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Shrinking Spaces, Expanding Horizons: Navigating Tiny Living in an Off-Grid Houseboat

Shrinking Spaces, Expanding Horizons: Navigating Tiny Living in an Off-Grid Houseboat

By Zarkon Group,13/04/2024

The judging process for Architizer’s 12th Annual A+Awards is now away. Subscribe to our Awards Newsletter to receive updates about Public Voting, and stay tuned for winners announcements later this spring.

“Water is central to these kinds of desirable ecologies that can reshape cities,” says Ham Dong, co-founder and partner of Crossboundaries. The firm contributes to creating “vital built environments” via architecture, and project blueprints are often defined by location.

In some ways, you could say the opposite is true of the firm’s latest undertaking, Solar + Design = Tiny Home on the Water. The clue is very much in the name — a modified houseboat offering the freedom of canal, lake and river life with high-end, modern specifications. Less obvious: the vessel runs entirely on solar power, making it a groundbreaking example of alternative fuel for transport, off-grid heating and cooking.

Solar + Design = Tiny Home on the Water by Crossboundaries, Germany

Putting things into perspective, around 1% of the UK population has no grid connection and uses bottled gas for power. In the US, around 12 million use propane as a primary energy source. Off-grid fuels are recognized as a substantial challenge to green transition. Solar Houseboat SYC 1415 is a unique example of renewable solutions applied to a situation that presents particular challenges in this area.

Currently floating in Germany, from March to November, the boat is entirely self-reliant. An entire roof of panels and an additional one on either side powers everything needed. That includes traveling up to 50 kilometers per day, at 7 KM/H, around the same speed as a standard canal barge.

Solar + Design = Tiny Home on the Water by Crossboundaries, Germany

On the inside, climate considerations are more hidden. A biological sewage treatment unit can be converted to drinking water, and a purification system is capable of turning river and lake water into potable.

With just 15 meters in length and 4 meters in width to realize a bold vision combining transport, architecture and interior design, a series of interlinked but distinct areas guide you through the lower deck from a charming rear ‘terrace.’ These are almost as adaptable as the boat itself. Living areas become personal gyms, with equipment hidden beneath floor tiles that perfectly complement a simple, primary color scheme and functional finish. Beds recede before vanishing, opening more space.

Solar + Design = Tiny Home on the Water by Crossboundaries, Germany

Extensive research was conducted into material quality, taking into account local and regional landscapes, and seasonal weather on a continent known for real variation in temperatures. Lessons in design have clearly been learned from the development of tiny homes in recent decades, with every inch maximized through innovative solutions.

The result recalls memories of a trip to the iconic Rietveld Schroder House, in Utrecht, Netherlands. The 1920s home is an interiors landmark, carefully conceived in a way that introduced incredible flexibility to each area inside its modest sized building. De Stijl style governed aesthetics, a school defined by bold ‘pure’ colors and right angles.

Solar + Design = Tiny Home on the Water by Crossboundaries, Germany

Back onboard, another sleeping area appears from within the helmstead — the core technical controls of the craft itself — as if to emphasize the point that this is a deftly engineered home. In doing so, we’re given a truly spectacular view to wake up to. And this could be anywhere, because the project is made for absolute mobility and designed for relocation. Simply cast off and leave when you need a change of scenery.

We can’t remember another live-in vehicle which is so closely aligned in design with more permanent, fixed dwellings. And this hybrid speaks to our emerging needs. Like the ability to move without sacrificing the notion of ‘home’, immerse ourselves in new places but not lose identity. Others are more urgent, for example developing new forms of resilience to a changing world. Or returning to others we had, in the West at least, almost abandoned.

Solar + Design = Tiny Home on the Water by Crossboundaries, Germany

For the boat’s owner, Marianne, travel was the key driver in all this. Having spent her life living in cities, most recently moving from Beijing to Berlin, her dream of navigating Europe by water makes sense. There’s always something beautifully peaceful about being on a boat, whether that’s the lone barge on a quiet canal or sole ship on the ocean.

In Europe, lack of access to green space is an increasing concern among urban populations, with a recent poll suggesting 1/3 of residents in Britain’s biggest metropolitan areas planned to leave in the future to get closer to the countryside. And yet, if the pandemic taught us the value of nature, it also made a point about the importance of connections and communities. The joy of Solar Houseboat SYC 1415 is the fact we don’t need to commit to either. We can be remote, or find ourselves on the busier channels coursing through our great cities. As such, it speaks to our current age in clear terms — a time when adaptability is becoming currency.

The judging process for Architizer’s 12th Annual A+Awards is now away. Subscribe to our Awards Newsletter to receive updates about Public Voting, and stay tuned for winners announcements later this spring.

Seven playful living spaces where swings provide dynamic seating

Interior Design

Seven playful living spaces where swings provide dynamic seating

By Zarkon Group,11/03/2024

This lookbook compiles seven living spaces where swings show they have a place beyond children’s playgrounds by providing a gleeful alternative to static seating.

Swings typically consist of a seat made from a flat piece of metal, plastic, wood or canvas, but can also be made from found materials such as tyres and sometimes feature a wraparound design for added safety.

This seat is then suspended by sturdy lengths of rope or chain from a frame, ceiling or tree.

Swings have been used for hundreds of years by cultures across the world for both leisure and ritual-related purposes, and are enjoyed by people of all ages, from children in play areas to older people who might have swinging benches in their gardens.

From basic playground swings transplanted into grown-up interiors to intricately crafted bench swing seats that look out over lush courtyards, read on to view a selection of interiors on Dezeen that feature suspended seating.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring interiors animated by indoor slides, living spaces featuring metal furniture and spaces with oversized windows.

Covered walkway with swing seat looking out onto an open-air courtyard with trees — Photo by Ishita Sitwala

Covered walkway with swing seat looking out onto an open-air courtyard with trees — Photo by Ishita Sitwala

Gujarat house, India, by Design ni Dukaan

A wooden swing seat covered in pillows is suspended from the concrete ceiling of this house in the Indian state of Gujarat.

The swing is situated in one of the house’s covered walkways and was positioned to allow the sitter to enjoy views of its open-air courtyard.

Find out more about Gujarat house ›

Kenwood Lee House by Cousins & Cousins (RIBA house of the year longslist) — Photo by Jack Hobhouse

Kenwood Lee House by Cousins & Cousins (RIBA house of the year longslist) — Photo by Jack Hobhouse

Kenwood Lee House, UK, by Cousins & Cousins

A cantilevered floating stair anchors a swing inside the hallway of this house in north London by local studio Cousins & Cousins.

The wooden seat is suspended by softly frayed rope, creating a subtly rustic composition that compliments both the poured-concrete finish of the walls and the wood used on the ceiling, cabinets and front door.

Find out more about Kenwood Lee House ›

Covered living space beside courtyard with swing seat — Photo by Yash R Jain

Covered living space beside courtyard with swing seat — Photo by Yash R Jain

Karai, India, by Rain Studio

Local office Rain Studio hung a polished wooden swing seat overlooking a verdant courtyard in this house near the city of Chennai in southern India.

The seat is suspended from all four corners by ornately cast metal hooks and links, some of which feature animals such as elephants.

Find out more about Karai ›

Living room with concrete fireplace and a swing — Photo by Chase Daniel

Living room with concrete fireplace and a swing — Photo by Chase Daniel

Austin House, USA, by Melanie Raines

Rustic Californian barns provided reference points for this house in Austin, Texas, which features a lofty double-height living space complete with multiple seating options.

A metal-framed lounge chair flanked by integrated side tables is suspended from the ceiling’s wooden rafters by two long lengths of rope, adding to the interior’s whimsical atmosphere.

Find out more about Austin house ›

Living room interior of Out of the Blue apartment in India — Photo by The Fishy Project

Living room interior of Out of the Blue apartment in India — Photo by The Fishy Project

Thane apartment, India, by The Act of Quad

Rigid metal uprights, each threaded with a cobalt-blue sphere, tie this swing seat in with the rest of the apartment’s blue-themed interior scheme, created by design studio Act of Quad.

The seat is softened by a slim cushioned pad and has been attached to the ceiling with metal hardware.

Find out more about Thane apartment ›

The Perch by Chadbourne + Doss Architects — Photo by Kevin Scott

The Perch by Chadbourne + Doss Architects — Photo by Kevin Scott

The Perch, USA, by Chadbourne + Doss

A pair of swings are strung up on the boundary between a covered entryway and a courtyard pond in this house in Seattle.

The seats themselves were made from sheets of walnut timber and intended to provide the sitter with the experience of floating above the water.

Find out more about The Perch ›

Living room in a high-ceilinged apartment with a swing hanging in it — Photo by BCDF studio

Living room in a high-ceilinged apartment with a swing hanging in it — Photo by BCDF studio

Parisian loft, France, by Isabelle Heilmann

Hooks, carabiners and thick, knotted ropes affix this swing to the tall ceilings of this Parisian apartment’s living room.

The suspended seat slots in comfortably with the rest of the eclectically-chosen furniture, including a mid-century cantilevered chair and a slouchy, ribbed sofa.

Find out more about Parisian loft ›

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring interiors animated by indoor slides, living spaces featuring metal furniture and spaces with oversized windows.

Ten inspiring living spaces punctuated by structural columns

Interior Design

Ten inspiring living spaces punctuated by structural columns

By Zarkon Group,12/02/2024

From monolithic concrete pillars to ornately decorated columns, this lookbook collates ten living room interiors that embrace existing structural columns.

It is not always cost-effective or practical for designers and architects to remove preexisting columns from interiors, especially if they are load-bearing and thus vital to the structural integrity of the building.

In the past, the structural components of buildings were often concealed within walls; however, this changed with the increase in popularity of open-plan spaces over the course of the 20th century.

Columns are sometimes placed at irregular intervals, especially in older buildings, and consequently the interior design scheme must be adapted to fit around them.

Pillars can provide a strong focal point that can be enhanced by both the choice of interior finishes and the placement of furniture around them.

Depending on their materiality and style, they can also serve as an immovable reminder of the building’s design style and the historical period in which it was built.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring interiors animated by textural burl wood, multicoloured interior design schemes and contemporary interiors that make a feature of historic ruins.

Grey chairs in living room with white column in corner — Photo by Pier Carthew

Grey chairs in living room with white column in corner — Photo by Pier Carthew

Kerr, Australia, by SSdH

The industrial past of this mezzanine apartment in Melbourne is apparent thanks to the I-beams that crisscross the space and the pair of thick plastered columns in two corners of its living room.

The functional aesthetic of the pillars is complimented by the presence of streamlined metal furnishings and offset by floor-to-ceiling wooden panelling.

Find out more about Kerr ›

Kitchen with chrome counter in JJ16 apartment by Lucas y Hernández-Gil — Photo by Jose Hevia

Kitchen with chrome counter in JJ16 apartment by Lucas y Hernández-Gil — Photo by Jose Hevia

JJ16, Spain, by Lucas y Hernández-Gil

Situated in the Salamanca district of Madrid, local studio Lucas y Hernández-Gil created a playful interior for a high-ceilinged 19th-century apartment that combines pops of colour with original features.

A pair of elegant columns made from cast iron frame the entrance to the walk-through kitchen, contrasting the contemporary units with their fluted shafts and ornamented capitals.

Find out more about JJ16 ›

Living room with concrete column in it — Photo by Fran Parente

Living room with concrete column in it — Photo by Fran Parente

Curitiba apartment, Brazil, by Leandro Garcia and Amanda Dalla-Bona

Eclectic furniture and glossy herringbone flooring contrast the weathered concrete pillar that sits on the boundary between the living and dining spaces of this apartment in the Brazilian city of Curitiba.

It has a rectangular footprint and a characterfully rough surface, which are both echoed in a gnarled wooden stool sitting at its base.

Find out more about Curitiba apartment›

Living room with mirrored wall and detailed columns — Photo by Sarah Elliott

Living room with mirrored wall and detailed columns — Photo by Sarah Elliott

Tribeca Loft, USA, by Andrea Leung

Public and private zones have been delineated by a partially mirrored wall tucked behind a sequence of three original, intricately formed columns in this loft apartment in New York’s Tribeca area.

The Corinthian-style iron pillars are characterised by gracefully fluted shafts topped by opulent capitals that feature acanthus leaves. The style was popular in ancient Greek and Roman architecture.

Find out more about Tribeca Loft ›

Living room with smooth white column in corner — Photo by Felix Speller and Child Studio

Living room with smooth white column in corner — Photo by Felix Speller and Child Studio

Mews house, UK, by Child Studio

A quartet of smooth, statuesque pillars blend in seamlessly against a backdrop of art deco and mid-century modern furnishings in the living area of this mews house in London’s Mayfair area.

The thick, pale pillars bring a dramatic air to the space, which was designed for lounging as well as hosting, entertaining and dining.

Find out more about the mews house ›

Living space with curved sofa and tiled columns — Photo by Seth Caplan

Living space with curved sofa and tiled columns — Photo by Seth Caplan

Dumbo Loft, USA, by Crystal Sinclair Designs

Walls made from floor-to-ceiling glass panels and an opulent crystal chandelier create a sense of luxury in this Brooklyn apartment.

The living room is grounded by a double-height structural pillar, which has a bottom half clad in pale pink vertical, subway-style tiles.

Find out more about Dumbo Loft ›

Living space with kitchen in corner and stone pillar in centre — Photo by José Hevia

Living space with kitchen in corner and stone pillar in centre — Photo by José Hevia

Can Santacilia, Spain, by OHLAB

A pillar with a faceted stone shaft and an ornately carved and painted wooden capital is the focal point of this living area inside an apartment in Palma de Mallorca by local studio OHLAB.

The stately pillar and dramatic coffered ceiling are contrasted by the sleek modern kitchen, but united by the use of stone in both the column and kitchen island.

Find out more about Can Santacilia ›

Living area in a wooden house — Photo by Nao Takahashi

Living area in a wooden house — Photo by Nao Takahashi

Casa Nano, Japan, by Bosco Sodi

This modest home in Tokyo features slender struts made from wood that form part of the building’s exposed structure.

Wooden seating, tables, cabinets and shelving create a harmonious interior scheme, which is dominated by both the skeletal wooden frame of the building and an open-tread staircase.

Find out more about Casa Nano ›

Vasto gallery by Mesura apartment interior — Photo by Salva López

Vasto gallery by Mesura apartment interior — Photo by Salva López

Casa Vasto, Spain, by Mesura

This apartment in Barcelona (above and main image) is studded with white-rendered columns dating from the 18th century, which anchor the unique vaulted ceiling to the expansive floor.

Low-slung furnishings provide a horizontal emphasis in the interior while the columns create a rhythm of upright pillars, which nod to the building’s industrial heritage.

Find out more about Casa Vasto ›

Brutalist Chelsea townhouse by Pricegore — Photo by Johan Dehlin

Brutalist Chelsea townhouse by Pricegore — Photo by Johan Dehlin

Brutalist Chelsea townhouse, UK, by Pricegore

London-based architecture studio Pricegore refurbished the interior of this brutalist townhouse to celebrate its concrete materiality.

In the lofty, double-height living space, a cylindrical pillar stretches from floor to ceiling in front of the backdrop provided by the house’s verdant garden.

Find out more about Brutalist Chelsea townhouse ›

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring interiors with textural burl wood, colourful interior design schemes and contemporary interiors that make a feature of existing historic ruins.

Seven cosy living rooms with industrial material palettes

Interior Design

Seven cosy living rooms with industrial material palettes

By Zarkon Group,11/11/2023

Living rooms with tactile brick, concrete and wood surfaces feature in this lookbook, which shows that opting for industrial materials doesn’t have to sacrifice cosiness.

Typically informed by old and unrefined factories, lofts and warehouses, industrial-style interiors are a go-to for many contemporary designers.

Homes of this style are often characterised by a combination of man-made and natural materials, including brick, wood, concrete and metal, and the exposure of details that are usually concealed, such as ductwork.

While, for some, the image of industrial spaces can conjure up feelings of being cold and unwelcome, this list of living rooms proves that with the right finishes, the style can actually be warm and inviting.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring interiors with furry walls, sculptural wooden staircases and rustic Italian interiors.

St John Street, UK, by Emil Eve Architects — Photo by Mariell Lind Hansen

St John Street, UK, by Emil Eve Architects

Emil Eve Architects retained the raw aesthetic of this former warehouse while transforming it into a warm and inviting home.

In the living room, old brick walls, metal window frames and a rough concrete ceiling form a tactile backdrop to contemporary wooden furnishings and an abundance of tall plants.

Find out more about St John Street ›

Living room of Michigan Loft by Vladimir Radutny — Photo by Mike Schwartz

Michigan Loft, USA, by Vladimir Radutny Architects

A suspended black-metal fireplace is the centrepiece of this lofty apartment, which is located in Chicago and dotted with floor furnishings including a Toga sofa.

The fireplace is complemented by exposed black ducting and hanging lights, which pop against the surrounding brick, warm wood and concrete elements.

Find out more about Michigan Loft ›

Gale Apartment living room with brown lounge chairs and concrete walls — Photo by Fran Parente

Gale Apartment, Brazil, by Memola Estudio

Exposed services, ducting and concrete help achieve an industrial look in this living room, which is located in a Brazilian apartment designed by Memola Estudio.

To add warmth to the space, these finishes are balanced with natural details including dark wooden floorboards and furniture, suede chairs and a textile wall tapestry.

Find out more about Gale Apartment ›

Photograph showing large sofa in living area looking into dining area — Photo by Andrey Bezuglov and Maryan Beresh

Relogged House, Ukraine, by Balbek Bureau

This living room belongs to a Ukrainian cabin, designed by Balbek Bureau with a utilitarian aesthetic that aims to challenge conventional cabin interiors.

Concrete is the predominant material, but stainless steel and wooden elements such as horizontally stacked logs also feature throughout. To add warmth, a giant fireplace takes centre stage and is positioned opposite a modular sofa on which visitors can cosy up.

Find out more about Relogged House ›

Living room of South 5th Residence by Alterstudio — Photo by Casey Dunn

South 5th Residence, USA, by Alterstudio Architecture

In this lounge, the stripped-back material palette helps to draw attention to the “dramatic vistas” over a valley in Austin, Texas.

Rough-textured concrete forms the walls of the space, while polished concrete lines the floor. Window frames made of wood and steel add to the room’s industrial look, and colour is introduced through furnishings including a tubular pink-metal armchair.

Find out more about South 5th Residence ›

Living room of A Forest House by Aquiles Jarrín — Photo by JAG studio

A Forest House, Ecuador, by Aquiles Jarrín

Aquiles Jarrín married dark Chonta wood with black-steel beams and rough concrete for the design of this textural living room, found in A Forest House in Quito.

The wooden elements help break up the open-plan interior, carving out cosy nooks and storage spaces for the owner. The seating area is warmed by a cowhide rug and tan butterfly chairs.

Find out more about A Forest House ›

Kundig faulkner Analog House Truckee — Photo by Joe Fletcher

Analog House, USA, by Olson Kundig Architects

A tactile material palette of metal, concrete and glass tones was used for the living room of Analog House, a home in a Californian forest created by Olson Kundig Architects with the founder of Faulkner Architects – the client for the project.

In the lounge, these materials are paired with light wooden floors and minimalist furnishings including hanging lights, a sleek black sofa and tubular chairs.

Find out more about Analog House ›

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring interiors with furry walls, sculptural wooden staircases and rustic Italian interiors.

Linehouse designs coastal living for Cape Drive residence in Hong Kong

Interior Design

Linehouse designs coastal living for Cape Drive residence in Hong Kong

By Zarkon Group,25/10/2023

Chinese studio Linehouse has designed the interiors of Cape Drive Residence in Hong Kong to respond to the surrounding coastal views.

Located on the south side of Hong Kong Island, the three-floor home is a short walk from the beaches of Stanley and Chung Hom Kok and has panoramic ocean views to the east and west from its elevated position.

“The design harnesses a costal essence through materiality, light and an easy flow, seamlessly connecting the interior and exterior spaces,” Linehouse explained.

Linehouse Cape Drive residence — The home is located on the south side of Hong Kong Island with expansive ocean views

An open living area on the ground floor connects to the kitchen and dining space while an internal courtyard was inserted between theses areas and includes a centralised tree and surrounding seating.

The living area extends to the main terrace with full-height windows that frame the expansive ocean views.

Clad in stone, the terrace forms a sunken seating area with pockets of greenery surrounding it, which shelters the sea wind.

Linehouse Cape Drive residence — A timber staircase framed by a shuttered screen connects all three floors

White timber louvers were used as a continuous ceiling plane in the living area which also extends to the terrace as a canopy.

“The design of the home reflects the relaxed and laidback lifestyle of a beach setting,” said the studio. “Warm tones, tactile surfaces and textures, a clean and simple material palette, and a seamless flow between inside and out.”

Linehouse Cape Drive residence — An outdoor terrace was clad in stone with a sunken seating area

“Cape Drive Residence offers the fitting backdrop for coastal living,” it continued.

A warm oak timber staircase was punctuated by a shuttered screen that runs vertically through all levels of the home while arranging more private areas such as bathing and dressing.

The whitewashed timber material of the screen echoes the coastal location and reflects light through the spaces.

A white metal rod screen can be slide open at each level, offering transparency and light through different spaces.

Linehouse Cape Drive residence — An internal courtyard was inserted between the dining and kitchen area

Bedrooms, a second living area and a study were placed on the upper two levels, all with coastal views.

The same whitewashed timber material used on the shuttered screen was adopted to form storage, seating and shelving in these private spaces, providing a textural contrast to the hand-raked plaster walls.

The bathrooms add a fresh moment of colour into the space, using patterned tiles handmade in Portugal by Elisa Passino.

Linehouse Cape Drive residence — Shelving and storage spaces were created from whitewashed timber material

Linehouse was founded by Alex Mok and Briar Hickling in 2013 and the duo went on to win emerging interior designer of the year at the 2019 Dezeen Awards.

The studio has recently completed a guesthouse in Hong Kong that evokes the comfort of home and a Mediterranean restaurant in Shanghai with natural, tactile materials.

The photography is by Jonathan Leijonhufvud.

Project credits:

Design: Linehouse
Design principal: Briar Hickling
Design team: Ricki-Lee Van Het Wout, Cindy Pooh

Eight living rooms featuring low-slung furniture and seating

Interior Design

Eight living rooms featuring low-slung furniture and seating

By Zarkon Group,07/10/2023

Low-back sofas and armchairs play a key role in our latest lookbook, which explores how low-slung furniture can make living rooms feel more relaxed and less formal.

When lounge furniture sits low to the ground, it can make a big difference to the mood of the room.

Low-back seats are typically more generous in width, so the sitting position doesn’t have to be as upright. This means sofas can sometimes feel more like beds.

This type of furniture works well in open-plan interiors, as it can divide up the space without making different areas feel too separate. But it can also be used to soften rooms that are heavily decorative.

Read on for eight examples, including a London loft renovation and a California home.

This is the latest in our lookbook series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, other recent lookbooks feature colourful bedrooms and kitchens with tiled worktops.

Lounge windows in St John Street warehouse apartment by Emil Eve Architects — Photo is by Mariell Lind Hansen

St John Street, UK, by Emil Eve Architects

The aim behind this renovation of a former warehouse space in London’s Clerkenwell neighbourhood was to make it feel more comfortable without losing its industrial character.

A low-slung, L-shaped sofa helps to create that mood in the living space. Other furniture elements are also set low, allowing the exposed brickwork walls to be the key focal point.

Find out more about St John Street ›

Vasto gallery by Mesura apartment interior — Photo is by Salva López

Casa Vasto, Spain, by Mesura

This converted factory apartment in Barcelona’s El Poblenou neighbourhood doubles as a gallery, so it plays host to an ever-changing roster of collectable art and design pieces.

Low-lying furnishings help to enhance the apartment’s high, vaulted ceilings, creating an optimal setting for display.

They include a modular sofa system that can be arranged in different ways and an equally low coffee table made out of construction waste.

Find out more about Casa Vasto ›

Minimalist living room inside House by the Sea by Of Architecture — Photo is by Lorenzo Zandri

House by the Sea, UK, by Of Architecture

The open-plan ground floor of this seaside house in Cornwall includes two lounge spaces. One is designed as a snug, with a high-back sofa and a hearth, while the other has a more casual feel.

The sofa in this second space is a modular L-shaped piece, upholstered in beige marl fabric.

Its low back helps the space feel connected with the adjacent kitchen and allows views across to the expansive sliding windows, which offer a view of Newquay’s picturesque Pentire Steps beach.

Find out more about House by the Sea ›

Sausalito Outlook by Feldman Architecture — Photo is by Joe Fletcher

Sausalito Outlook, USA, by Feldman Architecture

The living room of this renovated 1970s house on San Francisco Bay features an iconic low-slung seating design that was launched around the same time.

Designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 and produced by Ligne Roset, the Togo chairs and sofas look like slouchy, oversized cushions, but their foam filling is surprisingly supportive.

Here, they create two seating areas that can be used for reading, watching television or looking out at the sea view.

Find out more about Sausalito Outlook ›

Family lounge in Twentieth house by Woods and Dangaran — Photo is by Joe Fletcher

Twentieth, USA, by Woods + Dangaran

Generous, low furniture pieces are a recurring theme in this three-storey house in Santa Monica, which was designed to be practical for day-to-day life and able to host parties and gatherings.

The most striking example is a set of four club chairs with swivel bases, organised around a polished stone coffee table in one of two ground-floor living rooms.

Find out more about Twentieth ›

Exterior of NZ10 Apartment in Spain by Auba Studio — Photo is by José Hevia

NZ10 Apartment, Spain, by Auba Studio

Low-back furniture can work well in rooms that connect indoors with outdoors, where the atmosphere is typically less formal. This apartment in Palma de Mallorca is a prime example.

Located in a converted bakery, the home features full-height sliding doors that connect a rear lounge space with patio terrace. The room is furnished with a casual, low sofa that extends all the way along one side.

Find out more about NZ10 Apartment ›

Canal Saint-Martin apartment by Rodolphe Parente — Photo is by Giulio Ghirardi

Apartment Canal Saint-Martin, France, by Rodolphe Parente

The living room of this renovated Haussmann-era apartment in Paris centres around a sculptural vintage sofa, upholstered in mustard-yellow velvet.

The piece has a formal, geometric shape that complements the building’s period details, while its low shape offers a contemporary feel that is echoed by other playful artworks and furnishings in the room.

Find out more about Apartment Canal Saint-Martin ›

Low-slung sofa in Sag Harbor 2 — Photo is by Read McKendree

Sag Harbor 2, USA, by KOS+A

Sunset views were a priority for the owners of this waterfront house in the Hamptons, the popular retreat destination for New Yorkers.

The waterfront facade is largely glazed to maximise views, so it made sense to choose unobtrusive furniture. For the family lounge, this meant a low-slung L-shaped sofa and a curved club chair.

Find out more about Sag Harbor 2 ›

This is the latest in our lookbook series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, other recent lookbooks feature colourful bedrooms and kitchens with tiled worktops.

Eight living rooms enhanced by decorative and striking art pieces

Interior Design

Eight living rooms enhanced by decorative and striking art pieces

By Zarkon Group,24/09/2023

For our latest lookbook, we have gathered eight examples of serene living rooms where well-curated artworks add a touch of creativity.

Paintings, sculptures and other art pieces can add a more personal feel to interiors, as seen in these eight art-filled living rooms.

While some have gone all in on the art, others chose just one or two signature pieces to create a creative atmosphere.

Either way, smartly placed artworks can enhance an interior and give homes a more personal feel.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring living rooms with cowhide rugs, monochrome interiors and basement apartments.

Amagansett house by Athena Calderone — Photo by Nicole Franzen

Amagansett house, US, by Athena Calderone

Plaster walls, marble details and linen fabric were used to decorate this renovated mid-century home in Long Island, New York.

Owner and designer Athena Calderone also added plenty of sculptures and paintings to the interior, including in the living room where white artworks with playful textures and shapes add interest to the pale walls.

Find out more about the Amangansett house ›

Living room with mosaic and gallery walls — Photo by Fran Parente

Gale Apartment, Brazil, by Memola Estudio

Brazilian studio Memola Estudio aimed to balance natural and industrial materials in this apartment in São Paulo, which has a double-height living room.

The owners took advantage of the height to create a gallery wall on one side of the living room. Artworks also decorate an adjacent mosaic wall, giving the whole room a gallery-like feel.

Find out more about Gale Apartment ›

Vasto gallery by Mesura apartment interior — Photo by Salva López

Casa Vasto, Spain, by Mesura

Designed to be both an apartment and an art gallery, this home in a former factory in Barcelona features an exquisitely curated living and exhibition space.

A large abstract blue-and-beige painting sits on top of a low bookshelf, which also displays a sculpture and multiple smaller paintings.

Find out more about Casa Vasto ›

Living room in Kew Residence by John Wardle Architects in Melbourne, Australia — Photo by Trevor Mein and Sharyn Cairns

Kew Residence, Australia, by John Wardle Architects

A large contemporary painting in a bright green hue decorates the living room of this house in Melbourne, the home of architect John Wardle.

Other artful details include playful side tables held up by mannequins, a sculptural wooden coffee table and numerous small vases and sculptures.

Find out more about Kew Residence ›

Living room in Riverside Tower flat — Photo by Olmo Peeters

Riverside Tower, Belgium, by Studio Okami Architecten

Located inside the brutalist Riverside Tower in Antwerp, this pared-back apartment has made a feature out of its original concrete structure.

In the living room, the material is juxtaposed with a dark blue wall and a large painting in green and blue hues. Cosy leather sofas and green plants add a homely feel.

Find out more about Riverside Tower ›

Photograph showing large sofa in living area looking into dining area — Photo by Andrey Bezuglov and Maryan Beresh

Log cabin, Ukraine, by Balbek Bureau

This house in Ukraine, a modern interpretation of a log cabin, features a number of striking and strategically placed artworks in the open-plan living room and dining room.

Above the dining table hangs a large painting in a neo-expressionist style, integrating turquoise, white and pink to create an eye-catching focal point among the room’s more neutral colours.

Find out more about the log cabin ›

Malibu Surf Shack by Kelly Wearstler — Photo by by Ingalls Photography and Mark Durling Photography

Malibu Surf Shack, USA, by Kelly Wearstler

Designer Kelly Wearstler created Malibu Surf Shack, a renovated 1950s beachfront cottage, as a bohemian retreat for herself and her family.

Its wood-clad living room has been enhanced by artworks in tonal colours that match the warm panelling, as well as tactile timber sculptures and geometric stone tables.

Find out more about Malibu Surf Shack ›

Canal Saint-Martin apartment by Rodolphe Parente — Photo by Giulio Ghirardi

Paris apartment, France, by Rodolphe Parente

This apartment in a Haussmann-era building in Paris was given a makeover by interior designer Rodolphe Parente.

Parente played with contrasting materials and colour palettes in the apartment, which was designed around the owner’s “radical” art collection. In the living room, a framed photo print hangs on an otherwise empty wall overlooking two sculptural coffee tables.

Find out more about the Paris apartment ›

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring living rooms with cowhide rugs, monochrome interiors and basement apartments.

Ten living rooms decorated with textural cowhide rugs

Interior Design

Ten living rooms decorated with textural cowhide rugs

By Zarkon Group,17/09/2023

From a ranch in Colorado to a treehouse in Australia, the living spaces in this lookbook are united by the grounding presence of cowhide rugs.

Animal skins have been used in dwellings for warmth and decoration for thousands of years. More recently, cowhide rugs – which were popularised in America – have become a common sight in interiors around the world, thanks to their recognisable pattern, outline and durability.

Each hide has unique colourations and patterning, with variations in texture depending on the breed of the animal. One side features the hair, while the reverse is plain leather – the result of the tanning process.

Cowhides imbue a cosy cabin-like feel, and can both blend into rustic homes and add timeless contrast in more minimalist interior schemes.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring underground bedrooms, kitchens that combine stone with wood and interiors with bright yellow accents.

Bully Hill House by Studio MM — Photo by Brad Feinknopf

Bully Hill House, USA, by Studio MM

A tan and white cowskin rug adds warmth to this lofty living space in a rural house in upstate New York.

The skewbald floor covering lends a rustic edge to the living space, and is bolstered by the saloon-style bar stools and a fire surround clad in Corten steel with a niche for storing chopped firewood.

Find out more about Bully Hill House ›

Seating area with cow hide rug and book shelves — Photo by Fernando Marroquín, Jaime Navarro and Beto Lanz

Mexican house, Mexico, by Amezcua

A dappled cowskin rug adorns the volcanic stone floor of the living room in this modular holiday house in Mexico.

The brown and white rug zones the seating area, which comprises two chairs and a side table made from wood and leather and is flanked by a simple bookshelf in matching hues.

Find out more about the Mexican house ›

Open-plan living and dining room in a timber farmhouse with open walls — Photo by Christopher Stark

Sonoma farm house, USA, by Tyreus Design Studio

Nature is ever-present in this house in California, thanks to its expansive sliding doors as well as the earthy elements of the interior scheme, including a pale cowskin rug.

The lightly dappled coat appears to glow in the sunlight and echoes the striated white marble kitchen counter on the other side of the interior.

Find out more about Sonoma farm house ›

Seating area in front of large window overlooking trees — Photo by Matthew Millman

Paintbrush Residence, USA, by CLB Architects

A vast picture window and a cylindrical log burner flank the cowhide floor covering in this contemplative seating area in a house in Wyoming.

The curving outline of the grey and white hide provides a textural contrast to the regular linear shapes in the timber wall and ceiling cladding that encloses the area.

Find out more about Paintbrush Residence ›

Photograph showing loft room with skylight and chair — Photo by BoysPlayNice

Czech house, Czech Republic, by Atelier SAD and Iveta Zachariášová

This gabled living space in the ceiling of a house in the Czech Republic is dominated by a large brindle cowhide.

The rug’s naturally irregular patterning is offset by the geometric floor lamp and a ribbed seat covered in black-and-white zigzag upholstery.

Find out more about the Czech house ›

Interior of Pepper Tree Passive House by Alexander Symes — Photo by Barton Taylor

Pepper Tree Passive House, Australia, by Alexander Symes

A cream cowhide with a pronounced brown stripe running down its centre straddles two types of flooring in this unique house in New South Wales, Australia.

Built around a 60-year-old pepper tree, the interior has a fundamentally neutral colour palette punctuated by plants.

Find out more about Pepper Tree Passive House ›

Living room and kitchen with brown cow hide rug — Photo by Cristóbal Palma

LBS house, Chile, by Umberto Bonomo and Felipe Alarcón

Overlooking a V-shaped wall made from cinder blocks, the industrial-style living space in this Chilean house is softened by the presence of a glossy brown cowhide.

The use of concrete and metal throughout the interior is offset by the rug’s organic feel.

Find out more about LBS house ›

Reforma Alas by OMCM Arquitectos — Photo by Leo Mendez

Reforma Alas, Paraguay, by OMCM Arquitectos

A classic black-and-white spotted cowhide lines the floor in the airy open-plan living room of this house in Paraguay.

The rug provides a focal point in the otherwise minimally decorated space, which is defined by the use of grey and white hues on the walls and floors.

Find out more about Reforma Alas ›

Rockham House is a house in Devon that was designed by Studio Fuse — Photo courtesy of Studio Fuse

Rockham House, UK, by Studio Fuse

The laid-back living room in this house in Devon centres around a pale cowskin that sprawls across the concrete floor.

The room’s broad picture windows frame views of the countryside, with the hide retaining the space’s cosiness with help from a suspended fireplace.

Find out more about Rockham House ›

Goatbarn Lane by Renee Del Gaudio — Photo by David Lauer

Goatbarn Lane, USA, by Renée del Gaudio Architecture

An orange leather sofa, a side table made from gnarled wood and a light-coloured brindle cowskin rug huddle around a fireplace in the corner of the living room in this house in the Rocky Mountains.

Despite the rugged setting, warmth and comfort are instilled in the interior through the use of soft furnishings and warm-toned wooden floors.

Find out more about Goatbarn Lane ›

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring underground bedrooms, kitchens that combine stone with wood and interiors with bright yellow accents.

Eight sunny yellow interiors from kitchens to living rooms

Interior Design

Eight sunny yellow interiors from kitchens to living rooms

By Zarkon Group,13/08/2023

One-palette rooms and statement staircases are featured in our latest lookbook, which explores the best yellow interiors from the Dezeen archives.

From soft, buttery hues to vivid primary colours and deeper mustards, these residential and commercial spaces have challenged the use of traditional shades to create unique, eye-catching yellow interiors.

The use of yellow has been incorporated into bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and facades, whether it is contrasting with brighter colours, blending with other honey tones or standing out against neutral materials.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring interiors with lime plaster walls, Barbiecore pink aspects and retro nods to Wes Anderson.

Beresford Road by Russian for Fish — Photography is by Peter Landers

Beresford Road property, London, by Russian for Fish

This London-based apartment features a statement yellow kitchen that was used to brighten the basement and complement the other colours in the space. Russian for Fish used the same vivid shade throughout the entirety of the kitchen, which also continues to the staircase.

Plant pots are added to the area to create dimension, with the green tones adding more colour to the otherwise yellow and neutral home.

“Yellow is a great colour – it brings out the ochre tones of the natural concrete floor, compliments the off-white walls, and creates warmth throughout the flat, even on the dullest of days,” says architect and founder at Russian for Fish, Pereen d’Avoine.

Find out more about Beresford Road property ›

Seven Lives by Anna and Eugeni Bach — Photography is by Eugeni Bach

Seven Lives, Spain, by Anna and Eugeni Bach

Spanish architecture studio Anna and Eugeni Bach built this apartment block in Barcelona, adding primary yellow features to the facade that add a vibrant touch to the interiors.

The building has yellow window frames and grills, balconies and blinds that are all visible from the apartments, as well as yellow internal doors to the balconies. These statement attributes contrast with the grey stucco and internal walls.

The shade – which was selected as it was approved by the area’s regulators – is also used in the communal staircase.

Find out more about Seven Lives ›

Bright yellow modular kitchen in compact apartment — Photography is by René de Wit and Pim Top

Residential complex, The Netherlands, by Shift Architecture Urbanism

A variety of bright colours were used to decorate this residential complex designed by Shift Architecture Urbanism in Amsterdam. The 235 apartments feature shades of yellow, green, blue, red in the furniture, fixtures and appliances to create a playful atmosphere.

The homes feature laminate floors, white walls and concrete ceilings that create a neutral base for the additional colours used for the modular units, cupboard-style bedrooms and ceramic tiled walls.

Find out more about the residential complex ›

Photo of a room with a yellow ceiling — Photography is by Jesper Westblom

Apartment, Sweden, by Westblom Krasse Arkitektkontor

This apartment in Stockholm uses plenty of primary colours, with reds, blues and yellows used on the walls and on the furniture.

A butter shade decorates the walls of the main and children’s bedrooms, and is complimented by a sunshine hue on the ceiling. Soft yellow shades are also used to contrast maroon tiles and doors throughout the home.

Yellow accents can also be found on its accessories, such as lamps, crockery and artwork.

Find out more about the Stockholm apartment ›

Interiors of Casa Collumpio by MACH — Photography is by Del Rio Bani

Casa Collumpio, Spain, by MACH

MACH designed this industrial-style house in Barcelona with lemon-yellow steelwork used on the interior and exterior.

Used as a focal point among grey concrete and wooden cladding, a bright yellow staircase with a protective mesh panel connects the upper floors of the building. To complement the feature, yellow stripes are added to the white kitchen cupboards.

The colour continues on the steelwork around the door, forming a decorative statement around the windows at the front and back of the home.

Find out more about Casa Collumpio ›

Duplex in Sant Gervasi by Arquitectura-G — Photography is by José Hevia

Apartment, Spain, by Arquitectura-G

Arquitectura-G designed the interiors of this apartment in Barcelona with pastel yellow tones to create a lighter, more open space. The walls and floor of the space are covered in glazed square tiles, with the metal kitchen units matching in a similar tone.

Yellow furniture, such as a sofa and cupboards, complement the apartment’s colour palette.

“We prefer to use the same colour in the whole project, in order to give a strong visual impact and make it an essential part of the house’s identity,” sids Arquitectura-G.

Find out more about the Spanish apartment ›

Photo of a cafe in Stockholm — Photography is by Mikael Lundblad

Cafe Banacado, Sweden, by ASKA

ASKA has created a picturesque cafe in Stockholm informed by film director Wes Anderson’s aesthetics, using shades of mustard, cream, pink and brown to adorn the space.

The yellow checkerboard floor was influenced by traditional Cuban styles of interiors and mirrored by similar tones in the tiled table tops.

“In order to create an environment that feels harmonious we work with subtle layering and tone in tone methods,” said ASKA co-founder Madeleine Klingspor. “The same yellow is used on the walls, lamps, tables and floor but in different scales and intensity,”

Find out more about Cafe Banacado ›

Pink, grey and chrome Kitchen in JJ16 apartment by Lucas y Hernández-Gil — The photography is by Jose Hevia

JJ16, Spain, by Lucas y Hernández-Gil

Citrus yellow offsets petal pink in this Madrid apartment by Lucas y Hernández-Gil, with a yellow built-in bookshelf lining the length of the corridor.

The hallway leads to the kitchen, which features a contrasting soft pink floor and walls and matte grey units.

The rest of the space has been decorated with similarly vivid colours and prints, including neon orange storage hidden by white doors, blue checkerboard flooring and an aubergine wardrobe.

Find out more about JJ16 ›

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring interiors with lime plaster walls, Barbiecore pink aspects and retro nods to Wes Anderson.

Eight airy interiors that draw on Mediterranean living

Interior Design

Eight airy interiors that draw on Mediterranean living

By Zarkon Group,23/07/2023

With summer in full flow, we have gathered eight residential and hotel interiors for our latest lookbook that each has a breezy and cooling Mediterranean style.

Mediterranean interiors can often be defined by their minimal, paired back aesthetic that focuses on creating bright, airy and cool living spaces that offer an escape from the heat of the sun.

White-washed walls, exposed brick and stone or terracotta floors typically serve as the basis for these interiors with furniture made from natural materials.

From hotels in Greece built into caves to a home in a former ruin in France, here are eight interiors that are influenced by the Mediterranean.

This is the latest in our lookbook series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring Barbie-pink interiors, rustic interiors and Wes Anderson-style interiors.

MA House by Timothee Mercier from Studio XM — Photo is by Simone Bossi

MA House, France, by Timothee Mercier

Architect Timothee Mercier of Studio XM converted this former ruined farm building in Vacluse, France into a home that aimed to honour the original features of the building.

The interior of the home was blanketed in white, covering its walls and exposed stone surfaces. The space was sparsely decorated with light wood furnishings and natural materials to give the interior a Mediterranean feel.

Find out more about MA House ›

Casa A690 by Fino Lozano — Photo is by César Béjar

Casa A690, Mexico, by Delfino Lozano

Named Casa A690, this three-storey building dates back to the 1970s. It was renovated by Mexican architect Delfino Lozano who looked to combine Mediterranean and Mexican aesthetics.

“We use the term Mexiterraneo to describe the materials and feeling we try to give our projects, in which we interpret the Mediterranean architecture – simple, pure materials – and mix it with our Mexican traditional architecture,” said Lozano.

Find out more about Casa A690 ›

Berlin summer loft by Loft Szczecin — Photo is by Karolina Bąk

Berlin summer loft, Germany, by Loft Szczecin

Polish studio Loft Szczecin looked to historic Mediterranean architecture when overhauling the interior of this apartment in the suburbs of Berlin.

The brick walls of the home were painted white while the floors of the interior were finished with old bricks that were sourced from industrial demolitions across Poland. Throughout the apartment, doors were removed to create more of an open-plan interior.

Find out more about Berlin summer loft, ›

Pura Comporta by Falcão de Campos — Photo is by Fernando Guerra

Pura Comporta, Portugal, by Falcão de Campos

In Portugal, Lisbon studio Falcão de Campos implemented a Mediterranean-informed interior scheme throughout this triple-pitched roof beach house.

White walls were paired with minimal architectural detailing and finishes to achieve a Mediterranean look. A natural-toned rug was used to zone the living area, while a 10-person wooden table occupies the dining area of the home.

Find out more about Pura Comporta ›

Saint Hotel by Kapsimalis Architects — Photo is by Giorgos Sfakianakis

Saint Hotel, Greece, by Kapsimalis Architects

Greek architecture studio Kapsimalis Architects transformed a series of former homes, barns and cellars on the island of Santorini into a hotel with rooms in caves.

The interior was designed to match the all-white exterior of the hotel. Each of the rooms features an almost all-white finish with the exception of their poured concrete floors and furnishings.

Find out more about Saint Hotel ›

Summer house on the mountain by Kapsimalis Architects

Summer house, Greece, by Kapsimalis Architects

Large arched openings add character to the open-plan interior of these Santorini apartments, which were designed by Kapsimalis Architects.

Throughout the space, small, wood-framed windows pierce the walls and furniture was organised sparsely.

Find out more about summer house›

Las 3 Marías by Bajet Giramé and Nicolas Burckhardt — Photo is by José Hevia

Las 3 Marías, Spain, by Bajet Giramé and Nicolas Burckhardt

Terracotta tile floors, large arched openings and bi-folding glass doors blend the boundaries of the interior and exterior at this Spanish holiday home, which was designed by Bajet Giramé and Nicolas Burckhardt.

Much like homes found across the Mediterranean, white stucco covers its walls and Valencian terracotta tiles run through both the interior and exterior.

Find out more about Las 3 Marías ›

Woorak House in Palm Beach, Sydney designed by CM Studio — Photo is by Prue Ruscoe

Woorak House, Australia, by CM Studio

CM Studio looked to bring a coastal, Mediterranean feel to the interior of this home in Australia through the use of a paired back interior palette and natural materials such as wood, stone and paper.

In the dining room, a wooden table, chairs and bench were placed beside a glazed corner of the home beneath exposed beams that run through the home.

Find out more about Woorak House ›

This is the latest in our lookbook series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring Barbie-pink interiors, rustic interiors and Wes Anderson-style interiors.