Michael Wolf - Architecture of Density

I remember stumbling upon these pictures a while back, but have since realized that they've left a large impression on me. I find myself in certain situations, (perhaps breezy outdoor adventures, or wide open buildings,) and my mind drifts back to these cramped quarters that people experience everyday of their lives. These blow my mind; they truly honestly make me appreciate the fact that I can drive half an hour in almost any direction and encounter openness, fresh air, the absence of laundry and people and steel:










Taken from the Press Release on this series from Michael Wolf's site:

"One of the most densely populated metropolitan areas in the world, Hong Kong
has an overall density of nearly 6,700 people per square kilometer. The majority of its citizens live in flats in high-rise buildings. In Architecture of Density, Wolf investigates these vibrant city blocks, finding a mesmerizing abstraction in the buildings' facades.

Some of the structures in the series are photographed without reference to the context of sky or ground, and many buildings are seen in a state of repair or construction: their walls covered with a grid of scaffolding or the soft colored curtains that protect the streets below from falling debris. From a distance, such elements become a part of the photograph's intricate design.

Upon closer inspection of each photograph, the anonymous public face of the city is full of rewarding detail- suddenly public space is private space, and large swatches of color give way to smaller pieces of people's lives. The trappings of the people are still visible here: their days inform the detail of these buildings. Bits of laundry and hanging plants pepper the tiny rectangles of windows- the only irregularities in this orderly design."

Boardwalk Empire

Below are some living spaces inspired by the new HBO series "Boardwalk Empire." So far, the show is spectacular--tons of sex and violence! I'm in love with the costume and set design; rich earthy browns, sages and creams, an abundance of silk and tweed. What fun to grow up in such a fashionable era!

Guest Bathroom Elements

I love this shower. I'm not ecstatic about the couch being so close, but I like the light and lines.






Textural tiles






I'm still debating my bathroom choices. As much as I love uniformity in a living space, I've always thought it would be neat to have a house with oddly-themed rooms, interesting layouts, and various designs. As I was scanning bathroom pictures, I found myself attracted to a lot of reds and blacks, (and apparently antlers.) For my master bathroom/bedroom, I want more of a natural, calming feel, but for a spare restroom, I think the bold colors and retro vibe come together nicely.

Guest Bathroom: A modern vintage appeal. Sleek floating vanities, Victorian-inspired mirrors, borderline minimalist design--but all warm enough to incorporate a claw-foot tub. Large tiles for the floor, but smaller tiles for either a shower area or sink back splash. Chrome or nickel accessories. Unique lighting.

(A lot of these inspirations were found on Delpha and Momoy.)

Study Elements

I know this is hard to see, but it's the library from the Disney movie "Beauty and the Beast." I've always had a crush on it.
















Once again, I found these pictures from a lot of different sources. I highly doubt anyone will stumble onto this blog and get angry about it, but if by some chance they do, I will be happy to give credit.

Study/Home Library: A very masculine, traditional feel. As much as I like contemporary furniture and modern designs, I think a library should be rich and cozy. At least two stories, half a dozen wooden ladders; a spiral staircase is a must. Shelves full of old encyclopedias, books I've never heard of, books I'll never have time to finish in a lifetime. An antique desk, maybe a banker's lamp. Very tall windows with red velvet curtains. Compasses, sundials, telescopes, nautical charting instruments, a wealth of stationary. Knowledge and history go hand in hand, and I want this space to feel as though you've stepped back in time. I want to sit down and feel enveloped by a decadent charm.