(Above: A library to the ceiling is a good choice to divide spaces without losing the characteristics of the loft, providing an important element of visual presence photography by
Adventures in Astrophotography
)

Decoration
The decor is cool loft in appearance. The colors, objects and designs, along with the materials used must be able to achieve that feeling. Recall that the space is the main loft style, and therefore use materials, colors and elements that respect and not intrude into the space.

The loft is great with a minimalist style. Deprived environments and light colors reinforce the concept of loft.

Colours
The colors used in this style usually tend to be cold, gray, blue and white mostly, but also used vanilla tones, earth or bone.

(Above: The architecture of a loft must favor the access of natural light)

Lighting
For its spaciousness light plays a fundamental role in the loft. You have to have large windows and high ceilings, allowing access important light throughout the space. The light should flood the environment. A good lighting is also important. The possibility of letting the light cable allows for greater flexibility. Lamps “galponeras” hanging from the ceiling are a choice in line.

Another distinctive feature of the loft is the use of two floors or mezzanines that although reported, separates the main area of ​​living room, living room and kitchen, the bedroom, study or other additional rooms. The combined plants is generally achieved significant weight with decorative staircases.

The visual integration of all this great space is critical, using the floors, walls, materials and colors to achieve uniformity.

(Top Left: It’s common to use two floors provided to avoid the walls and doors / Right: The loft is recognized by its large undivided spaces, lots of light and leading manufacturing aspect)

Motivated by the affordable rent, moved to warehouses and industrial premises unoccupied. This would allow them to integrate work and housing in one place, at lower cost and with the possibility of having large and bright spaces.

Later, the demand for these spaces added to new business: restaurants, shops, studying painting, photography studios and art galleries, loft and quickly moved to the domestic sphere, making disused warehouses and factories a large housing , spacious and comfortable.

The loft is a modern, cutting edge, high-level, which was gradually readjusting to smaller areas and mixing with elements of other styles. check design events

• The Origin of Minimalism
• The characteristics of Minimalism
• Some details and ideas to consider

Zen Style
The Zen seeks harmony and balance through simplicity, few objects, natural materials and the presence of aromas, something own Zen Zen style uses bright colors and neutral tones. The furniture in the Zen style should follow the greatest simplicity in his lines. Low furniture, straight lines that invite the order and, in most cases, retain the natural wood color.

• The Origin of Zen
• Zen Style
• Zen features
• Text Fritjof Capra on Zen
• From Minimalism to Kitsch

Loft Style
The adaptation of industrial sites for housing, taking advantage of its basic structure, formed a new style. It is cold, clean, hard surface, solid colors, no apparent warmth. They use metal, plastic and rubber. Pure geometric shapes and angles marked. It is a quiet, neutral style. The empty space is the most important.

• Some loft details and ideas to consider
• Loft style elements
• Loft style features
• The Origin of the Loft

Oriental Style
Based on staff interpretation of this exotic and ancient culture, with the simplicity they bring their wisdom and philosophy. Colors, objects, murals and decorations that refer at all times (or copy) its aesthetics and morals. Contrasting textures (stone, wood, paper), mystical objects (sources, candles, incense) and the presence of nature (rocks, water, flowers) in a total balance, proposed from the concept of yin and yang balance energies.

Rustic Style
It is notable for the use of noble materials and natural under-treated, such as wood, wicker or mat, applied to objects and utensils and walls and floors. Is also given to handicrafts and hard fabrics in bright colors. It can be simple or sophisticated style, avoiding overloaded environments.

Kitsch
The kitsch is notable for the predominance of the color and shapes, the use of unsightly elements and garish. Predominantly gum pink, sky blue, apple green and red. The textures used are also varied: the wire, synthetic fur, glass, plastic and paper. Rare forms furniture, lava lamps, accessories and all sorts of disparate objects that have to do with art and this kind of culture. Also used curtains and cushions of hair fringes. In short, any kind of pattern or object that is striking and original.

Shabby Chic
The highlights shabby chic antique furniture and objects, but to date, maybe a little worn, or patina, but that does not look like old. Shabby means shabby, rundown, but in this case that looks to new, agiornado, and hence the term chic. The shabby chic relies primarily on furniture and accessories. Patinated lamps and antique chandeliers with prisms and a romantic touch. Painted or patinated antique furniture combined with existing fabrics and modern furnishings. Upholstery, pillows and curtains with flowers.

Classic Style
It is based on the conservative middle-class house of the last century. What are traditional materials that give warmth and comfort, plus prints, plants, walls, baseboards, cornices, large curtains and delicate ornaments. The colors used are maroon, green, dark red and brown; motifs of birds, flowers, fruits and stripes rather than square.

Zen seeks to move away from excessive ornamentation and “Baroque”. The balance achieved is given by few objects, natural materials and the presence of aromas, something characteristic of Zen style

The encounter with Zen brings us to achieve peace and harmony spaces that allow us to leave out the “noise” in the contemporary world. Associated with its original philosophy, Zen decor for reflection and rest the outside world.

Colors
The colors used in Zen style decor or are primarily white and full range of neutral colors: browns, grays and beiges. The color can only be given by a decorative object, like a touch of green or red spot or detail some elements.

Materials
The materials used in Zen are those natural or less industrialized state: natural wood, stone, etc.. In bathrooms and kitchens is preferred that the ceramic stone before. Light wood floors, eg. beech, are preferred over dark floors, eg. in wenge.keep update with

Furniture
The furniture in the Zen style should follow the greatest simplicity in his lines. Low furniture, straight lines that invite the order and, in most cases, retain the natural wood color. Avoid furniture with baroque curves and not naturally combine with the sense of simplicity of Zen

The light-colored wood goes well with the Zen, but you can use a dark wood if all the other decorative elements are clear.

Lighting
The light should always be subtle, indirect, hidden artifacts, making a soft and sensual, conducive to meditation and relaxation. Because of its great importance in interior design, lighting is a key factor in the setting of spaces Zen

Objects
The choice of decorative objects should be neat and austere. Among the few decorations that allow these spaces can highlight objects of glass or wood, although wood furniture on a glass vase is most appropriate. The walls may be bare, but allows you to place a box making sure that the type of frame and sheet combined with the overall decor.

The Buddhist touch, images or relics, fine decor combined with Zen, which initially appears as rest of the outside world, meditation retreat and spiritual techniques.

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The true roots of Zen mystic and philosophical are in the life and teachings of Buddha in the sixth century BC, and even further back, to the spiritual traditions of Hinduism contained in the Vedas. The Zen reaches its ultimate expression in Japan in mid XIII century, profoundly influenced the mentality and customs of traditional Japanese culture, which still continues to be taught and practiced today in various Zen schools and monasteries

In the last decades of the twentieth century, the West Zen influence reaches its philosophy and practice in various fields, including architecture and decoration.

The philosophy or spiritual basis of Zen (indispensable for understanding its impact on western decor) focuses on seeking enlightenment and inner peace and harmony through simple, everyday actions (as the legacy of the Buddha), providing at all times support for daily living.

The art of painting or calligraphy, meditation, rituals, martial arts, the ceremony of serving tea or arranging flowers are some of the activities that are defining and influencing the Zen simplicity in your daily life .

Each of these activities is aimed at enlightenment. All explore various features of the Zen experience and can be used to train the mind and bring it into contact with ultimate reality. These same concepts and searches are those that inspire the Zen in the West, bringing their style of life to the buildings, objects and forms of contemporary life.

Although we find it simpler to understand some basic concepts of Zen, Zen approach the criterion, delve deep into his philosophy. For this we have a few paragraphs clarifying the book “The Tao of Physics” by Fritjof Capra:

“The Zen is a unique blend of philosophies and idiosyncrasies of three different cultures. It is a typically Japanese way of life, yet it reflects the mysticism of India, the love of naturalness and spontaneity of Taoism and deep pragmatism Confucianism mind. “

Many eat sushi, others practice tai chi chuan and some are dressed in kimonos. More and more adherents to the customs and Eastern philosophies. The fashion and cuisine and is molded to the phenomenon that began in Argentina in recent years. And thanks to the Zen style, architecture was not far behind.

According to the designers and architects, is the most avant-garde trend setting and construction time. One reason why this line, away from classicism is increasingly in demand by the people, can be chaotic world in which we live. Stress, fast time and work obligations make it difficult to relax, causing one can never “switch off”. Thus, the environment (either the home or office) plays a critical role in mood and mood of the person, facilitating self-knowledge. “Meditation transforms, is like surgery without anesthesia of the mind. Heals and restores. It is an immeasurable path to inner freedom,” writes Ramiro Street in The Book of the yogas. This is what Zen style points whose essence is precisely to impose harmony in the environment to achieve spiritual balance.

The Buddhist philosophy is a different way of understanding life and, in architecture, he broke with many of the classic tenets and conventions. The white floors and beech furniture and bright rooms are the most important. Everything should be arranged to cause welfare to touch, sight and hearing. “You have to forget the golden ornamentation and light charged artificially ensures Baranzelli of EstiloAmbientación Cesar Perez – predominate furniture lines and unvarnished virgin wood, natural fibers and bedding to the ground. ”

The famous zen store Muji, Japan, was the architect Kazuhiko Namba sponsor for the construction of a house that many call minimalist zen: the perfect home. The designer Tokujin Yoshioka and a team put the finishing touches to make large rooms, painted white with light wood floors and furniture specially designed so that all things are in perfect order and balance. Two bright levels connected by an opening on the top floor reached a simple environment in straight lines and that nothing obstructs the view or the passage of sunlight.

But it is not necessary to pull back walls and build the house to have even a few items of this type of architecture. You can also use the setting of existing spaces.

Highlights in a Zen space are sobriety and comfort, as it seeks to live comfortably and smoothly. It also attaches great importance to the contact with nature: “This interaction is essential for setting befitting this Oriental philosophy. You can include rocks, water, fire and earth,” said Perez Baranzelli.

“People increasingly ask this type of design. In Argentina, alternative therapies such as yoga are very common and this makes them look for these environments,” says Marcela Rodríguez Barrena, organizer of the Rincón Zen Estilo Pilar sample of this year. He adds: “All material is put aside and the house is transformed into a kind of monastery.”

However, sometimes it is advisable to put a limit and try a mixture of styles. “It is true that Eastern houses are an example of perfection Baranzelli Pérez-shoot. But sometimes, a well decorated home can be shocking. Do not forget that we are living far away from Japan.”

Philosophy or religion?

Many times we hear of Zen, but do not know its origin or content. Relate it with meditation and the spiritual, we do not know what it is.

Is it a religious belief or teaching of a sage? The better answer would be that it is a lifestyle characterized by reaching a self that allows us to be spontaneous again.

The Zen or Ch’an was born of the marriage of Hindu philosophy with Taoism and Confucianism, and took each of these thoughts premises that managed to create a mystical way of life and pragmatic. Its main objective is to look to the nature and attain enlightenment (satori) achieved by the Buddha.

But this does not mean isolation from the world, but rather, to participate actively in daily life. It is in our everyday experiences, in the minds of every day.

However, this does not remove its mystical character, to live entirely in the present, you can admire and appreciate their mystery in every situation. Invites you to enjoy every moment in a natural and spontaneous. In this way, lighting can manifest itself in different activities, such as the arts (painting, calligraphy, garden design) or in various ceremonies (serving tea or judo).

There are currently two main schools of Zen in Japan differ in their teaching methods. Rinzai and Soto or sudden or gradual. In both streams is valued sitting meditation (zazen), whose posture and breathing is the first thing a student should learn.

On the other hand, the pragmatic side of the Chinese mentality responded to the impact of Indian Buddhism, focusing on practical aspects and developing a special form of spiritual discipline that was called Ch’an, a word normally translated as “meditation”. This Ch’an philosophy was eventually adopted by Japan, circa 1200, and has been cultivated there under the name of Zen, a tradition kept alive until today.

Zen philosophy is a unique blend of philosophies and idiosyncrasies of three different cultures. It is a typically Japanese way of life, yet reflects the mysticism of India, the love of naturalness and spontaneity of Daoism and pragmatism Confucianism depths of the mind.

Despite its special character, Zen is purely Buddhist in its essence because its aim is neither more nor less than that of Buddha: the attaining enlightenment, an experience known in Zen as satori. The enlightenment experience is the essence of all schools of Eastern philosophy, but Zen is unique in that it focuses exclusively on this experience and is not interested in any interpretation beyond this. In the words of Suzuki, “Zen is discipline in enlightenment.” From the standpoint of Zen, the awakening of Buddha and the Buddha’s teaching, we all have the potential to attain enlightenment are the essence of Buddhism. The rest of the doctrine, contained in the voluminous sutras, is seen only as supplementary.

The experience of Zen is, therefore, the experience of enlightenment, satori, and since this experience ultimately transcends all categories of thought, Zen is not interested in any abstraction or conceptualization. It has no special doctrine or philosophy, no formal creed or dogma and emphasizes freedom of every thought fixed, this makes it truly spiritual.

More than any other school of Eastern mysticism, Zen is convinced that words never express the ultimate truth. Must have inherited his belief of Taoism, which showed the same uncompromising attitude. “If someone asks about the Tao and another answers,” said Chuang Tzu, “none of them knows it.”

But the Zen experience can be passed from master to disciple, and was, in fact, transmitted by many centuries by special methods proper to Zen classic summary of four lines, Zen is described as:

In Zen, satori means the immediate experience of the Buddha nature of all things. First and foremost among these, are the objects, events and people involved in daily life, so that while emphasizing the practical things of life, Zen is deeply mystical yet. Living entirely in the present, giving full attention to everyday affairs, one who has attained satori experience the wonder and mystery of life in every situation:

Before studying Zen, mountains are mountains and rivers are rivers, while you are studying Zen, mountains are no longer mountains and rivers are not rivers, but once you reach enlightenment mountains are again mountains and rivers again rivers.

The emphasis on the naturalness and spontaneity clearly shows the Taoist roots but the basis for this emphasis is strictly Buddhistic. It is the belief in the perfection of our original nature, making the process of enlightenment consists merely in becoming what we already are from the beginning. When asked the Zen master Po-chang about looking for the Buddha nature, he replied, “It’s like riding an ox in search of the ox.”

There are two main schools of Zen in Japan today, differ in their teaching methods. The Rinzai or ‘sudden’, uses the koan, it gives prominence to periodic formal interviews with the teacher, called sanzen, during which the student is asked about his current view koan has been trying to solve. The resolution of a koan involves long periods of intense concentration leading to a sudden revelation of satori. An experienced teacher knows when a student has reached the verge of sudden enlightenment and is able to check to a satori experience with unexpected actions, such as a blow with a stick or a loud scream.

The gradual Soto or prevents shock methods of Rinzai and aims at the gradual maturation of the Zen student, “as the spring breeze that caresses the flower helping it flourish.” Advocates ‘the sit quiet’ and use your own common work as two forms of meditation.

Both schools will attach the greatest importance to zazen, or sitting meditation, which is practiced in Zen monasteries every day for many hours. Correct posture and breathing are the first things a student should learn the Zen Rinzai Zen, zazen is used to prepare the intuitive mind to handle the koan, and the Soto school considers the most important way to help student to mature and evolve towards satori. More than that, is regarded as the visible achievement of the Buddha nature of self, body and mind being fused into a harmonious unity which needs no improvement. As a Zen poem says:

The arts just mentioned are all expressions of spontaneity, simplicity and total presence of mind characteristic of Zen, slow and ritualistic activities of cha-no-yu, the Japanese tea ceremony, the spontaneous hand movements required for handwriting and painting and spirituality of bushido, “the warrior’s way.” While requiring the perfection of technique, real mastery is only achieved when technique is transcended and the art becomes an “artless art” growing out of the subconscious.

We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful description of “artless art” in the little book by Eugen Herrigel, Zen in the Art of Archery. Herrigel used more than five years with a renowned Japanese master to learn his art “mystical” and in his book gives a description of how he experienced Zen through archery. It describes how archery was presented as a religious ritual which is “danced” in spontaneous movements, free of effort and purpose. It took many years of hard practice, which transformed his entire being, like learning to draw the bow “spiritually” with a kind of force is not courageous, and release the string as “unintentionally”, allowing the shot “fall from handle like a ripe fruit. ” When he reached the climax of perfection, bow, arrow, goal and goalkeeper, all fused to each other and he did not shoot but “this” did it for him.

Herrigel’s description of archery is one of the purest collections of Zen as it does not speak at any moment of Zen

Excerpt from the “Tao of Physics” by Fritjof Capra

(Left: This setting adds a
element on the stack, pop reminiscent to give a touch kitsch.)

By definition, minimalism minimizes the elements, volumes and shapes, color and ignores the beauty seeks a minimum.

By contrast, the kitsch is notable for the predominance of the color and shapes, the use of unsightly elements and garish.

The kitsch, adapted, is not a very elegant style. Not to be confused with modernity, as the modern or avant-garde is characterized by clean lines, while allowing kitsch mix of textures and materials. The Kitsch also allows mixing of styles. You can find objects or ancient and modern prints. Even objects outside their field, such as kitchen items in the living room, or toys in the office.

Our recommendation is to choose a peaceful style on walls and furniture, and integrate it with decorative items that stand out for their personality and originality. The pictures could be works of authorship, daring color. It is also worth chairs incorporate bright colors, preferably classic designs, such as mimes Chair, a chair made entirely of plastic rigid foam with varnished surface.

(Above: A concept that blends color, textures and styles clearly defines the current kitsch, in clear opposition to minimalism.)

(Above: If kitsch definitely attracts, then feel encouraged to mix bold colors and prints, as well as the incorporation of foreign objects and crafts.)

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