Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

The living room of an apartment designed around the owner's stylish wardrobe

Mr Shopper Studio designed a sartorially driven apartment that takes cues from the owners stylish threads; the walk-in wardrobe serves as a home office, too

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Most interior designers will tell you that compact city apartments present more of a challenge than sprawling urban projects, even if there are far fewer rooms to makeover. This is because creating a rich aesthetic in a petite space, and finding a balance between form and function, takes real skill. When Mr Shopper Studio was tasked with redoing this two-bedroom apartment in the newly constructed Boutique at Bartley, the firm put one of its most talented designers on the job.

(Related: Home Tour: This Stylish Apartment Combines Pastels With Playful Accents)

Our primary aim was to create a luxurious home for the client, says Sean Hafiz, lead designer on the project. We wanted it to encompass not only her design brief, but also her personality and lifestyle and to make a statement in different areas of the home; we wanted to create a sense of excitement as you enter each part of the house.

The owners main request was to create various ways to display her collection of clothes, bags and accessories throughout her home, while creating an Instagram-worthy effect in various areas of the apartment.

(Related: Tatler How-To: Design A Walk-in Wardrobe That's Decor Goals)

There is a real flair and panache to this dwelling, and a charisma that hits you from the moment you step inside. This is partly due to how the designers have incorporated wallpaper and prints in nearly every room, bringing a playfulness to the otherwise sleek and minimalist interior.

Designers tend to think that darker tones make a space feel smaller, says Sean. But I think that a mix of wallpapers in various dark tones and textures makes it feel a lot cosier. Wallpapers are taboo to most Singaporeans and designers as they are afraid the climate means they wont last long. But with the right treatment and the right kind of material, wallpaper can last years.

(Related: 11 Feature Wall Ideas That Will Instantly Transform The Look Of Your Rooms)

Apartment owners usually have one key gripe: a lack of storage space. But it takes a particularly skilled interior designer to find a way to incorporate cupboards and shelves that do not make a room feel more cramped.

The most difficult room to design was definitely the living area, says Sean. We fashioned the TV console in such a way that the storage areas and the main TV wall are divided by a display shelf. It also helps to separate it from the storage areas. Built-in LED lighting helps to create visual continuity throughout the space and brighten the home.

(Related: How To Improve Your Wellbeing With Good Lighting Design In Your Home)

In an apartment such as this, with unimpeded views across Singapore, the window areas tend to take centre stage to capitalise on the stunning vista. But the team at Mr Shopper Studio wanted to ensure that what was inside the apartment was as memorable as the glittering skyscrapers outside.

In the bedroom, the eye is drawn indoors with contrasting patterns on the bedlinen and accent cushions, a rug imported from the US, and a customised, tropical-themed headboard that takes pride of place in the room. It features wallpaper from Cole & Son and mirrored panels on both sides to create a sense of expansiveness within the room.

(Related: 6 Inspiring Ways To Design Your Bathroom)

The walk-in wardrobe, in particular, is a standout fixture. Sporting a pair of polished, gold-framed glass doors, it was designed to resemble a fashion boutique; a long rug placed in the centre recreates the look of a catwalk. This self-enclosed area also houses a desk so it can function as a home office.

Altogether, the apartment is a beautiful amalgamation of textures and patterns, resulting in a stylish space both the design firm and the owner are proud of.

(Related: 4 Easy Ways To Organise Your Wardrobe At Home)

Led by Ken Lee and Kate Deng, the studio aims to create stunning homes tailored to each owner. It has a team of over a dozen like-minded designers who are driven by their shared passion for interior design; the practice has unveiled amazing makeovers for more than a hundred homes to date.

Mr Shopper Studio33 Ubi Ave 3#05-72 Vertex Tower Amrshopperstudio.com

Read this article:
Home Tour: A Green Apartment With A Fashionista's Dream Walk-In Wardrobe - Tatler Singapore

Dubai-based Lebanese interior designer and artist Pierre Abboud.

Nabidad Khan, Features Writer

Dubai-based Lebanese interior designer and artist Pierre Abboud came up with a unique Blizzard Lanterns idea, based on some of the popular characters from the Blizzard franchise. One of the best artists in the Middle East, his work has received a warm welcome and has inspired his fans in the United Arab Emirates.

Pierre Abboud introduced his artistic project Blizzard Lanterns during the Holy month of Ramadan. The art installations featured six exclusive lanterns that represent Blizzard Entertainments blockbuster franchises. Pierres fulfillment always stems from his passion for art and the diversity of medium he uses. These range from sculptures and paintings to installations and interior design.

In an interview with Gulf Today, he talks about his passion and drive to create art.

Here is what he said:

Would you like to share the idea behind the Blizzard Lanterns project?

This project is truly unique. The work of art features six exclusive lanterns that represent six of Blizzard Entertainments key franchises including World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, Overwatch, StarCraft, Diablo, and the multi-franchise Heroes of the Storm. Throughout my career as an artist, I took inspiration from many places. I never imagined that gaming would inspire me to create such a cultural crossover. When you look at Blizzard games, you will see that every title has its own identity and magic. Every character has a strong message to deliver. The stories that these titles bring forth really connected with me stories of struggles, finding a place to belong to and doing what is right. Add to that the stunning designs, the deeply built universe, and the lore.... All this inspired me to build a physical bridge to the Middle Eastern culture in the form of lanterns.

Is Blizzard Lanterns your first gaming-inspired project?

Yes, it is my first gaming project, but probably not my last. I enjoyed discovering the wider world of Blizzard characters, learning more about the philosophy of each game, and diving deeper into this imaginary world, yet very real, in its own way.

'Heroes of the storm.'

Tell us something about your passion for art?

I see art in everything I do, in our everyday lives, in creation, in destruction, in happiness and sadness. There is not a moment that I do not think of a new artwork or a project. Art is something that is born in your mind and imagination at first, it then reaches its maturity as you play with it in the planning process. I believe that every creation has its beauty and its purpose, concept. The most important part for me is to see a deeper meaning in what I do. I am very passionate about sustainability, and you can see that by looking at my earlier projects. I worked closely with Masdar City earlier this year on creating the worlds largest mosaic made from recycled materials that made its way into the Guinness World Records. I enjoyed working on this project and it was one of the most rewarding experiences as it supported the sustainability cause, something I find close to my heart. I also enjoy discovering new forms of art and finding my inspiration within new fields, such as gaming.

Have you had formal training in the field? What inspires you?

Different things inspire me. When it comes to different projects and different types of work, I get inspiration that comes with what I do.

In Murals, space becomes my hero, and the painting can radically alter the sensation of spatial proportions creating a three-dimensional and illusionistic feeling.

In Exhibitions & Events, my focus turns around designing innovative, attractive, and functional spaces and installations that appeal to the right target audience and leave the desired impact. In Interior Design, my work revolves around understanding and capturing the psychology, mood, and emotional needs of the client, conceiving an interior that evokes positive feelings and subtle emotional signals. Painting and Sculpting are my ode to love and feelings and a privileged time where I dive into myself and yield to the free expression of what cannot be said in words. In every piece of art, there is a flirt between light and shadow that became a cornerstone and signature of my work.

What kind of material do you use when you make sculptures?

I do not have limitations and I use a mix of different materials when it comes to creating sculptures. For my Blizzard lanterns, I used a mix of metal, wood, glass and plywood.

Would you like to share something about your future projects?

I am always working on something. I am inspired by using recycled material or trash art. I believe there should be no waste out there and everything can be put to better use because there is beauty in everything that surrounds us.

The rest is here:
Gaming franchise lights the way to artistic expression - Gulf Today

A Bolton-based interior designer has partnered up with one of the North West's biggest garden centres.

Allyson Houghton founded her brand Allumi two and a half years ago, selling candles, wax melts, diffusers and wellbeing products.

Her range is now on sale at Bents Garden Centre at Leigh End, Glazebury, which attracts more than a million visitors each year.

The brand forms a part of her company Ideas Interior.

She was approached by Bents after one of the store's buyers smelt one of Allyson's fragrances in a friend's home.

Allyson said: "She loved it, asked where it was from and then contacted me about having the range on sale in the store.

"It was an absolute dream come true.

"Although lockdown has been a difficult time for everyone, my business is mainly online and so I've been kept busy."

All of her handmade products are produced using natural ingredients. During lockdown she even handed out hand-creams to front-line workers.

Allyson said: "When I started out with Allumi, I wanted to create a natural range that could be used safely at home by anyone with allergies and around children and pets.

"I've extended the range over time and am still adding new products.

"I'm proud to say that everything in Allumi is British-made."

See the rest here:
Bolton-based interior designer partners up with Bents Garden Centre - The Bolton News

Unsolved Mysteries

July 1stWho else but the producers of Stranger Things would dare drag the 1980s cult-classic series Unsolved Mysteries into the 21st century? With most hit podcasts and documentary shows concentrating on cold case true crime stories, its only right that the genre originator, Unsolved Mysteries makes a comeback. The show featured gruesome crime cases, paranormal happenings and unexplained phenomena. From introducing its viewers to the chupacabras and the skunk ape to more serious matters like disappearances and violent crime, its appeal was that of a sensationalist tabloid.

Crimewatch may have kindly advised its viewers not to have nightmares whereas Unsolved Mysteries positively encouraged them. Sleep-deprived children everywhere were regularly haunted by the image of Robert Stack staring down the lens, unblinking and unwilling to offer a solution or resolution to any of these terrifying ordeals. Its no surprise that this latest iteration will be without a host as it takes on a more modern documentary-style format but the intention of the series remains the same, appealing to armchair sleuths to help solve these outstanding sometimes outlandish cases.

July 1st

From the creators of Queer Eye comes this emotionally driven series that sees couples who have yet to walk down the aisle achieve the weddings of their dreams. Eight couples from different backgrounds and sexual orientation are aided by a trio of wedding experts who help with the planning of the proposal to the actual ceremony itself. In the tradition of Queer Eye, the show is as much about this team of professionals as it is the participants. Interior designer Jeremiah Brent, fashion designer Thai Nguyen and chef Gabriele Bertaccini all showcase their particular talents and involve themselves in the couples stories, becoming invested in their passions and regularly tearing up as they pull off these idiosyncratic celebrations in record time.

It may feature surprise weddings that take place within a week but Say I Do is the antithesis of the frankly demented, heteronormative car-crash that is Dont Tell the Bride. There are no football themed nuptial monstrosities, exorbitant stag parties or tasteless trips on vomit-inducing roller coasters for these couples. Say I Do is a lush, romantic affair shot in a warm, gauzy haze that encourages its viewers to get swept up in the fantasy rather than consider the less than perfect reality.

July 2nd

The thoughts of a ninja-esque crew of avenging nuns roaming around may fill any ex-Catholic school-goer with a certain type of dread but the cartoonish Warrior Nun concerns itself with more metaphysical issues than some errant typos in the missalettes. Adapted from a comic book of the same name, the story revolves around Ava (Alba Baptista) a feisty 19-year-old who is haunted by dreams of her own death. When she wakes up in a morgue with an artifact embedded in her back it looks as though these night terrors have become a reality. This religious McGuffin is a calling card for the Order of the Cruciform Sword, a team of young nuns who fight demons on Earth to prevent it from being submerged into hell.

Ava must learn to juggle her new found responsibilities as part of this group of powerful women with her ordinary life of boyfriends and parties. For all its dramatic bluster, Warrior Nun is Buffy in a new cute habit. These young gun-slinging, razor-toting nuns may prove to be a guise too far for Irish audiences but their highly stylised battles and weaponised antics should appeal to film fans and Manga devotees alike.

July 8th

This illuminating documentary charts the life and career of flamboyant Puerto Rican astrologer and sometime actorWalter Mercado. Mercado was no twee wooly jumper Russell Grant type; the Liberace of fortune-telling wore a giant bouffant hairdo to match his elaborate garments and extravagant jewels. A true phenomenon, he wowed his audience, reaching over 120 million Latinx viewers who regularly tuned into his readings. With guest appearances from Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eugenio Derbez, the documentary seeks to understand Mercados unique appeal, how a gender non-conforming, spiritualist became a permanent fixture on daytime television. With his daily affirmations and inspirational messages he evolved into something more important than just an astrologer, with his concentration on love and positivity, he became a symbol of inclusivity and acceptance within Latin America.

July 10th

The Old Guard is the latest Netflix action movie attempting to capture the streaming success of surprise hit Extraction. Starring Charlize Theron, its a superhero yarn that centres on a warrior Andy (Theron) who is the head of a secret mob of immortal mercenaries who have been covertly protecting the mortal world for centuries. When their abilities are accidentally exposed during an emergency mission, Andy must eradicate those who wish to control, replicate or capitalise on their powers.

July 17th

With The Witcher on hiatus and Game of Thrones becoming a distant memory, Cursed is the newest epic desperate to acquire a slice of the lucrative fantasy fandom. A twist on the Arthurian legend adapted from Frank Millers novel, it tells the story of Nimue played by Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why) a young sorceress who is sent on a quest by her dying mother to deliver an ancient sword to its rightful owner. She teams up with a teenage mercenary named Arthur (Devon Terrell) and together they attempt to locate Merlin and reunite him with Excalibur. In this re-imagining of the myth, it is Nimue who learns to wield this magical sword in the face of invading forces who have destroyed her village and to protect her from the ominous intentions of King Uther Pendragon, Arthurs father.

July 21stBack for a new culinary adventure, this season Street Food is heading to Latin America where it will explore the cuisine of six countries including Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. The vibrancy and traditions of the food culture within places like Oaxaca, Salvador and Buenos Aires are delved into as local market stall holders and small restaurateurs explain the history and heritage behind their best known dishes. Created by the team behind the wildly successful Chefs Table series, Street Food is a passionate, authentic look at how food is the common language that binds communities, the moveable feast that is passed down through generations.

July 22ndNamed after the crudely Xeroxed pamphlets that warned about the dangers of New York which were pushed into tourists hands in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Fear City is a docu-series about the hold that organised crime had over Manhattan at this time. Its a look at how craven and corrupt the city had become during the 1970s that led to abject poverty for most of its citizens and the arduous task the FBI had of dismantling the five mafia empires who were at the height of their powers during the 1980s.

July 24thThis sequel to the hit teen rom-com sees Noah (Jacob Elordi) and Elle (Joey King) trying out a long distance relationship as Noah heads off to Harvard. Its decision time for the couple as Elle grows close to a new classmate and is distracted by her dreams of going to college with her best friend, Lee as Noah quickly adapts to the freedoms of college life including his budding friendship with the seemingly perfect Chloe. With the original film becoming a sleeper success, due to its almost genteel storytelling, the off-screen romance of its leads and its cross generational appeal (John Hughes muse Molly Ringwald appears as Noahs mother) Netflix will be hoping that its audience is ready to pucker up once more.

July 31st

Season one of this comic-book caper was a runaway success with 45 million viewers streaming the story making it second to Stranger Things as Netflix most watched original series. Created by Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance and Gabriel B, The Umbrella Academy is an ambitious dark dramedy that revolves around a dysfunctional family of adopted super-hero misfits who reunite to solve the mystery of their fathers death. Its all star cast, which includes Love/Hates Robert Sheehan and Junos Ellen Page, will return as the Hargreeves siblings endeavour to reunite with each other and figure out the cause of the disruption that gave season one its shocking cliffhanger finale.

Link:
Netflix: 10 of the best new shows and films to watch in July - The Irish Times

If there is one lesson that most legendary entrepreneurs share, it is to "Pursue your dreams, relentlessly." Your success depends on what you do every day, consistently, and not what you do sometimes. Luxury interior decorator, Desiree Busnelli's journey is a close resonation to this lesson.

From being a nurse to a luxury lifestyle, and decor consultant, Desiree's eye for fine luxury and design never left sight. Here's a sneak peek into her journey from traveling around the world for collaborations with renowned designers, and to launching her own company.

Doing what she loves

It certainly was a pursuit of happiness for Desiree Busnelli, as she overcame one challenge after another, but never gave up. Busnelli battled a life-changing stomach surgery in 2007, which left her in a body cast for over four months. Determined to be resilient, she made this a turning point in her life and chose to pursue her dreams of becoming a luxury consultant finally.

As she dived into designing, Desiree already had experience in real estate and knew that this would help her progress. "As children, we were five girls, and I was the oldest daughter. As I grew, I was fascinated with exquisite things. My grandma, Kathleen Leavitt, who also was an interior designer, would take me along to her showroom in Bellevue, Washington. At just ten years old, I was awestruck with the luxury street of dreams, and simple things like elegant, modern bathroom setups. This interest to explore opulence stayed and grew as I traveled more and developed a worldly sense of culture."

Never, say never

If being an entrepreneur is tough, being a woman entrepreneur is double the challenge. Being a 'stay at home mom,' and juggling responsibilities, Desiree made sure to embrace all the roles before her. Working alongside the elite CEO, Emanuele Busnelli, and his team of B&B Italia over the last decade, Desiree was able to nourish her passion for fine aesthetics and charming decor. "After years of persistence, I developed the expertise required for chic and contemporary designing. I strongly believe that nothing happens overnight, and it takes eight to ten years of hard work if you are aiming at becoming the best."

B&B Italia went over to design sophisticated hotels around the world. And soon, Busnelli independently founded the JECHIJO Bespoke Design Company in the suburbs of Milan, Italy.

"If you want to fly, give up everything that weighs you down and march towards your dreams. It is very important that you enjoy and love what you do every day. I'm a realist, and I constantly ask myself if what I'm doing makes me feel good and if I can do it every day. What keeps me going is to try and make people happy by creating a positive space - either by knocking down dormant walls or by building vibrant new walls.

The world could possibly never get enough of inspiring women like Desiree Busnelli, who have followed their dreams. Despite being a high-end lifestyle consultant, Desiree is rooted and does her best for the community. Through her charitable collaborations with organizations like Miracle Babies, Voss World, and similar, she is a constant source of hope and positivity.

See the original post:
How Interior Decorator Desiree Busnelli's association with B&B Italia prepared her to launch JECHIJO Bespoke Design - International Business Times,...

There is a plan before the Planning and Zoning Commission to convert the former Vallin Galleries on Danbury Road to a tile showroom.

There is a plan before the Planning and Zoning Commission to convert the former Vallin Galleries on Danbury Road to a tile showroom.

Photo: Jeannette Ross / Hearst Connecticut Media

There is a plan before the Planning and Zoning Commission to convert the former Vallin Galleries on Danbury Road to a tile showroom.

There is a plan before the Planning and Zoning Commission to convert the former Vallin Galleries on Danbury Road to a tile showroom.

On the move in Wilton: preschool, tile showroom

At its meeting on June 22, the Planning and Zoning Commission opened a public hearing for both the Apple Blossom School and a retail tile store.

The school is seeking to move from its present location at 440 Danbury Road to a building at 416 Danbury Road that it would seek to convert under the adaptive use zoning rules.

Architect Rob Sanders explained that the applicants want an easily accessible location near the current school. At the new site, they would like to establish a one-way loop entrance that makes it easier for parents to drop off their children.

Since the children dont all get dropped off at the same time, because different age groups start at different times, this would not present a traffic issue, he said.

The school offers programs with infants, toddlers, nursery preschool, and mixed-aged kindergarten children. Summer camp at the school will began June 29 and will run until Aug. 21 for children ages 2-7 years old.

As for the building itself, there will be some changes to the exterior that include replacing a window and moving a door.

The applicants are proposing a long-term lease to plant their roots, Sanders said.

There was no public comment and the public hearing will be continued on July 13 to discuss any further details.

A public hearing was also opened for an application submitted by Bruce Darbandi to have a tile retail store at 516 Danbury Road, which is an adaptive reuse of the former antique shop, Vallin Galleries.

The plan is to have a showroom on the main floor and office space on the second level.

One area needing improvement is the lower parking area. The proposal includes a 20-foot-wide paved driveway along with a gravel parking lot to include five parking spaces. There will also be a lamp to provide light to the main building.

As for the design and landscaping for the property, Kate Throckmorton, landscape architect wants to keep it simple and neat.

Before the project can move forward, it will need to be finalized with the Inland Wetlands Commission. The public hearing will be continued on July 13.

New applicants Erskine Associates, LLC at 134 Olmstead Hill Road is seeking to complete a project that will convert an existing free-standing cottage to accessory dwelling unit. There is a scheduled public hearing for this on July 13.

More here:
On the move in Wilton: preschool, tile showroom - The Wilton Bulletin

The sale of the Club West Golf Course has been finalized and the new owners are working on a collaborative plan to revitalize the property.

After initial attempts by The Edge to create a new golf experience at Club West, community members and Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio requested that The Edge consider alternative development plans that reduce the number of single-family detached residential homes required to finance any revitalization plan.

The new plan, tentatively called The Park at Club West, will redevelop the course into a community park with enhanced trails, open spaces, and recreational amenities.

The golf course has been closed since 2016 and reopening it is not a viable option.

A collaborative design process has commenced with eight (8) member Neighborhood Committee established by the Club West HOA and Community Land Solutions (CLS), as representatives of The Edge.

Community Land Solutions is in the process of retaining a landscape architect for the project. The goal is for a maximum amount of new park and open space along with responsible and minimal development.

We are neighbors first. We want to bring new green and open spaces to the shuttered Club West Golf Course. Our plans are community-minded and will raise property values, said Matt Shearer, a principal with CLS, which is leading efforts to build the new park and greenbelt.

CLS and the Neighborhood Committee are meeting on a weekly basis with the goal of distributing an initial Draft Park Plan to the Club West Community for additional input. Shearer said additional meetings and communications with community members are planned and welcomed as revitalization plans move forward.

The process includes significant time for community feedback, presentations to the HOA and homeowners, additional open houses and community events, a homeowners vote, and approvals from the city of Phoenix.

We want open and transparent dialogues with all our neighbors and remain optimistic in uniting the community with sustainable solution that removes uncertainty and enhances property values. There is still a lot of misinformation surrounding the future redevelopment plans for the property. We are confident that the current planning process will allow us to proceed with constructive discussions based on facts, Shearer added.

Shearer is a principal with CLS along with Bill McManus and Mike Hare.

The effort and the Neighborhood Committee are looking at how other communities and former golf courses in Arizona (including in Scottsdale, Phoenix and Oro Valley) and other states (including in Washington state and Ohio) created new parks and open space and executed responsible development solutions to revive their respective communities and property values.

Read more:
Here are the revitalization plans for Club West Golf Course land - AZ Big Media

Coronavirus quarantine had many people rethinking the interiors of their homes this spring. DIY projects were tackled, and rooms reorganized.

Now that summers here, why not give the same mini-makeover to backyards and outdoor spaces?

Youll feel less cooped up if you bring some indoor style outside, even if its just to a tiny balcony or front porch, says New Jersey interior designer Anna Maria Mannarino.

Youre expanding the real estate really by bringing the indoors out, Mannarino says.

Here, she and two other design experts Connecticut landscape architect Janice Parker and Houston interior designer Lauren Rottet share advice on how they create stylish outdoor spaces that can accommodate a range of activities, from cooking and socially distant entertaining to relaxing and working from home.

Even the smallest outdoor space probably has room for one or two comfortable chairs and a bistro table, Mannarino says. If you dont normally keep a table outside, Rottet suggests bringing out a small folding table when you want to dine or work outside. Add a crisp linen tablecloth, she says, and even an inexpensive card table will look special.

Layering the space with pillows and a throw blanket for evenings adds a cozy vibe. Choose pillows and cushions in an outdoor-friendly fabric like Sunbrella, which needs little care to stay looking and feeling good throughout the seasons, Mannarino says.

And I would definitely add an outdoor rug if you have the space to do it, she says.

If you dont want to buy an outdoor rug, Parker says, just bring out a throw rug from inside to use on a sunny day.

The sounds of rippling water or birdsong can be great antidotes to rumbling traffic or barking dogs. Parker suggests buying an inexpensive tabletop fountain, and bird feeders to attract songbirds.

Its a great time to get into bird watching, she says, because they do seem to be more abundant than in the past. (Get a squirrel-proof feeder if you want to make sure the food actually goes to the birds.)

Theres an even simpler, virtual option, Parker points out: When you sit outside, play recordings of chirping birds or rippling water from your phone or other device.

Pleasing scents will also elevate your outdoor space. Buy a potted lavender plant, Parker says, or flowering plants like nicotiana (also called flowering tobacco), which are iridescent in the evening and have a wonderful scent.

Many grocery stores are selling potted plants and you dont have to fuss with re-potting them, Parker says. If they come in plain plastic containers, simply wrap the container in a bit of burlap or other fabric to make it more attractive.

For something more dramatic, Rottet says, potted citrus trees look and smell lovely. Or add a pencil cactus or other succulent in a tall planter; it can withstand summer heat while functioning like a sculpture in your outdoor space. When summer ends, fill the planter with a hardy flower like pansies, which might even last through the winter.

No time or resources to add plants this year? Floral or lavender candles are another option, Parker says.

A gas grill can be an asset if youre cooking outdoors a lot. But Rottet also recommends the Big Green Egg charcoal grill. Its not a huge commitment, she says, because you can roll it into a tight little space.

If you have a grill and would like to create more of a kitchen around it, add an outdoor table or console that can serve as a work surface and perhaps has some storage, Mannarino says, so youre not just walking over to a grill and holding a tray in your hand.

Want to create the feel of an outdoor bar? Add a rolling bar cart, or, even more simply, fill your biggest salad bowl with ice, Parker says, and bring out a selection of cold drinks.

If youre working outside, you need shade to see the screen. Retractable awnings are helpful, as are large outdoor umbrellas that stand alone or fit into an outdoor table. (They also let you spend more time outside, if its raining.)

In the evening, Rottet says, you can expand the feeling of even a small backyard by wrapping strands of small white lights (available in outdoor-safe versions that are battery-powered or solar-powered) around your trees.

Lanterns with lit candles inside are lovely outdoors after the sun goes down, though LED candles can be a more practical choice on a breezy night.

A fire pit will also brighten up your outdoor space, and warm it up this fall and winter.

Rottet created one for her Houston home using a large concrete planter that can withstand heat.

But as Parker points out, you dont have to buy anything to have a fire pit. It might be fun to create one the old-school way: Dig a wide hole in the ground, she says, contain the space safely and build a campfire Boy Scout style.

The changes you make to your outdoor space dont have to be elaborate, she says. Just get out there. Take your chair from the kitchen table if you need to. Take your coffee cup and go.

Originally posted here:
Make the most of your outdoor space | Close To Home - Lewiston Morning Tribune

These are fraught times for Dallas. A demon virus has spread across the land, forcing a beleaguered citizenry indoors and behind masks. There is anger and there is frustration, understandably. There are no, or few, professional sports. Lets face it: The city could use all the help it can get. But heres some good news: Five homegrown superheroes have come to the rescue, and theyre ready to bring healing to the city. Theres just one problem: They need a place to call home, a headquarters where they can plot their acts of derring-do.

Emmy: Im sorry. Your name is...Pegasus?

Peg: Right.

Emmy: Like the horse with wings?"

Peg: Yes. But you can just call me Peg.

Emmy. OK. And how can we help you, Peg?

Peg: Youre real estate brokers. I need something in downtown Dallas. Something big. Something secure.

Emmy: OK. And what is this for, exactly?

Peg: Part headquarters. Part lair. For a team of superheroes.

Emmy: Excuse me?

Peg: Superheroes. You know. Capes. Special powers. Masks. That kind of thing. There are five of us. Me, Big Tex, Trinity, Erykah and Dirk.

Emmy: You know what? I might have just the thing for you.

Peg: Looks pretty cool. What is this thing?

Emmy: The Rolex tower. Its their North American repair and sales center. It opened last year, before the virus shut everything down. Its a proprietary design. Definitely not your typical office building.

Peg: It is distinctive, unlike so many of the boring buildings around here. Tough but not brutish. I like the way it corkscrews up as it rises. A building that shape-shifts seems right for a band of superheroes. And its not too flashy or garish, not covered in LEDs what is it with this town? We dont want a lot of attention.

Emmy: Thats the Rolex brand. A little butch, but also classy. I would say its the most interesting new commercial building the city has seen since, well, for a long time. The best tower since Fountain Place, and that was in 1986. The architect is Japanese. Kengo Kuma. Not a household name, but he should be. He actually designed the stadium for the Tokyo Olympics this summer, but I guess thats not happening, now. It would have made quite a splash, though. Its largely made of wood larch and cedar and modeled on an ancient Japanese temple.

Peg: Interesting. But lets get back to Dallas. Whats with the stone wall at the base? Must have cost a bundle.

Emmy: Yes it did. It is, quite literally, a castle wall, built using traditional Japanese methods by a 15th-generation stonemason named Suminori Awata. Were talking Shogun-era craftsmanship. The different sized stones represent the diversity of life. Kuma believes quite strongly in using traditional materials and techniques. Architecture should go back to fabrication, to using real materials, to using the hand, he has said.

Peg: I like that it has a fortress quality. That will be good for us.

Emmy: Thats why I brought you here. The stone wall gives you extra protection at the rear of the building where it faces Harry Hines. You dont want anyone sneaking up on you.

Peg: Yes, that is good. What are those white bands that wrap around it?

Emmy: Thin metal louvers. Sun shades three rows on each floor. They keep the heat load down, and they give it a nice flair, so its not just another black box. Theyll give you a little privacy, too. Im sure you superheroes dont want villains seeing what youre up to all day.

Peg: No, we dont.

Emmy: Youll also notice that as the building torques around, it creates these little garden ledges. In Japanese, theyre called engawa, in-between spaces. Kuma had a Japanese landscape architect, Sadafumi Uchiyama, come and design them. The idea is to dissolve the distinction between inside and outside. You see this kind of element in his work elsewhere. I think the inspiration is the rice-growing terraces you see in rural Japan.

Peg: Nice. But, there are only five of us. Im not sure we need this much building.

Emmy: Actually, It looks tall but thats deceptive; its really just seven stories. Thats one story each, and then some common space. I know superheroes need room for equipment development and training.

Peg: True. Can we get a look inside?

Emmy: You can see theres a nice entry sequence, with a path across landscaping and fountains. Good for surveillance of anyone approaching. This is the front lobby. Its quite spacious and cool, with black granite floors, blackened walls and horizontal blond wood slats running from the ceiling down along the walls, animating the space and referencing the louvers on the exterior. Its got a broad security desk, where you can put one of your minions.

Peg: That works. It is nice. Corporate, but not too impersonal or cold. Thats rare."

Emmy: Right. Walking back behind it you have a little sitting area. Rolex uses this as a waiting space for repair returns you can see it has a small counter for a clerk. Maybe this could be a room where you screen requests for assistance?

Peg: Yes. What about upstairs?

Emmy: So this is the executive boardroom. You can see we once again have the horizontal wood elements that create a seamless flow between wall and ceiling.

Peg: This will be an excellent place for us to plan operations.

Emmy: And come this way. Here is one of the most exciting features: The entertainment deck here is enclosed by a two-story screen of louvers. If you get up close you can see how sharp they are: aluminum, with a leafy pattern printed on the bottoms, to give them a natural feel and help diffuse light. So when youre out here, youre both outside and inside. You can look out, but its hard to see in. Its perfect for superheroes, like yourselves. Its meant as an event space and for employee dining, but you can train out here and, of course, for those of you who can fly, you can just take right off, and nobody will see.

Peg: "Wow. Perfect.

Emmy: As for the rest of the place, its ideal for your secret laboratory and fabrication needs. The floors have a sophisticated ventilation system that sucks out any particulate matter key for when theyre doing watch repair.

Peg: Excellent.

Emmy: And of course theres a vault where you can store any secret plans, manifestos, genealogies whatever. I know superheroes maintain a lot of proprietary information.

Peg: Yes. Thats all great. But this is Dallas, so you know I have to ask: What about parking?

Emmy: No problem. The garage here is actually below grade, which is nice generally if this city was smart it would mandate that for all new construction and of course it means you can keep your super-mobiles hidden. There are also a couple of short-term spaces on the street, for deliveries. Which is handy.

Peg: And this is all available?

Emmy: Well...for the moment. During the shutdown, anyway.

Peg: I think well take it.

Emmy: "You know what? You guys could call yourselves The Watch Men. Get it?

Peg: Stick to real estate.

Pegasus (aka Peg)

Uniform: Red neon wings

Power: Can transform into a flying horse

Trinity

Uniform: Covered in patchy grass

Power: Sprays jets of toxic water

Big Tex

Uniform: Hokey cowboy

Power: Transforms into giant

Erykah

Uniform: Head wrap

Power: Voice renders enemies helpless

Dirk

Uniform: Mavs warmups, weird haircut

Power: So likable villains just surrender

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The new Rolex tower in Dallas is straight out of a superhero movie - The Dallas Morning News

Beny Alagem of Alagem Capital and renderings of the new design (Credit: DBOX for Alagem Capital Group via Los Angeles Times)

Beny Alagems latest plan for One Beverly Hills is ambitious, totally new, and very green.

The developers firm Alagem Capital and partner Cain International unveiled architect Norman Fosters new $2 billion design for the 17.5-acre property next to Alagems Beverly Hilton, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Alagems plan, the latest in a development saga that spans over a decade, would see the construction of two condominium towers at 28 and 32 stories; a 10-story hotel; and eight acres of green space, much of which would be open to the public. The hotel would feature 42 all-suite guest rooms, plus a fine-dining restaurant and 37 residential units; the condo towers would house 303 condos.

Greenery is clearly the theme of the design. Renderings show gardens across just about every surface of the buildings and grounds. Foster said the building architecture is an extension of the greenery.

The protagonist is the landscape, the garden, he said.

Those three main buildings line the west side of the development site. The central gardens separate them from Alagems Beverly Hilton on the northeast side of the One Beverly Hills site. Landscape architect Mark Rios with RIOS designed the gardens and said he was interested in pursuing what a botanical environment is for the 21st century.

Alagem Capital and Cain International filed the plans with the city of Beverly Hills on Monday. They hope to break ground late next year and wrap up construction by 2024, according to the Times.

Alagem, an Israeli-born hotel magnate, has been trying to develop condo towers next to his Beverly Hills hotel since George W. Bush was still president and the Great Recession had not yet struck.

In early 2016, he lost a ballot initiative to build condo towers on the hotel site. But his fortunes turned in 2018, when Alagem Capital and Cain International bought the 750,000-square-foot One Beverly Hills site in 2018 from rival Dalian Wanda Group for $420 million. Alagem tossed out Wandas design for the building approved by the city of Beverly Hills, and by May of 2019 tapped Foster + Partners as architect.

In February, the ultra-luxury Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel sued Alagems Waldorf Astoria hotel for allegedly conspiring with a Peninsula employee to gain access to guests accounts and then steal clients. [LAT] Dennis Lynch

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Beny Alagems new $2B One Beverly Hills design is loaded with gardens - The Real Deal