  Classic - an American Classic, as was American Graffiti. . . . . See You in September, what became the iconic, back-to-school anthem for a number of generations.....the pangs of missing that summer love. Ahhh....youth! Why is it wasted, as they say, on the young? This song was released by The Tempos, written in 1959....almost 60 years ago! And although it is now September, I am working on a backwards calendar. . . . . this issue is 2•8 - August. Why? Well, from auditing the readership stats for the July issue it was clear that most of you were travelling, or in cottage country where internet access was not easily available....so, I've been waiting for everyone to get back to normal......the September issue will be forthcoming in a few weeks. And so, what do we have for you this issue? As is always the case, way too much to fit in.....from the newest Scottish Design Museum to a fabulous design for a new very slick camper (still in prototype stage), to this fantastically delicious beach house......Jennifer Aniston's, no less.  Situated directly across the street from the beach, it is located in Corona del Mar, California......  With a classic blue and white coastal motif, this living room is elegant and could comfortably entertain a crowed      This traditional bathroom features a polished nickel lantern above claw foot bathtub with wall-mounted tub filler paired with Waterworks Easton Metal Stool. The master bathroom also boasts wainscoting and custom cabinets topped with white marble and marble tile flooring  Located on a sought-after street, Ocean Boulevard in Corona Del Mar, CA, and just across from a fabulous beach, this beach house has everything you could wish for! The very talented interior designer Barclay Butera from Barclay Butera Interiors designed this home coordinating coastal decor with traditional architectural details. The result is a beach house with classic coastal interiors full of timeless ideas. This submission is from Lucianne, HomeBunch.com - the full article can be viewed here. Ed note: Here's what I think. . . . . I am impressed by designers and architects who, in every aspect of a project, an undertaking, they deftly demonstrate complete control of their craft. That, is what i see here....there is not one false note, not one mis-step.The overriding gentleness speaks volumes - the serenity of tone, texture and temperment responds both to the wash of the waves and obviously to the amazing life balance of the Owner, Jennifer Aniston - who has steadfastly sailed her own craft through difficult waters. There is not one thing I would change - I can't think of a more sincere compliment than that.     The V&A Dundee is a new branch of London's Victoria and Albert Museum and is not only Kuma's first project in the UK, but the very first dedicated design museum for Scotland. Structures that exist in harmony with their surroundings are a hallmark of Kuma's portfolio, which spans from his native Japan to Brazil to Portland, USA. Set on the edge of the River Tay in the Scottish city of Dundee, the museum was designed to integrate with the environment and serve as a "living room" for the city and revitalize the community. Along with exhibition spaces, the museum is home to a large public hall for concerts and workshops, a shop, cafe and restaurant. The facade is an intricate and complex arrangement of long panels made from a mix of stone, cement and reinforcement mesh. These pre-cast concrete blocks gently rotate along the building's exterior, giving the impression that its walls lean inwards at some points and outwards at others. Inspired by the cliffs of north-eastern Scotland, this cladding also creates unique shadows that take on different patterns in changing weather conditions and times of day. A large void also runs through the center of the building, creating a dramatic walkway that connects the river to the city streets. "My inspiration always starts from the place where the project will be," says Kuma. "In the past, I have visited Scotland many times. It is a very beautiful country and I'm truly in love with the Scottish landscape and nature." The V&A Dundee opens on September 15, with its first exhibition to showcase the design and importance of ocean liners throughout the 20th century. The complete article can be read here.  I don't know how many of you are photography aficionados........moi, I've been a student of the art for 10+ years......never taking any formal courses, trial and error - experimentation.......I developed a passion for the 'magic hours'- 4:00, 4:30 AM in high summer - dusk, whenever. Being an early bird I would often rush out before the first fingers of dawn were apparent - to get to where I've I wanted to be, to get into position to shoot through that magic light. I idon't have very sophisticated equipment - all NIKON......started with a DX40, added a D5000 - bought two great lenses - a 12 - 21mm wide angle Nikon lens + a long range lens.....given that one gets next to nothing when trying the sell used camera equipment I kept my DX40 and leave the wide angle lens on it permanently - saves a lot of time when you want to take etc same shot with two different lenses.I am constantly in awe of the artistry of my friend/colleague Lydia Pawelak, whose work I have often showcased in this blog. And she has, from time to time, allowed me to stumble along behind her on impromptu shoots......great fun. But for all my day to day stuff - site shots, product shots, etc, I do what you all do now - rely on my iPhone....which is perfectly serviceable for run-of-the-mill stuff. This week I stumbled across what might be a very cool device - but until Lydia checks it out and blesses it, or not, I'll refrain from buying one. But, in principle, it seems like a no-brainer....    Currently this is available for $85.99 USD........if it were $CAD I would probably sign on - just a bit too pricey for something that might be just junk....here's the features list:
Take unprecedented control over your smartphone's camera—and naturally, better photos—when you shoot with this innovative grip. Fitting most smartphones, this grip comes packed with buttons and wheels that let you shoot one-handed and with greater control over your camera's settings, like exposure, zoom, and ISO. Its secret lies with the companion app. The Pictar app picks up high-frequency sounds emitted by the grip when you press its buttons, letting you adjust settings on the fly while using less battery than traditional wireless communication methods. And the video demonstration can be viewed here.  While I'm sure many of you are still in summer•mind mode, let's check out the kind of place we would all love to live in - and it would feel like summer all year round.  Floating homes are unique by their very nature—they are, after all, literally floating on the water. Since it takes a special kind of builder or homeowner to go for the floating home, though, they sometimes come with all sorts of special little details. This floating home, built in 2012, has a lot going on, starting with a green roof and ending with a secret entrance to the basement. Upon approach, it looks like a more standard high-price floating home, with a modern design that adds wooden accents for an extra-nautical look. Right inside, an open living room, dining area, and kitchen are decorated by sweeping views of the lake from floor-to-ceiling windows. Wood trim, built-in shelves, and an exposed-grain accent wall with compass decor add to the maritime theme. The basement level includes a wine cellar and storage. It’s not much to look at now, but it’d make an incredible batcave. This home was listed for $3.4 million. From: Curbed : : by Sarah Ann Lloyd  I have always been intrigued by small spaces......my earliest memories in the exploration of space design were when I was about 11 years old. My grandparents had this old country house with one large bathroom. Had the requisite claw foot tub of course - no shower though. My recollection is that it probably measured about 10' X 12' - pretty much the norm in old farmhouse bathrooms.....and I would spend an inordinate amount of time pondering, wondering - imagining, how if one had only that bathroom to live in and was not allowed to remove the tub, the toilet or the washstand (yes Gracie - that's what vanities used to be called...). And I remember toying with the idea of a bed, on a pulley, that when not in use lived on the ceiling......when lowered it precisely covered the bathtub......the logic was brilliant, no? I mean, if you're sleeping what need do you have of a bathtub? Anyways, in playing space headGames of that nature I was somehow shuttled to the world of interior design. But some of my most successful projects have been actually the tiniest, spatially speaking. And so this wonderful environment shown here really speaks to me.....it is brilliantly conceived but even more brilliantly, and with a deft hand, made to sing in the choice of materials and patterns used to enhance the space. As I often tell my clients, 'It's not how much space you have - it's how much space you feel, you have...' This, has a most wonderful feeling......I believe the most brilliant decision was to float the bed in the middle, providing movement space all around it......the normal temptation, to maximize every square inch of floor space, would be to push the bed up against a wall......but no! Reason prevailed - great design instincts       Could You Live in 15 Square Meters (161 sq ft) of Space? SUMATORIA's 'Tiny Home' May Make You Think Twice
SUMATORIA proposed a living solution based on digital transformation and increasing urbanization. The solution starts with an efficient, scalable, and easy-to-implement design for primary residences, secondary residences, or even a hotel project, where demand for comfort and durability plays out in a reduced space. The scalability and efficiency of the design works under the 'Plug and Play' concept, which permits serial construction, and makes for reduced building time and costs, as well as easy implementation. In this 15 square meter (250 x 600 cm) structure, basic needs for a living space are fulfilled. The space is flexible and can play the role of a dual kitchen and living room, bathroom, and bedroom. The dimensions are defined, yet structured in a manner that allows the inhabitant to make use of every centimeter of space without feeling claustrophobic. This is achieved with the installment of mirrors that create the illusion of a larger space. The kitchen/living area is outfitted with an appliance that serves as a two-burner stove, a combo oven (that fulfills the role of a conventional oven and a microwave) and a refrigerator located beneath the dishwasher. In front of the 'kitchen,' there is a living area with a table. The restroom is located between the living room/kitchen and bedroom; it also serves as a mediator between the two spaces. The space is fitted with a light shaft that serves as both ventilation and an entry point for natural light, giving the bathroom an element of vertical spaciousness. The shower is located on the other end of the bathroom and is outfitted with two workable glass doors that can be extended to form the shower, or a way to conceal the wash area when not in use. The bedroom hosts a full-size bed, while under the mattress are 6 suitcase-sized compartments that serve as a closet. At the back of the bed, there are reading lamps and USB outlets with a shelf that also serves as a nightstand. Everything in the Tiny House fulfills sustainability criteria, from the reuse of grey water to the possibility of installing solar panels, and even insulation materials. The project was awarded the Casa FOA prize for 'Best Transformation of a Space' and 'Best Application of ROCA' which are distributed in Chile by CHC. https://www.archdaily.com/900966/could-you-live-in-15-square-meters-of-space-sumatorias-tiny-home-may-make-you-think-otherwise?ad_medium=gallery BRAVO! What a deliciously delightful space.....accolades well deserved Vanessa Bertran - one of our start designer/collaborators/contributors, has completed the spanish translation of this piece and you can see it / read it here:   If, you have to ask, 'What is THAT?' you obviously are not an astute student of design. Or you've never seen the movie, 'How to Steal a Million Dollars' with Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole....  What this is, is the re-released E-Type Jaguar, fully electric version. . . . . .   The general rule is it’s considered uncouth to upstage the bride and groom at their own wedding. But when it’s the iconic Jaguar E-Type we’re talking about, even royalty can make an exception. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s electrified matrimonial Jaguar E-Type Zero sparked such great interest with its appearance at the conclusion of the Royal Wedding this past May, the British luxury automotive manufacturer decided to turn a one-off fairytale into the reality of a production vehicle The Jaguar E-Type has long carried bona fides as “the most beautiful car in the world” (attributed to Enzo Ferrari from a 1964 interview with Classic Car Review), one of only six automotive designs deemed worthy of inclusion in New York’s Museum of Modern Art permanent collection. The decision to integrate zero-emissions tech while leaving the model’s sleek feline silhouette untouched seems prudent considering the risks associating with messing with such an iconic design. Jaguar assures us this updated roadster will “drive, handle, ride and brake like the original E-type, with its front-rear weight distribution unchanged”, a symbolic spearhead designed to acknowledge the past, while point toward the luxury manufacturers plans for an electric powered future. Gregory Han is Tech Editor of Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com. You can follow Gregory Han on Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Google. Read all of Gregory Han's posts.  It seems that every issue has its fair share of things mobile - from RV's to sailing craft - from sports cars to.....well, this : :  But, in each case, the point being made is, every one reeks of amazingly brilliant design - from the muscular styling of this Warhawk motorcycle to the seek/sexy styling of the e-type Jag.....first unveiled in 1961!    And this, also from Curtis - its forthcoming all electric motorcycle......WOW! HOT!   Speaking of the simple life. . . . as on a farm, perhaps - what is more symbolic than a silo? This just happens to be a live-in silo.....  And so, once again, here we have, a s m a l l s p a c e .......cool, huh? PHOENIX, ARIZONA 2012 - 2014 Located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix’s up-and-coming Garfield Historic District, the Silo House is a converted 1955 corrugated steel-wall grain silo. With a 230sf footprint and 340sf total livable space, a central design challenge was attaining a sense of ‘home’ within a shape and size foreign to common perceptions of home. Spaciousness and simplicity are achieved by accommodating all functions for living in a two-story walnut and black steel crescent that hugs the silo’s southern perimeter. This approach maximizes construction efficiency, usable floor space, and the perceived spatial volume of the interior. Subterranean air ducts that mitigate mechanical noise from the air conditioning system also work passively, in conjunction with an operable skylight at the top of the silo to deliver passive cooling This is the product of some pretty cool architectural thinking by the firm : : KAISERWORKS    There are some of you - the faithful few - who have stuck with me over these past two years - yup! Two teams this month. . . . who by now, get it - get me. And, is that important, or is it like, 'who cares?' Wish I could answer that. What I do - what I and my colleagues, students, attempt to do with DRI is provide you with a unique prism - a looking glass - through which you see the best examples I/we can find of clever - that's clever spelled C L E V ER - design, design thinking. We don't do boxes, as in thinking on the inside of them......and that is what defines us as a relevant journal of design. Are we arbiters? Nope - wouldn't presume to be that. Are we taste-makers? Not that either. . . . are we pilgrims/pioneers....absolutely not - what we showcase is often the work of pioneers - design pioneers...different thinkers. "THINK" is a slogan first used by Thomas J. Watson in December, 1911, while managing the sales and advertising departments at the National Cash Register Company.[1] At an uninspiring sales meeting Watson interrupted, saying The trouble with every one of us is that we don't think enough. We don't get paid for working with our feet — we get paid for working with our heads. Watson then wrote THINK on the easel. Asked later what he meant by the slogan, Watson replied, "By THINK I mean take everything into consideration. I refuse to make the sign more specific. If a man just sees THINK, he'll find out what I mean. We're not interested in a logic course." And in 1998 or thereabouts, Apple introduced the 'Think Different' campaign. There is a huge story behind that story......it is available as a separate PDF file if anyone would like it, I will share it with you. The point is, simply, thinking differently, oft-times referred to as 'thinking outside the box', is a trait that we here at DRI seek out in the work we showcase. If there is a mission to what we do, it is that. . . . in that spirit, please take a look at this, thinking differently.  Don't look like much, right? How about this?  And, this -  Futuristic camper expands to reveal huge party deck In the camper world, there are only so many types of vans, trailers and RVs. Need a ton of space? Class A is your best bet. Don't want to haul anything and enjoy stealth camping? Check out an adventure van. It's rare to see anything that challenges these categorizations, because for the most part, designing a brand new type of camper requires thinking way outside the box, Back in 2012 a New Zealand architectural and interior design firm, W2, designed a camper called the Romotow that - at first glance - looks a bit like a normal trailer. Push a button, however, and the centre of the camper folds out, spins around and reveals a sheltered deck area. It was the stuff of sci-fi dreams - a concept that could reinvent camper design - if only it could actually be built. And now, it has....well, almost. The world's first Romotow is being built in Christchurch, New Zealand. A team of experienced boat builders are tackling the project and the Romotow should be completed in a few short months. Boasting 290 sq feet of living space the Romotow is made from an advanced composite body shell....and it sits on carbon composite chassis. Even in the closed position, the Romotow is an impressive camper. The cabin can sleep four adults comfortably, two in a rear bedroom and two other people in a front sleeping area created from the living room couch. A customizable kitchen backs up to a spacious bathroom outfitted with high-end fixtures, and the show model will feature teak for all of the interior timber and a leather headboard. A state-of-the-art sound system is integrated throughout the three living areas—bedroom, living room, and deck—and windows with built-in shades create a comfortable sleeping cave at night. The deck is lined with synthetic teak normally used on luxury super yachts, and you can cook outside thanks to a fold-down electric barbecue. Up to 1 KW of solar panels and a 400Ah battery will power the camper whenever it’s off the grid, and a diesel heating and cooking system provides the comforts of home. A deck enclosure kit with awnings and screens will also be available, meaning that the Romotow could sleep an additional four people on the deck. The first Romotow is under construction and the company is taking orders for a limited number of custom trailers that will be shipped to clients directly from the factory. Pricing starts at $350,000, but will vary according to custom finishes. Check out the video here. and the youTube video here. Boxes? Who needs 'em?  I 'm beginning to consider a byline in each issue - And Now For Something Completely.....' and you know what the missing word is. Well, this, is different - question is, 'Who cares?'. Except it's very existence does in fact underscore our mission statement.....and, it's cool. Some bright light(s) decided we had to have this - it os a fully functioning app, of Windows 95. Yes, it is an app - fully functional just as it was 20+ years ago.....Windows95 app Available for both MAC OS and Windows......have fun! Windows 95 is the operating system that’s now used as a yardstick for what’s possible on modern devices and platforms. We’ve seen Microsoft’s popular OS appear on the Apple Watch, an Android Wear smartwatch, and even the Xbox One. Today, someone has gone a step further and made Windows 95 into an app that you can run on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Slack developer Felix Rieseberg is responsible for this glorious app, based on an existing web project that supports Windows 95, Windows 98, and a whole host of older operating systems. Now nostalgia lovers can play around with Windows 95 in an electron app. Rieseberg has published the source code and app installers for this project on Github, and apps like Wordpad, phone dialer, MS Paint, and Minesweeper all run like you’d expect. Sadly, Internet Explorer isn’t fully functional as it simply refuses to load pages. The app its only 129MB in size and you can download it over at Github for both macOS and Windows. Once it’s running it surprisingly only takes up around 200MB of RAM, even when running all of the old Windows 95 system utilities, apps, and games. If you run into any issues with the app you can always reset the Windows 95 instance inside the app and start over again. Enjoy this quirky trip down memory lane.  As stated at the outset, we are in September - start of a new school year. Para mi, Just finished my courses for this year......and it was a great experience. Fourteen students, graduating and moving on into the world of design/décor. . . . . . seeking experience, looking for jobs - hoping to find a place - any place, to start. I wish them well.....I had them for one other course prior to this one. I am happy that I was their 'exit lane'......next issue I will devote the appropriate space to the final projects which they completed with me....for the moment I will share only one......it is the work of Greta Hermosa, a lady with a wonderfully attuned and intuitive grasp of design and décor. This image is of a living room concept she developed for a real, live client that participated in our final project.......I hope you enjoy it. If you would like to hire her, you can contact me - I'd be happy to put you together. 
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AuthorAs a professional interior designer (45+ years) and as a Certified Graphic Designer (25 years) I have devoted my life to the pursuit of design excellence. Winner of numerous design awards I have also spent 25+ years teaching Interior Design.....the greatest quote regarding design is: the greatest faux pas in design is irrelevance • Note Regarding Archives •
Weebly provides an archive header by month - such as March 2021 . . . . when you select a month, you will be able to access all issues posted in that month - there is no way, thus far, to provide the reader with archival access via Issue number - were working on it. Archives
August 2021
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