ISSUE NO. 11

A November Issue

By blending different cultural traditions, design becomes more than just visual—it becomes a conversation between histories, environments, and lifestyles. These interactions deepen our connection to the world around us—reminding us that design is a bridge. We’re creating spaces that reflect the complexity and beauty of our shared human experience.

ARCHITECTURALLY CURIOUS

East Meets West: Blending Cultures, Not Just Bricks

Located in a quiet area of Düsseldorf, Germany, is a minimalist townhouse development—Sankt Göres. It combines German architectural traditions with Japanese design elements like genkan-style entrances. Situated back from the street, it uses subtle features to create a seamless blend with its environment—effortlessly merging local and cross-cultural design philosophies.

Framing the Past

Drawing on Düsseldorf’s heritage by incorporating exposed brick façades and arched oak windows—it echoes the area’s classic residential style. The simple concrete entryways, framed with arched and rectangular oak doors, add a subtle yet distinctive aesthetic.

From Tokyo to Düsseldorf

Inside, Japanese-inspired layouts include open ground floors and oak conservatories, adapting Japan’s engawa—a covered outdoor walkway—to Düsseldorf’s climate.

Natural light plays a key role, with morning sun filtering through a street-facing kitchen window and garden-facing living areas for a bright, private, and environmentally integrated feel.

GLOBAL GLIMPSE

Morelia: How This 580 Square Foot Home Defies Its Size

A small terrace house in Mexico—Casa Emma—maximizes its 580-square-foot footprint through a focus on natural light and minimalist design. Drawing inspiration from the serene lighting, the design prioritizes how light interacts with space to create a calm, open atmosphere. The one-bedroom residence balances simplicity with careful use of materials—achieving a blend of functionality and aesthetic tranquility.

Sculpting Space

Its monolithic facade, made from chukum—a traditional Mexican resin-based plaster—adds an earthy, textured look that creates depth and character. Inside, a top-lit design allows natural light to pour in from carefully placed skylights. The walls and floors are designed with engineered wood—creating a warm, sculptural environment.

A Home That Moves

The entrance leads into a winding corridor that directs residents toward the main living space at the back. The compact kitchen and dining areas are designed to maximize the small footprint. Sharp angles define the space, with a spiral staircase leading to a mezzanine bedroom, which is bathed in natural light from a skylight that gives it a floating effect.

VISUAL COMFORT

The Modular Sofa That Breaks All the Rules

Designed as a modular system, the Perron Pillo Sofa is made up of separate, soft pillow-like units that can be rearranged to fit varying spaces and needs. Its unique form gives the impression of being freestanding—challenging traditional notions of a solid, framed sofa.

No Frame, No Problem

Launched at Milan Design Week, it departs from traditional sofa designs by offering modular elements that can be arranged to suit different spaces. Designed with two depth options and a variety of textile finishes, it allows for a highly personalized setup. The pillows are deep and soft—emphasizing a relaxed seating experience where you sit in the sofa rather than on it.

The Future of Furniture?

The sofa represents a shift in how we approach furniture. By focusing on simplicity and flexibility, it reflects a lifestyle where furniture adapts to the needs of a space rather than the other way around. It’s a fusion of comfort, practicality, and design that caters to how we live today—making it both an emotional and functional addition.

DESIGNER PICKS

Things I’m Currently Obsessing Over

Adewuyi’s OS1 Coffee Table

With hand-carved wooden tabletops and intricate bronze details that not only showcase rich Nigerian craftsmanship but also embody the balance between sensual curves and sharp lines—turning it into a statement piece that brings culture into any space.

Rễ Cây Lighting Collection

The ceramic bases paired with Dó paper create a striking balance between weight and lightness. Each piece is customizable, offering a unique, tailored aesthetic that feels both globally inspired and rooted in Vietnamese heritage in a way that's deeply meaningful.

Zell’s Quiet Monuments

I love this piece for its poetic representation of connection and unity, where the two-part forms symbolically mirror relationships—both separate yet intertwined—capturing the natural flow between individuality and togetherness.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

What I'm Listening to in November

Design—and creativity in general—thrives in uncertainty. It isn’t about sticking to one thing—it’s about blending influences, breaking down barriers, and opening up new ways of thinking. So take the risk, roll with the change, and remember—creativity is the seed that, once planted, redirects your path. I’ll see you next week, my friend.