Artist spotlight: Michael Begenyi's color rich, geometric paintings

I'm really going to try and feature more artists this year. As a RISD illustration major painting and drawing are in my blood, and artwork can make a huge impact in your home! The artist I'm featuring today is Michael Begenyi, I think his work really lends itself to interiors and interior design, because of his focus on color combinations and geometry and line.

Here is his artist's statement: Michael C. Begenyi teaches middle school art in Western Pennsylvania and actively exhibits his work. His acrylic paintings reflect his interests in the geometric representation of the natural world and explorations in color theory.The relationship between math, science and art is part of what Michael has been exploring with his current work. Technical precision is important to Michael but it does not overwhelm the organic and creative inspiration for each painting. 
 

 This one (full:above), (detail:below), is my favorite.  It is titled koi pond. I think it does a fantastic job of capturing what a koi pond would look like broken down into geometric shapes.  The colors are really stunning as well.

The paintings also remind me a lot of oragami, and even have titles like "Hummingbird," "Frog," and "Crane"

 The photo above gives you a better perspective of the size of some of the paintings

To see all of Michael's works, purchase, or read more, go to his shop on Zatista.

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Back to basics: Tips for room layout and choosing furniture and acessories

Furnishing and organizing your home in the most appropriate way is challenging, but the reward is that it can be a great expression of yourself.  Some people don't think interior design and architecture are such a big deal, until they see for themselves the impact that successful room decor, furnishings, and layouts can have on a house.

Serene and clean but not too sparse.

When it comes to furniture, it's easy to fall back on what you see in the popular magazines, but take time to research and stake out pieces that really speak to you and are of good quality.  Don't just buy furniture because you want to fill a room.  Taking your time to choose furniture will also ensure that you pick the best sizes and styles for the space you're furnishing.

 

This kitchen is modern and minimal in style, but not sterile.

For many people, decor and accessories are an afterthought, or they fill it with gifts from others that aren't really their style, or generic bits and bobs just to fill space.  However, if you completely forget about adding decor and accessories, your home runs the risk of looking to institutional.  Just like your furnishings, take time to collect a collection of accessories that have meaning to you, whether they be travel souvenirs, a vase that reminds you of one that your grandmother had, etc.

Functional and attractive

Two important aspects of design that are not addressed as often as the ones above are  the use of positive and negative space. Some people do not leave enough open/empty space in a room. Too much furniture, or furnishing too large for the room make a space feel tight and cluttered.  Leave enough open space - imaging the room being able to "breath" a bit.  If a space looks crammed, remove items one by one, step back and look at the space, and when it looks less cluttered, you know you're on the right path. Also consider the flow of the room.  There should be clear paths around or to furnishings, and the purpose of the room should be apparent, whether the purpose be conversing, working, or watching TV.

Luxe in style with a successful bedroom layout.

Another set of people have the opposite problem.  They leave too much empty or "dead" space in their home.  If you're nervous about making a mistake, start by collecting inspiration.  Rip out pages from magazines or bookmark images of rooms that you like.  Once you've collected a decent amount of images, review them and pick out any recurring furniture styles, accessories, colors, etc. that you see.  This will help you dictate your style.  Once you've narrowed down your aesthetic, try buying just one piece at a time, that way you won't feel like you're committing so quickly and definitely.

Stylized but realistic

Do you have any tips for a well-balanced room?

*disclosure: This post is sponsored by Minimalisti.com

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House of the Week 128: 25th Street Residence

The 25th street residence is a 260m² home in Santa Monica, California by architects Shimizu + Coggeshall. The modern addition was meant to simultaneously contrast and complement the original 1920’s suburban residence. The small unused spaces were reconfigured to handle a variety of programme and improve the relationship with the outdoors.

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House of the Week 125: Villa Grand Cayman

Located on an ironshore bluff on the Caribbean coast of Grand Cayman, the house is formed as a response to the nature of the site. The house, designed by architects YAR+D, is set on the highest point on a narrow plot, is oriented to receive the tradewinds via a clerestory of fixed louvres. The material palette of flat white paint and glistening dark plaster grounds the house to its environs and within the evolving idiom of Caribbean modernism.

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Cassina Dodo Armchair

One of the most iconic chairs copied by millions and millions of companies but this is the real Dodo by Cassina

Designed by no other than Toshiyuki Kita
http://www.toshiyukikita.com/works/18.html
In 1998 for Cassina.

The Dodo is so iconic that many of the design museums hold it on show.

The crossover of the space age and the modern contemporary style are what make this one of the most iconic chairs.

Will suit not just living rooms but found in many a office and bedroom.

Check out Cassina Dodo chair

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Interiors that embody today's "traditional"

I think the below interiors really capture what I might consider today's "traditional" home. These are all real homes, so they aren't the staged, sometimes unlivable, concepts we see in magazines.

What do you think? How would you describe today's "traditional" home?

That little guy is the cutest!

oh how I wish I had time these days to relax on a lounge with my fav magazines

a very zen knitter's nook

gorgeous room, especially love the fireplace surround

via Nesting Newbies

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Boffi Po bath-tub in Corian

I know bath tubs aren't really furniture but hey it's boffi. I love boffi and its naming of products.

The "Boffi Po" (not poo) bath tub is so simple but just amazing.

Of course this isn't an off the shelf or even custom made tub but a full reworking of your pipes!

The picture of these modern and contemporary bath tub says it all really..

Find out more here at boffi

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Living Divani Extra Wall Bed

This is one modern and contemporary bed, the Extra Wall Living Divani bed.

Italian designer furniture brand Living Divani are famed for the sleak modern lines and the Extra wall bed is a classic.

The dress photograph from above shows off just how well this modern bed works in a contemporary setting.

The second image shows off the elegant design. As with all Living Divani furniture this custom made bed can be made to fit your needs.

I'm soon to blog me top 5 beds of this year and this has to be one of them and might even take top spot. The massive PRO or even the CON with it is it would work in almost any bedroom. I think moutains views, lake veiws of city views from this bed.

Find out more about the Extra Wall Bed from Living Divani

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out of the box. india

architonic.com

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out of the box. india

architonic.com

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paper sculpture by ryuji nakamura

fastcodesign.com

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paper sculpture by ryuji nakamura

fastcodesign.com

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nursing home by aires mateus

blueverticalstudio.com

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nursing home by aires mateus

blueverticalstudio.com

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ultramodern glass cube home by october ueda + nakagawa architects

archikron.blogspot.com

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raiffeisen bank. zurich.

www.thecoolhunter.net

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ultramodern glass cube home by october ueda + nakagawa architects

archikron.blogspot.com

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raiffeisen bank. zurich.

www.thecoolhunter.net

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Take your pick: Living rooms for every taste and style

Along with your bedroom and the kitchen, I think the living room is one place in the house that should be a reflection of you - and be comfortable and beautiful. Hopefully one of the images below will provide some inspiration:

A simple and cozy country living room
via Ideal Home

A family friendly, flea market style living room
BHG

Elegant and feminine
House to Home

Traditional with a little twist of rustic
House to Home

Eclectic
via House to Home

Modern
via Home Sweet Home

New traditional
via Canadian House & Home

Which is your fav? What style is your living room?

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Rooms now

A modern, fresh environment is what I crave now! Light is of essence. Unfussy spaces with charm and character!Lots of white with great strong color accents. The white of the table stands in lovely contrast to the floor and the hot pink bench, sideboard and purple chairs. The book shelves pull it all together! You get a little glimpse of the silver leaf wall treatment around the fire place.

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