Studio North adds plywood barrel vaults to Business & Pleasure bar in Calgary

Saltwolf, an e-commerce furniture company based in Boulder, launched its mobile showroom in June 2021, one year after its initial founding. The company, established by husband-and-wife team Lindy and Jordan Williams in May 2020, aimed to address common challenges faced by interior designers, such as the difficulty of sampling and ordering high-quality furnishings with quick turnaround times. Saltwolf distinguishes itself by offering direct-to-designer services, providing heirloom-quality pieces through an online platform. The decision to create a mobile showroom, affectionately known as "Ms. Saltwolf," stemmed from the founders' desire to provide designers with a tactile experience of their products, without committing to a traditional brick-and-mortar presence. Lindy Williams noted that while many trade brands rely on third-party showrooms, Saltwolf wanted to explore alternative methods to showcase their furniture. The 18-foot-long box truck, designed with a theater background by Jordan Williams, functions as a fully immersive living room environment. This setup allows designers to visualize how Saltwolf's furniture would integrate into their projects. The mobile showroom was particularly timely given the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It enabled Saltwolf to safely introduce its products to design firms through masked, outdoor meetings, adhering to health and comfort guidelines. The interior of Ms. Saltwolf is meticulously designed, featuring painted wainscoting and patterned wallpaper, creating an inviting atmosphere. It showcases upholstered furniture from each of Saltwolf’s four lines: a 7-foot Linden sofa in Belgian linen, a Hawthorne chair in Italian leather, a Mapleton chair in performance velvet, and a Norwood bench in Belgian linen. Additionally, the showroom features examples of the brand’s three wood finishes and large fabric swatches. These larger swatches allow designers to gauge the material and color at scale, offering a more comprehensive understanding than small samples. After initial test drives in various Western cities like Boulder, Denver, Aspen, Salt Lake City, Park City, and Austin, the mobile showroom commenced its official tour in Southern California in June 2021. The tour itinerary included further stops in Portland, Seattle, Bozeman, Jackson, and Sun Valley. Team members, including Lindy and Jordan, travel to each destination to meet with individual designers and host events within the showroom. The summer tour was scheduled to conclude on the Front Range with an event at Roth Living in Denver on August 26. Future plans for the fall involved visits to Colorado mountain resort towns, Utah, and Lake Tahoe. While Ms. Saltwolf has played a crucial role in introducing the brand, the company plans to transition to a permanent display at its Boulder design studio by the end of the year. Remote tours via video conferencing will also be offered, and discussions are underway to place Saltwolf pieces in designers’ showrooms in various mountain resort towns. Lindy Williams observed a significant shift in consumer and designer purchasing behavior due to the pandemic, with an increased comfort level in buying luxury goods online. Saltwolf aims to continue innovating to make the online purchasing experience as effortless as possible for its clients. The article provides practical information for interested designers, stating that Saltwolf's upcoming mobile showroom stops are listed on their website, where designers can RSVP to events or request a visit. Updates on new stops are also available online, ensuring designers can stay informed about the showroom's schedule and plan their engagement accordingly. #mobileShowroom #furnitureDesign #directToDesigner #homeFurnishings #interiorDesign #BoulderBusiness #eCommerceFurniture #luxuryGoods #designInnovation

The Sonoma-based interior design firm Hommeboys, led by Alex Mutter-Rottmayer and Austin Carrier, has opened a new studio and launched three new capsule collections for their furniture line, Haus of Hommeboys. The firm is known for its thoughtful design approach and hands-on craftsmanship, blending classic Wine Country aesthetics with a modern, refreshing twist. Mutter-Rottmayer and Carrier, who have been married since 2019, have previously garnered acclaim for their designs in projects such as Healdsburg’s Marine Layer tasting room and Sonoma’s Valley Bar + Bottle restaurant. The new studio, which also houses a woodshop and cabinetry studio, is situated just off the plaza in downtown Sonoma. This expansion represents a significant step for the Hommeboys, fulfilling a long-held ambition to establish their own showroom. Mutter-Rottmayer expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension about the venture, acknowledging the risk involved in showcasing their unique design vision to a wider audience, but emphasizing their consistent desire for a dedicated space. The Hommeboys’ design philosophy is characterized by an emphasis on mixing materials and incorporating organic and natural elements. They experiment with various shapes in plaster, stone, and wood, aiming for a look that is both earthy and deeply connected to the Californian landscape. This approach is reflected in their furniture line, which features organic and natural materials. One of their new capsule collections for Haus of Hommeboys draws inspiration from rustic themes. This collection includes dark, ebony-stained, hand-notched cedar furniture, designed to evoke a raw, rustic, and edgy feel. The shapes within this collection are described as anthropomorphized, influenced by the golden hills of California. The design process at Hommeboys is driven by creativity and a desire to have fun. Alex Mutter-Rottmayer highlighted an instance where green velvet from a photo shoot was spontaneously used to cover a bedroom’s walls, illustrating their adaptive and playful approach to design. This method emphasizes utilizing available resources and embracing unexpected inspirations to shape their distinctive interiors. #InteriorDesign #Sonoma #DesignStudio #FurnitureDesign #HausOfHommeboys #WineCountryDesign #OrganicDesign #Craftsmanship

Uncle Wolfie's Breakfast Tavern, a new restaurant and bar located at 234 E. Vine St. in Brewers Hill, is set to open its doors on Monday, Dec. 17. The establishment is the culmination of a decade-long dream for husband and wife team Wolfgang and Whitney Schaefer, who envisioned a casual dining spot where a love for food and communal meals could flourish. The restaurant will offer a menu of creative breakfast and lunch dishes, complemented by a selection of cocktails. The journey to opening Uncle Wolfie's began in 2015 when the Schaefers acquired the historic Miller Brewing Company tied house. Their initial focus was transforming the building's second floor into their family residence. Following this, they launched Orange and Blue Co., a home decor boutique featuring a curated blend of vintage and modern goods. The breakfast tavern represents the third and final phase of the property's revitalization, which brings an end to its nearly 40-year vacancy. For the restaurant's design, the Schaefers collaborated with 360 Degrees, a design and build firm known for its work with several city restaurants. Whitney Schaefer highlighted their desire to source many design elements themselves while relying on 360 Degrees for structurally sound components like the bar and tables, and for ensuring functionality and compliance with city regulations. Ryan Foat, project manager at 360 Degrees, described the project as a "from scratch" endeavor, noting the extensive work required to transform the space from a mere root cellar and implement modern hospitality elements, including HVAC systems. The design strategy honored the building's historical identity as a tied house, with the bar serving as the central focal point, designed to appear as if it had always been there. The current bar's footprint mirrors the original. Historical nods are evident throughout, from the light fixtures to a penny tile rug surrounding the bar. Repurposed elements include original hardwood flooring, wainscoting, and tin ceiling tiles meticulously restored by Wolfgang and installed above the bar. Foat emphasized the restaurant's intention to embody the hospitable and comforting atmosphere of old neighborhood establishments. The quartz-topped bar, seating 14, anchors the 40-seat restaurant, which also features banquette-style seating for 26 guests along the east and south walls. The interior boasts an eclectic bohemian aesthetic, with warm yellows and cool grays that complement the Cream City brick walls. A strong connection exists between the restaurant and the adjacent Orange and Blue Co. through decor items from local Milwaukee female artisans. Examples include custom cushions behind the banquettes, fabricated by Vanessa Andrew of Madam Chino using custom fabric and Loom House antique rugs, and hung with leather straps by Jess Goehner of Directive. Espresso mugs by Kim Eckroth of Covet & Ginger and ginger-colored wallpaper from Chasing Paper are also locally sourced, adding texture and a blend of masculine and soft elements to the space. Local artist Whitney Anderson of Wit & Co. contributed various art pieces, including a graphic illustration of Wolfgang's father. The menu at Uncle Wolfie's also blends classic and contemporary. Traditional offerings like Johnny cakes, steak and eggs, and classic eggs Benedict are available alongside innovative creations such as peanut butter and jelly stuffed French toast and a sweet potato chorizo omelet, with prices ranging from $7 to $12. Lunch options include salads, such as a hearty steak salad, and sandwiches. Highlights include a chicken salad, grilled cheese, the "BCSS" with house beet-cured salmon, and the Breaky Burger, an American cheese-stuffed burger topped with Weber’s mustard, raspberry balsamic pickled onions, bacon, and an egg. Lunch items are priced between $9 and $14. The bar will offer bottled and canned beer, a short wine list, and a variety of creative cocktails, from bloody marys to jasmine tea toddies, in addition to full coffee service. The tavern will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. #restaurantOpening #brewersHill #localBusiness #homeDecor #interiorDesign #historicRenovation #breakfast #lunch #cocktailBar

In 2017, Amy Hughes established Maplewood Mercantile at 145 Dunnell Road in Maplewood, envisioning it as a collaborative space for women business owners and a community hub. The location, a renovated 1920s auto garage, serves as a center for design and social gathering. The Montclair Girl interviewed Amy Hughes in 2022 to discuss the Mercantile's evolution and her entrepreneurial journey in Maplewood. Amy Hughes and her husband relocated from New York City to Maplewood. Previously a journalist and editor for *This Old House* magazine, Amy developed expertise in DIY, antiques, and vintage furniture while writing her book, *This Old House: Salvage Style Projects*. This led her to launch Salvage Style, a vintage furniture resale business, initially as a side venture in 2013, which later became her full-time occupation. Her business started in a 300-square-foot storefront on Baker Street, expanding to require multiple storage units across town to manage inventory. By 2017, the logistical challenges of managing scattered inventory prompted a search for a larger space. Amy identified a large warehouse in Maplewood, previously used by an interior designer primarily for storage with occasional sales. After a five-month process to finalize the lease and permits, Amy moved Salvage Style into the 3,000-square-foot former auto garage. The Mercantile's initial tenants included two other women-owned businesses, highlighting its foundational commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs. The transformation of the raw garage space into a retail environment required significant effort. The Mercantile's location is a key asset, situated near the Maplewood train station, Memorial Park, and local schools, which attracts both New York City commuters and local teenagers. A notable benefit is the dedicated parking, a rare commodity in downtown Maplewood. The 1920s auto garage featured concrete floors, 25-foot ceilings, exposed brick, and large windows. The landlord collaborated with Clawson Architects to replace the original windows with historically accurate and energy-efficient alternatives. The renovation involved pressure washing the interior and applying over 40 gallons of white paint, preserving the concrete floors with their original paint splatters and one exposed brick wall, creating a distinctive aesthetic. Upon entering the Merc through a 12-foot carriage door, visitors are greeted by a large acrylic 'Moonlamp,' an architectural salvage piece from Austin, Texas. The interior's airy and rugged design, coupled with its high ceilings and abundant windows, provides excellent natural ventilation, which proved beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic. The space became a refuge for the community, encouraging browsing and cultural engagement. Amy Hughes oversees the merchandising, while partner businesses curate their sections to create a cohesive yet diverse aesthetic. The current retailers at the Merc include Anna Herbst Photography, which operates a studio benefiting from the natural light and high ceilings, specializing in product, lifestyle, fine art, and portrait photography for women-owned businesses, realtors, and interior designers. The Collector, founded by Emma O’Shea, offers new and vintage clothing, focusing on sustainable practices and ethical sourcing from small NYC-area designers. Piper’s Talisman, led by Piper Jon, creates unique jewelry by upcycling antique pieces like watch chains, vintage coins, and keys, and has gained recognition from figures such as actress Melissa Gilbert. Salvage Style, Amy Hughes's original business, offers styling consultations and sells vintage and reclaimed furniture, including Mid-Century Modern pieces and antique rugs. Community engagement is central to the Mercantile's operation, with regular pop-ups and cultural events featuring live music to support young local musicians. Amy Hughes expresses pride in the Merc's role as an incubator for small, women-owned businesses, noting that several businesses have successfully launched from the space. An example is deVINE Plantery, which started online during the pandemic, joined the Merc as a pop-up, became a permanent tenant, and eventually opened its own dedicated store in Montclair. Amy credits the success of these businesses to the entrepreneurs' hard work and innovative ideas, viewing her role as providing a supportive environment. #MaplewoodMercantile #CommunitySpace #WomenOwnedBusinesses #VintageFurniture #SalvageStyle #RetailIncubator #AdaptiveReuse #LocalGems #InteriorDesign

The Edinburgh gallery Bard presents a new exhibition titled 'Bardware,' which aims to reframe the perception of craft from an exclusive, high-art domain to an accessible, everyday practice. Founded by Hugo Macdonald and James Stevens, Bard seeks to bridge the gap between craft as a specialized hobby and as luxury objects, instead focusing on items designed for daily use and sensory engagement within the home. The inspiration for 'Bardware' stems from the founders' appreciation for traditional hardware stores, which they view as symbols of optimism and the human capacity to make, fix, build, and repair. The exhibition features works from 20 Scottish craftspeople, designers, and artists, all commissioned to create objects that enhance daily domestic life. The brief encouraged the artists to produce items that could be touched and used regularly, challenging the conventional hands-off approach often associated with gallery exhibits. The display includes a diverse range of functional and decorative items, such as Primitive Arrangement vases by Nick Ross, two-armed candelabras by David Taylor, and architectural toilet-roll holders crafted by Juli Bolaños-Durman from salvaged materials. Other notable pieces include James Rigler’s bronze-glazed ceramic 'Greek Knobs,' Oliver Spendley’s bowls made from polished mountain rock shards, and All About Willow’s hand-turned cherry porridge spurtles. The collection also showcases Clement Knives’ pocket knives made from whisky-barrel hoops, Eve Eunson’s baskets woven from sea plastic collected from Shetland’s beaches, and Studio Viv Lee’s devotional ceramic characters. Additionally, Jess White contributes leather-wrapped boulder doorstops, while Araminta Campbell offers cozy alpaca hot-water bottle covers. Each piece is presented to encourage interaction, emphasizing the tactile and experiential qualities of craft. This exhibition marks three years since Bard opened its doors in Leith, establishing a unique approach to presenting and selling craft. Macdonald highlights the importance of humor and mild irreverence in making craft more approachable and moving it beyond the confines of a museum setting into everyday life. He acknowledges the cost associated with handcrafted items but underscores their inherent value, contrasting this with the societal issue of cheap, mass-produced goods. Since its inception, Bard has observed a significant increase in public engagement with craft, marked by a greater willingness to purchase, utilize, and inquire about the practitioners, materials, and skills involved. Macdonald believes that craft is a fundamental 'life force' that enriches human experience and fosters connections across cultures and time. He posits that craft is not a regressive or counterbalancing force to design and technology but rather a parallel and powerful element that becomes even more impactful when integrated into modern life, indicating a collective awakening to its enduring relevance and value. #CraftExhibition #ScottishArt #HomeDecor #DesignInteriors #FunctionalArt #BardGallery #EverydayObjects #HardwareShopInspiration #ContemporaryCraft

The article showcases a renovation project in a 19th-century laneway building in Toronto, transformed into a flexible live/work studio space for a client and their media and production company. The architectural firm UOAI, with collaborator Piccaluga Design Inc., focused on maximizing the allowable floor area across two floors plus a mezzanine level, while incorporating varying degrees of privacy and audio/visual control for the studio spaces. The design leverages the site's urban environment, creating a sense of spatial immediacy. The project's experiential quality is characterized by its refusal to fully reveal itself at once, instead relying on passages between and views through shifting layers to create a multiplicity of readings. The primary studios on the lower levels are intentionally cocooned by surrounding elements such as stairs, platforms, long halls, tall storage, service volumes, and overhead voids. This sense of interiority is balanced by visual connections to the surrounding laneway context through framed openings, both existing and newly created. A key design element is the prominent use of black metal panels and beams, which define the spaces and create a striking aesthetic throughout the interior and exterior. Blackened steel panels form the ground-level entry, setting the tone for the industrial yet refined design. A blackened steel stair rises to the mezzanine, acting as a focal point and connecting the different levels. Voids are strategically incorporated, allowing light to penetrate deep into the structure and creating visual connections between floors. The main living area features voids that open to the mezzanine above, contributing to an open yet defined spatial experience. The upper mezzanine level studio is nested within full-height void spaces that remain uninhabitable, maintaining a connection to the lower levels while offering a distinct vantage point. Corner glazing at both ends of the floor and a roof deck extend the mezzanine outwards, providing views of the city and integrating the interior with the urban landscape. The renovation successfully blends existing and new materials, creating a dynamic interplay of textures and forms. This renovation addresses the complex requirements of a live/work environment within a historic urban fabric, emphasizing both functionality and a unique aesthetic identity through the deliberate use of materials and spatial manipulation. #LiveWorkSpace #TorontoArchitecture #LanewayBuilding #Renovation #ModernDesign #BlackMetal #IndustrialAesthetic #UOAIStudio #UrbanRenovation

Architect Wakako Tokunaga adapted her professional workspace in 2020 by designing and building a 350-square-foot studio addition at the back of her Tacoma Park, Maryland property, near Washington, D.C. This decision allowed her to avoid a costly commercial lease and provided a flexible environment for her firm, WAK TOK architects, founded in 2007. The studio’s design was meticulously planned to prevent obstruction of sunlight for neighbors and to maintain the view, while also considering its proportion to her native plant garden. The primary objective was to balance collaborative work areas with ample green space and seclusion. The studio’s design centers on functionality, simplicity, and a strong connection to nature. Two of its four walls feature sliding doors that open completely to the garden, effectively transforming the space into an “extended outdoor room.” This indoor/outdoor living concept was particularly beneficial during the pandemic, allowing Wakako to remain close to her children while working. The other two walls are fixed: one is the original exterior brick wall of her home, painted dark gray with milk paint to visually extend the outdoors inward, and the other is a solid plywood-clad wall adjacent to the neighbor's property. The interior materials are kept simple and functional, including polished concrete floors, plywood-clad walls and ceilings, and non-toxic milk paint on the existing home wall. A key element is the custom, floor-to-ceiling modular shelving system integrated into the plywood wall. This system was designed around a four-foot module, which also governed the studio's overall construction to optimize stock plywood panels and multi-slide door dimensions, thereby maximizing efficiency and minimizing material waste. The shelving features a track system with moveable brackets, allowing Wakako to easily adjust and rearrange shelves to accommodate books, material samples, and art. A deeper, hip-height shelf functions as a versatile workspace, suitable for her team or her children. Sustainability was a guiding principle, with the use of natural and non-toxic materials. Sustainably sourced pine siding, plywood, concrete, and finishes like natural pine tar, hemp oil, and milk paint were employed. The exterior features locally sourced, fast-growing black locust decking, known for its natural resistance to rot and insects. The outer shell of the studio is insulated beyond code requirements to enhance thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption. The design also emphasizes minimalism, with elements like light switches, outlets, and mechanical grills concealed to maintain a clean aesthetic, requiring precise planning and construction. Today, the studio serves multiple purposes, functioning as an architectural office for meetings and team collaboration, and occasionally hosting community and social gatherings, with potential future use as an art space. Wakako particularly values the studio's ability to create a sense of being outdoors, in close proximity to the garden, especially when the multi-slide doors are fully open. This addition exemplifies thoughtful architectural adaptation to changing needs, demonstrating a successful blend of professional utility, family integration, and environmental consciousness. #StudioExtension #ModularShelving #PlywoodDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #FlexibleWorkspace #NativeGarden #SmallSpaceDesign

Crate & Barrel has introduced its first-ever home renovation collection, offering ready-made kitchen islands, bathroom vanities, medicine cabinets, hardware, and lighting fixtures designed to facilitate no-demo renovations. This new line aims to provide custom-looking solutions without requiring extensive demolition, making home updates more accessible and less disruptive. Emily Henderson, a prominent designer, utilized one of these new products, specifically the Terra 78-inch Marble Top and Natural Oak Wood Kitchen Island, in a client's kitchen renovation. This island features a solid oak base, a 78-inch Agaria marble slab, a hidden garbage bin, and counter stool seating, giving the appearance of a custom-built piece despite being a ready-made item. The client's kitchen initially lacked an island and instead had a dining table. With two young children, there was a need for a more functional space that offered both dining and storage capabilities. Henderson's renovation focused on achieving significant aesthetic and functional improvements with minimal intervention and within a six-week timeline. The changes included replacing some upper cabinets with floating shelves, painting existing cabinetry, updating lighting fixtures, and adding ceiling paneling. The centerpiece of this transformation was the Crate & Barrel Terra island. Emily Henderson expressed satisfaction with the island, particularly highlighting the quality of the stone top, which exceeded her expectations for a retail product. She also noted the convenience of its delivery and placement, as it required no assembly on her part; the delivery team handled the installation and positioning. Sebastian Brauer, Senior Vice President and Head of Design at Crate & Barrel, confirmed that most items in the collection are pre-assembled and ready for immediate use. The only exceptions are bathroom vanities, which require professional plumbing installation for water connections. The collection includes a range of kitchen islands, from a French country-inspired piece priced at $999 to Henderson’s chosen model at $4,999. Beyond islands, the line offers items such as the Basque 56-inch Light Brown Solid Wood Kitchen Island with Storage, the Tate 60-inch Black Granite Top Double Sink Vanity with Walnut Wood Doors, the Edge Brass Arch Medicine Cabinet, and the Batten 84-inch Natural Oak Wood Kitchen Island with Storage. These products are intended to offer stylish and functional updates for kitchens and bathrooms without the need for large-scale demolition, catering to homeowners looking for efficient and less invasive renovation options. #HomeRenovation #KitchenDesign #CrateAndBarrel #EmilyHenderson #InteriorDesign #DIYRenovation #HomeImprovement #KitchenIsland #BathroomVanity

The Bardem cocktail bar in Helsinki, designed by local design studio Fyra, offers a modern take on the Speakeasy concept, utilizing ceramic tiles from AGROB BUCHTAL to create a distinctive and atmospheric interior. Completed in 2019, the design centers around a prominent, large bar, illuminated by discreet lighting that contributes to the mysterious ambiance of the space. The selection of ceramic tiles, specifically from AGROB BUCHTAL's Craft series, plays a crucial role in complementing the relaxed mood of the bar and adding visual depth through a vibrant interplay of colors. Fyra's design approach merges traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics, focusing on dark colors and subdued lighting to enhance the Speakeasy theme. The central bar, a focal point, features curved surfaces covered with light, honey-colored wooden panels. These are meticulously arranged with spirits and artistic wall decorations, creating a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere. The integration of ceramic tiles is highlighted as a key design feature, bringing life to the dimly lit interior. The ceramic tiles, a product of a traditional long-time firing process in a classic tunnel kiln, distinguish themselves with their high-gloss glazes and intense colors. This unique manufacturing method, which involves the tiles being fired standing upright and exposed to open flames, imparts a natural, archaic appearance that cannot be replicated by modern horizontal fast-firing techniques. The high-gloss finish of these tiles seamlessly blends with the soft forms and materials present throughout the bar, creating a harmonious environment. To establish a continuous visual flow between the floor and ceiling, the tiles are arranged in horizontal rows, forming a color gradient. This gradient, along with the high-gloss surface, contributes to the dynamic play of light and color within the space, enhancing its visual appeal. The Craft series offers a variety of colors and variants, and for the Bardem Cocktail Bar, Fyra specifically chose mid-grey, olive-green flamed, and benit-blue tiles. Furthermore, the inclusion of centrally placed strip tiles with a wave profile, also in olive-green, introduces a rhythmic, three-dimensional texture to the wall. This texture, depending on the light incidence, generates varied visual effects, adding another layer of complexity and interest to the bar's interior design. The project demonstrates how carefully selected materials and a thoughtful design concept can transform a commercial space into an inviting and unique experience. #CeramicTiles #InteriorDesign #CocktailBarDesign #AGROBBUCHTAL #CraftSeries #SpeakeasyBar #HelsinkiDesign #ArchitecturalFinishes #CommercialInteriors

A remarkable single-family home in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, originally a garage, is currently listed for just over $1.9 million. This unique residence at 222 Madison Street combines industrial aesthetics with functional living spaces, spanning 3,000 square feet. The exterior maintains a modest garage appearance, cleverly concealing the expansive and stylish interior. The home's design embraces an industrial chic, characterized by cured cement floors, exposed white-washed brick walls, and soaring ceilings punctuated by skylights that flood the space with natural light. This architectural approach creates an open and airy atmosphere throughout the dwelling. The main floor features a spacious living room that provides direct views into a serene atrium, a central element designed to enhance the home's tranquil ambiance. Above this living area, a dedicated reading nook is integrated with a Dutch-designed music storage system, offering both comfort and practicality. The open-plan design seamlessly connects the living room to a large dining area, accommodating substantial furniture arrangements and fostering a sense of continuous flow. Adjacent to the dining area is a chef’s kitchen, equipped with stainless steel counters and cabinetry, a professional 36-inch range and oven, and a prominent Carrara marble island. A generous pantry offers ample storage, catering to the needs of a gourmet kitchen. This level is designed for both everyday living and entertaining, maximizing space and utility. The second level of the home houses the master bedroom suite. This private retreat is large enough to comfortably fit a king-sized bed and includes a walk-in closet for extensive storage. A private terrace extends from the master bedroom, providing an exclusive outdoor space for relaxation. The master bathroom is appointed with a separate soaking tub and a walk-in shower, complemented by two distinctively hand-painted Talavera sinks, adding a touch of artistic detail. Across from the master bedroom on the second level, a second large loft area offers significant versatility. While currently configured as a playroom, its substantial size allows for various creative uses, adaptable to the owner's needs or preferences. This flexibility underscores the home's capacity to evolve with its inhabitants. The outdoor terrace, designed to function as a garden, plays a crucial role in bringing additional light into the main living room through its large windows, reinforcing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the home is engineered for energy efficiency, incorporating modern conveniences such as on-demand hot water, heated floors, and central air conditioning. An integrated sound system allows for individual control in each space, enhancing comfort and personalization. A private garage provides practical city living, addressing parking challenges. The property is listed by Wendy Stephenson and David Cobell for Compass, showcasing a sophisticated blend of industrial design, modern amenities, and practical living solutions within a transformed urban space. #BedStuy #GarageConversion #IndustrialGlamour #ZenAtrium #SingleFamilyHome #BrooklynRealEstate #ModernDesign #EnergyEfficientHome #LuxuryLiving

Beauparlant, a Toronto-based design studio, has introduced the Wireframe Shelf, a wall-mounted shelving system that originated from a custom kitchen project in a private residence. This shelving unit is designed to offer practical storage solutions while simultaneously introducing strong horizontal lines into a given space. The design intentionally features a minimal framework, which serves to decrease the visual heaviness often associated with conventional shelving, resulting in a cleaner and more streamlined appearance. Functionality and aesthetic flexibility are key characteristics of the Wireframe Shelf. The units are designed for versatile installation, allowing them to be hung either individually or in series to create a continuous run of shelving. This adaptability makes them suitable for a range of environments, from residential homes to commercial establishments. The frames of the shelves are customizable and can be finished in various colors, providing options to match diverse interior design palettes. Complementing the frames are the laminate oak shelves, which are treated with an oil finish, contributing to both their durability and visual appeal. A notable enhancement in the latest version of the Wireframe Shelf is the integration of non-directional lighting. This feature adds an extra layer of utility, illuminating the stored items or the surrounding area without creating harsh shadows or glare. The inclusion of lighting elevates the shelves from mere storage units to functional design elements that can also contribute to a room's ambiance. The aesthetic of the Wireframe Shelf is characterized by its simplicity and modern appeal. The open structure and clean lines align with contemporary design principles, promoting an uncluttered look. By minimizing the visible support structure, the design emphasizes the items displayed on the shelves, making them appear almost suspended. This approach not only provides a functional display area but also acts as an architectural detail within the space. Overall, the Wireframe Shelf represents a thoughtful blend of utility and minimalist design. Its wall-mounted nature saves floor space, an important consideration for many modern living and working environments. The customizable finishes, durable materials, and integrated lighting system make it a versatile and attractive option for those seeking both practical storage and a sophisticated design element to enhance their interiors. The design’s origin in a bespoke project underscores its commitment to tailored solutions and high-quality craftsmanship, now made available for a broader audience. #WallMountedShelves #Beauparlant #WireframeShelf #MinimalistDesign #HomeFurnishings #InteriorDesign #StorageSolutions #CustomizableFurniture #ModernShelving

In Detroit's Financial District, the 1920s US Mortgage Bond Building now hosts an Australian-inspired coffee shop, Coffee Down Under, and Shelby, a clandestine speakeasy situated within the building's original bank vault. Designed by Primary Projects, an architecture firm based in Detroit and Boston, Shelby's interior design thoughtfully incorporates elements from early 20th-century banking to acknowledge its historical context. This is evident in the transformation of the former teller enclosures into a multi-tiered, arcade-like back bar, serving as an attractive display for bottles. The chosen material palette subtly references the aesthetics of money, featuring a gold back bar constructed by Fillmore in Woodbridge with a repetitive bank teller pattern, along with green velour banquette seats and various metallic fixtures. New terrazzo-style tables and bar tops have been installed, meticulously matched to complement the restored original floors. The bank vault, which remained operational until 1998, has been repurposed to offer a distinctive dining experience in Detroit. Owner Tarun Kajeepta described the vault's initial condition, noting its deterioration despite being intact. Significant restoration efforts were undertaken to make the space functional, particularly addressing rust on the stainless steel, including the iconic vault door. This involved extensive buffing and dedicated work to salvage and integrate the original materials into the new design. The vault can accommodate 30 guests for a full dinner service and is also available for private events and meetings. A notable design feature within the vault is an accent wall that, upon closer inspection, reveals a subtle, rough diagram of Detroit's city streetscape in gold on a black background. Campus Martius forms the central point, with lines representing major avenues such as Michigan Ave, Woodward, and Gratiot, among others. Kajeepta also highlighted the unexpected challenges encountered during the renovation, particularly the difficulty of working with the space's existing infrastructure. Drilling the HVAC hole into the vault, which involved penetrating raw steel and concrete, took 18 hours. This necessitated innovative solutions, such as using powerful magnets to suspend all ceiling elements—lighting, speakers, and a projector screen—from the original steel structure. The main dining room further exemplifies the creative integration of old and new. Layers of the building's history are visible through the exposed old plaster and original crown mouldings, which interact dynamically with modern finishes. Plush velvet banquettes and stools introduce warmth, contrasting with the dominant metal and stone elements. The culinary and beverage concepts are also designed to align with the unique character of the space. Shelby primarily functions as a cocktail bar, but with a strong emphasis on food quality. Initially, due to restrictions, a three-course pre-fixe menu was offered, which proved popular and has since been maintained. The menu now also includes shareable savory and sweet plates, alongside a coursed meal that provides a comprehensive dining experience and allows for seasonal and inventive culinary creations. An art installation by local Detroit artist John Bianchi adorns a large wall in the dining room. His panels incorporate color, metal, and layered textures found throughout the space, with one panel designed to peel away from the wall, revealing its construction layers of wood frame, canvas, and metal sheets, inviting careful analysis much like the multi-layered interiors of Shelby itself. #adaptiveReuse #bankVaultConversion #speakeasyDesign #detroitInteriors #restaurantDesign #primaryProjects #historicalRenovation #barDesign #architecturalAdaptation

Avenue Road, a design retailer known for introducing European talent to the North American market, has opened a new 12,000-square-foot showroom in Vancouver's Gastown District. Located within a 100-year-old industrial building, the space was designed by Toronto-based Abraham Chan to blend industrial aesthetics with contemporary furnishings, creating a series of apartment-like rooms. The showroom's design concept emphasizes a juxtaposition of raw and refined elements, reflecting Vancouver's cosmopolitan nature within a setting of natural beauty. The existing brickwork and mechanical systems were cleaned and walls painted white, providing a neutral backdrop. Rough wooden beams and columns were left exposed, contrasting with new industrial-style metalwork that references the building's history. Chan and Avenue Road collaborated on the design, with Chan noting that the space aims to evoke the balance between raw and refined. The upper floor showcases furniture from renowned designers such as Bruno Moinard, Raf Simons for Kvadrat, Christophe Delcourt, and Van Rossum, alongside Canadian designers Unit Five and Jacques Guillon, and co-founders Yabu Pushelberg. Key design updates on the top floor include the transformation of existing wooden columns into archways through the insertion of curved, black metallic structures lined with narrow lights. These archways frame decorated spaces, creating a structured yet open feel. Marbled tiles and pale wooden boards define different areas, while white walls are topped with black metal frames, reinforcing the industrial aesthetic. Long white net curtains add a touch of softness. Custom pieces further enhance the space, such as a decorative blue wall by Moss & Lam, comprising 1,200 handmade glazed ceramic pieces, and a porcelain design by Nymphenburg featuring Pacific loons in flight. Chan highlights the intentional contrast of materials, like smooth grey oak flooring paired with sand-blasted marble, and industrial steel against softly lit walls. The lower level, accessible via a staircase with a red metallic banister, is dedicated to showcasing Avenue Road's category specialists. This includes textiles from The Rug Company, outdoor furniture by Tribù, and kitchens by Obumex. It also features furniture designed by Jaime Hayón for Wittman and a collaboration between architectural lighting brand Apure and Porsche Design. This Vancouver showroom follows a similar apartment-style model to Avenue Road's expanded New York showroom and aligns with a broader trend among brands and galleries like The Future Perfect, Carl Hansen & Sons, Early Work, and Pelle, which are adopting residential-like displays to engage buyers. #AvenueRoad #VancouverShowroom #IndustrialDesign #ContemporaryFurniture #InteriorDesign #RetailDesign #AbrahamChan #DesignRetailer #GastownDistrict

Butler's pantries, once purely functional spaces for household staff, have evolved into versatile and aesthetically pleasing rooms within modern homes. Designers are reimagining these transitional areas between kitchens and dining rooms to serve multiple purposes, from overflow storage and prep kitchens to sophisticated bar areas for entertaining. Elizabeth Ryan, owner and principal designer of Elizabeth Ryan Interiors, emphasizes incorporating playful design elements. Following extensive renovations due to snowstorm damage, Ryan transformed a butler's pantry in Richardson by expanding the kitchen and integrating vibrant colors and patterns. This included foliage-themed mural wallpaper, Sherwin-Williams paint in 'Courtyard' for cabinets and shelving, and emerald green Zellige glazed terracotta tiles on the floors. The homeowner's cheerful personality influenced the choice of whimsical and colorful aesthetics, proving that these spaces can be both practical and reflective of personal style. Mary Beth Wagner, owner of Mary Beth Wagner Interiors, highlights the growing trend of converting butler's pantries into dedicated bar areas. For a Dallas home on Mockingbird Parkway, Wagner designed a bar area complete with custom cabinetry, an under-counter refrigerator, and an ice maker. The selection of brushed brass hardware, marble countertops, and Tabarka terra cotta tile backsplash created a rich yet subtle color palette. Another project on Belclaire Avenue involved a butler's pantry adjacent to an existing wine storage room, providing a convenient space for glassware and bottle opening, easily adaptable as a bartender's station for larger gatherings. Susan Semmelmann, owner of Semmelmann Interiors, focuses on maximizing functionality, suggesting that butler's pantries can serve as prep kitchens and utility workspaces. In two recent projects, she collaborated with The Kitchen Source to create sleek laminated black cabinets, offering ample storage outside the main kitchen. Hanging light pendants were installed to brighten the narrow passageway, proving especially useful for buffet-style meals. Semmelmann also utilized tile as a textural and artistic element, extending it to the ceiling for visual impact, and sourced hardware from Rick’s Hardware and Daltile for the backsplashes. Even with an existing butler's pantry, minor modifications can significantly update the space. Kristin Mullen, owner of Kristin Mullen Designs, revamped a pantry in a Mediterranean-style home in Preston Hollow. The original country French cabinet colors were updated to a cooler blue-gray tone. The red oak floors were sanded and treated with a European finish to warm and lighten the area, while the walls received a lime-wash treatment in a warm white shade from Domingue Architectural Finishes. Doors were stripped and waxed, adding a refined sheen. For homes without a dedicated butler's pantry, Wagner suggests creating a similar functional space, such as a custom-built sideboard with refrigerator drawers and floating shelves for glassware, allowing for elegant storage and entertaining in a living area. These modern interpretations demonstrate how butler's pantries can enhance home luxury, storage, food preparation, and entertainment, making social gatherings more enjoyable. #ButlerPantries #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #KitchenDesign #EntertainingSpaces #StorageSolutions #DallasDesigners #HomeRenovation

Speaker design studio Silence Please has established its first showroom and listening space in a New York City loft, located in Manhattan's Bowery neighborhood. The extensive loft space is designed to function as a multi-purpose environment, featuring a showroom and seating area at the front, with a record shop named Duty Free Records and a tea room situated towards the back. Silence Please specializes in designing and producing high-fidelity, analogue speakers, which are characterized by their array of materials and distinct horns. The studio took the lead in the interior design of this new space, aiming to create an inviting, home-like atmosphere while simultaneously offering an elevated experience for visitors. The design philosophy was to foster a deeper connection to sound and create a unified space for listening and discovery, balancing an approachable, domestic feel with a dreamy, liminal quality. Upon entering the second-floor walk-up, visitors find a large open space with white-painted walls and an exposed ceiling. The front of the space features tripod speakers, along with tables and chairs designed in collaboration with Brooklyn studio Graine Studio, overlooking Bowery Street. Two dark-washed dining tables by Graine Studio are centrally placed on a black rug that extends towards the dedicated listening area. This intimate section is furnished with black leather Togo sofas, a small wooden dining table, a potted tree, and brushed aluminium speakers fitted with bright white horns. Silence Please aimed to present its speakers in a way that evokes the comfort of a large living room. The studio expressed a desire to merge a gallery aesthetic, recognizing the speakers as art, with the soft and intimate ambiance suitable for personal listening. This juxtaposition of gallery and intimate living space is considered a unique aspect of the design. A white dividing wall partitions the listening area, enclosing one side of the Duty Free Records vinyl shop, which is centrally positioned within the floor plan. Two passageways lead into the record shop, which is outfitted with thin display shelves, crates of records, and seating options. Beyond the record shop, the rear of the Silence Please space houses a tea room, furnished with smaller, boxy, geometric furniture pieces also from Graine Studio. A countertop is located to one side, while operational areas are discreetly concealed behind a white curtain, and a workbench is tucked into the furthest corner. The space is further enriched by artwork from various artists, including French abstractionist Frédéric Heurlier Cimolai. The main listening room serves as a platform for artists and the broader New York community, with the overarching goal of balancing sophistication with warmth to encourage engagement and connection among visitors. This initiative follows Silence Please's recent participation in the first New York iteration of the Collectible design fair, and the establishment of the space reflects a growing trend in dedicated listening environments. #InteriorDesign #Showroom #ListeningSpace #NewYorkCity #SpeakerDesign #RetailDesign #TeaRoom #RecordStore #LoftConversion

Entler Studio, initially known for its lighting products, has expanded its ceramic offerings to include planters and end tables, applying its distinctive sculptural aesthetic to new home furnishing categories. The new collection features Ceramic Planters, characterized by their three-legged, round-bodied design, and Beginning End Tables, which echo the brand's signature bulbous forms. These new pieces were developed from founder Jonathan Entler's vision to create a fully branded room environment. The studio's exploration into planters and tables posed unique challenges due to the inherent complexities of slipcast ceramic as a material. However, Entler Studio emphasizes the sustainable aspect of ceramic production, noting that greenware and bisqueware can be endlessly recycled. The Ceramic Planters are available in various finishes, including a satin matte that accentuates the soft shadows and curves of the design, and a high-shine, gummy jewel-like finish achieved through applying up to 15 coats of glaze. This meticulous glazing process highlights the studio's commitment to a high level of finish and visual appeal. The planters are designed to hold plants, serving both a functional and decorative purpose within interior spaces. The accompanying Beginning End Tables come in two heights, providing versatility for different uses and arrangements, while maintaining a cohesive visual language with the planters through their glossy, mirror-topped surfaces and solid, sculptural forms. The design of the high-top table is a minimal extrusion of the side table, ensuring consistency across the collection and simplifying production processes. Jonathan Entler also prioritizes sustainability in the production and packaging of these new items. The studio has made significant strides in minimizing waste by reducing inorganic materials by 80%, substituting traditional plastic and foam packaging with more environmentally friendly wood and recycled paper. This initiative is particularly impactful for ceramic products, which are typically challenging to ship and require substantial packaging, thereby reducing pollution and enhancing environmental safety. Entler Studio, founded in Los Angeles in 2015, began with the objective of creating a format of cast ceramic that could be assembled into larger lighting fixtures. Following extensive experimentation, the studio successfully launched its initial lighting collection, which quickly gained popularity. The brand now offers endlessly customizable pieces in a wide array of 32 colors, signifying its growth and adaptability within the design market. The expansion into planters and tables represents a natural progression for the studio, leveraging its expertise in ceramic craftsmanship and distinctive design philosophy to enrich the broader home furnishings landscape. #Ceramic #CeramicPlanter #HomeFurnishings #IndoorPlanter #JonathanEntler #Planters #SideTable #Sustainability #TableDesign