Vancouver and Chicago Interior Designers - Kalu Interiors Blog - All About Interior Design » new york

LOFTy IDEAS

aleem — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:01:20 +0000

When it comes to certain spaces, architecturally-speaking, one of the most challenging ones to design and create ‘zones’ and ‘rooms’ for are lofts. Large, expansive, raw, and open in design- lofts these day seem to be more common than ever as either conversions or new-construction. Though seemingly dramatic and aesthetically beautiful through the ‘rawness’ of their appearance with elements maybe such as exposed brick or ductwork, the challenge quickly comes when trying to maintain these elements while also meeting practical means of everyday life. Mainly when speaking about private areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms, or areas that require specific attention such as kitchens.

In the theme of things- i’d like to feature a specific loft which has been designed in a manner that meets both practical and aesthetic means. Designed by the firm Yoshihara McKee Architects, the ‘Posen Loft’ hint* hint* located in New York, boasts a fantastic solution of combining 2 major areas of any home; the kitchen & bathroom. Just through the utilization of one partial free-standing wall, they were able to compose these two areas that meet their own practical needs, but do not disrupt the dramatic aspect of the high ceilings & open space. One detail which helps to achieve this is the glass ceiling over the bathroom. This meets a privacy and light practicality, but keeps the tall ceilings from being disturbed. All-in-all, a fabulous example which can help continue the way we approach problems with innovative solutions!

image from www.yoshiharamckee.com

FABULOUS FLAT

aleem — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:57:07 +0000

Have you ever heard the expression: “It’s all in the details!” Well this “Fabulous Flat” designed by West Chin Architect is all about the details… utilizing a palette of creams, whites, and neutrals accented with mainly bold reds provide a very soothing atmosphere while also being bold and dramatic! Large expanses of the white and open spaces allow you to also appreciate what this beautiful space has to offer and creates an easy transition from one space to the next. Though, unique artwork, accents, and furniture are what truly make this space stand out from the rest! I have listed a few below…

image from www.wcarchitect.com

UNIQUE FINDS:

image from www.hivemodern.com

The PK8 Chair for the Poul Kjaerholm Collection

image from www.knoll.com

The WOMB Chair for Knoll Studio

image from www.fish-design.it

The POMPITU II for Fish Designs Italia

image from www.bocci.ca

The 14.14 for Bocci

image from www.thefutureperfect.com

The Swarovski Crystal SKULL for The Future Perfect

image from www.fiamitalia.it

The PONTE for Fiam Italia

image from www.thefutureperfect.com

The OSOROM for The Future Perfect

image from www.tisettanta.com

The NAOS for Tisettanta

Kate Spade + iphone

phyllis — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:35:15 +0000

So I’ve been looking around for a new iPhone case lately and I came across this super cute one by Kate Spade. It mimics the carpet and the wallpaper in her newly renovated 5th Avenue store in New York. Completed this summer, the store reflects the fresh and fun personality of her line of bags and clothing. I personally love the new look of the store….here are some more pictures of it!

Image from http://www.katespade.com

Hidden Gems

aleem — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:20:19 +0000

image from www.tandembar.net

Keeping in my theme of New York posts and features, I thought that i’d share some images and information of a little lunch/brunch/bar place that my good friend Audrey introduced me to…hidden away in one of the pockets of Brooklyn! It is places like these that truly provide you with a glimpse into local life and the prevelant culture of Brooklyn. This gem is called TANDEM located at 236 Troutman St. Brooklyn, NY. Owned and innovatively designed by sisters Cathy and Jane Virga, who not only run the bar/restaurant, but also physically made things such as the ceramic wall tiles, sculpted mugs, glazed and cut tabletop tiles, right to brewing the beer served. I was lucky enough to enjoy one of their new brunches on a Saturday morning (delicious!), as well enjoy the night life at the bar on a Thursday night. It was amazing how the atmosphere took a total change depending on the time of day and who was there. What a hidden gem!

image from www.tandembar.net

image from Al

When in New York…

aleem — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:01:40 +0000

image from www.hudsonhotel.com

You must must must visit the Hudson Hotel in New York at 356 West 58th Street. When ever i’m in town, I like to pay a little visit for some creative inspiration, and ofcourse for some amazing food and cocktails! Envisioned by the Philippe Starck himself, ofcourse, this New York City hotel features the Hudson Cafeteria, the Hudson Bar, a library/game room with bar and fireplace, and two al fresco gathering places.

“Trees in enormous vases line two sides of the densely planted terrace off the lobby. The 15th-floor Sky Terrace, trimmed with trees in oversized flower pots, attracts sun worshippers with its teak chaise longues and views of the skyline and Hudson River.” What can you also expect? Well… “The decor, bar, and clientele all meet the definition of “hip.” The lobby, at the top of a 40-foot chartreuse-lit escalator, combines brick walls, an ivy-festooned glass roof, an oak reception desk, and glossy Brazilian cherry-wood floors. In its center is a private park with 45-foot trees, ivy-covered walls, and antique and modern garden furniture. “

image from www.hudsonhotel.com

Rashid in the Flesh!

aleem — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:48:07 +0000

image from www.karimrashid.com

image from www.google.com

image provided by AL

When in New York this time, I just had to pay homage and make a personal visit to Karim Rashid’s very own studio amd store on W.17th street. His aesthetic, designs, and innovation has definitely caught the design world by storm, and you can see many of his designs just shopping in the grocery store, or even when strolling down luxurious 5th Ave. Here are some products available through his website:

image from www.karimrashidshop.com

New York New York

aleem — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:55:51 +0000

image from www.dwell.com

The ‘travel bug’ has hit us here at Kalu, while Pip is on the West in San Diego, i’ll be hitting it up on the East in New York! So with New York in my mind, I thought i’d check out what’s stirring-up the New York design pot, thus why I came accross this fantistic coneptual design project for a vertical neighborhood. Proposed for the hustl’n and bustl’n 53rd street in Manhattan, Axis Mundi has unleashed the plans, drawings, renderings, and designs for the new Hines Tower. (the planned future expansion for the one and only NYC MOMA)

image from www.dwell.com