by Furnishly | Jun 16, 2022 | Design Inspiration
Modern art and colourful furniture pieces give this luxury home interior a vibrant, youthful spin. Visualised by ZHBB Vision, this large abode features airy open plan living spaces with flexible layouts. Wood clad ceilings put a warm cap on predominantly white decor schemes, whilst black window frames and matching accents provide stark contrast. A panoramic view of the city adds to the excitement of the space through floor-to-ceiling windows. The influx of natural light intensifies the powerful moments of creativity that brightly erupt around each room. In the bedroom, we’ll discover a bespoke platform bed that features an integrated home workspace, and a colour-infused ensuite bathroom.
The living room is an expansive space that’s flooded in natural daylight from windows in all directions. A huge living room rug acts as an island on which to float a flexible furniture layout of modern sofas, unique chairs, and useful console units.
The cityscape paints a living mural around the open and airy home interior. By day the view is a sprawling concrete metropolis of industry. By night, the city comes alive with lights and glittering possibilities.
The decor scheme is based on a predominantly white backdrop that allows the more creative and colourful aspects of the home to shine, much like an art gallery.
Translucent turquoise accent chairs drop delicious colour into the white living room, which is complemented by an amber glass vase on the coffee table.
More pitstops of colour make their way around the room, encouraging the eye to wander and the mind to ponder.
A wood-clad ceiling crowns the white decor scheme with a canopy of natural warmth.
Several console units, both large and small make a multitude of homes for an extensive book collection.
The consoles themselves carry translucent beats of colour through the bright apartment.
A modern chaise lounge chair and a small side table are set by one of the large windows to fashion a comfortable and light reading nook.
An indoor plant brings a burst of natural greenery indoors, whilst a bed of cactuses grow a sculptural window box just outside.
A backlit cabinet is set into the wall of the reading nook to display a multitude of colourful KAWS Bearbrick figurines.
One wall of the living room is dedicated to all of the homeowners’ hobbies. The shelves display a collection of cameras, vinyl, and more books.
The modern modular sofa is assembled in a multi sided configuration, with seating directed toward every city view and every art piece on display.
A clear glass coffee table and a blue tinted counterpart make an interesting pairing at the centre of the lounge layout.
The translucent aesthetic that shapes much of the furniture is intensified under the influx of natural sunlight.
The large area rug brings a geometric pattern to the living room design, which helps to ground the avant garde arrangement.
Books line up along every available surface and fill every nook.
The large living room flows directly into a smaller, narrower formal dining space.
A glass dining table and perspex dining chairs have a light impact upon the narrow dining area and allow daylight to pass right through them without obstruction.
Unique floating wall shelves decorate the plain white walls of the dining room. The edges of the box shelves are perforated to continue the light permeable aesthetic.
The opposite wall of the dining room is dedicated to colourful artwork, an impactful piece with a youthful subject.
A linear suspension light runs the entire length of the dining table to distribute even illumination at dinner parties.
Instead of a vase of flowers or a modern fruit bowl, stacks of books make an inspiring table centrepiece that speaks loudly of the homeowners personality.
A separate TV room is furnished with a curvaceous small sofa design that brings a pop of blue to the neutral backdrop.
Two outrageously colourful lounge chairs stand alongside the plush blue sofa, appearing more as work of art than a place to sit.
A third lounge chair rounds out the TV lounge to complete a sociable arrangement.
A state-of-the-art TV rises from and returns to its floor mount.
In the centre of an abstract area rug, a black and white marble coffee table holds an unusual modern chess set.
A glass floor lamp makes a unique silhouette at one end of the couch.
Stylish speakers flank the TV. Whilst the TV lounge is its own contained space, it maintains an open connection with the main living room to preserve the open flow.
An unusual recreational room and workspace combo is fashioned with intriguing colourful furniture items and bright area rugs.
Three translucent orange folding chairs stand back to back on top of one of the colourful confetti rugs, resembling a contemporary art installation.
Industrial style wall shelves hold racks of art and design reference books.
A cubist inspired bookcase adds blue, green and yellow accents to the multifunctional room.
By the window, a telescope aimed at the stars marks another of the homeowners hobbies.
A double sided cabinet provides easy access to a collection of tomes.
The glass desk is set in front of one of the windows, where the workspace can benefit from natural light and an inspiring view of the bustling city. Another translucent turquoise accent chair is teamed with the modern desk design to achieve an impactful result.
A perspex football table fits perfectly with the home interior’s aesthetic.
As we move backwards into the hallway of the home, light from the windows falls short. This downfall is made into a positive, atmospheric feature with the introduction of a moody black ceiling treatment.
A concrete support column is artfully encased in an amber perspex surround. KAWS Bearbrick statues peep around the column from a striking green console unit behind.
Sporadic spotlight falls upon illustrative artwork. Light and shadow creates a dynamic effect.
Modern tracklights can be easily moved and repositioned to highlight different artwork at different times. The tracks are camouflaged against the dark ceiling treatment, which resembles the night sky. With large art pieces running the length of the hallway, its narrow proportions go almost undetected.
In a music appreciation area, just off the main lounge, a set of tensioned shelves are equipped with numerous headphone stands.
A chair with ottoman is positioned nearby, for whiling away the hours in the good company of some favourite tunes.
A unique record player spins the melodies.
Modern wall art adds character to the decor scheme. The music room also features a set of patio doors that lead onto a balcony with an outdoor dining area.
With the patio doors opened up to the world, the homeowner and their guests can enjoy the music in the open air whilst gathered at the outdoor dining table. Perspex outdoor chairs seat up to eight guests.
The chic stone dining table features a large built-in planter at one end, where small palm trees flourish and gently sway in the breeze. A frameless glass balustrade around the balcony melts almost entirely from view to reveal the spectacular city panorama in its entirety.
The clear chairs have a clean, modern look that allows daylight to pass through. Glass art drops tiny splashes of colour into the table centrepiece of the outdoor dining room.
Part of the hallway is partitioned from the main living area with clear glass walls to maintain the open feel and connection between spaces.
Inside the master bedroom, a bespoke platform bed design is lit around its perimeter with a ribbon of LED light. An overhead light installation protrudes from the ceiling, etched with tiers of soft illumination.
At the back of the bedroom, away from the window, an ensuite bathroom is installed in an open plan setting.
A modern linear fireplace adds cosy vibes to the large bedroom with open flame.
A home workspace hides behind the headboard of the bed, where it is integrated into the same structure. A clear perspex ghost chair makes a visually lightweight addition to the desk. A plume of dried pampas grass makes a textural flourish.
Drawers provide storage at one end of the workspace, whilst the desktop slides away asymmetrically toward a modern lamp at the opposite side. See more unique table lamps.
The bedroom bathtub is raised up on a split-level floor, in front of a feature wall of colourful glass bricks.
The tinted glass bricks are arranged in tonal combinations like abstract pixel art. A translucent screen very subtly divides the ensuite bathroom area from the bedroom entryway.
Recommended Reading: A Brazilian Art Collector’s Home With A Luxurious Glass Swimming Pool
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by Furnishly | Jun 10, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
Sarah Everett
Staff Writer
Sarah is a staff writer at Apartment Therapy. She completed her MA in journalism at the University of Missouri and has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Belmont University. Past writing and editing stops include HGTV Magazine, Nashville Arts Magazine, and several outlets local to her hometown, Columbia, Missouri.
by Furnishly | Apr 13, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
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Over the last two years, many people have sought comfort in books for a much-needed escape. U.S. print book sales rose by 9 percent(!) in 2021. If all that book purchasing didn’t include a move to a roomier space, that may mean you’ve officially run out of shelf space.
But there’s no reason to worry if this sounds familiar: Books can be stored almost anywhere and showcased in the most unusual spaces and imaginative ways. Whether that’s placing a shelf in an unexpected spot or designing the most impressive stack right on the floor, there’s no shortage of options, including your bedroom.
According to library designer Christy Shannon Smirl, founder of Foxtail Books, “Home libraries and bookshelves were an area that a lot of people decided to improve between 2020 and 2021, either by reorganizing, getting rid of books, or trying a new design angle.” Terri Hamm opened her bookstore Kindred Stories during the pandemic, first as a pop-up and eventually as a brick and mortar shop, to fill the void in the city for Black bookstore spaces in Houston.
Smirl and Hamm share their advice for how to creatively display your books in your bedroom, so you never have to go far to snuggle up with your favorite tome.
What Books Should You Keep in The Bedroom?
If you have room for an actual bookcase in your bedroom, Smirl suggests that you only showcase genres and subjects that you’ll want to see every day in the room where you start your day and wind down. “Which books are your favorites? Would you rather have them in this space, or on display where guests are more likely to see them?” she asks. “Are there topics that feel more private, that you would rather keep here than in a shared space?”
How Should You Style Bedroom Bookshelves?
Strategic styling can make your books enhance your bedroom’s decor. “I like to alternate between vertical (normally shelved) books and horizontal stacks, which can function as bookends or sit beneath an interesting object,” says Smirl. Facing a book out (truly displaying it like a bookstore or library does) is less common in the home, but if you have a small stand or can get a book to stand up just so, it can show off a great cover or a beloved classic.
Smirl notes that objects like ceramics, small sculptures, interesting antiques, or natural pieces like stone or driftwood can be used as bookends or stand-alone pieces that complement the books and add interest in the room.“I’ve started to notice more simple, modern bookends and small easels for book display in recent years, and I hope that trend continues for bookish consumers.”
As for Instagram-worthy rainbow book styling? Smirl prefers to remain neutral on the color-coded trend, as she’s a firm believer in everyone doing what they want with their books. Hamm says she prefers arranging books by subject over appearance.
How Do You Store Books In Small Bedrooms?
If you have high ceilings, get a bookshelf that goes all the way up for a dramatic effect that also holds the most books, says Smirl. Hamm also recommends taking advantage of vertical spaces as much as possible. “If you’re looking for a cool vertical bookshelf, check out the Story Bookcase from Design Within Reach,” she advises.
For tight corners, consider simple wooden crates, which Hamm used as flexible book displays in her pop-up bookstore days. You could use one as a bedside table with built-in book storage, stack two horizontally to make a shelf, or place one atop or under an existing piece of furniture .
Editing is also key if you’re short on space. “If something has to give, consider your personal policy for which books you keep forever and which might be passed along to a new home,” says Smirl. “A home packed full of books is delightful until it isn’t, and that tipping point is something each person has to decide for themselves.” Smirl notes that her primary bedroom isn’t big, so she and her husband the books they are currently reading by their bedsides (they also have a few bookended on top of a dresser that they’ll read next). “We used to let our books overflow, teetering on the table, a stack under the bed, New Yorkers on the windowsill. We simplified the space, streamlined what we keep in that room, and upgraded our living room coffee table — a much better spot for the larger books, magazines, and anything we’re not currently reading.”
What Books Should Go In Guest Bedrooms?
Even if you don’t have a dedicated bookshelf, there’s usually a good spot on a desk or a dresser in a guest bedroom for a small stack of books. “I always recommend locally relevant books in guest bedrooms — city guides, trail books, natural history, photography — books that will help your guests learn more about where you live (and help them enjoy it),” says Smirl. Hamm suggests you might organize books arounds a theme. “I have a stack of books on my coffee table that celebrate Black art history,” she states. “The colors of the sleeves and cloth binding all flow together although they aren’t the same color. Organizing books into little vignettes around a specific theme can be great conversation starters when hosting.”
by Furnishly | Mar 17, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Furniture
Mid-century modern elements add flair to this cosy book lover’s home, layering contrasting colour over rich wood tone. Designed by Ni Dongbo of NDB Design, a lack of architectural features has been overcome with creative interior curations of sculpture, wall art and a literary treasure trove. Mid-century modern accent pieces are combined with contemporary components to create an interesting, eclectic style that keeps the eye moving and the mind wandering. Crisp white walls provide a fresh backdrop for the bright, statement furniture and make a quiet frame for two well-stocked home library walls. The unique home is dashed with natural greenery, which freshly unites the interior with a lush outdoor view.
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- Visualizer: Meng Taichu of Jingai Vision
An elaborately patterned red living room rug instantly sets a warm and welcoming eclectic tone inside the walls of a modern white space. An armless sofa design speaks of mid-century aesthetics with its simple square cushioning and saturated colour.
The red living room rug and bright sofa make energised contrast with a host of lush green indoor plants. Beside the fireplace, a stylish swivel chair complements the plant life and the mid-century vibe with an earthy olive hue.
A glass coffee table reflects natural light from the window.
A comfortable reading chair and matching footstool pull up by a bespoke wooden bookcase. A small side table is set to one side to keep a supply of tea or coffee close to hand.
Glass doors protectively encase a Buddha statue at the heart of the bookcase. The serene statue instils a message of enlightenment and peace into the home library.
A wooden stool rounds out the library/lounge furniture arrangement, serving as both a seat and as an extra side table.
Wood parquet flooring creates a warm finish across the lounge and home library area, then changes to a more hardwearing surface beneath the kitchen and dining room.
At the centre of the open plan living space, natural wood casing transforms a basic concrete support into a beautiful column.
A second home library/lounge area is situated at the opposite end of the room.
Colourful art takes mid-century modern vibes to the library wall.
A simple floor lamp provides reading light by the elegant settee. The small lamp also casts gentle light across the plethora of book spines that fill up a made-to-measure bookcase. Hidden storage units are tucked into the wooden frame of the custom bookcase, and deep drawers line its base.
Hardback tomes stack haphazardly upon the floor of the home library, creating a welcoming, lived-in look.
Wooden volumes stack to form a casual side table by the wooden settee.
A decorative bowl and a sculptural art piece adorn the modular side table.
Across the room, a round glass dining table is encircled by a wonderfully eclectic set of wooden dining chairs that span the ages.
A wide skylight rains natural light down onto the dining room layout. Colourful works of art are curated into a bright gallery above a stairwell that leads up into the living room. Sculptural art pieces ornament the glass dining table and a plinth placed by the floor-to-ceiling window.
After dark, a fabulous dining room pendant light illuminates the eating area. This eye-catching, sculptural piece is the Taraxacum Suspension Light, designed by Achille Castiglioni and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for FLOS.
The rich wood tone that’s displayed within the collection of assorted dining chairs carries through to the neighbouring kitchen design. An L-shaped installation of flat-fronted wood cabinets communicate mid-century modern influenced style.
A modern kitchen island divides the kitchen diner into two clear halves, just behind the wooden chairs. A Chashitsu tea room, of sorts, is fashioned by the window of the kitchen where the floor has been deliberately raised. Tatami mats fill the floor around a stone ceremonial tea table.
In lieu of a proper Tokonoma alcove for the Chashitsu tea room, where flowers and a special scroll would traditionally be displayed, this home has books in pride of place, of course.
One end of the kitchen island countertop is cantilevered to form a comfortable breakfast bar. The olive green hue of the central island pops beautifully against the honey-coloured wood grain backdrop.
Rustic wooden bowls pop against a stark matt black kitchen backsplash and a matching black countertop.
Copper pans gleam on top of a modern black stove. The extractor fan is tucked away into the underside of the wall units to achieve a completely streamlined result.
The large open plan living space is situated on the second story of the home. Below it, the entryway and modern staircase design is awash with bright natural light. As if introducing the theme of this book lover’s abode, a recessed bookcase is carved into the white stucco wall of the foyer. A tall ladder back chair and a unique side table make up a sculptural furniture arrangement for the reading nook beneath the stairs.
At the foot of the modern staircase, the interesting geometric-fold lamp design is an Akari UF4-L8floor lamp by Isamu Noguchi.
Recommended Reading: A Book Lover’s Dream House With Great Nature Views
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by Furnishly | Jan 18, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
If you haven’t taken down your holiday decorations yet, what are you waiting for? Maybe you’re worried that without the tree, your living space will look a bit… empty? If so, allow us to suggest a ladder shelf. These chic, practical pieces are ideal for small homes — or small rooms within larger ones. Whether you’re looking for a spot to store trinkets, plants, books, or more, ladder shelves have you covered. Below, we selected a handful of our favorite small-space-friendly styles to fit any budget.
