Buildner’s Home of Shadows Competition: Winners of the Artificial Light-Free Home Challenge

The article explores innovative solutions for maximizing the often-underutilized space beneath staircases, drawing inspiration from Grand Designs Live's 'Under The Stairs' feature. This annual exhibition, which champions efficient use of small spaces, showcases various creative installations designed by interior stylists to transform this challenging area into a functional and aesthetically pleasing part of the home. These spaces, commonly used as an unplanned storage for coats, shoes, and cleaning equipment, are re-imagined with purpose and design in mind. At Grand Designs Live, eight distinct installations offer homeowners a diverse range of ideas. These designs incorporate bold colors, varied textures, and innovative concepts that cater to different needs and preferences. One notable example highlighted is a dedicated dog room, demonstrating the versatility of the space. The overall winner of the 'Under The Stairs' competition was Chloe Spillett of 'Chloe Gets Creative,' who designed a child-friendly hideaway den. This particular installation was lauded by the judges for its thoughtful features and its ability to celebrate the triangular shape of the space rather than attempting to disguise it. The design was described as inviting, fun, and open, making it an ideal play area for children, particularly relevant for families residing in smaller properties. Barbra Chandler, one of the judges, emphasized that Chloe Spillett's winning design resonated with many visitors due to its practicality and achievability for parents and grandparents. The success of this installation underscores the potential for transforming under-stair areas into purposeful, comfortable, and useful spaces. The article encourages readers to consider these ideas for their own homes, moving beyond the traditional use of the space as a mere storage area. The featured runner-up designs further illustrate the breadth of possibilities, ranging from bespoke storage units to integrated home offices or cozy reading nooks. These examples collectively demonstrate how strategic planning and creative design can convert an awkward architectural feature into a valuable asset, enhancing both the functionality and visual appeal of a living space. The ultimate goal is to inspire homeowners to view these challenging spaces as opportunities for inventive solutions that improve daily living and reflect personal style. #GrandDesignsLive #UnderStairsIdeas #SmallSpaceSolutions #HomeStorage #InteriorDesign #SpaceSaving #CreativeHome #RenovationInspiration #ChloeSpillett

The 2022 Whole House Design category winner is a grand, Cape Cod-style home that harmonizes historical charm with vibrant coastal colors. This project, located in the Ozarks countryside, was conceptualized, designed, and built from the ground up by Nathan Taylor of Obelisk Home. The inception of the project originated from a chance encounter between Taylor and the homeowners at a cocktail party, leading to a long-term collaboration that started with initial sketches and culminated in a finished residence two years later. Taylor's design vision aimed to infuse the property with the distinctive aesthetic of a traditional Nantucket home, a style not commonly seen in the Ozark region. Key design elements include arched doorways, shadow box paneling throughout the main floor, and a classic East Coast color palette. These features contribute to a rich, historical feel within the home. Jeremy Cook of Cook Haus Design was responsible for translating Taylor's initial concepts into comprehensive architectural plans. The interior layout emphasizes an open-concept flow, integrating the kitchen, dining room, great room, and office space seamlessly. The kitchen and dining area are subtly defined by a lighted shadow box ceiling, an architectural detail that distinguishes it from the expansive living room. The living space is anchored by four oversized leather ottomans, each topped with custom walnut trays. This walnut material is consistently used in a large entertainment cabinet and the base of the kitchen island, creating a cohesive design theme. A significant design choice was the integration of the dining space with the kitchen, foregoing a separate formal dining room. This was achieved through a banquet off the island, upholstered in a rich powder blue leather, paired with a dressy dining table and chairs. A large, floor-to-ceiling china cabinet with built-in lighting and arched crown molding adds a formal touch to this combined space. The home office, positioned beneath a grand floating staircase, offers a cozy retreat with views of the front window, and also allows for easy interaction with the living room. The color scheme of cornflower and dusty blue extends to the upstairs primary bedroom, where it is complemented by bold patterns and lively accents of pink, orange, and fuchsia. The primary bathroom adopts a tone-on-tone approach, utilizing high-end marble in various textures and patterns to create a spa-like atmosphere. A fuchsia rug in the bathroom links back to the vibrant colors of the bedroom, while a molded glass chandelier and sconces add an elegant, historical touch. The exterior of the home holds personal significance for one of the homeowners, as the site was his childhood playground. The back hallway mudroom features an alder bench, stained and painted to match the walnut elements, and cabinetry in a unique "blavy" (black navy) color, adding strength and character to the space. The successful execution of this project, despite its challenges, resulted in the realization of the homeowners' coastal dream home, a sentiment expressed by Taylor regarding their satisfaction. #DesignAwards #InteriorDesign #CapeCodStyle #HomeDecor #ObeliskHome #ArchitecturalDesign #CoastalCharm #LuxuryHomes

This article showcases ten luxury smart home projects that have received awards from the CE Pro Home of the Year Awards in 2023 and 2024. These projects exemplify the integration of technology, design, and user experience in custom home automation. The article encourages integrators to submit their innovative projects for the upcoming 2025 CE Pro Home of the Year Awards, highlighting the recognition and opportunities that come with such accolades. One featured project, the Montana Mountain Getaway by SAV Digital Environments (2023), integrated Lutron Palladiom shading and lighting to enhance comfort and preserve scenic views. This system, designed for both performance and aesthetics, featured custom-finished keypads and harmonized with the home's natural materials, offering quiet luxury and automated convenience in a remote setting. SmartXP Texas (2023) transformed an office into a dynamic, multifunctional space using a modular Planar MicroLED display. This installation facilitated flexible collaboration, training, and customer engagement, with a large-scale, seamless video wall that could be easily reconfigured to support a modern and agile work environment. The Experience Center for System 7 (2023), based in Boston, showcased intuitive smart home technology within a refined architectural design. Featuring Ketra lighting, Lutron control, and wellness-focused elements, the center served as both a demonstration space and an inspiration source for clients, embodying "quiet luxury." Audio Impact (2023) created the Casa Azul Home Theater, a luxurious entertainment space with immersive surround sound, fiber-optic ceiling lights, and premium acoustic treatments. The theater blended performance with a galaxy-inspired aesthetic and smart automation, with a comprehensive control system managing everything from interior AV to outdoor features like a firepit and fountains. The Iceberg Estate by The Premier Group (2023) in Ontario, Canada, featured a fully customized Crestron control system for HVAC, lighting, security, and AV. This integration provided seamless, centralized control for the client's luxury lifestyle within a sleek, modern home. Atlantic Control Technologies (2023) developed a Contemporary Smart Estate with advanced digital infrastructure, including enterprise-grade networking and a fiber optic backbone for centralized AV distribution. This project demonstrated how robust planning and wiring could future-proof a home while supporting high-performance systems and maintaining discreet aesthetics. frayednot (2024) executed a "Modern Meets Legacy" project at Greenbriar, integrating contemporary smart home features with existing Crestron systems. The renovation updated lighting, AV, and security while preserving the original infrastructure, creating a seamless blend of old and new technology through thoughtful engineering. Audio Impact (2024) also tackled a unique challenge with the Sliding Glass Wall Smart Home, where massive sliding glass walls replaced traditional doors. Integrators installed sensors, lighting, and climate controls that adapted to open-concept living, ensuring energy efficiency and user comfort in a luxurious environment. Innovative Sight and Sound (2024) brought to life a Star Wars Home Theater, inspired by the Millennium Falcon. This immersive theater featured custom visuals, lighting, audio, fiber-optic star ceilings, authentic props, and tactile controls, showcasing themed AV craftsmanship. Finally, Elite AVL (2024) highlighted an Illuminated Staircase Lighting project, which became a dramatic centerpiece in a luxury home. This project combined architectural lighting, automation, and wellness lighting techniques to enhance both beauty and functionality, utilizing carefully programmed scenes and concealed fixtures to elevate the entire space. #LuxurySmartHomes #CustomIntegration #HomeAutomation #CEDIA #HomeOfTheYearAwards #SmartHomeDesign #AVIntegration #LightingControl #ShadingSolutions #HomeTheater

The article explores the increasing trend of incorporating secret rooms and hidden spaces within residential properties, moving beyond their traditional association with historic houses or celebrity panic rooms to become a desired feature. It showcases a variety of ingenious designs, ranging from functional security solutions to playful hideaways for relaxation and entertainment. Creative Home Engineering, a company specializing in such installations, is highlighted for its diverse portfolio. Examples include a sophisticated sliding fireplace that conceals a passageway and additional rooms, an ornate mirror in a luxurious bathroom that swings open to reveal a hidden space with an electromagnetic locking system, and a display case in a motor racing fan's home that slides apart to expose a concealed safe room. These examples illustrate that while some clients seek hidden rooms for their novelty, a significant portion prioritizes enhanced security, finding them more protective than traditional safes or vaults. Architectural firms like DeForest Architects also contribute to this trend, designing homes with flexible and transforming spaces. One such project features a wood-clad wall that hinges open to convert a sitting area into a guest bedroom, seamlessly integrating secret passages into open corridors. Another design by Creative Home Engineering showcases a concrete wall panel that swings open to reveal a safe room within an open-plan living area, demonstrating how hidden spaces can be camouflaged in plain sight. The article further presents a billiard room where a corner shelving unit disguises a secure door leading to a safe room, equipped with an electromagnetic locking system for maximum security. For more personal retreats, interior designer Laura Medicus created a cozy, teen-friendly hangout by transforming a walk-in wardrobe into a secret room accessible through an old armoire, providing a private space for reading and socializing. Another innovative design by DeForest Architects incorporates a hidden media room behind a set of open shelves, offering a flexible overflow space for a family home. Creative Home Engineering also designed a seemingly ordinary wooden staircase that rests on a motorized trapdoor, revealing a highly secure understairs hideaway. Smaller, more playful additions include a mini passageway created by Platt Builders, linking two children's bedrooms in a custom-built home, offering an unexpected element of fun. The concept of a clandestine lounge is presented through a slate-clad feature wall that, when pushed, reveals a timber-walled speakeasy-like space, offering a private retreat. Security remains a key driver, as illustrated by an Arizona couple who invested in a fireplace safe room, accessible via a secret mantelpiece switch and fortified with a heavy-duty steel door and dual electromagnetic locking system. Finally, a fairytale castle Airbnb features a secret sleeping space behind a bookcase, providing a private area for guests, particularly appealing to children for its adventurous quality. These diverse examples demonstrate the versatility and growing appeal of secret rooms in contemporary home design, catering to both security needs and a desire for unique, personalized living spaces. #SecretRooms #HiddenSpaces #HomeDesign #InteriorArchitecture #CreativeHomeEngineering #DeForestArchitects #HomeSecurity #UniqueHomes #ArchitecturalInnovation

The 2012 Made in the South Awards recognized exceptional craftsmanship, particularly in the Home Category. The overall winner was Wood Studio's Lookout Mountain Rocker, a testament to traditional woodworking by brothers Keith and Dylan Cochran. Based in Arley, Alabama, near the William B. Bankhead National Forest, the brothers dedicate eighty hours to each rocker, meticulously crafting them without computer-controlled tools or external help. Their process emphasizes the use of native, air-dried wood such as walnut, cherry, or maple, dried for two years to preserve structural integrity and natural luster. They pair this with vegetable-dyed, hand-stretched leather for the seat and back. The Cochrans' commitment to quality extends to their joinery, where they scrutinize wood grain to prevent stress from humidity changes and utilize mortise-and-tenon joints, secured with brass pins for lasting durability. This dedication to their craft is deeply rooted in family history, as their father, Randy Cochran, designed the original Lookout Mountain Rocker over thirty years prior. Randy, an industrial design graduate from Auburn University, incorporated minimalist and Bauhaus principles into the rocker's design, focusing on essential form and function, such as low arms for holding a toddler. The rocker's name and inspiration come from Lookout Mountain in Fort Payne, Alabama, where Randy developed a profound respect for natural growth, influencing Wood Studio's designs to avoid artificial straight lines or contrived curves. Randy founded Wood Studio in the mid-1980s, and his sons joined full-time in 2001. Despite economic challenges post-9/11, they persevered, eventually gaining recognition through the Sundance Catalog. The brothers later relocated their workshop to Arley, while Randy returned to Fort Payne to manage the business and pursue his own woodworking. Their work is celebrated for its "Shaker contemporary" style, a term coined by gallery owner James-Ben Stockton, highlighting their faith in the inherent beauty of natural wood like white oak and ash, rejecting paint or uniform finishes that would obscure the wood's unique character and texture. Each piece is distinct, even two walnut chairs with natural tan hide will differ in color and texture. In addition to the overall winner, the Home Category also recognized several runners-up. Nordt Family Farm, based in Charles City, VA, was honored for its delicate, color-blocked blankets woven from merino wool, with Dianne Nordt personally weaving approximately eighty-five blankets per spring shearing. Kaminer Haislip from Charleston, SC, received recognition for her sculptural silver coffeepot, blending traditional European silversmithing with Art Deco and Scandinavian modern influences. Finally, Fire Pit Art from Lebanon, TN, was acknowledged for Rick Wittrig’s durable fire pits, crafted from quarter-inch steel, reflecting a strong tradition of no-nonsense craftsmanship and designed to last for a century. #MadeInTheSouthAwards #WoodStudio #LookoutMountainRocker #HandcraftedFurniture #TraditionalWoodworking #ArtisanCrafts #SouthernCraftsmanship #HomeGoods #ProductDesign

The article showcases the winning designs from the 2023 Top Denver Home Design Contest, featuring a range of residential projects that highlight innovative architectural and interior design solutions. The projects demonstrate how designers approach challenges such as maximizing views, addressing light limitations, integrating sustainable features, and preserving historical elements. One featured project, a "whole home" winner in Boulder's Chautauqua neighborhood, was designed by architect Ken Andrews. The design is inspired by the geologic forces that formed the Flatirons, incorporating the concept of "vergence." The home features quarter-inch-thick premanufactured limestone panels, allowing the entire house to be covered with material from a single quarry block, which reduced structural and shipping costs. These thin slabs also act as a rainscreen, managing heat gain and loss. The home includes a 13-kilowatt rooftop photovoltaic array and a ground-source heat pump for energy efficiency. The interior boasts an origami-like staircase, creating a dramatic focal point within a stone-clad void that extends from the basement to the top floor. Interior designer Kristin Wynne selected a minimal material palette of wood, wool, alpaca, velvet, and leather in soft grays to complement the architecture and emphasize natural light and views. Another project addresses a windowless powder room in Golden’s Applewood neighborhood. Designer Jamie Nusser of J Designs transformed a 1990s space into a sophisticated area. She incorporated alabaster orb sconces, 3D ceramic wall tiles from Japan, and a graphic, textured wallpaper on the ceiling to add visual height and texture, creating a moody yet chic atmosphere. The article also presents a study designed by Kim Blankenburg and Molly Bevan of Layers & Lines for recently retired homeowners in Observatory Park. The room was specifically created for playing chess, with a focus on comfort. They used a painterly wallpaper on the ceiling to contrast with existing charcoal walls and selected a graphic linen-blend velvet upholstery for the settee, balancing it with a tranquil landscape painting to create a calming and functional space. For a Bow Mar Tudor, Kaleidoscope Design and KGA Studio Architects collaborated to open up a ranch-style home by pitching the kitchen ceiling to 14 feet and adding vaulted windows to maximize sunlight and views of the backyard. Cassy Kicklighter Poole, principal designer at Kaleidoscope, incorporated timeless, nature-inspired materials such as leather-backed bar stools, quartzite countertops, and concrete-domed pendant lights to ensure the new finishes felt authentic to the space. Andrea Schumacher Interiors revitalized a 1909 Denver Country Club Tudor’s living room, which initially suffered from excessive natural light. Designer Andrea Schumacher opted for a palette of chocolate browns and true blues, applying a graphic, bamboolike pattern to the ceiling, walls, and draperies to create a "cocooned and cozy" feeling. A gold-gilt palm tree pendant lamp serves as a dazzling centerpiece. A historical renovation in the Montclair neighborhood involved updating a 1910 Tudor while preserving its original character. Miranda Cullen of Inside Stories highlighted the foyer’s existing architectural details by adding graphic wallpaper between ceiling beams, an animal-print runner on the original staircase, and a modernist bubble chandelier. A notable design element includes a secret powder room cleverly concealed behind a wall panel in the entry, demonstrating thoughtful integration of modern functionality with historical preservation. Finally, a home in Salida, located in the shadows of the Collegiate Peaks, was designed by Mike Piché of Studio B Architecture & Interiors. The goal was to integrate the house seamlessly with its natural surroundings along the Arkansas River. The design features a flat, unobtrusive roofline and floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize panoramic views. Energy efficiency was achieved through light-transmissible glass and deep overhangs. The exterior stucco features a hand-troweled pattern intended to evoke the organic qualities of the river and its sediment, further connecting the structure to its environment. Another project for a University home’s primary bathroom, designed by Dain Carlson of Factor Design Build, features an oak vanity, handmade blush-hued zellige wall tiles, graphic black-and-white floor tiles, and gold hardware, creating a striking blend of masculine and feminine elements in a personal space.

The Livingetc Style Awards 2024 recognize outstanding achievements in lighting design, highlighting pieces that blend form and function to elevate interior spaces. A panel of Livingetc's senior editorial team, including Global Brand Director Sarah Spiteri, Executive Editor Pip Rich, Digital Editor Hugh Metcalf, and Print Deputy Editor Ellen Finch, meticulously reviewed numerous entries to select the winners across various categories. The Best Lighting Collection award went to Alchemist by Lee Broom. While Lee Broom is known for broader design contributions, his lighting designs are particularly celebrated. The Alchemist collection is inspired by celestial constellations, allowing for the creation of intricate clusters that resemble art installations. Pip Rich praised its versatility and endlessly fascinating shapes, suggesting it might be Broom's most accomplished work to date. The Soft Blown by Lladro, a collaboration with Nichetto Studio, was honored as the Best Table Lamp. This design combines Lladró’s Airbloom table lamp and Afloat chandelier, drawing inspiration from balloons. The judges lauded its whimsical and cartoon-like character, with Ellen Finch noting its humorous appeal. For the Best Ceiling Light category, Wave by Curiousa was selected. These chandeliers are characterized by their handcrafted, mould-free blown glass, which results in a charming lack of uniformity and an ice cream-inspired color palette. Pip Rich envisioned them as striking, contemporary clusters suitable for entryways or above dining tables, appreciating their carefree aesthetic. David Hunt Lighting's Pop collection won Best Wall Light. This globe-shaped bulb features a metal backing that acts as a reflector, casting a warm glow into the room. Available in four colors, its scalloped edge was particularly admired by Sarah Spiteri for its aesthetic detail and thoughtful design. The Best Portable Light award was given to Tom Dixon's Bell lamp. Recognizing the growing demand for flexible living solutions, portable lamps have become essential. The Bell lamp offers a range of calming hues and provides excellent downlight for reading, as noted by Ellen Finch. Its design ensures seamless integration into various settings. Finally, Dyson's Solarcycle Morph secured the Best Desk Light award. This innovative desk light is engineered to adapt to the user's needs throughout the day with a daylight tracking system. Hugh Metcalf highlighted its soothing ambient setting, underscoring its functional sophistication. This award category introduced a new level of engineering in lighting, focusing on dynamic light delivery based on daily tasks. #LivingetcStyleAwards #LightingDesign #InteriorDesign #LeeBroom #Lladro #Curiousa #DavidHuntLighting #TomDixon #DysonLighting #HomeDecor

This article details the basement room reveals from Week 4 of The Block 2021, a reality television competition focused on home renovation and design. The teams were tasked with creating unique basement spaces, resulting in a mix of home cinemas and a steam room. Each team's design choices, expenditures, and the judges' feedback are highlighted. Kirsty and Jesse secured first place with a score of 29/30, spending $34,117. Their winning creation was a retro-inspired home cinema, complete with stepped seating, recliners with cup holders, a large screen, and classic movie posters. The judges were particularly impressed with the integration of modern technology and nostalgic touches, noting its potential as a performance space. The foreman's report indicated no issues with their build. Ronnie and Georgia, and Mitch and Mark, tied for second place, both scoring 28.5/30. Ronnie and Georgia invested $23,410 in their luxurious cinema room, which featured an acoustic panel ceiling with shooting stars, comfortable lounge seating, velvet floor-to-ceiling curtains, and a hidden lolly cupboard. The room was equipped with a huge screen, a state-of-the-art sound system, dimmable lighting with strip LEDs, and sound insulation, which led one judge to reconsider his opinion on home cinemas. Mitch and Mark, with a budget of $31,975, opted for a unique approach by transforming their basement into a day-spa style steam room. This fully tiled and plumbed wet-room included underfloor heating, perfect lighting, and a steam facility with steam-proof speakers. The judges praised its originality and high-quality execution, considering it a luxurious addition to any home. Tanya and Vito placed third with a score of 27/30, spending $32,106. Their home cinema featured a recessed cavity slider door, banked seating with luxurious electric recliners and side tables, a huge screen, and ceiling-to-floor boucle curtains. While acknowledged as less versatile than other spaces, it was deemed an excellent cinema, with blue LED strip lighting creating a post-COVID appealing environment. Josh and Luke received the lowest score of 21/30, with an expenditure of $28,321. They designed a multi-media space, described as a traditional home cinema experience, but also suitable for gaming and watching sports. Their room included a snack and drinks station, a large Iron Man sculpture, and comfortable reclining couches. The architectural highlight was the stepped ceiling, admired for both its practical lighting integration and aesthetic appeal. Despite its smaller size, the judges found the space eccentric and amusing. #TheBlock2021 #BasementReveal #HomeCinema #SteamRoom #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #RoomReveals #Renovation #HomeInspiration

The Homes & Gardens Design Awards recognize exceptional product designs that introduce character and sophistication to interior schemes. These annual awards highlight items, from prominent statement pieces to subtle accents, that are both contemporary and enduring in their appeal. This year's awards encompass a wide array of categories, celebrating innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability across various home furnishings and decor. In the rug categories, 'Lithic' by A RUM FELLOW was honored as the Best Rug Collection. Inspired by British landforms, this collection features designs that mimic weathered stone, evoking the wild landscape through ethically handcrafted rugs made from Tibetan wool, New Zealand wool, cactus fiber, and silk. These rugs are STEP and GoodWeave-certified, emphasizing their ethical production. The Best Rug Design award went to 'Acres' by Pelican House x Lucy Williams Home, a flatweave, handwoven from 100% New Zealand wool, reflecting the English countryside's pastoral beauty. For outdoor and sustainable rugs, 'Aster' by Weaver Green was recognized for transforming 100% recycled plastic bottles into wool-like fibers, creating ultra-durable yet authentic-looking kilims. The Best Runner Design was awarded to 'Skye' by Bombay Sprout x Laura Stephens, crafted by fourth-generation weavers in India from hand-harvested jute, a biodegradable and recyclable material. For flooring, 'Chicopee' by Unnatural Flooring won for its herringbone weave, combining sisal's rustic charm with synthetic yarn's practicality, making it water-resistant, UV-stable, and suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Furniture awards included 'Bill's carver' by Studio HÁM for Best Chair, inspired by early English antiques and made from oak with a woven seagrass seat. 'Lomada' by Isabel & Co received Best Desk for its custom-made design from solid oak, upholstered in various fabrics. The Best Sofa award was given to 'Dajo' by Porta Romana, noted for its retro aesthetics, modern craftsmanship, deep seat, elegant curves, and polished beech plinth. 'The Nautilus' by Astrid Houssin Interiors won Best Stool, offering decorative versatility with bespoke RAL colors and hand-painted finishes. 'The Bedroom collection' by Sims Hilditch x George Smith secured Best Furniture Collaboration, drawing inspiration from the Cotswolds' rolling hills. NiX by Nicola Harding's 'Shipshape chest of drawers in Sage Green' was recognized for Best Storage, featuring FSC-certified solid oak, a bold painted finish, and distinctive vertical handles. 'The Artesian' by Collection Seven won Best Bed for its customisable design, featuring poplar burl veneer posts and a luxurious upholstered base and headboard. 'Tides' by Brogan Cox x NAT MAKS was celebrated for Best Use of Colour for a Product, with marbled ink designs inspired by coastal life. Lighting categories saw several winners: 'Campanilla pendant light' by Birdie Fortescue for Best Affordable Design, offering handcrafted quality and timeless elegance. 'Insulator AB pendant' by Novocastrian won Best Fixed Ceiling Light, inspired by train journeys and made from machined brass and pressed glass. 'Thelma lantern' by Jamb received Best Pendant Light, blending historical craftsmanship with contemporary elegance. 'Bloomsbury' by Max Rollitt was named Best Table Light, honoring the Bloomsbury Group's artistic legacy with hand-turned and painted designs. 'Copper Coast rechargeable accent light' by Visual Comfort & Co x Waterford earned Best Portable Light, combining crystal craftsmanship with lighting expertise. 'Simone' by Hector Finch won Best Wall Light, drawing design cues from the Vienna Secession movement. Other notable winners include 'Bedding in Eva Belle by Liberty' by Coco & Wolf for Best Bed Linen, featuring a traditional ditsy floral print. 'Galia' by Porta Romana was awarded Best Mirror for its organic ceramic shape and customisable glazes. 'Anemone candle' by Grove England received Best Home Fragrance, combining chamomile, jasmine, and neroli with warming notes. Natasha Hulse's 'Bespoke design' won Best Headboard for its intricate, hand-painted, and embroidered artistic creations. 'The Palaces Collection' by The Soho Lighting Company x Historic Royal Palaces was recognized for Best Accessories Collaboration, drawing on historical patterns and crafted from solid brass. Rowen & Wren won Best Product Made in the UK for its commitment to British craftsmanship and sustainability. For outdoor accessories, 'Lampshade parasol in Double Cream' by Plia Parasols won for its fade-proof fabric and bullion fringe. 'Chatterley' by Francis Sultana for David Gill Gallery received Best Outdoor Collection for its sculptural, patinated bronze pieces inspired by the British landscape. Finally, 'Diamond Majesty mattress topper' by Vispring won Best Sustainable Design for its use of nature's finest materials and commitment to environmental responsibility. #HomesAndGardens #DesignAwards #InteriorDesign #ProductDesign #HomeDecor #SustainableDesign #Craftsmanship #LuxuryFurnishings #LightingDesign

This page serves as a comprehensive guide for architects, designers, and firms interested in submitting their work for consideration in Architectural Record's various annual awards and special features. It outlines the opportunities available throughout the year for showcasing contemporary architecture, residential projects, interior designs, and innovative products. The primary goal is to encourage submissions to several prestigious competitions and features that celebrate excellence and innovation in the field. The Architectural Record Awards are a key highlight, scheduled for inauguration in the fall. These awards aim to recognize the year’s best built and unbuilt projects, as well as leading design voices, with winners being celebrated at the annual Innovation Conference. This new award program will complement the magazine's long-standing tradition of highlighting architectural excellence in its print editions. Specific details for submission to these awards are provided through a dedicated link. Another significant feature is "Record Interiors," an annual issue that has for decades showcased outstanding contributions to building interiors. This competition invites architects and interior designers to submit projects that demonstrate clever solutions and innovative material choices, with a primary focus on interior scope. The page offers links to submission details and archives of past winners, providing aspiring entrants with examples of previously recognized work. "Design Vanguard" is presented as a program recognizing emerging firms and individual practitioners who represent the next generation of architects. Since 2000, this award has honored ten international winners each year, specifically targeting practices that have been established for ten years or less. This initiative aims to highlight fresh talent and innovative approaches within the architectural community, with application details and a list of past winners accessible on the page. "Record Houses," established in 1956, is an annual issue dedicated to residential design. It seeks projects that challenge expectations, push disciplinary boundaries, and creatively redefine established architectural vocabularies. The platform provides detailed submission guidelines and links to previous winners, offering insights into the types of residential projects that have historically been celebrated. The "Kitchen & Bath" competition focuses on novel approaches to these utilitarian spaces, encompassing both commercial and residential contexts, and even public infrastructure. This category encourages submissions that showcase innovation in design and functionality within kitchens and bathrooms. Information on entering this competition and viewing past winners is also made available. "Record Products of the Year" is a long-running competition that identifies the most innovative building materials, components, and furnishings introduced to the North American market within the past year. A panel of experts, including architects and designers, selects winning entries based on criteria such as inventiveness, functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics. The awardees are featured in the December issue of RECORD, and the page provides entry details for the upcoming cycle and a list of previous product winners. The "Cocktail Napkin Sketch" contest, open to U.S.-based architects, students, and related professionals, celebrates the art of sketching. Entrants are required to submit a sketch on a white cocktail napkin using a pen. Two grand prize winners, one licensed architect and one related professional, receive a gift card and a set of custom cocktail napkins. Winning sketches are announced at the Innovation Conference and published in the November issue and on the website. This contest is sponsored by Construction Specialties. Finally, the "Guess the Architect" contest is a monthly challenge from the editors, inviting readers to identify the architect of a historically important building. The contest runs throughout the month, with a chance to win a $500 Visa gift card. This contest is sponsored by Pac-Clad Peterson. The page concludes by inviting general project submissions, providing links to submission guidelines and the editorial calendar for those who wish to have their work considered for publication outside of the specific contests. #ArchitecturalAwards #DesignCompetitions #EmergingArchitects #ResidentialDesign #InteriorDesign #BuildingProducts #ArchitecturalSketching #InnovationConference #CallForEntries

Amy, a 39-year-old print-maker and illustrator from Ayrshire, Scotland, living in south-west London, shares her experience as the runner-up on series three of Interior Design Masters. She reflected on her journey through the competition, detailing her initial disbelief at being accepted onto the show, believing it was a prank, and her surprise at making it to the final. Throughout the series, Amy developed her confidence, particularly in transitioning from surface design to extensive renovations, culminating in her bold final makeover. The final challenge involved transforming a dated basement Tiki bar and an upstairs bar/café in Soho into a welcoming destination. Amy created two distinct yet subtly connected schemes, emphasizing her passion for pattern, design, and color. She deliberately designed the two spaces separately, aiming for creative freedom, a choice that the judges noted could have had more connection. The upstairs space was envisioned as a light, inviting area suitable for coffee, contrasting with the vibrant, pattern-rich downstairs Tiki bar. Amy's use of a bold orange graphic-patterned wallpaper in the basement was a risk she felt confident taking due to her background in print and color, comparing the effect to having consumed too many piña coladas. She advises others not to shy away from strong wallpapers, especially in smaller rooms, where they can create significant impact. Her favorite project from the series was a waterside retreat, where she felt her confidence peaked and she took risks she might have avoided earlier. Amy emphasized that the show was a gruelling but amazing experience that significantly boosted her self-assurance. She also offered advice to aspiring designers considering applying for the show, encouraging them to apply regardless of perceived talent and to prepare thoroughly for the demanding schedule. The article also touches upon Amy's personal life, particularly her challenging fertility journey, which she spoke about in the show's final. She openly discusses her four-year struggle with recurrent miscarriages and failed IVF, revealing a genetically-caused clotting disorder that requires daily blood thinner injections during pregnancy. She highlights the importance of public discourse on fertility issues, noting that the show provided a much-needed refresh and renewed confidence during a difficult period in her life. Looking ahead, Amy announced the launch of her new home textiles business, which includes napkins and table mats, with her husband Freddy assisting with the technical aspects. #InteriorDesignMasters #AmyDavies #RealityTV #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignCompetition #PersonalJourney #SmallBusiness

This blog post highlights eight extraordinary, award-winning homes from around the world that exemplify beautiful design alongside low-energy consumption. The article emphasizes the growing concern for sustainability in architecture, noting a shift towards environmentally friendly materials and passive house design principles. These principles aim to create comfortable indoor temperatures with minimal heating or cooling requirements by exploiting passive solar energy. The featured homes were showcased at the World Architectural Festival and its sister event, Inside World Festival of Interiors, which provide a global overview of architectural and interior design developments. Several factors are influencing residential architecture, including changing demographics, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change. Architects are increasingly considering factors like extended life expectancy, intergenerational living, and late-life medical care, pushing health and wellbeing to the forefront of design. The potential for future lockdowns has also led architects to incorporate more balconies, external spaces, and dedicated areas for working from home. The featured homes include "19 Waterloo Street" in Sydney, Australia, designed by SJB, which won WAF's World Interior of the Year 2023. This mixed-use house features an idiosyncratic facade with varied window shapes and reclaimed materials. It integrates Passivhaus principles, ensuring it doesn't overheat in summer and allows ample sunlight in winter, with a green roof to mitigate the urban heat island effect. From Jaipur, India, the "House of Solid Stone" by Malik Architecture revives the use of local sandstone, utilizing traditional stone-splitting techniques to preserve natural textures. This home showcases the material's robust and sustainable qualities, with exposed sandstone throughout the interior. "Casa Ward" in Sarnano, Italy, designed by Carl Fredrik Svenstedt, demonstrates the trend of reusing existing materials. Built from the remnants of a farmhouse destroyed by an earthquake, its concrete frame is clad with reclaimed stone, echoing the original building's character. The design is engineered to withstand future tremors and offers expansive views through large windows, with terraces and an infinity pool reflecting the sky between its segmented sections. Near Melbourne, Australia, the "Three Spring Residential Gallery" by KGA Architecture is a family residence housing an art collection. Its organic, asymmetric design differentiates intimate family areas from formal art spaces, connected by oblique corridors. The interior features a double-height library, arched windows overlooking gardens with pools, a fluted plaster ceiling with a skylight, and a vaulted dining room, all unified by an earthy color palette inspired by the surrounding landscape. In São Paulo, Brazil, "LRM House" by Studio AG maximizes space on a narrow site through extensive glazing and a connection to a garden. It includes an open-plan ground floor, a double-height volume with a skylight, and an upper storey with frosted floor-to-ceiling windows for privacy and ventilation, along with an office, gym, sauna, and open-air swimming pool. "Mawhitipana House" on Waiheke Island, New Zealand, by MacKay Curtis, emphasizes close contact with nature. Perched on a steep slope, this wood-clad holiday home features a long timber deck among Pōhutukawa trees and offers sweeping views of Mawhitipana Bay. Its modest footprint minimizes environmental impact, with timber window shutters providing natural ventilation and allowing the sound of the ocean inside. The "Orla Apartment" in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, designed by Studio Arthur Casas, offers panoramic ocean views of Ipanema Beach. It balances family living space with a private home office that can be concealed. Extensive natural materials, including stone flooring and wood-lined walls, create a soothing environment, complemented by sandy tones in the decor to enhance the connection with the outdoor views. Finally, "Flag House" in Whistler, Canada, by Studio MK27, applies the firm's modernist principles to a different climate. This low-lying, horizontal holiday home blends with its natural setting, establishing a strong indoor-outdoor connection. It consists of two stacked boxy forms, with a glass-fronted living space above a dark wood-clad base containing the entrance and a guest bedroom, and a cantilevered upper floor appearing to hover above the plinth-like lower section. #Architecture #SustainableDesign #PassiveHouse #WorldArchitecturalFestival #InteriorDesign #EnvironmentalFriendlyMaterials #ResidentialArchitecture #ClimateChange #UrbanPlanning

The Sprudge Design Awards (SDA) is an annual initiative that celebrates artistic and design contributions within the coffee industry. Launched in 2023, the SDA acts as a global platform for showcasing excellence in coffee design, particularly focusing on original packaging, innovative products, and coffee-related artwork. The primary goal of the awards is to highlight the intersection of consumable art and coffee, recognizing the significant efforts of designers, illustrators, and coffee companies in shaping the visual identity of coffee. The 'Outstanding In-House Design Team' award specifically acknowledges the exceptional design and artistic contributions made by in-house design teams. This category is broad, encompassing any product genre within the wider coffee industry. For the 2024 awards, five distinguished companies have been selected as finalists for this coveted award: Brandywine Coffee, Loom Coffee, Onyx Coffee Lab, PERC Coffee Roasters, and Yes Plz Coffee. Each of these finalists has demonstrated a commitment to innovative and impactful design within their respective operations. Voting for the Sprudge Design Awards is an inclusive process, allowing individuals to participate in selecting the winners. The voting period for the 2024 awards commenced on December 6th, 2024, and concluded on January 7th, 2025. Voters had the flexibility to cast their ballots in a single category or across multiple categories, with a restriction of one vote per person to ensure fairness and prevent ballot stuffing. The results, revealing the winners for each category, were scheduled to be announced in early January following the close of the voting period. The Sprudge Design Awards encompass various categories beyond just the 'Outstanding In-House Design Team'. These categories recognize diverse aspects of design within the coffee industry, such as 'Outstanding Packaging: Milk / Alternative Milk / Creamer Finalists', 'Outstanding Design Achievement: Vessels Finalists', 'Outstanding Design Achievement: Goods And Garments Finalists', 'Best Coffee Photograph Of The Year Finalists', and 'Outstanding Design Achievement: Pastry'. These multiple categories reflect the comprehensive nature of design within the coffee world, from the visual appeal of packaging to the aesthetic presentation of beverages and goods. For those interested in future participation, the Sprudge Design Awards encourages entries for upcoming editions. Information regarding the categories and the 2024 finalists is available for review, as are the winners from the inaugural 2023 Sprudge Design Awards. Prospective entrants for the 2025 awards can register their interest, indicating a continuous effort by Sprudge to foster and acknowledge design talent within the global coffee community. This initiative plays a crucial role in promoting creativity and elevating aesthetic standards across the industry, celebrating the individuals and teams who bring coffee to life through visual artistry. #SprudgeDesignAwards #CoffeeDesign #InHouseDesign #BrandywineCoffee #LoomCoffee #OnyxCoffeeLab #PERCCoffeeRoasters #YesPlzCoffee #DesignExcellence

This article showcases the unique interior design styles of three designers, Jenny Powell, Edward Girardi, and Biff Bartron, as demonstrated in their personal homes. Each designer offers insights into their design philosophy, material choices, and practical tips for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces. Jenny Powell, owner of Somethings Unique, resides in a spacious Landenberg home with her family. Her design approach emphasizes a blend of elegance and family-friendliness, incorporating a relaxed European style with Scandinavian influences. After moving into their home, the Powells lightened dark wood floors and painted walls in pastel yellow and beige to create a brighter atmosphere. Powell's design is characterized by mixing old and new elements, such as Swedish Rococo-style sidechairs paired with contemporary fabrics, and the use of natural light and preserved greenery. Key elements of her home include fauteuil chairs from Spain with a gray-blue glaze, silk curtains in two colors, and durable microsuede upholstery for family-friendly living. The kitchen features granite countertops and unique hammered metal hardware, while the sunroom offers a casual dining space with a pine farmhouse table. Powell's home is adorned with her father's art, and she advocates for mixing styles, choosing tactile materials, incorporating personal art, and using a soft Scandinavian color palette. Edward Girardi, a proponent of high-rise living, has transformed his 16th-floor condominium in Wilmington into a sophisticated urban sanctuary. His design focuses on maximizing space and functionality in a compact environment. Girardi converted an adjoining unit into an intimate media room, painted in a custom purple-tinged gray. He meticulously blends his own paint colors and uses a sophisticated neutral palette as a backdrop for his home. A large, self-painted contemporary artwork dominates the living room, complementing the angular, masculine aesthetic. He repurposed a cocktail table by replacing its gold top with etched glass and staining the wood mahogany. Girardi's philosophy includes investing in neutral basics and updating accessories with lively prints. He emphasizes grouping family photos for impact and keeping them current. The dining area features a glass and chrome table for spaciousness, and custom built-in cabinets hide a bar and storage. His galley kitchen is designed for efficiency, with ceiling-height cabinets, slate tiles, and cork flooring. In the bedroom, a contemporary pedestal bed is paired with Shaker nightstands, and the space is unified by painting moldings and doors the same color as the walls. Girardi's advice for small spaces includes using larger tiles, decluttering with built-in storage, grouping pictures, measuring furniture carefully, and using solid colors to enlarge a space. Biff Bartron, a partner in BW Design Group, showcases an elegant California ranch home in Wilmington that balances luxury with simplicity, reflecting his preference for peaceful, spa-like environments. Despite initially being in disrepair, Bartron envisioned an open, light-filled space. He renovated in stages, prioritizing the kitchen and bathrooms. The enlarged kitchen features two dishwashers, three microwave ovens, stainless steel sinks, granite counters, and porcelain tile floors that mimic limestone. Sleek cherry cabinets with frosted glass panels and a pass-through window enhance light. A clever design integrates a Sub-Zero refrigerator, with the back half extending into the garage. Bartron unified the public spaces by installing dark ebony-stained hardwood floors. The dining table has an acid-treated copper top, and the living room offers comfortable seating for 11 around a baby grand piano. A chocolate brown daybed and silk curtains frame a bay window, allowing the city lights to become part of the decor. His color palette and simple furniture highlight a dramatic art piece from Paris. The powder room features hand-painted bamboo shoots and polished river rocks in the sink, adding a surprise element. The master bath is a spa-like retreat with a large stone shower and bamboo accents. Guest rooms on the lower level open to a private garden, and a secondary kitchen caters to entertaining. Bartron upgraded lighting and installed a whole-house stereo system. His recent addition of an Asian-inspired front porch creates a tranquil entry. Bartron recommends an Asian-inspired palette, using frosted glass for light and privacy, pampering oneself with luxury baths and linens, keeping window treatments simple to preserve views, and choosing durable materials for pet and family-friendly living. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignerHomes #ScandinavianDesign #UrbanLiving #ModernRanch #SpacePlanning #Renovation #HomeStyling