Divine Inspiration: Modern Church Design

A look at a few modern churches that dare to inspire in new and creative ways.

Church of Santa Monica- Madrid, Spain

Vicens & Ramos Architects 

Jubilee Church- Spain

Richard Meier

 

Sao Paolo Parish Complex- Foligno Spain
  Fuksas Architects

Farewell Chapel
OFIS

Martin Luther Church- Hainburg, Austria
Coop Himmelb(l)au
 Courtesy of Dezeen

Oh You Pretty Things

Sometimes, a little paint, fabric, art, and fresh flowers can help a girl feel like, well, a girl.  

See how I make over my bedroom to satisfy my feminine side....

An old dresser that was cream and gold in a previous life, gets a black an white makeover.

A mirror, flowers, photos, vases, and an organizer dress the dresser.

A birthday card and homemade art from a friend are inspiration for the quirky color palette.

Divide and conquer.

Stripes of varying width and color add interest.  

 
  

 

Chalkboard paint on the door allows for creative drawings or inspirational notes.  

 

Just outside the bedroom, old cupboard doors go from 70's oak to white with chalkboard paint inserts (yeah, I was trying to use up the quart).  Simple pulls are added for some sparkle. 

 

Pattern Palooza

Fresh flowers and books are added to makeshift night stand.  The headboard goes from dark wood with caning to white and bright with graphic pattern fabric.

   

A girlie hook allows for a place to hang bags.

Even the boys appreciate the updates.

Spotlight On: Julius Shulman

Time to take a moment to appreciate iconic architectural photographer, Julius Shulman.   He captured modern architecture and the city of Los Angeles like no other.

The late Shulman's  pictures have stood the test of time and look as fresh today as they did in the past....just like the buildings he loved to photograph.

Hocus Pocus

One, the "invisible" bathroom by Rapsel is a definite study in minimalism.

With covering trays made of slatted larch wood,  you no longer have to look at those pesky plumbing fixtures when you walk into your en suite.  And even better, your wash basin, wc or shower tray can do double duty as shelving or extra seating.....Hmmm, ok.

I will admit that it looks pretty nice, but ehhh, I don't know. I'd hate to mess up the "look" with a bottle of hand soap.  And where does the toilet paper go- can they hide that too? I'm just saying.  

I understand that larch wood is waterproof and used in the construction of yachts, but I wonder how long will it really stay looking good in my bathroom?  Cleaning it looks like it would be a pain, but maybe I'm just being grumpy.

In the end, I can't decide if the installation of One would produce an uber-minimalist paradise or a logistical nightmare... for me, the jury is still out.

What do you think?

Now you see it.....

Now you don't....

In the Hood

D+A+D has always had a thing for range hoods, but this crop take that feeling to a whole other level.  They are easily passable as chandeliers, sculpture or art.  Love it.

Not surprising, these designs come out of Italy (with the exception of Miele, which is based in Germany), where they have been jumping ahead of the curve for years.  Some of the models like Star and Legend have been around for a few years now, but I have yet to see anything like them come out of the States (please someone correct me if I'm wrong).  It will be interesting to see what turns up in 2012.


Oh range hood, the affair continues....

Vertigo Double- Best Sorpresa Collection

DA 5341D Decor- Miele

Murano Alfa- Futuro Futuro

Space- Elica

Murano Moonlight- Futuro Futuro

Sinfoni- Elica

White Stream- Elica

Legend- Elica

Star- Elica