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Design Leaps of Faith
A glass floor, a waterfall table, a literally ship-shaped kitchen ... these rooms, furniture and art might just leave you speechless
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
This being a leap year has inspired me to think about designs for the home that seem to rely on a leap of faith. Whether good or bad, they’re the designs that create intrigue and cause a second glance. Do the ones below strike your fancy, or should the designers have looked more carefully before they leaped?
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This room has a serious wow factor that has made it pretty popular on Houzz: It has a glass floor that looks down to the basement wine cellar. My stomach might end up somewhere with the wine bottles if I looked down.
See more of this modern-Gothic poolhouse
See more of this modern-Gothic poolhouse
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| The designer and client was likely aiming to conserve visual space while making a contemporary impact with this glass staircase. |
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Marrying a waterfall and a table kills two birds with one stone, particularly handy if you’re short on space. This construction is unusual and unexpected, which is exactly the reason it’s compelling.
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See more of this house
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Have you ever considered a waterfall in place of your sink faucets? The designer had a unique vision here, and I think it works. It's controlled by foot pedals, so you don’t have to worry about your hands touching germs after they’ve been washed.
by Jenny Carter
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Sculptures in the home can be a compelling accessory with texture and personality. These branches certainly do all three. Paired with the bright wall unit, they command some serious attention.
by Caitlin Wilson
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This couch demonstrates a more subtle leap of faith, one that can work successfully in any home. Add a spot of color by draping a bright throw over the middle of your couch, then add pillows over it as it were part of the couch itself. At first glance, it looks as if the couch has different-color cushions down the center, providing visual dimension and texture.
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We spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and this designer clearly intended to create a happy and energizing environment through bold floral wallpaper, lacquered red cabinetry and colorful accessories. It makes an impact and somehow manages to feel both traditional and contemporary at the same time.
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| This kitchen is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum from the previous one. You can’t help but appreciate a minimal kitchen that cuts down on unnecessary clutter. Or can you? Would this design float your boat, or does it go overboard? |
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This kitchen marries elements from both previous designs. It has a fairly minimal aesthetic yet sports a bright yellow countertop.
No need to accessorize a fireplace with artwork when the fireplace is a piece of art itself.
16 Stunningly Beautiful Fireplaces
16 Stunningly Beautiful Fireplaces
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| Fireplaces usually come in fairly typical shapes and sizes. This designer took a leap of faith by making one extra, extra wide. |
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| Walls filled with artwork and photographs make for focal points that truly personalize a space. But how would you feel if that wall were right over your bed? |
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This dining room explodes with life in the company of a life-size rearing horse.
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| Displayed knickknacks invigorate a space with personality. However, they're not usually seen in the kitchen in place of dishware storage. I like the unexpected effect and the added color, but I wonder if aesthetic is winning over functionality with this idea. |
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| A shower smack dab in the center of the bathroom is definitely a design leap of faith, even if a clear enclosure ensures that it doesn’t visually impede the flow. |
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Mixing patterns and color is all the rage right now, and this space takes it to a new level. It is expressive and balanced, and shines with personality. Is it a step too far, or do you like the eclectic nature?
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This bathroom evokes a living room with gold accessories and a stocked bookshelf. I'll gladly name myself a fan.
Tell us: Have you made your own design leaps of faith? Post a photo below!
More:
10 Unique Houses Around the Globe
Be Bold, Be Brave With Color
Tell us: Have you made your own design leaps of faith? Post a photo below!
More:
10 Unique Houses Around the Globe
Be Bold, Be Brave With Color
Ideabook updated on Feb. 24, 2012.
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BTW, the bench in the nook from old signs was a winner!!
That being said, the glass floor with blue illuminate wine celler below caught my eye a few months ago. For contemporary dwellings the blue may be more appropriate, but imagine the same design with a soft white light, or diffused red , purple or even a blacklight. Lighting can completely change the feeling of a space. We have simply changed out lightbulbs to correct a dim room or poorly lit space.
The kitchen with illuminated display shelves is a great idea to fill a space with design without cluttering it with less easy to use cabinetry. More designers are eliminating upper cabinetry and creating more usable lower cabinet storage and we applaud them. This is a giant step towards Universal Design.
The boat-shower in the middle of the room. We saw that published a while back. No comment.
When a client inputs design elements...a Dyson AirBlade hand dryer was requested in a recent bath renovation. We angled the wall so that it was less visible from the bath entry and hall and also didn't protrude into this 5-foot wide footprint.
The same client expressed interest in a dragon chandelier. However, the actual size of that chandelier is almost 7-feet long and hangs 51-inches from the mounting plate. With an 8-foot ceiling it would be less than 4-feet off the floor :-)