Node Trillium Is the Carbon-Negative, Solar Powered Backyard Office of Our Dreams

If you’re fortunate enough to be self-distancing at a residence with a backyard, you’ve probably harbored daydreams of working at home, but also separate from your actual living space – perhaps something spacious, modern, and sustainable like one of these Node carbon-negative off-grid prefabs outfitted with solar panels and a rainwater collection system.

Photo: Andrew Pogue for Node

The Seattle-based prefab company Node offers flat-pack building designs with USGBC LEED certifications up to platinum, compact as 400 square feet scaling up to full-size homes. Designed by Wittman Estes Architecture, each accessory dwelling unit is engineered to be easily shipped almost anywhere and assembled in days, and focuses upon prefabricated designs with an emphasis using non-toxic materials, an incorporation of solar power with its own energy storage, energy efficiency using a structure-wide systems integration, and a low impact and easy to install foundation system option.

Photo: Andrew Pogue for Node

Photo: Andrew Pogue for Node

Photo: Andrew Pogue for Node

Energy efficient kitchen appliances like inductive stovetops were chosen to optimize solar power self-efficiency while also keeping indoor pollutants at a minimum.

The Node Trillium series’ smallest option is a 400-square-foot layout ideally suited as a backyard home office, with the alternative for 800 square feet and even a 1,000 square feet, 3-bedroom layout for more inclusive live-in features. The Trillium’s darkened wood exterior is constructed with locally-sourced cedar planks given the shou sugi ban treatment, the charred Japanese wood-preservation method that improves fire, mold, and insect resistance.

The NODE Madrona prefab home model is a larger option intended as a secondary vacation home.

Other Node models like the Madrona and Sequoia series offer floor-to-ceiling windows to invite as much natural light as possible while also utilizing energy efficient systems to keep interiors warm and cool in response to outdoor temperatures.

An even larger two-floor Juniper Series option is in the works for customers looking for a residential solution.

Those fortunate enough to live in proximity to Seattle, Washington can visit two of the Node model homes to get more acquainted with the designs: The Madrona guest retreat is located in Whidbey Island just north of Seattle, while the Trillium backyard DADU/cottage is located in West Seattle. Node offers potential buyers the opportunity to sign-up for visits via online inquiry here.

via http://design-milk.com/

from WordPress https://connorrenwickblog.wordpress.com/2020/07/31/node-trillium-is-the-carbon-negative-solar-powered-backyard-office-of-our-dreams/

Modern Home Accessories in PANTONE Colors That Endure + Spark Creativity

We all know the world looks to the PANTONE Color Institute when it’s time to spot color trends for all areas of the design arena, and a most notable favorite, for their Color of the Year announcements. Thinking about color, we perused their website to see what interesting color palettes they’d recently put together. We immediately spotted the Colors We Love, Colors That Endure color palette, which features eight colors that are versatile and fluid, and less about what season or gender they’re for. These colors can be considered new classics but classics that stand out through time and ones we connect with emotionally. Take a look at 8 modern home accessories, inspired by these uplifting colors, that can easily update your favorite space.

Colors We Love, Colors That Endure palette

>>> Capsule Sand Placemat by Slash Objects
Change up your placemats for a new look with these that are made from recycled rubber, which means they’re easy to clean with just soapy water. The sand color is the perfect neutral allowing your dishes and food to standout.

From The Shop

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Capsule Sand Placemat

$32.00

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Dome Eros Planter

$149.00

>>> Dome Eros Planter in Neptune by Capra Designs
This handmade domed planter is the perfect home for arid plants as its base is actually a drip tray so your plant will drain properly. The rich blue will complement any greenery you choose to add.

>>> 5″ Concrete Terrazzo Catch-Alls in Coral by Pretti.Cool
Small dishes make great spots to contain all of those small things that seem to end up everywhere, from paper clips to earrings and rings to your keys. This concrete catch-all features recycled glass in the mix making for a bold coral color that will pop on any surface.

From The Shop

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5″ Concrete Terrazzo Catch-Alls

$42.00

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Louise Dusk Throw

$280.00

>>> Louise Dusk Throw by Minna Goods
A cozy, 100% cotton throw made in the ideal medium weight that’s perfect for lounging around on the sofa. Handwoven in Peru, the ethically made throw is also an extra cozy charcoal grey color with an eye-catching grid pattern.

>>> Evolve I Pillow by SSEN
Since each pillow is uniquely made, each one is a little bit different using natural materials to achieve the subtle color and texture. This lavender slash mauve color is both soothing and fresh making for a welcome addition to any bed or sofa.

From The Shop

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Evolve I Pillow

$325.00

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CH24 Wishbone Soft Red Chair

$625.00

>>> CH24 Wishbone Soft Red Chair by Carl Hansen & Son
The iconic Wishbone Chair was designed in 1949 and has been a hit ever since with its signature Y-shaped back which gave the chair its name. Back in April, the Danish brand launched the chair in five new, limited-edition, matte colors as part of the Soft Colors collection to benefit the Be Original Americas’ Student Fellowship Program. We’re particularly fond of this brick red color for those looking for something different than black or white chairs.

>>> Curve Lumbar Pillow in Mustard by Anchal Project
If you’re one of those people that associates patchwork and embroidery design with the older generations, you need to check out Anchal Project. They’ve updated these age-old techniques to create modern textiles, like this hand stitched pillow in soft organic cotton in a golden mustard paired with cream.

From The Shop

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Curve Lumbar Pillow

$85.00

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Crosses Green 7″ Vase

$80.00

>>> Crosses Green 7″ Vase by Holmegaard
This hand-blown vase does away with the traditional cylindrical vase shape and designed it in the shape of a cross or plus sign. The Danish design comes in a beautiful green tint that just feels like summer.

>>> Want to see more modern home accessories? Head over to the Design Milk Shop! <<<

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from WordPress https://connorrenwickblog.wordpress.com/2020/07/31/modern-home-accessories-in-pantone-colors-that-endure-spark-creativity/

Rook: A New Unisex Fragrance Line That Will Transport You to Another Place + Time

Scent is a really personal experience. It has the ability to evoke emotion or memories, transporting you to another place and time with just a whiff of the nose. That’s exactly why perfumer Nadeem Crowe started his line of unisex fragrances, Rook.

Two years ago, Nadeem began to explore perfumery and found himself at bespoke perfumer Philippe K in Lausanne, Switzerland, where he explored his skills in the olfactory craft. He returned home to England and this past March, he launched Rook with a trilogy of three unique scents: Forest (a woody fragrance with green notes), Undergrowth (a familial scent of fresh garden mint being pulled from the earth), and Rook (a dirty/clean scent he created for himself initially).

You may notice that many perfumes have similar opulent bottle design and packaging. Rook’s design was created by Warren Beeby, who shares:

“Developing the Rook brand and packaging was really an exercise in restraint. With Rook we were very clear from the start that the scent should be the hero and not an over elaborate packaging design. Many of the Artisanal and larger perfume brands have very elaborate bottles and packaging solutions that scream opulence. Somehow I can’t help feeling that is in part about justifying the price point or maybe simply what happens when the perfumer is left to indulge his or her own whimsy.”

Rook is built around a simple triangle, an age-old symbol found in ancient symbolism and runes. For Nadeem, it represents the three parts of a scent (the top, middle, and base notes) and his three passions in life (perfume, performance, and medicine; Nadeem is an NHS A&E doctor, actor, and perfumer). Additionally, the triangle symbol represents how each perfume is a building block that can be used alone or layered on top of one another.

Since Rook’s launch, Nadeem has launched three additional scents in new packaging: Thurible (reminiscent of incense burned during worship services), Amber (inspired by nature and fossilized tree resin), Suede (a bold scent defined by suede, tobacco leaf, and leather), and Flaming Dandelion (a limited edition fragrance inspired by a photograph of that very object).

via http://design-milk.com/

from WordPress https://connorrenwickblog.wordpress.com/2020/07/31/rook-a-new-unisex-fragrance-line-that-will-transport-you-to-another-place-time/

Friday Five with Caitlin Murray of Black Lacquer Design

Caitlin Murray is CEO and founder of Black Lacquer Design, a boutique interior design firm founded in 2014, that’s known for their elevated, color-soaked style and unpretentious, inviting glamour. Her distinctive use of color has earned her a reputation in the industry for bold, daring interiors that are equal parts whimsical liveliness and polished chic. As a born synesthete, Caitlin’s experience of hue is at the heart of all her work. Her eclectic personal style is a manifestation of modern sensibilities and an homage to distinctive design from decades past. Caitlin currently lives in Los Angeles in a 1920’s era Spanish-style abode with her husband, a large collection of eccentric vintage artwork, and their cocker spaniel, Color. Today she joins us for Friday Five!

1. Scrumptious Textiles
Few things feel more satisfying to me than gorgeous fabric, and no one does it better than Dedar (and Italians in general)! I’ve long been obsessed with their Splendido line – an incredibly soft and striking velvet that comes in an array of super saturated hues with the prettiest sheen.

2. Farrow & Ball Paint
In general, my design (and life) philosophy is soulful, whimsical, well-edited maximalism, which is why I love Farrow & Ball paint. Every shade is thoughtfully mixed, pays homage to the past in some way and is incredibly well-curated. Their colors feel velvety, deep, and timeless.

3. Quirky Vintage Brass Sculptures
I’m a sucker for anything vintage and brass, especially if it’s a little weird or playful. Joseph from Gallery Girasole is one of my go-to’s for sourcing these gems, from oversized animals to funky lamps in the shape of things like cacti.

4. Bold Lipstick
A beautiful lip color makes me feel polished even when I’m not wearing a stitch of other makeup (which is most days, honestly!). Bite is one of the best with their intense pigment that’s extra moisturizing and an impressive collection of options. Gazpacho is my fave. Plus, they’re organic and cruelty-free.

5. Artisan Bread
I’ve been really into fresh baked bread and croissants ever since I was an elementary school exchange student in the French countryside, so I feel like I married really well to score the owners of Green Truck Bakery as my in-laws. They built their massive wood-fired brick oven by hand inside an antique building in their picturesque Missouri town, and also make their delicious, seasonally rotating menu of goodness from scratch.

Work by Caitlin Murray:

Griffith Park Blvd.

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from WordPress https://connorrenwickblog.wordpress.com/2020/07/31/friday-five-with-caitlin-murray-of-black-lacquer-design/