ARTISAN LVTN: scandinavian

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design project

PROJECT: Viera Studio + IKEA Chic

Living in the city usually means living small, especially when it's near one of the busiest entertainment districts of the...

Living in the city usually means living small, especially when it's near one of the busiest entertainment districts of the city. A small space however does not always mean living in a shoe box, it just means living smart and choosing the right things. Following the living philosophy of famous expert Marie Kondo, we just need to find the things that spark joy.
Upon first meeting my client, I immediately learned that she wants to keep things simple, referencing IKEA as her inspiration for her new condo. With that thought in mind, we created a minimalist haven that is both functional and flexible. Choosing to go with a neutral palette— we chose mostly white with some touches of light wood — allows for a bright and airy atmosphere.
Given that the allotted space for the wardrobe was outside the bedroom, in the dining area, we needed to be creative with the design. To maximize the space of the wardrobe, it had to be customized to make sure she has space for every item of clothing, as well as space for her small luggage as well as other miscellaneous items. Shelves were also incorporated in the wardrobe to allow for her to display some personal items as well, blending in both open and closed storage in one. The design was made simple, with clean lines and a white palette. Take note that no handles were used for a minimalist look that's also very discrete, making it look less of a wardrobe cabinet to easily blend in with the dining area.

Moving towards the bedroom, built-in pieces were also made to maximize the given area. Box-shaped shelving units on the wall provides additional storage and space for her TV and media, while still allowing ease of movement within the room. Beside the bed, a cantilevered vanity table with drawer makes use of the limited space presented by the column.

All of the furniture was from IKEA, which was perfect for the style and pegs the client wanted for her place. Immediately past the kitchen, a Selje side table stands in front of the full length mirror. A Norden gateleg table for her dining area, which can easily be folded up or down, is partnered with a pair of white Nordmyra dining chairs. The double-sized Barstone bed has pull out drawers and open storage below to maximize the space of the bedroom. Finally, a pair of Frosta stools act as both her vanity area chair on one side, and a creative looking night stand on the other. With a mix of creativity, the right furniture and light colors, we have truly turned this modest space into a light and airy home.

Minimal carpentry was added to the bedroom to make it look spacious, but still provide the owner with functional storage.

A white wooden box from Mori Home is the perfect rustic piece to create an organized table top.

Different kinds of baskets, boxes and trays makes for interesting storage options.

A beautiful round tray from Marmol Stonework tops this Selje table.

Left: Mirrors help make this small space look brighter and more spacious. These do-it-yourself self-adhesive mirrors from IKEA allows total customization.
Right: A custom ledge by the proudly displays a watercolor piece in the kitchen area, while at the same time hiding the circuit breaker behind it.

adventurer

PROJECT: Scandinavian-Minimalist for Adventurer Couple

Having known our clients, Migs and Dianna, for almost a decade, Andres and I immediately knew that we would be designing a place for...

Having known our clients, Migs and Dianna, for almost a decade, Andres and I immediately knew that we would be designing a place for a pair of outdoor enthusiasts and avid travelers. Meeting again for the first time to discuss the project, we got to tour every corner of the two-bedroom condo before getting to work. Her old childhood home, Diana lived there for almost fifteen years before it being given as gift by her parents to start their new life together. Opening up from the main entrance is a full view of the dining and living space while on the left is the hallway leading up to the bedrooms and to the right is a door towards the kitchen. The few things Migs and Dianna mentioned was how some things were falling apart, the old flooring and how cramped their space feels overall. What we wanted to achieve was a totally new look and with better functionality. This meant knocking down a few things, starting with the old and worn-down flooring. Replacing the already shifting floor tiles as well as the damaged wood parquet are Spanish ceramic wood plank tiles with a cozy feel. From the old mismatched look it once had, the new flooring creates a seamless surface all throughout the unit, being the foundation of our intended Scandinavian-minimalist look. The next thing we tore down was the kitchen wall to create a better flow between areas. The heart of the home, the kitchen was redone from top to bottom and turned inside-out, with brand new cabinets. A brand new bar counter was also added that would serve as their breakfast nook as well as additional entertaining space for guests. All this done in light colored wood laminate and crowned with pristine white counter tops. In line with the needs of our adventuring clients, we sought to provide storage solutions for all their daily essentials, their athletic gear and all their miscellaneous gadgets. Utilizing every possible space, we were able to create much more storage than they had before. Finding a place for almost every conceivable item, big or small was a bit of a challenge, but creative thinking and careful planning with the clients made it possible. Having a long wall from end to end of the combined living-dining space, we made use of every inch to create a mix of closed storage and open shelves. The idea was to maximize the use of cabinets and drawers in the dining area while at the same time making the transition to a media panel for their living area. Attention to detail for all this custom carpentry work was definitely a must, especially for Migs and Dianna who wanted everything to be well thought out and made with clear intention. As far as accessories and highlights go, the couple is very particular about things on display. In fact, unlike other travelers who always take home a souvenir from every destination, they prefer to bring home photographs and memories from all their adventures. Just above the dining area cabinets, a blank space serves as a backdrop for all these photos, with a scratch-off map at the center. In the living area, another highlight of the space aside from the inviting corner sofa in plush gray fabric, are two priceless heirlooms from Migs' grandmother. A pair of Araceli Dans paintings adorn the living area on opposite ends, recognizable by her signature style of intricate lacework. Hung-up on the wall along the hallway is Migs' bicycle and other cycling gear, which he uses for his daily commute and weekend rides. Past the floating shoe cabinet and the hanging bike, the master bedroom is the last stop of our project. Totally empty when we began, we created a custom headboard with ambient lighting around their existing bed, and cantilevered night stands on either side. One noteworthy feature of the night stands are the flip-top panels that open up to reveal hidden convenience outlets, another idea by the couple to keep everything clutter free. On the wall opposite the bed are a custom wardrobe, a media cabinet as well as a vanity area. Painted in a soothing gray, the condo is transformed into a minimalist's haven with neutral tones and warm materials. All packed into one, the design of the unit creates a functional space replete with storage while the improved flow encourages social interaction among family and friends. Collaborating closely with the couple, we have created a space that is completely reflects their taste and lifestyle.

Brass geometric piece by Arata Studio and a white round marble tray by Marmol Stonework highlights the gray elements of the living space.

A painting by Araceli Dans hangs above the vintage rocking chair.

Another piece by painter Araceli Dans, this time showcasing tiny blue flowers along with her signature lacework.

The play of textures and colors creates a relaxing living space. White cabinet doors over the light wood laminates as well as wooden ceramic tiles creates highlights in the media panel, while throw pillows in different patterns liven up the sofa.

This scratch-off map highlights the places the couple has visited while the empty wall provides the perfect canvas for all their precious memories.

This kitchen turned out great through the combined efforts of both the clients and the whole team. Every inch has been maximized and made with purpose, having a place for everything neatly stored within. All the excess things can be stored in rustic wooden boxes such as the one from Mori Home.