Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Newsletter

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• How To Design Simple, Versatile And Functional Furniture With Gerard de Hoop
• Updated Mid-Century Abernathy Residence By Michael Haverland
• Refined St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi
• Modern Beach House In East Sussex With Glass and Timber Details

How To Design Simple, Versatile And Functional Furniture With Gerard de Hoop Posted: 14 Mar 2012 11:55 PM PDT Gerard de Hoop is an independent designer and interior architect living and working in Groningen, the Netherlands. His passion gives life to versatile pieces of furniture created to suit a modern lifestyle. The first thing I noticed about Gerard was his unobstructed attention to details. The interview is punctuated with examples and images that illustrate the inspiration gathered in the years that led to creating such an interesting portfolio. Tell us about your first steps towards design – when did you realize you want to become a product and interior designer? The first time I realized I wanted to be a designer was during the last year of high school. In that year we had to make an assignment for the “Crafts” course. I chose to make a cabinet that you can unfold to a desk. A cassette box was the inspiration for the shape and principle. (See photo CASSET) Converting a concept into a functional thing, in this case a piece of furniture, I found very interesting and fun to do. I therefore signed up for the Art Academy in Groningen, to study interior and furniture design. How did your short exchange student experience in Budapest help you on the long term? Difficult to say. It broadened my vision naturally. Essentially what I did in Budapest was photography, wandering through the city, and capturing the things I found interesting. At that time I was fascinated by the industrial remains of the communist era. For example the metal industry areas, with the old factories and machines, I found very interesting and inspiring. Here are some examples. What are the most challenging things when working in collaboration with other designers? I like to brainstorm with other open-minded designers. A sense of humor I find also very important in collaboration. Humor puts things in perspective and this can be a way to come to new fresh ideas.When you work together on a project and there is synergy, you come to a different result than working alone. It's more or less like jamming in a band. You have had many exhibitions during your career, most of them in the Netherlands, but also outside your country. Can you tell us the main difference between Dutch and non-Dutch visitors, clients and admirers of your work? Most exhibitions I participated in were mostly in the Netherlands and only a few abroad. These were not enough to tell the difference. Maybe and hopefully I can answer this in the future.  How do you see versatile furniture in a world where space has become a challenge? A nice example of versatile furniture is my design STICKS. A cabinet system with boxes in four different widths and four different heights, standing on one leg. The total height of each Stick can always be different, because of the four different lengths of the legs (the sticks). The STICKS can be used as a low board, as a sideboard and as casual wardrobe (varying in height) or loose as a hall cabinet or bedside table. It also gives you the freedom to choose your own combination, function and colors. Also the OH cabinet is also a good example of. As a single element it can be used vertically or horizontally as a table and cabinet. By piling up the cabinet on several manners, you can create yourself your own wall unit. Can you describe the design process from idea to finished product? I usually design intuitively and also find inspiration in nature, art, materials, technique and in everyday things.When an idea occurs in my mind, I start drawing in a sketchbook. After that I try to visualize it on the computer and start studying the measurements and forms by making mockups. Later on I make the proto-types. It's a long process. A study can take weeks, months or even years before I am satisfied. What is your favorite material and why do you find it challenging to work with? I like to work with all kinds of materials and I’m always curious about new techniques and materials. What are the main characteristics of your pieces, except simplicity and functionality? Versatility, surprise, graphic, and playfulness. Which piece of furniture in your home is your favorite and why? My bed, not by its design, just because of its function and comfort.Besides that, I love our Eames DAW chairs. They are very graceful, timeless and comfortable. Almost all furniture designed by Charles and Ray Eames is great and timeless. What advice would you give to those just starting out in the design field? Well they're a few things: be critical, be original/unique, find out what your interests and qualities are. Be patient and don't give up. Practice and don't be afraid to experiment or fail, that's how you learn. But most of all be passionate and enjoy what you do! You're reading How To Design Simple, Versatile And Functional Furniture With Gerard de Hoop originally posted on Freshome. If you've enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Freshome on Twitter, Facebook and Google+

Updated Mid-Century Abernathy Residence By Michael Haverland Posted: 14 Mar 2012 10:01 PM PDT Transforming a beautifully designed 1962 house into an inviting modern residence proved to be a challenge for architect Michael Haverland. The property is located in Palm Springs and it had to retain the work of renowned mid-century architect William Cody while offering its new owner the comfort of a modern lifestyle. After carefully analyzing the structure, plans and relationship to the surroundings, Michael Haverland restored the Abernathy Residence and brought into light all the original details while maintaining an elegant, updated atmosphere. Interiors were redefined and a new pool was added. This necessitated the garden to be reconfigured resulting in a series of welcoming outside spaces that care to the inhabitants different needs. A 4,800 square feet single story floor plan gathers the public and private spaces together under three pavilion-hipped roofs. The bright Californian sun is welcomed inside through new windows and sliding doors and the powerful connection to the exterior is seen throughout the house, but the sense of comfort and security is given by the original indoor/outdoor relationship, where the interior space is private and the outdoor space is patiently awaiting outside. You're reading Updated Mid-Century Abernathy Residence By Michael Haverland originally posted on Freshome. If you've enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Freshome on Twitter, Facebook and Google+

Refined St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi Posted: 14 Mar 2012 10:53 AM PDT We recently received some photos and information about a new project designed by hospitality interior design firm HBA. Entitled St. Regis Saadiyat Island, this new 377-room resort in Abu Dhabi combines Mediterranean architecture with a sophisticated interior design, Here is the press release we were sent from the project developers: “Inspired by the legacy of the Astor family from the New York's Gilded Age, the hotel combines a modern interpretation of the finest levels of service with the local heritage of Abu Dhabi. For the hotel, HBA took inspiration from their surroundings and created a contemporary Mediterranean interior design with Arabic influences. The style was further enhanced by the interesting use of local products and elements. The overall pallet has a strong connection to the island and is very light and airy with a number of natural and earthy materials, colors and shapes including sand roses and sea swells“. Find the overall design of this hotel welcoming? You're reading Refined St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi originally posted on Freshome. If you've enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Freshome on Twitter, Facebook and Google+

Modern Beach House In East Sussex With Glass and Timber Details Posted: 14 Mar 2012 08:53 AM PDT This modern beach house in East Sussex is an astonishing dream home caught between intriguing surroundings. Built not far away from the inviting beach, the fascinating contemporary home displays glass and timber details that make it look like a transitional design between a beach house and a modern residential building in the suburbs. A V-shaped floor plan allowed the architect to construct a semi-circular terrace on the first floor and a similar but larger deck downstairs. The living room downstairs can be fully open to the outside deck, but the owners can also choose to admire the views from the upstairs contemplating space. The kitchen and dining space create a seamless place that incorporates views and modern furniture in order to make everyone feel at ease. Even from these spaces, we can clearly see the influence of the nearby beach in the choice of colors, textures and art. Details that capture a beach lifestyle can be enjoyed in many corners of this house. Also, two round staircases connect the floors – a white metal one outside and a metal and wood staircase on the inside. Is this what you have in mind when thinking about a dream home by the sea? You're reading Modern Beach House In East Sussex With Glass and Timber Details originally posted on Freshome. If you've enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Freshome on Twitter, Facebook and Google+

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