As we were driving along the coast, we spotted a home that probably best represents the closest style we’ve seen to looking like our dream home (shape wise). Mark and I both want our house to be architectural modern, taking form of the many principles of minimalism, which is basically design stripped of the unnecessary.

A lot of people don’t know that Minimalism actually takes root from a lot of Japanese traditional design. Clean lines, calm, attention to placement, etc. I guess the saying, “less is more” would sum up nicely what minimalist design takes after.

The reason I love minimalism so much in architecture is because it allows you to take the basic principle of design like line, balance, rhythm, emphasis, proximity, etc., and produce visually stunning structures. Come to think of it, that approach works well for me for most things. Like Louis Vuitton bags

I don’t know if my dream home would be exposed concrete like this, unless it was surrounded by a lot of greens to offset the concrete. But what I do love is the structure itself. Above the garage is what seemed to be a pool as the water from the pool cascaded down on the left side where the numbers of the house are located creating a little waterfall. How cool is that?!

The views from their home are amazing too. Probably more amazing then from where we were standing. Opposite of what the camera is seeing, is the ocean, unblocked and limitless with the setting sun. I mean, wow.

Another thing that caught our attention while driving by was the upside down Christmas tree hanging in what seemed to be a foyer, or larger living room? Mark and I have discussed hanging a tree upside down for Christmas. We haven’t got around to attempting it, but seeing this pretty much solidifies an upside down tree for 2010. The hanging vines from the top balcony with lights is pretty sweet too.

Anyway, just thought I’d share this amazing home. I can only imagine what the interior looks like, especially the kitchen!!!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Hanging

Another view

View DIY post here

Mark’s 29th Birthday Party + new kitchen renovations = picture story time:

So there wasn’t a real theme to the party other than the fact that we didn’t want to use plates. So Holly, myself, Mark, Jasmine and Clarione designed a “grab and go, or stay” menu.

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So far it’s been dusty, very noisy and flat out cluttered. I feel so helpless with this lack of organization through out the house. Other than what’s to be expected, things are going well. Seems a little slow, but I guess I’m stuck with the crap week where everything is being demolished, plumbing and electrical is being added, support beams being put in and nothing really looks good lol.

Mark is taking week 2… the fun week. It’s ok though! I’ve mastered working from home with banging noise all around. It’s called noise cancellation bose headphones

So here’s a pictorial update on what’s going down…

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I have to say that the quality of this is fantastic. Prior to this, I made a book with iPhoto and this Blurb book is miles better in construction, quality, size, finish, etc.

Their program is simple to use and connects with your flickr directly. Depending on how many photos you have on flickr, you may be leaving your computer on all night to let it access/download all the files. You can also import images from your computer. Keep in mind, doing all this makes a file on your computer. This book ended up being about 1gb.

Turn around time was actually pretty quick considering they have to print and construct the book. I also did ground shipping and all in all, it was just a little over a week. I’m sure choosing a faster shipping guarantees the book to be delivered sooner.

This particular book isn’t for sale since I have a few images here without a model release form and at the end of the book is fun drunken images of my friends. I don’t think this would be an appropriate coffee table book to sell, but I’m definitely going to be making another that will be commercial ready for coffee tables around the world!

Specs: 12″ x 12″ Premium paper, image wrapped, 70 page contemporary photo book.

View more sample pages here

Here’s a quick peek at our newly installed hardwood floors. The whole top floor was done and looks quite amazing. No more awful, heat absorbing, carpet!