This luxurious three-level penthouse in Johannesburg, South Africa is the result of a design collaboration between SAOTA (Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects) and OKHA Interiors. According to the architects, the client desired a home that would “showcase the evolution of 21st Century urban living, reflect individualism as well as evolve the technological aspects of the smart home, with tailored lighting and automation“. The result is an opulent apartment located on the 11th floor of a building in  a commercial city center in Sandton, which breathes, despite its integration in a crowded urban landscape: “In effect, we created a wall-less 900m² penthouse, with a garden, that gives the impression of levitating above the city mass“- stated designer Adam Court. The layout of the penthouse is based on a continual flow of materials and colors, while also emphasizing on the particularity of each living zone. Have a look and tell us what you think! [Photos by DOOK Photography]

source: freshhome.com

House Of The Tree rises above the city of Shenzhen, China, drawing in natural light through a defining feature of the space – a two-floor interior space partly glazed and open to the idea of “living between the city and the nature”. Designed by Kokai Studios, the penthouse apartment occupying the 48th and 49th floors of a high-rise building displays a splendid residential structure spreading over 616 square meters. A planted tree thrones in the middle of this high interior space, creating a dreamy connection between the outdoors and the light-flooded residential space. The design of these dynamic interiors were possible after tearing down walls and reorganizing the space. Created from the “ashes” of two separate apartments, this dream space combines public and private functions in a glamorous suite of spaces culminating with an outdoor terrace pierced by a swimming pool.

Kitchens are one of the hardest places in the house to keep tidy. They are constantly in use and no sooner have you cleaned up, washed the dishes and put everything away, another meal comes round and the cycle starts all over again. Then there are all the appliances and gadgets that you use regularly so you need them close at hand and don’t want them stashed at the back of the cupboard, but then when you’re not using them they take up valuable work surface. And their cables get in the way no matter what you do with them. If only there was a kitchen that could address all these issues…well now there is!

The new and improved Logica Kitchen system by Valcucine is the next step on from the original Logica kitchen that the Italian manufacturer released back in 1996. At the time Valcucine revolutionised ergonomics when it introduced the Logica with its 80 cm depth and equipped back section, removable jumbo drawers and wall units with lift-up doors.

Following painstaking research into customers requirements and the use of traditional kitchens,Valcucine has been able to perfect a few aspects of the Logica, resulting in an improved interaction between the user and the kitchen “system”.

Valcucine’s reinvented Logica kitchen features the new equipped back section, which is capable of containing and concealing, when necessary, all the kitchen equipment: the dish-drainer, weighing scales, small appliances, removable cooking receptacles, bottle-racks, power sockets, a monitor, a kitchen roll holder, the tap, hooks for utensils and even a cooker hood.

The equipped back section is available in aluminium or stainless steel and can be fitted against the wall or used in an island in the middle of the room. A gap for plumbing and electric connections is available on the inside giving you the freedom to choose the position of the sink and hob with no concern for where water and gas supply outlets are located.

What do you think about this kitchen? Do you love the idea of the equipped back section as much as we do?

When we start talking about outdoors and all the fun things to make, build or plant, there is always one project that immediately comes to my mind: cinder block planters. They’ve been on my DIY must do list for years now and maybe this year — this year will really be the year!

The appeal of these pretty planter groups is twofold. For starters they look chic and modern while still being cost effective. Then the rest of their appeal comes in when you take a look at their footprint in your outdoor space. Many of us only have a small deck or a few feet to enjoy. Why take up that extra room with planters? In this solution you don’t have to. Grow up instead of out!

This garden can even move with you without the idea of hauling a raised bed to your next apartment. Though it might take a little bit of muscle to move them, it’s amazing how much stronger you feel when you’re able to accomplish something for a deal instead of investing your life savings into a project.

This original collection of bathroom furnishings and fittings  takes its inspiration from the natural wolrd. The purity of water, the energy of stones, and the warmth of wood all combine to create a unique collection that creates a pleasurable new approach to well-being.

From sinks, tubs and shower floors to shelving, all the products in the collection are contemporary yet functional. From various types of stone, to wood and aluminium, the materials used all appeal to the senses in a way that evokes the feeling of nature and creates an holistic atmosphere that encourages relaxation.

Functional furniture- we all love it, especially those living in small spaces. Eco-friendly features – we all search for them and hope they become more and more familiar. The Smallroomcollection of seating elements combines function and modern design and hides the story of wanting to create a greener office space. These elements were gathered in the design of three items of 1 meter, 1,5 meters and 2 meter long that can be arranged in many ways, shaping different configurations.

Someone using this seating unit can either work on their laptop or enjoy the plants seen in the “weed” configuration or even have a conversation in the tête à tête configuration. Side and back panels are just the right height – high enough to offer privacy and low enough to avoid blocking views. Designed by Dutch designer Ineke Hans, the Smallroom also features armrests that can have different functions – simple upholstery for resting, wood-covered and with optional power sockets for laptops and a container version for storing magazines in reception areas or plants in waiting rooms. Produced for Swedish company OFFECCT, the Smallroom seating configuration offers a modern alternative for highly used office and waiting room furniture.