Oliver Yaphe

The Opposite House in Beijing

katherine — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:51:12 +0000

I’ve never been to Beijing, but if I ever happen to go, I know exactly where I’ll be staying. The Opposite House, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, looks like a complete and utter escape from any form of city life.

Oh and I do love those stools by Gubi!

Art House by DeForest Architects

katherine — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:21:48 +0000

My last post featured a couple shots from DeForest Architect’s “Art House”. The rest of the home was too good to pass up, so here’s a better view of the rest of the project.

I particularly love the stairs. I also think the vestibule is beautifully done. I even love the choice of stools. I could go on. But I won’t. Here you go:

It’s All in the Detail

katherine — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:55:17 +0000

Oh the details do make a difference in a house! (or so I’m learning).

I really love the use of modern wood paneling in these spaces:

Above: Design by Vancouver based Splyce
Below: Art House by DeForest Architects

Tama Art University Library

katherine — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:57:27 +0000

My university library was a big monolith of concrete that made me yawn from the second I walked in. Maybe that’s why my jaw hit the floor when I first spotted the Tama Art University Library located just outside Tokyo. Then again, I think anyone would have a similar reaction to this incredible space. Can you believe it?

Photos via Miss Moss.

2 Rooms and a Bath

katherine — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:24:00 +0000

I’ve lived in some pretty tight apartments in my time, but none seemed quite as comfortable or well put together as this tiny Swedish apartment spotted on Desire to Inspire.

2 rooms + 1 bath = 500 square feet of white wash and charm.

From Room to Room

katherine — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 19:19:37 +0000

Living in an open concept house, I have a new appreciation for how to fill space in a cohesive way. Maybe that’s why I really love these designs by Pfau Long Architecture – the transition between rooms seems so effortless.

Photos via Remodelista

City Landscaping by Rees Roberts

katherine — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:06:47 +0000

We’re finally getting around to doing some landscaping. But the problem with landscaping, in my opinion, is that it’s done after the fact – after you have nothing left in your budget, after you’re tired from all the decisions that led up to this point…you get the picture.

If I ever go through the build process again (which I really hope to get to do again!)…I’m going to factor in all these decisions ahead of time. Because when you see the work of a firm like Rees Roberts + Partners you can really get a sense of how good (great!) landscaping can transform a property.

These homes featured below are smack in the middle of Manhattan. As much as I adore New York, I wouldn’t exactly call it clean. But these properties would transport you somewhere far beyond the smog!

Above: Property on East 88th
Below: Jane Street Townhouse

Below: West 10th St. Home.

House Tour: LA House by Studio Guilherme Torres

katherine — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:44:11 +0000

The LA House in Londrina, Brazil was designed by Studio Guilherme Torres and is over the top in every which way. The size of everything is mind boggling. Those doors. Insane! The dining room table comfortably seats 12 (it’s stunning, isn’t it?). The couch looks like it’s 14 ft long. The ottoman could fit my entire family! Might that be a 30 ft runner?

Anyhow, I doubt you’ll get practical decorating advice from these photos, but they are fun to look at, aren’t they? Oh – and the shock of yellow in the kitchen – gutsy and well worth it.

Photos care of Yatzer and MCA Estudio

Zig it!

katherine — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:10:36 +0000

I am accumulating quite a random assortment of chairs at my place. It’s a bit of a problem. I now have a few pieces that have no purpose at all in our home and no real spot to stay, but I can’t seem to help myself. Be forewarned, the zig zag chair by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld designed in 1934 (or the like) is now on my latest hit list.

Photos care of: Fantastic Frank, Studio Guilherme, Hulya Kolabas, Hege Greenall-Scholtz

Boathouse Studio by gh3 Architects

katherine — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:01:20 +0000

Boathouse. Photographer’s Studio. Call it what you want – this seriously sleek home featured in this month’s Canadian House & Home magazine is unbelievable. Designed by gh3 Architects, I find the space completely inspiring.

The windows are phenomenal. I love the oversized floor tiles – wonder what they are? Anyone know? The “bigframe” dining chairs work perfectly for this space. A tub overlooking the water. Sigh. Vola faucets. Double sigh.

It might not be super comfy, but I could curl up with those views any day.