How This Connecticut Riverfront Home Makes the Most of Its Gorgeous Views

Located on a tight, narrow strip of land in Cove, Scotland, this 2,690-square-foot residence was designed by Cameron Webster Architects to maximize living space while taking full advantage of its wild coastal setting. The primary goal was to create flexible and accessible accommodations for an owner nearing retirement age, which significantly influenced the design decisions. The architects embraced the site's constraints as a core design driver, resulting in a distinctive linear, single-story structure. The home features four bedrooms that face a garden, leading to an expansive, open-plan living area at the front. This living space is characterized by floor-to-ceiling glazing, offering uninterrupted views of the North Sea and the sky. A decking area extends from this living space, sheltered beneath a timber soffit, further blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. A notable architectural feature is that approximately half of the house rests on land, while the other half projects into the air, anchored securely to the rocks below by two V-shaped steel legs, creating the striking illusion of the residence hovering above the water. Sustainability was a key consideration, with a fabric-first approach employed in its construction. The external material palette was carefully selected for both its aesthetic appeal and its ability to withstand the harsh coastal environment. Kebony, a robust timber cladding known for its use in marine settings, was chosen for its durability and its ability to weather to a silvery finish, complementing the triple-glazed windows in the main living areas. The design also incorporates locally sourced, rough basalt/quartz stone cladding, which visually connects the home to the craggy rocks of the surrounding landscape. Internally, the design focuses on creating a welcoming and seamless flow. A generous linear roof light in the wide corridor provides ample natural light, guiding residents from the main entrance through the bedroom wing to the vibrant living area. Sapele, a sustainable hardwood, was used for interior ceiling finishes, imparting a nautical or maritime feel to the space. This material extends seamlessly to form the timber soffit over the exterior terraces, unifying the indoor and outdoor design elements. The overall execution reflects a thoughtful integration of architectural form, material selection, and site-specific considerations, delivering a contemporary and accessible home with dramatic waterfront views. #ScottishArchitecture #WaterfrontHome #RetirementHome #CoastalDesign #CameronWebsterArchitects #SustainableDesign #ModernArchitecture #KebonyCladding #OpenPlanLiving

The article showcases the 1799 Colonial-style cottage of interior designer Kari McCabe and architect Nate McBride in Stonington, Connecticut. The couple, who previously summered in the area, found this property in 2018. It had already undergone necessary renovations to the foundation and electrical systems, preserving its original character, including fireplaces, exposed beams, and rustic chestnut and oak floors. The home is situated amidst farmland, offering a serene, country living experience despite being only 10 minutes from the water. The renovation focused on infusing the cottage with personal touches, largely drawing from Kari's Scandinavian heritage and a collection of vintage family heirlooms. This approach involved incorporating Swedish rugs and textiles, along with a palette of vibrant colors and cheerful patterns, transforming the space into a joyful year-round residence. The exterior of the home was updated from a moss-green to a bright white, complemented by a blue front door and natural wood window frames. The side porch, now the main entrance, features a vintage Norwegian flag and a dog statue, reflecting family history and a playful nod to their Scottish terrier. The mudroom serves multiple functions as an entry and laundry room, designed with a waterproof rug and vibrant indoor-outdoor fabric curtains to conceal utility areas. The main living space, originally the primary bedroom, was expanded by removing a wall. It features a blend of high-end and affordable decor, such as an Isamu Noguchi paper lamp alongside IKEA bookshelves and vintage rattan furniture. The room is further adorned with a vintage Swedish rug, patterned textiles, and naive art from a Maine artist. Another living area combines sleek mid-century modern furniture with rustic wood beams and floors, creating an eclectic aesthetic. The dining room is distinctively decorated with an Indian dhurrie as a table covering, complementing the nature-inspired Josef Frank wallpaper and vintage pitchers on the mantel. Modern elements like a midcentury credenza and a Danish pendant light are integrated. The kitchen's breakfast nook offers views through ample windows and is furnished with a vintage trestle table and bentwood chairs, accented by Swedish pottery, a Scandinavian pendant, and a Josef Frank textile pillow. The kitchen itself, once dark, was brightened with pale gray cabinetry, open shelving, and modern lighting, removing elements that obstructed views. The primary bedroom features all-over wallpaper on both walls and ceiling, creating a cohesive, cocoon-like atmosphere, further enhanced by white-painted floors. Color is introduced through a patterned duvet, a handwoven Swedish rug, and artwork by Cornelia Foss. The guest bedroom continues the vibrant theme with garden-inspired wallpaper, a striped blanket, and a checked duvet, alongside a still life by Louisa Matthíasdóttir and a vintage Eames chair. The bathroom boasts botanical wallpaper, vintage French sconces, and a Swedish mirror, referencing the natural surroundings. Nate's office includes a vintage sawhorse desk, an Eames plywood chair, and an industrial lamp, while Kari's office features a Josef Frank curtain and family mementos. Finally, a newly added deck is furnished with vintage metal Woodard furniture and other collected pieces, extending the home's unique, collected aesthetic outdoors. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecorating #HouseTour #CoastalLiving #VintageDecor #ScandinavianDesign #ConnecticutHomes #Renovation #Wallpaper #EclecticStyle

The article showcases Micro House, a 430-square-foot dwelling designed by architect Elizabeth Herrmann for an artist. Located on a sloping meadow in Vermont with views of Camel’s Hump peak, the project aimed to create a beautiful, compact, and energy-efficient home on a tight budget. Herrmann approached the design as an opportunity to advance the conversation around tiny homes, moving beyond mere utilitarian features to focus on aesthetic and spatial experiences. Despite its small footprint, Micro House achieves a sense of spaciousness through deliberate design choices. Herrmann utilized strategic window sizing and placement to define interior areas without resorting to traditional room divisions. This approach ensured a continuous flow throughout the open-plan home while providing distinct focal points and optimizing natural light and ventilation. The architect specifically lauded Marvin Windows and Doors for their wide range of window sizes, which allowed for precise fine-tuning to meet her design vision. This meticulous selection of windows contributes significantly to the home’s ability to frame specific views, offering a constant connection to the surrounding landscape. A large picture window serves as a central feature, offering a dramatic vista of Camel’s Hump and the Green Mountains, effectively turning the natural scenery into a living artwork above the kitchen/work table. Other windows, including vertical casement and horizontal awning types, are thoughtfully positioned to orient the various "rooms" and provide a meditative link to the site. For instance, awning windows in the kitchen invite both views and the mountain breeze, while long, narrow windows above the beds evoke the vastness of the forest. Given Vermont’s harsh winters, energy efficiency was a critical consideration. The large picture window is equipped with Lo-E 272 argon-filled glass, boasting a low U-factor for superior insulation and thermal performance. This ensures that the home remains comfortable despite the extensive glazing, addressing the challenge of maintaining efficiency with large windows in a small space during cold seasons. The exterior also features a gray-stained, cedar rain screen, further enhancing its ability to withstand the elements. The architectural form of Micro House blends a cabin-in-the-woods feel with a contemporary and innovative shape. Herrmann strategically carved out a corner for a sleeping loft and another for a front porch, contributing to the home's unique cubic structure. The sloping roof design encloses more private areas, such as the bathroom and sleeping space, at its lower end. The careful consideration given to defining spaces and creating a fluid experience within the home underscores Herrmann’s appreciation for the craftsmanship and flexibility offered by Marvin, highlighting their ability to execute complex and special designs. #TinyHome #MicroHouse #VermontArchitecture #EnergyEfficiency #SmallSpaceDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #WindowPlacement #ArtistRetreat #SustainableDesign

This article highlights the design of a Colonial Revival-style home in Greenwich, Connecticut, a collaborative effort between interior designer Victoria Hagan and architect Oscar Shamamian for a family with three teenage children. The project aimed to create a home that felt established, as if it had always been there, while also meeting the needs of a modern family. Shamamian's firm, Ferguson & Shamamian, is renowned for blending traditional design with contemporary living requirements. A key aspect of their approach was starting with a basic furniture plan, a practice Shamamian carried over from his time at Parish-Hadley, ensuring every room's design was grounded in its functional layout. The European clients desired a home that balanced formality with the relaxed atmosphere they were accustomed to in their previous, smaller residence. This meant creating spaces suitable for both intimate family life and larger gatherings, particularly for holidays and extended family visits from overseas. The design emphasizes symmetry and scale, contributing to a cohesive and spacious feel, particularly evident in the living room. Hagan's role was crucial in integrating the interiors with the surrounding lush views, maximizing natural light, which she considers the "best accessory." She expertly incorporated a palette of soft blues and neutrals, applying them in both bold and ethereal ways to suit the clients' preferences. The home features traditional architectural details that imbue it with a sense of history, effectively achieving the goal of making the new construction appear well-established. The dining room, for instance, exhibits "all-out glamour" with glimmering flourishes, including a Maison Jansen table, an Italian 1930s chandelier, and custom hand-painted wallpaper. The kitchen was designed to be both gleaming and accommodating, suitable for both small family meals and large groups, with high-end appliances and custom cabinetry. The design also thoughtfully included practical elements such as a dedicated space for washing the family's Labrador retrievers, underscoring the functional aspect of the home. Hagan skillfully blended the couple's European heritage into the decor by incorporating antique heirlooms alongside newly acquired early 20th-century pieces, creating a narrative of French furniture design. A notable example is the Jean-Charles Moreux console in the dining room, embraced by the wife despite initial concerns from Hagan about its reception. Prior to the family moving in, Hagan personally ensured the comfort and functionality of every furniture piece and their arrangements. The outdoor spaces are equally considered, with clipped boxwoods adding sculptural elements to the garden and a pool area designed for relaxation. Ultimately, the project delivered a residence that is both stately and relaxed, classic and contemporary, reflecting the sophisticated taste and practical needs of its inhabitants. The collaboration between the architect and designer resulted in a home that feels both grand and intimately livable, a testament to thoughtful design and a deep understanding of the clients' lifestyle. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColonialRevival #VictoriaHagan #OscarShamamian #GreenwichConnecticut #LuxuryHome #TraditionalDesign #ModernLiving

Tiburon Bay View, a contemporary residence on the eastern edge of California's Tiburon Peninsula, was designed by Walker Warner Architects for a family with a strong appreciation for art and nature. The clients sought a spacious home suitable for entertaining and multi-generational living, with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay. To mitigate the visual impact of the 12,000-square-foot structure, the architects terraced the two-story property into the hillside, giving it the appearance of a compound composed of low-slung horizontal volumes. The design incorporates a natural material palette and extensive high-performance glazing to seamlessly integrate the home with its surroundings. Materials such as Aegean limestone, western red cedar, zinc, and board-formed concrete contribute to this integration. Interior designer Nicole Hollis further enhanced the indoor/outdoor connection through a minimalist approach, employing surface materials and custom furnishings that echo the exterior's palette. Rift-sawn, white-oak wall paneling and engineered European oak flooring add warmth to the modern interior. The home was also designed to complement the clients' extensive contemporary art collection, featuring pieces like a custom bronze divider by Michele Oka Doner and pendant lighting fixtures by Lindsey Adelman Studio. The main residence is oriented towards the bay views and split across two levels. The ground floor houses the primary living areas and an accessible in-law bedroom, while the master suite and a second bedroom are located upstairs. An additional guest wing provides two more bedrooms. Large glass doors from Fleetwood Windows & Doors in the great room blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, facilitating an open and connected living experience. The master bedroom, with a Holly Hunt walnut bed, offers impressive bay views, and the master bath features custom teak cabinetry and Aged Petit Granit counters. A unique touch for the clients' teenage son includes a colorful bedroom with an elevated bed and a small climbing wall. Sustainability and energy efficiency were central to the home's design. A passive solar approach was implemented, featuring large roof overhangs over glass walls, automated solar shades, and an emphasis on natural ventilation. Radiant heating is installed throughout the home, complemented by Energy Star appliances, low-flow fixtures, LED lighting, and occupancy sensors. To conserve water, a native, drought-resistant planting plan with sensor-controlled drip irrigation was designed by SCDA and Strata Landscape Architecture, limiting the lawn area to less than 10 percent of the landscape. Photovoltaic panels have been installed at the pool house, further contributing to the home's energy independence. The architects highlighted that the residence's bold architectural elements create unexpected spaces, fulfilling the clients' desire for a home that celebrates both art and nature. #TiburonBayView #WalkerWarnerArchitects #EnergyConsciousHome #WaterfrontProperty #SustainableDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ModernArchitecture #NorthernCaliforniaHomes #PassiveSolarDesign

This article highlights a custom-built, one-owner ranch-style bungalow located at 4495 Second Line West in the Gros Cap area, Prince Township. The property, constructed by Higgins Construction in 1997, offers almost 1,800 square feet of living space, comprising two bedrooms and three bathrooms. The interior features blonde oak hardwood flooring throughout and an open-concept design that integrates the kitchen, dining, and living areas. A significant feature is the expansive wall of windows in the living and dining rooms, providing a south-facing view of Lake Superior. The kitchen is designed for functionality with ample storage, counter space, and multiple windows, enhancing its bright and sunny atmosphere. The primary suite is well-appointed with an ensuite bath and a large walk-in closet, ensuring comfort and privacy. A second bedroom and a conveniently located laundry room complete the private living spaces. The property also includes practical amenities such as a double attached garage and a large interlocking brick driveway, offering abundant parking options for residents and guests. The design prioritizes capturing the natural beauty of the surroundings, with specific emphasis on the panoramic lake views that are central to the home's appeal. The outdoor area of the property spans 300 feet of private sandy beach along Lake Superior. This waterfrontage includes a water break and shallow entry, making it suitable for recreational activities such as swimming and beach enjoyment for families with children and pets. The landscape is characterized by mature trees, providing generous shade and ample space for gardening, outdoor play, and various year-round activities. The combination of the sandy beach and the direct lake access contributes to a desirable lakeside lifestyle. The location of the bungalow is a notable advantage, situated approximately 20 minutes from downtown Sault Ste. Marie. This proximity allows convenient access to urban amenities such as shops, restaurants, and various services while maintaining a serene waterfront setting. The area also benefits from the presence of nearby schools, trails, sports fields, and major parks, catering to a range of community and recreational needs. Dave Butkovich, Broker of Record at Castle Realty (2022) Ltd., emphasizes the quality craftsmanship and the stunning lakeside views as key selling points, highlighting the potential for creating lasting family memories in this setting. Castle Realty specializes in cottage sales and offers services to potential buyers interested in this type of property. #WaterfrontBungalow #LakeSuperior #PrinceTownship #RealEstate #CustomBuiltHome #HigginsConstruction #LakesideLiving #GrosCap #SaultSteMarie

Designer Philip Gorrivan and his wife, Lisa Rossi, purchased an 1840 farmhouse in Washington, Connecticut, six years prior to the article's publication. The 3,800-square-foot home was intended as a weekend retreat from Manhattan life for their family and two children. The house possesses a unique history, having been moved to its current seven-acre plot in the 1950s after avoiding a flood. This relocation provided the home with desirable country living attributes: historic charm, a substantial land parcel, and a full basement. Gorrivan meticulously oversaw the interior design and landscaping of the property. The home features vibrant wallcoverings, some from his own designs for Holland & Sherry, alongside carefully selected furnishings. The expansive gardens are cultivated with hydrangeas and rare boxwood varieties. Gorrivan's personal design philosophy, influenced by his upbringing in Maine with a Yankee father and French-Moroccan mother, incorporates a blend of vivid, saturated colors and strong patterns with neutral tones like taupe and dove grays. He humorously refers to certain patterns, such as pink camouflage in a guest bedroom, as his "favorite neutral." This combination results in an aesthetic that is both timeless and modern. Quirky elements are integrated throughout the home, possibly as a nod to his mother's whimsical taste. Examples include an acid yellow-glass vessel in the dining room, a den wall adorned with small antlers, and zebra-print fabrics in his daughter's bedroom. The influence of his New England heritage is evident in antique side tables, a Wallace Nutting stool, and a 19th-century Vermont rocking chair, which is a family heirloom. Gorrivan employs a design technique he calls "massing," involving the display of groups of similar small objects to highlight their shape or color. This is demonstrated by the arrangement of 18th-century creamware in the kitchen, amethyst glass lining a dining room window, and vintage crystal glassware in an antique armoire used as a bar. Additionally, ancient bottles, some discovered by his children in the backyard, are showcased on a den étagère, reflecting his appreciation for beauty over strict provenance. In 2012, the family's weekend routine was disrupted when Rossi was transferred to London, necessitating a move for the family from New York to South Kensington. While Gorrivan was able to manage his work remotely and felt little attachment to their New York apartment, he found it impossible to part with the Connecticut home. Despite the logistical challenges of maintaining the property from overseas, including its distance from an airport and harsh climate, Gorrivan cherishes the home deeply. He makes efforts to return, spending weeks in the summer with his family or occasional winter weekends alone, finding solace and a sense of belonging in the environment he created. He acknowledges the impracticality but views his attachment as an emotional necessity. #ColonialHome #ConnecticutDesign #InteriorDesign #PhilipGorrivan #CountryLiving #HomeDecor #HistoricHomes #DesignInspiration

Architects Lebel & Bouliane designed a ground-up residence in Scarborough, Ontario, drawing inspiration from the dramatic Scarborough Bluffs, a geological formation bordering Lake Ontario. The design aimed to evoke both stone and water, using materials that reflect the natural surroundings. The clients, a couple with three young children and an extended live-in family, sought a home that could accommodate multi-generational living, offering both shared spaces for family life and private bedroom suites, with a vision to age in place within the residence. The project, named Meadowcliffe House, was completed over several years, benefiting from the architects' prior experience with similar multi-generational homes featuring extensive stone. Meadowcliffe House is characterized by its dramatic structure, featuring a pair of stone volumes that frame a three-story central atrium. This atrium not only floods the interior with daylight but also offers unobstructed views of Lake Ontario from the moment one enters the front door. The limestone used for the residence was carefully selected and quarried in Owen Sound, Ontario, with Luc Bouliane personally choosing veins for consistency. The stone pieces were meticulously cut and mitered at the quarry for seamless integration between the exterior and interior, reinforcing the connection to the home's natural environment. In addition to limestone, the architects incorporated stainless steel, glass, bronze, and wood to create a flexible and accessible dwelling. The 7,750-square-foot residence encompasses 29 rooms, including six distinct bedroom suites spread across three levels. The ground floor is specifically designed for family gatherings and larger events, featuring a living area that opens directly onto an infinity pool. The interior design emphasizes natural elements, with furnishings kept minimal to complement the architecture and surrounding landscape. Lebel explains that the focus was on simplicity, texture, and scale, utilizing materials such as walnut, oak, metal, and glass, while textiles remained neutral and muted. The property also prioritized the preservation of natural landscape features, retaining over two dozen mature trees and reintroducing native plant species to blend with the Scarborough Bluffs environment. The project successfully created intimate spaces for the immediate family while also providing areas suitable for larger gatherings with extended family members. The master bedroom, for instance, offers expansive views of the lake, enhancing the connection to the natural setting. The use of natural Algonquin Limestone, personally selected by Bouliane, covers 6,350 square feet, ensuring a consistent aesthetic throughout. Notable interior pieces include walnut dining chairs, a table, and a bench by hollis+morris, and a large ash and walnut coffee table by Atelier Dimo, sourced through Montauk Sofa. The integration of the house with its site, the consideration for multi-generational living, and the deliberate material palette highlight the architects' approach to creating a home that is both aesthetically integrated with its surroundings and functionally adaptable for its occupants over time. #ResidentialArchitecture #MultiGenerationalLiving #LakeOntario #ScarboroughBluffs #LebelBouliane #LimestoneConstruction #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome

This article showcases a recently built Craftsman-style home located at 43 Glendale Drive in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, listed for $1.079 million. Constructed in 2020 by Biltbold Building Company, the residence sits on a 2.5-acre lot and offers picturesque views of Blue Mountain. The exterior design features a combination of horizontal and vertical siding, black-framed windows, multiple gables, stone veneer beneath the dining room windows, a covered front porch, and various pent roof overhangs, all complemented by a metal roof on the front porch. The home's construction emphasizes energy efficiency, incorporating a superior basement wall system, R60 insulation, eco-friendly heating and cooling systems, and integrated solar technology on the rear roof. The interior of the home boasts solid wood flooring, upscale trim, and custom details throughout. The family room is a central feature, complete with a craftsman-style fireplace and coffered ceilings. The main floor includes a first-floor bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, situated opposite a formal dining room that also features an elegant coffered ceiling. A butler’s pantry and beverage station efficiently connects the dining room to the kitchen. The open-concept kitchen is equipped with a large island, a six-burner gas range with an exposed range hood, a tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and high-end stainless steel appliances. An adjacent eat-in kitchen area provides expansive views of the backyard through double doors that open into a screened-in sunroom, which further extends to a covered porch. The second floor accommodates four additional bedrooms. Two of these bedrooms share a full hall bathroom, while a third bedroom has its own private full bath. The master bedroom suite is conveniently located near a spacious laundry room and features a tray ceiling, a large walk-in closet, and a dedicated full-size office. The master bathroom is designed with luxury in mind, offering a free-standing soaking tub, tile flooring, a custom-tiled shower, and double vanities. The exposed lower level adds nearly 1,000 square feet of finished living space, which includes a partial bathroom, alongside an unfinished area for storage. Further amenities include a three-car garage that incorporates a practical dog wash area, designed to help maintain cleanliness after pets have been in the partially fenced-in backyard. The property is positioned in a tranquil part of northeastern Cumberland County, making it an attractive option for those seeking a blend of modern design, comfort, and natural surroundings. The home is listed by Garrett Rothman with RSR, Realtors, and represents a noteworthy example within the "Cool Spaces" series highlighting distinctive properties in central Pennsylvania. #CraftsmanStyle #CumberlandCounty #MountainViews #LuxuryHome #EnergyEfficient #HomeDesign #RealEstate #PennsylvaniaHomes #CoolSpaces

This article showcases the transformation of a Cornish beachside house into a home filled with coastal charm, reflecting the owner Juliet Mayhew's journey from initial skepticism about the region's appeal to fully embracing its unique character. Initially, Juliet, an Australian, found Cornwall's shingle beaches a stark contrast to the white sands she was accustomed to. However, a sunny second visit, including a boat trip along the Helford River, changed her perspective, leading her to appreciate the special allure of the area. This shift in perception was crucial as she and her husband found a house in a prime, secluded location overlooking the sea, offering views of bobbing boats and lush oak-covered hills. The process of acquiring the property was a notable undertaking, requiring an early morning drive from London to place a successful bid before the house went to the open market. Following the purchase, the couple dedicated significant time to planning improvements, aiming to seamlessly connect the interiors with the stunning outdoor spaces. A key structural alteration involved creating an open-plan kitchen and sitting room by knocking through a wall, enhancing light and maximizing the sea views from all main rooms. The kitchen, which was an existing feature, received a stylish update with pale grey painted cabinets, and its large central workspace was designed for entertaining. As an experienced interior designer and party planner, Juliet meticulously curated the home's aesthetic over a year, drawing inspiration from the sea. Her approach involved extensive online searches for marine-themed decor, including rope lamps, fabrics with coral motifs, shells, boats, oars, driftwood stools, and a large compass. This intentional and overt embrace of nautical styling, rather than a subtle nod, infused the house with distinct character and visual interest. The sitting room, with its expansive windows, allows residents and guests to fully immerse themselves in the spectacular views, complemented by a vibrant color scheme that defines the coastal living space. The dining room's lively color palette mirrors Juliet's energetic personality and her love for entertaining, a central consideration in the home's redesign. Upstairs, the main bedroom was expanded to include a larger balcony, creating a space that evokes the feeling of a ship's deck. Juliet particularly enjoys sitting on the balcony and watching boats, finding it a source of deep relaxation. In contrast to the home's more vibrant areas, the guest bedroom offers a serene atmosphere, decorated in a calming palette of blues and neutrals, directly inspired by the surrounding coastal environment. Optimizing the outdoor living experience, the terrace was reconfigured after observing the sun's path throughout the seasons. This thoughtful adjustment allowed the couple to fully leverage the breathtaking views of the Cornish coastline. The entire renovation and decoration project underscore a deliberate design philosophy that blends personal taste with the natural beauty of the location, creating a harmonious and uniquely styled beachside residence. #CoastalHome #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #CornwallLiving #NauticalDecor #OpenPlanLiving #SeasideProperty #HomeStyling

Roula and Fotis, a couple from New York City, embarked on a journey to build a new home on the North Shore of Long Island after a devastating fire destroyed their original French-style residence. Their initial plan was to renovate, but the fire prompted a complete rebuild. They enlisted THE UP STUDIO, an architectural firm, to design a home that would integrate with the surrounding natural landscape. Architects John Patrick Winberry and Adam Wanaselja conceived an L-shaped floor plan that strategically rotates the back of the house by ninety degrees. This design maximizes natural light throughout the day, allowing the sun to interact with the interior spaces across all seasons. The primary living areas are arranged around this L-shaped corner, creating a strong connection to the outdoors. A key design element is the extensive use of large windows and doors, sourced from Marvin, which frame views of the pool and lush greenery. This choice of manufacturer was driven by their flexibility in accommodating both traditional and modern design aesthetics, which were blended in the home's overall style. The front facade retains historical references, while the rear exhibits more contemporary forms. The interior design emphasizes natural elements, featuring natural wood floors and ceilings that complement dark-framed windows and beams in the living room. Marvin Signature Ultimate Casement Narrow Frame Windows and Signature Ultimate French Doors are utilized to flood the space with natural light. The open-plan living room flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining area, characterized by a modern design that combines sleek marble countertops with white and natural wood cabinetry. The homeowners expressed a desire for an indoor-outdoor feel and abundant light, which was achieved through expansive fenestration. The master bedroom, for instance, boasts a wall of windows offering views of the backyard, serving as an ever-changing art piece for the occupants. A modern architectural detail includes a portion of the master suite that cantilevers over the patio and pool, further enhancing the connection to the exterior. Functionality for a young, active family was also a priority in the design. The open layout and numerous windows facilitate a continuous flow, allowing the couple's two sons to move freely and enjoy the surroundings. The central staircase and landing serve as a dramatic focal point, accented by a two-story backdrop of windows that direct attention to the outdoors. The interior features minimal aesthetics with white walls and natural hardwood floors, contributing to a cohesive and serene atmosphere throughout the residence. Despite the challenges of rebuilding after the fire, the couple decided to stay and create a new home that embraces the natural beauty of their property. The architects were instrumental in transforming a difficult situation into an opportunity for a fresh, new design tailored to their growing family's needs. The completed home provides the family with greater freedom and enjoyment, embodying a playful and joyful living environment. #ModernArchitecture #LShapedHome #NaturalLight #IndoorOutdoorLiving #LongIslandHome #TheUpStudio #MarvinWindows #SustainableDesign

This article details a new-build waterfront home on Bonita Beach's Hickory Boulevard, which embodies a California contemporary style. The residence, designed by Jennifer Sloan of Design & Company in collaboration with builder Gary Lau, features a minimalist aesthetic with a focus on pale woods, organic textures, and sun-soaked spaces, all strategically designed to maximize the panoramic Gulf views. The exterior showcases bright-white stucco, black iron detailing, wood-paneled garage doors, and stacked stones, creating a blend of modernity and natural elements. Wood planks on the front entry ceiling provide a softening touch to the facade. The interior design emphasizes a cohesive material palette, starting with the entry's French white oak railing and matte black spokes, complemented by porcelain tile floors. An abstract black-and-white oil painting above a walnut console adds a contrasting element. The great room, located on an upper floor, is the central hub, featuring wide French white oak plank floors and oak ceiling beams with hidden LED lighting that provide a soft glow and visual interest. A wall of sliding doors, framed in simple black casings with subtle drapes, offers expansive views of the Gulf, which is the primary focal point of the home. To ensure the interior complements the stunning natural scenery, the designer utilized a restrained color palette and low-profile furnishings. The entertaining area includes angular Vanguard sofas and teak chairs with brass detailing, placed on a natural fiber rug. A clean-lined white coffee table and white marble side tables with metal legs echo the home's material scheme. Kravet Couture pillows with a watercolor-inspired pattern add softness, while a round black metal chandelier provides a touch of industrial elegance. The built-in bar features a single quartzite slab extending from the countertop to the soffit, with floating wood-and-metal shelving. Matte black built-ins with antique gold picture lights contribute to a rich aesthetic, drawing inspiration from a "Ralph Lauren feel." The kitchen, integrated into the open floor plan, features a swooping oak range hood with black trim and floating shelves with inset lighting for both storage and display. Round pendants illuminate the white quartz island. The adjacent dining area incorporates organic elements through warm mosaic tiling, a live-edge table, and a woven chandelier, connecting the interior to the beach environment. The main lanai extends the living space outdoors with black metal chairs and a weather-resistant teak-look Durawood table, along with black wicker-looking seating, maintaining consistency in style and materials. The home's five bedrooms, two on the primary level and three on the top floor, continue the California contemporary theme with unique touches. Examples include a raffia-wrapped bed with a textured yarn chandelier, and a black headboard contrasting with organic wood-trunk patterns. Tray ceilings in each room are accented with oak beams, edging, or inset trim that harmonizes with the flooring. The primary suite features white oak beams against glossy tongue-and-groove panels, a two-tone canopy bed, and a wood bead chandelier. A small flex-use room with a bar and lanai next to the primary suite offers an alternative view of the Gulf. The five baths, two powder rooms, and a pool bath each interpret the black-white-natural color scheme uniquely. The primary bathroom boasts large-format marble tile with onyx streaks and a rich walnut linen cabinet. The powder room features backlit floating panels, creating a glowing effect. Another bath highlights craftsmanship with traditional inset drawers. Many showers utilize a ‘color-blocking’ technique, combining chevron-patterned tiles, marble mosaics, and striated stone to add textural depth while adhering to the home's overall design scheme. The design aims to create a sophisticated yet comfortable living environment. #HomeTours #CaliforniaCool #WaterfrontHome #InteriorDesign #DesignInspiration #ModernArchitecture #GulfView #LuxuryLiving

This blog post highlights a colonial-style luxury home at 17 Cobtail Way in Simsbury, Connecticut, designed by architect Jack Kemper. The residence is notable for its architecture, floor plan, and mountain-top views, showcasing a meticulous attention to detail both externally and internally. The exterior features a granite stone facade, a portico at the main entrance, symmetrical design with large windows, two massive chimneys, a circular drive, and professional landscaping. The property offers panoramic mountain views from various vantage points, including a lower-level bluestone patio, a first-floor deck, and a second-floor deck accessible via a spiral staircase, with the latter providing the most expansive views. The interior of the home is equally impressive, beginning with an entry foyer inspired by the Governor’s Mansion in Hartford. This design choice ensures an unobstructed sightline from the front door through to the sunroom, which features an array of windows offering views of the valley. A prominent feature throughout the home is the use of random-width Georgia pine floors, which extend even into the bathrooms, contributing to a country estate ambiance. The only tiled areas are the mudroom and the sunroom, where the same stone used on the facade is incorporated into the interior design. The millwork is elaborate, including triple crown molding, wainscoting in formal rooms, five-foot-high beadboards in hallways, and dentil moldings in the formal living room, all contributing to a rich aesthetic. The first floor comprises formal living and dining rooms, each equipped with a gas-burning fireplace. The kitchen is spacious and well-appointed, featuring ample counter space, storage-rich cabinets, a brick accent wall with a fireplace, built-in double ovens, and a six-burner cooktop centered on a large island. High-end appliances, such as a Sub-Zero refrigerator and a Miele dishwasher, are also included. The kitchen connects to the dining room via a butler’s pantry, offering additional storage, and opens into a family room with a fireplace, cathedral ceiling with exposed wood beam trusses, and magnificent valley views. A home office with built-in bookcases and cabinets, located near the mudroom and a half bath, allows for business meetings without guests needing to access the main living areas. The first floor also includes a second half bath, direct access to a three-car garage, and a rear stairway leading to both the lower level and the second floor. On the second floor, the primary bedroom suite offers a large sleeping area with valley views, a spacious walk-in closet, and a luxurious spa-like bathroom. This bathroom features a centrally located jetted soaking tub, a large dual-sink vanity, a glass shower, and a separate commode room, along with a fifth fireplace shared with the primary bedroom. Four additional bedrooms are on this floor, three of which have attached full baths. Two of these bedrooms can form a suite via a pocket door, ideal for guests or multi-generational living, given their proximity to the rear stairs and garage. The lower level includes a large gym with durable luxury vinyl flooring and direct access to the bluestone patio, offering potential as a playroom. This level also houses a wine cellar, ample storage space, and a workshop. Outdoor amenities include a professionally landscaped 2.1-acre lot with a Japanese garden featuring a waterfall, two bridges, and a fish pond. The home’s location in Simsbury is considered ideal, with proximity to Avon, West Hartford, and Bradley International Airport. The Cobtail Way community is highlighted for its convenience to services and recreational facilities, such as public golf courses and equestrian centers. The property, built in 1998, has 12 rooms, 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 2 half baths, and 6,725 square feet of living space, including the lower level. #LuxuryHome #ConnecticutRealEstate #TalcottMountain #ColonialArchitecture #CustomDesign #MountainViews #SimsburyCT #HighEndFinishes #LuxuryLiving

Shutterstock founder Jon Oringer and his wife Talia embarked on a search for a home in Miami Beach that would align with their vision of a welcoming oasis, distinct from the prevailing aesthetic characterized by aggressive geometrics and glossy surfaces. Their quest led them to a property overlooking Biscayne Bay, which, despite requiring significant renovation, offered an exceptional location and views. To transform this property into their dream home, they enlisted the expertise of AD100 interior designer Kelly Behun, who had previously worked on their Bridgehampton residence. Behun is recognized for her ability to create interiors that blend fanciful elements with refined sophistication, resulting in spaces that are both imaginative and serene. The home’s architectural transformation was initiated by Blaze Makoid of BMA Architects, who softened the exterior’s angularity with bronze and wood accents and introduced a sculptural staircase to enhance the interior’s dynamism. This established a visual language emphasizing fluidity and warmth, a quality the homeowners desired. Behun further collaborated with To Better Days Building, another AD PRO Directory firm, to realize the couple's vision. Within this architectural framework, Behun curated a vibrant collection of pieces from a global network of artisans, combining them with striking art and vintage items. Each room's design is often anchored by a central element, such as a unique lighting fixture or a captivating artwork, which harmonizes the color, pattern, and scale. Contemporary materials like white oak, plush fabrics, and muted metals are employed in sculptural forms, grounding the whimsical elements in an atmosphere of elegance and luxury. The entryway, for instance, features a custom stained glass light fixture by Greek artist Kostas Lambridis, whose design reflects the client's personal narrative. This piece hangs above a Mimi table by Garcé & Dimofski, complemented by Martino Gamper circus stools and a woven chair from Space Available Studio, all echoing the fixture's colors. Similarly, a stained glass fixture by Maarten de Ceulaer commands attention in the dining room, balancing a substantial table by Yabu Pushelberg. In the double-height library, four ceiling pendants by Bennet Schlesinger, inspired by cumulus clouds, playfully disrupt the room's formal upholstered seating arrangements. The lounge is enlivened by a cut-paper collage of dancing women by Heidi Lanino, set against curvaceous furniture by designers like Achille Salvagni and Chris Wolston. For the children’s playroom, a Nuage fixture by Wout Wessemius creates an ethereal ambiance. Beyond individual pieces, foliage plays a crucial role in animating the spaces. Large Alocasia Calidora leaves at the second-floor atrium window add drama to the primary bedroom. Landscape architect Raymond Jungles collaborated on the home's vegetation, including an immense American oil palm at the entryway that helps scale down the property, contributing to a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere despite its grandeur. The overall design achieves a ravishing and rejuvenating effect, perceived as both sublime and sensual by the homeowners. Jon Oringer praised Behun’s capacity to translate their identity into the living space, affirming that the designer successfully delivered a home that is uniquely theirs. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #MiamiArchitecture #ContemporaryDesign #CustomFurniture #ArtCollection #LandscapeDesign #ArchitecturalDigest

Ragan Wesson, a Birmingham-based interior expert, emphasizes the importance of a home telling a unique story, and her own renovated 1950s ranch-style home exemplifies this philosophy. She champions the integration of sentimental and meaningful items to create spaces that are both distinct and affordable. Wesson's design approach begins with a clean, neutral canvas, allowing for the layering of personalized pieces. Many of the items in her home are inherited or sourced from thrift stores and antique malls, each carrying a personal history that contributes to the home's narrative. Upon purchasing their Homewood ranch home, Wesson and her husband focused on superficial yet impactful renovations. They refreshed the interiors with new paint, removed popcorn ceilings, and updated light fixtures, all while preserving the original character of the house. The home's generous room sizes and functional layout meant that extensive structural changes were unnecessary, allowing them to concentrate on decorative enhancements. For furnishings, Wesson drew from her extensive collection of cherished items, amassed over many years, demonstrating how curated pieces can elevate a space. One example of her approach is the dining room, which serves as a versatile space for family gatherings and a workstation. Here, an antique desk, discovered by a local antique hunter, complements the existing decor. Wesson advocates for repurposing sentimental items, explaining that they introduce a historical dimension to modern settings. This concept is evident throughout her home: a great-grandfather's buffet now functions as an entertainment console in the main living area, her childhood twin beds are in her older daughter’s room, and a cabinet from her great-great-grandfather is featured in her youngest daughter’s room. The breakfast area centers around a family heirloom table, refinished and paired with contemporary chairs, and various small finds from antique malls and thrifting trips are strategically placed throughout the house. Custom upholstery and locally sourced rugs provide the finishing touches, contributing to a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. The home features a formal living room with bookshelves filled with personal items, including books and a collection of blue and white pieces, which Wesson suggests is an effective way for clients to infuse their own stories into their homes. The original fireplace in this room adds character without appearing dated. In her older daughter's room, Ragan used drapery behind her childhood twin beds to create the illusion of larger windows and soften the design, a DIY project supported by her mother, who owns Brock Custom Interiors. The nursery includes an iron crib, a China cabinet from her great-great-grandfather, and a rocking horse from a local thrift store, Sozo Trading Co. Wesson also shares her thrifting prowess, recounting how she found a side table for her master bedroom on the side of the road, which seamlessly integrated into her decor without needing any alterations. She advises staying consistent with a color scheme or theme when collecting pieces. Wesson aims to demystify interior design, emphasizing transparency in project timelines and budgets for her clients. Lacking formal training, she offers a unique perspective on the industry, allowing her personal and family history to anchor her designs. This personal journey has refined her design process, which she now applies to help other homeowners create spaces that tell their own stories. #HomewoodHome #RanchHomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #SentimentalDecor #AffordableDesign #FamilyHeirlooms #ThriftStoreFinds #HomeStorytelling #BirminghamInteriors