interior superior: lazy saturday edition

i n t e r i o r  s u p e r i o r

 

We've been a bit quiet around these parts since the first of the year-- mainly due to the extraordinarily time-consuming process of relocating that seems to drag on quite literally forever. Thank you for sticking around with us, though, and we'll be posting new content daily again starting this month!

We have many new features on the way. Speaking of, are you an artist? If so, please contact us at ta@tamer-animals.com to be highlighted on a new feature we will have coming up soon! 

Here are some fresh looks that are inspiring our home renovation right now. Happy Saturday, folks! :)

(.) Light, natural tones, and pops of color can really work wonders to enhance a space. 

(.) Graphic tile can add dimension to a kitchen or bathroom. 

(.) Less is more! This minimal kitchen uses color to add wonderful visual contrast. 

(.) Wide open space can be useful for a variety of activities-- not just cooking! 

(.) Furniture pieces with low, clean lines can create directionality and visual harmony. 

(.) A clean and compact workspace can ease distractions while promoting productivity. 

(.) Bringing the outdoors in can be calming and add some visual interest to your cleansing rituals. 

(.) Cozy bedding and green plants can compliment a space well. Some plants can even help with replenishing oxygen in the home or with filtering out negative odors. 

(.) Big mirrors can add dimension to a space and make it seem larger than life!

(.) We just love the gray flooring with the pops of color. The adaptive reuse of the fireplace is a nice touch, too!

interior superior: 5 Things To Do Right Now to Go Metabolist Minimal

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I've always, or at least since I can remember, had a huge fascination with Metabolism in Architecture. Perhaps it was my love for the 60's-70's or the World's Fair but much of what I love in design originated in the juxtaposition between the utilitarianism and the natural world. Metabolism is essentially that. Although the majority of features are inherently space age and minimal, the forms often took an exaggerated importance with a more organic feel. This, in some ways, was reminiscent of Brutalism but with a softer touch.

Rooted in postwar Japan, the movement began with a proposal by architects, artists, and designers to significantly overhaul the classical conventions of urban design. The sky was the limit in terms of how they represented this new form of the built environment. Think colossal structures with an organic, fuzzy side. 

Historically, the style was short-lived in terms of application but the longevity of different principles and characteristics lived on. The architecture was visionary and extremely ahead of the times with ideas that could be utilized now. For those more interested in the history and philosophy behind the movement, this book  is amazing. Although many of the buildings now are gone, or in a state of disrepair, the extreme detail of design and ergonomics were wonderful examples of what architecture could accomplish. 

I'm currently in the process of renovating a 1940's bungalow made out of marble and the interiors were severely dated in terms of having pre-minimalist bones but a lot of filler. The upper attic has a really unique layout and details which I felt would make the perfect studio to work from. I had some reservations about completely whitewashing the space but found that by taking a more organic approach it is coming together in a way that captures the spirit of this movement for me. While most modern designs don't really echo the same aesthetic, there are more distilled versions of some attributes of the style that could be utilized in our homes today. Some are more obvious than others but the organic spirit is what counts.

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I know most of us can't afford to completely overhaul our spaces or give up all of our precious worldly possessions in favor of something more utilitarian. We can, however, adapt some of the principles of this design strategy and make it our own.  I found some simple, relatively quick ways to echo this movement while still keeping it my own space and hope that these tips might help out others as well!

Nakagin Capsule Tower. (s.)

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1. WHITE ALL OVER

Metabolism was an anomaly in the realm of architecture movements because it blended the grandiose and unconventional with the organic. There are some things about those bright white, pristine walls and low-intensity contrast that set my cold heart aflutter. Paired with textured woolen grays and pops of color (orange, chartreuse, and mint being some favorite recommendations,) the bright white becomes a warm and friendly environment sans the clutter. The result was more visually open, brighter, and energizing. Muted stone elements (like marble) add additional texture to a space. 

The white doesn't have to be just limited to walls either. I even went as far as painting some of my midcentury furniture white and it made a huge impact on how open the space feels. Circular forms and organic shapes were key features that set off the most symmetrical/perfected qualities in the space. Repetitive geometric forms were also desirable. Finding multiple functions or uses for items, when painted a similar color, can give a sense of cohesion that reduces the scattered energy in our modern world. Of course, using environmentally responsible paints or other low-impact paints would be ideal. 

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2. PLANT LOVE
The unity of man and nature with technology and advancement are characteristics very apparent in Metabolism. By taking a more passive role, we can find ways to configure the natural elements with the more stoic ones. When I think of that style-- mossy forms and a good balance of hanging/potted plants, cacti, or succulents are the first things that come to mind. Basically bringing the natural world in, with organic shapes and textures, can breathe new life into your space and put you in touch with your inner spirit. 

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3. HIGHLIGHT (A FEW OF ) YOUR FAVORITE THINGS
In an age of the maximalist, it is difficult to go minimalist. But it is good to *wabi sabi* your life a bit and put meaning into the objects that inhabit your space. If it does not serve a purpose or bring you joy, it needs to go. By having more minimal features in your space, it gives you an opportunity to highlight the things you love in a more intentional way. This speaks volumes about who you are as a person and can be a mechanism for growth (as well as reducing your carbon footprint)-- all good things. 

Wood is good, ya'll. (s.)

4. WOOD IS YOUR COPILOT
Beyond contrasting with color, wood can be a great vehicle for offsetting the more clinical attributes of the Metabolist style Wood floors, some furnishings, or an accent wall can add an unexpected visual element to make your space more dynamic and aesthetically pleasing. Not only is it natural but it also has a story and a history as it was likely existing here before you were even a thought in the world.  It is a great way to pay homage to the world by showing some love for it. 

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5. A SEASHELL | A MOLD | A SPIRIT
Noburu Kawazoe wrote an essay entitled I want to be a sea-shell, I want to be a mold, I want to be a spirit and within it (albeit rather abstractly) discussed the proposed unity of man and nature. Something we can adopt from this is that, in existential terms, we come from our planet and the relationship to it is symbiotic. By honoring the natural world, we can live a more genuine life. Our environment is often the shape, or mold, that we are surrounded by. To transcend beyond ourselves and to unify with the world around us in a present way can enrich our lives and relationships in ways unfathomable. I believe, out of these 5, it is the most important takeway. By being intentional with our actions and our surroundings we can build a world that is closer to nature and our origins. 

▼▽ i n t e r i o r s u p e r i o r △▲: clever spaces

▼▽ i n t e r i o r  s u p e r i o r △▲//clever spaces

Filter harsh sunlight with some hanging plants. (via

radar magazine

)

Like compact living? Stacking is a great design strategy for tight spaces. (via

house and leisure

)

Wood and tile add an interesting dynamic to a minimal bathroom. (via

husligheter

)

Lovely colors and prints brighten up this living room. (via

sfgirlbybay

)

Found wooden materials can add texture to an otherwise plain wall. (via

a beautiful mess

) 

A wooden ceiling can liven up a lighter-toned room. (via

jas tang

)

Wooden panels can prove a unique choice in a white kitchen. (via

my scandinavian home

)

Large-format prints can be an inexpensive and interesting conversation piece. (via

lay baby lay

)

Chalkboard paint is perfect for drawings and last-minute to-do lists. (via

squarestate

)

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▼▽ i n t e r i o r s u p e r i o r △▲

i n t e r i o r   s u p e r i o r

Whether you're adding some pops of color to a dull room or completely revamping your home, here are some great ways to spruce up your interiors. 

A swing in a large living room space adds nostalgia (and great exercise while Netflix-perusing!) (via

flickr

)

Non-traditional uses of pallets add texture and form to an accent wall. (via

regards et maisons

)

Adding geometric shapes and a variety of colors can bring life to a minimal space. (via

turbulences déco

)

 Hanging plants aid in purifying the environment and hint of nature to your home. (via

insideinside

)

Minimalist drawers and maximum horizontal spaces enlarge space psychologically and provide a connection between spaces. (via

interior junkie

)

An unexpected color and beautiful tiles can spruce up  a lavatory and still exude cleanliness. (via

my scandinavian home

)

Unfinished wood adds texture and spatial form to a space. (via domaine)

Pairing a cool color with a warm-toned floor can give even harmony to a room. (via

decor8

)

Utilizing all aspects of the color wheel can liven up white walls and provide variety. (via

dustjacket

)

Angular ceilings create dramatic, definitive spaces. (via 

the design files

)

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▼▽ i n t e r i o r s u p e r i o r △▲

▼▽ i n t e r i o r  s u p e r i o r △▲

Potted plants and stamped trees bring nature inside. (via

2014ida

)

Nature prints and geometric fabrics have a charming contrast. (via

homestyle

)

Fur textures and minimal tones create variety in a room. (via

design hunter ltd

.)

Natural tones, plants, and natural light can make a space feel inviting. (via

SSP

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Leaving walls natural gives a comfortable nostalgia to a space. (

source

)

Wood textures and a small palette can add layers to a space. (via

decor8

)

Wooden furnishings and white walls can make folk prints pop. (via

vtwonen

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Succulents and wood furnishings liven up a space. (via

apartment therapy

)

Floral and vintage prints and paintings add hints of nature to a kitchen or sunroom. (via

poppytalk

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Dark walls and cascading vines cause an unexpected vibrancy to a small space. (via

martina thornhill

)

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▼▽ i n t e r i o r s u p e r i o r △▲

▼▽ i n t e r i o r  s u p e r i o r △▲

By using inventive and simple means, you can add unique geometries to an otherwise normal floor. (via d

esign gallerist

)

Raw wood furnishings and floors create continuity of space. (via

sfgirlbybay

)

All-wood floors and furnishings allow all other textures to be appear more vibrant. (via

dezeen

) 

Concrete floors and plain wooden walls have a brute elegance. (via

yellowtrace

)

 Clean lines and a mostly neutral color scheme create a relaxing living area. (via

bolig magasinet

)

Using different shades of a neutral tones causes a space to seem clean and inviting. (via

FANCY

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A singular color can make a pronounced impression upon entering a space. (via

interior design

)

Sophisticated simplicity is quite evident in this minimal kitchen.  (via

urdesign

)

 A simple palette and soft textures make for an alluring and inviting kitchen. (via

a well traveled woman

)

A simple bright white wall can be visually elegant. (via

unfinished home

)

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