The Talk's Carrie Ann Inaba's home is a zen hideaway - photos

This Nashville home, initially a speculative build by Build Nashville, transformed into a personalized "Zen Abode" for co-owner Jamie Duncan, drawing inspiration from her experiences in Costa Rica. During the frame stage, Duncan decided to purchase the house, collaborating with interior designer Elena DeSoto while adding her own custom touches. The design prioritizes a blend of modernity and softness, achieved through the careful selection of textures, greenery, and art. Duncan's personal customizations primarily focused on the backyard, where she integrated a sunken fire pit, an outdoor shower, mondo grass, and a cabana. Inside, she introduced beams in the living room and basket lights in both the dining room and stairwell. The overarching inspiration for these elements, and indeed much of the home's aesthetic, stemmed from her profound appreciation for Costa Rica, particularly a luxury resort experience. She sought to replicate the finishes and textures observed there, incorporating details like polycarbonate panels with bamboo reeds in the cabana's skylights and the outdoor shower's design, echoing the resort's architectural features. The home's design philosophy emphasizes a minimal color scheme, which is then enriched by diverse textures to create a welcoming and serene atmosphere. Duncan views texture as a key element, allowing for a modern house to feel soft and organic rather than harsh or cold. This is evident in the juxtaposition of materials such as concrete for showers and floors with solid wood beams in the living room, showcasing a thoughtful layering of different elements. Beyond its architectural and textural considerations, the residence functions as a personal art gallery. Duncan highlights the 27-foot wall in the dining room, specifically designed to showcase a custom piece by local Nashville artist Cory Basil. She maintains a commitment to featuring art exclusively from local Nashville artists or those with whom she has a personal connection, or pieces acquired during her travels. This curated collection further enhances the home's unique character and personal significance. Ultimately, the home serves as Build Nashville's model house, demonstrating to potential clients the possibilities for creating their ideal living spaces. It exemplifies how thoughtful design, personal inspiration, and a focus on texture and natural elements can converge to produce a breathtaking and inviting environment that feels both contemporary and deeply personal. #homeDesign #interiorDesign #nashvilleHomes #costaRicanInfluence #zenLiving #modernSoftness #architecturalDesign #localArt #textureInDesign

The demanding lifestyles of Bravolebrities, often characterized by glam sessions, lavish parties, and international adventures, necessitate moments of tranquility and peace. This article explores various ways nine such personalities cultivate inner calm and relaxation within the confines of their homes, highlighting diverse approaches to creating personal "zen dens." These methods range from dedicated spiritual spaces to everyday areas transformed for self-care. Porsha Williams, from "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," has established a home yoga studio. This tranquil space features a fluffy rug, a fireplace, purple meditation cushions, and a matching yoga mat, all illuminated by numerous white candles. This setup is designed to accommodate yogis of all ages, fostering a peaceful environment for practice. Padma Lakshmi, a judge on "Bravo's Top Chef," integrates self-care into her culinary passion. She finds solace in food preparation, notably through making comfort dishes like nachos. Her approach to relaxation often involves indulging in favorite foods while wearing luxurious attire, blending culinary enjoyment with personal comfort. Yolanda Hadid, formerly of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," has created an outdoor prayer garden at her Pennsylvania farm. This space is specifically designed for meditation, prayer, and quiet contemplation. It features a stone-paved terrace adorned with a crystal collection that catches sunlight, enhancing its serene atmosphere. Kim Richards, also an alum of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," has a unique soothing spot in her home: a window-side nook with a waterfall fixture. This feature is illuminated by calming violet lights, which she describes as one of her favorite places for peaceful moments. Dorinda Medley from "The Real Housewives of New York City" has transformed her bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary. She uses low lighting, candles on the windowsill and tub edge, and ethereal music to create a calming ambiance, encouraging others to establish similar personal spa experiences at home. Lisa Rinna, a cast member of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," also boasts a bathroom with significant spa aesthetics. Her bathroom features a tub positioned next to a window offering tree-lined views, complemented by a candle and a white Buddha head on the windowsill to enhance the zen atmosphere. Shereé Whitfield, known for "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," has incorporated a full-fledged spa into her home, Chateau Shereé. This elaborate basement spa includes a spacious sauna and two massage chairs, designed to provide comprehensive relaxation and pampering. Cynthia Bailey, an entrepreneur from "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," finds peace outdoors on her back deck at "Lake Bailey," her Atlanta home. This waterside backyard space, enclosed in glass, is furnished with wicker sofas, a coffee table, decorative white urns, tiki torches, and potted palm trees, creating a tropical and serene escape. Shamari DeVoe, another alum of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," unwinds by her koi pond. She emphasizes that peace can often be found in one's own backyard, highlighting the tranquil and meditative qualities of watching koi fish in a bubbling pond. #BravolebrityHomes #HomeZen #CelebritySelfCare #HomeDesignInspiration #SpaAtHome #MeditationSpace #OutdoorSanctuary #InteriorDecor #TranquilLiving

The article details the design of a 2-BHK dwelling in Bangkok, conceived by Boondesign for a bachelor seeking a serene and meditative living space. The architect, Boonlert Hemvijitraphan, drew inspiration from the surrounding natural elements to create a home that blends seamlessly with its environment. This approach led to the dwelling being named 'The Blind House,' reflecting how imperceptible natural elements are mirrored in its design. The home is positioned between a lush knoll and the sky, creating an organic integration with its surroundings. Its foundation is carved into the landscape, with portions burrowed into a grass-clad dome that houses a garage and a shrine, connected to the main residence by a raw concrete tunnel. The entrance features a lofty metal door leading to a cobblestone atrium and a sweeping wooden deck, which ushers visitors into the main living area. The interior of the home emphasizes openness and natural connections. The main entrance opens into an open-plan living and dining area, characterized by wall-to-wall sliding doors. These doors, when fully opened, merge the indoors with the outdoors, reinforcing the design's commitment to nature's impermanence. The aesthetic features an ochre palette, pared-back finishes, and earthy grains, complemented by subdued spotlights that direct attention to the green views outside. The master bedroom, located on the first floor and accessed via a sleek wooden staircase, is designed with deep, dark tones. This choice minimizes the room's presence, allowing the focus to shift to the mountain-esque garden visible from outside. The bedroom's design prioritizes calm and tranquility, aligning with the client's preference for a peaceful retreat. The material palette here is simple and understated, incorporating concrete, wood, steel, and soft linen. A significant element of the home's design is the use of water, particularly a gleaming pond in the back garden. This pond, deliberately placed on the south side of the house to leverage local wind patterns for cooling, serves as a boundless mirror reflecting the sky. Hemvijitraphan explains that this feature symbolizes both the absence of water and the impermanence of the sky, embodying his design philosophy of incorporating shapeless and formless elements that create reflections rather than being directly seen. The overall design emphasizes a harmonious blend of architectural structure with the natural world, creating a tranquil sanctuary for its inhabitant. #Bangkok #ZenLiving #NatureInspiredDesign #Boondesign #EarthyColors #SlidingWindows #SeamlessIntegration #TranquilSpace #OrganicArchitecture

This article highlights the transformation of an Aspen home into a serene “treehouse” through interior design, focusing on creating a space that harmonizes with its natural surroundings and caters to the owner's lifestyle. The project was undertaken by designer Amanda Furlong of Basalt-based firm Cathers Home. The homeowner, an avid hiker and mother of two, was captivated by the property's lofty ceilings and a balcony offering expansive views of Independence Pass. However, the original interior's dark, brown-and-burgundy color palette obscured these scenic vistas. Furlong's primary objective was to infuse the living and dining areas with light, bright elements to "invite the outside in," thereby enhancing the home's connection to the surrounding nature. To achieve this, a muted color scheme was applied throughout the rooms. Walls were painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Aesthetic White, a crisp white hue that reflects natural light and creates a sense of openness. The sofa was upholstered in a cream-colored, easy-to-clean Crypton performance fabric, a practical choice for a homeowner who enjoys entertaining. This selection of durable, no-fuss materials allows for a relaxed atmosphere, enabling the homeowner to host gatherings without concern for potential spills or wear. The furniture arrangement and selection further contribute to the home's mountain-transitional style. A variety of seating options, including a modular sofa and a classic wingback chair, offer comfort and versatility. These pieces, while adhering to a timeless aesthetic, also provide practical functionality for both casual lounging and social events. To introduce warmth and anchor the airy spaces, Furlong incorporated a midcentury-style coffee table and a media console crafted from deep-toned wood. These darker elements subtly echo the existing ceiling beams, creating a cohesive and grounded design. In the dining room, a large round dining table was chosen to foster inclusivity and conversation during meals and gatherings. This design decision encourages interaction among guests, making the space more inviting. Statement light fixtures were integral to the design's finishing touches. Notably, the dining area features Oly’s Muriel bubble chandelier. Furlong describes this fixture as having individual glass bubbles that emit a light reminiscent of clouds in the sky, further reinforcing the home’s “treehouse” ambiance and its elevated connection to its natural environment. The overall design successfully shifts the focus to the breathtaking outdoor views, transforming a previously dark interior into a bright, harmonious, and inviting living space that celebrates its unique Aspen setting. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #AspenHome #MountainLiving #ZenDesign #MutedPalette #NaturalLight #PerformanceFabric #StatementLighting

This article explores the tranquil and thoughtfully designed home of Dave Wheaton and Melodee Meyer, founders of Martial Arts Family Fitness in Santa Barbara. The property, located at 1825 Stanwood Drive, is characterized by its seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, reflecting a 'zen sanctuary' aesthetic that is both contemporary and influenced by Eastern designs. The house sits on an acre of land, featuring two distinct entrances. One entrance off Stanwood Drive includes a bridge over a stream leading to the front door, while another off Conejo Road features a wooden gate, bamboo fence, and Chinese dragon statues, opening into a lush courtyard with a bubbling stone fountain. This courtyard, with its fern-filled landscape, serves as Melodee's personal tropical retreat, inspired by her and Dave's time in Hawai‘i. Throughout the grounds, stone statues, many sourced from Bali, are strategically placed, enhancing the unique and serene outdoor environment. Inside, the home opens with a double-high glass front door, complemented by an original light fixture from The Biltmore hotel, leading into a red-walled foyer. Three steps descend into a spacious yet cozy living room, distinguished by vaulted ceilings, skylights, an elegant gray fireplace, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Hidden features, such as a painting that slides away to reveal a television screen and a climate-controlled wine cellar concealed behind a closet door, demonstrate a blend of artistic design and practical functionality. The kitchen and its adjacent dining area are designed for entertaining, featuring bamboo floors that extend from the living room. The kitchen is equipped with stainless-steel appliances, soapstone countertops, a long breakfast bar, and a large island, all accented by a subway-tiled backsplash, dramatic lighting, and a red accent wall that ties into the entryway's color scheme. The master bedroom suite, located in a separate wing on the first floor, offers luxurious amenities, including 'his and hers' closets, a bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub, a cozy window seat, and a redwood sauna. A private deck accessible from the master suite features a hot tub, ideal for stargazing. The upper level provides additional family space or office options with two more bedrooms and bathrooms. The home encompasses a total of three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, incorporating modern upgrades like solar power and radiant floor heating, alongside practical elements such as a conveniently located laundry room near the master suite, all contributing to an effortlessly enjoyable living experience. The outdoor spaces are a significant highlight, featuring winding paths through succulent gardens, past boulders, and various fruit trees, including persimmon, pomegranate, and avocado. The multi-level grounds are meticulously landscaped with walls and pathways, creating secluded nooks and hideaways perfect for relaxation. Several gazebos and a pergola offer additional shaded areas, while a stairway leads to a private spot by the creek. A large, terraced outdoor dining area, conveniently situated near the kitchen, is designed for extended use throughout the year. A walled alcove with seating around a gas fire pit provides an intimate setting for social gatherings. The property at 1825 Stanwood Drive is presented as a distinctive sanctuary, currently available for sale through Bartron Real Estate Group of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. #HomeDesign #ZenSanctuary #SantaBarbaraRealEstate #MartialArtsFamilyFitness #OutdoorLiving #ContemporaryDesign #AsianInfluences #LuxuryHome

Shutterstock founder Jon Oringer and his wife Talia embarked on a search for a home in Miami Beach that would align with their vision of a welcoming oasis, distinct from the prevailing aesthetic characterized by aggressive geometrics and glossy surfaces. Their quest led them to a property overlooking Biscayne Bay, which, despite requiring significant renovation, offered an exceptional location and views. To transform this property into their dream home, they enlisted the expertise of AD100 interior designer Kelly Behun, who had previously worked on their Bridgehampton residence. Behun is recognized for her ability to create interiors that blend fanciful elements with refined sophistication, resulting in spaces that are both imaginative and serene. The home’s architectural transformation was initiated by Blaze Makoid of BMA Architects, who softened the exterior’s angularity with bronze and wood accents and introduced a sculptural staircase to enhance the interior’s dynamism. This established a visual language emphasizing fluidity and warmth, a quality the homeowners desired. Behun further collaborated with To Better Days Building, another AD PRO Directory firm, to realize the couple's vision. Within this architectural framework, Behun curated a vibrant collection of pieces from a global network of artisans, combining them with striking art and vintage items. Each room's design is often anchored by a central element, such as a unique lighting fixture or a captivating artwork, which harmonizes the color, pattern, and scale. Contemporary materials like white oak, plush fabrics, and muted metals are employed in sculptural forms, grounding the whimsical elements in an atmosphere of elegance and luxury. The entryway, for instance, features a custom stained glass light fixture by Greek artist Kostas Lambridis, whose design reflects the client's personal narrative. This piece hangs above a Mimi table by Garcé & Dimofski, complemented by Martino Gamper circus stools and a woven chair from Space Available Studio, all echoing the fixture's colors. Similarly, a stained glass fixture by Maarten de Ceulaer commands attention in the dining room, balancing a substantial table by Yabu Pushelberg. In the double-height library, four ceiling pendants by Bennet Schlesinger, inspired by cumulus clouds, playfully disrupt the room's formal upholstered seating arrangements. The lounge is enlivened by a cut-paper collage of dancing women by Heidi Lanino, set against curvaceous furniture by designers like Achille Salvagni and Chris Wolston. For the children’s playroom, a Nuage fixture by Wout Wessemius creates an ethereal ambiance. Beyond individual pieces, foliage plays a crucial role in animating the spaces. Large Alocasia Calidora leaves at the second-floor atrium window add drama to the primary bedroom. Landscape architect Raymond Jungles collaborated on the home's vegetation, including an immense American oil palm at the entryway that helps scale down the property, contributing to a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere despite its grandeur. The overall design achieves a ravishing and rejuvenating effect, perceived as both sublime and sensual by the homeowners. Jon Oringer praised Behun’s capacity to translate their identity into the living space, affirming that the designer successfully delivered a home that is uniquely theirs. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #MiamiArchitecture #ContemporaryDesign #CustomFurniture #ArtCollection #LandscapeDesign #ArchitecturalDigest

This article details the transformation of a 1922 midcentury hillside home in Los Angeles, masterminded by designer Shanty Wijaya of Allprace Properties. The renovation successfully integrated Japanese and Scandinavian design aesthetics, a fusion known as Japandi, across the entire three-bedroom property. The core philosophy guiding the design was to foster a healthy, meaningful lifestyle and a strong connection to nature, blending the tranquil principles of Japanese wabi-sabi with the minimalist, warm, and neutral elements of Scandinavian hygge. Upon entering the home, visitors are greeted by a natural, muted, and earthy color palette. The space is intentionally minimalistic and filled with natural light. Despite the subdued color scheme, a variety of textures and materials, such as plaster in the kitchen, concrete, limestone, and reclaimed wood throughout, introduce complexity and visual interest. A crucial aspect of the redesign involved incorporating large windows and sliding doors to emphasize the surrounding views and landscaping, effectively bringing the outdoors in. This was further enhanced by integrating potted hanging plants and greenery within the interior. The exterior and landscaping also received significant attention, with Japanese garden plants, rocks, various types of bamboo, Japanese maples, bonsai, and pine trees strategically placed alongside specially sourced rocks resembling mountain formations. The home purposefully features unique and one-of-a-kind details, opting for vintage, reclaimed, and handmade pieces over mass-produced furnishings. Examples include a wooden chair in the living room, a raw wooden dining table, and a rough-hewn reclaimed French oak kitchen countertop refinished with a dark stain. The selection of materials was also deliberate, chosen for their ability to naturally patina over time. Sustainability played a key role, drawing from the Scandinavian influence. High-performing, sustainably sourced Accoya wood was used for the home's exterior, and a custom-built bioethanol concrete fireplace provides an eco-friendly heating solution. The outdoor space, initially a downward-sloping backyard, was completely re-envisioned into a terraced garden with multiple functional levels. These levels now host a koi pond, a chicken coop, a Japanese rock garden, a plunge pool, a veggie garden, an alfresco dining area, and a meditating space. One of the most challenging aspects of the renovation was applying the Japandi style to the exterior, including custom millwork on the façade, and meticulously planning the landscape design to ensure seamless indoor-outdoor transitions. A notable addition was a 'she-shed,' conceived during the COVID-19 lockdown, designed as a private retreat that can serve as an office, yoga studio, or a space for relaxation. Its architectural elements, including Accoya wood millwork, were kept consistent with the main house's design. Inside, custom-designed features like the primary suite’s headboard, inspired by the setting sun, and the bathroom's large windows, further emphasize the home's beautiful views and natural aesthetic. #JapandiStyle #HomeRenovation #ZenDesign #InteriorDesign #SustainableLiving #OutdoorLiving #LosAngelesHomes #MidcenturyModern #TerracedGarden

Studio Grid, a Mumbai-based architecture firm founded by Rohit Mahadik and Rugved Rane, has completed the design of a sprawling 7,000 square-foot penthouse in Alibaug, transforming it into a serene haven that blends Japanese minimalism with local Indian craftsmanship. Both founders have lived in Mumbai and Tokyo, influencing their design approach which integrates elements from both cultures to create a unique earthy ambiance. The client's primary request was for a calm, soothing, and clutter-free living space. The penthouse offers panoramic views, with the sea on one side and mountains on the other. This natural backdrop played a crucial role in the design philosophy, aiming to integrate nature with the architectural scheme. Consequently, the material palette predominantly features natural materials such as travertine marble, teak wood, and bamboo, contributing to the tranquil atmosphere. A key design principle evident throughout the residence is "enso," the Zen concept of a circle. This motif is subtly incorporated, from the design of door handles to the living room rug, providing a cohesive and harmonious visual flow. The entrance foyer opens into an informal wood-washed tea garden, which embodies this circular typology. This tea garden serves as an informal extension of the living room, which itself is characterized by white marble and minimalist, white-accented furniture. All furniture pieces within the penthouse were custom-designed by Studio Grid and meticulously handcrafted by local artisans in Alibaug. This bespoke approach aligns with the design philosophy of "wabi-sabi," which embraces the beauty of imperfection inherent in hand-crafted items. The aesthetic is further personalized by the client’s daughter, a fine artist, whose artwork is displayed throughout the home. Additionally, sustainability and repurposing were considered, as all the teak wood used in the project was salvaged from the client's previous residence. Locally sourced lime plaster paint was utilized to cool the interior spaces and soften the overall tonal palette. The master bedroom, like other areas, emphasizes the enso circle motif, visible in the artwork on the bedback wall and the rug beneath. Repetitive grid lines and circular enso motifs are consistently integrated into each room, contributing to a sense of predictability and calm that soothes the mind. While each bedroom is uniquely personalized with artwork by the client's daughter, the overarching geometric motifs and material consistency maintain a unified aesthetic throughout the home. The design prioritizes a monochromatic tone, ensuring that all elements complement each other without any single feature dominating, underscoring the firm's focus on creating an immersive and harmonious experience within the space. #JapaneseMinimalism #ZenDesign #AlibaugPenthouse #StudioGrid #NaturalMaterials #CustomFurniture #WabiSabi #InteriorDesign #IndianHomes

The Star House, a 6,600-square-foot single-family residence in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, designed by Atelier Gratia principal Grace Ming-En Chang, presents a unique blend of fortress-like protection and open, airy living. This inward-gazing structure was conceived to offer a sense of refuge amidst the dense urban environment. From the street, the home appears as a faceted concrete monolith, providing a robust and private exterior. However, once inside, the design reveals an open and airy layout centered around a private courtyard. Every room in the residence benefits from a view of this central sanctuary through full-height glass walls. Many of these glass panels are designed to slide open, providing direct access to decks or balconies, thereby seamlessly connecting the interior with the outdoor spaces. The focal point of the courtyard is a ground-floor Zen garden, which pays homage to Japanese aesthetics and culture, reflecting the homeowner's past residency in Japan. Chang explains that this garden utilizes geometric principles to symbolize an idealized vision of heaven. A striking feature of the Zen garden is a single, sculptural pine tree that emerges from the center of an infinity-edge reflecting pool. This pool is also home to koi, adding a dynamic and tranquil element to the space. An iris-lined path gracefully leads from the courtyard to the backyard, which is lushly forested with bamboo and ferns, further enhancing the connection to nature. The integration of greenery extends to the rooftop, where the landscape transitions into a more wild and free-form style. This rooftop garden is described by Chang as a “gesture of giving back to nature.” A prairie of tropical grass covers the roof, playing a crucial role in the home's environmental performance. This grass is irrigated using recirculated rainwater, contributing to water conservation efforts. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the rooftop vegetation serves a functional purpose by helping to block the harsh sun, thereby cooling the interior temperature of the home. The lawn is interspersed with various shrubs and fragrant native flora, including rosemary, jasmine, and lantana. These plants have not only beautified the space but have also quickly attracted local wildlife, turning the rooftop into a haven for butterflies and birds, thus creating an unexpected oasis within the urban landscape of Kaohsiung. The project was a 2022 Best of Year Winner for Residential Landscape, highlighting its innovative design and successful execution in blending urban living with natural tranquility. The design exemplifies how architectural planning can create a serene and private environment within a bustling city, using thoughtful landscaping and a strategic layout to achieve both aesthetic beauty and functional benefits. #AtelierGratia #ZenGarden #ResidentialLandscape #TaiwanDesign #CourtyardHouse #SustainableDesign #UrbanOasis #ArchitecturalInnovation

This article explores a collection of 26 residential projects designed to evoke a sense of peace and tranquility, drawing inspiration from Zen principles. These homes emphasize natural light, open floor plans, serene color palettes, and a strong connection to the outdoors, creating environments that serve as peaceful retreats from modern life. Each featured home showcases distinct architectural and design approaches while maintaining a unifying theme of calmness and integration with nature. The featured designs include a beach house with a dark exterior that contrasts with its bright, airy interior, demonstrating how external appearances can belie an internal sanctuary. Another project highlights a pool house in Texas that encourages an outdoor lifestyle, with most living spaces situated outside and adaptable elements like sliding timber barn doors. An updated Eichler home in Silicon Valley is showcased for its picturesque atrium, designed as a full garden at the heart of the house, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Further examples include a Swedish cabin featuring a rooftop meditation sanctum, offering panoramic views of its natural surroundings, and a leafy enclave that prioritizes garden-centric living, with interiors designed to constantly provide views of the outdoors while maintaining privacy. A creative temple nestled in the California Redwoods emphasizes bringing the outdoors in through the extensive use of wood and reclaimed materials. An Osaka tiny house utilizes poetic arches and lush courtyards to create a sense of progression and warmth within its compact footprint. The collection also presents a Texan shelter, the Elsewhere Cabin, thoughtfully integrated into a quiet vineyard, and a serene garden oasis in São Paulo, which was transformed from a cramped apartment into a mid-city refuge with plants, vines, and pergolas forming a natural barrier against urban elements. A backyard enclave provides a peaceful haven for book lovers with its graceful ovoid design and glowing anchor point shed. A minimal seaside getaway in Japan is highlighted for its focus on serenity and surfing, designed with few distractions to maximize appreciation for the sea and nature. Additional projects include a sleek California home that eschews clutter to highlight its views, a Bauhaus-inspired Chilean “Quincho” designed for relaxation and meditation, and a minimalist Texan home where giant oak trees dominate the courtyard, providing essential shade. A sun-drenched dwelling uniquely situated in the middle of a pond, elevated on stilts, allows for swimming underneath. A chic Mexican oasis uses muted tones for meditative results, with sliding glass doors creating seamless indoor-outdoor connections. A Brazilian home, inspired by Japanese Zen gardens, features timber beams that frame tranquil views of interior courtyards. A Stinson Beach home utilizes massive, movable glass walls to invite the outdoors in, creating a fluid transition between interior and exterior spaces. A lakefront home merges prefab design with concrete slabs and an open floor plan, its industrial feel softened by oak cabinetry. A Melbourne home embodies garden-centric living, integrating a vintage dining set with a painted brick wall. A rustic space perfectly illustrates Wabi-Sabi design, including a "watshitsu" room for meditation and tea drinking with a fully glazed wall. A strikingly sustainable Connecticut house wraps around a serene pond, designed to overlook water views, and a quiet Swiss chalet draws inspiration from the surrounding Les Jeurs Mountains. Finally, a Japanese architect's live/work space is inspired by a single tree, featuring high ceilings and walls that open to the outside, and a peaceful retirement bungalow sits beside a bubbling brook and rolling hills, characterized by a wide roof overhang and a private guest bedroom. #ZenDesign #PeacefulHomes #IndoorOutdoorLiving #NaturalDaylight #SereneColors #BiophilicDesign #ArchitecturalOasis #TranquilSpaces #SustainableDesign

The article details a tour of the London home of Mexican-born interior designer Stephanie Barba Mendoza. Her house is presented as a vibrant and meticulously curated space, reflecting her design philosophy of injecting joy and unexpected theatricality into decor. The designer expresses her deep affection for her home, attributing its warmth to her family and the carefully chosen elements of space, lighting, textures, and colors. Stephanie Barba Mendoza's renowned use of color is a central theme throughout the article. She shares her approach to color, which is characterized by a playful attitude and a willingness to embrace bold and unconventional combinations. This is exemplified by the burnt umber paint covering the walls and ceiling of the sitting room, creating an immersive and rich atmosphere. Another instance of her innovative color application is the powder blue stair rail, designed to evoke a sense of climbing into the sky. The kitchen-diner features a vibrant green botanical print wallpaper, further illustrating her commitment to dynamic color schemes. Her kitchen is highlighted as her favorite area of the home, largely due to a significant renovation that involved lowering the floor by half a meter and adding steps from the hallway. This alteration created a more generous and airy space with high ceilings. The design intentionally blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living, with doors that open to integrate the small patio into the kitchen area. The choice of green leaf wallpaper in the kitchen, paired with a green floor, door, and fence on the patio, aims to create a seamless transition and a strong connection to nature. Green is identified as a favorite color for Stephanie, appearing repeatedly throughout her home in various forms, such as an accent chair in the sitting room, the main bedroom's headboard, and in the playroom's artwork and couch. She explains that green is complementary with many other colors, promotes a sense of calm, and can contribute to inner peace and harmony. Despite the diverse and bold color palette used across different rooms, the article emphasizes that the house maintains a harmonious flow, with each space evoking a similar positive emotion. The article also includes a section where Stephanie Barba Mendoza shares insights into her personal style and inspirations. She reveals that her go-to decorative detail is beaded adornments, like rope on curtains or tassels on cushions. Her inspiration often comes from design pioneers like Michael Taylor, known for blending traditional and contemporary elements. She describes her style as "playful, warm, and unexpected." Her creative drive is fueled by an obsession with creation. The most recent item she purchased for her home was a unique bouquet of flowers, including a protea from South Africa, which she appreciates for its beauty both fresh and dried. Ultimately, she believes a home should feel "welcomed," a sentiment she achieves through the combination of family presence and her warm, inviting color and pattern choices. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorPalette #StephanieBarbaMendoza #LondonHome #KitchenDesign #Renovation #TextileArt

Zendaya, who rose to fame on the Disney Channel and achieved significant success in Hollywood, including an Emmy for her role in "Euphoria," has invested her earnings in real estate. In 2016, she purchased her first home, a 4,155 square-foot mansion in Northridge, for $1.4 million. This Mediterranean-style property, featuring an ornate grand staircase, was well-documented on her Instagram and even showcased in Vogue India. Four years later, in 2020, Zendaya upgraded to a $4 million ranch-style home in Encino, Los Angeles, a highly sought-after area for celebrities seeking privacy and value. Her new Encino estate spans over 5,000 square feet and includes six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a separate two-bedroom guest house. Originally built in 1939, the home has undergone several renovations, preserving its vintage charm while offering modern amenities. Unlike her previous Mediterranean-style home, this property embraces the casual elegance of a ranch house, a style that originated in Southern California in the 1930s and is characterized by low-pitched roofs, backyard patios, and U-shaped layouts. The choice of a ranch home offers Zendaya endless possibilities for personalization, a common appeal for celebrities like Kirsten Dunst who also own such properties. Encino, located in the San Fernando Valley, provides a secluded oasis just outside the bustling city of Los Angeles. This area offers larger land parcels, more space, and greater privacy compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Beverly Hills. While Encino homes are not inexpensive, with an average price of $1.4 million, they offer a lower price per square foot ($712) compared to Beverly Hills ($1,000+). Zendaya's property, situated on four acres, is secured behind gates at the end of a long, tree-lined driveway, ensuring the privacy and security she and her partner, Tom Holland, value. Upon entering Zendaya's home, visitors are greeted by a bright and welcoming entryway featuring vintage-inspired doors, a pitched ceiling, hardwood floors, and a large fireplace. The gourmet kitchen boasts light cabinets, granite countertops, updated appliances, and large windows overlooking the backyard. Despite its current simple aesthetic, the spacious kitchen provides ample room for potential renovations to align with current trends, such as bold backsplashes and marble countertops. The home's six bedrooms, complemented by a detached two-bedroom guest house, offer generous space for Zendaya's large family, who frequently visit. Multiple fireplaces throughout the house, including in the main living room, dining room, and basement, add a cozy ambiance. The primary bedroom features wood floors, white walls, large windows, and a private balcony leading to an all-white marble bathroom with a soaking tub and walk-in shower. The classic and timeless design of the bathroom provides an excellent foundation for personalization. The backyard is an outdoor oasis with a vast lawn, large trees, a stunning garden, and a newly built pool with a hot tub, designed to evoke a resort-like feel. As a recognized style icon, Zendaya's interior design is expected to reflect her immaculate personal style, characterized by rich shades, custom furniture, and space for her art collection. Her neighbors in Encino include other A-listers such as Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, Channing Tatum, and fellow Disney alum Selena Gomez, who also purchased a substantial estate in the area in 2020. Although Zendaya acquired the home in 2020, it remains uncertain whether she has fully moved in, with speculation suggesting she might be undergoing renovations before a grand reveal. #CelebrityHomes #Zendaya #LosAngelesRealEstate #RanchStyleHome #LuxuryLiving #HomeDesignTrends #Encino #InteriorDesign #RealEstateInvestment

Giselle Go and Philippe Terrien, co-founders of the Japanese clean beauty brand DamDam, embarked on a search for a tranquil weekend retreat near Tokyo. Their initial criteria included proximity to the city, high privacy, and a mountainside location. After a prolonged search, a friend, Naoko Kawamura, introduced them to a 75-year-old property overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Mount Fuji. The house, initially dilapidated, held historical significance as it was built by American postwar photojournalist Horace Bristol, known for his work on John Steinbeck’s 'Grapes of Wrath' and for magazines like 'Life,' 'Time,' and 'National Geographic' in the 1950s. Recognizing the challenges of renovating such an old property, especially one situated on protected heritage land, the couple enlisted the expertise of Motosuke Mandai of Mandai Architects. Their vision was to revive the house while preserving its past and integrating modern comforts. A significant part of the renovation involved working closely with the local temple that oversees the protected area to ensure all regulations were met. The couple meticulously retained original elements like wood beams, ceilings, and shoji screens. When original features such as the wood floors or the wood-burning stove could not be salvaged, they were replaced with identical materials to maintain the house's authentic character. The entrance to the home functions as both an entryway and a mudroom, where it is customary to remove shoes and don soft house slippers, a Japanese tradition. This space features a Hang-It-All coatrack by Eames for Herman Miller, a stool by Timber Crew, and a washi tray by Craig Ancelowitz, both for DamDam Atelier. Artwork includes a calligraphy on canvas by Mikiko Kayama and a wall sculpture by Yuichiro Kobayashi. The living room, a favorite indoor spot for the couple, boasts an Akari 21A pendant light by Isamu Noguchi, an Archimoon Soft table lamp by Philippe Starck for Flos, and Glo-ball table and floor lamps by Jasper Morrison for Flos. The sofa is an N701 modular model from Ethnicraft, complemented by an Airframe coffee table by David Chipperfield for Cassina. This room offers direct views of the sunset over the sea, with garden-facing windows framing the sofa, and features a wood-burning stove for winter warmth. The dining room serves as a dual-purpose workspace. Original shoji screens provide privacy from the north-side bamboo, while the room opens to sea views on the west. This area includes a Flowerpot Verner Panton 1968 pendant light from &Tradition, Series 7 dining chairs by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, and an Airframe dining table by David Chipperfield for Cassina, which was restored with a new walnut-wood top by Timber Crew. Custom shelving by Douguya and an Akari 3x table lamp by Isamu Noguchi further personalize the space, along with washi artwork and a painting by Philippe’s son, James. The kitchen, a beloved space for Philippe, was enlarged by removing an old bathroom, placing it centrally within the home with garden access. To address the lack of natural light, Motosuke Mandai incorporated floor-to-ceiling windows into the traditional ranma (wall panels), creating the illusion of a floating roof and flooding the interiors with sunlight. An engawa, a traditional Japanese hallway, was transformed into a sunroom, enlarged and opened to a seaside deck for sunset aperitifs and gardening activities. This room is furnished with an Akari 1AG table lamp by Isamu Noguchi, an antique rattan table, a vintage lounge chair, and a Malawi chair from Couleur Locale. The decor reflects the multicultural backgrounds of Giselle, who is Filipino, and Philippe, who is French, blending midcentury-modern design, vintage finds, Japanese crafts, and textiles from their travels. The furniture, much of which was crafted by artisans known to them, imbues the home with a personal touch. The only fully enclosed room is the bedroom, which offers a private sanctuary feel, without glass windows on the ranma. The bed frame is by Timber Crew, and the table lamp is the Archimoon Soft by Philippe Starck for Flos. Wood stools designed by Timber Crew for DamDam Atelier complete the room. A large ofuro (bathtub) at the end of the bathroom provides a relaxing space. The interior design blends Japanese architectural elements like sugi-finish floors and preserved pinewood ceilings with a diverse collection of furnishings, embodying an old-world travel museum aesthetic that reflects the owners’ journeys and personal connections. #JapaneseHouse #ZenHideaway #HistoricRenovation #InteriorDesign #TokyoHome #ArchitecturalDesign #MidCenturyModern #MulticulturalDecor #DamDam

Joanna Parol Interior Design, Inc. undertook a two-year project to transform a 1954 Santa Monica home into a serene and elegant retreat for a Hollywood film director and his wife, a painter and writer, who had immigrated from Hong Kong and sought to downsize. The clients envisioned a living space that would reflect their personal journey, creativity, and vision for a new chapter in their lives, blending their Asian heritage with a modern Californian setting. The designer was presented with an 8-foot stone Buddha statue, a deeply personal piece, which became the focal point of the backyard, establishing a meditative zone. The design challenge involved integrating the wife's preference for soft, muted tones and subtle textures with the husband's passion for bold, saturated colors and dramatic statements, aiming for a harmonious blend that celebrated both personalities while creating a visually cohesive environment. The ultimate vision was to craft a space that felt distinctly personal, resonating with the clients’ creative spirits and serving as an elegant yet welcoming expression of their shared life and heritage, blending Californian tranquility with understated Asian sophistication. The overarching aesthetic combines the effortless elegance of relaxed-Californian living with pared-back Asian design principles, incorporating natural materials, clean lines, and intentional simplicity. California-inspired elements such as light-filled spaces, natural woods, and organic finishes are infused with thoughtful nods to their Asian roots. The biggest challenge was reimagining the home, which was originally built in 1954 as a 5-bedroom, 4,000 sq. ft. property that had undergone multiple partial upgrades and additions over the years, resulting in a fragmented aesthetic lacking cohesion and purpose. The exterior was bland and characterless, with awkward proportions, while the interiors were outdated, chaotic, and lacked flow. To address these structural and aesthetic shortcomings, the renovation focused on creating architectural integrity. Key to the transformation was designing outdoor spaces that felt like natural extensions of the home, such as patios, courtyards, and gardens that seamlessly blended with the architecture. The backyard features a lily pond, symbolizing rebirth, reflecting both the home’s transformation and the new chapter in the homeowners' lives. A dedicated meditation space encourages calm and reflection, and a trellis with automatic louvers blends function and design, connecting nature and architecture. The Buddha statue, depicting Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, stands gracefully on a lotus pedestal, a symbol of purity and enlightenment, providing a spiritual and visual anchor for the outdoor space. Inside, the design reflects a thoughtful mix of calm and creativity. A standout feature is the powder room, which combines a striking pink stone with custom wallpaper. The designer serendipitously found the last three slabs of an extraordinary pink stone and, with the clients’ daughter’s approval, incorporated it. Tracy Hiner from Black Crow Studios designed custom wallpaper inspired by the stone’s colors, installing it on both walls and ceiling, creating a unique “jewel-box” effect. The custom de Gournay wallpaper in the dining room was the first item purchased for the house and served as the foundation, setting the direction, color palette, and roadmap for the rest of the home’s design with its timeless elegance. The clients' emotional reaction upon seeing their new home, particularly the father's sentiment of finally feeling “at home” and the mother’s newfound appreciation for outdoor living, underscored the profound success of the transformation. #ZenInteriorDesign #CaliforniaHomes #AsianInfluence #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalTransformation #OutdoorLiving #NaturalMaterials #SantaMonica

The concept of a dedicated meditation room has gained traction, particularly since the pandemic, as people seek ways to incorporate wellness practices into their homes. While meditation has been practiced for millennia in various settings, the idea of a specific room for mindfulness activities like meditation, breathwork, and yoga is a more recent development. This trend parallels the rise of other at-home wellness spaces such as saunas, steam rooms, and gyms, indicating a growing societal emphasis on well-being. Prominent figures, including celebrities and tech industry leaders, have embraced the idea of meditation rooms. For instance, Google incorporated meditation chambers in its San Francisco offices, featuring immersive light and sound. Drew Barrymore famously converted her walk-in wardrobe into a meditation space, adorned with affirmations. Liam Gallagher's rented Cotswold mansion also featured a meditation room, contributing to his monastic lifestyle. Other public figures like Cate Blanchett, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Goldie Hawn are also noted proponents of these contemplative spaces. When considering the ideal meditation room, there are two primary approaches. The first, exemplified by Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt, emphasizes complete detachment and a state of profound quietness. Vervoordt suggests that a meditation room should be distinct from the rest of the house, focusing on serene emptiness where proportion serves as the only decoration. This style often embraces purity or the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, celebrating the humble beauty of imperfection. The goal is to create a sacred, silent, and spiritual atmosphere that transcends specific religious connotations. The second, more common approach, as evidenced by a quick online search, leans towards comfort and relaxation rather than strict spiritual detachment. Design professionals like Janine Stone, whose firm specializes in luxury wellness spaces, note that this approach is less about a rigid formula and more about cultivating a mood that promotes tranquility. Key elements include soft lighting, tactile finishes, and a balanced color palette designed to calm both the visual and mental senses. Companies like Sofa.com are even designing furniture, such as the 'Ren' chaise longue, specifically for these self-care spaces. Integrating principles like feng shui and the five elements can further enhance the calming atmosphere of a meditation space. Nicky Emlick, creative director at Sofa.com, suggests incorporating natural textures like rattan for wood, candles and warm lighting for fire, and lush greenery for earth. It's also emphasized that a full room isn't necessary; even a small corner can be transformed with thoughtful touches. Interior designer Clare Gaskin concurs, stating that a wellness space can be created almost anywhere—a landing, a bathroom, or a snug—by focusing on comfort, color, lighting, and natural materials, including biophilic design. Ultimately, the essence of a meditation space is highly personal. As Janine Stone highlights, each individual's idea of a sanctuary differs. For some, it's about absolute silence; for others, it's a place for reading or quiet contemplation with a drink. Her firm recently designed a Middle Eastern-inspired relaxation room, reminiscent of a majlis, for a client seeking a private retreat. Clare Gaskin stresses that true well-being in design is not about luxury but about creating environments that allow for breathing, pausing, and simply being. She notes that nurturing environments are crucial for restoring calm and dignity, a principle she applies in her charitable work as well. Therefore, while a dedicated meditation room might not be essential for everyone, creating a mindful and restful space, tailored to individual needs, is universally beneficial amidst busy lives. #MeditationRoom #HomeWellness #InteriorDesign #MindfulnessSpace #WabiSabi #FengShui #BiophilicDesign #HomeSanctuary #WellnessTrend

The article explores how Inscape, a new meditation studio in Manhattan, integrates technology with traditional meditation practices to create a tranquil environment, and offers practical advice on how to replicate this 'zen' atmosphere at home. Founded by Khajak Keledjian and Lew Frankfort, Inscape aims to provide a peaceful urban sanctuary amidst the city's chaos. They collaborated with architect Winka Dubbeldam to design a multi-sensory space that uses light, sound, and air to guide visitors into a meditative state. The design principles of Inscape emphasize creating a gradual transition from the bustling outside world to the serene meditation spaces. Dubbeldam incorporated 'transition' areas like a living room, retail space, and relaxation zones to help attendees unwind before entering the darker meditation rooms. This concept is adaptable for home use, suggesting that individuals should consider the environment surrounding their meditation space. Clearing clutter and adding calming elements like plants or soft rugs in entryways can help prepare the mind for mindfulness, making it easier to achieve a meditative state. Another key aspect of Inscape's design is its innovative use of lighting. Unlike many traditional meditation spaces that eschew technology, Inscape utilizes dim, low-level lighting to create an immersive experience, mimicking an endless horizon. Dubbeldam highlights that low lighting, as opposed to overhead lighting, is more conducive to relaxation, as it reduces strain on the eyes and promotes a sense of calm. For a home meditation area, this translates to installing dimmer switches or using low-light lamps, ensuring that the visual environment supports tranquility. Finally, the studio focuses on maintaining consistent sound and temperature, recognizing these as crucial elements for an uninterrupted meditation practice. The bamboo-clad meditation spaces at Inscape are equipped to provide continuous ambient sounds, such as music or white noise, and a stable, comfortable temperature. The article encourages readers to embrace technology, like smart thermostats and sound apps on smartphones, to achieve this consistency at home. By controlling the environmental factors of sound and temperature, distractions are minimized, allowing for deeper focus. The overall message is that achieving enlightenment or a mindful state at home is attainable by thoughtfully designing the environment, using a comfortable seat, adjusting lighting, and ensuring consistent temperature and sound, all without necessarily forgoing modern conveniences. #MeditationAtHome #ZenDesign #HomeMindfulness #InteriorDesign #SmartHomeTechnology #UrbanSanctuary #MindfulLiving #RelaxationSpace #HomeDecor