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Modern garden: 7 characteristic features

Smooth lines, open space, laconic details and elements, interesting plants – all this distinguishes a modern garden from other landscape solutions. Let’s discover together what are the other characteristics inherent in this phenomenon.

 

  1. Pronounced compositional center

The modern garden is distinguished by its simplicity and laconicism. Before embarking on planning this space, it is necessary to consider it compositionally. The garden should have a center, in the capacity of which it is usually a building structure, most often it is the house.

  1. Smooth lines and proximity to nature

The second distinguishing feature is the presence of smooth lines. When zoning space, it is good to avoid straight lines and clearly defined corners. The modern garden is in close proximity to nature, which is why naturalness in geometry is characteristic.

  1. Stone and wood

Garden decoration is composed mainly of natural materials – wood and stone. For flooring, predominantly natural stone tiles are used. The coating should not contrast against the general background, which is why it is good to choose monochrome and natural shades. As for the paths – the rule of smooth lines remains.

  1. Small architectural forms

When planning a modern garden, special attention is required to choose small architectural forms. Decorative elements should not have pronounced contours. Original and unique forms in moderation are preferable.

  1. Functional areas and terraces

Another irreplaceable attribute of a modern garden is the terraces and the hedge. Plants are used as a distinguishing element to create functional zones. The landscape composition should be exquisite and minimalistic. Terraces – framed with spherical bushes, perfectly fit into the overall composition.

  1. Asymmetry and repetition of motifs

Despite the fact that a modern garden requires naturalness, construction is unthinkable without planning. Clear proportions, poor symmetry and another distinctive feature – repetition of motifs. Vases of the same shape and style will look spectacular in an asymmetrical arrangement, and the lines of climbing plants will be played with the help of forged elements.

  1. Laconic combination of plants

In a modern garden, the variety of plants is not particularly great. Conciseness is also manifested in the choice of trees and shrubs. Particular preference should be given to plants with an interesting crown, a curved trunk or a peculiar leaf pattern. Flowers with bizarre shapes are also suitable. Interesting and bright, they will meet the requirements for naturalness and contrast against the background of the surrounding foliage. [:]

Harmonious lighting in the interior – basic rules

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Lighting fixtures are an obligatory element of the design of any room. Not only the stylistics, but also the practical side of the interior largely depends on their correct choice and combination.

Good lighting and bright lighting are two different things. In a well-lit room , there are different types of lighting fixtures. They have different purposes and their different brightness, help to emphasize the merits of the room and hide the shortcomings, and also make it more interesting and atmospheric.

Knowledge of a few basic rules will give us the opportunity to plan the lighting in the interior correctly and harmoniously.

First we need to determine how we will use the given room. When will it be used, will it be more common in the morning or in the evening?

For example, if you plan to read in the room, then it is good to take care of the placement of lighting fixtures in these areas. If there is a TV in the room, then it is necessary to think about lighting that can be adjusted and located so that it does not interfere with watching the TV.

In case the room is intended for work or for the elderly to stay in it – choose bright and uniform lighting. If it is intended for rest, dim and soft light can be used.

 

In general, there are three main types of lighting: central, zoning (local) and accentuating. To create a harmonious lighting scheme in any interior, it is necessary to use all three types of lighting simultaneously.

This is because the central light is responsible for uniform lighting, thanks to which every part of the space is visible, which is important when receiving guests and cleaning.

The local or zoning light is designed to illuminate certain areas of the room – for example, the area for working, reading or cooking. Most often, pendels, spot lamps and lanterns are used for this purpose.

Please note: depending on the task of the zoning lighting , its location also changes. Thus, the lighting for work or cooking should be located directly in front of us in order to avoid shadowing the work surface. On the other hand, when we talk about reading – the light source should be located on the side.

Accent light, in turn, is a light that visually separates specific places in the interior (for example, an architectural element or a work of art) or itself plays the role of decoration, creating a special atmosphere. As accentuating light, decorative lamps, different types of backlight, garlands, illuminated art objects can be.

The accent light is like the icing on the cake. It is not as basic as the central light or the zoning light, but it appears as a distinctive feature of a well-designed and harmoniously finished interior.

Undoubtedly, this is only a small part of what we need to consider when creating a lighting scheme – an important part of the overall compositional frame of an interior.

Undoubtedly, professional flair plays an essential role in design . It allows every detail in the interior design to be foreseen and to establish a close connection with the temperament of the occupants. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek professional support. We are here to assist you in creating your dream interior! [:]

7 of the most expensive apartments in the world

[:bg]What architecture and interiors are available for hundreds of millions of euros?

These apartments can cost as much as a whole small town, and the largest of them occupy an area of thousands of square meters, has its own elevator, terraces and even its own rooftop pool.

7th place – apartments of 208 sq.m. in Dubai

Value – about 7.2 million euros

Practical, modern interiors are demonstrated by the apartments in the tallest building in the world – Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Despite the non-standard architecture, the apartments have swimming pools and an interesting configuration. What wealthy person will deny himself the pleasure of acquiring a home in the world’s tallest building so far?

6th place – penthouse of 400 sq.m. in Geneva

Value – 12.7 mln. euro

Despite the fact that the main housing stock is quite modest, from time to time more luxurious properties are sold. The main advantage of the dwelling is its size. The atmosphere is simple and sophisticated, compared to the other properties in the ranking.

5th place – studio apartment in Tokyo

Value – EUR 14.9 million

This apartment in Tokyo is considered the most expensive one-bedroom apartment in the world. It consists of a bedroom, a kitchen, a dressing room and a bathroom. All this spreads over 400 sq.m. area. Despite the seeming simplicity and minimalism of the interior, it hides many interesting solutions.

4th place – apartments of 650 sq.m. in Hong Kong

Value – 36 million euros

This is the most expensive dwelling in Asia. The 650 sq.m area includes several kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms and bathrooms, a huge garden, a swimming pool, a gym, a greenhouse, its own park and a roof terrace. The view of the ocean completes the excellent impression.

3rd place – penthouse of 1000 sq.m. in New York

Value – 77 million euros

The luxury apartment occupies two floors in a skyscraper called One57 Penthouse, which is located in central New York in a prestigious area near Central Park. Having an apartment in this building is modern. There is everything here – huge panoramic windows, modern interiors, a private pool and even a winter garden.

2nd place – penthouse of 1 600 sq.m. in London

Value – 150 mln. euro

The luxury apartment is located in an elite area in the One Hyde Park residence. The apartment is equipped with armored windows, and also includes the services of personal sanitary staff and specialized security. Another additional option is the secret underground route to the Heston Blumental restaurant.

1st place – penthouse 3 300 sq.m. in Monaco

Value – 300 mln. euro

For the owner of such a home, nothing is impossible. The most expensive property is located on 5 floors at 170 meters above sea level with sea views. The impressive area includes a cinema, a gym, a swimming pool with a water slide, a game room. A personal driver and a butler are included in the price. [:]

Swing in the interior: modern, stylish, fun

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The favorite pastime of the little ones has become an element of the interior, very often used by designers both in residential and public premises. Agree, it’s fun when adults can relax and enjoy this carefree pastime.

The swings used in the interior are distinguished by their variety of appearance and construction. In addition to the classic models , there are many other options related to all kinds of stylistic trends – from classic to minimalist, having different design features and methods of hanging, created from a variety of materials – from wood to plastic.

Like other objects in the field of contemporary design, the cradle is modified and improved. Undoubtedly, progress has preserved the classic version – a swing that hangs and has a wooden base. This option is most often found in minimalist Scandinavian interiors.

Swings of this type can be diversified with a soft seat, an interesting detail, a change in color scheme or a stylish accessory. If its texture and material matches the rest of the interior elements, a great ensemble will be obtained.

Experimenting and fantasizing, designers have created numerous swings, the seats of which turn them into hanging armchairs. These models are very convenient not only for entertainment, but also for rest and even work.

The main advantages of these armchair swings are functionality, lightness, originality. The materials from which they are made are different: glass, plastic and even concrete. A striking example is the Bubble armchair swings, created in 1968.

A larger version of these armchairs are suspended sofas and even beds. It is difficult to call these objects swings in their pure form, because, as a rule, their main function remains. The greater advantage of these cradles lies in the appropriate combination of the fun component with the possibility of resting. The most important thing is the reliable and high-quality hanging, as well as the right place to position this sufficiently heavy object.

In addition to the hanging ones, there is a large number of standing swings, reminiscent of rocking chairs. The key difference from the latter lies in the reliable fastening of a stationary base, in which only the seat remains dynamic. The main convenience of these swings is the ease of moving, which is quite practical.

The application of swings in the interior is actively expanding along with their improvement. In addition to passing the front door from the street into the room, they can be appropriately used in practically any space: living room, children’s room, bedroom, study, office. There are no specific rules or restrictions here – modern swings will find a worthy place everywhere.

Swings fit most appropriately into modern interiors. They are most often used in the Scandinavian style, loft style, minimalism, eclecticism, art deco and other trends.

Modern design is changing daily, and along with it, unusual elements appear in the interior, such as the swing, the peculiar style and cheerful mood of which allow them to become very popular and, above all, stylish design objects.[:]

Architecture 2018: the most long-awaited projects

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This year’s list of architectural projects will inevitably consist of records: Europe’s tallest building, the world’s largest airport terminal in Istanbul, and Scotland’s first Design Museum.

  1. 565 Broom Soho – New York

After the Whitney Museum of American Art, completed last year, Renzo Piano’s first residential building project rises above Firmin Plaza. The two 30-story towers house 115 apartments, prices starting at $970,000.

  1. Museum of Design Dundee – Scotland

The new building of the Victoria and Albert Museum branch revives the coast of the Scottish city of Dundee. It is estimated that Scotland’s first Design Museum for the first year will attract around 350,000 visitors.

  1. Morpheus Hotel – Macau

This project is also known as the “world’s first building with an exoskeleton”. The sculptural hotel is located in the City of Dreams complex. The external mesh of the exoskeleton enveloping the reinforced concrete core provides transverse resistance to the entire structure.

  1. Istanbul Airport

The official opening is planned for the Republic Day on October 29, 2018. The new airport can accommodate a record number of tourists for the existing ports. The project for the world’s largest terminal incorporates motifs from the historical architecture of Istanbul.

  1. Guardian Art Center – Beijing

The pixelated volumes of the art center are dictated by the surroundings and make a reference to the historical “Forbidden City” located nearby. The plinth maintains a monolithic, as if carved volume, allowing the museum spaces, the event area and the entertainment center to be filled with light.

  1. World One – Mumbai

World One is the tallest building in India and the tallest residential building in the world. The interior of the 117-storey tower was developed by Giorgio Armani, it houses 290 apartments, a swimming pool, a gym, a medical center and even a cricket ground.

  1. Grand Egyptian Museum – Giza

The world’s largest archaeological museum in the world will partially open its doors in 2018. The project is complex and the work process has been going on for many years, and the total cost of the site exceeds $ 1 billion. The repetitive geometric motif, of course, refers to the shape of the so-called pyramids that are nearby.

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9 inspiring balcony layout ideas

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An office for work or a place to rest? Or maybe a place for breakfast in the air? Whatever its dimensions, these are extra square meters to use wisely!

Balcony in a city apartment – a godsend for the interior designer. Forget about storing unnecessary things. We present you some functional ideas that will inspire you and help you look at balcony meters in a new way.

  1. Patio-style balcony

An attractive place to sit among greenery, and at the same time a wonderful opportunity to be outside while you are at the table or having fun with your family and friends. Well-chosen garden furniture, pillows, many spectacular plants, sunlight and lighting powered by it are enough.

  1. Breakfast or dinner corner

What could be better than a cozy place for breakfast or a glass of wine in the evening outdoors and all this on your own balcony? Why not create a wonderful place, enjoying the opportunity to spend some time under the playful rays of the sun or under the starry sky. Candles and garlands will add romance, and soft blankets and decorative pillows create coziness.

  1. Home Office

In addition to a nice desk, a comfortable chair, as well as a cabinet or shelves for storing books and accessories, it is necessary to think about protection from bright sunlight.

balcony_collage3

Roman blinds or thick fabric curtains in not very dark colors, in combination with combined lighting (table lamp and overhead lighting) – a formula for the correct layout of the workspace.

  1. Lounge area

If you are not a fan of spaces filled with furniture and accessories, you can have space without giving up coziness and comfort. If you like minimalism, a houseplant in a stylish planter and a designer armchair are quite enough.

  1. Living room among greenery

Phytostena – a popular technique for decorating walls with natural greenery. Why not use it on your own balcony? No complex irrigation systems and special maintenance are required. Such a design composition consists of plants or moss specially processed, retaining its freshness and beauty.

moss_collage

  1. Bar area

Nice view of the city? Why not make a stylish bar area on the balcony? An ergonomic skirting bar counter with a depth of at least 30-40 cm., high chairs and a rack for alcoholic beverages or a designer service are the realization of the idea.

balcony_collage4

  1. Dressing room and storage space

A full-fledged dressing room on the balcony, of course, will not work for us, but setting up space for storing things is a completely practical solution. Additional bookshelves, a designer wardrobe or bed linen will help unload the main territory of the apartment.

Balcony_collage1

  1. Mini-greenhouse

If you are a lover of indoor plants, a corner with flowers or ornamental trees will delight the eye. On the other hand, you can dedicate this space to fresh spices – various shade-loving plants such as tarragon, mint, lemon balm will smell pleasant and will serve you in the preparation of your favorite dishes.

Balcony_spices

  1. Pet Home

Beds for cats, cages for rabbits… Where can we find a place for them in an apartment if it is already stylistically sustainable? If the balcony is well secured and warm, we can safely accommodate the animal along with its accessories. Undoubtedly, your pet will sit comfortably and appreciate this space of its own.

Balcony_cat

If you are still hesitant and find it difficult to put your ideas into practice, then do not hesitate to seek professional support. We are always there for an expert look at your interior and exterior! [:]

Neuro-architecture – influence of forms

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Scientists explain why we love symmetry so much and how our heart rate changes while observing a beautiful building.

The perception of interior and exterior, as well as our self-esteem, is directly dependent on the peculiarities of the work of our brain. This is the subject of neuro-architecture.

Perhaps you have ever felt uncomfortable or trapped in a certain building. Perhaps the hallway was narrow and long, with no visible exit or a poorly lit room with a low ceiling. Or vice versa: amazement and delight being in another interior.

A whole science is devoted to the study of the brain reactions of this or that space – neuro-architecture. This is not a style or trend of architecture. The fusion of neuroscience and architecture studies the human response to the built environment. Even now we can understand why we react in one way or another to a certain building or space.

How does our brain react?

Certain cells in the hippocampus respond to geometry and how space is organized. Every time we enter a room, house or any space, these cells are busy navigating and storing spatial information in the form of cognitive maps.

As an experiment, remember a space where you were uncomfortable and wanted to leave. At this point, your heart will start working faster and your breathing will speed up. This is because your body will start producing adrenaline and cortisol – stress hormones.

Our physiological state has a huge impact on our health. Bearing in mind that most people spend most of their lives in public spaces – the architecture of homes and workplaces are extremely important to our well-being.

People’s reaction is different, isn’t it?

Faithfully! There is no universal reaction, our initial reaction to space very often differs from subsequent ones, once space has already become familiar to us. Add to this our experience lived in this space. For example, the brains of two people will react differently to the same room if one of them has successfully passed an interview and the other has been fired. Scientists are also studying differences in people’s ages and cultural experiences, which can dictate preferences.

What do we unconsciously look for in a room?

Of course, not everything on our wish list is dictated by biology, although this is what neuro-architecture explores. We look for different spaces for different types of communication. When we need to communicate, we look for open spaces, and at the same time, we choose a closed space when we want to be alone with our emotions.

Arbitrary proportions of buildings very often negatively affect people’s perceptions. The more correct the building is built using the golden ratio and other proportions, the better it is perceived by people. The golden ratio is a universal manifestation of structural harmony.

Research shows that the façade has a strong influence on our perceptions: symmetrical ones evoke more pleasure and emotions. For example, facades with complex textures are more liked, and monotony causes less brain activity.

For their part, Canadian professors prove that people are good at perceiving curves in architecture. People like curved paths, perhaps because they generate what environmental psychology calls “secret.” In short, we prefer spaces that attract us with the gradual disclosure of new information.

How to take advantage of the neural architecture?

It is important to know what we need and how the supposed design will make us feel put into perspective. The personality of each of us dictates our preferences and aspirations. For example, if a person is an introvert, he is unlikely to feel good in an open-type guest.

If we are looking for a new home, it is necessary to think about our old experience: where we were comfortable, in what interiors we experienced discomfort, and in which, on the contrary, we felt in a good mood. It is good to determine in advance what can work in our case. This requires patience and attention to your feelings and emotions.

Trust your feelings![:]

Kitchen of the future

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Simple shapes, classic shades and the magic of modern technology.

1. Shape and location

Simple and distinct shapes always catch the eye, and the absence of unnecessary details make the kitchen perfect.

The so-called “islands” are becoming more and more relevant – the modules in the center of the kitchen with built-in appliances, an auxiliary hob or a sink. In a modern kitchen, the walls are lighter, there are no hanging upper cabinets at the expense of non-standard lighting solutions and open racks.

The lighting is well planned to complement the design of the furniture, to create visual accents on colors and textures.

Riddle: Why does the dining table stand in the middle of the bedroom? Because this is not a bedroom, but a huge kitchen with a folding bed for guests!

The hidden kitchen is not just another novelty of the season, but rather a long-term trend that was presented at this year’s Eurocucina exhibition. We can hide a whole column of built-in appliances or just shelves with dishes or vegetables.

2. Color gamut

Devoid of bright colors and intrusive accents. The classic colors – black and white play the main role. Everyone can choose between a bright and elegant and a dark and practical kitchen. Different combinations of them and their shades are also welcome.

Glossy and lacquered surfaces are replaced by matte and tactilely pleasant textures.

3. Style

A combination of modern technology and minimalist design is the recipe for the kitchen of the future. Living plants serve as a spice, which are used not only to prepare fragrant dishes, but also as decoration and addition. This is the concept of the so-called eco-design.

4. Materials

Basic materials – metal, stone and glass are practical in their use. Marble surfaces, stone countertops and the use of cement in the interior look stylish and impressive.

5. Technology

The more new technologies there are in the kitchen, the more practical and modern it is. The trend is to fully automate all processes with the help of touch panels that are easily usable, and their control is like child’s play. And this means that in the future everyone will be able to cook.

IKEA, in collaboration with a London-based design firm, sees the kitchen of the future in the form of a smart surface that combines a simple dining table, a touch panel and a blank board. This smart table will provide information about specific products and ways to combine it with others and prepare.

Another interesting innovation belongs to Electrolux and their Heat of the Home surface, which replaces the hamalogy with all pots and pans. By putting products on the touch panel, we have the opportunity to choose one of the proposed recipes, choose the temperature and time for preparation.

Elegance, minimalism and technology are the three keywords of the kitchen of the future or already of the present!

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Hut – home in nature: features and ideas

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It is well known that large cities are becoming more and more overcrowded. That is why many of us choose to spend our weekends in search of space and nature. Many architects and designers try to use this trend, creating innovative houses, villas, chalets that bring urban comfort to life in nature.

Gaining popularity

Projects for interesting chalet-type homes are most often found on the Internet. Historically, this type of building arose back in the 70s of the last century and in recent years has been gaining more and more popularity. Most often, an area is chosen for construction in nature, around large reservoirs, in areas with beautiful views and even in the forest. This type of residential buildings is distinguished by several advantages: relatively easy and quick construction; original appearance, in harmony with the surrounding landscape; space saving.

The windows deserve special attention, choosing large ones we have a wonderful view of nature. Such windows will visually enlarge the space and make it more spacious and bright. Huge windows at the top are also a good and stylish option, but not so practical, due to the reduced access to direct sunlight in the premises.

Design features

When designing such a chalet, both the exterior and the interior should be considered as a whole. This type of structure is very popular in the Scandinavian countries, in particular in Sweden, due to climatic conditions. That is why the most common source of inspiration is the Scandinavian style in the interior. In addition, hunting, chalet style and minimalism are also suitable.

Interior planning

The unusual shapes of the building require non-standard furniture and original design solutions. At the same time, we should not consider architectural forms as a disadvantage. Such an original layout can be interestingly “played”. To begin with, we can give up the standard zoning, which will create space in the space.

With such a construction, it is good to give up unnecessary furniture and decoration that will weigh down the interior, everything used at a minimum is welcome. Suitable for the interior are natural materials, especially wood.

Worldwide, chalet houses are considered the most modern residential facility. These buildings can be not only one-storey, but very often built on several levels. It is in these cases that the hut can be used not only as a seasonal dwelling. A well-designed, insulated, spacious and designed house with a design flair can become a permanent home for a family. [:]

What is a modern office interior?

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Employee productivity depends on the office environment. Swedish scientists assure that the original design of the office increases the working capacity of employees by 32% and helps to realize their creative potential!

How to create a modern and original office interior?

#Обща concept

Choosing a basic color scheme is an important and not very easy decision, because each color has a certain function. For office interiors, the choice of light colors is best suited so that you can visually expand the space and fill it with the light necessary for work.

Natural materials, gray or beige shades are a good option for the floor of the room, and a wall painted in a bright color creates an interesting accent. It is necessary to bear in mind that when choosing the color of the floor, the color of the walls and ceiling, we create a canvas for further creativity and experimentation.

Facebook Office

#Мебели and decoration

Furniture is another tool for creating the much-desired color accents that we have already mentioned. These can be bright sofas, armchairs, stands, swings of unusual shapes and sizes. Their diversity gives employees the freedom to choose how to work – sitting on a pouf or chair with a desk or standing up.

NetInfo Office

The main practice is to choose a color palette consisting of 3-4 colors for a particular interior. Very often this is the corporate palette, in accordance with which all elements in the interior of the office are selected.

Airbnb Office

#Зониране

By allocating each employee with their own workplace, we need to make sure that it is well lit so that even the smallest details on paper and monitor can be accurately recognized.

If work implies constant communication between employees, we can divide the workplaces with screens. In such offices, sound insulation can be provided by specially made pendants that illuminate each workplace.

Design Lab. in Sofia

In an office, it is necessary to create a space in which employees can shake off work tasks. Areas for rest and eating, corners with comfortable furniture are places for emotional unloading and relaxation. The placement of non-standard meeting rooms and board games diversifies the concept.

Google office in Amsterdam

#Оригиналност in the setting

Ecodesign – the new word in the layout of office interiors. It is characterized by natural shapes, smooth lines, natural materials and an abundance of greenery, which stimulate creativity. An example of this is the interior of the NetInfo company:

NetInfo office in Sofia

Glass walls are an excellent solution for an office interior in a modern style. Thanks to such walls, the office will be more spacious and bright. By adding non-standard decorative elements to the concept, we refresh and diversify the space.

NetInfo office in Sofia

If we talk about the image of a company, the environment affects everything that happens in the space. Undoubtedly, the first impression of the client or business partner forms visual information, the image of the interior in the office, visual signs. A professional, innovative view of the concept is needed and we are here to assist you! [:]