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Merry Christmas! We’ll be back tomorrow – in the meantime read our review of 2022 and enjoy this Christmas tree designed by Japanese studio Nendo.
The review of 2022 rounds up the most interesting and popular architecture, design and interior stories from the past year. It includes roundups of the top houses, home interiors, staircases, skyscrapers, rebrands, furniture and much more.
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Gray has been the “it” color in kitchen cabinet designs for quite a few years now. But that doesn’t mean you can just pick any color labeled ‘gray’. Believe it or not there are dozens of hues and tones of gray. Choosing the right color combinations and palette takes planning and thought. You’ll want to consider the overall style and look you’re envisioning for your new kitchen before making a final decision.
Are you looking for the best gray paints for your home? Read on to find out what kind of gray hues won’t disappoint you during your kitchen remodel.
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Designers Matteo Ferrari and Carlota Gallo have transformed a traditional two-storey apartment in Madrid, Spain, into a tranquil home for themselves featuring a pared-back palette of natural materials and crafted details.
Casa Olivar is located in a typical corrala – a type of apartment building found in the old parts of Madrid, where housing units are accessed from external covered corridors.
The apartment’s interior was in poor condition when Ferrari and Gallo purchased the property, and decided to convert it into a contemporary home.
The design retains some of the building’s historical features while reorganising the compact interior to create a series of light and bright interconnected spaces.
Ferrari and Gallo describe the apartment as a “non-urban place, a sensorial refuge to reconnect with ourselves, regulate our emotions and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the outside world”.
The couple used a pared-back material palette to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere, making the most of the daylight that enters the interior through two large windows in the living room.
“The intervention is characterised by a spatial continuity and a warm minimalism,” the duo explained. “It seeks to elevate natural light and encourage the use of local craft materials, generating a close dialogue between light and materiality.”
A central partition dividing the dining area from the living room was altered by adding a pair of lowered arches that echo the proportions of the facade openings.
Light from the windows passes through the openings to reach the kitchen, while the bedroom downstairs receives indirect illumination from a pair of openings in the floor above.
Throughout the interior, the designers chose to use simple and authentic materials, featuring predominantly earthy tones.
“The approach is to be honest with the materials, respecting their authentic appearance and textures while prioritising natural resources and local craftsmanship,” Ferrari and Gallo explained.
The apartment’s entrance opens directly into the kitchen and dining area, which is arranged around a sculptural table designed by the couple that features a textural Tadelakt plaster finish.
Floors are covered with handmade terracotta tiles to create consistency between the spaces. The same tiles are used in the bathroom, with their varying dimensions giving each space a unique quality.
Tables and display stands were created using stone salvaged during the renovation process, while the kitchen’s aluminium storage units provide a contemporary counterpoint to the natural tones and textures.
Gallo designed the textiles used within the apartment to add texture and dynamism to the spaces. These include a draped nylon curtain that echoes the warm tones used in the bathroom.
Other works of art and craft bring personality to the apartment, such as the washbasin made by designer María Lázaro and a hammock woven in Colombia using traditional techniques.
Ferrari moved from Italy to Madrid in 2008 after completing his architecture studies at the University of Ferrara. He founded his own studio in 2015, which focuses on using simple gestures to create timeless and familiar spaces.
The photography is by Asier Rua.
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The warmth of a traditional kitchen is still a valued characteristic for the heart of the home for many homeowners. On the other hand, the simple, clean lines of a contemporary-style kitchen tend to offer a more workable feeling space, and function is also highly valued by those who spend a lot of time cooking, dining in and using their kitchen.
If you want to create a space that reflects your personal aesthetic for your upcoming kitchen remodel, here are some tips to help you choose one style over the other for your home. Let’s take a look at how to do it!
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Dutch hotel group CitizenM has opened a hotel in Downtown Miami in a high-rise building with multiple terraces that was designed to be a “3D art piece”.
For the 277-foot-tall (84-metre-tall) building in Downtown Miami, Amsterdam-based architecture studio Concrete worked with Gensler as the local architect to carry out the design of the tower.
The envelope features large swathes of concrete and glass organised in a series of discreet boxes that break up the massing of the facade.
Since construction, much of the facade has been dedicated to a massive mural by American artist Jen Stark.
“The architecture is considered as a 3D art piece with large colorful murals by Jenny Stark on every side of the building; by this the building is recognizable among all the other buildings,” said Concrete.
“By using twisted boxes, you can experience the art from all sides.”
Inside, a glass-lined entryway is meant to act as an “art gallery” as visitors access the set of elevators that go up to the lobby level on the second floor.
The lobby space features a number of modular couches, workstations and plenty of light, with exposed concrete beams supporting a ceiling with wood accents.
Also on the second floor is the canteen area, which features a black-and-white checkered floor and a wraparound bar with a black marble countertop and wood panelling topped with a hanging bar cage that holds a number of plants.
The 20-storey building has 252 rooms, as well as a series of meeting rooms on the third floor. The rooms are mostly micro-suites, with some of the smallest clocking in at less than 200 square feet (60 metres).
Despite the small size, most of the rooms have an extra large bed that sits under the window with storage space underneath.
The bathrooms are tucked across from a compact sink and wrapped in polycarbonate that has been outfitted with LED lights. These can be controlled through a tablet that manages most of the room’s functions, including the blinds, television and room services.
Throughout the property, most of the furniture was sourced from Swiss furniture company Vitra, with whom the hotel chain has a long-standing relationship.
For decoration, the hotel held a competition that selected local artists. CitizenM Miami Brickell is also the first location to have a rooftop pool for the brand.
Since its inception in 2008, the hotel chain has expanded internationally with 27 hotels, and the hotel plans to open two more in Miami.
Earlier this year, CitizenM announced a project that aimed to make it the first hospitality company to have a hotel in the digital space known as the Metaverse.
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Identifying the best types of kitchen sinks for your space is one of the most daunting tasks in building or renovating a kitchen. Finding the best types of kitchen sinks are vital because the sink is one of the busiest spots in the kitchen. Kitchen sinks are also an important focal point and set the tone of the kitchen.
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Kitchen sink options vary in distinct ways according to mounting style, appearance, basin configuration, and material used in their construction. We will walk through the various options to help you decide which sink will fit your needs the best.
The mounting style refers to the way that you install your kitchen sink. You should decide this based on the type of countertops you have, the appearance of the sink, and your style of maintenance.
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An undermount kitchen sink is installed below the level of the countertop. This mounting style minimizes visible distraction and works well for simple and modern kitchen styles. This mounting style requires significant support beneath the counters and works best with strong counters like quartz, solid surface, or natural stone.
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Drop-in kitchen sinks, also called self rimming or top mount sinks, feature a visible rim above the counter. Drop-in sinks are installed by making a rough cut hole in the counter and dropping the sink into this hole. The weight of this kind of sink is supported by the rim that sits on the counter, therefore not as much lower support is needed.
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A farmhouse kitchen sink has both a unique appearance and mounting style. This sink, also called an apron front sink, has a wide flat or rounded front side that is visible from the front of the cabinets. These types of sinks are heavy and require extra support under the cabinet. Farmhouse sinks can be undermount or drop-in along the sides and back but will always be exposed in the front. They require custom cabinetry to expose the front side.
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Integrated kitchen sinks, also called integral sinks, are mounted together with the countertops as they are one piece. Integrated sinks and countertops are crafted from various materials but the most common are stainless steel, quartz, natural stone, acrylic, and solid surfaces like Corian.
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A vessel sink is one that sits on top of the countertops. Some vessel sinks sit on top of the counter while others are recessed.
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There are different types of sink basin options. Single and double types of sinks are the most popular, though busy kitchens may require more basins.
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Single basin kitchen sink types have a wide range of sizes and styles. They feature one small or large basin with no separation for other kitchen tasks like drying or food prep.
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Double basin sinks are the most popular of sink types. They can feature two basins separated by a ridge the height of the edges of the sink. They can also feature dividers that are lower, rising just halfway up the basin sides.
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Multiple basin sinks feature three or more basins. These often feature basins of different sizes, the smallest in the middle. These are large sink styles that work best in kitchens with large countertop areas.
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One of the most important factors in choosing a kitchen sink is the material that fabricators use to manufacture the sink. This will impact the longevity and cost of the sink and the style that it reflects.
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Stainless steel is one of the most popular types of kitchen sinks. This material is practical because it is durable, easy to maintain, and attractive. Practical stainless steel sinks include drainboard sinks that feature an area to dry dishes. Buy a 16-18 gauge stainless steel sink because these will be the most durable over time.
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Cast iron kitchen sink styles feature a heavy cast iron base covered with an enamel coating. This is one of the best types of kitchen sink option if you want to create a historic or traditional kitchen design.
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Quartz and quartz composite sinks are popular because they are durable, beautiful, and cost-effective. These are a mixture of quartz mixed with resins to bind the particles together.
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Granite composite sinks give you the quality and durability of granite sinks without the high price tag. Granite composite features ground granite particles mixed with resin to bind them together.
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Fireclay kitchen sinks are made by heating clay to a high degree. This creates a durable and beautiful sink type. These are one of the most popular types of materials available for farmhouse sinks.
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Acrylic sinks are made from hard plastics that fabricators mold into various designs.
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Porcelain is one of the oldest types of materials for sinks. These sinks are made by heating elements at a high temperature to create a non-porous and smooth structure. One way to increase the durability of porcelain is to buy a porcelain sink with a vitreous china coating. Manufacturers also use porcelain as an enamel such as on a porcelain coated steel kitchen sink.
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It is hard to beat the beauty and timeless appeal of a natural stone kitchen sink. These include materials like marble, soapstone, and granite.
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Hearths found in Japanese farmhouses informed the interiors of this restaurant in Houston, designed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture.
Michael Hsu Office of Architecture used chunky timber batons to create a deep partition that frames the tiled reception area, creating the impression of a central hearth.
“Inspired by the central hearth of Japanese farmhouses, Uchiko presents a sense of intimacy with a central focal point, which feels both old and new,” said the studio.
“The rough material is manipulated in a refined manner to create an unexpected arrival experience.”
The studio created this latest location for the Uchi brand as a sister concept – Uchiko meaning “child of Uchi” – after designing its space in Miami earlier this year.
Some of the design elements used in the South Florida restaurant were adapted for this counterpart, including a latticed screen around the entryway.
Throughout the restaurant, warm tones of timber and Venetian plaster are found alongside cooler blues as in the banquette upholstery and patterned wallpaper by artist Camille Warmington behind the booths.
The same colour was used by local muralists Alfredo and Vera Montenegro to draw the eye up to double-height portions of the ceiling, which gently curve at the top.
A mezzanine level overlooking the murals includes a private dining space with a bar and sushi bar inhabiting opposite walls.
Reclaimed walnut flooring runs through the two main dining spaces, positioned on either side of the hearth-like entryway.
The room is also punctuated by a large private dining area, as well as a chef’s table featuring a large, blue fringe light fixture.
White oak and cedar furniture, including custom banquettes influenced by the work of Brazilian modernist designer Jose Zanine Caldas, are enhanced with bronze and brass details.
A long sushi bar stretches the back of the space, with a linear light fixture above highlighting the performances of the chefs behind.
Custom-designed, cast concrete light shades by sculptor Brandon Mike feature in the entryway and above the dining tables.
“Bold design moves work with layered materiality to create a cosy dining experience,” said the studio.
Uchiko Houston also has an outdoor patio and bar that adds to the already lively atmosphere of the Post Oak neighbourhood.
Michael Hsu founded his studio in Austin in 2005 and opened a second office in Houston in 2018.
His team converted a 1940s church into an Asian smokehouse earlier this year and has previously completed projects that range from a Texas Hill Country house to Shake Shack’s headquarters in New York.
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There are virtually no limits to the options you have when remodeling your kitchen with custom cabinets. This is why our experts recommend picking out cabinet door styles first, as you can easily coordinate other design elements — think countertops, backsplash materials, flooring and more — with cabinets in the spotlight.
No matter if you’re looking to refresh your space or planning a full-scale renovation, these popular cabinet designs will give you an attractive end result.
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Understanding the best pantry dimensions for various pantry types is a vital tool to building the most efficient space. From walk-in pantries to small corner pantries, there are so many ways to organize your space that it is difficult to know where to begin.
Designing a pantry from scratch gives you an ideal opportunity to get the most out of your space. You should seek to create an efficient, user optimal, and space effective area at the same time.
We have a few design tips and tricks to help you do just that.
Before you decide on your optimal pantry dimensions and design, consider these factors to help you determine which style pantry is right for you.
Pantry dimensions are standard by type, as experts have determined the space needed for efficient and usable panty design.
According to the experts, the average walk in pantry size should have at least a width of 5 feet by length of 5 feet. This will offer ample space for shelves (and countertops if you choose) and to ensure a minimum walkway of 36 inches for one person. If there are multiple people who use the pantry at one time, try to ensure a minimum aisle of 44 inches or 60 inches wide for wheelchair access.
With this average pantry size, you can create a U-shaped pantry as this is the most optimal storage shape for this size. This will allow you to have storage on the sides and the back of the pantry while still having ample walking space.
A large walk-in pantry is a useful luxury as you can create an extra food prep room or even a coffee station if you have a large floor plan and ample budget. Large kitchen pantry size varies.
Consider a pantry size of 6 -8 feet wide and 6 -8 feet long if your floor plan allows. With these kitchen pantry dimensions you will be able to use custom cabinetry, shelving, and plenty of extra storage.
You need at least an area that is 4 feet wide by 4 feet long if you have a small area and still want to create a walk-in pantry. Small pantry dimensions do require you to get more creative with your storage options.
Cabinets along both sides and the back may not be a good option for this space if you want to ensure a minimum walkway of 36 inches. Instead, opt for storage on one side plus along the back wall.
A narrow rectangular floor space can be turned into an effective pantry. Ensure that there is at least a size that measures 3-4 feet wide and 5-6 feet long for the most efficient narrow pantry size. Use just one side and the area along the back for shelves.
Corner pantries work well when you have limited floor space in your kitchen.
Some kitchens feature a long narrow area that is located near the kitchen but is not large enough for a narrow walk-in pantry. In this case, a reach-in pantry is a better option for this design. Most reach-in pantries measure around 5 feet wide and 2 feet deep. This type of pantry size may vary, but these standard measurements will give you a good place to start.
In some kitchens, you may not have any separate square footage to use for a distinct pantry space. Instead, you can opt for built-in or free-standing pantry options. Today, cabinet makers build specialty cabinet options that will allow you to make the best possible use of all of your cabinet pantry space.
There are many design considerations that you need to take into account when designing the ideal pantry. Some of these are shelf size and depth, pantry door style and size.
Pantry door sizes and styles vary according to your pantry type and your design style. You can opt for a hinged door or a barn pantry door. If you use a hinged door, you need to consider an outswing or inswing door. The most common hinged pantry doors are outswing options. You need more floor space in the room outside the pantry for the outswing pantry doors.
Determining the number, depth, and arrangement of pantry shelves is one of the most important considerations to optimize your usage.
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