An Edwardian house that skipped the classic side return extension for a curved glass wall instead

This blog post details the renovation of a three-story Victorian home overlooking Long Island Sound in Larchmont, owned by the Pinchin family. The project, led by architect Robert Keller of Keller/Eaton and homeowner Gillian Pinchin, who also runs her interior design firm Wondernose, focused on transforming the traditional exterior with a funky, eclectic, and modern interior designed for contemporary family living. The primary objective was to modernize the home while maintaining its historical charm. The most substantial changes were implemented on the third floor. This area, which previously consisted of five small maids' rooms, was reconfigured to create a spacious master suite. This new suite now includes a master bedroom, a dedicated bathroom, a dressing room, separate his-and-hers offices, and a deck offering views of the water. The architect noted that the goal was to repurpose underutilized spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing areas suitable for a modern lifestyle. A unique challenge was creating a sense of privacy for the parents within the master suite without isolating it from their three young children. The solution was a 2-inch-thick, 400-pound walnut door, crafted by Pinchin’s father, which slides on casters like a barn door. This door provides privacy when closed but allows the third floor to feel contiguous with the rest of the house when open. The second floor of the home features three bedrooms and a bathroom for the children, along with a guest room, an additional bathroom, and a laundry room. On the first floor, a modern island was incorporated into the traditional kitchen, blending new elements with existing aesthetics. Additionally, a formal living room was re-envisioned as a "grown-up room" by Pinchin, providing a tranquil space with two chaises for relaxation. The basement was also renovated to include a bedroom, a bathroom, a mudroom, and a gym, all designed with a clean, simple, and functional style. For the interior design, Pinchin adopted a "gallery approach," painting most walls white to allow select pieces of artwork or furniture to stand out. The most striking element in the house is a custom graffiti wall in the dining room. Pinchin commissioned an artist from San Francisco, who used traditional paint to create a "sloppy" graffiti look, even incorporating the children's initials into the design. This "crazy wall" creates a compelling contrast with the otherwise quiet room, furnished with midcentury pieces inherited from Pinchin's grandmother. The architect highlighted this surprising juxtaposition between the home's traditional exterior and its modern interior as a key success of the project. The article further elaborates on specific design choices in various rooms. In the master bedroom, artwork above the bed provides a splash of color against a neutral backdrop. Her office maintains an all-white theme with a zebra-skin chair and personal artwork. The kitchen features a modern island and a bubble chandelier alongside a reproduction of an old master's painting and green subway tiles. The "grown-up room" boasts a lenticular image of a ballerina above the mantel, offering a dynamic visual element, and combines high-end B&B Italia chaises with an Ikea shelving unit, showcasing a blend of high and low furnishings. The overall renovation successfully merges historical architecture with contemporary design and personal artistic expression. #VictorianHome #HomeRenovation #ModernInteriorDesign #ArchitecturalUpdate #MasterSuite #EclecticDecor #GraffitiArt #InteriorDesign #GillianPinchin #RobertKeller

Catherine Spain embarked on a deeply personal renovation project, transforming a 19th-century cottage located on the shores of a tranquil loch in southwest Ireland. Having spent her childhood swimming in this very loch, the property held significant sentimental value, making its restoration a passion project. Despite its initial state, characterized by unsightly yellow plaster, uPVC windows, and a lack of indoor facilities, Spain recognized the immense potential in its breathtaking five-acre setting on Ireland's wild west coast. The renovation began with builder Henry Thompson, who meticulously stripped back layers of modern additions to reveal the cottage's original 200-year-old stonework. This discovery unveiled the building's historical roots, revealing it was once a traditional Irish cottage where animals and people coexisted under one roof. Spain's vision was to reverse decades of inappropriate alterations and restore the cottage sympathetically, employing artisan methods that would allow the ancient stone walls to breathe. She opted for natural and traditional materials, such as hemp for insulation and lime renders for both the exterior and interior plasterwork, ensuring the building's historical integrity was maintained. A significant part of the transformation involved adding two distinct, contemporary extensions that deliberately contrast with the cottage's older structure. One extension is a 'glass box' living room, featuring wall-to-ceiling glass that provides panoramic, uninterrupted views of the loch and the surrounding mountains. This design, inspired by a Belgian house, allows occupants to immerse themselves in the wild beauty of the landscape from the comfort of indoors. The second extension houses a modern bathroom, its design a nod to local farm barns with a curved, corrugated iron-inspired structure. This cocoon-like space offers a cozy, enclosed feel while still providing stunning views from the bath. Catherine's interior design approach embraces a 'modern rustic' style, emphasizing natural, hand-crafted elements. She deliberately opened up the ceilings of the original cottage sections to enhance space and light. The chosen color palette features warm yellows and muted greens, complementing the off-white lime plaster walls. Natural fibers are used in rugs and soft furnishings, adding warmth and texture throughout the home. Unique touches, such as the curvy, sensuous lime render around the bath and a basin that appears carved from a single rock, reflect Spain's distinctive vision. Beyond the interior, the outdoor spaces were also transformed. Inspired by gardener Mary Reynolds, Spain initiated a re-wilding project, planting wildflowers, clover, and herbs, which flourished beautifully. The remote and wild location, while inspirational, presented challenges during construction, including severe weather conditions. However, the completed cottage, now known as Limehouse Cottage and available for rent, is a testament to resilience and thoughtful design, offering a peaceful sanctuary with no light pollution and a truly immersive experience in the Irish landscape. This project highlights a deep respect for heritage combined with a thoughtful integration of modern living, ensuring the cottage is prepared for another two centuries of life. #CottageRenovation #HistoricPreservation #GlassBoxExtension #ModernRusticInterior #SustainableMaterials #IrishArchitecture #LochSideLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeRenovation

Milena and Max Schmiz acquired the Dortmannhof, a heritage-listed German farmhouse built in 1791, for their family in Essen. Despite initial challenges such as uneven floors, drafty windows, and stringent historic preservation laws, the couple successfully transformed the 200-year-old property into an art-filled residence. However, the northern side of the home lacked sufficient daylight, prompting them to seek a solution. They enlisted Berlin-based architect Sigurd Larsen, known for his daylight-focused designs, after being impressed by his Roof House in Copenhagen. Larsen faced the challenge of enhancing daylight without altering the historic facade, as monument protection regulations required the preservation of all original walls and ceiling beams. Only two small skylights were permitted on the eastern roof slope. These constraints led Larsen to devise a "house within a house" concept. The architect inserted three new cross-laminated timber volumes into the building's northern half, which previously served as a barn. These additions, described as "oversized inhabitable furniture," were designed for easy installation and removal to comply with local historic preservation rules. The central and largest volume is a 36-foot-tall gabled music room, featuring a north-facing window wall, designed to accommodate the family's musical activities. The musicians desired a spacious area for piano rehearsals and a functional working desk, which this volume provides. A smaller, gabled volume to the east houses a new guest suite with its own entrance, while a flat-roofed volume on the west side contains a large bathroom. The new volumes, totaling 860 square feet, were painted with white chalk inside and out, honoring the historic facade. Larsen noted that the tall and narrow design of the new spaces, particularly the music room and guest house, was influenced by the surrounding crops and optimized for morning light from the new skylights. The original structure's features, such as the stone floors from 1791, were preserved and integrated into the new music room. Large, north-facing windows were incorporated to allow additional daylight to filter through the old, perforated walls, which originally provided ventilation for hay. The historical layout, characterized by multiple entrances and internal connections, was maintained to allow for the simultaneous coexistence of family life, creativity, and work, reflecting the building's original multipurpose spirit. #GermanFarmhouse #HistoricPreservation #ArchitecturalRenovation #DaylightDesign #SigurdLarsen #CrossLaminatedTimber #HouseWithinAHouse #MusicRoom #GuestSuite #HeritageListed

Studio Octopi undertook a comprehensive renovation and extension of a terraced Victorian house in north London, aiming to address previous disjointed living spaces and a cramped atmosphere resulting from an earlier 1980s overhaul. The architectural intervention focused on creating more expansive and interconnected areas throughout the home. Key to this transformation was the integration of a 10-meter-high glass infill extension, strategically placed between the existing property and a reconfigured closet wing. This new element was designed to house a double-height dining area on the basement level, directly connecting to a master suite on the first floor. The design incorporated a void that extends vertically from the dining area, allowing natural light to penetrate deeply into the lower levels. A lounge area on the ground floor overlooks this void, featuring a glass balustrade to maintain a sense of openness and visual continuity. The kitchen and dining space were conceived as a versatile family and entertaining area, emphasizing a strong connection to the outdoors. To achieve this, a full-height glass surface was installed along the new addition, incorporating minimally framed sash windows. These windows facilitate a direct interaction with the patio garden, particularly at the basement level where a window can be raised to create a direct opening to the outdoor space. The intricate engineering required for these precise window and door mechanisms necessitated close collaboration between the architects, structural engineers, and manufacturers. To further blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor living, concrete flooring extends seamlessly from the interior living spaces to the patio garden. This continuous surface is complemented by a 6.3-meter-high pivoting glass door, enhancing the fluid transition and expanding the perceived space. The design team aimed to unify the various levels of the house, which was accomplished through the vertical glazing system and the large pivot door and windows in the closet wing, carefully balancing the openings in the rear elevation. A green wall was introduced along two sides of the patio, providing a garden element without encroaching on the outdoor entertaining area. The original closet wing was extended using brickwork that matched the existing neighboring buildings, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic. This extension allowed for increased ceiling heights on the upper floors, significantly improving the previously constrained rooms. A staircase with open wooden treads was designed to ascend along one side of the house, promoting light flow and maintaining an airy feel. A complex fire strategy was developed to meet regulations while allowing the stairs to remain open, avoiding traditional enclosures. On the uppermost floor, a skylit snug living area with a kitchenette was created, providing a dedicated private space for the family's older children. The project successfully transformed a previously disjointed property into a contemporary home with harmonious and generously proportioned living spaces, deeply connected to its external environment through innovative glazing solutions. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseExtension #LondonArchitecture #GlassDesign #PatioGarden #VictorianRenovation #StudioOctopi #OpenPlanLiving #NaturalLight #ArchitecturalRenovation

This article details the transformation of a 1956 duplex located on a hillside in Oakland, California, into a contemporary residence. Bay Area architects Bridgett Shank of Timbre Architecture and Megan Carter of CB Design collaborated on this personal project, aiming to apply years of client-work insights to their own venture. Their primary goal was to maximize the home’s dramatic views and abundant sunlight, leading to the incorporation of a glazed rear facade and a cupula-like roof structure, which they termed a ‘light monitor.’ The architects christened their design the ‘Plus House,’ a name derived from the floor plan's cross-like intersection, where a horizontal glazing system meets a centrally positioned vertical staircase and light monitor. The design features extensive floor-to-ceiling glass panels that span both the upper-level living room and lower-level bedrooms, ensuring natural light floods these spaces. They utilized products from Western Window Systems to achieve 38 linear feet of glass across the two levels. Carter noted that while the original midcentury home possessed solid structural elements, its layout, particularly the top unit, was impractical. The architects envisioned merging the upper and lower levels with a central staircase and opted to completely redesign the upper level into a single, expansive living area. Shank highlighted the existing second-story ceiling with its grid and exposed beams as a foundational element that they enhanced. The renovation focused on preserving and highlighting the view, rather than obstructing it. Instead of using bi-folding doors, they chose individual sliding doors from the Series 600 line by Western Window Systems to maintain a strong architectural grid while still achieving an expansive glass aesthetic. Homeowners Hannah Cho and Mark Wei expressed their appreciation for the design, particularly how the glass walls allow them to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding scenery and enjoy indoor-outdoor living. They frequently observe dynamic changes in the view, from vibrant sunsets to misty mornings, and recount experiences of entertaining on the deck where the fog created a sensation of being in the clouds. The redesigned open kitchen faces a rear courtyard and features contemporary elements such as teak veneer cabinetry with a contrasting pop of color. The lower level accommodates three bedrooms, including a master suite and two guest bedrooms. While the master suite offers excellent views, the guest bedroom is particularly lauded by visitors for its impressive vista, described by Wei as the best in the house. Large windows and doors throughout the exterior create clear sightlines. For instance, from the side courtyard, one can see through the kitchen's large slider and out to the rear glazing, directly into the expansive view. Carter emphasized that Western Window Systems' flexible sizing options allowed them to perfectly integrate glasswork into these specific spaces. Carter also praised Western's products for their contemporary aesthetic, characterized by large expanses of glass, slim profiles, and an aluminum system appearance. The design ultimately emphasizes the natural view, whether through the striking glazed facade or an unexpected glimpse from the courtyard. #ModernRenovation #HillsideHome #GlassWalls #OaklandArchitecture #MidcenturyModern #IndoorOutdoorLiving #WesternWindowSystems #ArchitecturalDesign #ContemporaryHome

Zen Architects undertook a significant renovation of a family home in Melbourne, Australia, which the owners had occupied for over two decades. The original 2,150-square-foot house, characterized by a square, four-rooms-deep, and four-rooms-wide floor plan, suffered from poor natural light penetration and a lack of connection to its garden. The central areas were dark and underutilized, prompting the residents to arrange furniture along the perimeter in an attempt to be closer to the outdoors. The renovation aimed to resolve these issues by introducing a curved glass extension, drawing inspiration from the curvilinear designs of the nearby Mount Eagle Estate, established in 1914 by Marion Mahoney and Walter Burley Griffin. The architectural intervention involved sculpting a curved glass void into the living area, specifically designed to funnel light and nature deep into the home's interior. This new structure was carefully integrated behind the existing heritage facade and within the original footprint, minimizing its impact on the established garden and streetscape. The curved glass element brings the garden closer to all living spaces, enhancing the indoor-outdoor connection. The family room was repositioned at the heart of the home, with the kitchen and dining area wrapping around the northern side of the new glass facade. The kitchen features reeded glass window backsplashes that softly filter light, while rounded edges on the timber joinery and benchtops create an open and inviting atmosphere. A high-level window in the dining area introduces dappled northwest light, partially obscured by tall pine trees outside. Deep eaves around the glass facade provide protection from intense summer sun, yet allow the winter sun to align with the teardrop-shaped extension, offering panoramic views as it descends. On the opposite side of the curving glass, a sunken living room receives abundant northern light, which radiates over the teardrop form. The lowered floor in this area, combined with a consistent ceiling height, creates a distinct sense of coziness and verticality, contrasting with the expansive and horizontal feel of the main living area. This variation in volume offers a fresh perspective of the landscape, with a specific window framing a centuries-old pre-settlement mahogany gum tree. The front section of the house was modernized and repurposed to accommodate an office and the main bedroom, complete with a walk-in robe and en suite. Two additional bedrooms, a bathroom, and a laundry area are situated along the southern side, now occupying better-proportioned rooms than in the original layout. The detailing and finishes from the kitchen are consistently applied throughout the wet areas of the house. Externally, a terrace and deck extend around the living areas, integrating the house with the sloping terrain and embedding it within the landscape. The deliberate absence of balustrades facilitates a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor environments. The material palette for the renovation, including off-white dry-pressed brick and dark stone flooring, was chosen to complement the predominantly masonry and stone residences found in the estate. These robust materials are softened by timber cladding, decking, and ceilings, reflecting the presence of significant gum trees. This material selection contributes to a warm, natural, and cozy interior that emphasizes the vibrant greens of the surrounding garden, drawing attention to the natural setting. #HomeRenovation #MelbourneArchitecture #CurvedGlassExtension #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ModernDesign #NaturalLight #ZenArchitects #GardenIntegration #SustainableDesign

Bill and Dorrie McGonigal, the homeowners, designed their oceanfront dream home in Kure Beach, North Carolina, with a strong emphasis on glass, leveraging Bill's background in the commercial glass installation industry. The house, slightly under 5,000 square feet, was built on a lot-and-a-half of oceanfront property not in a flood zone, adjacent to a beach access. The couple, who began vacationing in Kure Beach in the 1980s, purchased the property in 2011, which initially housed a bungalow and an apartment building that were subsequently demolished to make way for their new home. The design inspiration for the house was drawn from various sources including television shows, magazines, and past vacations. The McGonigals collaborated with Jimmy Doster, president of Doster Building Company in Wrightsville Beach, who was intrigued by their vision for a modern, unprecedented design. The construction process was highly collaborative, with the homeowners actively involved, especially in the early stages, sharing their expertise in glass installation. Bill and his sons even participated in installing a portion of the glass, a process that Doster's team then learned and completed. The build spanned two years, characterized by continuous brainstorming and problem-solving, without the involvement of a traditional architect, evolving organically through the combined expertise of the homeowners and the builder. A key feature of the home is its extensive use of hurricane-resistant commercial-grade glass for the ocean-facing exterior. These custom-fabricated panels, measuring up to 7 feet wide and 10 feet tall, were chosen for their durability and ability to maximize ocean views. The exterior also incorporates white painted glass tile, sizable glass panels, and bamboo planks, with ipe decking for the outdoor porches and electric solar panels on the roof, all chosen for low maintenance. The front entrance is marked by a slab of marble, and the property includes a four-car garage and a ground-level apartment designated for grandchildren. The interior design continues the theme of openness and reflection. High-gloss white cabinets in the kitchen complement carved concrete countertops mixed with cobalt and royal blue glass aggregates, mirroring the ocean's colors. Radiant heated porcelain tile is used throughout the home for flooring and accent walls. A glass staircase imported from Italy serves as an architectural centerpiece, alongside hand-blown glass light fixtures and one-inch thick glass railings fastened by metal clips, ensuring maximum transparency between floors. Embracing a minimalist lifestyle, the home features only two closets and sparse furniture in most bedrooms, with beds floating in the center of the room, all oriented towards the ocean. The master bathroom boasts a custom-fabricated sandstone tub, weighing over 2,000 pounds, which required a crane for installation before the final exterior wall was constructed. This tub was inspired by two sandstone vessels the McGonigals found. Upstairs, guest bedrooms accessible via the mezzanine feature painted glass sliding doors in various colors like blue, green, and coral, with each room offering ocean views over the glass railing. The design allows every bedroom to have an oceanfront perspective, a rare feature for a five-bedroom house. The outdoor spaces, including an infinity pool and a rooftop deck with 360-degree glass railings, are designed for year-round enjoyment, providing panoramic views of the ocean, Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, and even Wrightsville on clear days, fulfilling the homeowners' desire to immerse themselves in the coastal environment during their retirement. #GlassHouse #ModernArchitecture #OceanfrontHome #KureBeach #CustomDesign #CoastalLiving #LowMaintenance #SustainableDesign #LuxuryHome

Interior designer Nicole Fisher of BNR Interiors transformed a four-bedroom, builder-grade row house in Hudson, Upstate New York, into a vibrant home with British charm. The initial state of the house, purchased by a developer, lacked character with generic hardware store moldings and fixtures. Fisher's primary goal was to infuse personality and warmth into the space, moving away from the common 'white on white' aesthetic prevalent in the region. The design process began with selecting a cohesive color palette, largely inspired by House of Hackney’s Avalon wallpaper, a striped and floral pattern used in the dining room. This wallpaper dictated the selection of 14 different paint colors applied throughout the house, aiming to create a distinctly British, rather than farmhouse, atmosphere. The homeowners, being British themselves, were receptive to a bold and layered approach to interior design, having previously embraced unconventional choices like a lime green kitchen in their London home. Fisher embraced the British tendency for playful interiors, characterized by multiple patterns and layers, creating spaces that feel timeless rather than confined to a specific era. The philosophy was to choose elements that the homeowners loved, ensuring they would work together harmoniously if executed correctly. A significant feature of the renovation included the incorporation of two hidden doors—one leading to a pantry and another in the TV room. These hidden spaces serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, providing privacy in a house where the entire length is visible from the front door, and offering practical solutions for entertaining by concealing clutter or creating a 'speakeasy' feel. Attention to detail extends to specific rooms, such as the primary bedroom, where multiple patterns are successfully integrated. The key to this success lies in a common color thread, specifically a cranberry hue, which is consistently pulled through various elements like the bed, wallpaper, and chair tassels. Additionally, Fisher employed variations in scale, combining small and large patterns, such as a chunky floral fabric from Liberty (which held sentimental value for the homeowner as her wedding dress designer) for the headboard. This approach creates a collected, aged feel, reminiscent of a modern grandmother's country house, avoiding a 'too new' or 'too precious' ambiance. The kitchen also showcases unique finds, including a faux marble island sourced from 1stDibs. This island, with its colors complementing the chosen wallpaper, became a central element that set the tone for the rest of the kitchen, contributing to the overall layered and inviting aesthetic Fisher aimed for. Other notable design choices include Sanderson’s Stapleton Park Wallpaper in the dressing room, Farrow & Ball’s Potted Shrimp for the den walls, Phillip Jeffries’s Island Raffia in the living room, Cole & Son’s Frutta e Geometrico in the bar area, Soane’s Scrolling Acanthus in Bloom in the primary bedroom, John Derian wallpaper in another bedroom, and Scalamandre’s Magnus in Indigo Blue in the laundry room. These selections highlight a rich interplay of patterns, textures, and colors, successfully transforming a generic space into a home filled with character and warmth, deeply influenced by British design sensibilities. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #BritishCharm #PatternMixing #WallpaperDesign #ColorPalette #HiddenDoors #HudsonHome #BNRInteriors

The exterior appearance of a house plays a significant role in establishing its character and can greatly impact its value. This article highlights the importance of a home's facade as a precursor to its interior and its influence on desirability. It addresses the common challenge of finding a property with sound structural integrity, an ideal location, and an appropriate price, but lacking in architectural appeal. The article introduces a series dedicated to showcasing the potential for transformation through imagination and professional architectural guidance. The initial focus of this series is on the comprehensive makeover of a ranch-style house situated in Manchester. These ranch-style homes are prevalent in many UK towns. The specific property, a split-level design built in the 1960s, was acquired by a young family seeking to modernize it. Architect Roger Stephenson of Stephenson: ISA Studio was consulted even before the purchase to explore renovation possibilities. The primary objective was to cosmetically alter the house without resorting to complete demolition and reconstruction. The solution devised by Stephenson: ISA Studio involved a change in the house's silhouette. This was achieved by adding a new parapet to the roof, which simultaneously created additional interior space for a new living area and a master bedroom. Following this structural modification, the original brick exterior was re-clad using kiln-dried Douglas fir. This material choice provided a contemporary aesthetic while retaining a rustic quality, allowing the house to harmonize with its surrounding neighborhood. The entire renovation project spanned approximately nine months. The investment in this architectural transformation significantly enhanced the property's value, increasing it by approximately one-third. The homeowner's aspiration was to create a distinct architectural statement. The architectural firm achieved this goal by implementing changes that both complemented and emphasized the existing structure of the house, resulting in a successful blend of modern and rustic design elements. The article emphasizes that a house's exterior is not merely a facade but a crucial element that defines its presence and initial impression. The transformation of this ranch house serves as a concrete example of how strategic architectural interventions can revitalize an older property, aligning it with contemporary design preferences while respecting its context. The collaboration between the homeowners and the architect demonstrates how a well-conceived plan can overcome aesthetic shortcomings, enhancing both the appeal and market value of a residence. #HomeRenovation #ExteriorDesign #RanchHouse #ArchitecturalTransformation #ModernDesign #RusticModernism #PropertyValue #HouseCladding #UKArchitecture

This article highlights the transformation of a former 1800s gatehouse near Winchester, Hampshire, into a beautiful family home by Alison and Simone Coldridge. The property, with its charming brick and flint construction, gabled roof, and period arched windows, initially presented a unique challenge due to its unusual downstairs room configuration, where each room directly leads into the next. This layout deterred many potential buyers, allowing the Coldridges to acquire the property at a favorable price. Alison, a mother with a toddler and a baby, saw the layout as an advantage for family life, enabling her to oversee her children playing in the living room while she cooked. The seamless flow from the entrance hall to the sitting room, then into the kitchen, and finally to an extension with double doors opening to a wraparound patio garden, proved ideal for entertaining. Adults can gather in the kitchen, while children move freely between rooms and outdoors during summer months. The home's interior design is a testament to the couple's love for travel, particularly Morocco and the Middle East, influencing Alison's decor taste. Soft hues, natural textures, and splashes of pattern are integrated with vintage pieces throughout the house. The entrance hall features meticulously painted stripped pine floorboards with a chequerboard design, anchoring the space and complementing the natural tones of the walls and Alison’s collection of ceramic pots and baskets. An original fireplace and dried floral arrangements add to its welcoming ambiance. The sitting room showcases art, ceramics, and books collected from their travels and vintage fairs. Earthy terracotta ceramics on the windowsill provide a striking contrast against pale walls, while vintage artist’s paint palettes pay homage to Alison’s artistic leanings. A key decorating principle, inherited from her artist mother-in-law, was to maintain neutral walls to allow furnishings, rugs, books, and artwork to become focal points. The living room extension, bright and garden-accessible, offers a relaxing family space. It features a comfortable modular sofa in a rich spice shade, adorned with patterned cushions, and complemented by occasional wicker chairs, pouffes, and a weathered vintage cupboard, creating a relaxed bohemian atmosphere. The kitchen incorporates red brick and copper accents, along with a range cooker, to evoke a country feel. Abundant earthenware and terracotta ceramics are used for both storage and display. An antique embroidered textile display adds a unique touch. Upstairs, the main bedroom features a Victorian-style iron bedstead, simple striped linen, and a patchwork quilt, creating a wholesome vintage look. An elegant armoire and floral bedside lamp complete the setting. The guest bedroom exudes simple sophistication with a floral-painted antique cupboard, an elegant four-poster bed, and muted rose pink walls. The daughter's bedroom is adorable with antique twin beds, floral bed linen, and vintage toys. The spacious family bathroom boasts period charm with a freestanding roll-top tub, vintage cupboards, and decorative framed flower pictures, completing the transformation of this unique gatehouse into a charming and functional family home. #HomeDesign #HouseTour #GatehouseConversion #FamilyHome #InteriorDecor #VintageStyle #BohemianDecor #OpenPlanLiving #WinchesterHome

This article details the extensive five-year renovation of food writer Mary Gwynn's Grade II-listed timber-framed Weald hall house in East Sussex. The property, dating possibly as early as 1450, was in need of significant updates, including rewiring, replumbing, and a new bathroom, despite having been used as a weekend home by previous owners. Mary, who views the kitchen as the most important room, was undeterred by its dated condition, seeing it as an opportunity to create a professional-grade workspace tailored to her specific needs for writing and testing recipes. The renovation project evolved beyond a simple kitchen refresh. Initial plans for a small kitchen extension expanded significantly after consultation with the planning department. This led to the demolition of an existing outbuilding and a downstairs bedroom extension. In their place, a new kitchen extension and a vaulted bedroom extension were constructed, cleverly linked by a modern glass structure. This glass link served as an eye-catching solution to blend the new, contemporary additions with the original ancient timber-frame building, a challenge given the property's historic status. Mary, having previously renovated a similar-aged farmhouse, was prepared for the complexities, though she noted this project presented greater challenges. A key aspect of the renovation involved reversing previous alterations that had obscured the home's historic character. For instance, an added brick fireplace in the living room and fitted wardrobes in the main bedroom that hid the timber frame were removed. False ceilings in what is now the entrance hall, which had made the space feel cramped, were also addressed. Working with the Listed Property Owners' Club, Mary aimed to modernize the house while respecting its Weald hall heritage. The initial period in the house revealed its extreme coldness, prompting Mary to prioritize warmth and comfort. The planning process alone spanned over two years, further complicated by building delays and changes in contractors. Despite these obstacles, Mary persevered. As the true character of the original house was gradually unveiled, she found that her collection of family heirlooms and antiques, gathered from auction houses, harmonized beautifully with the restored spaces, creating a comfortable and visually engaging home. Features such as a refectory-style table in the entrance hall, offering views of the cottage garden, exemplify the successful integration of her personal belongings with the property's renewed aesthetic. The article highlights the careful balance achieved between preserving historical elements and introducing modern functionality, culminating in a home that Mary now truly feels is her own. #HomeRenovation #KitchenExtension #BedroomExtension #ListedBuilding #TimberFrame #GlassLink #PeriodFeatures #InteriorDesign #HistoricHome #ArchitecturalChallenge

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

This article details the transformation of a 19th-century Federal-style town house in New York’s West Village by SPAN Architecture, converting it from multi-family apartments into a single-family residence. The original structure, an 1820s building, presented challenges such as deep lots leading to dark interiors, insufficient natural light on lower floors, and low ceilings. Recognizing these limitations and the absence of significant period details for restoration, principals Peter Pelsinski and Karen Stonely opted for a comprehensive gut renovation. A key aspect of the renovation capitalized on the property’s 60-foot backyard, enabling the architects to extend the first two floors by 30 feet while preserving ample outdoor space. To enhance the connection to the garden, the rear facade was removed, a second-floor terrace was added, and full-height windows were installed facing north, integrating modern design elements while respecting the historic lines of the surrounding houses. Internally, the building lacked a cellar, prompting excavation to create one. The roof was also leveled, increasing interior height by nearly eight feet, which required careful restructuring of ceilings to align with the existing front facade windows. The result is a 5,800-square-foot, four-bedroom home spanning five levels, featuring ceilings over ten feet high on the parlor floor, yet maintaining an unaltered exterior appearance. The interior design consciously blends traditional and contemporary aesthetics. Given the project's spec nature, a neutral palette was chosen, featuring white oak floors that establish a fluid connection between spaces. Subtle historical references are incorporated through baseboards, trim, and crown moldings. The steel-and-oak staircase, while traditional in form, lacks nosing and respects the original footprint, complemented by skylights that draw natural light deep into the lower levels, giving the house an “extroverted character” as Pelsinski describes. The property was acquired by a young family who enlisted Moises Esquenazi of Waowig Studio for interior decoration, providing him considerable artistic freedom. Esquenazi focused on creating inviting spaces that would complement the family’s art collection. His design approach included bold choices, such as a fuchsia-colored den, intended as a lively focal point upon entry. This vibrant room sets a playful tone for the rest of the home, which integrates contemporary Latin American art with pieces by mid-century designers like Milo Baughman and Pierre Guariche. Esquenazi also designed custom furnishings, including a lacquered-goatskin dining table, drawing inspiration from the 1970s. Two years after the family moved in, SPAN Architecture was re-engaged to modernize the kitchen and expand the master bathroom into a spa-like retreat, concluding a decade-long project. The revitalized town house now offers a bright, open living environment, seamlessly integrated into its urban setting while providing ample personal space. #TownHouseRenovation #SPANArchitecture #WestVillage #HistoricHome #ModernInteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #NaturalLight #InteriorRenovation #LuxuryHomes

This Buckhead residence exemplifies Frank Lloyd Wright's "organic architecture" philosophy, seamlessly integrating modern design with natural elements. The home, designed by architect Scott West for a family of four, utilizes natural materials like wood, stone, and concrete throughout its structure to create a continuous flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. The design's core principle is to avoid disrupting the landscape, instead enhancing its inherent beauty through thoughtful architectural choices. A key feature of the house is the extensive use of glass, including ipe ceilings that extend over glass transom windows and out to the terrace, and glass-walled "pocket gardens" strategically placed in the entry, primary suite, and even the basement garage. These elements introduce organic textures and maintain a visual connection with nature from various points within the home. The most striking element is a 40-foot-long retractable glass wall that spans the entire rear of the house, effectively dissolving the boundary between the interior living space and the outdoor environment, especially the pool area. Project designer Whitney Ray of Wyeth Ray Interiors highlights the home's continuous flow, noting that the design encourages the family to utilize the entire dwelling, with a central "spine" that connects all rooms. The owners, who previously resided in a four-story townhouse, desired a single-floor lifestyle in their new home, a preference that influenced the expansive layout. This design also allowed for the incorporation of a large subterranean garage, accommodating the owners' sports car collection. The aesthetic of the home draws inspiration from the owners' extensive travels, particularly to Asia, and their experience in luxury hotel development. This influence is evident in the selection of dramatic, luxurious materials and a minimalist approach to accessories. Furniture is characterized by clean lines and upholstered in dark neutrals, with subtle accents of navy. Accessories are intentionally sparse, contributing to an uncluttered and sophisticated ambiance. The outdoor landscaping further reinforces the serene, nature-inspired theme with the inclusion of pom-pom trees, bamboo, and tall grasses. Throughout the home, bespoke details enhance the organic and luxurious feel. A Tom Dixon blown-glass light fixture with an imperfect, organic quality is featured in the foyer. Concrete panels above a see-through fireplace are arranged in a deliberate abstract pattern. The kitchen boasts a sleek Poliform design with bookmatched marble, chosen for its vibrant character over manmade surfaces. The primary bathroom showcases Calacatta Viola marble and black cork walls, with light streaming through tall windows that overlook a private outdoor shower surrounded by lush foliage. In the dining area, another organic blown-glass fixture softly illuminates a dark marble Poliform table. The living room is designed to foster social interaction, intentionally omitting a television. A see-through metal screen separates it from an adjoining music room, providing both architectural interest and a degree of privacy. The primary bedroom features a wall of windows facing the backyard, where stone walls surrounding the pool are integrated with built-in firepits, planters, and fountains, with architect Scott West contributing to the outdoor space design. A corner of the primary bedroom is transformed into a private oasis by glass walls enclosing a shower garden. White oak floors with a custom stain create a contrast with the primary suite’s dark palette, including a gray mohair-upholstered wall, providing a crisp and fresh feel to the room. The overall result is a home that, despite its urban Buckhead location, evokes a sense of a luxurious, faraway sanctuary, blending intimacy with an expansive connection to its surroundings. #OrganicArchitecture #ModernDesign #GlassWalls #PocketGardens #Buckhead #NaturalMaterials #LuxuryHome #InteriorDesign #LandscapeIntegration

This article highlights the listing of a converted stable in London's East Dulwich, priced at £1.25 million. The property, situated on Darrell Road, is a 1,400 sq ft home that originally served as a stable for a local milkman's horse and wagon. The conversion has retained elements of its past, such as painted brickwork and exposed ceiling rafters, which nod to its historical use. A key design feature of the home is its focus on natural light. Various architectural choices have been made to maximize illumination throughout the interiors. For instance, glass brick partitions separate the dining room from the front entrance, allowing light to penetrate deeper into the space. The ground floor rooms benefit from exposed ceiling joists, which contribute to an enhanced sense of height and openness. Further connecting the indoors with the outdoors, timber-framed glass doors open from the living room to a small courtyard on one side and a garden on the other. This arrangement fosters a continuous flow and provides additional sources of natural light and ventilation. The property, listed through The Modern House, showcases a blend of painted and raw exposed brickwork throughout, adding texture and character to its modern aesthetic. The layout includes two bedrooms, with the master bedroom suite thoughtfully positioned beneath the roof. This primary suite offers views overlooking the garden, creating a private and serene retreat. Additionally, a mezzanine level, topped with skylights, plays a crucial role in drawing light down into the living room below, ensuring that even central areas of the home receive ample natural illumination. The property's location in East Dulwich is also a significant aspect, providing a leafy and desirable setting within London. The successful conversion of this historic stable demonstrates how former utilitarian structures can be transformed into contemporary living spaces while preserving their unique heritage. #ConvertedStable #EastDulwich #LondonProperty #PropertyConversion #ArchitecturalRenovation #HistoricHome #InteriorDesign #RealEstate

This article details a challenging home renovation project undertaken by Ben Callery Architects in Melbourne, Australia. The client desired a modern and bright extension to their home, but the site presented significant constraints. The addition had to be constructed between existing boundary walls of neighboring properties, and it faced a less-than-ideal north-facing orientation, which typically hinders the ingress of natural light. Furthermore, the original facade of the house was historically protected, meaning it could not be altered. To overcome these challenges and introduce abundant natural light into the new space, the architects implemented a clever design solution: they raised the roof of the addition and incorporated clerestory windows on all four sides. Clerestory windows are high-set windows positioned above eye level, allowing light to penetrate deep into the interior while maintaining privacy. To specifically capitalize on the warming southern sun during winter months, the design team extended the clerestory panes on the southern side. This extension culminated in an elegant, upward-curving roofline situated above the kitchen area. This distinctive curving roof and the extensive clerestory windows dramatically enhanced the amount of natural light within the space. The result was a significantly brighter interior that also conveyed a profound sense of expansiveness. The interior design of the extension features a minimalist material palette. Bright white walls serve as a neutral backdrop, complemented by natural wood floors and cabinetry, which introduce warmth and texture. These elements are contrasted with jet-black window mullions and integrated built-in storage units. This thoughtful combination creates a balanced aesthetic, guiding the eye across the room with its striking black and white interplay. Adding to the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living, the rear wall of the extension is almost entirely composed of glass doors. These doors are designed to open fully, effectively blurring the lines between the interior living area and the backyard. The exterior space includes a sunken seating area, which, when combined with the fully opening glass doors, creates a harmonious and expansive living environment. The article highlights how these architectural and design choices transformed a challenging brief into a highly functional, visually appealing, and light-filled home extension. #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalDesign #NaturalLight #ClerestoryWindows #ModernArchitecture #MelbourneHomes #BenCalleryArchitects #InteriorDesign #CurvingRoof