Some recent interior design project examples. I guess if you have money - then you can pretty much feather your nest any way you like. But still - having restraint and good taste (in being minimalist as opposed to gaudiness) is commendable.
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Clean and Classy- Icon Tower – My Interior Life
Tasmiah Chowdhury
May, 2020
Located in the epicenter of the Capital’s near Gulshan Lake, the residential complex Icon Tower merges the harmony of luxury and affordability; while promising an iconic lifestyle with the sumptuous interiors which have been meticulously planned with versatile layouts, wide dimensions and finest materials.
Built on a land area of approximately 19.74 katha, the complex is designed by architect Mustapha Khalid Palash and developed by Rancon development. The residential tower has a total of 25 rental flats, where single units are 2150 square-feet but many of the dwellers have also combined flats to turn them into simplexes and duplexes. This residential complex notably introduced the first show-flat ever in Bangladesh. For the interior of the show-flat, the interior design team of HIVE Interiors opted for a contemporary neo classical design for a sophisticated aesthetic with a transitional design incorporated with modern materials, such as brass and glass, and united them with plush furnishings. It took the design team about six months to fully complete the project from the conception to the execution. Since it was an in-house project, the team was not on a tight schedule, so they were engaged with the design for a longer period to conceive something out of the ordinary for the show flat. Everything is done locally in collaboration with the local suppliers and local artisans. From the sofas to the dining table to the cabinetry the entire execution and installation are done in-house.
“We wanted to create a unique customer experience and made many experiments prior to the execution of the show-flat. We studied and researched on multiple show flats and opted for a simple yet elegant interior interlaced with classy materials for each area. Since it is an open plan project, we carefully curated each area; that to put in simple words, the ‘wow factor’ as soon as an occupant enter. As soon as they enter they are welcomed with the open dining area and living room overlooking the kitchen. The space is then sectioned off partially with brass screens to zone it off as the family-living area and study space”, the designer team explains.
The flat has a combination of dove white and mocha colours on the walls. The living spaces are covered in light beige, marble finish tiles and the bedrooms have light oak coloured HDF flooring.
The flat is implemented with a muted yet poised colour theme running throughout. The highlight of the flat is dominantly the combined space of the dining and living space which comprises of stylish lighting fixtures, paintings and an oversized round mirror to accentuate the beauty of the interior. In terms of adding artificial light fixtures to bring an immediate drama and style to the place, the design team used local suppliers to install the spotlights and track lights other than the imported intricate lamps and crystal chandeliers. The lights incorporated are not overpowering, and gives a sense of calmness inside. Flush lights are as well installed throughout the main area within the ceiling cornice so the dwellers can have the play of depth with light and shade; depending on their celebration and retreats. On the highest level, a roof-terrace is created, which includes a shallow pool, fragmented garden, and spaces for social gatherings and contemplation of the perimeter urban view.
The simple interiors and efficiently organized space allow the dwellers to avoid unwanted distractions and focus on recovering physical and mentally from a day’s challenges. All sums up together to turn the space into a breath of fresh air amidst the stress of the city life. All in all, this residential complex is the perfect combination of style and diverse elements, which piece together to create an inviting and serene home.
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Rustic Chic Dwelling
SHOWCASE
Noted businessman Khondoker Jamil Uddin’s residence in Baridhara creates a fine balance of old essence and contemporary new ideas. Architect Kazi Fida and Md Abdul Awyal along with their team of River & Rain did not only reorganize to turn two spaces into one but also, tried to transcend the space into a cosy contemporary residence.
A simple, cosy and contemporary minimalistic move was the key concern of the design approach.
The existing Jamil residence apprised that there was a need of interrelation of inhabitants who resided in it.
Initially, there were two units, one was built and another one was under construction. In addition to that, there were three phases of the project- architectural refurbishment, interior design and landscape design through improvisation, which took approximately 1.5 years.
The land area of the building is 11.26 Katha and the coverage area of the house is 4800sft. The design consists of a series of wonderful, exciting challenges, with each challenge being an opportunity. Aesthetic value and an arrangement of warmth which gives a homely vibe along with functional importance were highlighted in this redevelopment procedure.
To preserve the flavour and few details of this voyage, every single idea went through sensitive selection. Mr Jamil Uddin and his family’s memory and emotional attachment to the old house were enlisted in priority throughout the refurbishment. Sustaining the old memories with contemporary amenities was one of the top requirements.
Along with aesthetic value and aura of space analysis, the lifestyle of the inhabitants was studied along with requirements throughout the restoration task. Hierarchy of space according to the necessity was considered. Tranquillity, lush of green with a play of space, southeastern breeze along with relaxing zone, space for suite and refreshment etc were also enlisted with the rest.
From outside, Jamil Residence appears to be one big house with a front lawn. There is a composed variety of fern, lantana, birds of paradise, traveller’s palm, raphis palm, areca palm, californicum, bougainvillea in the lawn. Sense of boldness through horizontal planes is visible and passerby can also feel the relish of bold fenestration, green and horizontality.
Few outer brick walls on the entry of the old residence were exposed to keep the identity of the old house. Presence of wooden and metal cladding walls represents boldness in this approach with steel I beam and column.
There is a welcoming foyer on the ground floor along with formal living, dining and lounge. Likewise, there is a set of staircases, cigar room on the south-west and a living room and lounge on the south-east. From the foyer, layers of spaces can be defined with transparency on the ground floor which enhances the transpicuous vibe in this prospect. Wooden deck affixed with a swimming pool and koi pond added different stoke to this refurbishment.
Photography by Maruf Raihan
A double-height lounge is designed adjacent to the swimming pool. Designed boundary wall along with hanging plants and fountain can be seen along with a touch of green.
Photography by Maruf Raihan
After escalating through the south-west staircase on the first floor, there is the daughter’s suite along with a designed study room, dressing room and toilet. Adjacent to the daughter’s suite is the theatre kitchen and family living. The staircase that now connects the two buildings reaches out to the master suite along with bedroom, toilet, dressing room, walk-in closet and another study bed with a view of front lawn.
For feature material, yellow and silver travertine was used to give a minimal appearance. Turkish marble was imported from Izmir and Japanese wood for the main gate and the two feature walls were also imported. Minimalistic furniture and feature lights were imported from Foshan and Bangkok.
