Archive for August 22, 2011

More Than a Humble Abode

Posted by Jasmine McGee ⋅ August 22, 2011 ⋅ 3 Comments

Ever since I was little, I’ve had this persistent lingering obsession with interior design and architecture. Before pursuing a career in writing I often pondered the possibilities of being an interior designer. I’ve always been a huge fan of HGTV and find myself immersed in the details of design and architecture. It used to be a career I seriously considered, but then I realized it was more of a personal aspiration than something I’d want to do for a living. Having to deal with clients and making their vision come to life would take the joy out of decorating and design. I just couldn’t do it.

I find joy in studying interior design and daydreaming about my dream house. Design and architecture, in my opinion, is all about finding that right ambiance that suits individuality. When I eventually become successful and have a stable career, I’d love to buy or have a house built that has a beautiful pool off the master bedroom. There is something so tranquil and romantic about having a pool right at your feet (literally in some cases.)

My dream house is going to show off my vibrant yet down to earth personality, but I must have a pool. I remember visiting my one friend in Ellicott City, Maryland and being in awe at her parent’s house. They live in this huge estate/villa, or whatever you call these huge houses that have the long winding driveways and huge acres of land around it. I guess her house was a mansion, but it felt as thought it was a legendary villa. The interior was lovely! Even though the house was overwhelming in size, it was more than just a “big” house. The family had a lot of character and their prize room was a big bowling alley and 50s diner in the basement. I remember hanging out at her house a few times and remember swimming, then getting out the pool and being a few steps away from the beautiful french doors that led to the bowling alley; it was spectacular!

Her house was similar to the one in the picture, except add a bunch of woods behind it and fancy cars in the driveway. I’ve been around a lot of luxury houses and mansions, but nothing as lavish as her house. One day I want to have a gorgeous house and actually have some stability. Moving around from apartment to apartment is nice, but I can so see myself settling down and having a nice cushy house. But I wouldn’t want it to just be another “cookie-cutter” mansion, that is amateur hour.

A dream house should showcase off a unique sense of style,even if that style is only visible from the interior elements. It goes back to that old saying “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” While some house may seem boring and dull on the outside, the interior may be home to a unique design flair. But I still wouldn’t to have a “cookie-cutter” interior design scheme, but I don’t know if I’m daring enough to have such a bold design as some of these houses below.

These houses below are some unique pieces of artwork that go beyond the conventional image of a “house.” There are plenty of unique houses throughout the globe, but I just wanted to show you a few that are more than just a humble abode. These houses are architectural canvasses that have been defied, explored, and re-imagined.

Clingstone Mansion located in Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay

This 103 year old mansion is built on a rock located in the middle of the bay. Quite scary, but it’s a lovely oasis on the bay. The house is owned by Henry Woods and is used as a summer vacation home. It is built with durable hurricane wind resistant material. It would be pretty awesome to stay there for a few nights and just fall asleep listening to the sounds of the waves crashing against the rock. But you’d have to make sure you have everything with you because there is only one way to and from the house, by tiny boat. Better not forget the eggs while shopping at the local grocery store on shore.

Sanzhi UFO Houses in Taiwan

These houses were built during 1978 in Sanzhi Pod City, a town in Taiwan that was built as a tourist resort for US visitors and military officials. The project was stopped due to finacial problems and it sat vacant for 28 years. The UFO shaped houses were forgotten and Sanzhi Pod City became a marvelous and weird futuristic ghost town. But eventually the government officials had enough. In 2008 the city was finally demolished and all that remains are beautiful pictures of a futuristic vision. Perhaps houses in the future will revisit this UFO shape. How cool would that be? If someone asks where you live, you could just say “in a UFO.” They’d probably think your crazy, but who cares, you’d be telling the truth, and that’s the greatest satisfaction.

The ~~Flintstone~~ Stone House in Guimarães, Portugal

Yabba dabba doo!!! Seriously, it does remind me (and a lot of other folks) of the iconic Flintstone house. This lovely abode is located in Portugal and it’s nestled in between two large stones. You’d have to venture up to the Fafe Mountains to see this beauty for your self, but it seems worth the trip. I would have loved to been there during the initial conversation about building between two ghastly stones. I bet there was a few naysayers throughout the village who thought the designer was crazy, but I consider the designer a genius for crafting such a unique house.

The Klein Bottle House in Rye Australia

I want this house! Let me know when it goes for sale, okay? Haha…but seriously, this house is awesome! I love the sharp lines on it and how it has this modern minimalistic vibe. Out of all the houses, this one is my favorite. Check out the interior of this house designed by Mcbride Charles Ryan.

Final Thoughts…

There are so many unique houses and buildings that are nestled in every corner of the globe. I found so many inspirational homes, the countless number of stunning pictures I have would overwhelm this post. It’s nice to see that there is still a lot of artistic innovation when it comes to designing abodes. From the wacky houses to the geometric beauty, there are houses out that being designed for every unique style.

As an urban nomad, I have this overpowering desire to see the globe and experience the unique interior design and architectural elements found within so many cities. Maybe one day I’ll have enough money to hire an architect and bring my innovative visions to life. That day is far off in the future, but for now I can at least daydream and gawk at hundreds of stunning images of unconventional houses. Being traditional is so last year, I’m all about being on cutting edge of the technological and artistic revival that is going to be the voice of the future.

©Jasmine McGee

ThinkSoul25

http://thinksoul25.com