Off to the Beach! Part II

Two days of pure bliss!  Great company, wonderful setting…  Can't ask for more.

Images K R i S P I N T E R I O R

Location Siguion-Reyna Family Residence  with much thanks!

Wonderful hosts,  Dara Siguion-Reyna Villonco + Jeremiah Tallent

Off to the Beach!

At sunrise the family is headed down to beach front properties that I've been longing for.  My summer literally started early - 10 days ago.  But this vacation will be enhanced by beach life relaxation mode.  

My pinterest picks this week clearly illustrates what is about to happen!  

Pinterest

Summer Dreaming

In the midst of my tropical vacation I catch myself day dreaming wonderful vacation properties.  My Paradissi is my go-to inspiration for such properties and images that immediately transport me to that world.  On this side of the earth I am luckily blessed to set foot on this fantasy-like cosmos.

Today, I share with you -- just by looking at these images located in Formentera, Spain  I can smell salt, sand and beach air!

Source My Paradissi via Arch Daily

Architecture Marla Castell6 + Daniel Redolat

Photography Estudi Es Pujol de s'Era

Lazy Mornings

My vacation mode is full-on.  The guest room has a built-in alarm clock that strikes at 6.25 am…  it is the sunrise peeking through the clerestory windows above the bed.  Some of you may think this time of day is unreasonable during a holiday break.  But a beaming sunlight is a blessing compared to a buzzing, jarring alarm clock at 9am.  The smell of local *Barako beans linger in the kitchen as I wander  the grounds.

Images  K R i S P I N T E R I O R

*Barako beans are indigenous to Batangas, Philippines where my forefathers originated.  It belongs to the species coffea liberica.  The first Barako tree was a cutting from Brazil, and later planted in the regions of Batangas in the 1800s near my father's hometown.  It has a distinct flavour and pungent aroma which I have never experienced from other coffee varieties.  Growing up I had watched the brewing of this bean with brown sugar in the pot.  Also it was not served with milk.  

Vacation Mode: Living in the Tropics Part I

There is a valid reason for my lack of posts…  I am currently in 90 degree weather enjoying the much awaited vacation in the tropics where I spent my childhood years.  Allow me to gloat by sharing this wonderful collage that pretty much sums up the overall atmosphere of this trip (my pinterest picks of the week!).  Lots of lazy afternoons, and beaming sunlight.

Images via Pinterest

Small Spaces: CHallenge of the week | Day 3

This beautiful tiny home is an oldie but goodie!  It's so good I just had to repost it to go along with this week's Small Space Living theme.

I think most people are mistaken to think that once you move in to a space, especially to own, that they need to fill it with furniture right away.  Often my advice is to collect your items slowly.  This way you evolve along with your space and get to know what your real needs are.

This apartment is one of my favorite small spaces I've seen.  It's so simple without losing its flare as well as functionality.  With space constraints one gets super creative!  This narrow living room truly limits the amount of furniture you can put in it.  One large sofa grounds  this area, and with a light accent chair you create a hub for entertaining friends.  Mid-century chairs are good choices so you can easily move them where you need them.  Lucite or glass top coffee tables are so perfect!  The transparency adds interest and texture, plus it doesn't compromise your already tight galley.

These high ceilings could give you the option of installing floating wall cabinets for extra storage for seasonal goods or rarely used items.  IKEA BEST Å would be a perfect choice.

There is no space here for a book case or display shelf.  But isn't that window sill just perfect for your collections?

Think vertical!  Aaahhhh, the beauty of modular shelving units!  They are inexpensive, light, and you can change its arrangement as you please!  When you move to your next apartment, there's no need to haul one large bulky bookcase anymore.  One more thing, you save floor space!  May I suggest my favorite classic String shelves, or a more budget friendly IKEA ALGOT. 

Don't let your tiny flat discourage you from entertaining friends for dinner parties.  A table with extendable leaves would allow this option (IKEA BJURSTA seen here).  A drop leaf table could also work wonders.  Although I would strongly suggest stackable stools or light chairs to seat more than four at a time..  

This tight kitchen doesn't feel quite as tight as it really is.  The black feature wall added depth to it.  And those RIBBA picture rails are an all-around great solution for different things.  In this case, cookbooks.

A wall arm work lamp would be perfect for night reading in this small bedroom.  And those picture rails shown above could also serve as a small ledge for your a book, an alarm clock, and also your mobile phone.  And again, if you have a window sill, take advantage of it.

K R i S P I N T E R I O R via Fantastic Frank

Small Spaces : Challenge of the Week | Day 2

Even the sprawling lands of Arizona has space constraints.  These apartments near downtown Phoenix has been the talk of the town for young professionals in the area.  Benjamin Hall designed white Stone Studios containing 6 units that are only 468 square feet.  

“It taught me how to live cleaner, more organized, and to depend on a community,” Hall says about living in a tiny space in Denmark.   What he said really resonated with me, having lived in a 265 square foot studio in Toronto, myself.

So how does one maximize a small dwelling without compromising style, comfort and maybe even feelings of luxury?   Let's look at Hall's innovative designs…

The apartment complex is enclosed in horizontal wood fencing on its outside perimeter allowing privacy for tenants, yet still permitting natural light into their separate units.

Exterior walls are insulated concrete blocks that are cool in Phoenix weather.  Alcoves are built with floor-to-ceiling glass windows creating a sense of more depth and space.  The light beams through the corners of the apartment.  The kitchens are designed minimally to continue that spacious atmosphere.  Open storage metal shelves forces you to own nothing more than practical but beautiful items for your everyday use.  IKEA's GRUNDTAL kitchen collection are a perfect solution!  The smart island holds most storage space, while offering a dining function on one side.  It doubles as a desk on some days as well (with new technology you should be able to install USB outlets for computer gadgets).  My favorite feature here is the plant box between the kitchen work surface and the eating surface!  

Textiles are not only used to express one's design savvy choices, it can also serve a different purpose, especially in small dwellings.  Whether you use curtains or IKEA's KVARTAL flat panels you can use them as dividers.  This apartment uses it to separate private from public areas.  Their choice of white fabric still allows natural light to filter through the entire space when drawn closed.  On the far end of the unit houses the flat's own private outdoor space for entertaining.

With a built-in alcove within their living space, the tenants are able to gain a luxurious spa-like but tiny bathroom.  It's as if you are showing outdoors!  So innovative, and just divine!  Space constraints gets your creative juices flowing.  

Details are very important in a small space.  Hall designed pocket doors to save space, as well as these industrial light switch panel.  Omg, when can I move in?!

dwell