I recently discovered CustomMade, a fantastic US-based online marketplace connecting customers with local artisans for custom-designed furniture, jewelry, and more. With over 50,000 completed projects, the platform offers a compelling alternative to big-box retailers, emphasizing the value of supporting local makers.

Let's address how collaboration between architects and designers isn't always seamless despite both belonging to the creative industry. This post highlights tips for achieving a successful outcome, emphasizing the importance of forming a design team with complementary expertise, defining roles and communication early on, involving interior designers from the start, and fostering open communication and mutual respect between teams.

Navigating the vast world of the internet, home improvement stores and home decor magazines to choose an environmentally friendly wall finish can be daunting. The challenge lies in discerning between surface-level "green" claims and genuine sustainability. Despite the compromises often involved in finding both eco-friendly and sustainable options, this post offers wall finish recommendations for environmentally conscious consumers determined not to compromise on their values.

In this post I discuss the challenge of finding affordable apartments in densely populated cities like San Francisco and the creative solutions designers employ to maximize livable space in urban areas. I showcase two videos—one featuring a 344-square-foot apartment in Hong Kong with 24 different configurations and the other showcasing a 450-square-foot studio apartment in New York inspired by Japanese compact living. These pocket-sized apartments are transformable, customized to the user's needs, and encourage a purposeful, clutter-free lifestyle, making them ideal for individuals or couples looking to enjoy city life on a budget.

Onto bigger and better things in 2013!

Learn how to tie a scarf in a few different ways in this fun post!

Engaging with sustainable design in the building industry is unavoidable nowadays. Thomas Auer's unique perspective, particularly his involvement in projects like the highly energy-efficient office tower for Manitoba Hydro in Canada, stands out as refreshing and convincing. As a mechanical engineer, Auer advocates for integrating daylight, convection, and passive solar elements early in the design process to create both beautiful and energy-efficient buildings, setting a commendable example in contrast to the common practice of addressing sustainability late in the design phase.

I'm thrilled to be back to writing after a strenuous month filled with excitement. Our house turned into a 'Startup Zone' as my husband and his friend prepared to present their idea in San Francisco. Amidst cheering them on, I managed to balance exam prep, college applications and a slew of social events. Now that the whirlwind is behind me, I can share the art and design that kept me inspired. I'm eagerly anticipating some much-needed moments of Zen next month!

Check out this post on 3 neat design services you can find online for any renovation project that's on your mind!

In this post I gush over Singapore's Gardens by the Bay - the horticulture-themed park, spanning 80 hectares in the downtown marina area - a blend of urban greenery and leisure spaces. With features reminiscent of iconic parks like Golden Gate Park and Central Park, it includes themed parks, an event space, a lake, playground and tree-lined walkways. Notable attractions are conservatories showcasing tropical and Mediterranean flora, a 115-feet high man-made waterfall, and 18 'Supertrees'—vertical gardens illuminated with captivating lights and audio-visual entertainment in the evenings.