Artistic Designs

I'm all for innovative design.  But, House K by the Japanese architect group TANK is just a little too much.  The over-abundance of concrete gives this design more of a warehouse feel than anything.  Though practicality was sought in this instance, going in a direction of white walls or metal over concrete, or simply covering the exposed ceiling and electrical would have given this house a more "livable" feel.  

To their credit, the architects explicitly state the bare-bones nature of this design was at the request of the clients.  But, I'm still not sold.  

Read more about it here to decide for yourself.  

This series, a partnership with my office colleague Wilson, is geared to be a fun but partially serious look at new and old design trends we "Like" or "Don't Like". Thanks to Facebook, we live in a world today where it's very easy to say 'like'. Time to say thanks to good design but also point out, where other's may not, what we don't like. You definitely don't have to agree with us, but we hope you enjoy reading.

Like #1 - Builder Concept Home 2012: Baby Boomer Kitchen design.

+1 - Spacious.

+1 - Sexy Latte coffee stain tile floor

+1 - A huge walk-thru pantry

+1 - Serving area combined with a beverage bar

+1 - Integrated refrigeration and beadboard island trim

-1 - Not integrating more appliances

 It's simple, it's ellegant, and it's spacious. The brown tones, light interior finishes and comfort appeal of this kitchen are huge. It's a kitchen I would enjoy in my own house. Are there flaws? Sure. Is it for everybody? Probably not. But between accessibility and the simplicity anybody could enjoy it.

Photo Credits: James F. Wilson/courtesy Builder magazine.

Credits: www.nbnnews.com

Dislike #1 - Aston Martin Interiors - Callezione Office

-1 - Heuristics & Funcitonality

-1 - Probably price

-1 - Desk space and comfort

-1 - Annoying angled find where my knee is supposed to go

+1 - The composit cabinet. This is a piece hard not to enjoy

    The car lover in me hates to say this but "I'm not a fan." There are a lot of ways to spend money but one of them is not on a desk that I'll bang my knee on every day. Additionally, I have a lot more pencils in my drawer than to be ok with 1 file drawer. Ok... I get the appeal. This isn't meant for the average office. It's "sophisitication combined with modern day sleekness in designs" -Wrik Sen of bornrich.com . Agreed. But with a few tweaks, you'd be opening this up to a much more enjoyable product no matter their taste.

Photo Credits: www.fabioluciani.com

Credits: www.fabioluciani.com

Like #2 - California Faucets Shower Head

+ Green design

+ Open-air feel

+ Rainfall shower

+ Travertine tile and short apron front granite

These shower features are exactly what I like from design. The sleek designs of an open-air standup shower are very appealing to the eye, not to mention the tile work. The shower system and showerhead are both relaxing and eco-friendly. Offering innovative designs, this shower-spa gives you luxury and meets all CALgreen standards.

Photo and Credits to: www.nbnnews.com

Like or 'Lik' #3 -  Tokyo Contemporary Kitchen - The Lik House by Satoru Hirota

+ Linear design

+ Massive wine storage

+ Use of space

- Comfort

This house by Sitoru Hirota may seem a little overboard to someone from the South used to the traditional designs and open spaces to build homes.  However, this architect made an excellent use of an odd lot arrangement. On the interiors, the lines and symmetry are very easy on the eyes.  The transparent wine cellar, the exterior, and the living room are just plain intriguing. Don’t get me wrong; I wouldn’t want to live there myself as it looks far from comfortable. However, elements from homes like this are an exciting way to liven up a modern home.

Photo Credits: Satoru Hirota Architects

Credits: Hirotaa.net and mocoloco.com