Multifunctional standing desk concept keeps you from overworking yourself

The so-called work-life balance has always been a difficult feat to achieve, but the events of the past three years have muddled the boundaries even further. Although people have started returning to offices, whether fully or partially, they have also become more acutely aware of the unhealthy environments they work in, especially when it comes to hours and hours of continuous work. People have started to appreciate the need to put some limits on their work time, even if they’re in the office, to take a break and refresh themselves in order to boost their productivity. Most office furniture, however, is focused solely on work efficiency, but this work desk concept tries to implement some boundaries that encourage people to work in bite-sized chunks and to take a break every now and then.

Designers: Gwangho Lee, Nara Jung, Yeowon Yoon

It’s not really a surprise that desks are designed to help you be productive with work or study. They have plenty of room for all your tools and materials, storage for files and knickknacks, and a height that is conducive for sitting down comfortably to be able to work for hours on end. That might definitely be great for productivity but terrible for the person’s long-term well-being, especially in today’s fast-paced, high-stress work environments.

The Boundary desk concept design tries to create a new workspace that actually discourages people from working too much and invites them to take breaks in whatever form necessary. The very size and height of the desk itself limit what can be done since you’ll have limited space for anything but the essentials. Its height is more suited for standing, though it can also be paired with a tall drafting chair for comfort.

Boundary also has parts that are conducive for “refreshing” one’s self from time to time. There’s an area to place drinks that’s hidden under a Rail Tray that can be moved across the desk to the position that you prefer. One side of the desk extends a bit further and can be used as a bar for doing stretching exercises in between work sessions. There’s a gap between the desk’s legs for your bag or briefcase, making it easy to grab it and go in a flash.

Everything about the Boundary desk is designed to encourage people to be agile, which can be good not only for their well-being but, ironic as it might sound, for their productivity as well. Of course, it won’t do well as a main office desk, and Boundary is more suited for new spaces where casual work can be done in a more relaxed environment. In a way, Boundary represents the post-pandemic way of thinking about work in the office, a mentality that puts an even bigger focus on the worker’s overall health rather than just their productivity.

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What is color psychology in interior design

Color can set your home’s tone and energy level; you may have noticed that some spaces feel restful while others feel energized. As per scientific studies, colors have energy and different emotions are attached to each hue. Hence, color has the potential to calm stress, stimulate creativity, foster visual thinking, and create an experience. In addition, color can have a long-lasting effect on us, and it is one of the essential tools of interior design that can set up a specific atmosphere and mood within a given space. Since hues impact the room’s mood, strategically using colors can create the energy and mood we seek.

Designer: Klik Architekti

What is Color Psychology?

Color psychology is a study between color and human behavior about how color can affect a person’s mood, well-being, productivity, and creativity. This study is based on the scientific effect of different hues on the brain. According to physics, color is how our brain and eyes react to different wavelengths of light reflected from objects. The seven spectrum colors include VIBGYOR or violet, indigo, and blue, which are cool colors with a short wavelength. Green is a medium wavelength and restful, while yellow, orange, and red are warm colors with a larger wavelength. Cool colors are relaxing and meditative and are ideal for bedrooms. Pastel shades promote relaxation, while warm colors such as cream, beige, etc., are suitable for common areas of the house, such as the living room, dining area, and balcony.

Color Basics

The basic colors are primary colors like red, yellow, and blue, as these colors cannot be produced by mixing other colors, but with these colors, one can create any color. The secondary colors are located between the primary colors and include shades of green, orange, and purple. Intermediate colors are produced by mixing different proportions of secondary colors.

Color Psychology in Interior Design

Color can make or break the look of the space, where the color of the walls, ceiling, furniture, upholstery, and flooring determine any room’s color scheme. It is always crucial for the end user to decide the color scheme of the place, as each person reacts differently to a particular color. One can use a burst of color or apply it to the whole walls and create the right ambiance in each space. Another method is to pair it with light, softer color upholstery and accessories for a less overwhelming, far more pleasing aesthetic.

Here is the psychology behind some of the most common colors used in interior design:

Red

One of the most vibrant and intense colors of the color spectrum, red is an attention-grabbing hue and an excellent color that intensifies the room’s energy. This color is highly recommended in a couple’s bedroom, as it stimulates intimacy and passion and provokes strong passion. In addition, it triggers ambition and energy, so it is highly recommended for the home office or study area. Introduce it on one wall or an accent chair to make sure living room areas feel warmer.

Designer: Morgan Lovell

Yellow

Capture the positive hues of sunshine and happiness with yellow color. The sunny and energetic hues of yellow uplift the spirit. It creates a warm and welcoming ambiance and infuses lightness into the space. The psychology of yellow color is joy and optimism, but it is not a relaxing color because its brightness can be overpowering in large doses. Therefore, selectively use yellow color and style the space with statement pieces of yellow furniture and accessories. It is best suited for Boho or maximalist interiors.

Designer: Lookofsky Architecture

Blue

Blue is the hue of the sea and the sky. It creates a calm, serene, and relaxing environment and substantially impacts our well-being. Light blue shades have a soothing and healing effect on the mind and promote good sleep. It helps us to relax better and is perfect for areas like the bedroom, living room, and bathroom where one wants to rejuvenate. Blue is a soothing color and goes well with other color tones like red, grey, and lilac, to name a few.

Designer: Richardson Sadeki

Green

It is a cheerful color that immediately draws one towards nature and symbolizes freshness, harmony, and growth. It fosters the feeling of abundance while having a soothing and relaxing impact on children and adults. It improves the child’s focus and offers a sense of security. Popular emerald, jade, and sage green hues suit areas like the kitchen and study room. This color exudes an organic vibe and adds life, depth, and dimension to the space. Living in an urban city apartment is a great way to reduce anxiety and bring the freshness of nature indoors.

Designer: Poster Store

Purple

Purple is a spiritual and imaginative color and is formed by mixing red with blue. It is associated with elegance and royalty and fosters creativity. Purple is a symbol of luxury and depth and is perfect for the home’s living room and entertainment areas. Purple is a powerful color, so limit the use of purple to accent pieces of furniture or an accent wall.

Designer: Allison Crawford Design

Orange

Bright and punchy, the orange color is socially inviting and promotes a sense of cheerfulness. The psychology of orange is that it is a fun and energetic color that boosts creativity and encouragement in young people. Since orange is a bold color, consider peach, as it is a softer hue of orange. It is perfect for areas like the gym and the bedroom.

Designers: Hang Vu, Elemental Design

Brown

Brown is considered a neutral and natural hue that adds an element of coziness and works well with modern and traditional spaces. Associated with all things earthy, brown imparts a relaxing vibe and evokes the feeling of warmth, comfort, and earthiness.

Designer: Natalia Bohachova

Pink

When light falls on pink, it radiates a subtle glow, making the space look brighter and better. Pink instigates the feeling of love and compassion. It is known to be a feminine color that instantly adds softness, uplifts the mood, and adds brightness. It is also associated with the beauty and fragrance of pink flowers that are found in nature. Magenta is a darker hue of pink. It can be used as a pop color and in the textures and patterns of cushions and throw pillows.

Designer: Ashley Stark

Black

Black is an elegant and dominating color with a contemporary appeal. It’s a dramatic color that infuses sleek sophistication and simplicity into a modern design. The psychology of black color is that it adds drama and symbolizes power.

Designer: Bummer Lamb

Gray

Grey is a neutral color that exudes elegance, style, and sophistication into any space. The color also offers a sense of security and creates a calm and serene vibe.

Designer: Nicoleta Jelihovschi

White

White is a color that stands for purity, cleanliness, and innocence. For some, white may look sterile and cold, so one can incorporate pops of color to energize the space. Perfect for minimalist interiors, beach houses, and outdoor patios, white combines well with wood and glass. White color creates a bright and airy look and makes the space look larger than it is.

Designer: Johanna (scandinavian.interior)

Choose your colors wisely and ensure they make you feel comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. This is because the surrounding colors determine the feelings a space can evoke.

The post What is color psychology in interior design first appeared on Yanko Design.

B&O Beosound A5 Portable Speaker boasts future-proof aesthetics courtesy of swappable hardware

Acoustics, aesthetics and technology are the proven mantra for Danish home electronics company Bang & Olufsen, whose latest Beosound A5 portable speaker has left audiophiles hankering. What looks like an upscale picnic basket from the outside, packs a punch when it comes to features on the inside. B&O renowned for making high-end audio equipment that lurks on being functional art pieces too, does not disappoint with their most powerful compact speaker to date.

Available in two finishes – natural silver aluminum with a Nordic weave cover, and black anthracite aluminum with a dark oak cover – the speaker boasts a modular design while maintaining elegant and graceful looks. Beosound A5 adds a visually stunning aesthetic to your interiors, offering uniqueness with the ability to change looks via swappable grilles, handles and other modules. You can even upgrade the hardware components when things get obsolete, making it 100 percent future-proof.

Designer: Bang & Olufsen and GamFratesi Studio

Coming on to the design, the speaker meant for outdoor escapades combines oak wood, aluminum and paper weave, exhibiting a sleek and stylish body. Designed in collaboration with Danish-Italian design duo GamFratesi, Beosound A5 offers a Scandinavian-styled touch to the accessory. “Beosound A5 epitomizes the best of Scandinavian design and materials,” states Bang & Olufsen while GamFratesi calls the iconic Beolit series to be their inspiration behind the product design.

But to lure buyers, especially when you have a starting price tag of $1,099 design is not the sole bait. You must back the visual appeal with thumping acoustics, and that’s what the company does with Beosound A5 offering premium sound quality, courtesy of a four-way driver. These speaker drivers power four digital amplifiers blasting 280 watts for powerful 360-degree sound post-processed by the software for a wide soundstage. A5 also has the most refined 5.25-inch woofer compared to any other portable speaker on offer. It houses a couple of 2-inch midrange units, including a 0.7 inches tweeter, to beam all the audible frequencies with maximum clarity.

Moving on to the other specifications of the speaker, the B&O claims the Beosound A5 to have IP65 construction making it “dustproof, water resistant and durable.” It boasts an impressive battery that lasts twelve hours and the top panel also doubles as a wireless charging pad for phones. The luxury accessory comes with AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect built-in, so you can always be hooked to your favorite tunes via preferred streaming services.

While some may argue that one variant of the speaker looks like a woman’s purse, if you do want to spend a grand on a portable speaker, you could not care less about its design. In that case, dudes should go for the oak finish one for a sophisticated persona!

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Formation Association transforms series of buildings for Phillips Los Angeles

Gallery interior at Phillips Los Angeles

Los Angeles architecture studio Formation Association has turned an assemblage of buildings in West Hollywood into a new home for London-based auction house Phillips.

The West Coast headquarters for Phillips opened in October 2022 and includes three showrooms, a patio and offices created from a set of disparate structures on Santa Monica Boulevard.

South facade of the building, featuring grey stucco
The new Phillips Los Angeles combines several different structures, including a historic doorway that was preserved

Formation Association preserved many of the existing architectural elements of the eclectic collection of buildings, ensuring that each section retained its identity.

“We started with idiosyncratic conditions and buildings layered with history,” said studio co-founder John K Chan, who led the project. “We wanted to keep that sensibility. The building is a varied palimpsest, with traces of the past appearing within the new facade.”

Entrance to gallery with oculus overhead
An oculus punctures the curved overhang above the main entrance

The entrance to the 3,182-square-foot (296-square-metre) showroom is on an acute street corner, beneath a curved canopy clad in grey stucco.

“This rounded marquee, punctuated by an overhead oculus, evokes the automobile-oriented Streamline Moderne era,” said Formation Association.

View from Showroom B to Showroom A, showing a curved cutout in the ceiling
Another circular cutout was created in the first gallery, exposing wooden beams that were painted silver

The textured stucco is contrasted by smooth trowelled plaster that covers adjacent surfaces, intended to add a Southern California identity to the building.

On the east elevation, the team retained the sheet metal siding and an old doorway of a historic facade.

View from Showroom C through the openings to Showroom A
Oak floors throughout the building match those found in Phillips’ other international locations

This side of the building also includes a tall, narrow window through which Phillips can move large artworks in and out.

Along the south facade, the architects added recessed windows cut at angles into the thickened perimeter wall, which allow more light into the galleries.

Showroom C
The tallest space in the building, Showroom C, will be used to showcase larger artworks and sculpture

Inside, the three gallery spaces are laid out in sequence. Upon entry is Showroom A, which features a soffit ceiling and wide baseboards to evoke a residential space.

A second oculus punctures the ceiling, exposing wooden beams painted silver as a nod to the work of Californian architect Richard Neutra.

Steps up to an office space
Steps and a ramp lead up to an office space that’s also used for client meetings

The smallest gallery, Showroom B, is accessed through an open portal, and Showroom C is reached through a similar threshold.

With a ceiling over 15 feet (4.5 metres) tall, this gallery is used for displaying larger artworks and sculptures.

All three spaces feature oak floors that match those found in all of Phillips’ international locations.

“With the interplay of light and oak wood floors across the three subsequent showrooms, we were thinking about the cadence of an irregular enfilade,” said Chan. “Each of the three galleries has a distinct proportion that we wanted to leverage.”

Enclosed patio with grey-stained plywood walls
At the back of the building is a patio enclosed by grey-stained plywood walls

From Showroom C, a couple of steps and a ramp lead up to a small office used for client meetings.

At the back of the building is the covered patio, enclosed by walls made from plywood that was stained grey to match the exterior stucco.

Phillips LA entrance at night
Phillips Los Angeles opened in October 2022

The opening of Phillips Los Angeles follows over a decade of continual growth for the city’s arts scene, which has seen galleries like Hauser & Wirth and The Future Perfect set up shop, and an annual edition of the Frieze Art Fair introduced.

Formation Association is led by Chan and partner Grace U Oh. As well as completing a variety of institutional, residential and commercial projects, the studio has contributed several times to a program organised by the Architects for Animals charity that asks LA-based architects to design shelters for the city’s homeless cats.

The photography is by Eric Staudenmaier.


Project credits:

Design team: John K Chan, Nick Miuccio, Carlo ‘CJ’ Guzman, Jay Lee, Colin Jacobs
Structural engineer: Nous Engineering
MEP engineer: Engineous Group
Lighting designer: Fisher Marantz Stone
Landscape designer: Ochre

The post Formation Association transforms series of buildings for Phillips Los Angeles appeared first on Dezeen.

Top 10 desk designs every workaholic needs to amp up their productivity

I spend a substantial amount of my day on my desk, typing away to glory. Most of the time I also end up eating my meals on it! And binge-watching on Netflix as well. And I’m sure that’s the case with most of us, since working from home became the new norm, and our home offices became our new hang-out spots. But having a great desk is really important! Simply a ‘good’ desk won’t do either. A great desk helps us work comfortably and effectively. It puts us in the right mindset, helping us achieve our daily productivity goals and checkmark all the tasks on our to-do list! Not only should our desks be clean, but they should also sport an ergonomic and functional design! And good looks are an added bonus. And finding a desk that does all of the above can be a Herculean task. But worry not! We’ve curated a collection of innovative, highly functional, and aesthetically pleasing desk designs, that will end your hunt for a great desk once and for all! From an IKEA-worthy minimal foldaway desk to a convertible standing desk that doesn’t use motors to change forms  – there’s a perfect desk in here for everyone.

1. Flow Wall Desk

The Flow Wall Desk is a great piece of office furniture for those spaces that aren’t quite large. It’s the kind of furniture piece that is both functional and decorative, but at the same time maintains a rather simple design philosophy and is sustainable as well!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Flow Wall Desk is something that might be able to fit all of those requirements for a piece of furniture. When “stored” and folded up, it looks like a piece of art on your wall with its minimalist, geometric shapes. Initially, it’s a flat canvas and when you unfold it, it looks like a “spiraling caterpillar” and you realize that it is turning into a desk where you can work, read, or write in your journal.

What we like

  • Multifunctional design
  • Sustainable
  • Features a flatpack form

What we dislike

  • Folding and unfolding the desk whenever you need to use it means we can’t have a constant setup

2. The Alada Desk

Designed by Daniel Garcia Sanchez for Woodendot, the Alada folding desk is a nifty space-saving desk that doubles up as a super cute decorative shelf. Within seconds you can transform the Alada desk into a display shelf that can hold your favorite souvenirs from picture frames to even potted little plants.

Why is it noteworthy?

Sanchez designed the Alada desk, as he witnessed an ever-growing need for smart and flexible desk designs for working at home. Since work from home is a pretty common norm nowadays, it’s important to have a transformative and space-saving workspace at home – one that can be neatly tucked away when your workday ends!

What we like

  • The multifunctional desk has also been equipped with hidden storage spaces when it is folded up, to provide neat hiding spots for your laptop and notebooks

What we dislike

  • Not suitable for people who prefer larger and more elaborate desks

3. The Axis Concept

With this more mechanical standing desk concept, you can enjoy the benefits of a healthier working lifestyle without breaking your back or your bank.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Axis concept uses a simple axis mechanism, hence the name, to move the larger desk surface up or down as needed. As a bonus, part of the desk actually remains in position and is a good place to put items you’re less likely to move, like supplies or desk organizers. It can even be a temporary bookshelf that stays in the back of your desk when sitting or beneath the table when standing.

What we like

  • The simplicity of this system means that manufacturers can keep the number of parts and materials down to a minimum
  • Sustainable materials can be used since it has no need for electronics or even plastics
  • Replacement parts could be easier to purchase, too, presuming owners themselves can’t make those out of standardized design

What we dislike

  • We run the risk of object falling/rolling off the desk when we transform the desk

4. in.water

This desk is striking in its minimalist beauty. The piece of furniture is flat-packed and easily assembled, composed of nothing more than two pairs of aluminum legs and a plexiglass tabletop.

Why is it noteworthy?

The table has a translucent gradient that goes from blue to frost white, creating an interesting visual even when it’s devoid of anything on top. The choice of color is, of course, intentional, and it is meant to convey the image of a clear body of water partially reflecting the blue sky.

What we like

  • It can be made from 100% recycled plexiglass and aluminum, and its flat-pack design produces less carbon footprint during transportation

What we dislike

  • Showcases no way to add drawers, cable management setup or any accessories to the glass top

5. teenage engineering Field Desk

Modular furniture, however, also brings its own kind of complexity, especially since it might lock you down into a specific way of doing things or storing your stuff. teenage engineering, better known for its funky-looking electronic music products, is offering a solution that its own workforce uses, providing nothing but the framework to which modules can attach later on as the owner sees fit.

Why is it noteworthy?

This table is the very same table that teenage engineering uses, so there has to be some trick to its simplicity. That trick is what it calls its “field rail system,” an open-ended range of interconnecting aluminum rails that enables attaching modules or additional parts to a piece of furniture like the field desk.

What we like

  • Allows their employees to design their own workspace according to their needs and tastes
  • All rails and clamps are made with 75% recycled aluminum by Scandinavian manufacturer Hydro

What we dislike

  • The aesthetics are very industrial in nature, not allowing much visual customisation

6. The Kabinett

Conceptualized by Stockholm-based designer Alexander Lervik and manufactured by Finnish furniture manufacturer Adea, the Kabinett is a minimal and sturdy cabinet designed for modern home offices…that also doubles up as a work desk!

Why is it noteworthy?

Kabinett is a part of Adea’s Smartwork range, and it aims to function as an ergonomic set-up for home offices. While functioning as an efficient work table, Kabinett also serves as a rather stylish and elegant dresser.

What we like

  • Multifunctional + ergonomic design
  • Its minimal aesthetics are a plus point since this allows the furniture to seamlessly merge with all kinds of home offices

What we dislike

  • Bulky + space-consuming design, not ideal for small homes

7. The Flip Desk

An excellent desk is imperative for a productivity-conducing office space. Not only should our desks be clean, but they should also sport an ergonomic and functional design. And with the space constraint issues that most modern houses face today, we can also add ‘space-saving’ to the checklist. And one such design I recently came across is the Flip Desk!

Why is it noteworthy?

The issue of space constraint is really a major one in the contemporary apartments of today. Hence, having a dedicated workstation that not only amps up your everyday productivity but also manages to consume a minimum amount of space in your home. And this is where the Flip Desk jumps right in. Designed by Zurich-based designer Charles O. Job for the Dutch design brand Vij5, this minimal and sturdy desk promises to take up zero floor space.

What we like

  • Space-saving design
  • Minimal and contemporary aesthetics
  • IKEA-inspired aesthetics

What we dislike

  • The desk does not offer any aesthetic solutions for when the desk is closed

8. Pipeline Desk

There are ways to give a piece of furniture a bit more character without going overboard with extraneous embellishments. This peculiar desk, for example, definitely makes an impact with its pipe-filled body, almost creating a visual metaphor for how desk designs could help or impede your productivity, a.k.a. your flow.

Why is it noteworthy?

Metal pipes have always been associated with an industrial aesthetic, leaving no ambiguity to their utilitarian purposes. Stacking these many and creating a whole piece of furniture from them definitely helps send that message across.

What we like

  • The pipes bend away from the others, creating nooks and slots to hold bags, books, and other items. There are also longer “deviations” that serve as shelves for computer peripherals or even a space for a furry friend

What we dislike

  • It’s a style that’s not going to appeal to everyone, and some might even feel uncomfortable looking at the ribbed surfaces everywhere

9. The Program

Named the “Program” this modular desk is ideal for creative individuals who love the freedom of organizing their desks as per their needs. Depending on the task at hand or the kind of tools required, the desk comes equipped with various cubbyholes and hanging spaces for you to get creative, literally!

Why is it noteworthy?

The different storage modules can be suitable for storing files, documents, or even your favorite magazines or sketches. In addition, the desk has a large storage box and a two-part table to further extend the modularity aspect. I find the design an eclectic mix of structure yet chaos – it has enough options to create an organized workspace or to embrace the chaos – it gives you the freedom to make your desk setup work for you.

What we like

  • Multiple and innovative storage modules
  • We can collapse the Program’s desk section and make it a display for all your hanged memorabilia

What we dislike

  • Limited to only creative individuals

10. Zedo Desk

Not only should our desks be clean, but they should also sport an ergonomic and functional design. One such desk I recently came across is the Zedo Desk.

Why is it noteworthy?

Designed by Paolo Pampanoni for the workplace furniture brand Narbutas, the Zedo desk is great to bring some personality and character into a dreary old corporate office. It can be used as an individual desk or linked together with multiple other Zedo desks. The flexible desk system has distinct metal parts, and colorful accessories to help you create a desk space according to your personal taste and requirements.

What we like

  • As ideal as Zedo is for office space, it could also work great in your home office
  • You can team it up with the Polytone-L chair, which is also by Narbutas

What we dislike

  • The aesthetics of the Zedo Desk are strictly minimal – adding individuality will be a task

The post Top 10 desk designs every workaholic needs to amp up their productivity first appeared on Yanko Design.

Courtney McDonnell Studio adds pink extension to 1930s Dublin home

Exterior of Pink House by Courtney McDonnell Studio

A pink rear extension informed by the work of architect Luis Barragán has been added to a 1930s home in the suburbs of Dublin by Irish architecture practice Courtney McDonnell Studio.

Appropriately named Pink House, the home in Stillorgan was extended by Courtney McDonnell Studio to make space for an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area.

Exterior of Pink House by Courtney McDonnell Studio
Courtney McDonnell Studio has created the Pink House in Dublin

The clients, a young couple with a love of travel, expressed an interest in colour and texture from the outset of the project, sharing an image of a pink front door to inform the hue of the extension.

It was achieved with a pink sand and cement render that is also a reference to the work of Mexican architect Barragán, the studio explained.

Pink-hued extension
The project involved adding a pink extension to a 1930s house

“We loved the idea of adding a coloured tone to the extension that would be unexpected and playful, but also add welcomed warmth against the typical grey Irish sky and within the suburban context where the house is situated,” studio founder Courtney McDonnell told Dezeen.

While the home’s original street-facing facade of brick and pebbledash has been retained, an arched brick entrance and tiled steps lead to a custom pink front door with retro sunburst glazing that hints at the extension beyond.

House extension in Dublin
The extension references the work of Luis Barragán

On entering, Pink House’s refurbished hallway and reception rooms feature monochrome, hexagonal tiles and herringbone oak floors.

The ground floor plan opens up to the rear, with the timber-clad tunnel acting as a “threshold” between the existing house and the new light-filled kitchen, dining and living space.

Outdoor area of Pink House by Courtney McDonnell Studio
There is a sheltered outdoor space

The extension’s faceted openings and angled walls help to focus views towards the sky and the garden.

Fluted wall panels and kitchen joinery made of oak are paired with a concrete floor and exposed brick walls in the dining and living spaces.

“The red brick is a prominent feature on the front facade of the original house, so it felt appropriate to introduce it again on the new extension,” explained McDonnell.

“The polished concrete floor continues externally to merge inside and outside, providing a seamless connection out to the garden,” she continued.

Wooden kitchen with concrete island
Wooden joinery features in the kitchen

A monolithic kitchen island sits at the heart of the new living space. Cast in concrete, its angled design echoes the form of the extension.

In the garden, a covered area formed by the angled overhangs of the extension and integrated brick window seats creates an outdoor space that can be used throughout the year.

Brick-walled dining area
Brick walls have been used to echo the street-facing facade

“The covered canopy also provides necessary shading and protection from overheating within the open plan living area in the afternoon and early evenings,” said McDonnell.

Completing the project is a jewel-toned shower room split into two zones. A red-tiled nook with a pink concrete sink leads to a curved blue-tiled shower alcove with a “starry” ceiling created with fibre optic lights.

Jewel-toned shower room of Pink House by Courtney McDonnell Studio
A jewel-toned shower room completes the project

Elsewhere in Ireland, Scullion Architects recently added a curved glass extension to a 1930s home in Dublin.

Other colourful house extensions featured on Dezeen include a bright yellow CLT extension by Unknown Works and Office S&M’s millennial pink and mint green Overcast House.

The photography is by Peter Molloy.

The post Courtney McDonnell Studio adds pink extension to 1930s Dublin home appeared first on Dezeen.

Eight pared-back and elegant Scandinavian kitchen designs

Scandinavian kitchen design for Lookbook

For our latest lookbook, we’ve collected eight peaceful kitchens with Scandinavian design details, in homes including a chalet in Belgium and a forest retreat in Sweden.

Plenty of wood and stone, minimalist details and practical solutions make these eight interiors from across the world good examples of Scandinavian kitchen design.

As well as being stylish, the pared-down interiors make for functional, clutter-free kitchens where it is easy to find and use all the items needed to make a meal in a relaxing atmosphere.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring outdoor showers, interiors with exposed services and Milanese homes with eye-catching material palettes.


Minimal interiors of forest retreat designed by Norm Architects
Photo by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen

Forest Retreat, Sweden, by Norm Architects

Architecture studio Norm Architects designed this kitchen in a traditional Swedish timber cabin using oakwood to create a warm feel.

Its discrete handleless low-lying cupboards have plenty of storage space, while a stone splashback is both decorative and functional. A black tap adds graphic contrast.

Find out more about Forest Retreat ›


Kitchen and living room in Villa E by CF Møller Architects
Photo by Julian Weyer

Villa E, Denmark, by CF Møller Architects

A carved lightwell brings light into this sundrenched kitchen in a villa in Denmark. The brick tiles that clad the kitchen wall give the room a tactile feeling.

The floor of the open-plan kitchen is made from herringbone parquet, a style often seen in living room that here gives the kitchen area a more luxurious feel.

Find out more about Villa E ›


Kitchen by Westblom Krasse Arkitektkontor
Photo by Jesper Westblom

Stockholm apartment, Sweden, by Westblom Krasse Arkitektkontor

This Stockholm flat might be the exception that proves the rule when it comes to Scandinavian kitchen design – that it has to be designed using discrete colours and materials.

Instead, local studio Westblom Krasse Arkitektkontor chose a pale lilac hue for the kitchen, which nevertheless features wooden details in the form of a table and chairs. An orange pendant light contrasts nicely with the monochrome kitchen.

Find out more about Stockholm apartment ›


Vipp V2 kitchen
Photo by Anders Schønnemann

Vipp Pencil Factory, Denmark, by Vipp

Danish homeware brand Vipp used one of its own modular kitchens for Vipp Pencil Factory, a pop-up supper club in Copenhagen.

The dark-brown wood, commonly used in Scandinavian kitchens, contrasts against the grey concrete walls of the former pencil factory and is complimented by glass cabinets and a marble benchtop.

Find out more about Vipp Pencil Factory ›


Habima Square apartment by Maayan Zusman
Photo by Itay Benit

Habima Square apartment, Israel, by Maayan Zusman

Local designer Maayan Zusman renovated this apartment in Tel Aviv using plenty of Scandinavian brands and details, including lamps by Gubi and chairs by Ferm Living.

A pared-back colour palette and Crittal windows that let the light in also give the kitchen a slightly industrial feel.

Find out more about Stockholm apartment ›


House BL, Belgium
Photo by Jeroen Verrecht

Chalet, Belgium, by Graux & Baeyens Architecten

This 1960s chalet in Belgium features light-filled living spaces, including a wood-and-stone kitchen that has plenty of storage spaces and large windows that open up towards a lush garden.

Even the kitchen fan has a plywood cover to ensure it matches the rest of the space.

Find out more about the Belgian chalet ›


Saltviga House by Kolman Boye Architects
Photo by Johan Dehlin

Saltviga House, Norway, by Kolman Boye Architects

Nicknamed the “house of offcuts” because it has a facade made of offcuts of wooden flooring material, this weekend retreat in Lillesand, Norway, has a kitchen with a view.

The Scandinavian kitchen design is underlined by the use of Danish furniture brand Carl Hansen & Søn‘s classic CH24 Wishbone chairs, which have been placed around a wooden dining table.

Find out more about Saltviga House ›


The Hat House by Tina Bergman
Photo by Jim Stephenson

The Hat House, Sweden, by Tina Bergman

Located in the forested landscape of Tänndalen in western Sweden, The Hat House has a traditional Swedish kitchen with an entirely wood-lined interior.

To save space, a small floating shelf was used to provide open storage, rather than cupboards. Contrasting dark black and grey colours were used for the splashback as well as the kitchen island.

Find out more about The Hat House ›

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring outdoor showers, interiors with exposed services and Milanese homes with eye-catching material palettes.

The post Eight pared-back and elegant Scandinavian kitchen designs appeared first on Dezeen.

This week Patrik Schumacher discussed using AI-generated images

This week on Dezeen, the principal of Zaha Hadid Architects, Patrik Schumacher, revealed that the studio is utilising AI text-to-image generators such as DALL-E 2 to design ideas for projects.

Speaking at a recent roundtable discussion on how artificial intelligence (AI) could change design, Schumacher explained how the studio was using image-generating technology.

“Not every single project is using it but let’s say most – I’m encouraging everybody who’s working on competitions and early ideation to see what comes up and just to have a larger repertoire,” he said.

Yasmeen Lari RIBA Royal Gold Medal winner 2023
Yasmeen Lari won the RIBA Royal Gold Medal

In architecture news, Yasmeen Lari was awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Royal Gold Medal for 2023 in recognition of her humanitarian work.

Following the announcement, we rounded up 10 key projects by the Pakistani architect and spoke to her in an exclusive interview, where she said that architects must prioritise designing for the planet.

“We cannot design just to please our clients anymore,” said Lari.

Tacchini Flock project by Formafantasma
We looked at the key trends from Milan design week

Continuing our coverage of Milan design week, we reflected on the world’s most significant design event by looking at the key trends including everything from maximalism to algorithmic design.

This year saw the Salone del Mobile furniture fair return to its regularly scheduled time slot in April for the first time since the start of the pandemic and in an opinion piece Dezeen’s editorial director Max Fraser wrote: “On a surface level Milan is back”.

Campo Base exhibition curated by Federica Sala at Milan design week
“Glass figures embodying racist stereotypes” were shown at Milan

There was also controversy as designers drew attention to a collection of “glass figures embodying racist stereotypes” that were presented during the event.

In a series of posts on Instagram, Burks, curator Anava Projects and PR agency Hello Human criticised the exhibition and its creator,  Italian architect Massimo Adario.

In response to the criticism, Adario issued an apology: “I embrace the opportunity to learn from my mistake,” he said.

Gilder Center for American Museum of Natural History designed by Studio Gang
The Gilder Center for American Museum of Natural History was unveiled

This week also saw the opening of the cave-like Gilder Center for American Museum of Natural History, designed by Studio Gang.

“Architects in the last few years have been doing object buildings: it looks like something from the outside, a fancy shape or something like that,” Studio Gang founder Jeanne Gang told Dezeen.

“But that’s not at all what we were doing here because we really started by making the museum more connective,” Gang added. “So it ended up being the interior structure that was the most important architectural element.”

Two storey steel studio with firs in background
A movable studio on rail tracks was one of the most popular projects this week

Popular projects on Dezeen this week include a movable studio on rail tracks in Washington StateFoster + Partners’ first Apple Store in India and a restaurant interior in Porto with a tiled mural by Álvaro Siza.

Our latest lookbooks featured houses with outdoor showers and home interiors that make a feature of exposed services.

This week on Dezeen

This week on Dezeen is our regular roundup of the week’s top news stories. Subscribe to our newsletters to be sure you don’t miss anything.

The post This week Patrik Schumacher discussed using AI-generated images appeared first on Dezeen.

Wakanda-inspired EDC pocket knife comes with a titanium handle, mandala pattern, and spear-point blade

Looking like the kind of Vibranium dagger King T’Challa or his trusted general Okoye would carry on covert missions, the Mandala EDC Knife has a beautiful indigenous-meets-futurism appeal to it. The knife itself boasts a Titanium handle with a colorful Mandala-inspired enamel inlay, a hollow roller-bearing, and a spear-point M390 steel blade that’s sharp on both the edges as well as the tip, making the Mandala EDC Knife an incredible tactical tool. At 3.14 inches (80mm) in length when closed, the Mandala EDC Knife is perfect for carrying around with you wherever you go, and with its ambidextrous design and double-edged blade, it’s arguably the perfect EDC knife for everything from opening boxes to defeating the enemies of the Wakandan kingdom.

Designer: MTI

Click Here to Buy Now: $249 $399 (32% off) Hurry! Only 10 days left!

The ethnofuturistic knife measures a mere 80mm (3.14 inches) when closed, opening up to 130mm or 5.11 inches when opened. The knife’s designed with a bilaterally symmetrical form, which means it’s functional and ergonomic no matter how you hold it. The spear-point blade comes made from M390 steel, known for its toughness, corrosion resistance, and ability to stay sharp without succumbing to wear and tear.

The crown jewel of the Mandala EDC Knife, however, remains that beautiful enamel detail right in the center. Sitting underneath the wonderful ‘hubless’ roller bearing hinge, it provides a refreshing, vibrant punctuation to an otherwise monochrome metallic design. The mandala hides a liner lock mechanism right underneath it which allows the blade to lock once deployed, so it never accidentally closes on you.

The Mandala EDC Knife is easy to deploy, and provides a versatile experience, thanks to its deadly-sharp blade. The spear-point design makes it great for piercing or ramming into surfaces like wood or the ground. The edges on either side work remarkably well for all slicing and cutting activities, whether for tactical use, outdoor use, kitchen use, or just everyday use at home. The Mandala EDC Knife comes in two colors, a sandblasted silver, and a much more alluring Wakanda-inspired black titanium. The knife, priced at a discounted $249, shops globally, and is backed by a lifetime warranty. WAKANDA FOREVER!

Click Here to Buy Now: $249 $399 (32% off) Hurry! Only 10 days left!

The post Wakanda-inspired EDC pocket knife comes with a titanium handle, mandala pattern, and spear-point blade first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 5 travel accessories designed to perfectly assist you on your next jet-setting adventure

Traveling has now become a full-fledged affair, since the terror of the pandemic has waned away a little, and we’re able to jet-set about more freely. My travel bucket is currently brimming with places I need to visit and make up for the pandemic-inflicted hiatus I had to take from traveling. But as any experienced traveler will definitely tell you, before you set off on your next adventure, you need to put together a collection of handy, reliable, and well-designed travel accessories. Great travel accessories are essential, they have your back in the most sudden and spontaneous of situations, providing you with aid and relief when you least expect it. And, we’ve put together a bunch of innovative and functional travel-friendly products that you need to pack in your suitcase for your next trip! From KODAK travel cases to an ingenious suitcase that doubles up as a bedside table – these products are the must-haves you need for your next holiday.

1. Mitchell’s Suitcase

This concept suitcase is really an intriguing one! It makes packing and unpacking a super simple and efficient process for travelers, especially if they’re staying in a tiny hotel room or Air BnB space. It is carry-on luggage that doubles up as a bedside table. It’s extremely helpful in case your room doesn’t have a bedside table.

Why is it noteworthy?

The product is designed so you don’t have to unpack everything when you arrive and repack them when it’s time to leave. It will be beneficial for cramped spaces and if you’re traveling from one place to another.

What we like

  • The suitcase/bedside table can also serve as a lamp
  • The storage is designed as drawers that will make it easier for you to access the items that you need at the moment

What we dislike

  • There is no option to remove the partition/drawer if needed

2. The Ringo Bottle

Combining the practicality of a water bottle with the convenience of a MagSafe-compatible iPhone stand, the Ringo Bottle quenches your thirst while turning your smartphone into a tripod on-the-fly.

Why is it noteworthy?

No more shaky videos or propping your phone against precarious objects—now you can FaceTime, create TikTok videos, and shoot IG Reels like a pro, along with the benefit of having glowing skin because you’re constantly hydrated!

What we like

  • Works rather intuitively without any adjustable clamps or grips
  • Is a handy little instrument to keep your phone propped up while you watch videos, take calls, or film viral content

What we dislike

  • Not sure if we can use the bottle cover/lid as a standalone tripod

3. The Taco Device

This concept started out with the metaphor or pun “Let’s taco ’bout it” and it evolved into something that actually uses the idea of the taco, or at least the shape of it.

Why is it noteworthy?

The translation device is shaped like a taco and will be used by both the speaker and the listener. It’s actually like one of those two-way cup devices that you may have used when you were young (or at least those of a certain age) but now using digital technology.

What we like

  • Makes communicating more fun and functional

What we dislike

  • The shape, while good for holding, is not designed to catch sound correctly

4. Kodak Luggage

Designed as a set of three bags ranging from a small carry-on to a medium cabin/check-in case and a large check-in case, the Kodak luggage is a clever reinterpretation of the ‘Kodak Moment’ – the company’s famous slogan.

Why is it noteworthy?

Instead of photographs, however, the luggage focuses on travel, helping you create memorable experiences that are worthy of photographs. In doing so, Kodak still manages to be an integral part of the memory-making experience, but in an absolutely new way.

What we like

  • Available in 5 colors, they’re distinctly different from other travel cases we’ve seen just given their color palette

What we dislike

  • The luggage does not include any means of personalising them, which could be a missed Kodak moment as there is no way to include our photographs on the luggage

5. Easy Journey

Easy Journey is a great product for traveling parents with young toddlers who need to be moved around in a stroller! The designers at Taizhou University integrated a stroller into a hard-shell travel case, resulting in Easy Journey. It has sufficient space to store your luggage and features 3 pairs of 360° wheels. When used as a travel case, it stands vertically, resting on 4 wheels on the bottom. However, when you want to use it in stroller mode, Easy Journey flips onto its back, with an extra pair of wheels popping out of the hardshell case’s interiors.

Why is it noteworthy?

The front (now the top) of the case opens up to reveal a rather comfortable baby seat, taking under a minute to use and set up. Easy Journey is perfect for parents with young kids, although one can make the case that the product has a relatively short lifespan once the kid outgrows the stroller.

What we like

  • Doubles up as a stroller and a travel case
  • Ideal for parents with young kids

What we dislike

  • The safety/strength of the stroller is currently undetermined

The post Top 5 travel accessories designed to perfectly assist you on your next jet-setting adventure first appeared on Yanko Design.