Wednesday Whim - Miu Miu + Herzog & De Meuron

all images via  Miu Miu / Herzog & de Meuron via Design Boom

While it wouldn't take much convincing for me to walk into any designer store, this Miu Miu store in Tokyo's Aoyama district would be especially attractive - and not just for the designer pieces inside.

The building is designed by Swiss architects, Herzog & De Meuron. Due to zoning regulations that inhibited the height of the building, the designers tried different architectural elements to explore a smaller and more intimate building design. Working with the notion of designing more of a home than a department store, being more hidden than open and being more opaque than transparent, they decided on featuring a sloped,metallic façade that creates visual interest towards the store underneath versus an ostentatious logo display. The rounded, soft edges of the copper surfaces inside meet the razor-sharp steel corners on the outside of the metal box. Once inside, the bold use of green and orange colors, sofas and armchairs and copper material invites the customers to linger, shop and enjoy the store's ambiance.

Well, Miu Miu, I wouldn't mind stepping inside and staying a while. 

Wednesday Whim - Open Space

 images via Sinato Architects via Home Adore (photography by Toshiyuki Yano)

The unique design of this apartment (located in Kanagawa, Japan and completed in March, 2014) is based on an open space concept. An existing load-bearing wall lives in the middle of the unit so the bedroom and walk-in closet reside on either side. The windows form into an L-shape that create a flow of light and air throughout the home. Instead of creating separate rooms for the kitchen and bathroom areas, Sinato Architects continued the open space concept by designing them within the open areas. 

Although there is no "closed off" sections in the home, every space is designated and defined. By keeping the interior neutral and minimal, the home feels clean and fresh. 

Not too shabby for a dwelling inside a 26-year-old apartment complex.

Wednesday Whim - The Carousel of Light

 photos via Bored Panda via Facebook 

You don't see many bookstores opening nowadays. But, Carturesti Carusel ("The Carousel of Light") just opened up in a historical 19th century building in Bucharest, Romania. The building was formerly a Chrissovelloni bank (that closed in 1948), a men's clothing store (during the Soviet years) and then restored by Jean Chrissovelloni (great grandson of the 19th century banker) who leased the building to Carturesci (bookstore chain).  

Rather than trying to modernize the building, the six-story bookstore is reminiscent of a fairy tail like setting. The combination of the white interiors and 19th century architecture creates a beautiful space. Inside, there are over 10,000 books and 5,000 albums/DVDs. The top floor features a bistro, the basement houses a multimedia space and the first floor contains a modern art gallery. To keep up with current events, the bookstore will play host to several cultural events and concerts in the area.

The store recently opened on February 12, 2015. Pretty dreamy, right?

Wednesday Whim - Trio of Treehouses

 all images via photographer Lindsay Appel for Jane Field-Lewis for My Cool Shed via Ignant

When I was growing up, I dreamed of having a treehouse. A secret retreat. A place of my own. A spot to "get away" from adults and play with whatever I wanted. It was a kid's dream! Imagine my delight when I across these beautifully constructed trio of treehouses designed by environmentalist, Peter Bahouth and built by Nick Hobbs.

These treehouses are in the middle of a forest in Atlanta and they sit 50 feet above the ground. Aptly named, "Mind," "Body," and "Soul" they are meant to stimulate the senses. Naturally, his inspiration for these magical treehouses came from a childhood dream of building the "biggest tree fort imaginable." After six months of planning and six weeks of construction (using spare windows and 80-year-old windows) his ultimate tree fort became a reality. Suspension bridges connect each treehouse and each space is decorated with flea market finds and personal mementos. 

Pretty dreamy, eh? For different photos, read this.

Wednesday Whim - Library Life

 all images via Design Boom via Woods Bagot

Being the "good" student I was when I was attending college, I loved to study at the library. It had more to do with the fact that I had more resources, and less distraction, there than anything else. But, my school also had amazing architecture and history associated with it, too. The main library was beautiful and when I wasn't stressed with studying or writing papers I appreciated the environment I was in. Yet, when I came across the Raheen Library at the Australian Catholic University, I was stunned. This. Was. Their. Library?

In response to a rise in students, the university commissioned to have their library refurbished. The result is an environment that fosters learning, creativity, comfort and style. A lot of colleges typically try to maintain the historical and traditional elements of their school but, this library is modern and relaxed. A third story was added to the original two stories and the new space offers students and staff opportunities to work alone or together in bright surroundings. As far as the design goes, lead designer, Sue Fenton says, "the materiality of the space was inspired by paper, referencing textures such as folding, sewing, endpaper designs and bookbinding...Blonde timbers, crumpled paper lightshades and graphics that reference origami all complete the paper theme."

Wednesday Whim - Space Is Great

all images via JJ Locations via Enpundit

Living in San Francisco, or any urban area for that matter, can often mean you're limited in square footage. My husband and I are often reminded of this fact whenever we have guests come over to our place and we turn a corner and bump into someone. When I stumbled upon this feature on a London apartment I was awed by the creative use of space. 

By suspending the bed into the air the walking area is dramatically increased without compromising design aesthetics. The bed sits below a retractable glass ceiling that gives access to a 500 sq. ft. rooftop garden. With minimal furniture, neutral colors and access to natural light this London flat looks modern and livable rather than outdated and cramped.