FACHADA DEL HOTEL BURJ AL ARAB HOTEL EN DUBAI - EL HOTEL MAS LUJOSO DEL MUNDO

Una fachada lujosa y vanguardista para el mejor hotel del mundo. Este video de National Geographic nos lleva a visitar el hotel más emblemático de Dubai. Nos cuenta cómo se construyó y las partes más llamativas de su interior, como su restaurante subacuático. El video es en español.

El Burj Al Arab (en idioma árabe, "Torre arábica") es un hotel de lujo con una altura de 321 metros, siendo el segundo hotel más alto de todo el mundo (superado solo por el Rose Rotana Hotel) y uno de los edificios hoteleros más representativos. Está situado en el mar, sobre una isla artificial localizada a 270 metros de la playa en el Golfo Pérsico, la cual está conectada a tierra firme mediante una carretera.

Fireplace Facelift - Thin Stone Veneer

Fireplace Facelift Sketch by Carol Reed Interior Design for thedesignshop.ca

As soon as I can feel the slightest chill in the air, I can't help but want to cuddle up in front of my fireplace with a blanket and a good book (or shelter mag!).   Enjoying the warmth and ambience of a fireplace is one of the reasons I look forward to the winter months ahead.  Living in Canada, I've always felt that a house just isn't a home without a fireplace, aside from the fact its an obvious focal point in any room, I love the character, warmth and mood a fireplace brings to space.  But this character.....has to jive with the rest of the house.   So its no wonder that fireplace facelifts are one of the most common design challenges I work on.

One of my favorite products for recladding an old outdated fireplace is a thin stone veneer panel product distributed by Erthcoverings in Canada.  I prefer the 3D slate or ledgestone series and have specified them for a variety of different installations over the past several years.  These are natural stone panels made up of multiple thin linear pieces of stone ranging from 3/4”th to 1-1/2”th which are adhered together to form 6” x 24” panels.   These panels of stone (made up of slate, quartzite, limestone, basalt) are made from 100% recycled post industrial waste and are thinner and lighter than using solid stone and much more eco friendly and natural looking than man made synthetic faux stone.  

The panels can be installed over any substrate and are installed fairly simply in the same manner as stone tiles, they even offer pre-made 90 degree corner pieces to wrap around corners seamlessly.   Its a versatile product that can be used inside or out and is suitable for cladding the exterior of buildings or interior installations especially great in spaces where you want to bring the outdoors in.  It retails typically for $12s.f. and up so a 6‘wide by 8’ high fireplace would cost you less than $1,000 in material.

The sketch above, and concept board below is a sample of an e-design fireplace facelift I designed for a client back in July where i recommended using these thin stone panels. The homeowners painted their existing 80’s brick fireplace out when they moved into the house earlier this year and wanted me to help them with some ideas on how they can update it.  This fireplace and its seating area are off to the side of the main living spaces in between the living room and dining room.  Utilizing a pair of existing leather chairs, I suggested adding a hide carpet, an ottoman some small tree stump tables and funky metal reading lights to compliment the updated fireplace.

Digital Concept board by Carol Reed Interior Design Inc. for thedesignshop.ca

Below are before and after photos of a fireplace facelift I designed about 3 years ago.   The existing fireplace and adjacent wall (which continues beyond what's visible in the photo) and colum were faced in brick, but we chose to add thin stone veneer only to the face of the fireplace and then paint-out the rest of the brick, including the hearth which was done in a tone that blended in with the new stone panels. 

Brick Fireplace Before

Brick Fireplace After - clad in thin stone veneer

The results you can see, were quite dramatic and the fact that we painted out some of the brick didn't detract from the impact of the stone cladding.   The small recessed nook to the right of the fireplace was customized with floating shelves and the brick wall of behind it was paintd out in a dark eggplant colour.

Below are photo examples of various types of installations using this product.  All of these images are from the Erthcoverings website.

The stone wall in this dining room continues thru to the exterior.

Again, in this family room the stone continues thru to the exterior.

Exterior cladding on a contemporary home.

Close-up detail of the stone's texture.

I'm drawn to this product because i think its an effective way to bring an organic and natural element into your space,,, in a modern way.  Because of its linear composition, to me the stone has a very west coast feel that evokes a bit of a retro style in its similarity to the angel stone of the 60’s 70’s.  

My tips for a ledgestone fireplace facelift:

1. Go all the way - on fireplaces this product looks best from floor to ceiling to really maximize the effect of the horizontal lines of the stone and emphasize that west coast mid-century modern look.
2. Return it - wrap the stone into the fireplace opening.  if its a gas fireplace unit, recess the fireplace box back from the face of the fireplace.
3. Keep it clean - Use with clean face style gas fireplace units for a true masonry look or use with modern linear multiple flame burners for an super contemporary chic west coast style.
4. Its not for every house - this stone looks best in rustic modern, modern eco-zen like spaces, modern country, contemporary spaces, and mid-century era style houses.  If your house is laden with lots of traditional mouldings, cornices, chair rails, panel moulding and formal antiques....this look is not for you.
5. Light it up - highlight the texture and colours of the stone with lighting.
6. Tone it down - avoid using lots of bold patterned fabrics in the same space, the texture and multi-toned colour of the stone is very dominant on its own.
7. Don't clash  - avoid mixing this stone with other heavily veined or patterned flooring.
8. Opposites Attract  - contrast the heavy textured rough stone with some shiny nickel and clear lucite or glass accent pieces to keep things from looking too rustic.
9. Enhance it - you can apply (by brush, or sponge) a matte finish stone enhancer on to deepen the colours of the stone
10. Take it outside....if there’s an opportunity to incorporate some of the stone on the exterior of the house it will reinforce the idea that the stone is part of the structure of the home and integrated into the architecture. If you can actually continue the stone from the fp right thru to the exterior it will really blur the line between inside and out.

For custom tailored design ideas on updating your fireplace for the coming winter season, check out the fireplace facelift e-design service at the design shop.

Disclaimer:  I have no affiliation or partnership with any mfg or product that I endorse on this blog nor do I ever receive any compensation for promoting any product or service on this blog, other than my own design services.  Anything that I write about here or specify for client projects are products I recommend based solely on my preference for their performance, quality, value, or style as well as my personal experience with them.

Photos:   1 thru 4 Carol Reed, 6 thru 8 Erthcoverings

FACHADA DE EDIFICIO DE VIVIENDAS - DEPARTAMENTOS FRENTE AL MAR

Esta hermosa fachada es de un edificio de 8 pisos con vista al mar y 7 departamentos en venta que gozarán de una piscina en el último piso.

El proyecto se llama Edificio Altamira y está en Pimentel - Chiclayo -Lambayeque - Perú. La empresa que promueve y construye es Iarpame Inmobiliaria Contratistas Generales.

Los planos y dimensiones de estos bellos departamentos puedes verlo en: PLANOS PERU

FACHADAS DE VIVIENDAS BIFAMILIARES DE 2 PISOS CON GARAJE

Excelente diseño y presentación de las viviendas bifamiliares. Las fachadas de estas casas y el proyecto en sí, volumetricamente esta bien plasmado, se ve unidad formal en el proyecto, pero al mismo tiempo denota dos bloques de viviendas independientes. Son dos casas en una: Casa David Espinoza en Querétaro - México, un proyecto de Arq. Alejandro Arias Monroy.

FACHADA DE CASA MODERNA Y MINIMALISTA DE 2 PISOS

Este es un excelente proyecto de arquitectura y realidad virtual de la fachada de una casa blanca con detalles en madera, la CASA es de estilo MINIMALISTA y se basa en una remodelación con animación 3d con ArchiCad 12 y Artlantis Studio, hecho en Chiclayo Perú por CEFAPOC.

FACHADAS DE CASAS EN MEXICO

Fachada de casa en Mexico, moderna, en color blanco, con piscina. Ubicada en Merida - Yucatán. Proceso de diseño y construcción de una casa. Similitud entre la realidad virtual y la obra terminada así como el inicio de esta construcción desde la demolición de la casa existente.

Fachada de casa eclectico minimalista contemporánea, en la ciudad de Xalapa Mexico.

Fachada de casa contemporanea en calle Andorra Esq. Helsinski fraccionamiento Monte Magno Xalapa Veracruz Mexico. Minimalist home project in Xalapa Mexico.

Victorian House Tour - Powell & Bonnell

I had the pleasure of being invited to tour an open house this week of a beautiful victorian semi-detached house in Toronto.  I'm fortunate enough to work with one of the best real estate agent's in the city, Kara Reed, who also just happens to be.......my sister-in-law of the past 20 years.  (You may recognize her from HGTV's Sarah's House I, and Sarah's House II).  Kara had the pleasure of listing this 1890's victorian house on mls this week and is preparing for a public open house this weekend, more info here.  Knowing that I'm in house hunting mode myself and knowing my love and appreciation for great interiors of all styles, she insisted this was a must see for me -and I'm glad she did.

The house was designed by the award winning Toronto interior design firm, Powell & Bonnell during an extensive renovation of the house back in early 2000's.  What's  unique about this house is its one of the few (if not only) traditional, victorian style home this team have designed.  If you're familiar with Powell & Bonnell's work, you likely conjur up images of clean, dynamic contemporary spaces when you think of their projects, however, a quick browse thru their portfolio reveals a diverse range of projects from clean and contemporary to modern rustic.  I've always believed that the best designers have diverse portfolios and can apply their design philosophy to a range of styles and I can definitely see this diversity throughout their past projects.  You can check out their on-line portfolio here. 

Before the renovations began in early 2000's the house had been open plan and void of any original architectural detail and character.    All of the walls that had previously been taken down and all of the mouldings and details that had been stripped away were painstakingly re-created from top to bottom.  Today the house is a beautiful example of a traditional victorian home who's original character and architectural detailing has been well considered and thoughtfully brought back to life.

One of my favorite things about the house was the collection of artwork throughout and the manner in which it was displayed - it's masterfully done.  You'll see in the photos to follow that every room and hallway has beautifully arranged groupings of artwork and objects in all shapes and sizes.

Living Room Vignette

Living Room

Dining Room

The dining room measures only about  12'w x 9' deep but its grand and impressive.  The combination of the dark wall colour and the large mirror add depth and create a dramatic, inviting space.  It was simply stunning.

This is Kara in the hallway outside the dining room as she was pointing out the dining room's velvet parlour draperies that would have been an original detail in a house of this era. 

The master bedroom was striking and handsome with its dark walls, antique furniture and sisal carpet.  The variety of light sources and use of mirror again make this room both sparkle and glow, creating an ambience that's so inviting and intimate.

The tone on tone stripe effect on the bedroom walls was actually so subtle that I didn't even notice it until looking at the photos afterwards.

The main bath had some clever built-in storage around the radiator.  There's nothing over the top in this room but there's a great sense of balance.  You can see that the surface applied panel moulding, its repitition and the symmetrical display on top of the cabinet give this room a classical look.  The gorgeous soft blue colour combined with all the white and polished chrome just takes your breath away when you walk in the room but yet the bathroom's tile and fittings are just very simple and timeless.

The Den

The second floor den was again, dark, inviting and intimate with a wonderful eclectic collection of pieces displayed on the walls and cabinets.  Despite that most of the rooms in this house would be considered small spaces, the use of large scale furniture and dark colours make it feel luxurious and grand.  The key to this,,,,,, is the great use of lighting.

Second floor hallway

Main floor bathroom, again the use of simple white, pale blue/grey and silver metal gives you that refreshing sense of a nostalgic old world spa.

The kitchen was simple and classic with its beadboard backsplash and butcher block topped centre island.

Again a wonderful integration of storage with the rad cover.  The use of metal apothocary style cabinetry and carts were used again here which I also saw in both bathrooms, this cabinet appeared to be vintage but the two small wall-hung ones in the bathrooms were newer. 

Basement bedroom.  

This was an irregularly shaped small room but I love the fact that despite that, they went for maximum comfort by using a full size bed - its cozy and luxurious looking even though its placed in this tiny nook.  The attention to the way the bed is dressed and accessorized would make any guest feel important and special.

I could notice from the reaction of those who were touring the house while I was there that the traditional style and detailing of this home was really resonating with all of them as they were were drawn into one room after another,,,,,,,,and not wanting to leave!   I have no doubt this house is going to attract a lot of attention this weekend......

All photos:   Carol Reed

VIDEO DE FACHADA DE CASA BLANCA DE 2 PISOS CASA EN MEXICO MODERNA Y CONTEMPORANEA

Me gustó el video de esta casa en Mexico, "Casa La Herradura", diseño del Arquitecto Alan Castillo Ramírez -Norman Miller Metropolitan Architecture - Contemporary House in México. Una linda fachada de casa, sencilla y sobria. Un ejemplo de como la forma y la función no deben verse por separado. Un diseño moderno y contemporáneo de formas puras en donde el verdadero lujo es el espacio.

FACHADA DE CASA DE 2 PISOS MODERNA Y MINIMALISTA CON PISCINA

Hermosa y amplia casa de 2 pisos con piscona, cuya fachada muestra un estilo moderno y minimalista único.

Fachada de vivienda unifamiliar. Una verdadera obra maestra de arquitectura moderna  que se alza por encima de Los Angeles, perfectamente diseñada y elaborada con materiales de primera calidad y de pertrechos europeos por el famoso diseñador Marc Canadell. Esta casa está ubicada encima de la famosa Sunset Strip y está perfectamente sentada al final de un callejón sin salida de las celebridades. La residencia ofrece más de 9000 metros cuadrados de vida de lujo al máximo, cinco habitaciones, ocho cuartos de baño, y se sienta en más de un acre de una total privacidad.

Esta mansión esta ubicada en Sunset Strip - Hollywood Hills y se vende en $ 17.995.000 desde hiltonhyland.com (Mauricio Umansky mauricio@laluxuryestates.com (310) 858-5464) Cuenta con: Habitaciones: 5 - Baños: 8 - Superficie: 9050 Ft. en un lote de 48330 Ft..

Goodbye Summer....

My Living Room, August 2009

As of 5:18pm today, summer was officially over and tomorrow will be our first full day of fall.

This means in the coming days I’ll be making some small changes around the house to make it feel more cozy and seasonal, in fact I started last weekend.  Just subtle changes,,,like putting away some of the summery feeling accessories.  Below are some shots of the way the living room looked mostly towards the end of summer - I’m always changing up things even throughout a season.  Simple things like changing the covers on the toss pillows to a watery blue/grey,,,switching out the coffee table books to more summery ones in both colour and subject,,,,adding summer flowers, light weight throws, sea shells and hurricane lanterns.  Even though we live in the city, we also live by the lake so the house lends itself to a casual lakeside feel, our furniture isn’t so much that look,,,,but I think just a few touches were enough to create that mood.

This is a rental house that we moved into during the summer of 07 immediately after selling our condo.  Like most rentals, the house was not in the best of shape, it was pretty nasty in fact,,,(the exterior still is!) but a good cleaning and a fresh coat of white paint throughout the interior did wonders.     Even though we had all of these things when we moved in,,,,,the placement of the artwork and smaller accessories took some time to fall into place.  But overall, I love how our existing furniture from the condo seem to just fit right and at the same time,,take on an entirely new look in this space.   I didn't care that we were only going to be living here for a year or two,,,I was determined to make the place looked like we had always lived there and to make it comfortable and welcoming, and without buying anything new for it.  It was a great excercise in 'making the most of what you've got'.

The house had two features that i fell in love with immediately (aside from its location),,,,a wood burning stone fireplace in the living room, and a large 2nd floor loft space with cathedral ceilings, loads of natural daylight and a walkout to a second floor deck - the perfect home studio.   I knew instantly that i would fill one complete wall of the loft with Ikea expedite shelving.  I had some of these in our condo (which we built-in) and couldn’t imagine living without them, and coincidentally the height of the units fit perfectly in this loft space on the low side of the sloped ceiling, like it was meant to be.

Reference Library in my loft studio

Ikea's Expedit shelving, wall to wall

I'm not fond of corner windows but I grew to really like this one, its placement gave us great views of the lake and it has a big deep sill that makes a perfect spot for the cat to perch and he spend a lot of time there.  The landlords horizontal blinds are pretty unattractive but I keep them up most of the time so they really weren't an issue and besides there are just way too many windows in this house for me to start changing the window coverings! 

This was our last summer in the house as we’re currently searching for a permanent home that we hope to find sometime in the next few months.  But in the meantime its still home for now and I’ll continue to feather my nest here until its time to pack.  I can’t say i’m going to miss summer, because I LOVE fall,,,,and the changes that will come with it, but I’m really going to miss this fireplace, my wonderful lightfilled and spacious loft studio and the sound of the waves lapping against the shore......

All Photos:  Carol Reed

FACHADAS DE EDIFICIOS MODERNOS - FACHADAS DE DEPARTAMENTOS

Estas fotos son de unas modernas fachadas de edificios de departamentos para viviendas. Los departamentos son bastante amplios y bien distribuidos. Construye la empresa mileniumedificaciones.com quien tiene unos lindos departamentos en venta ubicados en Lima Perú:

Fachada de edificio de 4 pisos y sótano en Surco.

Fachada de edificio en esquina de 11 pisos con vista al mar en Miraflores. La fachada en esquina forma una punta es casi triangular pero se aprovecha para poner balcones frente al mar.

Fachada de edificio de 19 pisos en Miraflores.

Pueden ver planos de edificios de vivienda en PLANOS DE CASAS.