Selexyz Dominicanen - An Unexpected Location for a Book Store

I love old architecture turned into unexpected businesses or spaces, and this next location is just that: a 13th century deconstructed Dominican church in the Netherlands turned bookstore. Prior to the transformation in 2007 into the Dutch bookstore Selexyz Dominicanen, this church was used as a warehouse, archive, and bicycle storage depot. The design of the bookstore was done by Merks + Girod architects in Maastricht, Netherlands.

I appreciate how the design works around the historical architecture of the building, allowing visitors to experience every part of the beautiful architecture.

Thankfully they did not forget to include the always important cafe-coffeshop!

Lastly, check out one of my favorite parts of the bookstore: the entrance!

Via Merkx + Girod

Potato Head - New Design from Old Things

Lucky for me, my sister is quite the real traveler, and her most recent endeavor brought her to Indonesia for several months. (check out her blog!)  During one of her endeavors, she came across a restaurant with its walls and ceilings covered in shutters. I loved the concept and design of it from the pictures she sent me, but learned that it was actually was not an original concept and was actually a copy of Potato Head, another restaurant and bar with locations in Jakarta and Bali. To give credit to where its due, let me introduce you to Potato Head.

Potato Head and was designed by Indonesian architect, Andra Matin in collaboration with the restaurants owners, who were looking to create a space that was "totally different than the rest have to offer."

 In addition to the vintage industrial style that is brought in with the shutters and metal railings, other unique aspects of the design include a green wall, bar stools made from tractor seats and vintage childrens nursery lamps on the tables.

They also have some pretty interesting murals!

Be sure to visit their quirky website for a unique experience, and to see more of the design. I promise it is worth checking out!

via Potato Head, Rogue Art and Asia Bars & Restaurants

Bangkok University - Unpredictable University Design

Finding the perfect homework spot can be a struggle during the 3, 4, or 5 years that we spend in college, but Supermachine Studio seemed to have an idea exactly what they thought students in Thailand were looking for at the "Creative University." I found this project particularly interesting as I am currently a student assistant for the interior designer at my university, where everyday I encounter design decisions and opportunities to help to make the campus a more beautiful place, but never before have I seen a university with design like this one.

Let me welcome you to Bangkok University's BU Lounge.

The lounge's reading cave is made up of thousands of "ribs that break the space up into many rooms for various types of student functions.

I am a big fan of chevron patterns, so I love the graphic floor detail.

In front of the reading cave is what the designers call the "Big Sofa." The flexibility and customization that this seating allows for makes it the perfect solution for the space.

And what student lounge is complete without a giant panda? Students can go inside the backside of the panda and up to the head where they can look out the mouth. I think that the most interesting design idea of this panda is that in the future, the intent is that students will someday paint it to be a different animal. The designers also wanted students to have the opportunity to paint the white columns found throughout the space in order to promote creativity and make the space their own.

The upper level of the student lounge gives students a bit of a study break. This pink and white dot structure is a karaoke house!

A similar house structure on the second level is a practice room for bands and music groups.

As you can tell, in this space nothing is predictable, so the pool table is also unique with its adjustable holes and extra long length. In this upstairs village area you will also find a giant dartboard, makeup counter, rounded pingpong table, and Kung-fu style style stress release area.

Bangkok University has several other unique spaces on its campus, including its Creative Center and Admissions Cafe, so be sure to check them out at Supermachine Studio's Blog, and be sure to comment to tell me what you think!

via Supermachine Studio

Inntel Hotel - A Stack of Dutch Design

To give you a glimpse into my past, I grew up in a small Iowan town that cherishes its Dutch heritage and even annually celebrates with a three-day festival complete with Dutch costumes, poffertjes, wooden shoes, and as many tulips as the unpredictable Iowa weather will give them. While I no longer fit into my Dutch costume, and long gave up my days of marching in wooden shoes in our high school band, anytime I see anything with a Dutch resemblance, I am taken back to those days. Lucky for me, this next destination brings us to a 160-room hotel in a suburb of Amsterdam, the Netherlands designed by WAM architecten and Molenaar & Van Winden architecten. I quickly fell in love with the unique lego-block stack of typical Zaan houses that make of up the façade of Inntel Hotel.

The single blue house at the top of the structure is a reference to Claude Monet's "The Blue House" painting.

The grand staircase welcomes guests into this modern Dutch getaway.

 

Each of the 160 rooms are unique and their categories or themes are divided by the features of the room. For example, Taste Deluxe Rooms are inspired by chocolate, biscuit, cheese and mustard flavors.

The Tsar Peter Suite is known as the most unique suite and is designed after the Tsar Peter House, the oldest house in Zaandam. 

Other rooms and suites include the Craft Deluxe Room, Factory Deluxe Room, Founders Junior Suite, and Founders Suite.

Shown below is the hotel's Bar & Restaurant Puur Saen, featuring more of the historic pictures of the region that are found throughout the entire hotel, complementing the modern twist on Dutch design. I think that it would be hard to leave the Inntel Hotel without an appreciation and increased knowledge of the Zaan region, which proves that the architects and designers successfully carried out their concept. 

And here is the pool. I would definitely say that design of the space and chosen finishes promote the goal of calmness and total relaxation.

Be sure to check out the hotel's website to learn more about the hotel's unique rooms or book a stay!

[Pictures via iDesignArch & WAM architecten]

Design Down Under

This next destination brings us to a quirky Australian hotel called QT Gold Coast. The hotel's website gives a perfect description of Nic Graham + Associates design intent: "nostalgic surfer chic meets miami catwalk cool." This hotel is filled with bold, modern furniture, lighting and finishes that I'm convinced would brighten up anyone's mood. There seems to be so much to do and see, keeping artists, vacationers and surfers occupied. I personally love the custom light fixtures in the lobby (below) and feel they are a perfect addition to the space whether you are looking at it from below....

or above.

I also like how the quirky and modern beach vibe is carried through every space in a unique way and even as the function of spaces change, guests see repeated design elements and furniture pieces.

Bold patterns and clean, modern style continues into the guest rooms and complements the beautiful views of Australia. I also appreciate the graphic tile work in the bathroom complemented with mirror placement that reminds you to continue having fun!

And here is the hotel's Spa Q. I especially love the perfect mixture of textures found through this space with the metallics, basket light fixtures, metal chairs, and fur. 

And don't forget about the cafe, Fixx, complete with a variety of treats and an organic menu.

Be sure to explore the rest of the hotel or begin planning your Australian getaway by booking a stay at QT Gold Coast on their website!

via freshome and QT Gold Coast