Design & Lifestyle Blog

7 Jan ’12

Inside Melania Trump’s Penthouse | Residential Design

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Refinery29 had the remarkable chance of interviewing the lovely Melania Trump, Mr. Donald Trump’s wife. In that interview they were able to capture some images of their penthouse and a few of the things she likes the most. What most people don’t know is that Melania Trump graduated in Design and Architecture before becoming a famous model and then Mr. Trump’s wife in 2005.

Their penthouse/ mansion is mainly characterized with the use of gold and white marble, no overpowering colors or patterns, all arranged elegantly.

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I always love to incorporate the “lounge” seating, where 4 comfortable lounges are set together to form a cozy seating.

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5 Jan ’12

Sculptures Made Out Of Matchsticks | Art

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David Mach is the artist behind these matchstick sculptures.He starts off with designing a form, usually having a plastic model made from a clay mold. Then the task of sticking each matchstick onto the figure begins.

His sculptures are usually of controversial people or characters everyone is familiar with such as Betty Boop, Charlie Chaplin, and  Marilyn Monroe. The first question I had was whether he applies the color to the matchsticks or buys them already in those colors, turns out he imports many of them from Japan 

Mach sells some of them at galleries and auctions, but others are destined to be set aflame and burnt down at exhibitions.

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4 Jan ’12

AGI Architects Design Wafra Living Complex in Kuwait | Architecture

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This is another project in Kuwait designed by an international architecture firm. I have no idea if it will actually be realized or just a concept for the WAF competition. I found the project interesting in terms of utilizing the best features of the location and enhancing others, allowing a great view for most tenants in addition to privacy and spaces to enjoy sports. In terms of aesthetics, I guess the openings are a bit too busy, but I would support it any day if it will be built with the exact characteristics mentioned by the architects.

 

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The design for the ‘Wafra Living’ complex by AGi Architects won the first prize in the future project/residential category in the WAF 2011 competition. The proposal consists of a high rise building set back from the street and an L-shaped building defining the street edge, conceived to maximize privacy within the community, whilst providing ample natural light and usable indoor and outdoor common spaces. Cuts have been made in the front building in order to provide better views for the lower floor apartments in the back tower. The proposal combines at different levels domestic and collective scales, private and public, within the complex, whilst at the same time traces the way to merge in the neighborhood by offering part of the ground floor level (where the pedestrian and car access are) to community life through the retail facilities included. At level +6.00 m is created a “High Square”, a community space for the tenants to enjoy sports or any other leisure activities in a more private environment.A “veil” climbs the façade as an occupiable layer that conceals the various service spaces within the apartments that do not directly relate to the public. It also hosts the fire escape stairs, separated away from the cores to be placed in this secondary circulation layer that faces the inner courtyard of the complex.

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2 Jan ’12

Lebanese Architects Najjar-Najjar Design A Residence In Austria | Architecture

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Lebanese architects Karim and Rames Najjar of Najjar-Najjar Architects have designed this stunning 420sq.m residence in Austria back in 2008.The property is accessible from the road behind leading down hills to the building’s main entrance, covered by an extended cantilever roof structure. On the street side the building facade is closed with natural stonework to provide intimacy towards the street.

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Following the topography of the site the house is partly carved into the ground where the fitness and wellness facilities are located as well as an office and playroom for children. The dining area with an open kitchen is reached by taking a few steps down from the central hall. From there another couple of steps lead to a comfortable area where one can lounge on the sofa or chaise lounge overlooking the swimming pool and enjoying the marvelous view over the city. The floor materials are distinguished according to level and function. The bedrooms are located on the upper levels that are accessed by stairs which leads to an open gallery.

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30 Dec ’11

From A Designer’s Journal: To A New Year, To 2012, And What I learned from 2011…

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I am not the type of person who would write goodbyes or go all dramatic at anything. 2011 was a great year on many levels and as every year passes I try to learn and appreciate whatever I encountered whether good or less good. Many won’t agree that 2011 was actually good , it’s true to some extent if you want to count the natural disasters, the unnatural uprisings, the political surprises, the fall of regimes, the rise of others,and most of all people’s fear of the upcoming. This end of the year seems be the most perplexing in the new age so far, especially that nothing is hidden anymore, every slap is going viral, those who were once ruling the unfairly are now somehow losing control, with their secrets out in the public almost instantly.

On a personal note, this year I learned to appreciate the little things in life, thank God I didn’t go through any traumatic experience to reach that point, I just learned to contemplate and enjoy the blessings, I am guessing this comes along as we mature and grow.

In 2011 I met people from all walks of life, many were face to face contacts and others through social media. Twitter was my best companion on most of my days, I met new people almost daily, interacted with persons from different backgrounds and beliefs, learned from them and taught them as well. I was able to aid many who requested my help, and received help whenever I needed and almost instantly. In 2011 I grew fond of Instagram and realized how much I loved photography, I never knew sharing experiences through live photos would be so amusing and eye opening. On a personal level I was able to bond with my family more, I learned to organize my time in a manner where I can take care of myself, my family, and my career all at a comfortable pace and guilt-free, any mom would know how difficult that is to achieve! In 2011 I learned to see only the good in people, and always wake up with a smile because the day will smile back at me when I do. In 2011 I learned that I should take care of my health and teach everyone I know to do the same. I learned to accept new information and pass it on at every chance. In 2011 I learned that being fair relieves your conscience every time. In 2011 I practiced being in other people’s shoes at every situation, it makes accepting daily hassles much easier. In 2011 I learned that being honest is always the best policy, and that being professional with my clients does not mean we can not be good friends, on the contrary, it raises a sense of trust and reliability which gives me more reasons to be creative and design responsibly respecting their concerns and expectations.

In 2011 I am grateful for the success of my blog which allowed me to share all the beautiful things I come across or experience, this in turn created an opportunity to spread beauty as much as possible and train our eyes to  good proportions and understand the importance of good design in shaping our thoughts and lives.

In 2011, I am grateful for you, the readers, for interacting and enjoying the posts, I look forward to a more wonderful 2012 and nothing less. Hopefully with God’s blessings, our hard work, and persistence, we can get through another great year, thank you again, and have a great and beautiful 2012!

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29 Dec ’11

Dream Home On A Volcanic Island | Residential Design

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One of the reasons I fell in love with this house is not just the bold design and the wonderfully hidden spaces that can be utilized while overlooking the breathtaking island, it’s the fact that there is a story behind the construction of this house which lasted almost a decade. According to the NYTimes,  Pedro Correia and his wife, Graça who live on the largest of nine volcanic islands in the Azorean archipelago. They decided after the family started growing to build their 3,767-square-foot dream house and commissioned their architect friend Bernardo Rodrigues  founder of Bernardo Rodrigues Arquitecto in Porto, Portugal.

 

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The project was slowed by both a lengthy delay in receiving materials from Lisbon and the paucity of skilled laborers on the island. It took one year to build and assemble the steel framing for the doors and windows, and another two years to pour concrete and install flooring and finishes in the home. The exterior walls were painted Siena red and pewter. Inside, the walls were given hues of either chestnut brown or olive green. The total cost of construction was just over $500,000. Mr. Correia and wife and two daughters, Maria, 13, and MaFalda, 9, moved into the three-bedroom, two story home in early 2010.

Mrs. Correia said their dream home was more challenging and expensive than they had expected. But as she put it, “that’s the price you pay to have the best home.”

Check the beautiful photos of this project below.

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27 Dec ’11

Could This Mansion Be Ashton Kutcher’s Next Home?

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According to Home Designing, this could be Ashton Kutcher’s next House. The 9,385 square foot mansion is priced at $10,800,000 located in the Hollywood Hills with spectacular views of Lake Hollywood and the culturally iconic sign, visible beyond walls of retractable glass.

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The contemporary five bedroom dream home boasts eight bathrooms, a ‘floating’ dining room, state-of-the-art screening room, and a fitness & massage room. The house also makes full use of the Hollywood heat, enjoying an infinity-edged swimming pool with elevated spa, and a number of outdoor rooms perched on cantilevered decks or far reaching patios with extensive built in fire pits.

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Basic Steps To Design Your Space On AOK

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I had the honor to guest post on AOK and list tips on how to design your space. Listed are tips and examples of what can be done to solve problems and enhance the look of any room.

For Full Post check AOK.

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