Blogs

Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), Eleftheria Square is a new urban and social center for Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus. The project attempts to develop new connections and is the first phase of a larger urban plan that hopes to catalyze the city's reunification, which is now divided in two by its defenses.

Nicosia's enormous walls, built in the Middle Ages and later reconstructed by the Venetians in the 16th century, effectively separated the ancient city from the modern districts.

Eleftheria Square, located near the center, is next to the Venetian fortification and the ancient – currently dry – moat that encircles the old city. The timeless design allows for views of the walls, which are considered an essential aspect of Nicosia's character. At the same time, it opens the moat to the public, forming a green belt around the city.

As a result, ZHA's project provides new public places to unite the different communities of a divided capital.

Due to their timeless elegance, interiors in black and white are always in great demand. Even more so because the color scheme may be used in any interior design style. However, achieving a precisely styled appearance might be more complicated than it appears. To maintain their sophisticated appeal, these spaces demand balance. Here are some ideas to assist you in nailing the style.

Play with scaling to find the right balance

Black and white interior design provides endless opportunities for tricking the eye to get the desired appearance. Whether used on walls, ceilings, or floors, both colors can make spaces appear taller, shorter, longer, or more profound. White walls make a tiny room look larger, while appropriately scaled monochromatic furniture and accessories give a balanced dynamic that makes the space feel planned and put together. Use patterns to shake things up When it comes to black and white living room decor, patterns are a good idea to avoid the space appearing too strict or dull. Sleek modern lines are ideally supplemented by intriguing forms, abstract details, and strong graphics such as artistic hexagonal tiles. Then, to balance the room, pair them with solid materials. Black and white for creating a stunning bathroom Black and white design concepts can be used to create magnificent bathrooms just as well. The monochromatic pattern is delicate, elegant, and inviting when set against a neutral gray background. A limited color palette's refined simplicity can be accentuated by discrete natural patterns of materials such as quartz and marble. Ceramic tiles with bold black and white designs on a floor or wall will add more visual interest, and a faux plant will

DAR Architettura turned an apartment in Turin into a residential space with an office for short-term stays. The combination of materials, varied hues, and furniture created with an architectural approach defines the home.

The entry hall floor, a dining room that also functions as a meeting space and social gathering place, is covered with bricks from earlier restorations. A glass partition connects the kitchen to the work and dining areas to keep noise and smells separate. The table is a continuous, suspended surface that crosses the partition wall: steel in the kitchen, pinewood on the other side.

All the furnishings are designed as small architectures with components like roofs and openings: cabinets have sloping coverings to make cleaning easier, and the central corridor, bathed in an encompassing electric blue, is distinguished by a row of doors opening in perspective.

Regardless of being in fashion or in the way we design our houses, trends come and go. And, after two crazy years of unprecedented changes in how we live, work, and play, it's no wonder that popular looks and trends are evolving in the new year. But, while there are some amazing trends to look out for in January, there are a few that we may want to avoid.

Here are some of the trends that designers are looking forward to saying goodbye to in 2022.

1. White on white

While there is minimalist beauty with white walls, cabinets, countertops, etc., some designers believe this trend will fade by 2022. So instead, people lean toward a splash of bold color, contrast, and eye-catching components to create a more maximalist style. "White walls are timeless, but once you add white cabinets, white furniture, white accessories, and more, the interior of your home begins to look and feel uninviting," says Emily Spanos of Emily June Designs. "Weaving in bursts of color and doses of warmth creates a home that feels far cozier and inviting!" The same may be said about all-white kitchens. While they have been popular in recent years, designers state they’re taking a significant dip in popularity. 2. Minimalist style It’s not just ‘all white’—the minimalist trend is fading in popularity overall. The "less is more" philosophy is no longer popular; instead, designers are seeing a shift to timeless decor, grand art, and statement furniture over the simplistic elements. “Minimalism and mid-century everything [is] being replaced with a trend towards more 80s and 90s inspired looks, maximalism, and more traditional styles—à la the ‘grand millennial look,” shares Stephanie Purzycki, Co-Founder and CEO of The Finish. 3․ Harsh lines & layouts Round, organic shapes (in both design and décor) or statement items with a powerful, yet softer feel are one of the year's biggest trends.

Famous designer Kelly Wearstler has created a gingerbread house in a California modernist style, putting an architectural twist on a Christmas classic.

The limited-edition Gingerbread Dreamhouse was created by Wearstler as a result of cooperation with pastry chef Mark Tasker from New York restaurant Balthazar and entrepreneur Richard Christiansen from food retailer Flamingo Estate, with all revenues benefiting charity.

Instead of the conventional gabled cottage, Wearstler's gingerbread house features the intersecting flat planes of a low-lying modernist dwelling. The style is completed with porthole windows and a white checkerboard frosting front with varying sizes of checks. The structure is entirely made of gingerbread cookies with icing as the bonding material. Though coming up with a design that would be strong and stable under these limits was difficult, Wearstler discovered that mid-century style was well suited to the challenge. A total of one hundred Gingerbread Dreamhouses have been created and are available on the Flamingo Estate website for US$650 (£490).

Colour company Pantone named Very Peri the color of the year for 2022. It's a shade of blue, but most people see purple. In this article, we've presented 6 projects in which designers added statement sofas, bright tiles, and plush carpets in various purple shades to the interiors, showing the striking color's versatility.

Resa San Mamés student accommodation, Spain, by Masquespacio Bilbao

Masquespacio, a Valencia-based creative studio, used its unique color-blocking technique across the Resa San Mamés student accommodation in Spain.

The open-plan area has light purple tiles flowing down the walls, which the studio hoped would foster a sense of community among students.

Photo is by Masquespacio Apartment, US, by Harry Nuriev and Tyler Billinger of Crosby Studios The owners of this New York apartment incorporated their distinct personalities into one space by using vibrant colors, geometric forms, and unusual materials. Purple hues pop up on the walls, carpet, leather cabinets, sofa and shelf unit. The color stands out against the grey walls and drapes in the living room. Photo is by Dylan Chandler Cafe Krujok, Russia, by Eduard Eremchuk and Katy Pititskaya A lilac tint covers the soft, velvety walls of Cafe Krujok in Russia, created by designers Eduard Eremchuk and Katy Pititskaya to embody "the essence of a donut" (Krujok is a round donut.) The berry-colored purple represents doughnut glazing, and the space also has glossy dough-like beige furnishings. Photo is by Inna Kablukova

U / U Studio has transformed a run-down space into a new community asset using minimal interventions. Underneath an elevated busy road in central Prague, a neglected pedestrian underpass has been restored into a colorful public area that supports skateboarding, basketball, BMX, climbing, and other activities. Though this space was previously avoided, it is now hoped that a diverse spectrum of residents and tourists, particularly young people, will use it and feel welcome. Local architecture firm U / U Studio, known for constructing interesting skate parks around the Czech capital and beyond, oversaw the renovation. ‘As “skate architects”, we immediately knew that implementation of skateboarding and other leisure activities is the perfect way of healing this area,’ says Martin Hrouda from U / U Studio. ‘The skate community occupied this spot right after opening and is taking care of it. Putting new life and joy into the spot seems to be working and the place has become safe for everyone.’

Thanks to its sensory design, OPEN Architecture's open-air concert hall appears to emerge from the landscape.

The Chapel of Sound, a monolithic open-air concert hall hidden in a rural valley in Chengde, two hours northeast of Beijing, was completed by OPEN Architecture.

The building, which resembles a naturally occurring rock formation erupting from the terrain, is made of concrete mixed with an aggregate of local mineral-rich rocks. The structure, designed in partnership with Arup, comprises an inner and outer shell, and each striation cantilevers out from the preceding layer to form an inverted cone shape.

Vladimir Belousov and Natalya Trofimov designed their home in the Chamovniki district, which has light tones and clear surfaces as a backdrop for art and design elements. The apartment is owned by architects Vladimir Belousov and Natalya Trofimov and is housed in a landmark 20th-century building in Moscow's Chamovniki area. This is the first project the two worked on together: an apartment that serves as both a home and a workspace. The 130-square-meter dwelling has an enfilade of rooms and spaces that were successfully gained after eliminating the existing walls. Interiors are now distinguished by brightness, light tones, and translucent surfaces. To design a flat in which natural light plays a prominent role, architects designed fanlight windows that enable light to penetrate the corridor and bathrooms. The dining area – characterized by a table with chairs either belonging to the family or purchased at flea markets – is the fulcrum of the home and may be utilized as a studio or a

U+A designed the Bauhaus House in Beit Aryeh-Ofarim, Israel, just north of Jerusalem and east of Tel Aviv, as a nod to the ever-popular design movement of the same name. The private residence is inhabited by music enthusiasts who value simplicity in architecture not to overpower the natural scenery. The color scheme begins with white, covering most surfaces and bigger pieces, such as the staircase and kitchen island. Pale gray flooring gives warmth and texture while staying minimalist, with gray tones appearing throughout in furnishings and design accents.
The open living space emphasizes two glass walls via black framed sliding glass doors that provide access and views to the yard, including a swimming pool.The kitchen cabinets and some furniture items are likewise made of light wood, reflected in the color scheme. In a double-height gap between the living space on the ground level and the upstairs, the designers replaced the floor with a net hammock. A small bathroom went dark to contrast all of the white places in the house, with a black pedestal sink and dark gray/black walls.

A rug may transform a space by being underfoot but not out of sight. When combined with sound design decisions, floor covering is the anchor that holds space together. But in order to get there, you must first choose the proper one. Continue reading to find out how to select the best rug size, color, and design for each space.

Whether you want to add finishing touches to a living room or zone the living room, a rug can make all the difference. However, an ill-fitting mat might cause more harm than benefit. So, learn the basics of rug selection to assure the best results.

Be generous with sizing

First and foremost, the size of a rug matters almost more than its design. A room might seem uncomfortable or ill-furnished with an incorrectly sized mat. How to pick a rug size is determined by the layout as well as the size of the zone and space. Remember that it is preferable to err on the side of too big than too tiny. Scroll down for tips on choosing the perfect rug size. Consider layering You may be unsure about how to make a space seem warm or what to do with a bit of yet gorgeous rug at times. Layering rugs expertly might be the answer. A pair or trio of rugs will not only give greater comfort underfoot, but they will also add aesthetic depth. This is accomplished by using various patterns, textures, and pile variations.\ Get to know materials and durability Rug materials range from wool to viscose to polyester and are diverse and vast. The composition is also essential since it determines the rug's durability, softness, and chances of shredding. Wool, cotton, silk, natural grasses (such as jute and sisal), hide, viscose, and synthetics are examples of rug materials (e.g., polypropylene). Above and beyond that, the production process has an influence. Handmade (tufted, knotted, or woven) and machine-made carpets, for example, have significantly diverse styles and price ranges. Think about traffic The more traffic, the more durable it should be. A A family lounge, on the other hand, sees a lot of action and spillage. As a result, it will require a long-lasting, comfortable carpet instead. Picking a rug per room With the basics in mind, you may follow this rough approach to choose an area rug based on the space type. Living Room Because the living room is one of the busiest rooms in the house, it's ideal to choose a durable, easy-to-clean rug. The latter is especially important if there are children or pets in the home. So, choosing a rug

Francesc Rifé Studio designed Angela Apartment as a tranquil haven using white and natural light. On the island of Ibiza, a two-story flat facing the sea: a place where individuals may rediscover themselves.

The first level, 46 square meters in size, houses the living area, kitchen, and bedroom, while the top level is entirely made up of a terrace, where the studio attempts to regulate excess light.

Inside, white covers the majority of the surfaces, including the walls, doors, and continuous floor. Only the presence of unexpected corners disturbs the chromatic harmony: the oak wood of shelves and niches, and the wood of a little passage that reveals itself as a surprise.

The bedroom is an airy area where sunlight is muted by drapes that hide a television. Wooden slats above the table define the terrace to produce a nice place that controls the light while maintaining a link with the territory.

In recent years plants have become an essential part of interior design making it more attractive. Not only can the proper choice bring some life into space, but many plants are also proven to remove toxins from the air. But anyone who’s living somewhere with limited sunlight might find themselves at an unfair disadvantage. For many species, intense, direct sunshine is essential for not just survival but also flourishing. Having a shadier area doesn't mean you have to give up on your aspirations of a rich, vibrant plant collection. There is some hope because certain plant kinds do not require a lot of natural light to grow.
If you want to bring a green streak to your designs but don’t know where to start, we’re sharing 7 low-light plants that will brighten your space in no time. Money tree There's a reason why the money tree is considered a feng shui must-have. Many people believe that this plant can help with stress, anxiety, and some sleep difficulties. It's a perfect indoor foliage plant to give space a tropical feel. Parlor palm This slow-growing, compact palm thrives in a wide range of light conditions and small places. Its dark green fronds form a bushy, lush plant that's ideal for tabletops, tables, and shelves. The parlor palm thrives in bright, filtered light, but it may also thrive in low light.

Wutopia Lab designed Tianya Books as a permeable volume connected to the landscape: triangles, floating volumes, and transparencies characterize the space, structured on two levels. Tianya Books, located in Tianya Haijiao, a part of southern China previously imagined to be the end of the earth but today a famous tourist destination watches the sea as a meeting place between man and nature. This relationship is managed by the glass, which covers the building, reflecting the surface of the ocean during the day and displaying the internal red shelves at night, similar to the "morning light that brightens the entire beach." The project, created Wutopia Lab, was initially made of a simple glass parallelepiped, from which a triangle was later carved on the short west side to preserve a banyan tree. The building is divided into two levels, with the ground floor housing a bookshop, a café, and reading areas, and the first-floor housing children's reading areas and a small auditorium that appears as a floating, transparent volume detached from the facade and located about 6 meters from the ground. This place, which

To tile stair risers is only one way to add color or pattern to your space. Designers are also reinventing tile as an accent for rooms other than the kitchen and bathroom. It's a simple and eye-catching decorative piece that works well in various other spots across the house. In this article, we will share more ways of tiling to enhance your creative process. 1. Office Now that people are working from home more than ever before, it's an excellent opportunity to level up the workspace. Why not add a splash of color to the floor with a colorful tile? It's equally as energetic and creatively stimulating as artwork on a wall.

Bright, rich colors and open, flowing spaces: Orazio Palace designed by Daniela Colli opens up to the city and includes conviviality areas, a restaurant and a sky lounge bar.

The hotel in the 4L Collection chain is located in Rome’s Prati district, near St. Peter’s Basilica and Castel Sant’Angelo. Orazio Palace has 65 rooms including 6 suites, and is inspired by the colors of Rome’s twilight: materials and shapes in saturated, bright colors are distributed through open, fluid spaces. Soft hues alternate with orange tones in the double-height lobby. The courtyard's regular pattern, where the garden is located, contrasts with the orange steel furnishings; the suites feature Klein blue seating, marble surfaces, and chrome titanium lamps. On the seventh floor, there is a restaurant, which is surrounded by a glass volume with a perimeter terrace, where bright green sofas and chairs in flowery velvet and Vienna straw meet. The sky lounge bar is a glass open-air room with woven rope sofas and metal armchairs with pink accents. This space overlooks wonderful Rome.

Windows may be just as beautiful as the rest of the space. All you need to know is how to dress them. There are tons of window treatment ideas to choose from, such as shutters, shades and curtains. They all have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of privacy, restricting light, and providing aesthetic value to space. Some of them are just for appearance, while others keep space dark and private.

Here are some ideas for window treatment for all the windows in your designs.

1. Blackout curtains

If you want to reduce lighting in the space, you can use blackout curtains, as they offer the best light-blocking power. They are generally made of a decorative fabric lined with another heavy fabric that keeps out light and also insulates a room against heat and cold coming in from the window. They are ideal for keeping bedrooms dark. 2. Light-filtering curtains Unlike sheers, light-filtering curtains are heavier. They offer a good amount of privacy, though if the light is shining directly through them there might be some visibility to the other side. They will not completely shade a space from outside light. They may be produced from a wide range of textiles, making them suitable for a wide range of design styles. They're perfect for providing some solitude in living rooms at night. 3. Sheer panels A sheer panel is a curtain composed of light, semi-transparent fabric. It provides a little bit of privacy and diffuses some light. And, from a design sense, it softens the look of a window. This window treatment is best suited for living rooms

Flooring can make a dramatic impression on space and sets the tone for the entire environment. However, there are more options to choose from for such a large and expansive element than simply carpet or vinyl. Here are four ideas to transform a space from drab to fab. Natural Cork Cork is a flooring material that has a lot of distinctive qualities. First, it's a gently spongy substance with a distinct feel that delights feet. (We're not talking about using recycled corks from wine bottles here.) Because it resists mold and mildew, it is suitable for allergy sufferers. Finally, like hardwood, cork has a muted, natural appearance. Mosaic Glass If you want to use a sleek, elegant, attractive, and easy-to-maintain floor in your design, mosaic glass tiles are a good idea. Mosaic glass tiling isn't only for bathrooms—incorporate elements of mosaic flooring into the hallway or patio flooring to provide an exquisite and ornamental touch to otherwise dull locations.These high-end materials are made from extra hard reinforced glass and are usually affixed to a mesh mount backing for installation (just like mosaic backsplashes).

Want to make a room look bigger? Learn how to make it real with these space-enhancing tricks from design experts. Use contrasts and light colors You can make a room bigger using light paint colors. Light and bright walls are more reflective. They make a space feel open and airy, which helps maximize natural light’s effect. Dark shades to make a room look bigger is another way to go. They tend to absorb light. Accent walls add to the decorative space in color without being too overpowering. Now let’s explore what colors make a room look bigger. If you want to get an optimum effect, go with soft tones like off-white, blues, and greens, and always remember that brighter rooms feel more extensive and more inviting. Here’s another trick: You can use a lighter color for your wall trim and moldings. After doing this, the walls will appear farther back, making your space seem even more extensive. Extend your space visually with creative lighting Natural light opens up the interior of any room and makes it look larger. You should simply add some creative effects using lighting fixtures and you’ll see how this small addition can make a big difference. Bringing it into your interior through large windows will instantly connect the room with the outdoors, no longer limiting your space. Use sheer window coverings, or pull them back completely, to allow more light in. You can put plants or

You may not think that Japan and Scandinavia have a lot in common, but when it comes to design components, they are more similar than you may imagine. Each one's aesthetic focuses on simplicity, natural components, and comfort, so it's no wonder that more and more designers are combining these two and calling them "Japandi" (aka Japanese and Scandi). Though Japandi design focuses on minimalistic designs, at the same time, it’s warm and livable. It says “goodbye” to clutter and “hello” to cozy zen. These spaces are frequently open concept, filled with plants, and admire classic furnishings. In a word, Japandi is the embodiment of tranquil, efficient life. According to Calas, expect to find a plethora of natural materials, muted colors, clean lines, and minimal, yet well-curated, furnishings. Japandi design isn't sparse - it's intentional. Japandi style is all about beautiful craftsmanship focusing on quality and handmade pieces over throwaway, cheap structures. You'll also see a lot of neutral hues and paint options to complement Japandi furniture and accessories. Calming, tranquil, and peaceful palettes are typically chosen, and when brighter colors are incorporated, they are done meaningfully and subtly. Additionally, Japandi styles often emphasize sustainability. The prevalence of natural materials and simple designs makes it a great green decor style.