A Light-Filled House in Toledo, Spain Where Patios Have Nobility

OOIIO Architecture have completed a single-family home, GAS House, in Toledo, Spain. Their clients, a young couple, wanted a bright home built on a plot where natural light was not particularly abundant. Therefore, OOIOO’s team had to organize the house around four patios strategically placed on the site to serve as light wells and natural ventilation.

Each of the patios’ height changes depending on its function of “nobility” as the architects called it. A more intimate, personal function, like the living-dining area, is the most noble and therefore the highest patio on the plot. The lowest, meanwhile, is the garage.

Looking at the traditional patios of La Mancha, the architects found that the lower parts of the patios were made by ceramic baseboards.

In this modern house, the architects have decided to reverse it and put the ceramic at the bottom: the patios are covered by hexagonal ceramic pieces so that when light falls through the courtyards, it falls with a certain distinct, eye-catching visual personality.

Photos by Josefotoinmo.

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In the End These Modern Washlets Offer an Upgrade in Hygiene

If there’s one sensitive area of discussion that’s only now being broached within the mainstream market, it’s bathroom technologies dedicated to keeping our backsides more hygienically clean. While full-blown futuristic design toilets like the TOTO Neorest NX are still priced out the reach of most households, manufacturers have made an aggressive push to clean our tush with the introduction of affordable add-on washlet toilet seats. They’re also infinitely easier to install, requiring only a rudimentary knowledge of plumbing and proximity of an outlet. Here are several of the best options available today:

The Coway Bidetmega is offered in two easy to install versions (if you can build an IKEA shelf, you can install a washlet in less than half an hour), the 200 and 400. Each mode is primarily differentiated by controls, one built into the side of the seat (200) or with the option for a wireless remote for additional installation options (400). Both models feature a triple-stage bidet wash, dryer, a night light, heated seat, child mode, and multi-user programmable settings to ensure comfort and preference across a household of users.

The Tushy Spa aims its spray toward the millennial market with a pair of surprisingly analog bamboo dial controls dedicated to water pressure and temperature gracing this toilet add-on. This model also stands out from the competition by offering nine different color combinations, including pink and white or black and gold options.

Undoubtedly the king of all washlet manufacturers, Japanese brand TOTO has become synonymous with the best in bathroom hygiene appliances. And with that reputation comes a premium price on almost every toilet and washlet TOTO offers. Which makes the TOTO Washlet A100 an attractive entry-priced option for anyone who wants the basics of heated and adjustable oscillating/pulsating spray for both front and back for under $500.

At nearly $1,300, the Kohler C3-230 bidet toilet seat is a premium option for elongated toilets. But its slim, low-profile design stands out with the inclusion of its very own touchscreen remote in lieu of the typical push button remotes normally attached to washlets. Alongside the swipe-to-wipe spray cleaning, C3-230 has a built-in nightlight to aid in nocturnal visits, and a self-cleaning stainless steel wand that automatically sanitizes the system using UV light.

Tom and Thomas Lotrecchiano were so enamored after experiencing the comforts and wonders of push button Japanese toilet technology, they founded an American-based company dedicated to upgrading the loo. Their Omigo is a reasonably priced add-on seat delivering many of the same features as more expensive models, including a massaging nozzle oscillation with silver ion sterilization between visits, a built-in warm air dryer, LED night light, heated seat, active carbon filter deodorizer, and a wireless remote.

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Infuse Your Favorite Spirits with the Sempli Incanter

We first featured Los Angeles brand Sempli back in 2013 and we’ve been fans of their glassware ever since. Some of our favorites are the pieces with their signature spinning bottoms which are playful and add an unexpected twist to traditional glassware. One particular fave is their Incanter, a clever piece that allows you to infuse flavors into any liquor. Want strawberry infused vodka or peach infused bourbon? Done! Besides alcohol infusions, you can make fruit-infused water, herb-infused oils, and vinaigrette salad dressings – the possibilities are endless.

To begin, fill the lead-free crystal Incanter with your favorite liquor. Then choose whatever ingredients you’d like to infuse it with and put them in the infusing tube. Cap the tube with the silicone stopper, place in decanter, and then spin it to your heart’s content. If you want to infuse it longer, just let it rest on the felt coaster until you’re ready. Keep it for your own, personal concoctions, entertain guests at a party, or give it as a gift – whatever you choose, the results are delightfully delicious!

>> You can purchase Sempli’s Incanter here. <<

>> For more on the Incanter go here, and to see everything available from Sempli go here! <<

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The Spruce Grab & Go Leash Bag: Dog Walking Made Easy

We’ve all been there: Your pup wants to go for a walk the moment you get home, but you have to run around trying to find and gather everything you need to take them out. Spruce Pup has seen you and created a leash bag so you never have to make your dog wait on you again.

The Grab & Go Leash Bag is designed to carry all of the essentials you need for you and your dog’s next adventure. It’s got a zipper pouch (perfect for treats!), easy-to-get-to doggie bag storage, and an inner pouch to store your leash — created so the leash doesn’t get tangled when it’s put away.

The bag also has some space for you, too! It holds your cell phone, your ID, and your keys. It’s clear that this bag was made by dog owners for dog owners to make your life — and your pup’s — easier. The Grab & Go Bag has a Kickstarter campaign that runs through March 19th if you’re interested.

While you wait on the Grab & Go Bag, see the other Spruce pet supplies we have in our shop!

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Friday Five with Nina Magon of Contour Interior Design

Both an interior designer and TV personality, Nina Magon is a certified dual threat. In her work as Creative Director and Principal at Contour Interior Design, she’s recognized for a refined modern aesthetic that balances high design with luxury. When working with a client, Nina first creates a vision before executing a one-of-a-kind design that’s tailored to their unique taste. Her residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces have won acclaim the world over for their trailblazing style.

Nina received her Bachelor of Science in economics and finance from Southern Methodist University and completed post-graduate studies in architecture and design at The Art Institute. In 2013, she was chosen by Nate Berkus to appear on NBC’s Dream Builders, in which 12 of the most notable, respected, and established designers and builders from around the country competed. Nina was a semi-finalist, praised for her high levels of taste and design abilities. She’s also made it a point to participate in non-profit events, such as Housing Works and Elle Decor Magazine’s benefit, Design On A Dime, both in Miami and NYC.

Today Nina is stopping by Design Milk to share five things she relies on in life for Friday Five!

Photo: Jeffrey Abbott

1. My Phone
In today’s day and age people rely on their phones quite a bit, and I am definitely one of those people. With the new technology available today, I have everything on my phone to help me throughout my day to stay organized, on time, and productive. I have my calendar, which reminds me when I have meetings and appointments, music apps to help me stay focused throughout the day, and organization apps that help me organize the tasks I need to accomplish each day. My phone is definitely an item that I could not go without!

Photo: Optimum Nutrition

2. Energy Drink
Being a wife, mother of two, and business owner is draining some days more than others. I’m not a coffee drinker, so I needed to find something that tasted great and would give me a little pick me up when I’m feeling low on energy. I’ve found an energy drink that doubles as an amino acid-filled supplement, Amino Energy by Optimum Nutrition. It’s great for the morning, providing natural caffeine, 8-10oz of water, plus a plethora of amino acids to set you up for the day! It’s also great for a mid-day lift, and is full of amino acids which are great for body recovery.

Photo: Minotti

3. Italian Furniture
There is something about the way and quality of craftsmanship of Italian furniture that is simply exquisite! I find myself drawn to Italian brands because of the beauty and intricate details that Italians incorporate into every product they create. Italy produces, in my opinion, some of the most inspirational designs, whether it is the sleek trim piece on the bottom of a sofa or the elegant curves of a chair, these details within the design are manufactured to perfection.

Artist Roy Lichtenstein

4. Bold Art
Art can be the greatest accessory to a space if chosen correctly. Art for interiors is like the jewelry you would accessorize an outfit with. A perfectly planned ensemble can be escalated and perfected by the perfect piece of bold jewelry, it gives it that final touch that completes the outfit. Interiors are very similar. A room can feel balanced and finished, but if the walls are blank or lacking color you can place a piece of bold and edgy art to add some chic drama to provide the finishing touch to complete to the overall aesthetic.

Photo: Brigitte Lacombe

5. Zaha Hadid
Zaha Hadid is truly one of my greatest inspirations, in the fact that she constantly went against the grain and stood out by being different and staying true to her craft. She is widely seen as the greatest female architect of contemporary times, who reshaped architecture for the modern epoch – something difficult for women to do in her time. Hadid said, “I’ve always been independent and, because I’m ‘flamboyant’, I’ve always been seen as difficult. As a woman in architecture, you’re always an outsider. It’s OK, I like being on the edge.” Against all odds and a great deal of prejudice, she broke one glass ceiling after another. No small feat when that glass was as hard and thick as concrete! Zaha Hadid will always be someone that I look up to because she was not scared of being different and instead embraced it, which made her work beautiful masterpieces that will go down in history.

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