Merci Concept Store

Merci had been on our go-to list for awhile so while in the 3rd arrondissement we decided to stop by during a recent trip to Paris.

The shop carries home decor, accessories, office supplies, clothing and even has it’s own cafe, but their selection of furniture is what we were really interested in.

Vintage and modern chairs.

Chandelier and reclaimed wood dining table.

Love these hand-carved scoops and spoons.

We also loved how the converted showroom was set up into different spaces which made browsing and shopping a lot easier and more fun!

Some items we wish we had a spot for at home.

The shop also has an extensive collection of notebooks, small electronics and some great office supplies.

Our favorite piece in the store.

We ended up coming home with a few things for our home which we’ll be sharing on the blog shortly. But if you’re in the neighbourhood or planning on visiting Paris, Merci is a great spot to do some home shopping. We definitely plan on coming back!

House G-S by Graux & Baeyens Architects

Designed by Graux & Baeyens Architects, House G-S is a 19th century corner home located in Ghent Belgium which has a unique view of the Muide waterfront area and docks.

“The project started by stripping the dilapidated house of all excess. The essence was conserved by means of the facafe, the stairwell and the roof truss, each of them serving as a rough coat to envelop the new spaces.”

We love the geode shape of the new modern roof in contrast with the original traditional Belgian homes.

“Several strategically located cutouts offer a variety of well-defined views. Inside the house, this approach brings contrast to each level, interplaying the original and new elements. Contrast is enhanced by the colours and textures of the selected material.”

The original brick interior was painted black which makes a nice contrast to the stark white interior.

Original hardwood plank flooring.

Hidden storage spaces are everywhere throughout the home, including this kitchen where all of the appliances are tucked away behind the simple white cabinetry.

Classic Eames molded chairs with eiffel bases around the dining table.

We love both the vintage and modern elements throughout the home like the original wood beams in contrast with the modern furniture and built-ins.

(via archdaily)

Treehotel in Sweden

Located in Harads, Sweden, Treehotel is a combination of a standard hotel with five uniquely designed guesthouses and a sauna space propped up against a classic Scandinavian atmosphere. Each designed and decorated in a specific theme from MirrorCube to The Bird’s Nest. We love the unique concept and simple furnishings in the spaces.

See more HERE.

Two Homes in Orsara, Italy by Raimondo Guidacci

Located in the town of Orsara di Puglia in Italy, this project consists of two buildings taking up an irregular shaped empty lot along a street of old traditional houses. We love the contrast of old and new and the crisp clean lines against the original stone buildings.

Designed by architect Raimondo Guidacci, the 125 sq. m homes took 5 years to complete.

“Both the buildings are covered by roofs with a single slope made of Rheinzink.

The particular lot geometry have influenced volumetric development of the houses, buildings follow the different directional lines which crossing the area. The main idea of the project starts from these bonds and finds the solution in the rotation of the levels around  the chimney, like a fan, generating many terraces turned in direction of the court, the core of the buildings.”

House 1

House 2

(via AECCafe)