DESIGN FOR MEN

This  custom-designed 4,500 square foot house  is locacted in New York in an east Long Island community’s master-planned by Richard Meier.  The designers at architecture firm,  TsAO & McKown faced two major challenges: designing for an unknown concept client and rooting the home on virtually flat terrain in a young forest.   The design pairs the human need for both order and chaos while creating a onnection to the surrounding landscape.

The designers manipulated the topography and created the first level slightly below grade.   Providing a slight incline in the typography served as way to reduce the impact of the volume of the home and provide a private  outdoor spaces.  The interior design of the home also has an intimate feel with a warm color palette.  Shades of rust mix well with grays and mustard yellow adds an unexpected pop.  Dimension and depth is added with warm wood tables and built-ins.

The sensitivity to the human condition in the design  makes this home appealing to a broad audience.  Making me think whoever snatched this beauty up is quite fortunate.

IMAGE CREDITS: TsAO & McKown

While perusing the Studio Dror website, I happened upon this stunning concept for a modular villa in New York. Decidedly modern in design, the pre-fab modular structure is inspired by Villa Rotunda, designed by Renaissance architect, Andrea Palladio and completed in 1591.

In this modular home, the wings or cubes are constructed off-site and connect at a central living room with a balcony.  The layout is reminiscent of Villa Rotunda with the salons connected by the central circular hall which also features a balcony.  The translation from classical architecture makes this modern design both efficient and stunning.  Check out the Studio Dror site for more info by clicking here.

IMAGE CREDITS: Images from Studio Dror

While I was at the flea market at Eastern Market, I came across a kiosk featuring the photography of Val Proudkii. According to Jim Magner, writer of Art in the City from the Hill Rag, Proudkii “is a photographer of the “aha”—the moment in which the visually striking is discovered within the visually common.”  My eye was drawn to the striking imagery, specifically, his work featuring mainly the urban context.  Sites include cities such as Washington, D.C., New York, and various destinations in Europe.  The following are some of my favorites after perusing their website.  Check out their site by clicking here and check out the kiosk at the Eastern Market to purchase prints.

Decisions, decisions, I must have at least one for my place but it is tough to choose.

IMAGE CREDITS: Photoandgraphica

I finally had the chance to check out the Eastern Market Flea Market yesterday in D.C. I was a little disappointed by the lack of true antiques and my fave, mid century and industrial pieces. But the area is beautiful and as a professional shopper, I managed to find some great items. The following are my favorites from the trip.  Above Thonet side chairs and Industrial stool.

Handmade wood cutting boards – Just amazing!

Handmade Tea Set with Pussy Willow Detail

African Mask and Ebonized table

The sun is out and it’s time to shed all those layers. Here are some looks that I am excited about as we transition from Spring to Summer. Tank tops are great ways to stay cool but often guys don’t wear them appropriately. Keep the wife beaters for under dress shirts and spring for a few tank tees with a subtle graphic. The tank top above by Dolce & Gabbana is a great way to show off the work at the gym.  This season rather than wearing tanks with jeans, play around with dressing the tank up with trousers and down with shorts or cut offs.

Take the plaid into spring but punch it up with a splash of color and try white jeans to brighten up the whole look.

Chambray, chambray, chambray – it is really hot right now.  Chambray is essentially a lightweight cotton which involves white threads woven in with a colored warp.  Typically you see these shirts in blue but I love a light gray especially paired with white jeans.

Dressing up a bit this summer is all about layering.  I am into keeping blazers and pants dark (navy or dark green) but with a white or subtle striped shirt.

IMAGE CREDITS: GQ and Details

Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of transportation, enabling them to exercise and reduce the number of cars on the road which ultimately reduces pollution. The District Department of Transportation created the Bicycle Transit Center (BTC) in Washington, D.C., to respond to this trend in transportation and the growing need for safer places to store bicycles. The shell-like form of the $2.4 million pavilion, designed by KGP Design Studio, is inspired both by the aerodynamics of bike helmets and the structural framing of the bicycle. Located outside the west portico of Union Square, the 2,000 sf structure is conveniently located and offers bike parking, sharing, and a repair shop for users.  The designers recognized that this structure needed to be elegant and minimal in order to not compete with the stunning stone-clad Union Square station, designed in 1908 by Daniel Burnham.  Convenient and aesthetically pleasing – I can’t wait to see similar structures springing up all over the city.  Click here to see an informative video on the project.

Image Credits: Architectural Record and KGP Design Studio

Furniture designer, Timothy Oulton, who has designed for Restoration Hardware, Chehoma, and Flamant recently launched his new collection.  He is also opening a new boutique on the 4th floor of ABC Carpet and Home in New York.  Definitely a destination for my next trip.  Check out a few photos from the collection.

Image Credits: Design Therapy and Timothy Oulton

I am loving another project by Roman & Williams, the design firm behind New York’s Ace Hotel.  211 Elizabeth St in the Nolita neighborhood of New York.   The 15 traditionally designed condos possess their affinity for a monochromatic palette and the architectural details are stunning.

All of the units feature 9-foot high glass doors with sidelights and transoms.   The materials are rich with black oil painted trim and herringbone walnut floors.  Each unit is equipped with a wood-burning fireplace.

The kitchen design is unexpected with the walnut cabinet frames and the black oil panted doors.  And the Danish wood counter tops add considerable warmth.

The bathrooms have a Old Word feel while retaining a sleek modern edge.   Calcutta stone is used prominently on walls, floors, and counter tops.  Cream oil painted vanities mix well with the brass fixtures.

If only I had several million, I would snap one of these condos up!

IMAGE CREDITS: Photos from Remodelista