Julia van Beuningen adds spiral stair in Dutch barn conversion

Brussels studio Madam Architectuur has completed a renovation and extension project for a 1990s bungalow named Charlotte, located near Aalst, Belgium, on the outskirts of a nature reserve. The primary goal of the project was to enhance the dwelling's connection to its natural surroundings and improve its internal layout, which was previously deemed inefficient. The existing concrete structure was reconfigured, and an extension was added to achieve these objectives. A significant aspect of the renovation involved recladding the exterior with timber painted in a Falu red shade, a color originating from Sweden historically used to emulate red-brick buildings. This choice imbues the house with a distinctive appearance that is described as both striking and modest, contrasting effectively with the green landscape. Originally, the bungalow's bedrooms occupied the areas offering the best views of the landscape. Madam Architectuur strategically relocated these bedrooms into a new, simple extension that maintains the existing facade's outline. This allowed for the transformation of the prime view-facing areas into an expansive open-plan living, dining, and kitchen space. This new arrangement provides dual-aspect views, overlooking both the exterior landscape and a central internal patio, thereby fulfilling the design intent of integrating nature into the living experience. The main living spaces were designed to maximize natural light and views, creating a more engaging and open environment. The three new bedrooms were kept compact, consistent with the typical scale found in modernist bungalows. They are linked to the original part of the house by a wide corridor, which features a window at each end, allowing for light penetration and visual continuity. The interior design adopts a pared-back aesthetic, featuring white walls and pale wood fittings. These elements are deliberately contrasted with industrial touches such as blue-steel beams and exposed concrete ceilings. The decision to keep these structural elements visible was a conscious one, intended to add character to the house, especially after the removal of a suspended ceiling during demolition. Complementing the exterior's red cladding, the window and door frames throughout the interior are also painted in a bright red. This creates a cohesive color scheme that unifies the interior and exterior design and further enhances the visual connection between the home and its red timber facade. Door Smits, co-founder of Madam Architectuur, emphasized that the deep red color harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding greenery, making the house stand out while still being integrated into its environment. Madam Architectuur, founded by Door Smits and Marit Meganck, has undertaken other notable residential projects in Belgium, including an extension to a 1930s home featuring green ceramic tiles and pigmented concrete. The Charlotte renovation project exemplifies the studio's approach to updating existing structures, prioritizing improved spatial organization, enhanced connection with the environment, and a thoughtful balance between striking aesthetics and functional modesty. #ResidentialArchitecture #BungalowRenovation #TimberCladding #MadamArchitectuur #BelgianHouses #RedBuildings #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeExtension

Genie Norris, a design consultant and owner of Color Genie, undertook a renovation project for her Austin home, focusing on unique vintage textile-inspired designs for each room. The final challenge was the stairwell, which needed to integrate with the home's diverse color palette, featuring 60 different paint colors and nine door shades. Norris sought a print that would tie these elements together, eventually discovering a Bauhaus-inspired floor covering made of vinyl. This discovery was pivotal, as she initially considered a custom painted mural for the stairwell, which would have been significantly more expensive, costing thousands of dollars for two stories. The vinyl, based on a collage, caught her eye during an extensive online search for a suitable design. She contacted the business owner, who agreed to enlarge the design to fit the dimensions of her stair risers. This solution proved to be a cost-effective and efficient alternative to a custom mural. Norris completed the installation herself over a weekend using a utility knife and a credit card to smooth out bubbles, costing only a few hundred dollars compared to the prohibitive expense of a professional muralist. The final phase of the stairwell project involved installing balusters. Norris wanted to maximize light and showcase a cherished family portrait by Elizabeth Chapin while discreetly concealing all bolts and fasteners. This complex task was managed by CG&S Design Build, who conceptualized and constructed a floor-to-ceiling 'screen' that created a seamless, clean-lined appearance across all levels. This required the coordinated effort of various subcontractors, including a welder, a Sheetrock expert, and flooring specialists. For the finishing touch, each pole of the baluster system was painted with Sherwin-Williams’s now-archived Gypsy Red. Norris considers red her neutral, using it to unify the different spaces within her home. She noted that high-gloss finishes, especially in this vibrant red, are challenging to apply perfectly. The painters meticulously applied eight coats to achieve the desired flawless finish, demonstrating the commitment to detail in the project. The result transformed the stairwell into a cohesive and visually stimulating element within the colorful and uniquely designed home. #HomeRenovation #StairwellDesign #BauhausInspired #VinylFlooring #DIYDesign #ColorTheory #InteriorDesign #CostEffectiveDecor #CustomSolutions

Ina Garten, known for her Barefoot Contessa brand and Hamptons kitchen, has designed a living room with a unique feature wall that integrates personal possessions into a stylish storage system. Her floor-to-ceiling bookshelf is filled with books, presumably cookbooks, and cake stands, effectively transforming a functional element into a decorative statement. This approach aligns with a growing trend of using large-scale statement feature walls, as noted by Bo Hellberg, CMO at String Furniture. Hellberg emphasizes that storage can and should merge with interior design to create aesthetic appeal. Camilla Clarke, Creative Director at Albion Nord, supports this perspective, advocating for visible books to invite reading and appreciating the fusion of practicality and aesthetics in shelving. She also suggests incorporating concealed storage within open shelving units to hide items that are not meant for display, while still showcasing more curated objects like books, art, and photographs. The article uses Garten's design as an example of how to make storage both beautiful and functional, encouraging readers to personalize their spaces by making their favorite possessions focal points. It also briefly mentions the idea of mixing different types of storage, such as high-level open shelving with hidden compartments, to achieve a balanced and organized look. This design philosophy focuses on creating a narrative within a home rather than merely following trends. Ina Garten's feature wall highlights a shift in interior design towards more personalized and integrated storage solutions. By showcasing her books and cake stands, she demonstrates how everyday objects can contribute to the overall aesthetic of a room, turning a simple storage unit into a conversation piece. This concept encourages homeowners to think creatively about how they display their belongings, emphasizing that even practical spaces can be transformed into artistic expressions of personal style. #InaGarten #CelebrityHomes #FeatureWall #InteriorDesign #LivingRoomStorage #BookshelfIdeas #HomeDecor #PersonalizedSpace

Denise Van Outen recently revealed her unique living room wallpaper via an Instagram post, capturing the attention of her followers. The wallpaper, described as a chic shade of cream, features detailed black sketches of bumblebees, suggesting a particular interest of the television personality. This distinctive choice in decor was showcased as Van Outen posed on a vibrant green, crushed velvet sofa for a photo celebrating her appearance on 'Celebrity Gogglebox'. Accompanying the eye-catching wallpaper, a multi-coloured cushion, appearing as if splattered with paint, adorned the sofa. This cushion also garnered significant interest from her fans, with one specifically inquiring about its origin in the comments section of her Instagram post. The article also touches upon Van Outen's recent activities, highlighting a significant personal event: her stepdaughter Leah's 21st birthday. Despite the lockdown conditions at the time, Van Outen, along with her boyfriend Eddie Boxshall, organized an elaborate celebration. She shared several photographs of the event on Instagram, detailing a "kitchen disco" and thanking Bonnevent for providing balloon decorations that were delivered with DIY instructions to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Photographs from the birthday celebration depicted Denise, Leah, and Eddie toasting with champagne beside a large '21' filled with pink balloons. Another image showed Leah in the family's spacious garden. Eddie Boxshall also posted about the birthday, expressing his pride in Leah and thanking Bonnevent, indicating a close-knit family celebration despite external constraints. The narrative emphasizes that the lockdown did not diminish the family's ability to celebrate joyfully. #DeniseVanOuten #HomeDecor #WallpaperDesign #CelebrityHomes #InteriorDesign #InstagramReveal #BumblebeeMotif #CelebrityLifestyle

Architect Julian King undertook a significant renovation of his 1923 Dutch Colonial home outside New York City, a project that was uniquely challenged by Hurricane Sandy. The storm caused two 85-foot pine trees to fall onto the house mid-renovation, a setback that occurred while framing was underway. Despite this, King, who was personally executing the renovation, maintained his vision for a new, spacious, and light-filled bedroom addition on the second floor. The addition, constructed above the attached garage, was designed as a sculptural mass that integrates with the surrounding natural environment. Its exterior features white stucco, which deliberately contrasts with the reclaimed barn wood cladding of the original house, highlighting the interplay between the historic and modern elements of the structure. King meticulously planned the addition's undulating form by studying the sun's path and considering the surrounding trees and views. This approximately 300-square-foot second-floor space houses a bedroom with a bed strategically positioned under a skylight, a window seat nestled within a three-sided window, a lengthy closet, and a bookshelf with hardware embedded into the original brick chimney. Interior design elements are minimalist, featuring trimless recessed downlights, clear glass shelving, and poured concrete over an electric radiant floor. The exposed red brick of the chimney serves as a subtle color accent, with the primary visual appeal coming from the natural blues of the sky and greens of the trees framed by the skylights and windows. A standout feature is the three-sided skylight above the window seat, designed to create an immersive experience with nature, appearing to dissolve into the air. This particular detail presented significant challenges in both its design and execution due to its unique configuration and the climate, described by King as a 'first of its kind.' The construction of the sculptural skylight involved several complex steps. A more than 900-pound skylight required craning into place, with King personally guiding the crane operator. A strip skylight between the old house and the addition necessitated an intricate arrangement of multiple headers to conceal the skylight frame within the wall and wood siding, enhancing the feeling of being outdoors. The corner window's detailing included a custom steel frame hidden behind the finishes, utilizing glazing tape and a powder-coated thin steel plate frame to achieve a flush appearance with the stucco. The window itself is made of half-inch tempered low iron glass, siliconed together on all three sides, with a thermostat-controlled heat tracing cable used in commercial curtain walls to prevent condensation. Glass shelves in front of the existing chimney are supported by concealed mechanisms behind the sheetrock and inconspicuous steel pins anchored into the brick. King personally undertook nearly all the work on the house, including the extensive gut renovation that involved replacing leaking cast iron plumbing, dangerous electrical wiring, inefficient windows, a leaking roof, cracked plaster, rotted sheathing, and failing floor joists. His hands-on involvement allowed for the execution of innovative details that local contractors might have found challenging. The renovation, described as "Herculean," ultimately achieved remarkable results, integrating advanced design with personal craftsmanship. #ArchitecturalRenovation #SkylightDesign #DutchColonial #ModernAddition #JulianKingArchitect #SustainableDesign #HomeTransformation #StructuralEngineering #ResidentialArchitecture

House TP, a renovation project by Belgian architecture firm dmvA, addresses the challenges of urban farming in the densely packed city of Mechelen, Belgium. The project was conceived for a client passionate about gardening, or with “green fingers,” and sought to integrate a greenhouse into a compact, 90-square-meter home situated next to a church. The house is notably sandwiched between two other buildings and features a north-oriented rear, which typically limits access to natural light. To overcome the natural light limitation, the architects implemented an innovative solution by removing the original rear wall of the building, preserving only a single steel beam. This beam then served as an anchor for additional structural beams, creating a base for a "floating" greenhouse. This design allows ample natural light to filter through to the patio space located beneath the greenhouse, enhancing the usability and ambiance of the outdoor area. Furthermore, large glazed openings were incorporated into the building's rear facade, providing expansive views of the new greenhouse from the second and third floors. The interior layout of House TP was also strategically reorganized to maximize light exposure. The primary living areas, including the kitchen and dining spaces, were relocated to the third floor, where they benefit most from natural light. Conversely, the bedroom was positioned on a lower floor. The ground floor was designed with flexibility in mind, offering an additional living space that can be easily converted into a bedroom as needed. The architects opted for an open-plan layout and removed internal walls to create a more spacious feel within the compact footprint of the home. The staircase was thoughtfully placed to the side of the building, preventing any obstruction of sightlines and contributing to the open aesthetic. The exterior of the house underwent significant transformation as well. Unlike its traditional redbrick neighbors, House TP's exterior was painted a bright white, making it stand out and contributing to a fresh, modern appearance. A notable addition to the exterior is a gate featuring steel blinds installed at a 45-degree angle. This design provides privacy for the residents while simultaneously maintaining an open and light impression. According to dmvA’s project statement, this intervention not only fulfilled the homeowner’s desire for a greenhouse and improved living conditions but also revitalized the surrounding streetscape, transforming a previously problematic dark corner into a vibrant space. The project exemplifies a creative approach to integrating green spaces and optimizing natural light within challenging urban environments. #HomeRenovation #UrbanFarming #FloatingGreenhouse #ArchitecturalInnovation #NaturalLight #CompactLiving #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #MechelenBelgium

Interior designer Sara Hillery, after a successful career start in Houston, returned to Richmond in 2014 with her young family, seeking a home that could integrate her growing business and personal life. Her priority was a home that could serve as both an office space for Sara Hillery Interior Design and a display for her design philosophy to clients, in addition to being a functional family residence. They settled on a Dutch Colonial home, which initially featured a series of boxy rooms. Hillery envisioned its potential for transformation into a versatile space that would accommodate both work and leisure. The initial renovation focused on creating an open-concept living space. Walls on the main floor were removed to enhance the sense of size and flow between rooms. The entire house was painted white, a technique Hillery often employs to establish a unified flow and provide a neutral backdrop for the family’s diverse collection of art, mirrors, and framed pieces. This open layout also significantly improved the home’s suitability for entertaining, a key consideration for the family. The Hillerys frequently host guests, including annual crawfish boils, celebrating Julian Hillery’s New Orleans heritage. The kitchen, considered the heart of the home, received significant attention during the renovation. It was designed with an island and bar stools to encourage gathering, snacking, and conversation. A light-filled breakfast nook offers a bright space for morning meals and casual chats. The family room is another central gathering point, featuring a cooking fireplace inspired by a Williamsburg tavern. This unique element influenced the room’s simple color palette of warm browns, tans, and gold accents, complemented by two plush sofas for relaxation and socializing. Hillery’s design philosophy, “If you truly love a piece, you’ll find a place for it,” is evident throughout the home. This is particularly showcased in the dining room, where French antique mirrored windows, acquired from a Texas antiques fair, became a focal point after custom column niches were built to accommodate them. The second floor was also meticulously designed. The master bedroom was conceived as a calm, neutral sanctuary, accented with yellow and gold to add warmth and personality. For her three young children, Hillery aimed to create bedrooms that reflected their evolving personalities while maintaining the home’s classic style. The nursery features a neutral color scheme suitable for either gender, incorporating a rustic changing table, a gold mirror, and soft colors to create a chic, rather than overly childish, aesthetic. Her blue-loving son’s room boasts natural light, rich wood paneling, and a durable wood floor, with a trunk for storage and his guitar readily accessible. Her eldest daughter’s room is adorned with pink, purple, and blue, and she actively participated in its decoration. Antiques are thoughtfully integrated throughout the home, mixed with new and upcycled items. Hillery notes that antiques, with their inherent imperfections, add character and subtly expose her children to beauty and history. Practical, kid-friendly elements include durable seagrass rugs and playful framed art. The lower level of the home houses a playroom and the Sara Hillery Interior Design office, allowing Hillery to balance her demanding career with family life and to demonstrate her design concepts to clients within a real residential setting. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #HouseTours #FamilyHome #Renovation #OpenConcept #DutchColonial #SaraHillery

The holiday retreat named 'Ferskûle', a Frisian word meaning 'hidden', was designed by the Denkkamer design group and is situated on Schiermonnikoog, a Dutch Wadden island. This new structure replaces an existing residential unit and is discreetly nestled within lush greenery. The design adheres to strict island regulations, limiting the gross building envelope to a maximum of 110 square meters, which informed the compact yet defined building structure. The architectural composition features two solid volumes encased in yellow brickwork. These volumes are dramatically punctured by angular steel frames and large glass windows, allowing for expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The building is topped with a gently sloping roof, designed to seamlessly integrate the structure with its natural environment. The most prominent exterior feature is the large corner windows, which not only pierce through the solid mass but also provide occupants with direct visual contact with the outdoors. Denkkamer, the Dutch architectural practice behind the project, employed a consistent soft color palette throughout the design, evident in both the exterior facades and the interior spaces. While the exterior emphasizes stone-like, solid materials, the interior incorporates warm natural tones and gray finishes. Extensive use of wood is featured in the wall cladding and ceilings, contributing to a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The interior layout is thoughtfully arranged to maximize both views and functionality. A horizontal cut in the facade creates a recessed alcove that accommodates seating volumes and a workspace, offering panoramic vistas. The design also includes a bay window and a sunken sitting room, complete with a wood fireplace, enhancing the sense of comfort and connection to nature. Common areas are centrally located, with functions revolving around a central cooking counter within the living-dining zone. Private spaces, such as the bedrooms, benefit from ample natural light and views through large skylights. An underground foundation supports the light timber frame of the structure, providing stability and also creating several sunken seating pits in the basement of the holiday home. This architectural approach not only respects the island's building regulations but also enhances the living experience by blending the modern design with its natural surroundings, offering a secluded yet visually connected retreat. #DenkkamerDesign #HolidayRetreat #DutchArchitecture #SchiermonnikoogIsland #YellowBrickwork #CornerWindows #SustainableDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #InteriorDesign

Interior designer Evans Geisler and her architect husband undertook a significant renovation of their two-story Williamsburg row house, transforming it from a dual-unit bachelor pad into a single-family home tailored for a family with three young sons. The couple purchased the house in 2014 from Geisler’s brother, who had acquired it in 2007. The initial state of the house was characterized by two separate units: one on the ground floor occupied by Geisler's brother's college roommate, and the second floor where her brother resided. The primary goal of the renovation was to consolidate these into a cohesive single-family residence, while also incorporating a small pied-à-terre apartment at the back of the second floor. Geisler described the house's original aesthetic as typical of two young men living in Williamsburg, lacking architectural personality and requiring a comprehensive update. The row houses in Williamsburg are often narrow and basic, prompting Geisler's initial improvement to be the removal of the entryway hallway, which she believed contributed to a sense of confinement. On the main floor, the design strategy focused on creating an open-plan layout by removing as many interior walls as possible, integrating the kitchen and living room into a single fluid space. A key element of this transformation was the restoration of the original staircase, which, along with a newly installed built-in bookcase, became prominent focal points upon entering the home. The original staircase, deemed the only element possessing inherent character, underwent extensive restoration. Layers of paint were meticulously stripped from the newel post, missing balusters were replaced, and the treads and handrail were stained dark, contrasting with white-painted balusters. In the kitchen, the design incorporated Caesarstone countertops and Ikea cabinets, complemented by open shelving. Geisler highlighted her preference for open shelving in the kitchen, noting that maintaining a coordinated look with white, off-white, and wood elements facilitated a clean and harmonious aesthetic. The renovation also extended to the rear of the first floor, where the bathroom was enlarged. A playroom was created in this area, featuring a Murphy bed for accommodating guests and a built-in desk designed for homework, catering to the needs of a growing family. Upstairs, new walls were constructed to define two bedrooms and to functionally separate the aforementioned rear apartment from the main living quarters of the house. Geisler's overarching design philosophy for the home was to create a casual and highly kid-friendly environment, given that she had a toddler and was pregnant during the renovation. This involved avoiding overly fussy or expensive elements and implementing organizational systems to mitigate clutter and manage the daily demands of family life. All three sons share a single bedroom, which is equipped with a crib and custom bunk beds. Geisler acknowledged that some might find this arrangement unconventional but noted its general effectiveness, particularly in fostering interaction among the boys. The interior walls throughout the house were uniformly painted in Benjamin Moore's Chalk White, and the floors were stained to the darkest possible shade. Geisler emphasized the importance of a cohesive design throughout the entire house, asserting that a consistent aesthetic facilitates a smooth transition between rooms and contributes to a unified overall impression. #WilliamsburgRenovation #InteriorDesign #KidFriendlyHome #OpenPlanLiving #StaircaseRestoration #KitchenDesign #CustomBunkBeds #FamilyHome #BrooklynDesign

The staircase in a home, while primarily functional, holds significant potential as a three-dimensional sculptural element that can dramatically influence a home’s aesthetic. Despite its impact, it is often overlooked during design or remodeling projects. Homeowners are encouraged to recognize that staircases, like other home features, can be renovated and styled to align with their desired tastes and overall home design. There is no single approach to staircase construction or decoration. Examples from design experts illustrate this versatility. One approach involves incorporating a classic striped runner, as seen in an 1870s brownstone, seamlessly blending function with vintage style. Another demonstrates the elegance of sweeping curved stairs with exposed pale wood treads in a Georgian Revival-style house, showcasing how custom designs can enhance specific architectural periods. Architects sometimes advocate for positioning stairways slightly apart from main entranceways, utilizing elements like pilasters and soffits to create a distinct identity for the staircase area, allowing it to subtly integrate with adjacent spaces while maintaining its unique presence. For real estate purposes, an appealing staircase and its surroundings can significantly improve a buyer's first impression, even if it is not as critical as a renovated kitchen or bathroom. Modern floating staircases, with their sleek and clean lines, are particularly attractive to younger buyers, adding a contemporary and dramatic accent to a home. When considering proportions, it is essential that the staircase is visually balanced with its surrounding space. Building codes provide safety guidelines for riser height and tread width, allowing some flexibility. The objective in remodeling or building new stairs is to ensure a graceful and comfortable ascent and descent. The individual components of a staircase—balustrade, railing, newel post, and nose—should also be in harmonious proportion with each other. Resources like Houzz offer detailed guidelines for achieving these proportions. Maintaining continuity in materials and colors is often a key consideration. Designers frequently advise clients to select their flooring species and color first, especially if replacing or refinishing, and then coordinate the staircase elements accordingly, advocating for matching stain colors rather than contrasting ones. Popular wood choices include walnut and oak, valued for their durability. Designers may prefer darker or medium hues, though lighter stains are sometimes used in contemporary settings, avoiding whitewashed finishes. While trends evolve, long-term factors such as durability and overall home style should guide material and color choices. For contemporary designs, white oak with light stains and squared-off treads (the part beyond the riser) are commonly favored. The overarching design philosophy is to integrate the staircase seamlessly with the entire house's aesthetic. Designers also explore creative variations beyond matching wood components. Painting handrails in striking colors, such as blue-black, can introduce visual interest. Painting risers and spindles white or a trim color can lighten the appearance of the staircase. Preserving well-maintained wrought-iron railings in older homes can retain character, provided they are not overly elaborate. Emphasis is placed on quality materials and joinery to enhance the staircase's natural appeal. Contemporary designs frequently incorporate cable railings or glass walls, which allow more light and views, updating traditional homes. For example, a traditional suburban home was modernized with metal cable railings, oak treads stained medium gray, and white risers, complemented by a tightly woven blue wool carpet runner, at a modest cost. Another renovation transformed a Colonial-style home's wooden staircase with tempered glass panels and steel handrails and posts, coordinated with whitewashed floors and new white oak treads and risers, to create a strong focal point. The use of stair modules, built off-site and assembled on-site, has become a practical approach for specialized stair companies, reducing construction time and errors while ensuring safety standards, particularly for floating staircases. The debate over carpeting on stairs generally leans away from fully carpeted treads in modern design, favoring runners in specific cases. If original wood boards underneath are in good condition, they may be stained or painted. For safety, wire-brushing uncarpeted stairs is recommended to prevent slips. While many prefer uncarpeted stairs for a modern look, some designers advocate for runners to enhance safety and absorb sound, recommending flat, tightly woven options in classic patterns. Professional installation is crucial for proper pattern alignment, with waterfall and Hollywood/Chicago styles being common choices. Beyond the staircase itself, accessorizing the surrounding space is important. Wallpaper or paint can introduce color and style to the area. A strategically placed large light fixture can add drama to a foyer and highlight the staircase. Other traditional additions like a table, chest, mirror, seating, artwork, or easy-to-clean floor cloths can personalize the space. Faux-wood panels can also be applied along a stairwell to add texture, emphasizing that these additions contribute to a home's individual style. #StaircaseDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesignTrends #ArchitecturalFeatures #HomeStyling #RealEstateValue #ModernStaircases #HomeImprovement

Antoinette Allande Interiors, a luxury residential design studio based in Hoboken, executed a significant home renovation in Montclair, New Jersey. The project involved transforming a 19th-century house, built in 1902 and located at 191 Christopher Street, into a modern yet traditional living space for a young family. The property spans 3,174 square feet and originally featured three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The clients, Amy and Tristan Morel L’Horset, are a family with three young boys and a history of international travel. Amy works as a registered dietitian and nutrition professor, while Tristan is a senior managing director at a global service and consulting company. Their brief to Antoinette Allande was to update their traditional home with a fresh perspective, prioritizing beautiful aesthetics alongside practical, comfortable living. They required durable furnishings that were not overly delicate and could seamlessly integrate with their existing collection of French antiques. The home's original formal and ornate exterior and interior architecture necessitated a design approach that respected its historical integrity. Antoinette Allande's design philosophy for this project was coined "Eclectic Traditional with a touch of Whimsy." This approach allowed her to blend modern furnishings with the historical architectural details, incorporating elements of the clients' whimsical preferences. Key design choices included a large, comfortable family room sectional, intended for family time and movie nights. The dining area features vintage pieces—a table, chairs, and a chandelier—acquired by the clients while living in France. These ornate, classical French furnishings were complemented by rich jewel-toned textiles, contrasting with lighter architectural finishes. A contemporary hand-knotted rug from Rejuvenation and antique French chairs re-upholstered in sapphire blue velvet further enhance the eclectic mix. The home's walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Moonshine 0C-56, while trim and other white areas utilize Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace OC-65. The entry hall is designed to make a strong first impression, incorporating vibrant colors and patterns to reflect the clients' personality and create a welcoming atmosphere. This space features a commissioned Moroccan carpet, a family tree display, a Mokum by Katherine Martin wallpaper from Holly Hunt New York, an antique British Colonial entry table, an Indian block-printed tablecloth by Roberta Roller Rabbit, a Kelly Wearstler light fixture from Circa Lighting, a CB2 cabinet, and an Arteriors Home table lamp, all contributing to a playful and youthful aesthetic. In the living and dining areas, original built-in cabinetry and millwork were preserved and enhanced by whitewashing dark beams, the fireplace, and paneling. This technique was employed to create a lighter, airier feel, drawing inspiration from early 20th-century designer Elsie de Wolf, known for transforming dark interiors with white and light colors. The project remained within budget and on schedule despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The property itself is a Dutch Colonial Revival style home, recognized for its ornate period details, symmetrical design, Ionic columns, white painted exterior, dormer windows with curved head sash detail, and black shutters, situated in Montclair's historic Marlboro Park area. Collaborators on the project included Franklin Nunez for painting, Orlando Silva of Golden Wallpaper for wallpaper installation, Ryan M. Brown Photography for documentation, and Brett Fixes for home improvements. Antoinette Allande Interiors operates from Hoboken, offering various design services including renovations, decorating, and art consulting, known for combining vintage and modern elements with contemporary art to achieve relaxed, layered, and eclectic interiors. #MontclairHomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #AntoinetteAllandeInteriors #EclecticTraditional #LuxuryResidentialDesign #DutchColonialRevival #VintageModernMix #HistoricalPreservation

The nursery for Leonora (Leo) in Denmark, designed by her mother Cathrine de Lichtenberg, co-founder of MarmoMarmo, showcases a vibrant yet serene color palette and creative design solutions within a 140-square-foot space. Lichtenberg, a self-proclaimed color enthusiast, adhered to her rule of using only two dominant hues per room, selecting File Under Pop’s ‘Purple Fame’ and ‘Yellow Snow’ for Leo’s nursery to evoke the feeling of a perfect sunny afternoon. This deliberate choice aimed to create a calming backdrop against the inevitable multitude of toy colors. The space, originally Lichtenberg’s office, was transformed with fresh paint, and a small storage closet was repurposed into a diaper-changing area. To visually enhance the room’s height, extra-tall lemon-colored curtains by AndDrape were installed from a ceiling track rather than a traditional rod. This design choice effectively stretches the room vertically. The sheer texture of the curtains allows for diffused natural light, ensuring the room remains bright and cheerful during playtime without being overwhelmingly sunny. For nap times, light-blocking roman shades are integrated within the window frame, providing necessary darkness. This dual-layer window treatment offers both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality for a child’s room. The nursery's storage solutions incorporate a mix of new and upcycled pieces. A dresser from Montana Furniture houses Leo’s clothes and linens, complemented by a royal blue toy chest, ingeniously created from the top piece of one of Montana Furniture’s planter boxes. A significant sentimental touch is a thrifted, doorless wardrobe, which Lichtenberg painted the same lavender as the ceiling on the inside. This wardrobe holds Leo’s sweaters, and behind them, a picture of Lichtenberg’s grandmother as a child, serving as a heartfelt tribute, as Leonora's middle name is Sonja, in honor of her grandmother. A whimsical and interactive lighting scheme defines the nursery. Puffy IKEA cloud lamps are strategically placed around the crib, creating a dreamy, cloud-filled atmosphere. The overhead pendant light and a vintage rainbow Murano lamp are fitted with Philips Hue lightbulbs, which can be synchronized with a Spotify app. This allows the lights to react and change colors in response to music, such as lullabies, adding a playful and dynamic element to the room. This innovative lighting ensures a joyful ambiance, irrespective of the weather outside. #NurseryDesign #KidsRooms #ColorPalette #IKEAHacks #SmartLighting #DanishDesign #SpaceSaving #DIYDecor #HomeTours

This article details the renovation of an apartment located on the third floor of an ancient building near the Palau de la Música in Barcelona, Spain. The project, undertaken by Colombo and Serboli Architecture, was designed for a young Italian fashion designer seeking a serene and warm living space in the Catalan capital. The architects were immediately captivated by the apartment's open proportions and five-meter-high ceilings, and sought to preserve and enhance existing charming elements such as massive wooden beams, wooden floors, a mezzanine overlooking the living area, and two-floor metal windows. A key challenge involved rationalizing a compact bathroom and replacing structurally compromised stairs leading to the second level. The design philosophy embraced a 'wabi-sabi' approach, integrating original features and imperfections while maintaining the apartment's inherent charm. Shapes employed are simple and bold, featuring recurring basic forms like squares, circles, and spheres, with sturdy solid surfaces to complement the monumental existing elements. The architects drew inspiration from the architectural styles of Luis Barragán and Carlo Scarpa, with Scarpa's influence particularly evident in the sculptural stairs and a central furniture piece that defines the entire project. The core concept revolves around a multifunction block, a layered central element around which the space and activities are organized, maintaining an open, loft-like layout. The dining area extends from the central stair element. On the kitchen side, the block incorporates niches, openings, and shelves for tableware and pantry storage. A substantial, arch-shaped travertine marble slab protrudes from the block, forming a one-legged dining table and an integrated bench. A small square niche cleverly conceals a spotlight, functioning as a disguised sconce. The stairs themselves are conceptualized as layers of materials, transitioning from a solid plinth to wooden block steps, then to a suspended micro-cement landing with a half-circle cutout designed to accommodate a tall plant. The final steps, made of light-colored wood, appear to float and double as a light source above the dining table through integrated LED strips. On the second level, the bedroom area remains open to the living space. A wicker panel serves dual functions as both a headboard and a balustrade. A suspended ledge, inspired by Paul Rudolph's Halston House, runs along the double-height space, forming bedside tables and a display shelf for the living area. The closet in the bedroom is designed as a warm monolith, clad in woven wicker screens. One screen cleverly conceals the entrance to a small bathroom, another hides a hand washbasin within a mirrored box, and a third integrates the stair's handrail through a diagonal cut. The bathroom is finished with vertical ceramic tiles featuring an elegant nacre finish, introducing a new texture to the apartment's overall palette of neutral shades. The architects utilized a neutral color palette but played with a variety of finishes, ranging from glossy to rough, selecting materials based on their tactile and textural qualities. These include white microcement for the stairs and seat block, light natural wood, and woven wicker panels. Enameled painted walls reflect light, contrasting with matte microcement, a rough travertine slab, and porcelain kitchen tops. A textured bouclé fabric was chosen for seat cushions, and brushed steel details, such as in the bespoke cooker hood, complete the material palette. #BarcelonaApartment #WabiSabiDesign #StaircaseDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #InteriorDesign #ColomboSerboliArchitecture #ModernLiving #MaterialPalette #FashionDesignerHome

Architectural firm i29 has completed a Senior Shelter, an independent 1,076-square-foot residence in the Netherlands, designed for older generations to live alongside their families. The project emphasizes thoughtful multigenerational living, allowing for close proximity between grandparents and their children and grandchildren while maintaining individual privacy. This black-clad, single-story home is situated amidst a lush, treed environment and serves as an addition to the family's main residence. The design of the Senior Shelter integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings through a minimalist, low-slung profile and an exposed-rafter roof. The exterior features waxed-wood facades and an extended roof clad in sandwich panels, which create shaded walkways and overhangs. This elongated roofline and modest scale help the structure blend into the landscape, minimizing its visual impact and fostering a sense of harmony with nature. The strategic placement of the home aims to promote familial connection while respecting personal space, achieved through careful site integration and a balanced spatial layout. A central patio forms the core of the home, providing ample natural light and acting as a visual and functional link between the interior and exterior spaces. Three fully retractable sliding glass doors allow residents to open the living areas directly to the garden, promoting an indoor-outdoor lifestyle and enhancing the feeling of openness. Additionally, sliding panels on the west side of the building offer adjustable shade and privacy, enabling the home to adapt to varying seasonal conditions and personal preferences. The interior aesthetic is characterized by a serene material palette consisting of oak, light gray concrete, and soft white accents. A continuous band of oak wall cladding extends throughout the interior, drawing the eye upward and emphasizing the high ceilings and exposed rafters. This design choice contributes to a sense of spaciousness, making the home feel larger than its actual footprint. The white ceilings and rafters create a visual contrast with the dark exterior, preventing the interior from appearing too stark and maintaining a bright, airy atmosphere. The layout includes custom-designed cabinetry and a minimalist kitchen, dining, and living area that wrap around the central patio. This arrangement provides each open space with optimal access to the outdoors, whether for fresh air when the doors are open or for varied views of the surrounding greenery when closed. On the opposite side of the house, the bedroom and bathroom are situated, accessed through glass doors that define the private quarters without obstructing the visual flow through the home. This intentional design ensures both privacy and an uninterrupted sense of connection to the light and landscape, embodying a balanced approach to modern multigenerational living. #MultigenerationalHome #i29Architecture #NetherlandsDesign #MinimalistArchitecture #BlackHouse #IndoorOutdoorLiving #SustainableDesign #ModernArchitecture #SeniorLiving

Naomi Coe, founder of California-based design studio Little Crown Interiors, led the creation of a luxurious and functional nursery for real estate moguls in Beverly Hills. The 275-square-foot space was transformed into a "cozy, luxurious, and girly" environment for their new daughter, blending existing pieces with modern and traditional elements. The design process began with the client's request to incorporate a cherished Edra sofa, which served as a focal point around which the color palette of whites, pinks, and bronze accents was built. A key aspect of Coe's design philosophy for nurseries is ensuring the baby's crib is placed in a safe and central location. For this project, a Nursery Works crib, chosen for its all-acrylic construction, was positioned on the back wall opposite the sofa. This selection introduced a modern touch that harmonized with the home's traditional architectural features, while also contributing to an open and airy feel within the room. Blush hues and diverse textural elements were integral to achieving the desired aesthetic. Notable additions included a custom Kifu Paris changing table and a striking Alexander McQueen-designed rug. The rug, described by Coe as the centerpiece, introduced a whimsical element characteristic of a nursery while maintaining sophistication through subtle black accents, fulfilling the client's desire for an elegant yet playful space. To further enhance the room's traditional aspects and leverage its architectural features, Coe and her team looked to the ceiling. They collaborated with Rebel Walls to customize a wallpaper design that would fit the high, inset ceiling, creating a distinctive statement piece. The chosen color and pattern added a new dimension to the room, drawing the eye upward and contributing to the overall dreamy and curated atmosphere of the nursery. The project successfully combined practicality with high-end design, delivering a personalized and elegant space for the new family. #NurseryDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryInteriors #BeverlyHills #LittleCrownInteriors #HomeDecor #FeminineDesign #ModernLuxury #ResidentialDesign

Gisele Bündchen's Miami entryway showcases a quintessential contemporary home design, distinguished by a striking floating glass staircase. This architectural feature, combined with gray stone steps and matching flat stone flooring, extends across an open-concept space towards the living room and kitchen, setting a modern tone for the entire residence. The staircase's design reveals a tiled wall in various shades of gray, complemented by rectangular lights above the entrance that reflect in the glass, and large windows on the back wall that flood the room with natural light. Interior designer Nina Lichtenstein emphasizes that an entryway serves as more than just a transitional area; it is the home's initial impression, reflecting the owner's style and providing a welcoming atmosphere. Investing in a well-staged entryway can significantly enhance a home's appeal and functionality. The intentional modern touches in Bündchen's foyer act as a clear signal of the contemporary decor throughout her home, creating a cohesive design scheme that links the entry with other living spaces. To recreate a modern entryway that effectively communicates the home's aesthetic, lighting is identified as a crucial element. Lichtenstein suggests incorporating statement chandeliers, pendant lights, or elegant sconces with unique designs or materials to elevate the space and align with the home's overall style. Bündchen's entryway, for instance, features modern rectangular lighting. Additionally, decorating with art and decorative accents is highlighted as important for setting the tone. While Bündchen's staircase is a statement piece in itself, other spaces can benefit from personalized art, family photos, vases of flowers, or decorative objects like geodes, sculptures, or plants. These elements add character and make the space feel like an extension of the home, with personalized artwork or collected treasures adding a special touch. For those without a floating glass staircase, mirrors offer a versatile solution to achieve a similar brightening effect and make the space feel larger. Lichtenstein recommends choosing a mirror with an eye-catching frame that complements the existing decor. The article implicitly suggests that the principles observed in celebrity homes, such as Bündchen's, can be adapted to various budgets and styles to create impactful and modern entryways. The focus remains on architectural elements, carefully selected lighting, and personalized decor to make a strong first impression and establish the home's design narrative. #CelebrityStyle #EntrywayDesign #ModernArchitecture #FloatingStaircase #GlassElements #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ContemporaryLiving #NinaLichtenstein

Objekt Architecten, a Belgian studio, has renovated Lamat House, a traditional home located in rural Wichelen, transforming its interior while preserving its classic red-brick exterior. The renovation addressed previous moisture damage that had led to the concealment of the home’s distinctive stepped gable ends. The studio's primary objective was to open up the living spaces to the picturesque surrounding countryside, an amenity previously underutilized due to the house's original configuration. This design philosophy centered on maximizing views within the existing structural and budgetary constraints, ensuring that the changes were primarily internal. The most significant architectural intervention involved the living area at the rear of the house. Objekt Architecten removed the existing ceiling, creating a double-height space that now accommodates a large dining area and a blue-tiled kitchen. The distinct functions of these two areas are not only delineated by contrasting material finishes but also visually separated by a substantial tropical planter, which is also clad in pale blue tiles, echoing the kitchen's aesthetic. This strategic removal of the ceiling also allowed for the installation of a large, double-height window, dramatically enhancing natural light penetration and offering expansive views of the garden and beyond. Above the reconfigured living space, a new mezzanine lounge has been introduced. This mezzanine is supported by slender columns of red steel and rests on an exposed concrete 'disc,' providing a contemporary visual element. From this elevated vantage point, residents can overlook the main living area and enjoy direct views of the garden through the double-height window. The original wooden roof structure of Lamat House was reinforced with steel supports that match the red steelwork used for the mezzanine columns. A red balustrade on the mezzanine and red-colored window frames further integrate this color palette throughout the renovated interior, creating a cohesive and dynamic aesthetic. According to architect Steven de Bolle, the choice of materials was guided by considerations of color, practicality, quality, and budget. The intent was to achieve a "surprising interior" without compromising the usability of the spaces. The design successfully marries modern industrial elements, such as exposed concrete and red steel, with the traditional character of the home, creating a distinctive contrast. The more private sections of the house, including the bedroom, bathroom, and study areas, are located in the more compartmentalized front section, maintaining a functional separation from the open-plan living spaces. Objekt Architecten, founded in Aalst in 2014 by Niels Van der Straeten, Dries Van Nieuwenbergh, and Mahir Yavas, has contributed to a growing trend of architectural renovations in Belgium that balance historical preservation with contemporary living requirements. This project is part of a broader context of Belgian architectural firms undertaking similar sensitive updates, such as Madam Architectuur’s renovation of a 1990s bungalow with large windows and red-painted timber cladding, Studio Okami’s low-lying dwelling with patterned brick walls, and Mamout’s minimalist extension to a Brussels townhouse. The photography for the project was provided by Ypsilon Business Photography. #BelgianHouses #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseRenovation #InteriorDesign #Concrete #Steel #Mezzanine #Wichelen

HDB executive maisonettes in Singapore are highly sought after due to their scarcity and multi-storey, landed home-style living. These properties are considered appreciating assets, and investing in their renovation can significantly enhance their aesthetic and functional appeal. The article presents six distinct HDB maisonette staircase transformations, showcasing how these central architectural features can be reimagined beyond simple railing replacements to become impressive focal points within a home. The first transformation highlights a built-in slide with LED lights, designed for a family of five. This innovative design, created by Jesigns Interior Design, integrates fun and functionality directly into the staircase. The slide, featuring fluted panels and light wooden elements, seamlessly blends with the home's overall Scandinavian aesthetic, offering children a unique play area within their living space and eliminating the need for daily playground visits. The second example showcases an industrial-style staircase with raw cement finishing. Drawing inspiration from urban chic apartments and cafes, this design incorporates a cement screed staircase that contrasts beautifully with an all-white interior. Dark wooden planks on each step add a rugged yet balanced charm. The surrounding decor includes geometric fixtures, artwork, and contemporary furniture, creating a minimalist artist's abode. The third transformation features an all-white staircase with organic curves. This design incorporates arched features, a significant trend, into the maisonette staircase, resulting in an elegant and flowing composition. The Interior Lab ingeniously created a small room under the stairs, complete with an arched doorway, functioning as both storage and a children's playroom, reminiscent of Harry Potter's Cupboard Under The Stairs. The all-white design complements a modern Scandinavian decor theme. The fourth example presents a Parisian-style staircase with recessed lighting. This sleek, modern design, also by The Interior Lab, features an all-white facade and embedded LED lights that elegantly trace each step. A transparent glass balustrade adds a futuristic and contemporary flair, making the staircase appear as if it belongs in a minimalist boutique hotel and serving as a striking focal design element. The fifth transformation explores another take on the industrial theme, this time incorporating hidden cabinets and fluted panels. This design uses strong industrial elements like a wire mesh railing, bold electrical conduits, and vintage factory wall sconces, creating a distinct style that complements an oriental theme running through the home. A particularly clever aspect is the inclusion of under-stair pull-out cabinets, which convert dead space into highly functional storage for miscellaneous household items. The final transformation embraces a Wabi-sabi aesthetic with Bali resort vibes. This 2023 trend combines different interior styles to create awe-inspiring homes. In this maisonette, a textured microcement finish covers the ceiling, walls, and even the staircase railing, imparting a sense of depth and tranquility. This simple yet impactful transformation creates an immersive experience, transporting residents to a serene, resort-like environment. These diverse staircase transformations demonstrate the potential for HDB maisonettes to be elevated into unique and personalized living spaces. By focusing on design innovation and thoughtful execution, homeowners can turn their staircases into impressive focal points that reflect various styles, from playful and modern to industrial and tranquil. The article emphasizes that a well-designed staircase can significantly contribute to the overall aesthetic and functionality of these coveted HDB flats, making them truly exceptional homes. #HDBMaisonette #StaircaseTransformation #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #SingaporeHomes #ScandinavianDesign #IndustrialDesign #WabiSabi