Marmol Radziner Designs A Loft in Los Angeles’ Arts District

Marmol Radziner Architects recently renovated a 2,000 square foot industrial loft in a 1924 warehouse in downtown Los Angeles’ Arts District. The homeowner requested a bachelor pad that was both simple and sophisticated where he could entertain guests and the result is a spacious home with a cozy, grey and black color palette.

The layout was restructured by removing unnecessary walls to create four new spaces defined by custom casework. The living room was raised onto a platform and covered with grey oak herringbone flooring. The rest of the loft kept the original raw concrete floors.

Two vintage lounge chairs, a daybed, ottomans, and a large sofa anchor the cozy, comfortable living room.

The dining room houses a large walnut table with a blackened steel base, along with black leather Cassina Cab chairs.

The kitchen is outfitted with custom black cabinets that helped define the new open layout. The backsplash behind the sink was tiled in contrasting white subway tiles.

The second bedroom was removed to make way for one large master bedroom suite that features a sitting area. Blackout curtains allow for better sleeping or movie viewing.

from Design MilkDesign Milk http://design-milk.com/marmol-radziner-designs-a-loft-in-los-angeles-arts-district/

from Home Improvment http://notelocreesnitu.tumblr.com/post/163644305219

Skagen’s Signatur Hybrid Smartwatch Dials In Connectivity

Named after the Jutland peninsula’s northernmost town, it wouldn’t be all surprising to mistake the contemporary American watch brand Skagen for one originating from Denmark, the name symbolic rather than historical. Nevertheless, Skagen has done well for decades representing the ideals of modern Danish design for the American market, minimalist timepieces with distinct features that belie their affordable prices. The Skagen Signatur Hybrid Smartwatch represent a continuation of the brand’s trademark sleek and modern design language, a collection of four timepieces merging the horological heritage of mechanical movement with unobtrusive connectivity features to keep wearer informed without distraction.

Skagen’s hybrid approach to the smartwatch manifests in a discreet notification system, one relying upon subtle cues rather than overt display notifications that may intrude on concentration, delivering the wearer updates using a secondary dial with four color-coded dial sections to silently communicate whether a call, text, or app notification needs attention (illustrated in action here).

Because its smart features are primarily shared/pushed over to a connected Android or iOS device, the Signatur only requires a standard replaceable CR2430 coin-cell battery to power its features, simplifying life of less required Micro USB connection. Interchangeable 20mm straps afford aesthetic flexibility, while each of the four styles present a distinct personality that should appeal across lifestyles.

Connected to an Android or iPhone via Bluetooth 4.1, the Signatur watches works in harmony with its own app to ensure exact time and date keeping, automatically adjusting the watch dial hands, while also diligently keeping tabs on daily sleep and movement activity – easily reviewable from the connected smartphone.

All four of Skagen’s Signatur hybrid smartwatch line is available online now, priced between $175-195 depending upon finish and band.

from Design MilkDesign Milk http://design-milk.com/skagens-signatur-hybrid-smartwatch/

from Home Improvment http://notelocreesnitu.tumblr.com/post/163642661319

Merging Styles in a Victorian Outside Chicago, IL

Opposites definitely attract when it comes to design. And when they do, oftentimes the results are stellar and surprising. In fact, some of the most eye-catching homes I’ve ever seen have been ones where two styles cohesively merge into one, causing me to wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?!” One couple who has famously done just this is artist and designer Mindy MacNeil and her finance-savvy husband Scott. With the help of their friend, designer Shaleah Soliven, they’ve decked out their Victorian in a look that equally represents their respective sides of the design coin.

Located in the suburbs of Chicago, the 2,000-square-foot, century-old house boasts many historical details including original ceilings, wooden elements and hardware. Obviously, given the home’s bones, one approach to outfitting it was to lean into its character and amplify these vintage touches. Without a doubt, collector and flea-market regular Scott was down. Mindy, on the other hand, saw potential to modernize the home, adding sleek touches and bright accessories with a minimalist hand.

Luckily, moderator and pal Shaleah helped the couple find clever ways to incorporate both of their styles into various corners of their home. Firstly, the trio designed a “curiosity room” to efficiently house their beautiful taxidermy and throwback mementos. Guarded by a glistening suit of armor, the museum-like space is transportive, the perfect place to read a book and beckons the couple to come inside and let life simmer for a bit. Secondly, they searched for accents to pepper throughout the home that would satisfy Mindy’s desire to keep things streamlined but that also tiptoe the line between modern and retro. Turkish rugs, oil paintings and Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.’s offerings did the trick.

All in all, the process took a lot of time and quite a bit of creativity, but the compromise and collaboration that went into this project have definitely resulted in one house that’s very easy on the eyes. More importantly though, their efforts have resulted in a home where their daughter Isla can thrive. They say whenever she’s away for a bit, she always comes in and kisses the walls. Now that’s the ultimate seal of approval. Scroll down to check it out. Enjoy! —Garrett

Photography by Canary Lane

Image above: Upon entering Mindy and Scott’s home, you’re greeted by a vintage rug and wooden accents in a wide range of tones. In some spaces this array of stains could appear haphazard, but under the watchful eye of Mindy the shades come together to turn the dial to “relaxing” and “laid back.”

from Design*Sponge http://www.designsponge.com/2017/07/merging-styles-in-a-victorian-outside-chicago-il.html

from Home Improvment http://notelocreesnitu.tumblr.com/post/163642491584

Three Danish Companies Release Transparent Botanical Prints

Copenhagen-based design companies MOEBE, Paper Collective, and Norm Architects, joined forces to release a series of art prints that were designed specifically to hang within the MOEBE frame. Floating Leaves features transparent botanical photographs that give the illusion of actual leaves suspended within the frame.

The photographs were made using UV printing allowing a photo to be printed onto transparent foil. The prints, which come in three different sizes, are then

From Jonas Bjerre Poulsen of Norm Architects:

The Floating Leaves are inspired by the gathering of botanic samples and classic botanic illustration. Playing with a mix of fresh greens and elements of decay, the Leaves become an expression of passing time and changing seasons. Through the transparency of print and frame the leaves get a unique sense of multi-dimensionality rarely achieved in printed products.

from Design MilkDesign Milk http://design-milk.com/three-danish-companies-release-transparent-botanical-prints/

from Home Improvment http://notelocreesnitu.tumblr.com/post/163640961889

15 Art + Design Gifs to Make you Smile (and Laugh)

Sometimes I need a little laugh mixed into my daily design work. Whether that comes in the form of a super-pleasing video of color wheels coming to life or cats climbing up curtains, I’m not very picky. So Giphy is one of my favorite go-tos when I need a pick me up. I go back to some of my favorites on a regular basis when texting friends, so I thought I’d share 15 of my favorites today. From soothing paint smear clips to hilarious Liz Lemon moments (“Why can’t anyone look past paint color on House Hunters!”), these clips are a nice way to take a quick (and funny) break. xo, grace

Image above: Color wheels forever! (via Creative Bug)

Pleasing paint smears (via)

And color dots, too! (via)

So calming to watch furniture like this come apart and go back together. (via)

Artwork come to life (via)

Watercolor bird in motion (via)

I wish it was this easy to swap out paint and wallpaper at home. (via)

Or you can just watch someone else print wallpaper instead.  (via)

This embroidery video is so calming. (via)

Because we all love a good floral photo…especially when it moves. (via)

Pets are my favorite part of any home makeover. (via)

Me at the beginning of every home DIY project… (via)

…and me after I try to move to step two of a home DIY project. (via)

The main reason I can’t watch most design TV shows. Thank you for articulating so clearly, Liz Lemon. (via)

Finding that perfect spot in the sun. (via)

from Design*Sponge http://www.designsponge.com/2017/07/15-art-design-gifs-to-motivate-your-week.html

from Home Improvment http://notelocreesnitu.tumblr.com/post/163640809709