston, entrusted the design of this Mexican property to Zavala and Paris-born, San Miguel–based designer Anne-Marie Midy. Gardner expressed a preference for a neutral aesthetic, distinct from traditional Mexican decor. He provided the designers with inspiration from magazines and gave them "carta blanca" for the project before embarking on an extended trip. Midy, along with her partner Jorge Almada, founded Casa Midy, a design firm specializing in furniture and accessories. Gardner's house became their first major interior design project. He had discovered Midy and Almada at their former bistro, Plum, known for its distinctive all-purple decor, which Midy noted was an effective way to attract clients. Zavala converted the original structure into a three-bedroom, five-bathroom artist's retreat, maintaining the house's Spanish Colonial architectural elements, stone walls, and archways. He added a spacious studio and installed robust columns on the patio, using locally quarried stone. A new second-floor guest room was also added, offering views of the 17th-century parish church's Gothic-style tower, an 1880 addition inspired by European postcards. Midy and Almada adhered to Gardner's request for a more understated Mexican interior design. They avoided extensive use of decorative elements like talavera tiles, except for a minimal application in the kitchen, and chose muted colors. However, they integrated rich local decorative resources, using jute from Yucatán for curtains, linens from local cotton mills, and furniture sourced from regional antiques shops. Even the traditional lime-and-pigment paint was mixed with San Miguel dirt to achieve a warmer tone. Midy and Almada also designed furniture and accessories for the house, such as iron sconces, a leather cocktail table, and bed linens. They collaborated with Zavala to create trench-like fountains inspired by hacienda horse troughs. The project concluded after a year, with Gardner expressing immense satisfaction, declaring the house fit for a king. #MexicanDesign #ArtistStudio #SanMiguelDeAllende #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #SpanishColonial #ArchitecturalRestoration #CasaMidy #LuxuryHome

The H-House, located in a dense neighborhood in Surat, India, addresses the challenge of creating private living spaces that maintain a strong connection to nature. The design, conceptualized by Co.lab Design Studio, reverses the traditional bungalow-in-a-garden model by integrating gardens directly within the house's structure. This approach ensures that residents experience a continuous connection with green spaces, despite the urban setting. The project was completed in 2019 and spans an area of 19,375 square feet. The architectural strategy for the H-House focuses on intertwining the built environment with natural elements. The design incorporates various green spaces, such as courtyards, terraces, and internal gardens, which are seamlessly integrated into the floor plan. This allows natural light and ventilation to penetrate deep into the interior, enhancing the living experience. The choice of materials and the overall aesthetic contribute to a sense of openness and tranquility, contrasting with the busy surroundings. The house features a sophisticated interplay of concrete, glass, and wood. Large glass panels and strategically placed windows blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor areas, offering expansive views of the internal gardens and maximizing daylight penetration. Concrete elements are utilized for their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, providing a contemporary and robust framework. Wooden accents add warmth and natural texture to the interiors, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere. The interior layout is designed to facilitate a fluid progression through spaces, with each area offering unique visual and functional connections to the integrated green zones. Living areas, bedrooms, and common spaces are arranged around these natural pockets, ensuring privacy while fostering a sense of expansive living. The design emphasizes functionality and comfort, providing a luxurious and spacious home tailored to the owner's desire for a natural retreat within the city. Co.lab Design Studio acted as both the architects and landscape designers for the H-House, ensuring a cohesive vision for the project. Key consultants included Essact, Mandala Design Studio, and Malwawala Engineering Services Private Limited for consulting, and Sai Consultants for engineering. The photographs by Sebastian Zachariah capture the essence of the design, showcasing the integration of nature, the use of diverse materials, and the overall ambiance of the H-House. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseDesign #CoLabDesignStudio #Surat #India #IntegratedGardens #ModernArchitecture #ConcreteGlassWood #UrbanLiving #ArchitecturalPhotography

Paintzen, a digital platform connecting professional painters with clients, has recently introduced a specialized trade program aimed at interior designers, decorators, home staging experts, and real estate professionals. This initiative seeks to streamline the often-complex process of painting and wallpaper installation, a critical component in interior design projects. The program provides members with exclusive services and benefits, including access to a network of experienced painters and wallpaper installers across 11 major markets in the United States. The core of the Paintzen trade program is its efficiency and ease of use. Designers can register through the Paintzen website, and soon after, a dedicated project advisor is assigned to them. This advisor works with the designer to review project specifics such as floor plans, drawings, and photos, ensuring a clear understanding of the project scope. This streamlined approach allows designers to manage painting projects remotely, expanding their service reach beyond their immediate geographical area and consequently opening up new business opportunities. Kristen Chuber, senior director of marketing at Paintzen, highlighted the program’s aim to address the challenges designers face in finding reliable and professional painting services within tight timelines. The company guarantees 100% satisfaction, underscoring its commitment to quality that meets both the designer's and client's expectations. Since its inception in 2013 and subsequent acquisition by PPG PAINTS™ in 2018, Paintzen has been focused on revolutionizing the painting process through its comprehensive platform. Members of the trade program receive several key benefits. These include access to color consultations, enabling designers to choose from over 2,000 PPG paint colors, with options for color matching specific items. The platform also provides quick online quotes and on-demand painting and wallpaper installation services delivered by vetted and fully insured professionals. Meghan Stewart, senior director of residential sales at Paintzen, emphasized that the program's dedicated team supports trade partners to ensure high-quality service, aiming to save designers time by removing the need to research vendors or manage the painting process themselves. Paintzen handles the continuous vetting of crews for professionalism and quality, allowing designers to concentrate on their primary role of design and client engagement. Furthermore, Paintzen ensures that all necessary paint and supplies are delivered to the project site on schedule, contributing to a hassle-free experience from the initial concept to project completion. Alicia Hassen, founder of Brooklinteriors LLC, praised Paintzen for simplifying the paint process, particularly when designers are managing multiple tasks simultaneously. The platform's extensive network of contractors allows for quick dispatch, with crews available in as little as 72 hours, catering to urgent project needs. Services can also be scheduled in advance, making it suitable for both long-term projects and last-minute adjustments. The program also extends beyond standard painting tasks, offering a wide range of specialized services. Paintzen's contractors are proficient in various custom projects, including faux finishing, textured painting, decorative wall art, and the painting or staining of cabinetry, as well as the creation of wall murals. This breadth of service allows designers to confidently entrust Paintzen with high-end and unique project requirements. Interested designers can find more information or register for the program via Paintzen's website or by contacting their dedicated email address. #Paintzen #InteriorDesign #TradeProgram #PaintingServices #WallpaperInstallation #DesignProfessionals #HomeRenovation #PPGPaints #ProjectManagement

Artist Stephanie Dillon and her husband, Reilly, were captivated by a model home in Eden Prairie, which boasted a blend of whitewashed shiplap and shakes on its exterior, creating a timeless and airy aesthetic. The interior featured light-filled communal spaces, each with a distinct character, moving away from conventional floorplans. The color scheme ranged from calming charcoals and pale neutrals to deep greens and rich terra-cotta, evoking a European atmosphere. Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang, owner of West Bay Homes and the designer behind the model, drew inspiration from her travels to Paris, characterizing the style as French contemporary farmhouse. She envisioned the kitchen as a French pastry shop, integrating multiple layers of meticulously detailed materials throughout the 5,000-square-foot residence. The kitchen's design incorporates three types of glazed tiles for the backsplashes, with a small hexagonal tile chosen for its light-reflecting properties, contributing to an elevated visual experience. Dillon, an acrylic and mixed-media artist known for painting her emotions, found a kindred spirit in Vogelgesang, whose design philosophy also prioritized passion and feeling. Dillon retained Vogelgesang to complete the interior design of their new home. The designer expressed enthusiasm for incorporating Dillon's extensive rug collection. Elements like shiplap and painted charcoal, seen on the exterior, were repeated inside on the basement's fireplace wall and the vaulted ceiling of a lounge area adjacent to the kitchen, along with charcoal-colored square tiles extending from counter to ceiling in the kitchen backsplash. This repetition of color ensures cohesiveness and a holistic progression throughout the home, where all environmental elements relate to one another. Vogelgesang skillfully managed the abundance of materials, preventing a busy or cluttered appearance, much like Dillon blends colors on her canvases. Some design choices stand out, others recede, and some shimmer, collectively defining the mood of each space. The materials coalesce into a balanced and proportionate composition, resulting in a home tailored for an artist. Vogelgesang aims to create spaces that are timeless and elegant without being overly delicate or cost-prohibitive. The lower-level bar area features charcoal shiplap around the fireplace, painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Dorian Gray, and steps down into a sunken media room, showcasing the designer’s preferred brass and gray combination. Brass hardware also adorns the front entry doors. Light fixtures, including those from Mitzi on the library ladder, were strategically chosen. The unexpected entry leads to a "dining hall" that functions as a grand foyer, as described by Vogelgesang. This space features nine-inch-wide-plank white oak floors laid in a herringbone pattern, with ceiling beams bisecting its soaring height, allowing ample natural light. The built-in bar features a backsplash of alternating light and dark neutral tiles, custom cabinetry with dental molding, and a marble sink skirt. Open shelving in the kitchen displays two sizes of backsplash tiles from The Tile Shop, with custom alder wood cabinetry finished with a clear whitewashed stain and brass hardware for an enhanced shimmer. The kitchen, inspired by Parisian pastry shops, includes two islands for ease of navigation, with only one housing a sink to allow for uninterrupted dining on the other. The mudroom boasts large-format heated tiles combined with white oak cabinetry, finished in a whitewash stain, offering an industrial concrete look harmonized with French country cabinetry. A basement guest bath incorporates vibrant color through whimsical floral tiles from The Tile Shop on one wall and Sherwin-Williams’s Perfect Periwinkle on the adjacent wall. The library features a bold mix of Sherwin-Williams paints: Canyon Clay on the walls and Gauntlet Gray in a high-gloss enamel finish on the moldings and doors, complemented by chartreuse chairs. A wide-plank whitewashed cedar wall on the rear deck provides privacy. The prep kitchen off the mudroom embraces color with Waverly Classics wallpaper by York, cabinets painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Green Onyx, and a hammered copper sink, showcasing how personal touches can enhance practical areas. The powder room dazzles with an antiqued mirrored glass tile wall from The Tile Shop, a custom white oak vanity with a marble shelf, and Savoy House sconces. The floors throughout the home incorporate patterned ceramic tiles from The Tile Shop. The home's floor plan, while a traditional rambler, diverges into an unconventional layout where the front entry opens into a vaulted foyer and dining room, serving as a pass-through to the kitchen and great room. #HomeStyle #InteriorDesign #HomeTours #FrenchContemporaryFarmhouse #CustomCabinetry #TileDesign #ArtisticHome #ArchitecturalDetails #EuropeanInfluence

The article presents a comprehensive selection of furniture and cupboard paints designed to revitalize interior spaces. It highlights a range of paint options, emphasizing their ability to transform existing furniture and kitchen cabinets without the need for extensive renovation. The paints are available in a diverse palette, from vibrant colors to elegant neutrals, offering choices to suit various aesthetic preferences and home decor styles. Key features of the paints include ease of use and durability, making them suitable for both experienced DIY enthusiasts and those new to home improvement projects. The versatility of these paints is a prominent aspect, with many products being directly applicable to a variety of surfaces. These surfaces include bare or painted wood, brick, stone, plaster, most plastics, and paper, as well as any suitably primed rigid surface like metal or plastic. This broad applicability simplifies the painting process, reducing the need for extensive surface preparation in many cases. For kitchen-specific applications, the article draws attention to specialized kitchen cupboard paints. These paints are ideal for homeowners seeking to update their kitchens on a budget, providing the aesthetic appeal of a new kitchen at a fraction of the cost of a full renovation. The range of colors available, including classic neutrals, blues, and pinks, allows for personalized kitchen designs. In addition to kitchen cabinets, the paints are also suitable for various other furniture pieces, such as TV stands, enabling homeowners to refresh and repurpose existing items. The selection includes different paint types, such as cupboard paint, furniture paint, and specific kitchen cupboard paint, alongside finishes like matt and satin, and top coats for added protection and longevity. The article also categorizes paints by brand, including prominent names like Dulux, Ronseal, Rust-Oleum, and Wickes, offering a wide array of choices for consumers. The paint products come in various sizes, including 0.75 L, 2.5 L, 600 ml, and 750 ml, catering to projects of different scales. The pricing ranges primarily from £0 to £49.99, with most products falling into the £20 to £49.99 bracket, indicating a range of affordable to mid-range options. This comprehensive guide helps consumers select the right paint to refresh their home interiors, promoting creativity and cost-effective home improvement. #FurniturePaint #CupboardPaint #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #DIYHomeImprovement #KitchenRevamp #PaintTypes #HomeDecor #SurfaceApplication