Shower Time

It's finally outdoor shower time at our place so the search for inspiration is on.  I know, I know, it's the perfect time as we are winding down the summer here but either way it's going in.  I'm set up for exposed plumbing and I want simple.  So here are some of my thoughts.  I'll report back with the final outcome as soon as we throw this badboy together.  The 2nd photo down (the blue fez tile) is a fav because my sweet wife put this in our farmhouse bath and it's pretty badass.

via here and here

Welcome Back Cottage

Feeling some inspiration this morning and jumping back in after a really long nap.  A little client research along with some inspiration from my sweet wife on the current project we are working to complete.  This place on the southwest side of Michigan sparked some attention.  Simple yet crisp and creative.  White is king here, however they toned it down with stains and subtle accents in furnishings and cabinetry.

A make-up of fresh new contemporary design ideas while still incorporating the existing structure.

Scrap, clean, bolt and paint.  Well, not always that easy but as you can see they found a way to bring all those elements to life.  Exposed trusses, structural beam and pipe columns.

Check the old school roll-up shades in the windows.

The before and after.  Have that vision and stick with it.

via Contemporist

Outdoor Details

This cottage is fresh.  Just check the setting/view above.  I sometimes feel like the wraparound porch can take away from the main house but with such a kickass setting you really can't go wrong here.  It comes across a little simplistic but they do transform the vibe with the barrel roof on the porch.  I also like the way the tight lines in the railing and roof play off of one another.  And finally to top it off, the rustic qualities of the stone work that seamlessly tie the patio to the wall and steps.

via remodelista

The Dog Stair

This is just out of control and totally hilarious.  A full on custom built set of stairs just for the dogs.  The designers killed it here incorporating the 2 sets side by side and tying all of the interior lines together.  The shapes and patterns from structure and furniture all play off one another.  The best part, in my opinion, is the handrail.  Safety first for the pooch.  You can also check this post over at Fred Flare.

via archdaily

PR Class of 2013

A nice little honor coming off the holiday weekend.  Thanks so much to my sweet sis, Cristie, for the love and for putting together an amazing nomination letter and getting it out to Professional Remodeler mag.  You can check it out here.

The Sheep Cottage

A guest quarters/sheep shearers cottage with modern lines, rustic industrial finishes and crazy scenic views.  This place is hot.  Handcrafted details throughout from the metal shelving to the wood clad interior walls.

The volume is fresh and well showcased with geometric design.

via contemporist and archdaily

The Long Library

A ton of books and limited space?  No problem here.  This long hall/corridor was quickly converted into a library with a few rows of shelving and a bench.  It ties in well with the badass, 100 year old mosaic flooring too.  Also a genius little design idea with the desk lamps on the ceiling.  A creative touch to providing directional lighting in the space.  This post also ran here.

via dezeen

Keyless

This is how you do keyless.  Check it.  August is the company putting this out later in the year.  It's pretty fresh.

via Core77

Kitchen Basic

A classic NYC loft space that presents a ton of possibilities for this kitchen.  I like the minimalistic approach in layout and cabinetry (or lack of).  It's not flashy at all but it works.  The vintage green farm sink sets it all off.  Basic yet still flows with texture.

via homedsgn

Living Room Display

Architecturally it really is a pretty sweet place.  A creative use of reinforced concrete and steel to create these clusters of random floating boxes that define the space.  However this uber modern vibe with the full open layout that maximizes a ton of natural light just isn't getting it done.  Come on.  The main attraction here is the badass, custom-made lift.  That's the gem that sets this place off.  There's room for 9 cars down below and 1 for display in the living room.  So fresh.  What's your favorite?  You can also check this post, here.

via homedsgn

Run That Pattern

A stacked brick pattern that runs the floor and continues right up wall.  That's fresh.  A killer space that features both flow and contrast.

via Contemporist

Working Pantry

A full open style kitchen with a killer little working pantry.  It's basically an extension of the kitchen.  A creative way to maximize your space when working with a smaller or unique layout.  Renovation is always tricky that way.  You have to keep that open mind set and look for ways to stretch or borrow space.

via Remodelista

What's Up?

Architecture can move you in a number of ways.  So how do you view it?  In this crazy ass example, it's from the ground up.  Check the creativity via various skyscrapers in Hong Kong.  It's texture.  It's movement.  It's about letting your imagination go.

You can also check this over at Fred Flare.

via homedsgn

On the Outside

Is it the detail, the color or the design that catches your eye?  They've kicked some ass embracing all the elements but I'm all about the crisp, warm pattern in the teak cladding.  To go a step further it's also the idea of taking a modest size structure and creatively making a statement.  Bold, white lines showcasing geometry give that subtle modern vibe while a natural stone chimney and slate roof highlight a classic feel.

via homedsgn

Coastal Binoculars

A kickass coastal residence in Nova Scotia, Canada with a unique layout both inside and out.  The exterior of this place is just fresh.  From the water the design portrays this glorified pair of binoculars.  A setting so amazing that you'd just want to sit there and peer out at the natural surroundings.  It's a genius design element.

Inside, they've take these two cantilevered tubes and broken them down into a day and night time living quarters.  Crazy volume and a ton of natural light.  Each pod has it's own balcony as well.  One for the great room and one for the master suite.

Linking the two main element together on the back side is this third core unit.  Home to the foyer and kitchen, this provides the views down the coastline.

You can also check this over at Fred Flare.

via Contemporist