SMALL SPACES: Garage converted into a living Space

In modern cities living spaces have become rare and expensive. Additionally the number of single parent families is increasing in western countries which means you need even more space for more individuals. No matter whether this is a desirable development (in fact it isn't) it is happening and solutions have to be found because cities cannot supply endless space for a decent living. But there might be a lot of space which is not utilzed any more for various reasons.

A while ago I found this very interesting article via freshome.com and I thought I would love to share this with you if you haven't seen this yet:

"Garage conversions are very popular nowadays. It is amazing what some can do out of an old rusty room and today we have yet another project that proves impossible is nothing. French architects at Fabre | de Marien managed to completely transform a 41 sqm garage located in Bordeaux into a welcoming living space." (continue to read here)

With some plants and more decoration you could even convert the external part of this wall into a welcoming space that certainly sets oneself apart from the ugly surrounding and might even inspire the neighbourhood to do something similar.

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Outstanding modern Design

If you haven't seen this already I would like to direct you to an extraordinary design: the interior of a new restaurant in Boston.

"Banq is the new restaurant in the old Penny Savings Bank (1375 Washington Street, Boston, MA) at the base of the old banking hall, designed by Office dA. The restaurant interior offers unique experience for guests and they’ll be remembering this restaurant design. The wall and ceilings were decorate using wave element made from unique pieces of three-quarter-inch birch plywood adhered together..." (continue to read here)

(original image source from Momoy.com)

The principal and founder of this design company is Monica Ponce de Leon, born in Venezuela. The company has received numerous awards for their salient designs.

I think this is an excellent example where architecture, interior design, art and craftsmanship result in a perfect sinfonia.
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A cosy Bedroom and old Facade on the Wall...

I love the colours of this bedroom, its charme and rural elegance - in my eyes everything fits perfectly in an environment in the countryside.
The painting on the wall is an acrylic painting The Facade from my architectural series. You can see more details here if you like or click on the second photo.

original image source from http://www.housetohome.co.uk

"The Facade"

acrylic, 26" x 18"

©Petra Voegtle

The Landscape in the Entrance Hall

This entrance hall would be cold, clinical and a bit hostile unless you make it somehow interesting - with a landscape painted on silk. And what could be more fascinating than the landscapes around Guilin with their incredible archaic magic?
I can tell you - the photo does not do any justice to this painting. If you stand right in front of it - it becomes totally 3D! You think you can walk right into it...
Check out the details of this painting here if you like.

original image source from http://www.modernes-interieur.de

"The Monuments of Guilin"

silk, 5 panels, 40" x 65"

©Petra Voegtle

The Colour White is the Colour of Purity...

I am not a friend of pure whites simply because I am a colour person (please see my other blog Blooms and Blossoms - that's all about colour!)
But there are people who love these pure whites and of course I can only attempt to stay within the rules with this painting on the wall which is called - no joke - White Wall and belongs to the series Reminiscences, which is about the painted walls of the old Olmypic Student Village in Munich which has been torn down last year for re-construction (please see photo series if you like).
More details of this painting can be seen here.

original image source from http://www.housetohome.co.uk

"White Wall"
(from the Reminiscences series)
acrylic, 26" x 18"
©Petra Voegtle

An Asian style Silk Scroll in a Moroccan House...

You think this does not work? But it does!
This is one of my most favourite houses of this style. The colour is just unbelievable. And if you think hard about it - this house could be at many places in southern regions of this planet not to speak of hanging that silk scroll which is called The Palace.
If you would like to see detailed photos of this scroll please check this link here (don't forget to click on the image for enlargement).

original image source from "Moroccan Interiors", Taschen Verlag 1995