Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

New Delhi, March 27

Satish Gujral, one of Indias best known artists and architects, has died in his Delhi home, his family said on Friday. He was 94.

Gujral, who was renowned for his versatility across different mediums, died on Thursday night of old age reasons.

He was the brother of former prime minister I K Gujral and is survived by his wife Kiran, daughters Alpana and Raseel and son Mohit.

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The noted painter and architect passed away peacefully at 10.30 last night in his home. He died of old age, the artists nephew and Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Gujral told PTI.

Gujral, who was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, Indias second highest civilian honour, was an architect, painter, muralist, sculptor and graphic artist.

His artworks were heavily inspired by the turbulence of his early years, including the illness that impaired his hearing as a child and the Partition of the subcontinent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of the artist, who was born in 1925 in Jhelum in pre-Partition west Punjab and not just witnessed the division of the country but also helped several refugees cross the border safely.

Satish Gujral Ji was versatile and multifaceted. He was admired for his creativity as well as the determination with which he overcame adversity, Modi wrote on Twitter.

He said Gujrals intellectual thirst took him far and wide, yet he remained attached to his roots.

Saddened by his demise. Om Shanti, the prime minister added.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said the nation would always remember Gujrals contributions in the field of art and culture.

May his soul rest in peace, he wrote.

Gujrals familiar works include the alphabet mural on the outside wall of the Delhi High Court. He also designed the Belgian Embassy in Delhi.

He received his training in art first at Lahores Mayo School of Art and then at the Sir J. J. School of Art in Mumbai.

One of the major turning points in his artistic career was when he got a scholarship to travel to Mexico. His interactions with Mexican painter Diego Riviera went on have a deep influence on his work.

Unlike many of his peers, who went to Paris or London in the early 1950s, Gujral went to Mexico City to study with Diego Rivera and Siqueiros. Gujrals was a versatile practice spanning painting, sculpture and architecture. RIP, curator and artist Ranjit Hoskote said on Twitter. Adwaita Gadnayak, director general of Delhis National Gallery of Modern Art, said the artists brilliance lay in his ability to use his creativity to the fullest in many forms and ways.

His highlight happened in 1952, when he got a scholarship to study at the revered Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, where he was apprenticed under renowned artists Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros - who were remarkable figures of the 20th-century art scene. To have Frida Kahlo and Octavio Paz as his friends became the important point of synergy, he said.

Several others also mourned his death.

Congress leader Rajeev Shukla said Gujral must also be remembered for rescuing people during Partition.

Passing away of famous painter, artist Satish Gujral will leave a deep void in world of art. Brother of ex pm I k Gujral Satish ji was known for his services to rescue people during partition @mohitgujral @NareshGujral, he said.

Offering his heartfelt condolences to the family, Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri wrote, Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of celebrated painter, sculptor, muralist & architect Sh Satish Gujral. He will be remembered & missed by legions of his followers & admirers.

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla said Gujral would be remembered for his unique artistic imagination, intellectual fervour & multifaceted personality.

Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal also expressed their condolences.

Saddened to learn about the demise of legendary painter, writer, sculptor & architect Satish Gujral ji. His contribution to the creative field shall always be cherished.

My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, friends & admirers. May his soul rest in peace! #RIP, the union minister tweeted.

Deepest condolences on the sad demise of acclaimed artist, architect, sculptor, writer & Padma Vibhushan recipient Satish Gujral ji. Passing away of Satish ji will leave a deep void in the world of art. May his noble soul rest in peace! Sukhbir Badal said on the micro-blogging site. PTI

Continued here:
Renowned artist and architect Satish Gujral dies at 94 - The Tribune India

A sprawling, steel-and-glass garage in Austin, Texas, is the result of a two-year collaboration involving a trio of local firmsShiflet Group Architects, Mark Ashby Design, and Dalgleish Construction. The multi-level structure, sited within a grove of trees, merges engineering smarts with 80s design. Case in point: the neon-studded basement, where a rare, candy-red 1980 BMW M1 appears to effortlessly hang along the wall.

Perhaps the structures most impressive feature is a wall-mounted BMW M1 hanging in the basementa carefully completed job that securely bolted the engineless sports car to the wall. A custom lift carries vehicles between the structure's three levels.

The subterranean level also speaks to the spirit of the design aesthetic, with handsome wood tones and industrial finishes to complement the homeowner's showcase collection of vintage cars. Here, a small study sits alongside a neon-lit Porsche roadster.

The homeowner's own affinity for 80s design played a large role in defining the interior aesthetic. "The goal here was to tip our hats to the movie Ferris Buellers Day Off and luxuriate in that theme," says Michele Lorenz, creative director at Mark Ashby Design. "For example, we used an Andy Warholprinted wallpaper in the bathroom and covered the iconic Le Corbusier sofa and lounge chairs in a Porsche red leather."

A Le Corbusier sofa and lounge chairs complete a seating area on the upper level. Floor-to-ceiling glass wraps around the space, providing views out over the treetops.

Another lounge area is located in the sound-proof basement, providing a spot to enjoy the custom stereo system. "The rug truly captures the 80s love of geometric shapes," says Lorenz.

Structurally, the 8,300-square-foot garage presented a daunting challenge, considering the need to carve out a basement within the solid limestone bedrock. David Dalgleish, founder of Dalgleish Construction Company, recalled digging 18 feet into the ground while preserving the existing trees on the lot.

The Le Corbusier group referred to their LC2 and LC3 Collections (1928) as "cushion baskets," which they designed as a modernist response to the traditional club chair. These pieces reverse the standard structures of sofas and chairs by having frames that are externalized.

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A 65-foot sliding glass door spans the front facade, opening the main level to the outdoors. Hanging along the back wall, a custom neon sign created by Ion Art displays one of the homeowner's favorite quotes: "Live for the journey, not the destination."

The exclusive use of wood, concrete, and steel provides material continuity throughout each level. Wood panelling adds an elegant canvas for memorabilia and contrasts with concrete block walls.

Stairs lead up to the second floor. The project's minimalist materials highlight thecollaboration between architect, designer and builderachieving a look that also represents the clients keen sense of modern minimalism.

Another look at the lounge area upstairs. Sheer curtains capture a delicate, stencil-like shadow from the many trees surrounding the structure.

A balcony wraps around the upper level, providing a look down onto the main parking area below. The two floors were designed to hold up to 17 cars total.

In keeping with the 80s theme, Lorenz selected an Andy Warhol wallpaper for the bathroom. Glossy black cabinetry and counters complement an edge design in the wood-clad walls.

Sited on a four-acre property atop a beautiful, secluded cove in Austin, this dream garage is show-worthy inside and out.

Read this article:
This Epic, 17-Car Garage in Austin Tips its Hat to Ferris Buellers Day Off - Dwell

The mixed use scheme, including residential, commercial and office space, four cinema screens and a roof-top caf area across two separate towers will be located on the Western Express Highway, the main route through Goregaon in Mumbai. Theplanninghas been given the go ahead in and construction is expected to start in the summer of 2020.

Satyam Towers will be White Red Architects most exceptional project to date given its location and high visibility along the Western Express Highway. Existing social housing tenants will be rehoused to new flats with upgraded facilities on the site once the project is completed.

The commercial tower will contain retail space, four cinema screens, office floors and a roof top caf and faces the Western Express Way, shielding the residential tower behind it.

The concept of the commercial tower is to have a linear core at the rear with stacked boxes tied to it at the front, with a treatment that reflects their uses. The ground, first and second floors house retail space which will be occupied by a single tenant, above which the four cinema screens have been located. These screens have impacted the whole structure of the tower as allowance for column transfers and cantilevers are very limited in Mumbai building regulations. On top of the cinema floors the office floors sit and the tower is crowned by the roof terrace with a caf area.

Originally posted here:
White Red Architects to design India's Satyam Towers - World Architecture News

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Low resource ventilator design engineering collaboration between Trevor Smale and David O'Reilly. Image courtesy of Trevor Smale

With news of COVID-19 affecting individuals across the globe, hospitals and medical clinics are experiencing a shortage in supplies such as ventilators, respirators, and personal protective equipment (PPE). However, as news of the virus spreads, design professionals are banning together with medical professionals and engineers to find solutions to the shortage.

Public Facebook groups like Open Source Ventilatorhave created discussion forums to help brainstorm, share, and prototype various solutions.A report from CNETdives into this coverage and shares which companies are joining the effort. "HP, teeth straightener vendor SmileDirectClub and various other companies are exploring ways to use their 3D-printing technology to build things like ventilator valves, breathing filters, and face mask clasps." Earlier this week,Archinect reported of Italian 3D-printing company Isinnovaand their success in designing and printing respirator valves for hospitals in the area.

Now more than ever, collaborative efforts made across various fields, including design and manufacturing, have grown. Although the efforts to fabricate 3D printed supplies take some time, open-source design files are being shared across the internet. Event Tesla and Space X CEO Elon Musk shared on Twitter his willingness to contribute to the fight.

Around the world, architects, engineers, and medial professionals are doing what they can to assist areas in need. As the spread of the virus continues, industries, like architecture, are trying to adapt and provide aid. Architecture's ever-evolving role and response to the health industry is nothing new. However, events such as this are providing professionals in the industry with an abrupt reminder of how the future of architecture, design, and urban planning will impact health service research.

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Architects and fabrication specialists join together to mitigate the COVID-19 medical supply shortage - Archinect

Even if you havent heard of Bjarke Ingels, youve probably seen his work. The Danish designer is perhaps the worlds most successful living architect. He has designed parks, apartment buildings, four Google campuses, and a power plant hidden beneath an artificial ski slope. He has also pioneered a ubiquitous brand of bland modernism that features sleek finishes and complex, blocky forms. At only 45, Ingels is far younger than most starchitects, and he wears his boyishness proudly. He has assiduously cultivated the public persona of a millennial jet-setter, obsessed with Instagram, Scandinavian electronica, and, presumably, his hair, which juts out, like one of his spiky designs, from his forehead.

Over the years, Ingels has made much of his commitment to the environment; in TED talks, he describes his philosophy as hedonistic sustainability (according to Ingels, you dont need to sacrifice comfort to live a sustainable lifestyle). And in January, on a trip to Brazil, he met with President Jair Bolsonaro to discuss crafting a master plan for sustainable tourism in the country. When critics pointed out that Bolsonaro is responsible for letting agriculture companies slash and burn swaths of the Amazon rain forest, pushing the ecosystem to its brink and displacing hundreds of indigenous people in the progress, Ingels called their concerns an oversimplification, superficial clickbait, and sheer ignorance. Architects, he said, have to engage and embrace our differences if we want to dare to imagine a different future.

Ingels is hardly the first architect to work for an autocratic leader. The Italian Giuseppe Terragni designed the Casa del Fascio for Mussolini. Albert Speer laid out neoclassical buildings for the Third Reich. Even respected modernists, such as the German Peter Behrens and the midcentury American architect Philip Johnson, tried to ingratiate themselves with the Nazis. Through their work, they gave a distinct aesthetic and cultural legitimacy to these regimes, while lining their own pockets with what was essentially blood money.

Read this article:
The Ethical Failures of Modern Architecture - The New Republic

In this difficult time that has affected every corner of society, we are not separated by borders, by nations, by color, by orientation or by political beliefwe are one species. While following the difficult protocol of social distancing, we must realize that we are connected by our human experience. It feels an appropriate time to come together in celebration of the cultural and artistic achievements of the human race over the centuries and millennia.

Introducing: Captions Only. In this series,Lee F. Mindel, co-founder of SheltonMindel, will be introducing images of places, buildings, gardens, art and architectureand the people behind themthat have made a universal contribution to life as we know it. We begin with a staple of Viennese life: the Austrian Postal Savings Bank.

Staircase view of the bank. Photo credit: LEE F. MINDEL, FAIA.

Modern thinking, science, art and architecture is said to have its birthplace in Viennawith intellectuals such as Ernst Mach, Sigmund Freud, Josef Hoffmann and Otto Wagner, the author of the 1896 lexicon Modern Architecture. The Austrian Postal Savings Bank was one of Wagners most iconic buildings. Completed in 1906, it was a new kind of civic gathering place, one that exemplified functionalism is design. As Wagner stated, What is impractical can never be beautiful. LEE MINDEL

Exterior shot of the Austrian Postal Savings Bank. Photo credit: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA.

More here:
The Architect's Eye: Captions Only - Cultured Magazine

Netflix and Hulu are the streaming giants of the industry and for good reason. There are endless shows and movies, both old and new to choose from. Since weve all got some additional time on our hands + have no choice but to hang at home, now is a great time to browse that film + show collection If you need a little help deciding on where to start, we have put a list of recommendations together for shows of all genres. Heres what to watch online this weekend {or any day of the week, really}:

It is nearly impossible to find a show that can compete with the level of charm, humor, and utter ridiculousness that takes place in this multi-award-winning documentary-style show. It depicts the everyday lives of office employees in the Scranton, Pennsylvania, branch of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. If you didnt already know that Michael Scott was the worlds best boss, you now know. Youre welcome.

This show has made major waves not only in the Latinx community but everywhere. It shows the real struggles in communities of color in an authentic and charming way. The Morales cousins scramble to save their grandfathers taco shop and pursue their own dreams as gentrification shakes up their LA neighborhood.

Finally, a series inspired by the life of the one and only, Madam CJ Walker, hair care pioneer, mogul, and Americas first self-made female millionaire. Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer takes us through the aspects of the time beyond just business and race, including Walkers disapproval when her daughter {Tiffany Haddish} begins a romantic relationship with a woman and her overall determination to create something to uplift her race. This one is for the books.

Think plot twists, romance, action, and the very real scenarios {give or take a few liberties} of teenagers in the gritty inner city of South Central Los Angeles. These characters keep you on your toes, all why gasping for air in between laughs.

The main focus is on the relationship between single mother, Lorelai Gilmore, and her daughter Rory, who live in Stars Hollow, Connecticut. Get ready to be completely invested in their lives. Fair warning, you might shed a tear, laugh uncontrollably, scream when they make the wrong decisions, and fall completely in love with them. Luckily, theres a short reboot streaming for those who cant let go.

Its the 1950s in Manhattan and Don Draper is the best Creative Director in the advertising industry that New York has to offer. This show has won 16 Emmys for a reason. Its sexy, compelling, stylized, and unapologetically ruthless. In other words, its a must-watch.

This show comes highly recommended. It stars a character by the name of Walter White, your average, run-of-the-mill high school science teacher who evolves into a ruthless player in the local drug trade. His desire to provide for his family after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer led him to break, bad.

See More: Shows to Watch on Apple TV+ , HBO GO, and Prime Video This Weekend

Based on the famous book series, this fantasy drama will keep you in the same spot from the first episode to the last. Commit to the binge ahead of time and be completely enthralled by Geralt of Rivia, the medieval-inspired Witcher, last of his kind.

This drama series hones in on the illegal drug trade initiated by the Guadalajara Cartel based in Columbia in the 1980s. When DEA agent Kiki Camarena moves his wife and young son from California to Guadalajara to take on a new post, he quickly learns that his assignment will be more challenging than he ever could have imagined.

Following the World War in Birmingham, England, circa 1919, the illustrious Thomas Shekbey leads the local gangster family known as the Peaky Blinders to think bigger than their neighborhood and fight to build an empire. You might wonder how they got their name its not a pretty story but it is impossible not to root for their every success.

There are endless movies, documentaries, and shows that have aimed to capture the essence and truth of what it is to not only be royal but to be the most recognized royal family in history, yet this adaptation seems to be the one that takes the cake. Take an unforgiving look into the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the moment she realized her life was abruptly changing forever to what has become of her reign in the modern-day.

Netflix has hopped on the reality TV bandwagon and released this hit show that follows singles who try to find the love of their lives before ever laying eyes on one another. Thats right, they never officially meet, just have daily conversations with one another through a wall. The idea is to fall in love with who the person is, not what they look like.

The daughter of a teen mother, Jane Villanueva grew up determined not to repeat her moms mistakes. At 23, her life is on track; Jane is studying to be a teacher and engaged to a handsome detective who supports her decision to remain a virgin until marriage. A routine clinic visit flips her life upside down. Inseminated by a specimen meant for a patient in the next room, now-pregnant Jane is in a situation made only more insane when she learns that the sperm donor is her boss, Rafael.

Straight from the pages of the comics, three siblings move into a house filled with reality-bending keys, following their fathers death. It sounds fun, but dont get too excited, they eventually become aware of a demonic entity that is also searching for the keys for its own malevolent purposes.

This plot isnt for the faint of heart. A biker struggles to balance being a father and being involved in an outlaw motorcycle club. Sons of Anarchy is a motorcycle club that operates both illegal and legal businesses in the small town of Charming. President Clay likes it old school and violent, while Jax, his stepson and the clubs VP, has thoughts about changing the way things are, based on his dead fathers manuscript + intentions for the club he founded decades ago. In short, stuff goes down on this show.

A spinoff series whose credits stand on its own, Mayans takes place four and a half years after the events seen in Sons of Anarchy. Creator Kurt Sutter refers to it as the second chapter of a four-part story. The scene is set hundreds of miles away in the fictional California border town of Santo Padre. Follow the struggles of Ezekiel EZ Reyes, a prospect in the charter of the Mayans.

Arguably Margret Atwoods best drama yet, this series displays an alternate reality in which the worlds elite conspire to overthrow the government, religion, life itself, and ultimately succeed. Offred is forced to become a handmaid, in other words, a slave that serves as a surrogate for couples who are unable to have children themselves. As Offred tells the story of her daily life, she often has flashbacks of her life before her abduction.

Try juggling your personal life, a career as a well-seasoned doctor in a hospital, and training incoming interns. That is just the cherry on top of what is happening in the lives of Americas favorite fictional team of doctors. Every day is completely different from the last.

There is no other family on TV like the Pearson family. The passionate romances that show the world what true love really looks like, will undoubtedly have viewers utterly addicted. Watch the lives of siblings Kevin, Kate, and Randall aka the Big Three and their parents Jack and Rebecca unfold. Its 1980, {present day + flashbacks} Kevin and Kate are the two surviving members of a triplet pregnancy, their brother is stillborn. Believing they were meant to have three children, the parents decide to adopt Randall, an African-American child born the same day.

Read More: Local Fitness Businesses Offering Online Classes + Streaming Options

Reality TV lovers, this one is a goodie. Using a unique 90-day fiance visa, the K-1 visa, foreigners travel to the U.S. to live with their overseas partners for the first time. The couples must marry before their visas expire in 90 days, or the visiting partner will have to return home. Theyll have to overcome language barriers, culture shock and skeptical friends, and family, all with a clock that starts ticking the moment they step foot on U.S. soil.

Based on the best-selling novel, this miniseries takes place in a small town that likes to brush things under the rug and deflect from the true reasoning behind their actions. Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington play opposite each other in this riveting drama about what happens when the lives of the towns most admired family begin tearing from the seams. The characters are forced to face their reality, they arent as progressive and open-minded and they think.

This is a strategic, high-strung horror anthology series where every season is a completely new story. Some plot elements of each season are loosely inspired by true events. Some of the season titles are Freak Show, Murder House, and Cult. Expect over-the-top creepiness that you just cant stop watching.

Amy, the star of the show and manager of Cloud 9 Superstore, is a hardworking Honduran-American woman and single mother. Every shift she wears a different name tag because its her way of keeping strangers at a distance while simultaneously protesting the system. Its a funny workplace comedy showing the lives of the everyday worker.

This truly modern family revolves around three different types of families living in the Los Angeles area. All three families face their own unique trials that the rest of the world can relate to in some capacity. It is an honest and hysterical perspective of what family life is like in each household.

You dont want to be a sitting duck when Professor Annalise Keating walks into the classroom. A criminal law level 100 course that wouldve been just another class to get through has become the most sought-after classroom experience due to the professors real-life courtroom experience approach to education. She is the mentor we never knew we needed.

Simply put, this is a show about nothing and it took the world by storm. This comedic sitcom stars Jerry and his friends going through everyday life and discussing various quirky situations we can all relate to, whether you live in New York City or not. The eccentric personalities of the offbeat characters make up the perfect ensemble of best friends.

In the original eight-season run of this groundbreaking sitcom, now streaming a reboot, stars best friends Will, a meticulous corporate lawyer, and Grace, a neurotic interior decorator who share a New York apartment after Grace leaves her fianc at the altar. Will and Grace, along with their best friends Karen, an outspoken socialite, and Jack, a free-spirited actor, face the highs and lows of life in Manhattan together. From sex, dating, and divorce to cutting cultural commentary, nothings off-limits.

This epic adventure transports us to the brutal and mysterious world of Ragnar Lothbrok. He is a Viking warrior and farmer who yearns to explore and raid the distant shores across the ocean and ultimately becomes the greatest hero of his age.

Mindy Lahiri is a successful doctor, but when she leaves the office, all bets are off. She wants to become a more well-rounded woman, someone who is punctual, frugal, and well-read instead of someone who is obsessed with romantic comedies and likely to give an inappropriate toast at a wedding. Her quirky personality leaves rooting for her on the sidelines.

We may not be able to have outdoor adventures of our own for the time being, but dont let that stop you. Sit back, relax, and let these characters take you on a joy ride.

Which shows will you be watching? Let us know in the comments!

Did you know: We started apodcastabout all things news and lifestyle in Hoboken + Jersey City! Listen tothe latest episode of Tea on the Hudson hereand subscribe.

We release new episodes every Tuesday!

Victoria is a fourth-generation Hoboken native, BNR in the Mile Square and part-time in Jersey City. Through playing softball for fourteen years, playing the trumpet for the Hoboken High School Redwings Band, and graduating from New Jersey City University, these two cities have a special place in her heart. When she isnt Style Assisting or volunteering at Symposia Bookstore, Hoboken Fire Museum/Hoboken Historical Museum, shes exploring everything the Concrete Jungle has to offer. You can catch her at art exhibitions, local festivities, traveling, diving into a new book, thrifting or indulging in some form of arts and crafts.

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Shows to Watch on Netflix + Hulu This Weekend - hobokengirl.com

This spring, the concept of home is going to take on a new meaning. Experts say were likely to be confined to our homes for at least a few months in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus. For many of us, this reality is just beginning to sink in. Were not going out to restaurants and bars, so our eating and drinking will be happening in the kitchen and living room. Many of us arent going to work, so our desks and dining tables have become our offices.

At first blush, you might worry its only a matter of time before you go stir crazy. But in the face of uncertainty, I propose that we take this time to beautify our living spaces and take pleasure in the comforts of home.

Its probably worth investing some time to reorganize and redecorate in order to make the next few months as manageable as possible. And Kelly Wearstleran award-winning decorator, product designer, and owner of a 50-person studiois here to help.

Over the course of her decade-long career, Wearstler has worked on many kinds of spaces, from offices designed to enhance workers productivity to tiny hotel rooms that maximize space. She has a lot of ideas for how to make small changes that make your home more joyful and cozy. And the good news is that most of them are either free or inexpensive. Good design has the ability to make somebody happier, she says. It can elevate everyday experience and also make you feel more efficient, because you feel more energized and organized.

Here are some of her ideas to spruce up your home now and enjoy the benefits long after this crisis is over.

Your furniture may not be optimized for long periods of time indoors, so now is a good time to think about moving it around. Even if youre taking walks during the day, you can still feel cooped up at home since youre not spending as much time in other public spaces such as the office, or coffee shops, or restaurants. One tip Wearstler has is to move sofas and other seating so they face the window. This will allow you to get as much sunlight as possible throughout the day and feel like youre part of the world beyond your home. (Its also nice to open the window to get some fresh air.)

It could also be a good time to think about the function of each piece of furniture in the house. If you notice an armchair in the living room that doesnt get much use, you might think about putting it in the bedroom, so you can create a quiet corner to read before bed. If youve found that you dont often use a lamp on your dresser table, perhaps you can use it to add extra light to the dining room, where youre spending more time together as a family.

Painting your walls is a cheap way to transform your space, Wearstler says. You dont need any particular skills to do it and it can be a fun, meditative activity during this stressful time. You can order paint and supplies online. Youre never permanently committed to a paint color, Wearstler says. You can always just paint it back later.

Wearstler recommends bright, uplifting colors to help improve your mood. But dont limit yourself to yellows and oranges. Pick whatever will make you happiest. If you love pink, choose a shade that brings you joy. If you prefer gray or other industrial hues, go for those colors. The point is to create a space that you feel comfortable and calm in. You dont have to paint all the walls the same color, she says. You can colorblock, or create an accent wall thats different from the other walls.

When youre working from home, dont feel compelled to stay in one spot. If youre lucky enough to have a dedicated desk or office at home, certainly spend some time making it as comfortable and organized as possible, since this will likely be your home base for the foreseeable future. But also, feel free to roam around the house. Work from the dining table one day, the living room the next. If you have a porch, balcony, or garden, consider setting up a table, armchair, or even a picnic blanket so you can work outside once in a while. The point is to give yourself some variety.

If you live in an apartment or a small house, it might be worth rethinking how you use your square footage to give yourself as much open space as possible. Space is the biggest luxury, she says. But you can create space, or the illusion of space, by moving things around.

If there are pieces of furniture or household items that you dont use and are taking up space, think about moving them out of the way. You could store them in an attic or garage, or put under your bed or in your closet. The same goes for items on countertops and tablestry to clear unnecessary stuff off so you feel like theres more empty space.

And regardless of how big your home is, its always worth devoting some time to organization. Spending a few hours tidying up your desk, drawers, or cabinets can make you feel in control of your situation and more energized. And while it makes sense to throw out items that you havent used in a long time, consider how you might be able to reuse or repurpose items that youve neglected. If youre home with a child, old notebooks or colorful papers could be the start of a craft project. If you havent used your spiralizer in a while, now might be a good time to rekindle your love of long strings of vegetables.

If your budget allows, consider investing in a beautiful new piece of art, whether thats a painting or a colorful rug. In this time of anxiety, think about investing in art that is soothing and that brings you joy, but that you will also be able to enjoy long after this crisis is over and life returns to normalcy.

As a recession looms ahead, artisans and artists are likely to suffer financially, so if youre planning to buy something new, think about supporting independent creators and small galleries. Wearstler loves online sites like First Dibs,Chairish, and Site Unseen. Many smaller artists dont have galleries or shopfronts, says Wearstler. We need to support them right now.

Read more:
Make your home more bearable with these 5 tips from interior design maven Kelly Wearstler - Fast Company

When the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order was first put in place, I thought Id have a lot of free time. Like many of us, though, that didnt happen.

Were either working remotely or looking for new work, homeschooling children and keeping them and us entertained and exercised, playing with our pets, or checking in on elderly parents or neighbors.

Rather than focusing on fear and the opinions that flood social media, Id like to humbly propose that we step away from that and use this time to improve our surroundings and our routines.

That way, well all be perfectly prepared to launch back into our lives even stronger and, possibly, even more organized.

Courtesy of Fotolia

Here are some tasks that might need your attention right now.

Set a date and tackle the most frustrating space or container in your home. You will definitely feel better afterward.

Plan future appointments, adventures or classes.

Catch up on projects that have dropped through the cracks.

Organize your home office, file stacks of paperwork and delete emails from your inbox.

Sort and file the photos on your cell phone.

Toss out expired medications responsibly (look to see where and how to dispose of them in your town) and canned foods (check online first, as most canned foods are fine to eat past their use by date.

Deep clean your refrigerator or pantry. See which veggies can be repurposed into soup or stock.

Sort and either redistribute or discard outgrown clothes and toys, and wash the remaining ones. Do the same for pet toys, leashes and bedding.

Wipe cabinets, shelves and drawers, and vacuum the hidden spots under area rugs, between sofa cushions and under appliances.

Update your address book.

Will your furniture need a new coat of paint or your outdoor cushions need replacement before summer? Put it on your list.

The San Francisco Decorator Showcase, always a popular Bay Area event, recently announced that it has been indefinitely postponed.

We are hoping to reopen later this year in the same location with the same class of 2020 designers, says Denise Lamott, Showcase spokesperson and Muir Beach resident.

Included among the class of 2020 are four Marin design companies Barbra Bright Design and Leap Interior Design, both from San Rafael; Ross Nest Design Co., based in Ross; and FDG Design Group, headquartered in Sausalito.

Here they share their best ideas to improve our homes without leaving them.

Barbra Bright, of Barbra Bright Design (415-686-2928, barbrabrightdesign.com)

Its a great time to rearrange your artwork and photos. When art remains in one place for years, there is a tendency to stop seeing it. Moving art to different areas engages the mind to see it in a new light.

Chelsea Brown, of Leap Interior Design (415-830-7460, LeapInteriors.com)

Organize. Clear out visual clutter, or even the clutter you cant see, like that junk drawer youre always trying to get to. Either one can do wonders for the psyche and completely improve your perspective.

Fresh-cut flowers are an amazing way to bring some springtime into your house when youre spending so much time indoors. I love to put a large bouquet on my dining table where I can see it throughout the house, and then cut small stems from it for bedside tables and bathroom counters. Pick from your own garden if you have one, or support a local floral company, like Farmgirl Flowers. One of my favorites is the Just Right Burlap-Wrapped Bouquet, because its always seasonally appropriate and absolutely beautiful. And Farmgirl ships nationally, so you can spread the floral love to friends and family, too.

Refresh bedding and table linens and support local businesses that take online orders. Theres nothing like the feeling of a fresh, new set of soft sheets. I love Coyuchi bedding and its focus on sustainable fibers and dyes.

Introduce new pops of color with throws, accent pillows and placemats or napkin. I love Hudson Graces Dip-Dye napkins. The hues are vibrant and perfect for spring and summer table settings. Try a color youve never introduced before and experiment with new tablescapes for that moment we can finally gather again and toast to good health and friendship.

Jennifer Patton Wundrow, of Nest Design Co. (415-294-2554, nestdesignco.com)

Hire a designer. We are fully equipped to design remotely and have designed, built and furnished entire homes through virtual meetings, emails, etc. Supporting our small business helps to support many other local small businesses (artisans, sub-contractors, etc.), so we would encourage you to reach out.

Theres another good reason to consider this idea.

Many of our large construction projects are on hold due to the recent shelter-in-place ordinance, so we have time to really focus on the smaller projects and start planning for remodels.This is the time to thoughtfully think through how you live and how you want to live. We know now, more than ever, that your home should be your sanctuary. Let us help.

Purge, refine, design. Take everything off your shelves and start over with a clean slate. Think streamlined and minimal, and focus on a single color theme.

Move throws, pillows and accessories around. We all get stuck and used to seeing our homes one way. Shake things up and move everything around. For example, move your guest room bed pillows to your living room and your living room pillows to your family room.

Fatima Silva, of FDG Design Group (415-324-7030, fdgdesigngroup.com)

This is a perfect time to purge. Spring clean for a fresh new start, as well as to help sanitize ones home.

Reorganize living spaces to create better circulation based on your personal lifestyle. With busy work schedules one never has the time to rearrange and truly experience the benefits of a great layout.

PJ Bremier writes on home, garden, design and entertaining topics every Saturday and also on her blog at DesignSwirl.co. She may be contacted at P.O. Box 412, Kentfield 94914, or at pj@pjbremier.com.

Read the original post:
Its spring, time to clean and organize - Marin Independent Journal

Emily Todhunter took a restrained approach to the decoration of her Wiltshire bathroom. She explained more to Arabella Youens.

When it comes to conjuring schemes for her own home, interior designer Emily Todhunter confesses to being something of an un-decorator. I like to live with things that are already there to see what ideas come up. In the case of this room, I left it almost exactly as it was and am delighted with the result.

This is the master bathroom of her Georgian farmhouse in Wiltshire. The scale and aspect of the room, together with the original panelling, fireplace and generous sash windows, combine to create a space that lends itself to switching off.

A bathroom is about the only place you can do that, when you have children and dogs at home, she says.

Here, I sometimes enjoy simply sitting in one of the window seats, taking in the view.

Emily was briefly tempted to use the room to create two en suites to serve the adjoining bedrooms. Instead, she decided to make the most of the space and decorate it as she would any other room with paintings, a chest of drawers, an armchair and good lighting.

Sheer blinds in oatmeal made from her own Ultimate Floppy Linen range hang gently at the windows.

They are known as Emily blinds in our studio, because we use them in projects a lot. They are great for privacy, as well as looking pretty.

The walls are painted in Edward Bulmers delicate Rose Tinted White.

White towels and a French-style bathmat from The White Company complete the rooms fresh, soothing look. And I briefly considered having floorboards, but, in the end, you cant beat the comfort of carpet in a bathroom especially when the weather outside is foul, she says.

Todhunter Earle 0207349 9999, http://www.todhunterearle.com

Of all the decorating trends that have been in vogue over the last 50 years be it Scandi, Minimalism

Interior designer Philippa Thorp tells Arabella Youens about the transformation of her Grade II-listed house in Hampshire.

Symmetry is regarded as the secret to creating a calm, coherent space, but for many designers, its more about creating

Country Life's experts have delved into their little black books to bring you the finest architects, builders, interior decorators and

See the rest here:
Creating a graceful, beautiful and above all cosy bathroom in a period house in Wiltshire - Country Life