This Timeless Entryway Honors Its Historic Roots

Hoerr Schaudt, an award-winning landscape design firm, successfully transformed the outdoor living space of a historic Lincoln Park home, earning recognition as the 'Best Outdoor Living Space Winner' in Chicago's Design 9. The project, initiated by a recommendation from interior designer Michael Abrams, focused on meticulously blending historical authenticity with the practical needs of a modern family. The lead designer, Simon Prunty, emphasized craft, authenticity, and durability throughout the design process, aiming to respect the home's past while creating a livable and contemporary outdoor area suitable for a family with young children. A key aspect of the design involved a deep commitment to being 'period correct' with all detailing, which was achieved by aligning ironwork and masonry with the home’s historic architectural elements. The team utilized site-specific materials, including a carefully selected stone that harmonized with the existing structure and could be adapted for various applications. Reclaimed Chicago Common brick was incorporated, alongside inspiration drawn from other historic properties, to create a welcoming 'porch' entry. This entry features split-face curbs and hand-dressed flatwork, further enhancing the historical aesthetic. Additionally, hand-sourced and hand-selected plant materials were chosen to complement the hardscaping in every section of the property. The outdoor space features a striking fireplace fabricated by Windsor Builders, which showcases Chicago Common brick with limestone coping and a sleek black firebrick interior. This fireplace serves as a focal point, contributing to the refined elegance of the area. Furnishings such as the dining table and chairs from Janus et Cie add a sophisticated touch, while a variety of planters introduce vibrant life and color. The use of Lannon Stone for pavers integrates seamlessly with the overall design, reinforcing the commitment to high-quality, period-appropriate materials. The collaboration with Michael Abrams Interiors for interior design and En Masse Architecture and Design for architectural elements ensured a cohesive vision for the entire property. The clients expressed immense satisfaction with Hoerr Schaudt's ability to translate their vision into reality, preserving the home's historic charm while reflecting the unique character of the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The final outcome is a sophisticated and versatile outdoor haven that seamlessly blurs the distinction between indoor and outdoor living spaces, offering both historical reverence and modern functionality for the family. #OutdoorLivingSpace #HistoricHome #LandscapeDesign #ChicagoDesign #HoerrSchaudt #ArchitecturalDetails #HomeRenovation #LincolnPark #LuxuryInteriors

The article details a significant renovation project undertaken by designer Stewart Horner of Penny Black Interiors on a classic 1954 midcentury home in West Hills. While the homeowners wished to preserve most of the original interior, which was described as bright, clean, and immaculately maintained, a major issue identified was the home's gloomy and covered entryway. Horner perceived this entryway as a missed opportunity for a distinctive design element that could set the tone for the entire home. The renovation focused on transforming this underutilized space. Horner's team incorporated inside-outside cement tilework from Clé Tile, designed with triangles that ingeniously guide visitors' eyes inward, directing them toward and through a large glass pivot door. This design choice not only adds a visual 'wow factor' but also creates a clear path into the residence. Prior to the renovation, a solid wall separated the dark entry vestibule from the dining room, contributing to the cramped and dim feel of the entrance. To address this, Horner replaced the solid wall with a porous shelf system and a bench. This architectural modification allowed natural light to flow into the entry area from the left-hand side, dramatically brightening the space and making it feel considerably more expansive. The overall objective was to create an entryway that functions as a narrative element for the home. Horner likens the entry to the cover of a book or the starting point of a story, suggesting that it should offer a preview of the home's character and aesthetic before one fully steps inside. The intervention successfully integrates modern design elements while respecting the midcentury origins of the house, enhancing both its functionality and aesthetic appeal. #HomeDesign #MidcenturyHome #EntrywayDesign #InteriorRenovation #Architecture #PortlandHomes #DesignNarrative #Tilework

Billy Cotton, a rising New York designer, brings a unique perspective to industrial design, merging his passion for art history with modern functionality. Initially a Russian history student at Hunter College, Cotton discovered industrial design during an art history class, a field previously unknown to him despite his mother's love for antiques and his experience in Parisian flea markets. He successfully advocated for his admission to Pratt Institute's industrial design program, where he cultivated a design philosophy that bridges past and future aesthetics. Cotton's work often features an edgy yet classic appeal, as exemplified by his 'pick-up-sticks' chandelier, which combines contemporary design principles with traditional materials like unlacquered brass, reminiscent of the Art Deco period. This spring marks the debut of Cotton's first two collections at Bergdorf Goodman. One collection, named Moste, is a collaboration with interior designer Michael Bargo. It showcases Bauhaus-style furniture characterized by sharp angles that are softened through the use of chic lacquered wood. The second collection features clean-lined dinnerware. This line is notable for its affordability, with plates retailing at $15, a price point Cotton deliberately aimed for after noticing a gap in the market for elegant yet inexpensive china while browsing friends' wedding registries. He humorously notes the difficulty in finding such items, comparing them to versatile 'day-to-night dresses' that were simply unavailable. Cotton's innovative spirit extends beyond these initial collections. He is actively developing a line of table linens and another collection of light fixtures. Additionally, he is designing a versatile organizational system intended for both kitchen and office use. His approach suggests that if a desired item is not readily available in the market, he is driven to create it. Cotton's work emphasizes bridging historical design elements with contemporary needs, ensuring that his creations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and accessible. #BillyCotton #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #TablewareDesign #ModernElegance #IndustrialDesign #ArtHistoryInfluence #HomeDecor

This article details the journey of Alex Pires, a Washington attorney turned Dewey Beach restaurateur and nightclub owner, and his wife, Diane Cooley, in building their shingle-style cottage in Dewey Beach, Delaware. The project began when Pires purchased a 1920s oceanfront cottage six years prior. Initially, Pires attempted two renovations to bring the cottage in line with the shingle style, inspired by the architecture of Henry Hobson Richardson in his hometown of North Easton, Massachusetts. Dissatisfied with the renovations, Pires and Cooley decided to demolish the existing structure and build a new home that truly reflected their vision. They enlisted long-time friend and architect David Jones of David Jones Architects in Washington, D.C., for the design. The objective was to create a distinctive residence that stood out among the typical developer-built cottages in the area. Jones, who developed an appreciation for historic architecture throughout his career, embraced the challenge of designing a shingle-style dwelling. The project presented unique challenges, including editing Pires's numerous ideas and adhering to height restrictions while maintaining the style's verticality. To ensure historical accuracy and detail, Pires and Cooley researched shingle-style architecture extensively, including touring historic "cottages" in Newport, Rhode Island, designed by pioneers of the style. The shingle style, originating in the Boston area in the 1880s, is characterized by unpainted wooden shingles and a departure from Victorian fussiness, favoring unembellished surfaces, honesty of form, and purity of line. Interiors were designed with fewer, larger rooms to maximize sunlight. Pires compiled photographs of notable architectural details, such as the small, multi-paned windows of Richardson's William Watts Sherman house and the turret inspired by the Isaac Bell House in Newport, designed by McKim, Mead and White. The house, situated on a corner lot, features two facades: a broad gable with a deep porch facing the ocean to the east, and a more vertical tower and gable facing the street and beach path to the north. Forest green trim bands contrast with the sand-colored cedar shingles. Nautical motifs, such as a lighthouse-shaped newel post, are incorporated into the exterior. The main floor is elevated to protect against ocean surges, with breakaway walls on the lowest level for the garage and storage, a design element that allows water to flow through without compromising the structural integrity of the house. This functional and aesthetic approach prevents the common "stranded" appearance of many beach houses built on pilings. Finding a builder capable of executing the intricate design proved difficult, with three companies declining the project. Pires ultimately hired Bob Purcell, known for his craftsmanship, after admiring a home he built in Lewes. Purcell accepted the job, committing to Jones's insistence on an entirely wooden construction, which is rare in modern building practices. The detailed design earned architect David Jones a 2008 national Palladio Award for best new house under 5,000 square feet. For the interiors, Pires and Cooley collaborated with Pinehurst, North Carolina-based designer Brenda Lyne, impressed by her work at the Bellmoor Inn. While Cooley initially desired a less formal style, she appreciated Lyne's ability to combine elegance with durability suitable for a beach house. The interiors feature a neutral palette with blond Australian cypress flooring and white painted wood paneling. The main level's living-dining room, facing the beachfront, is furnished with white linen slipcovered sofas, Asian-themed accents in blue, and contemporary local art. A screened-in wrap-around porch includes a hot tub and ocean views. The kitchen, though compact, is highly functional with a bead board-covered island, cream-colored cabinets concealing appliances, and blue Bahia granite countertops. Pires's office, in contrast to the breezy aesthetic of the rest of the house, features dark walnut paneling, plantation shutters, and built-in library shelving, displaying his collection of boxing memorabilia. The second floor includes an office-sitting area, a guest room, a bedroom for Pires's daughter, and a master bedroom with ocean views from the turret. Pires reflects on the project, stating their goal was not merely to build a large house but a well-designed and crafted home, honoring American architectural history while creating a lasting, beloved residence. #HomeDesign #CoastalArchitecture #ShingleStyle #HistoricPreservation #DeweyBeach #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #OceanfrontHome #CustomBuilt