Thursday 31 January 2019

A Scheme for a Child’s Bedroom That Will Stand The Test of Time

Designing a room for a child can be tricky. It’s tempting to create a fairy tale nursery before they are even born, but babies are not babies for long. Before you know it they will be asserting their own views on how their room should look, and then there is the pressure to go down the pink unicorns or green dinosaurs route. Resist! That is, if you don’t want to be wallpapering every few years. My advice is to stick to a scheme that will stand the test of time with a strong base of neutral colours and patterns that are not childish. The bedroom below is a perfect example. Take away the toys and it could easily become a teenagers room, or even a guest bedroom when they have flown the nest.

This post does contain affiliate links. If you decide to buy anything featured you won’t pay any more, but Dear Designer’s will receive a small commission to help keep this blog up and running.

Take a Look

A Scheme for a Child's Bedroom That Will Stand The Test of Time

Ava Single Bed In Humbug Sketch and Alfie Mini Chair In Humbug Sketch. Both from Sofa.com

Get The Look

A Scheme for a Child's Bedroom That Will Stand The Test of Time

Sources
  1.  Delilah Grey Chevron Retro Occasional Chair with Natural Oak Legs, MY Furniture.
  2. Squiggles Wallpaper, designed by Giselle Huberman for Lilipinso, Bobby Rabbit.
  3. Leitmotiv Table Lamp, Edged Mushroom, Hurn and Hurn.
  4. Dorchester Grey Single Bed, Noah and Nani.
  5. Sleepy Panda Cushion, Dunelm.
  6. Hammer & Thread Delta Ottoman Stool, Upcycle Studio.
  7. Iso Cloud Cushion, Made.com.
  8. Dennis Kids Bedside Table with Drawer in Steel Grey by Woood, Cuckooland.
  9. Calloway Bloomingville Baskets, Out There Interiors and Eddy Ivory & Black Circular Rug, Modern Rugs.

 

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The post A Scheme for a Child’s Bedroom That Will Stand The Test of Time appeared first on Dear Designer.



from Dear Designer https://deardesigner.co.uk/a-scheme-for-a-childs-bedroom-that-will-stand-the-test-of-time/

Design Milk Travels to… The Hudson Valley

Design Milk Travels to… The Hudson Valley

A drive away from the urban sprawl of New York City, the Hudson Valley has become a respite for New Yorkers. For years, city dwellers have moved upstate to trade cramped apartments for spacious homes, Central Park for the Catskills. There is abundant space, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life up North. But you’d be missing out if you wrote the region off as a sleepy, suburban district where people come to stroll. The Hudson Valley, a region along the Hudson River from Westchester to Albany, is a beacon of light for art and design that can rival the Big Apple. It’s got kitschy hotels, sprawling art parks and modernist homes carved into the mountains. We’ve put together an itinerary to show that you don’t have to be in the big city to have a good time.


WHERE TO STAY

Stickett Inn is located two hours away from New York. You can rent one of their four rooms, each with different designs and amenities (i.e. a hot tub!), or choose one of several cottages on the property. It’s just a walk away from the main drag of town, so you can leave your car here and explore the antique shops and farmers market on foot.

Photograph by Lawrence Braun.

Photograph by Lawrence Braun.

If you’re not in the mood for dark wood and you prefer your pastels, wind down at the Arnold House. If you want to really treat yourself, you can even rent their Lake House, which is set away from the main establishment. It’s an old school lodging but with sleek, modern interior furnishings and light colors, you’ll never feel stuffy or cramped.

Photo by Tiny House Resort.

If you’re looking for a getaway in the woods that’s a little more rustic, check out Vista, part of a collection of cabins by Tiny House Resort. Situated by the Catskill Creek, there’s an onsite waterfall, a heated pool, and kayaks available for a water adventure. In the morning you can cook fresh eggs from the chickens and ducks that the resort keeps, right over your own fire pit. The best part? There’s baby goats on site!


WHERE TO VISIT

Photo by Grisha Levit. CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo by Grisha Levit. CC BY-SA 2.0

Probably the most visited site in the Hudson Valley is Dia:Beacon a nearly 300,000 square-foot contemporary art museum. “Dia” is Greek for “through” when the Dia Art foundation was started in New York, its founding members Philippa de Menil, Heiner Friedrich, and Helen Winkler hoped it would help artists realize their loftiest projects.

Dia:Beacon opened in May 2003 and takes the structure of a former Nabisco box printing factory. The museum’s collection of art from 1960s to the present is known for its stunning organic shapes and use of large negative and positive space to play with scale.

Russel Wright’s American Modern. Photo by Masca.

Manitoga by Kate Orne.

Manitoga was the estate and home of modernist industrial designer Russel Wright and is now a National Historic Landmark. It is also one of the few 20th century modernist homes open to the public in New York State—the rest are now private residences. From May to November, there are ticketed public tours, exhibitions and concerts at the home. Outside, there’s also 3 miles of Russel Wright designed trails that are opened to the public during the season, from dawn to dusk every day.

Photo by David Limburg.

The home is also an artist residency and space for selected artists to exhibit their work. Esctatic, for example, is an illuminated painting by Peter Bynum who was an artist resident in the home.

SONY DSC

Another famous draw is the Storm King sculpture park, a 500-acre outdoor museum with large scale sculptures and site-specific commissions. It’s the largest collection of contemporary sculptures in the entire country. It’s also open in the Winter, and has rotating exhibitions and programs that change with the season, so you’ll have a reason to keep coming back.

Notable mentions: Opus 40 \\\ Bannerman’s Castle \\\ Graft Cidery


WHERE TO SHOP

The Gilded Owl is known for high design and craftsmanship. What started as a blog by interior designer Andy Goldsborough and art dealer Elizabeth Moor became a retail space when Andy and Elizabeth redesigned a 1785 federal style house in Hudson, New York. The space is now a living gallery with furniture and art and draws everyone from collectors to design enthusiasts.

If you’re shopping for something big to really brighten up your house, Hudson Valley Lighting makes sleek chandelier lights that make a statement without drawing too much attention upwards. The company was inspired by the valley but their products are now carried in a chain of stores around the country.

Flowerkraut is exactly as its namesake suggests. The bright and airy store sells handmade goods catering to florists and gardeners. There’s always something to pick up, whether it’s house plants such as succulents, cacti, air plants and begonias, or ceramics and candles to gift to others. But that’s only half of it: you can also find various krauts like kimchi, sour pickles and hot sauces for your kitchen!

Notable mentions: Finch Hudson \\\ CounterEv \\\ Valley Variety \\\ Red Chair on Warren


FINAL THOUGHTS

If you’re visiting in June, Newburg hosts an Illuminated Festival of music, dance and poetry to show locals and visitors what the town has to offer. But you don’t have to go to a summer celebration to touch on the spirit of the Hudson Valley. The birthplace of the Woodstock festival and the home of “peace and music” has preserved its chill vibe and you can see it in the brightly paved streets in quaint towns that don’t have to yell to get your attention. It’s a modest elegance, a communal creativity. It’s kept for the ones who know that New York isn’t just about the city.

If you’ve traveled to The Hudson Valley and have any favorite spots or  recommendations for first time visitors, let us know below so we can share (and also check it out ourselves the next time we’re up there).



from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/design-milk-travels-to-the-hudson-valley/

Hinge x Society6 Offer Limited Edition Cards for a Modern Valentine’s Day

Hinge x Society6 Offer Limited Edition Cards for a Modern Valentine’s Day

We all know Valentine’s Day tends to always be geared towards those in relationships thereby leaving out those unpartnered at the time. Not anymore! Thanks to dating app, Hinge, and creative platform, Society6, there’s a new, limited-edition collection of Valentine’s Day cards for everyone in your life, including your BFF, your crush, your significant other, and anyone else you want to make smile. The Hinge x Society6 collab includes the work of 15 Society6 artists who were asked to design custom illustrated cards featuring a variety of sentiments so you can acknowledge those you love, like, or just met on Hinge.

Hang Out Forever Stationery Cards by WEAREYAWN

Big Wife Energy Stationery Cards by Fatima khayyat

Is Weird that I got you a Valentine’s Card? Stationery Cards by Carly Jo Reeves

I am yours no refunds – typography Stationery Cards by showmemars

Retro love Stationery Cards by PHIRST

the valentine’s card for the person you’re not sure you should get a valentine’s card for Stationery Cards by Sascha Gray

takeout & makeout Stationery Cards by Matthew Taylor Wilson

Double Texting Valentine’s Day Card Stationery Cards by studiowillette

If You Had A Period, I’d Totally Buy You Tampons, Too Stationery Cards by Tyler Spangler

Fyre Festival Valentine’s Day Card Stationery Cards by studiowillette

If you Order by 12am PST/3am EST on February 3rd you will meet the deadline for Valentine’s Day shipping!

In an ongoing effort to support independent artists from around the world, Design Milk is proud to partner with Society6 to offer The Design Milk Dairy, a special collection of Society6 artists’ work curated by Design Milk and our readers. Proceeds from the The Design Milk Dairy help us bring Design Milk to you every day.



from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/hinge-x-society6-offer-limited-edition-cards-for-a-modern-valentines-day/

The Casper Glow Is a Gesture Toward Restful Sleep

The Casper Glow Is a Gesture Toward Restful Sleep

With scientific studies pointing toward the effects of both interior and ambient light radiating from devices influencing both short and longterm health, companies are beginning to design lighting with some forethought and features servicing the minutes producing a restful night’s sleep. An example of this trend toward bedroom lighting factoring environmental design is the newly announced Casper Glow, a small light designed to realign the light near the bedside in harmony with our natural circadian rhythms.

At quick glance, the Casper Glow’s soft polycarbonate cylindrical outer shell shares a striking semblance to the Apple HomePod, albeit a bit shorter and narrower than its audio emanating cousin. In both cases, the small cylindrical design presents an unobtrusive, yet modern presence placed upon a surface and/or in corners of any room.

The smaller shape, alongside its cordless design makes the Glow portable, with a rechargeable system also operating as an occasional lantern if needed (or used outside the bedroom as a temporary ambient light source).

Rated for a soothing and warm 2700K light temperature, the LEDs within are comprised of an array of 36 warm white LED units, complemented with 12 accent amber hued LEDs. In combination, the Glow can produce a maximum of 280 lumens, intentionally set to a lower glow in comparison to most bedroom lamps in service of producing a relaxed state before bed; an ambient sensor adjusts brightness according to existing ambient lighting.

Additionally, the light fades out over a span of 45 minutes, or any amount of time personalized to the user’s preference for easing into “lights out” mode. The light can also be set up to gradually awaken users with a morning rise mode, with brightness increasing over a span of time.

The aforementioned features are already commonly found in existing bedside lights and lamps, but Casper has added some unique features, integrating a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope inside its casing. This addition allows users to turn on the Glow by flipping it over, or twist the top to adjust brightness, and gently shake the light to initiate a soft, low glow setting.

Tactile interactions are supplemented by an iOS and Android compatible Casper Glow app, allowing customization and controls of single or a multitude of Glow lamps (up to six Glows can be grouped at once) with a simple navigation experience mirroring the simplicity of the Glow itself.

The Casper Glow is available in single and 2-packs for $89 and $169 via the Casper website.



from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/casper-glow/

Alphabet Designs a Thoughtful Collection of Furniture

Alphabet Designs a Thoughtful Collection of Furniture

Montreal-based design studio Alphabet launched a new collection of furniture at this year’s IDS Toronto as part of Studio North. Each piece goes through a thoughtful design process to ensure a unique outcome that offers maximum comfort. As most of the designs are seating, the latter part is key. The collection includes a chair, bar stool with a back, a tall stool, a short stool/side table, a side table, a dining table, and a wall shelf, all designed to complement your home by integrating into your spaces.

The Topique Chaise (chair) and Topique Chaise haute (bar stool with back) share similar backs featuring a keyhole cut out. The chairs come in several color options to work with any decor.

The Topique Tabouret is a lightweight stool that falls in line with the bar stool above, just without the back.

The Topique Banc works as both a short stool and a side table with its simple yet functional design.

The Floride Table is a circular dining table that’s designed to seat two to four people. Its delicate steel base features rounded lines that mimic the curves of the table’s surface.

The Dimanche Table takes a different approach with its simple yet delicate silhouette. It’s small tabletop can hold a book or drink while the base can hold magazines to have at arm’s reach.



from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/alphabet-designs-a-thoughtful-collection-of-furniture/

Eave Table by M-S-D-S Studio

Eave Table by M-S-D-S Studio

Eave Table is a minimalist dining table designed by Toronto-based studio M-S-D-S Studio for Dims. The multi-purpose table is designed for small spaces, flipping the archetype of a sharp, business-like desk by focusing on clean lines, soft curves, and striking details.

Eave Table was designed to elevate any room while defying conventions. Dims wanted to create a flat-packed table that looks and feels hand-built using creative and unconventional assembly. As such, the legs are made from FSC-certified solid ash wood and the tabletop made from honeycomb core with ash veneer.

Available in two colors, Natural Ash and Mint Gray, Eave uses a colored magnetic cap that snaps securely into place over connective hardware, adding a small, unexpected splash of color and a unique design detail. The cap comes in five colors, resulting in 10 unique colorway combinations.

The table will be available for pre-order starting Thursday January 31. Pre-orders will get 20% off for a limited time only.



from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/eave-table-by-m-s-d-s-studio/

Wednesday 30 January 2019

Miya Lost Villa, a Rural Chinese Barn Resort, Draws Crowds Away from Shanghai

Miya Lost Villa, a Rural Chinese Barn Resort, Draws Crowds Away from Shanghai

Five hours away form Shanghai, between the Tiantai Mountain and Siming Mountain in China, six old buildings from a former granary have been turned into a chic modern barn resort. Chinese architecture office Ares Partners, led by architect Helen Wang, designed the Miya Lost Villa Hotel with contemporary white structures and stone facades, to bring both old and new together in harmony in the countryside.

The studio removed the layers of white paint to reveal the original masonry of the walls. False ceilings were removed to show off the building’s timber construction. Openings, from walkways to windows, were expanded so more daylight reaches the interiors.

Each of the 21 spacious guest rooms comes with a private sun deck to enjoy the mountain views. The studio said they took a sensitive approach to the refurbishment “to engage a dialogue between the old and new buildings as well as a dialogue between architecture, mountain and people.”

What: Miya Lost Villa Huchen Barn Resort
Where: No.215 Provincial Road (Area B, Xizhang Damaitang, Hudong Village, Huchen Township) Ninghai China
How much? Room prices start at USD $88
Highlights: Minimalist hotel with sunrooms, private deck and pool present views of two mountain valleys in China.
Design draw: Modern refurbishment of historic stone building in China combines original facade with sleek, white shapes to take on a contemporary form.
Book it: Visit Miya Lost Villa Huchen Barn Resort.

Photos by Su Shengliang and Ares Partners.



from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/miya-lost-villa-a-rural-chinese-barn-resort-draws-crowds-away-from-shanghai/

Torno Is Designed to Invite Conversation

Torno Is Designed to Invite Conversation

By giving their Torno collection the ability to swivel, +Halle and Form Us With Love hope to encourage conversation and open up communication through the freedom of movement. The lightweight, durable series is designed to create break-out areas in public spaces with a theme of mobility.

“With Torno, you can facilitate a terrace, lounge, square, or dining space, based on a flexible system. When we first prototyped the series we mimicked the behavior of a rotating set of activities, where work and leisure time tends to blend,” Jonas Pettersson, co-founder and CEO at Form Us With Love says.

The Torno series includes chairs, stools, sofas, and two different sized tables, the designs of which encourage individuals to interact with them in a variety of ways – frontward, backward, etc. The lightweight aluminum pieces allow people to move and reconfigure the furniture’s setup, making the space their own.

The Torno collection can be used both indoors and outdoors, with a range of upholstery options to choose from, making the collection easily adaptable to all types of spaces.

“With Torno, you can easily build features in the public realm, integrating relaxation, eating, and social fabric into a mixed-use space; a flexible makeover to any open-area asset. When first installed, it was evident that people responded to the accessibility of the series—easy to lift, the furniture provides a natural sense of ownership. With a basic but inviting expression, the Torno collection, keeps public space versatile,” says Martin Halle, co-owner and Creative Director at +Halle.



from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/torno-is-designed-to-invite-conversation/