Skip to main content

Project of the Week

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a contemporary and sustainable design for a family home in Mexico City. The project employed the concept of re-architecture; a concept that defines the re-use of buildings, through a contemporary and often environmentally-friendly design, to rescue architectural objects that otherwise would be obsolete. The ALD2 House project consisted of stripping an existing house, respecting a large part of the exterior due to rules of the complex where it is located, and from that skeleton rethinking the use of the materials and finishes in the design of the new version of this house.

The client, a lover of cars, art and literature, wanted a contemporary style but cosy, that would showcase his taste and those of his three children. A house where he and his children can enjoy themselves and grow. The project was planned with a variety of “monotone” materials and colours with a masculine emphasis in the use of colour and exploiting the use of iconic pieces of furniture like Barcelona chairs or Eames lounge chair.

Sector: Residential Design

Company: SpAce Arquitectura

Project: ALD2 House

Project Location: Mexico City, Mexico

What was the client’s brief? 

It was important to the client that the house would strike a balance between modern architecture and a cosy home. With 3 small children, the owner wanted to achieve ‘transparency’ throughout the design so they would be able to see the kids all the times. The client also wanted a sustainable house, with emphasis on water and energy consumption. The design of the house therefore needed to be carbon neutral, with solar panels and work off the grid. It’s one of the first off the grid houses in the country that follow LEED standards. Part of the brief was also to factor in enough car garage space for the owner to store the classic cars they collect.

What inspired the interior design of the project? 

The inspiration came from the intersection of two volumes; one made of glass and the other one made of wood. Cuernavaca, the city where the house is located, benefits from amazing weather so we wanted to give the house the ability to be opened up, blending the interior and the exterior. As the owner has a love for cars and art, these two elements needed to be integrated into the interior design scheme. All design aspects, from the main elements to the smallest detail use the golden ratio as a guide, almost like there is an invisible grid connecting everything that is important in the house. In the same lines we decided to incorporate a mixture of finishes and materials. With all of this considered, the overarching concept of the house was to implement self-sufficient and sustainable initiatives. All architectural inspirations therefore had to merge with its concept of sustainability, from figuring out the correct angle to position the solar panels to designing a system to concentrate the rain water to be treated and used within the property.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The toughest hurdles we faced stemmed from the balancing of two differing ideals; designing very modern house without creating an environment which feels too cold as well as achieving transparency, whilst also maintaining a level privacy – all of which needed to be realised with a relatively tight budget. To design and build an off the grid house in a country where sustainability is not integrated as a standard on residential projects was also a real challenge. To combat this, a group of interdisciplinary experts were part of the team, to analyse the land, the sustainable solutions and the design. Fortunately, a positive aspect of this challenge became the client’s understanding in giving us enough time to the design which enabled us to spend time conceptualising and researching to ensure the right design and sustainable solutions could be achieved.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

There are a few. One of them has to be achieving the successful integration of sustainable solutions which is a factor that much of the time, people don’t even see or notice. Another highlight to this, is that the house doesn’t necessarily scream that is ‘green’ meaning we were able to incorporate these solutions subtly and seamlessly.

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards? 

We think that the project has exceed the client’s expectations in creating a cosy environment with a clear contemporary feeling; the house could act as a good example of how design can accomplish aesthetics and sustainable design with a relatively tight budget and in a country with an emerging sustainable design culture. Hopefully this project will be a source of inspiration for other designers wanting to achieve a similar outcome.

Questions answered by Juan Carlos Baumgartner, Founder and CEO at SpAce Arquitectura

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring the BBQ-themed restaurant design for a new dining destination in Dubai, click here to see more.

We hope you feel inspired by this week’s residential design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

SpAce Arquitectura | SBID International Design Awards

SpAce, ALD2 House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week
SpAce, ALD2 House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a neutral and luxurious city apartment, designed to accommodate frequent stays in London with the upmost comfort and style. The elegantly designed, three-bedroomed duplex apartment located within a development moments from the Thames, catches your attention from the second you enter with its impressive floor to ceiling panoramic views of the City. The neutral design scheme is punctuated with elements of colour using tonal accessories, brass features and the client’s own collection of artwork.

Company: Onyx London

Project: Duplex Apartment

Project Location: London, United Kingdom

Onyx London, Duplex Apartment residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was the client’s brief? 

The client’s brief was a neutral colour palette, complimented by brushed brass details, statement lighting and Carrara marble. The joinery creates a distinctive look, with dark veneers mixed with nude wallpapers and fabrics, giving a contemporary and luxurious feel to the space.

The client lives in China and travels to London regularly. The brief was to create a space that is both practical and comfortable for their stays, but also a place they can entertain friends. The interior scheme had to be both neutral and luxurious – the mixture of statement pieces, rich textures and comfortable living create exactly this.

Onyx London, Duplex Apartment residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What inspired the interior design of the project? 

I worked on a similar scheme in One Hyde Park, Knightsbridge which is still one of my most favourite projects, this project also used neutral tones and dark veneers to create a contemporary luxury in a city apartment.

Onyx London, Duplex Apartment residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

It is always a challenge having international clients. We only met the client once in London for a morning, from this meeting we were able to grasp exactly what the client wanted to achieve and deliver it within a couple of months. The client had a confidence we were the right designer to work with them and we surpassed their expectations, which made for an incredibly successful handover.

Onyx London, Duplex Apartment residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The daughter of the family is moving to London to study and she wanted somewhere she could write. We created a study area for her on the upper floor of the Duplex, on the 17th floor, with the desk positioned between three walls from floor to ceiling in glass, with the most spectacular panoramic views of London.

Onyx London, Duplex Apartment residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

Questions answered by Elizabeth CookDirector of Onyx London

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a sales centre designed to revitalise the traditional aesthetic values of Chinese architecture, click here to see more.

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Onyx London | SBID International Design Awards 2018

Onyx London, Duplex Apartment residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

Onyx London, Duplex Apartment residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

February has been packed with product news across the industry, specifically focusing on innovations in the realm of KBB (Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms). From the latest innovations launching in intelligent water management and SmartControl technology; new ranges of paints, units and exquisite marble materials for uplifting kitchen interiors; to new colourways of quirky dinosaur-themed wallpaper to ignite the imagination within children’s bedroom designs. Browse what’s new this month to give your KBB designs a competitive and design-led edge.

Mark Taylor Design product feature for SBID interior design blog

Mark Taylor Design launch MeThD

Mark Taylor Design has launched a new kitchen collection, MeThD, consisting of three beautiful custom kitchen ranges, all of which are available with a number of bespoke adaptations and in standard or special paint colours. MeThD combines the quality, beauty and aftercare of bespoke with the affordability, speed of production and ease of installation that befits a custom range. With MeThD, we are also leading the trend for movable island units.

Find out more

 

Heritage Bathrooms product feature for SBID interior design blog

Heritage Bathrooms test the trend by making a monochrome statement with the new Granley Suite

Monochrome styling is a timeless and versatile trend, and as 2019 hails the return of geometrics and bold matte black accents, Charlie Williams, interior designer at Heritage Bathrooms, uses the Granley Suite range to test the trend for creating a standout monochrome bathroom; from using statement tiles and matte black features, to adding subtle, warmer coloured accents to ensure a softer feel without comprising the sleek monochrome styling. The Granley Suite from Heritage Bathrooms is designed to provide the perfect backdrop for a bold monochrome bathroom.

Click to shop

 

PaperBoy launches new colours to match your dinosaur to your decor

Dinosaurs. But not as you know them. ‘D’ya-think-e-saurus’ was PaperBoy’s first wallpaper, lovingly sketched by as a gift to Jurassic-minded twins. For 9 years it’s been their best-selling design: what dinosaur nut doesn’t want to imagine the exhilaration of flying through the air with the pterodactyls or beating the T-Rex in a running race?

This March they’re introducing three soft new hues to fit into even more design schemes. ‘Confetti’ – if only pink will do, this version will make the room blush; ‘Warm grey’ glows with subtle colour while still being a neutral option; and ‘China blue’ for a cooler tone, without the dullness. As in all their papers, the inks are non-toxic, sustainable, made in England and lovingly hand-crafted in Accrington.

Click to shop

 

GROHE product feature for SBID interior design blog

GROHE is set to shape the future of water with record number of innovations at ISH 2019

GROHE will showcase a record number of innovations at ISH 2019, the world’s leading trade fair for the responsible use of water and energy in buildings. For the first time, GROHE will position itself as a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions, kitchen systems and intelligent water management. The brand will reinforce its philosophy; Water. Intelligence. Enjoyment by bringing the element of water to the forefront of its new innovations.

The GROHE Blue water system provides filtered and chilled water that is either sparkling, semi-sparkling or still, while GROHE Red delivers kettle hot water directly from the tap. The SmartControl technology, which has already been successfully launched in the bathroom, will also make its way into the kitchen…

Click to shop

 

Caesarstone product feature for SBID interior design blog

New for 2019: Introducing Empira White by Caesarstone

For a thousand years marble has been appreciated and desired as one of nature’s most luxurious stones, immediately adding grandeur and glamour wherever it is used. As a material, it is timeless. Today marble is as desirable as ever, albeit with a somewhat more relaxed, softer and more organic appeal; a chance to bring nature into urban interiors, a connection to the earth around us and a natural contrast to other man-made materials. Of all marbles, Calacatta is perhaps the best known and Empira White is Caesarstone’s newest interpretation of this most famous material.

Click to shop

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the elegance, sophistication and simplicity of a family residence. The house is filled with colours and collectables from all over the world and paintings from the owner’s personal collection. Through the process of decorating, the designer created a truly individual style. Complex but unique solutions create a truly luxurious interior, while classical and modern features combine effortlessly and even the smallest details are brought to perfection. The interior style is largely contemporary and classic, but has an element of flexibility and fluidity. For example, the furniture and materials used are complemented by uplifting textiles from Hermès. These days it’s not enough to live in a beautiful space, a home needs to be imbued with meaning, and the completion of this residence is a vivid confirmation that perfect interior design must be based on thinking laterally and openly.

Company: Bolshakova Interiors 

Project: Sunny Valley Residence

Project Location: Kiev, Ukraine

Bolshakova Interiors, Sunny Valley Residence residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was the client’s brief? 

Individual style is emphasised in decorating the house – the result of client’s active participation. On this project we worked a lot with the client in the studio, at the facility and very actively shared information as the priority was to capture the clients personal style and incorporate their treasured belongings throughout the interior design scheme.

Bolshakova Interiors, Sunny Valley Residence residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What inspired the interior design of the project? 

Today, it’s not enough just to live in beautiful walls! It is important to fill it with your own meaning, and this house is a bright confirmation. An elegant and refined house for a family with a child, where every detail matters. In the afternoon, the ceremonial living room is flooded with sunlight, the lounge area near the large window is allocated for family meetings. Here every photo, picture or piece of art from the clients personal collection has found its ideal place within the house.

Bolshakova Interiors, Sunny Valley Residence residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

We had to change the configuration of the house and forge a functional zoning of the premises. Thanks to this solution, our team was able to maximise the use of space throughout the property and make it comfortable.

Bolshakova Interiors, Sunny Valley Residence residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

A very interesting task was the installation and mounting of a chandelier weighing 250 kilogram – calculations were made and unique mounts were developed. When this chandelier was finally and successfully hung and lit, it really was a memorable highlight for our team!

Bolshakova Interiors, Sunny Valley Residence residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

For us, participation in the competition is a great opportunity to show Ukrainian design to the world. Our goal is to project and implement the best interiors of private and commercial facilities for customers from Ukraine and other countries.

Bolshakova Interiors, Sunny Valley Residence residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

Questions answered by Natalya Bolshakova, Olga Drachuk and Peter Gerez of Bolshakova Interiors

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a modern town apartment which showcases the inspiring use of colour, pattern and style, click here to see more.

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Bolshakova Interiors | SBID International Design Awards 2018

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a stylish town apartment which showcases how Bhavin Taylor Design turned a white box into a comfortable home that is packed with colour, pattern and style. Each space has its own design theme but still flows from room to room, turning a characterless apartment to one that is bursting with personality. With the client open to the design direction and asked for a ‘lived in’, full of life feel, the designer aimed to inject life into the space. In the open plan living space, the client wanted to keep an existing rug, which inspired the designer to select a bold patterned wallpaper that instantly changed the appearance of the space.

Company: Bhavin Taylor Design

Project: Wandsworth Town Apartment

Project Location: London, United Kingdom

Bhavin Taylor Design, Wandsworth Town Apartment residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was the client’s brief? 

The client was quite open when it came to his brief, however his main requirement was that I inject a shed load of personality into his modern new build apartment so that it would have that full of life / lived in feel that he had seen from my previous projects. 

Bhavin Taylor Design, Wandsworth Town Apartment residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What inspired the interior design of the project? 

When a client gives you such an open brief it allows you to let your imagination run wild, however you do need to have a starting point. Here it was the mustard and charcoal colour scheme of the client’s existing rug. Knowing that the apartment benefited from lots of natural light I could really run with this colour scheme and introduce bold patterns and solid blocks of colour to create that lived in feel.  It would have been easy to continue this colour scheme throughout the apartment, however I wanted each space to have its own identity so the hallway wallpaper subtly picks up on the mustard tones and introduces the blue tones that follow through to the bedrooms.

Bhavin Taylor Design, Wandsworth Town Apartment residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

As I was going with quite a bold design here I thought that there was going to be a lot of persuading to get the client to agree, however I was pretty lucky as I had gained his trust pretty early on and was allowed to roll with the creative madness that was inside my head, which as we all know is pretty rare! Just wish all projects went like this…

Bhavin Taylor Design, Wandsworth Town Apartment residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

I think the biggest highlight was that this project allowed me to showcase my true design style of “Love Colour. Embrace Pattern” to add the warmth and personality that the client was after in his home.    

Bhavin Taylor Design, Wandsworth Town Apartment residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

I am now in my fifth year of running my business and thought that it would be a good time to see whether it would be recognised by an International Design association.  In full honesty I did not think that anything would come from it but to my surprise I was selected as a finalist, which made all the highs and lows of the past years worth it.

Questions answered by Bhavin Taylor, Founder of Bhavin Taylor Design

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring the first ever flagship store for British womenswear label The Fold, click here to see more.

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Bhavin Taylor Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a modern-day luxury home that manages to combine both old-school opulence and contemporary cosiness under the same roof. Superior air ventilation incorporated into the interior of this property allows it to feel larger and more spacious. A stark contrast to the dark and cramped image of a pre-war house. The house is equipped with three bedrooms, which are hosted on the upper levels. Sticking to the modern European theme, the first bedroom features a soft, neutral palette, enhanced with soft blue furnishing & a semi open wardrobe. The second bedroom comes with a softer, baby blue accent, a sleek, custom-made wardrobe / dressing table as a nifty space saving highlight, as well as a hotel-like bathroom with arabescato marble feature wall. Warm, earthy tones blanketed the final bedroom with a restful atmosphere, a clear glass door wardrobe and an en-suite bathroom.

Company: NEVERMORE

Project: The Irrawady House

Project Location: Penang, Malaysia

NEVERMORE, The Irrawady House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was the client’s brief? 

For this project, our objective is very clear, we wanted to make the 15 foot wide pre-war terrace house open plan, to break away from the traditional pre-war house layout. Therefore we divided the space into 2 zones; the common area for the ground level and then personal and private spaces for the first floor. With this chosen layout we were able to maximise the usage and fulfil all the needs and requirements of the clients.

On the ground floor, as we enter from the main entrance, we are greeted with the pantry and bar counter clad in beautiful Italian marble, complete with a pair of Reza Feiz’s Bride’s Veil bar stool; the space serves as a pantry / bar to offer space for storage and entertainment as one of the client’s needs and requirements for the design.

The living space is housed further in the middle of the house; to be some distance away off the main road. The dining is located beside the living space right under the skylight; where ample day light is cast into the interior; perfect for energy saving through-out the day. As for the kitchen, all necessary facilities of a fully equipped kitchen are held within the smallest possible footprint at the end of the open layout. A hidden door leads towards the back yard which consist of the laundry and powder room. The room also features a sculpture-like spiral staircase fabricated in mild steel and finished with special rust.

On the first floor, with the chosen layout, we are able to maximise the bedroom sizes, equip with bathroom for each room which typical pre-war houses do not have. Generous panes of glass are utilised to turn ordinarily opaque walls transparent, providing generous views in some surprising places. In one of the bedrooms, the bath is rendered in the manner of a boutique showcase, with generous stretch of windows putting the freestanding tub on display in the air-well with a fully imported Italian arabescato marble feature wall as the backdrop. For the guest bedroom, we wanted created a sense of privacy, it is located 10 feet away from the other bedroom and can only be access via the spiral staircase located at the far end of the house. The monochromatic basis of this bedroom is enhanced for eye pleasing variety with the introduction of greater range of wood tones in fabrics and architectural finishes.

NEVERMORE, The Irrawady House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What inspired the interior design of the project? 

The elongated living room is connected with the kitchen, dining area  and open bar area as the decor features a modern twist to classical European designs. Fitted with a daring open staircase, this bold design is further enhanced with the selection of large circular pendants & imported Italian marble counter. Gold finishes are thrown in to the interior design to elevate the overall look with a hint of glitz. Meanwhile, the living room, dining area and kitchen enjoy the warm glow derived from the skylight feature, giving the space a natural comfort, bathed in natural light.

NEVERMORE, The Irrawady House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Dealing with structural issues which related to the creation of the column-less, open plan interior within a typical pre-war terrace house; to resolve this, we came up with an “i” beam steel support to withstand the weight of the cast concrete flooring on the first floor. Also, the spiral staircase was not installed without difficulty as it had to be pre-fabricated at the workshop and then reinstalled at site.

NEVERMORE, The Irrawady House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

For me this is definitely the results of the open plan layout! Also other elements of the interior design like the cantilever bath tub, the use of skylights throughout, the spiral staircase finished in rust paint, and a gorgeous moooi smoke chair!

NEVERMORE, The Irrawady House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

We wanted to see where would stand on an international level and thought the SBID Awards would be the best platform for this!

NEVERMORE, The Irrawady House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

Questions answered by Chuah Say Yang, Creative Director and Chong Su Min, Design Director of NEVERMORE

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a unique and inspiring home that pushes boundaries with a sophisticated balance of layers, click here to see more.

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

NEVERMORE | SBID International Design Awards 2018

NEVERMORE, The Irrawady House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the WeekNEVERMORE, The Irrawady House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the WeekNEVERMORE, The Irrawady House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the WeekNEVERMORE, The Irrawady House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a bespoke contemporary three-bedroom home, which replaced a double garage on an 80 square-metre site. The idiosyncratic style serves to enhance the context of the street-scene with a bold architectural statement, contrasting with the context of traditional Victorian houses. Filling the footprint of the site and set over three floors, the project was delivered on a limited budget but exceeding the client’s brief. The three-bedroom home, bathed in natural light, uses a minimal palette of materials to unify the design language internally and externally. The materials used include dark brickwork, externally and internally, dark burnt larch cladding and birch-faced plywood throughout the interior for bespoke kitchen, bathroom and stair joinery elements. The result is a bright, bold comfortable design, confidently articulating a contemporary language of architecture used to transform the site into a unique new family home.

Company: Crawford Partnership

Project: Darling House 

Project Location: London, United Kingdom

Crawford Partnership, Darling House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was the client’s brief? 

To design a new build contemporary three-bedroom family home on a small constrained urban infill site, formerly a double lockup garage purchased at auction, with high-quality bespoke architecture and interior design that would feel spacious and bright and would incorporate sustainable construction technologies and renewable energy installations, and all a limited budget.

Crawford Partnership, Darling House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What inspired the interior design of the project? 

Our design inspiration comes from many sources, however, having an engaged client with enlightened ambitions was our main inspiration on the project. This resulted in many productive discussions about their aspirations and style preferences for the new home, which sought to challenge conventional ideas to address the many constraints of the existing Victorian surroundings and create a home suitable for 21st century lifestyle. The practice’s design approach is unapologetically contemporary; providing bold and ambitious design solutions particularly when working in a sensitive Conservation Area context.

Crawford Partnership, Darling House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Achieving planning consent for a contemporary design within a Conservation Area is a major hurdle, as is working constantly to ensure that all neighbours whose homes adjoin the boundaries of urban infill sites do not experience any loss of their existing amenity during the construction works, however, the main hurdle for a designer to overcome is often providing a Rolls Royce for the price of a Mini, especially when working with a shoestring budget.

For us, it is paramount to completely understand the cost implications of every decision in order to not only achieve but to elevate the client’s aspirations for their project without compromising their budget. Continued collaboration and communication throughout the initial design stages between the designers and the client, and thereafter with the contractor and sub-contractors during the detailed design stages and works on site has made it possible to attain the quality of finish and fitting out we desired, whilst adhering to the client’s budget.

Crawford Partnership, Darling House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Maximising the feel of space and light within this very compact three-storey home has been the rewarding highlight for us, and was achieved by careful studies of the internal volumes and limited scope for placing windows, and then by simplifying the main backdrop of finishes, both externally and internally, which are uniform and monolithic and provided at minimal cost, allowing us to then spend more of the construction budget on interior features that elevate and focus the attention on the ambiance of spaces, such as the slender, curved glulam timber roof beam structure, the sculptured open riser staircase, the bespoke kitchen and bathrooms designed by us, the geometric and monochromatic lighting fittings, and especially the variety of glazing elements incorporated that contribute to the surprising levels of natural light and sunlight that filters within all levels of the interior, providing kinetic patterns of light and shade throughout the day on the canvas of walls, floors and ceilings.

Crawford Partnership, Darling House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

As a ‘boutique’ architecture and interior design practice, we relish the challenge of working on these extremely constrained projects, and we are constantly pushing to achieve more with less, applying the knowledge and expertise gained from smaller projects into larger commissions. The SBID Awards are recognised globally as a benchmark for the highest quality in interior design and architecture, and having been shortlisted as finalists in the Awards in four of the last five years, we are very proud of this accolade which continues to inspire our efforts on every new project.

Crawford Partnership, Darling House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

Questions answered by Alan Crawford, Founder and Managing Director of Crawford Partnership

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a modern and fashionable family home which serves as a place to escape from the city bustle, click here to see more.

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Crawford Partnership | SBID International Design Awards 2018

Crawford Partnership, Darling House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the WeekCrawford Partnership, Darling House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the WeekCrawford Partnership, Darling House residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a modern and fashionable family home which serves as a place to escape from the city bustle and be immersed in a harmonious, relaxed lifestyle; offering a sense of protection. The interior design is rooted in the exquisite simplicity, elegance and the beauty of everyday life. The creation of clean shapes has been a guiding principle while the presence of natural wood also influenced the design style. The designer, Danhor, has created a house made of eco-materials, surrounded by genuine nature and a river – a home that is alive, breathing and free. The interior is unified by clear, modern, minimalist shapes and clean lines and colours; there is a gentle colour spectrum for walls and furniture in neutral beige and greys. The space is not overloaded with furniture and the bespoke furniture harnesses textures such stone and concrete which complement the wooden elements.

Company: Danhor

Project: River Side  

Project Location: Kiev, Ukraine

Danhor, River Side residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was the client’s brief? 

Determining this project was its location. When I first got into the Family Club River Side, I realised that I was not just in a beautiful cottage town on the banks of the Dnipro. This place captivated me with its atmosphere and the architecture of the houses – for me, as a designer, this is very important, because it immediately inspires me and helps to shape the style of the future interior. This is a place of relaxation in which I wanted to create a harmonious homely atmosphere, a sense of security and peace, a home in which I want to live, a place where I can escape from the city bustle, from the cramped and stuffy environments and plunge into the calm routine of being. This was the main idea of ​​the project. I am lucky that the clients are also good friends of mine. So first of all, I wanted to display their inner world: a love of travel, jazz music, literature, gourmet food, working in a creative profession with a wonderful sense of humour. In short, I wanted to capture their taste for life. Also, because the client is a well-known person in our country of Ukraine, who works in television, I did not want to declare her famous lifestyle but rather try to make her life at home as quiet as possible and closed to society. The home will inhabit a family with two children, which immediately gave me the idea to make the interior delicate, calming and neutral, whilst adapted to life with children. I wanted to avoid pretentiousness, and focus on a dominant position in the surrounding environment in which I saw serenity, comfort and warmth.

Danhor, River Side residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What inspired the interior design of the project? 

The presence of natural wood certainly influenced the design style. A house of ecological materials, surrounded by living, real nature and the river, could not be plastic and artificial inside. At first, we gathered together pictures and objects seen in cinema, magazines or in some interesting places, put everything together – and the story began to develop by itself. We talked a lot, then paused, tried to hear each other and persuade each other on certain things; I, from a professional standpoint, and Lena (the client) from the viewpoint of the customer who will live there and wants to rejoice in every corner of her house. For me, the most inspirational element in this house is the overall holistic concept of the entire interior design concept. This is when, step by step, a new picture opens up for you, a new premise, but also a continuation of the previous one. The style of this house is difficult to determine. The approach to design was a lot of intuition, based on the knowledge and the wishes of the client. This interior combines clear, modern, minimalist forms and clean lines with calm colours of neutral beige and grey shades throughout the walls and furniture. This is the interior for life! And the value is in the emotions and the story, which became an integral part of life for Lena and her family.

Danhor, River Side residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Difficulties are always present… In this project it was a time frame. The clients were so eager to call in as quickly as possible and tell us they were keen and ready to sleep on their new mattresses, and to feel themselves their new, beautiful sanctuary.

Danhor, River Side residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight for me is just in the tranquillity and simplicity of this interior. “Simplicity is the essence of elegance” – in this I agree with Coco Chanel. The most interesting in this interior design are the individual wallpapers that reflect this family; the wall mural of their children in the nursery or even their Georgian ornament in the living room, which the client brought back from Georgia, reminding her of fond memories of travelling. I wanted to create a basis for this family, which they could then fill with their favourite objects, paintings, photographs and decor, which they bring back from different countries.

Danhor, River Side residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

For me personally, this is an opportunity to discover a new look for myself against the level of design in Europe and the world; to meet new specialists and professionals. I worked for an international company and for me it was the best experience. The experience to see and learn from people from other countries, discover something new, imbued with their culture and technology, as well as their views, thoughts and ideas. Design has such a broad outlook and worldview that we simply cannot stand still and not evolve, not look ahead and not try to make our design in Ukraine more successful, more accessible and understandable to the masses. SBID and the SBID Awards is a step towards this and the door to the future.

Danhor, River Side residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

Questions answered by Tatiana Danilevych, Lead Designer at Danhor

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a waterfront home with manor-esque proportions and contemporary lines, click here to see more.

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Danhor | SBID International Design Awards 2018

Danhor, River Side residential design project images for SBID interior design blog, Project of the Week

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the refined and sustainable hotel experience with QO Amsterdam. The QO represents a departure from most hotels, at its heart is an ethos focused almost entirely on curating and working with the natural environment. Aiming to be one of the most sustainable hotels on the planet; at every stage of design, the environmental impact was considered the forefront of the decision making process. The building itself actually breathes, with exterior panels that automatically open and close to keep heat in and out to ensure as little power is required to heat the building! Conran&Partners were responsible for designing the QO’s Guest Rooms, curated by the IHG Interior Design Department, to create a space that felt pure, clean, minimal yet timeless, luxurious and hugely appealing.

Company: Conran&Partners

Project: QO Amsterdam

Project Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Interior design scheme for QO Amsterdam by Conran&Partners

What was the client’s brief? 

To create a hotel with a difference that provides contemporary luxury with a social and environmental conscience. The hotel is a ‘circular’ design that produces its own energy, grows its own plants and cares about its community. Our concept was to combine materials that bring a feeling of luxury with others that reflect the industrial spirit of the area, the building itself and the philosophy of the QO.

Interior design scheme for QO Amsterdam by Conran&Partners

What inspired the design of the Project?

We looked at what luxury means today to develop what the guest would enjoy spatially – taking into account the amazing views through the full height windows and the size of the rooms available to us.

We overlaid this with research on natural, sustainable and local materials to bring in the context and make very conscious decisions about the materials we were using, for example using engineered brick for the bathroom enclosures, exposed concrete ceiling, and a local limestone for the vanity. Keeping the palate paired-back and natural helped to reflect the story. We wanted to be true to how the building is actually built. So we enhanced and celebrated what it’s made from. Then we brought them together within a space which we deliberately designed open-plan so you immediately experience the light and incredible views as you enter.

Interior design scheme for QO Amsterdam by Conran&Partners

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Tight timelines and restrictions in the layout and services – but challenges are opportunities in our view!

Interior design scheme for QO Amsterdam by Conran&Partners

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Working with a team passionate about the end result and having the opportunity to create a very modern version of luxury. For example, the rooms as a whole are all controlled by an innovative iPad control systems, and ingenious touches of hidden technology that make a stay surprising and effortless. By simply putting your foot out of bed, a gentle nightlight detects this movement and glows outside the bathroom to calmly direct you without the need for switches or buttons, or the risk of accidentally switching on the master switch in the middle of the night!

Interior design scheme for QO Amsterdam by Conran&Partners

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

This project is very special with numerous passionate different parties involved working together to create a hotel that shows the industry that hospitality can be sustainable.

Interior design scheme for QO Amsterdam by Conran&Partners

Questions answered by Tina NordenDirector at Conran&Partners 

To ensure you are kept up to date with the latest interior design inspiration, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram @sbiduk 

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring the tranquil tearoom nestled amidst a verdant bamboo grove in Shenzhen, click here to see more.

The 2018 edition of the SBID International Design Awards is now officially open for entries! Click here to register or enter your project!

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Conran&Partners | SBID International Design Awards 2018

Interior design scheme for QO Amsterdam by Conran&Partners

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire series features Avalon II; a stunning residential project based in the U.K, designed by Hill House Interiors. Meticulous attention has been paid to every detail. The brief was to create timeless elegance with a luxurious yet neutral textured palette. Every room had to be of equal importance and opulence. The concept behind the design stays true to the Hill House philosophy ‘You only get one chance to make a first impression’.

Hill House Interiors were commissioned to design a home for an international businessman with an extended family, who required an ‘out of town’ base in the UK which included a home cinema, luxury pool, spa and gym.

They have created interest by using a myriad of textures, along with a collection of painstakingly sourced objets d’art, wall coverings and distinctive focal point lighting solutions, for this elegant family home. The end result is the quintessence of a Hill House Interiors scheme: classic contemporary, incorporating only the highest quality materials, with touches of this innovative design consultancy’s unique brand of glamour. The most recent addition to this stunning home includes a state of the art luxury spa, pool and gym area.

SBID had the opportunity to speak with Helen Bygraves, Co-Founder of Hill House Interiors.

Company: Hill House Interiors

Project: Surrey Poolhouse

Project Location: Surrey, U.K

Indoor swimming pool for residential home in Surrey by Hill House Interiors

What was the client’s brief?

This truly luxurious spa complex was designed for an international businessman and his family to enjoy whilst in the UK. A sympathetic addition to the property, we consulted with the developers throughout, using our in-house architectural expertise to help create a practical, as well as aesthetically beautiful, new focal point for the home, which has been seamlessly integrated into the original part of the house

Close up of indoor swimming pool design by Hill House Interiors

What inspired the design of the project? 

Texture was central to our design for this spa – for example, the wave-effect wall is beautifully juxtaposed by the crazy cut mother-of-pearl vases filled with stunning orchids. Another key feature is versatility, from the cinema room, a large feature glass wall allows extra light and ambience through to the pool area; we installed a concealed remote control blind to block the light when required for those movie moments!

Interior design for indoor swimming pool in residential home in Surrey by Hill House Interiors

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

It was of paramount importance that this extension blended seamlessly with the existing building, whilst bringing a wonderful new dimension to the house. The client is delighted with the fluidity of the space, and the soothing aqua colour palette which makes this the perfect place to relax, as well as workout.

Gym and pool wellness facility design for Surrey home

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

From the textured wave wall to the transparent swimming pool cover, which acts as a safety measure for children whilst showcasing the stunning pool tiling, every element has been carefully considered to offer a majestic poolside experience. The chic single cabana cabins and sofa, from Italian furniture specialist Bonacina Pierantonio, provide pool-side seclusion, perfect for post-workout relaxation.

Living room seating area for Surrey residence

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

SBID are consistently at the forefront of both new trends and design, while championing exciting and innovative suppliers. As well as the fabulous awards, events and networking opportunities they organise, the SBID accreditation give us an edge as interior designers, it’s also great to work closely with such a wonderful team.

Questions answered by Helen Bygraves, Co-Founder of Hill House Interiors.

To ensure you are kept up to date with the latest inspiration sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media.

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week with ‘Belmond Andean Explorer’ Click Here

Entries to the SBID Awards 2017 are now closed. To find out more about booking a table Click Here

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Hill House Interiors | SBID International Design Awards 2017

Luxury bedroom interior designed by Hill House Interiors

Join SBID

Join SBID

Find out more about our flexible membership structure.

Apply Online