Nondescript cottage becomes L.A. oasis
"The big challenge facing many homeowners is how to make more out of less space, an issue that has been beautifully resolved in this house. Michael Collins and Daniel Banchik purchased what was a nondescript cottage on a small lot in West Hollywood, California, because they loved its location near art galleries. But they wanted a more functional, contemporary interior that connected easily to the outdoors, and, according to architect Patrick Tighe, the home's construction was substandard."
Firm: Tighe Architecture
Via: Sunset
"For many, the idea of prefab may bring to mind trailers and other less desirable images of housing. Instead, the new prefab is becoming the inevitable next step to 'cool' housing as home buyers look for distinctive yet reasonably priced first and second homes. One in six new houses today is a prefab and 400,000 units are now produced in the U.S. each year. More than 50% of all homes are constructed in whole or in part by using building systems -- modular, panelized components produced in quality controlled environments. This exploration of the best prefabricated houses on the market today, from all over the world, along with a resource directory on how you can purchase them, is an invaluable reference for those interested in this alternative."
"Based on original copyrighted designs, Emma Gardner's rugs are handmade using two different techniques according to their characteristics and best expression: hand-knotting and hand-tufting. Most of the designs are hand-drawn. Some are then painted in gouache, while others are enhanced or colored on the computer. Once a line of designs has been created, several color ways are developed for each rug using the harmonious color palette created for the overall line giving multiple dimensions to each of the design concepts."
"The 'Slim' is Acme Made's new bag/sleeve hybrid designed specifically for Apple PowerBooks, iBooks and other high end laptops including Sony, Dell, Toshiba, HP and Gateway. The streamlined design allows the Slim to be inserted into another bag or carried with or without its removable shoulder strap."
"Inspiring look at contemporary (1968) post war modernist residential design in Japan. Unsurpassed reference for the integration of Japanese and Western design sensibilities. Masters at indoor-outdoor architecture, these modernist Japanese architects show great attention to these relationships. The result is an invaluable reference for both architects and landscape architects. Includes the following chapters: Skylights and Inner Gardens, House and Atelier for a Painter, House Near the Fields, One Room Houses, In the Old Tradition, House on the Bluff, Town Dwelling, House for Actors, House for Actors, House with a Closed Front, House of Brick and Chestnut, Concrete Box for the City, House with Laminated Beams, Suburban House, Weekend House, House with Fir Trees, On Stilts in the Mountains, The House Called Moby Dick, Variation on the Classic Style, Split-Level Country House, Cliff House by the Sea. There are 2 books in this series. This is Volume 2."
"New from InterfaceFLOR comes a refreshing idea for your floors. It’s called FLOR™. A modular carpet flooring system, that is uniquely versatile, practical, and beautiful. With Flor you can create your own rugs of any size, install it wall-to-wall, or mix and match FLOR for endless possibilities."