Canal St Martin Apartment by Stephane Ghestem
Maxi-Maximalism
Too much minimalism can make a boy dull, sometimes it's good to let go and indulge our senses with vibrant colours and exotic shapes. So imagine our delight when we came across this stunning loft in the Canal St Martin area of Paris, designed by architect Stephane Ghestem for a fashion designer.
The apartment is full of visual interest and great design ideas. Structural elements such as the low stepped platform and the black volume with giant textured tiles are used cleverly to divide the space and conceal the kitchen. Simple, blocked shaped furniture such as the sofa and the multiple occasional tables in different heights provide a neutral background against which the warm contemporary colour palette and sculptural accessories stand out. Statement lighting leads the eyes upwards and adds interest to the high ceiling space whilst quirky features such as the tree-trunk armchair and the white-tiled bathroom add a humourous touch.
Overall, we love the exuberant presentation of colours, shapes and textures, a confident display of the designers' unique style. This is a plea for us all to be brave and surround ourselves with things we love. Afterall, isn't that what life is all about?
Links
Shop the Style
Product Inspiration
The use of bold colours and textures is a key feature of a contemporary romantic design scheme. We love the shape and jewelled tones of the Toadstool sofa from Missana, which will go well with the Fishbone tables and Mathilda chair, both from Moroso.
For sculptural and stylish statement lighting try the Mini Mikado suspension light from LZF with its natural wood veneers in a wide range of colours or the spectacular Escappa suspension light from Scott Pirie for an industrial touch. The Vapeur table light from Moustache is great for adding a quirky touch.
Quirky and exuberant accessories are essential for adding visual interest. The Tree Vase from Sena Gu and the Nowhere (Bullet) Vase from Ghidini 1961 are both quirky and elegant. For a touch of industrial style go for the Transmission candle holder from Diesel Living.
Also in Interior Spaces
Shutter House by State of Kin
Japanese zen style goes far beyond minimalist white spaces. It is about thoughtful spaces which encourage the contemplation of light, colours, textures and shapes - the building blocks of nature and beauty. The Shutter House in Perth is a great example.
BU1H House by Igor Sirotov Architects
Minimalism is about much more than empty spaces. It is the artful use of light, colour and objects to define spaces, creating an atmosphere that is warm and contemplative. The BU1H house, designed by Igor Sirotov Architects, is a great example.
MPPM Apartment by Studio Tenca & Associati
Those who doubt the uplifting power of colour should look no further than this jewel-box of an apartment in the Navigli area of Milan designed by Studio Tenca.