Palladio

This Miami mansion is a great representation of architecture inspired by Palladio. It has the typical build of a Palladian villa with the central building and the wings off to the side.

Palladio has been called one of the greatest designers and history. His architectural influence can be seen all throughout history and even today. The style that he developed, a central building with identical wings on each side, has been used time and time again. This floor plan can be seen in famous buildings like the White House or even in residential buildings like the Miami mansion pictured above. Overall, Palladio has left his mark on the architectural world and still continues to influence it today.

US8

Furnishings are a very important part of interior design. They are one of the key components that make up and influence a space. Furniture can make a room comfy and relaxing or help make a space more practical. Different types of furnishings serve different purposes.

Furnishings are also representations of status, comfort, and craft. These three components working together are what can really change the experience a user has in a space. An example of furniture relating to status can be a teacher podium at the front of a class compared to desks and chairs for students. In relation to comfort, to create a cozy waiting room in a doctor’s office, one might use couches and comfy chairs as opposed to metal benches. Lastly, craft of furniture can show the importance or permanence of a space. Crude craft can imply the room is not important or temporary while a well put together room shows that it is important and meant to last.

image from: http://www.pinterest.com

This detailed and high backed chair is a great example of status, comfort and craft. The high back of the chair, the intricate carvings, and the softness of the materials all show that whoever this chair belonged to was a important and wealthy person.

Story board

Story boards help to show the details of something, why it is important, and what its function is. They can range anywhere from background facts, to images showing how something works. In the end, story boards help give a detailed view of anything from an idea, a product, or even a place.

This story board inspired me because it tells a lot about a product without having to use a lot of words. (image from: http://www.sites.google.com)

This story board inspired me because it uses interesting graphics and information to help solve a problem. (image from: http://www.fashionarium.com)

 

This story board inspired me because it is interesting how a piece of furniture was developed through and inspired by (through the story board process) blades of grass. (image from: http://www.coroflot.com)

 

Representation

Representation as it pertains to interior design and architecture is the use of elements and principles of design to create a meaningful and functional space or building. At its simplest form, design takes its inspiration from many different sources whether this be nature, and idea, a concept, a person, etc. Design features become representations of these things and creates more complex ideas that can be built upon. A great example of this can be found in the ancient Greek pillars that were abstract representations of masculinity and femininity. Representation is a very important foundation that interior design and architecture builds off of.

Magazines

These images are from a 1960s copy of Architectural Digest. They do a very good job informing on interior design of the past. All of these interiors create experiences. The table and chairs facing each other create experiences for more intimate conversation while the couch situated in an alcove (bottom left) creates availability for a more private and relaxing experience. The finishes in this room show that the style featured in the magazine aimed for comfort and usability. The tables in the dining areas are finished to protect against spills while the living room is finished with a soft fabric couch and pillows.   The furnishings of the space seem to be very simple yet functional. The simplicity of the furnishings give the space a more calming and usable feel. The lack of a lot of complexity in the furnishings is balanced with the more complex wall prints and decorative items.

Architectural digest 1950s

 

image from: http://www.retrorenovation.com

 

Campus dining

The University of Kentucky has many excellent places to grab a bite two eat. Two of my favorite dining options are The 90 and La Madeleine. Both spaces to a very good at creating a unique dining area the blanks the use of furniture and finishes.

In The 90, there are many places to sit and eat from tall chairs at a eating bar, to a circular booth that sits many people. All the furniture is comfortable and very well crafted while still using finishes that are durable and easy to clean. This gives The 90 a modern, clean, and inviting look that is sure to last a long time. All of the furniture is perfect for large group gatherings or even for just one person.

La Madeline on the other hand is a more  intimate dining setting. There are small tables with only a few chairs along with a nice comfortable booth along the back wall. All the furniture is crafted to be comfortable and inviting while still using finishes that keep the space clean. The wooden tables and chairs are finished with durable gloss to protect against spills. The use of comfortable wooden furniture instead of metal in this space gives La Madeline a unique feel from the rest of UKs campus. I think the mix of furniture and finishes is used very well in this space. If I could change one thing, however, I would lessen the amount of different wood stain finishes used in the dining area.

Favorite Furniture: the green chair

Every person has that one piece of furniture that they love. For me, that is my family’s green living room chair. This chair is the perfect mix of style and comfort. I have used the chair many times to work on homework or read a good book.

One of the great things about the green living room chair is that even though it looks like just a regular chair, it actually reclines. It is also very soft while still remaining durable. We have had it for many years and it still is in great shape.

Another reason I love this chair is because it brings to mind a lot of great memories. From important family meetings, relaxing Sunday naps, to even picking it out at the furniture store with my mom, the chair has been an important part of my family’s life.

 

NYT Favorite Room

Out of the 35 different rooms featured in the T this year, my favorite was the very first in the gallery. Right away it caught my eye because of the peaceful and relaxing feel that it gives off. I love the color of the green paint on the wall and how the floor is made from exposed brick and hardwood. It gives the space a very lived in and rustic feel. I also like the room’s furnishings. The space seems very fancy but still has simple elements like a soft and comfy striped chair. This interior space seems to be the perfect balance between a very nice place for entertaining and a comfortable place to sit and read a good book.

comfort, status, craft