A New Zealand homestead opens up to its magical landscape

This article features the 'Fale Maker House' designed by RTA Studio, a 1,200-square-foot off-grid holiday bach situated on Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. The architectural concept draws inspiration from traditional Pacific 'fale' (thatched hut) or Māori 'whare' (house) forms, characterized by a simple pitched roof sheltering an open living pavilion. From the water or beach, the structure presents a silhouette reminiscent of a harbor marker, designed to guide its seafaring owners home. The clients requested a modestly scaled holiday home with three bedrooms and a communal family gathering space. The challenging waterfront site at Midland’s Beach presented an obstruction of ocean views by a foredune. RTA Studio addressed this by designing living spaces to connect with the land, while sleeping areas were elevated to connect with the sky. This design choice positioned the bedrooms in the 'attic,' offering distinct views of either the ocean's horizon or the surrounding bush, thereby liberating the entire ground floor for flexible, communal living activities. The site's descending topography ingeniously allowed for a boat to be stored discreetly beneath the floorboards, maximizing the use of space. To manage privacy and sun exposure, particularly given the home's public and immediate proximity to the road, screens were incorporated at both levels. The lower-level screens are designed to slide away, offering flexibility, while the upper screens pivot forward, resembling the wings of a bird or kites. These screens contribute to both the aesthetic appeal and functional performance of the house. Sustainability was a primary consideration, starting with the small footprint of the 1,200-square-foot home. Although the sandy substrate necessitated concrete foundations and some steel framing to withstand the region's seismic activity, the majority of the house is timber-driven to minimize embodied carbon. The 'Fale Maker House' operates entirely off-grid, integrating solar power for electricity, a rainwater collection system for water supply, and an on-site stormwater disposal system. Furthermore, passive solar control and natural ventilation are incorporated into the design to ensure energy efficiency and occupant comfort. #NewZealandArchitecture #AFrameHouse #OffGridLiving #SustainableDesign #CoastalHome #HolidayBach #RTAStudio #ModernDesign #TimberConstruction

The Wallis family, consisting of Jenna, an internationally acclaimed interior designer and owner of Jenna Wallis Interior Design, and her husband Ed, purchased a 1940s English cottage in the Hedgemoor neighborhood of Memphis with a vision to transform it into a serene and classic retreat for their family, including their two boys. Despite its charming exterior, the cottage required extensive renovation to accommodate a modern family while preserving its original character. After living in the house for about four years, the Wallises engaged Ryan Anderson of RKA Investments, a Memphis builder known for restoring older homes, and architect Charles Shipp to lead the renovation. Jenna's design philosophy centered on blending the old with the new, maintaining the home's classic charm while introducing contemporary elements. A significant challenge involved literally lifting the existing structure to create an open, airy space. The renovation team, including Ryan Anderson's business partner Chris Clark, worked collaboratively to achieve Jenna's vision, which included raising the living area's 9-foot ceilings to 11 feet to enhance natural light and spaciousness. Eight-foot windows were installed, flanking a custom fireplace, above which a vibrant painting by Atlanta artist Sally King Benedict became a focal point. Key areas of the home were meticulously redesigned. The kitchen was transformed with custom cabinetry extending to the ceiling for maximum storage, a beveled subway tile backsplash, and honed Carrara marble countertops. Jenna opted for unlacquered brass hardware, which develops a natural patina over time, to align with the home's original aesthetic. A breakfast nook, connecting the living area and kitchen, features sleek white walls, a streamlined banquette, and a rustic farmhouse table complemented by a brass globe chandelier. A framed 1966 Andy Warhol-designed Campbell's Soup dress, inherited from Ed's grandmother, adds a whimsical touch to this space. Throughout the living areas, white walls serve as a gallery for the Wallises' extensive art collection, which includes pieces by Memphis artist Megan Hurdle. In the parlor, a soft mint green ceiling, inspired by one of Hurdle's mixed-media works, adds a subtle color accent. Jenna's favorite space, her downstairs study, is distinguished by pale, high-gloss blue lacquered walls, a French pedestal desk, whimsical peacock figurines, and a modern brass starburst chandelier. Custom-built bookshelves by RKA Investments house the family's book collection, while art consultant Anna Wunderlich assisted in curating and displaying the family's diverse artwork, including a collection of oils and watercolors from Paris. The guest bedroom features a bold coral lattice wallpaper on an accent wall, framing an upholstered headboard, alongside French dressers and draperies made from Jim Thompson silk. The master bath was conceived as a spa-like retreat, with gray and white marble, built-in mirrors, millwork surrounding a white vanity, and elegant brass hardware. Antique light fixtures were incorporated to maintain the home's period charm. The renovation extended to the exterior, with Ryan Anderson and his team salvaging stone to create a cozy fireplace on a spacious, screened-in porch, which has become an ideal gathering spot for the Wallis family and friends. The project culminated in a home that perfectly blends classic charm with modern functionality, fulfilling Jenna's five-year vision. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #HistoricPreservation #MemphisHomes #CottageRenovation #JennaWallisDesign #RKAInvestments #LuxuryInteriors #ArtCollection

This article details the transformation of a new-build property into a characterful family home with a country-style charm, achieved through careful planning and a keen eye for design. The owners, who acquired the house as a blank canvas due to its practical benefits and ideal location near family, the countryside, and transport links, embarked on a decade-long journey to personalize their space. They focused on injecting personality into the neutral scheme, ensuring the home reflected their tastes while accommodating their growing family, including a new daughter and two dogs. The kitchen-diner, though small, was designed for both functionality and intimacy, facilitating family interaction during meal preparation and hosting cozy dinner parties. The owners introduced red and green accents to add character and warmth to the otherwise neutral palette. The red provided richness, while the green offered a calming, natural balance. To delineate the dining area, they installed wall paneling and added open shelving made from repurposed scaffolding planks, which not only offered practical storage but also served as a canvas for decorative displays, allowing for personal touches and regular aesthetic updates. The original kitchen lacked personality, prompting a renovation that aimed to blend contemporary style with classic country charm without a complete overhaul. This involved incorporating zellige tiles, replacing standard door fronts with traditional Shaker kitchen cupboard doors, and swapping a stainless-steel sink for a ceramic one. To conceal non-integrated large appliances, green linen curtains were used, contributing to a softer, less cluttered look. The chosen paint for the doors was Farrow & Ball's School House White Estate Eggshell, complemented by angled spotlights in Antique Brass to enhance the desired aesthetic. In the living room, the goal was to create a cozy, multi-functional space, as it was the most frequented area. Wall paneling was introduced to add texture, depth, and a cozier feel to the plain walls. The room was further enriched with layers of natural materials, varied textures, and warm, earthy tones, transforming it into a comfortable and inviting environment. The primary seating in this room is an Otto medium RHF chaise sofa in Taupe Brushed linen Cotton. The bedroom showcases a bolder approach to color, utilizing Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster for walls and wardrobes to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. A luxurious dark green velvet headboard was incorporated to add richness and elegance, making the bed a focal point without significant expense. The unexpected pairing of pink and green hues was a deliberate choice to infuse fresh energy and dynamism into the narrow space, reflecting the owner's personal style and achieving a boutique hotel aesthetic for a calm retreat. Practical elements like sheer linen curtains were chosen for affordability, softness, and diffused natural light. The home office was designed as a calm and creative space, featuring a soft color palette and a blend of different wood tones and grains. This approach aimed to add warmth, texture, and a balanced, natural feel, ensuring a conducive environment for work. For the compact bathroom, instead of a costly renovation, simple updates were made, including a bespoke curtain, vintage-framed artwork, mirrors, and soft towels to introduce color and texture, making the space more engaging. Thoughtful styling is evident throughout the home, particularly with organized living room shelves that display books and objets d’art. Books are often arranged with their spines hidden to maintain an artful and consistent look. Built-in cabinetry, combining Ikea units and MDF, provides both lower storage for children's toys and open shelving for decorative items, adding character and functionality to the room. The daughter's bedroom was designed to be adaptable as she grows, maintaining a neutral scheme with pops of color and playful touches, while incorporating functional and charming storage solutions like peg rails for coats and bags, encouraging tidiness and accessibility for toy storage. Overall, the home demonstrates how a new-build can be transformed into a deeply personalized and character-filled space through deliberate design choices and the strategic use of color, texture, and materials. #NewBuildDesign #CountryStyleHome #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #KitchenDinerIdeas #LivingRoomDecor #BedroomDesign #HomeOffice #FamilyHome

This article features a European-inspired estate situated on a Pacific Northwest hilltop, designed by Rehkamp Larson Architects. The home, which appears to have stood for centuries, seamlessly blends traditional European aesthetics with modern elements such as steel beams and large glass sections, creating an inviting family residence. Principal Architect Mark Larson and Senior Associate Ryan Bicek collaborated closely with the homeowner, who previously worked with the firm. The design process began with aligning the house with the surrounding landscape, ensuring that key architectural features like the colonnade and tower offered optimal views of the mountains and valley. The homeowner also engaged Interior Designer Greg Walsh of MartinPatrick 3. The design drew inspiration from existing French-influenced winery buildings on the property. The exterior utilizes stone, stucco, and copper to maintain a sense of belonging to the landscape, while the interior adopts a more contemporary and open feel. The nearly 9,000-square-foot home is adapted for the Pacific Northwest climate, featuring deep overhangs and covered porches for protection against rain, and wide glass doors that connect living spaces to terraces. Portland-based builder Schommer & Sons executed the construction, ensuring the home functions effectively in all seasons, from autumn harvest to frosty winter evenings. Inside, the design prioritizes a sense of warmth and approachability rather than overwhelming grandeur. A modern library on the first floor is distinguished by a wood-burning fireplace made of basalt, limestone, and steel, complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows. This space offers direct access from the carport, allowing the owner to view his collection of roadsters. A central winding wood-and-steel staircase, illuminated by bocce-style globes and clad in limestone, connects all four levels. The stone's texture gradually refines as one ascends to the tower, which provides 360-degree views. The base of the stairs includes a wine cellar and tasting room, featuring a salvaged antique safe door from a Chicago bank and a frosted glass ceiling for natural light. The house incorporates numerous subtle design details, such as personal messages carved in stone, elevation markers etched into walls, and hidden storage solutions within cabinets. The approach to the estate was also meticulously planned by Larson, builder Paul Schommer, and landscape architect Jane Hansen, who created a new winding road through artful botanicals. An ancillary structure, dubbed the 'treehouse,' serves as a copper-clad retreat for yoga or connecting with nature. The material palette emphasizes authenticity and local sourcing, including Douglas fir ceilings, exposed steel beams, and terrazzo flooring. Mudroom tiles were even matched to the local red clay, a nod to the region's winemaking heritage. Furniture selections maintain a neutral foundation, with varied textures and tones that contribute to a harmonious aesthetic without any single piece dominating. Ultimately, the estate functions as a family home, designed to accommodate children's activities and guest stays, with practical features like a dumbwaiter for wine. The design ensures the house feels intrinsically linked to its environment, celebrating the land, the wine, and family life. #RehkampLarsonArchitects #PacificNorthwestArchitecture #EuropeanInspiredHome #LuxuryEstate #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #ModernHomeDesign

The "Chodge" is a rural holiday home located in Whakamaru, New Zealand, designed by DCA Architects of Transformation. This architectural project uniquely explores the dynamic interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces, reflecting a common desire in New Zealand holiday living. The clients, who had previously camped on the site for 14 years, sought a versatile home that could adapt to all seasons, feel intimate for two occupants, yet spacious enough to accommodate ten. The design is deeply influenced by the existing rural landscape and the vernacular of a traditional woolshed already present on the property. The exterior of the Chodge adopts the simple, unadorned pitched roof form of a woolshed, clad with a weathertight and light-emitting translucent skin. This outer shell functions as a large-scale veranda when its expansive operable openings—including fire-station doors and aircraft hangar doors—are open, allowing for significant interaction with the environment. The translucent skin also plays a crucial role in regulating heat gain and loss within the structure. Contrasting with this expansive and open outer shell is an inner structure, conceived as an extruded wooden container. This inner volume is designed according to Passive House principles, providing a warm, recessive, and contemplative living space that evokes a cave-like ambiance. It is essentially a house contained within another house, creating an interstitial space that allows occupants to experience various weather patterns and seasons comfortably. Additional sleeping areas are provided on a mezzanine level, referencing the clients' past camping experiences on the site and aligning with the natural circadian rhythms of daylight. These sleeping zones feature a simple frame with a curtain, offering a degree of privacy when desired. The project details reveal a collaborative effort, with HRC Construction as the builder, No.8 Engineering for structural aspects, Antipodes handling lighting design, and Innovative Kitchens responsible for cabinetry. The overall design represents a thoughtful investigation into how holiday homes can foster a strong connection to the landscape while offering flexible living arrangements suitable for different group sizes and seasonal changes. The innovative "house within a house" concept allows for both exposed and sheltered living experiences, maximizing the enjoyment of the rural New Zealand setting. #IndoorOutdoorLiving #NewZealandArchitecture #HolidayHomeDesign #PassiveHousePrinciples #WoolshedVernacular #TranslucentArchitecture #DCAArchitects #FlexibleLivingSpaces #RuralDesign

The Ishawooa Mesa Ranch in Wyoming is home to a new architectural creation by Lake Flato, designed to be both a sanctuary and a tribute to its wild, majestic surroundings. Located within the Shoshone National Forest, near Yellowstone National Park, the ranch experiences extreme weather conditions, from scorching summers to harsh winters, necessitating a robust and thoughtfully constructed home for its owners and the diverse animal life on its 200-plus acres, including horses, cattle, hogs, chickens, and occasional bears. Steve Raike, a partner at Lake Flato, emphasizes that the design aims for 'thoughtful luxury' while acknowledging the area's inherent wildness. The inspiration for the ranch house draws from the traditional homestead-style log cabins prevalent in the region, which were historically built using locally sourced, readily available materials. This tradition is reinterpreted in the new home through the use of thick cedar wood for part of the façade, stained black to echo the creosote once used to protect older timber structures. Stone, sourced from Montana, further roots the house in its regional context, embodying a 'humble' conceptual approach to the exterior. Internally, the residence transitions into an environment of sophisticated comfort, a balance of rustic charm and contemporary elegance. The interior layout features a central, double-height lounge, kitchen, and dining area, around which all other main rooms are arranged. A monumental fireplace serves as the focal point of this communal space. The homeowners collaborated with interior designer Marnie Wright to select furnishings that align with the home's aesthetic, heavily featuring wood, leather, and steel. The kitchen, notably, is equipped with a roaring fire and a built-in Argentinian grill, designed for large family gatherings. These cook-ups became a regular part of the construction process, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where the architectural team and owners discussed the evolving design. A significant aspect of the project was its commitment to sustainability, which Lake Flato refers to as 'building performance.' This philosophy, shared by the ranch's owners who manage their land organically and support local wildlife preservation, guided critical decisions. The property operates entirely on electricity, utilizing a ground-source pump for both heating and cooling, a choice that Raike proudly notes as a 'rejection of fossil fuels' in a region often associated with traditional energy sources. This approach reflects a forward-thinking environmental consciousness integrated into the home's core design. Adjacent to the main house and connected by a sheltered courtyard stands a large timber-framed barn. While primarily functional for equipment storage and crop processing, it has also served as an event venue, showcasing its versatility. The barn's design, with pull-back doors, allows for expansive panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, which are also visible through the carefully positioned windows of the main residence. Raike highlights that the design enables occupants to 'appreciate and inhabit the landscape without feeling tiny, insignificant, and at the mercy of the elements,' underscoring the harmonious relationship between the architecture and its spectacular natural setting. #WyomingRanch #LakeFlato #SustainableArchitecture #RusticLuxury #RegionalDesign #EnvironmentalConsciousness #ShoshoneNationalForest #HighAltitudeLiving #ThoughtfulLuxury

Field Architecture has completed a coastal home in Big Sur, California, characterized by chiseled stone walls and extensive glass, designed to immerse residents in nature. Situated on a rugged peninsula along the Pacific Ocean, the house's layout follows the natural topography, aligning with the cliff face and forming sheltered garden courtyards that provide protection from the elements. The site features existing cypress trees and a ravine, which the house integrates into its design. The residence is conceptually divided into two main sections by the ravine. One side hosts a traditional Japanese entrance pavilion, known as a genkan, while the other contains the primary living spaces of the main house. These two parts are connected by a glass-enclosed bridge that spans the ravine, creating a dynamic transition and offering framed views of the surrounding landscape, thus enhancing the connection between the inhabitants and their natural environment. The design emphasizes orchestrated movement through the house to continually present residents with views of nature. Rising two levels, the home is oriented to the west to maximize panoramic views of the ocean. In contrast, the eastern portion of the structure is partially embedded into the site, housing more private and sheltered rooms. A central kitchen features a sculptural island with organic forms, complementing the natural aesthetic of the home, and adjoins a terrace and an infinity pool, further blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The material palette primarily consists of wood and stone, chosen for their complementary textures and qualities that echo the local landscape. Facades are clad in quarried limestone, laid in thin courses to mimic the striations found in the region's cliffs. The walls are faceted, resembling chiseled rocky outcrops, which further integrates the architecture with its rugged surroundings. A thin roof plane extends beyond the building's footprint, offering protection from the sun and wind while large expanses of glass allow for expansive views and ample natural light. Clerestory windows, positioned between the walls and roof, ensure continuous natural light throughout the day and across seasons, illuminating the interior spaces. Inside, wide-plank flooring made from reclaimed teak provides a calm and cohesive foundation. Teak is also utilized for the exterior deck and an engawa—a wooden or bamboo ledge typically found in Japanese architecture—which runs along the northern elevation of the main house, facing the ravine. This element further reinforces the architectural dialogue with nature and Japanese design principles. Field Architecture, a firm led by Stan and Jess Field, has a portfolio of California projects including a copper-clad Sonoma Valley house and a synagogue in Palo Alto with a salvaged wood lattice. #FieldArchitecture #BigSurHouse #CaliforniaArchitecture #CoastalHomeDesign #SustainableMaterials #ModernArchitecture #NatureIntegration #LuxuryHomes #ResidentialDesign

This article details the transformation of a 1922 bungalow in Denver's Washington Park neighborhood, owned by Julie and Joe Anderies, an art historian and a jazz musician, respectively. The couple sought to revamp their home to reflect their personal style and world travels, selecting interior designer Katie Schroder of Atelier Design Group for the project. The renovation involved stripping the house down to its studs, allowing for a comprehensive redesign that blends modern and antique elements within a modest space. The design process began with a specific Schumacher fabric and a photograph of teal kitchen cabinets, which heavily influenced the home's overall color palette and aesthetic. Julie Anderies' openness to vibrant colors and her desire for each piece to have a unique story were central to Schroder's approach. To balance the potential for busyness from extensive art collections and colorful furnishings, Schroder opted for a neutral taupe-gray paint (Benjamin Moore’s Thunder) for the main walls, allowing the upholstery and art to be the focal points. The couple's trip to Morocco, where they purchased several rugs, also integrated Moroccan influences into the design, contributing to a jewel-toned theme throughout the house. Schroder emphasized playing with color and texture, creating a dynamic yet cohesive interior. An example of this balance is found in the master bedroom, where a muted Moroccan rug grounds vibrant bedding and a patterned headboard. Hand-carved doors by California artist Evelyn Ackerman add another unique artistic touch. The kitchen, designed by Angela Otten of William Ohs, features a large custom island, sandstone countertops, and recessed lighting to compensate for minimal natural light, all while incorporating the initial Schumacher fabric on a built-in banquette. Functionality was a key consideration in the design. The architect, Jon Hindlemann, strategically placed the living room at the back of the house, behind the kitchen, to draw guests deeper into the home. This layout acknowledges the kitchen's role as a central gathering space. Given the couple's desire to downsize without sacrificing their accumulated possessions, built-ins and hidden storage solutions were crucial. The living room includes an Italian cabinet that conceals a TV, books, and electronics, while a nearby bench seat provides open storage underneath, maintaining an airy feel despite extensive storage. A significant design element highlighted is the vaulted ceiling in the living room, which is covered in Makrana wallpaper by Harlequin, mimicking marble. Schroder initially had to persuade Julie about the wallpaper, but its organic and neutral pattern ultimately brought attention to the unique architectural feature. Midcentury design influences are evident, particularly in the living room and dining area, with Mexican midcentury dining furniture and stained glass French doors by local artist Ann Wolff, serving both as artwork and a privacy screen. The exterior also saw changes, with the original garage being replaced by a new structure further back on the lot, designed to resemble a small studio, complemented by landscaping from Altgelt & Associates and Landwise. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of building trust between designer and client to achieve such bold and personalized interior transformations. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #Bungalow #GlobalInspiredDecor #MidcenturyModern #WashPark #DenverRealEstate #AtelierDesignGroup #CustomInteriors

The "Standing Wave" house in Sea Ranch, California, owned by Ivy Ross, Google’s Chief Design Officer for Consumer Devices, is a living experiment in how environmental design influences well-being. Positioned closer to the cliff than most homes in the community, it maximizes exposure to the Pacific Ocean's light, sound, and water movements. Ross collaborated with architect and designer Suchi Reddy, leveraging their shared interest in neuroaesthetics—the study of how environments affect emotional and physical states. The renovation focused on interior transformation rather than external architectural changes. The existing floors and ceilings were retained, while walls were strategically repositioned, rooms resized, and sightlines recalibrated to enhance views of the ocean, rocks, and sky. The home's new layout meticulously balances private retreats and communal spaces. The primary bedroom and study are situated at opposing ends of the residence, offering privacy. The kitchen, now centrally located and equipped with Henrybuilt cabinetry, serves as a hub for social gatherings without overpowering the space. A custom crystal display in the kitchen reflects Ross's fascination with natural forms and energy, a theme further explored in the study where a curated collection of crystals, gathered during years of travel, is illuminated by natural light, echoing the patterns of the coastline. Sensory experience is a fundamental design element throughout the home. Light is intentionally diffused and softened, while sound is encouraged to resonate. A sound tube instrument by Wolfgang Deinart in the study, designed to explore vibration, introduces an auditory dimension to perception. Artworks personally selected by Ross, including pieces from Eileen Fisher’s _Waste No More_ project, contribute texture, historical context, and intentionality to the living areas. The entry sequence provides an immediate framed view of the ocean. The fireplace is seamlessly integrated into the wall, functioning as a sculptural element without visual distraction. In the primary bathroom, a Japanese soaking tub and sauna are oriented towards the ocean, transforming routine actions into opportunities for rejuvenation. The guest bathroom features a custom light fixture by Reddy with a colored plexiglass insert in its high ceiling, casting a dynamic glow that re-scales the room. The guesthouse received similar attention, with updates to its kitchen and bathroom, ensuring a consistent experience of care and connection for visitors. Drawings by Lawrence Halprin, Sea Ranch's founding landscape architect, are subtly incorporated, acknowledging the site's historical and philosophical roots. #SeaRanch #Neuroaesthetics #CoastalLiving #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #SensoryExperience #SustainableDesign #ModernHome

This article details the comprehensive renovation of a nearly 200-year-old Federal-style farmhouse located in Sharon, Connecticut. The property, which had remained unsold for years due to its dilapidated condition, eventually found new owners who recognized its inherent potential. Architect Rafe Churchill was enlisted to undertake a historically sensitive renovation, prioritizing the preservation of the home's original architectural integrity. Initially, discussions included adding a significant extension, but this idea was ultimately abandoned in favor of maintaining the existing footprint. Approximately half of the structure required gutting, and Churchill’s approach focused on repairs using traditional materials whenever feasible. Key structural and exterior envelope improvements included a new roof, a partial chimney, reinforced floor joists, and repairs to the wood clapboard siding and many original windows. Windows beyond repair were replaced with new Marvin windows, all equipped with triple-track storm windows. The interior spaces were reconfigured and updated while honoring the home’s historical context. The dining room was transformed into a rich blue library, featuring new pocket doors designed to appear original and custom-milled molding that matches existing trim throughout the house. Original wood floors in the library, dining room, front hall, and some bedrooms were meticulously saved and refurbished. Interior designer Heide Hendricks contributed a vintage orange sofa and designed the steel-frame ottoman and drapery, adding modern touches. The dining room, formerly a parlor, now showcases a new soapstone fireplace surround and mantel designed by Churchill. A unique artistic element in this room is the custom wallpaper, created by the homeowner, an artist, from scans of the town’s handwritten 1820 U.S. Census, printed on heavy paper and adhered to the walls. The living room, bright and airy, incorporates the homeowners' midcentury modern furniture. New southern yellow pine floors in this area and the kitchen were stained dark to seamlessly blend with the older flooring. The original fireplace remains a focal point, adorned with antique candlesticks. The kitchen, located at the rear of the house, retained its original position but underwent a significant reconfiguration. A previously existing large pantry and staircase, which had isolated the kitchen, were removed to maximize space for cabinets and counters and improve flow to the living room. The kitchen’s notably low ceiling was also raised to create a more open atmosphere. Modern elements are thoughtfully integrated, such as an LED chandelier chosen for the kitchen table due to its contemporary aesthetic and transparency, allowing views to the outside. The dining table in the kitchen is a custom piece by furniture designer Seth Churchill, the architect’s brother. Upstairs, the original wood flooring continues in the hallway and bedrooms. All doors were refitted, and their hardware repaired, with some trim components added to match existing historical details. A guest bedroom, situated in the rear addition above the kitchen, features a lower ceiling compared to the main house. An original structural wood beam is visible, adding character. Furnishings in this room were repurposed from the homeowners’ previous residence, and Hendricks resized drapery panels. Wood planks from the guest bedroom were used to repair flooring in the master bedroom, leading to the new pine flooring in the guest room being painted, a choice the architect noted as desirable in older homes, especially on upper floors. #FarmhouseRenovation #HistoricHome #FederalStyle #ArchitecturalPreservation #InteriorDesign #ConnecticutHomes #HomeRestoration #RafeChurchill #HeideHendricks

This article details the design and construction of a new 4,000-square-foot residence built on a sand dune along Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline in Saugatuck by architect Kevin Toukoumidis, founding principal of dSPACE Studio. The project began with the challenge of a 4-acre site, where zoning regulations limited the buildable area to a mere 40-by-50-foot footprint. Furthermore, a 2007 fire had decimated the undeveloped dune, necessitating extensive replanting of native vegetation such as dune grass, junipers, and cacti to stabilize the landscape and eventually obscure the structure naturally. The design philosophy aimed to blur the lines between architecture, art, and nature, creating a home that responds innovatively to coastal living amidst sand hills. The residence was designed to sit lightly on its constricted footprint, appearing as a single-story structure from the entry but revealing a full-height glazed facade towards the lake as the land slopes away. The ultra-thin steel-frame roof, though appearing flat, subtly slopes upward to maximize views of the sky and water. From the shore, only the upper portion of the house is visible, characterized by a low-slung composition clad in sand-color stucco and sheltered by broad eaves lined with amber-toned hemlock planks, which integrate the structure into the natural setting. Connecting to nature was a primary goal, leading to the creation of abundant outdoor spaces, including a two-tier ipe deck with distinct dining and lounging areas, a slender lap-pool terrace, and an upper-level lake-facing balcony. These outdoor areas are paved with tawny porcelain stoneware, a material consistently used for interior floors and countertops, further linking the indoor and outdoor environments. A key design element is the entry courtyard, conceived as a space for welcome, transition, and respite, featuring a central ginkgo tree. The courtyard is enclosed by a palisade of rotatable Cor-Ten panels that act as a kinetic sculpture and front gate. These 1⁄2-inch-thick steel vanes can be angled to frame specific views of the house or the forested hillside, while also providing shelter from the wind. A pergola-like roof extension with fixed aluminum louvers defines the courtyard as an outdoor room and offers protection from intense midday sun. A fire bowl, chairs, and a custom bench with a Cor-Ten wine bottle holder create a hospitable setting for outdoor entertaining. The home's interior layout includes an upper level with a great room flanked by the balcony and pool terrace, a glass-enclosed dining room, and the main bedroom with an adjoining screened porch. The lower floor, emerging from the dune, houses two guest bedrooms with a shared patio and glass-walled showers overlooking the water, a bunk room, and a flexible room currently used as a home gym. The interior material and color palettes are deliberately limited, featuring porcelain stoneware, oak, and painted plaster, to create a sense of calmness and uniformity. This minimalist approach ensures that the lake and landscape remain the focal points, enjoyed through extensive eco-friendly triple-pane glazing, including a 30-foot-long wall of sliding doors in the great room. Striking design pieces, such as Konstantin Grcic's Noctambule pendant fixture over the kitchen island, blend subtly with the expansive views. Furniture, including contemporary pieces, modernist classics, and custom built-ins, is elegantly low-key and functional, such as Hans Wegner's Elbow chairs and Pierre Paulin swivel chairs, which are chosen for their ability to maximize engagement with the natural surroundings. The home seamlessly merges architecture with the natural environment, offering a tranquil retreat that evolves with the landscape. #LakeMichiganHome #Saugatuck #dSPACEStudio #ModernArchitecture #SustainableDesign #CoastalLiving #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #LuxuryHomes

This article details the design and aesthetic of a newly built modern homestead in regional New South Wales, crafted by interior design studio Arent&Pyke; and landscaper Paul Bangay. The home, intended as a weekender and holiday retreat for an extended family, was designed to evoke a different mood from the owners' contemporary Sydney residence, emphasizing a sense of unhurried country living. The building's traditional homestead-style lines, wide verandahs, and placement on a slight rise overlooking a lake give it a timeless appearance despite its new construction. The design process involved a close collaboration between the owners and designers, allowing for increasingly bold and imaginative schemes as the project progressed. This collaboration led to a departure from initial plans, such as the kitchen's color scheme, which was originally intended to be white but evolved into a greeny-black hue using Dulux 'Briar' paint for the cabinetry. The interior design prioritizes comfort and sophistication, accommodating frequent guests with generous proportions and thoughtful layouts. The five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home features a linear layout surrounded by verandahs, with most spaces on a single level, except for an elevated section housing two additional bedrooms. This expansive design, spanning over 15 hectares with no visible neighbors, offers a profound sense of peace and connection to nature. Despite the open layout, the interior design aimed to create a feeling of "cocooning" indoors, acknowledging the region's harsher and colder climate. While French doors in each room provide access to the verandahs, the emphasis was on establishing a distinct indoor-outdoor relationship through visual connections to the garden from every vantage point. A key aspect of the interior styling is the blend of old and new elements, creating an accumulated-over-time aesthetic. Iconic pieces like the Ercol 'Easy' chairs are mixed with vintage finds from auction houses and bespoke contemporary furnishings. This eclectic approach, according to Sarah-Jane Pyke, prevents the interior from feeling too "stitched up and perfect," allowing for flexibility and future additions. Art collection, a long-standing passion for the owners, plays a significant role in defining the spaces, with pieces like Lucy Culliton's "Tristan Honey and Denise" in the entry and a substantial Ben Quilty work in the dining room, for which a custom wall was built. The master bedroom suite exemplifies the bold use of color, driven by the selection of de Gournay 'L’Eden' wallpaper as a starting point. A deep blue from the wallpaper's palette was chosen for the room's remaining walls, creating a dramatic yet calming atmosphere. The suite also includes a cozy sitting area, a stone fireplace, and a bathtub set into a bay window, highlighting the luxury of leisure time in the country setting. Playful elements, such as tartan and checkerboard tiling in the bathrooms, add a unique spin on classic country tropes, reinforcing the home's joyful spirit and fulfilling the owner's request for a timeless country home that beautifully integrates sunlight and landscape views. Overall, the project successfully merges traditional homestead architecture with contemporary interior design principles, resulting in a residence that is both visually striking and deeply comfortable. The thoughtful integration of art, furniture, and color, along with a strong connection to the surrounding natural environment, defines this modern country home as a serene and sophisticated retreat. #ModernHomestead #CountryDesign #InteriorDesign #ArentPyke #PaulBangay #RegionalNSW #LuxuryHome #EclecticDecor #ColorPalette

This article showcases a Harwich Port home on Cape Cod that has undergone a significant renovation to fully embrace its oceanfront location. The interior design, spearheaded by Cambridge interior designer Tricia Luong, focuses on integrating the sea views into every aspect of the living space. The homeowners, a young family of three, purchased the 5,478-square-foot house, originally built in 1992, with the goal of making the ocean a central element of its design. The renovation involved opening up and brightening the space, strategically adding new windows to maximize the views. A fluid layout was implemented on the first floor to encourage easier movement and enhance visibility from the kitchen through the living areas to the outside. Luong meticulously planned the height of every light fixture and minimized window treatments facing the water to ensure an unobstructed connection to the ocean. The design aesthetic is a subtle coastal vibe, eschewing traditional nautical clichés. Luong incorporated muted blues, touches of turquoise, rattan, brass, and natural fibers like linen and seagrass throughout the home. Examples include a Cisco Home bed reupholstered in Villa Nova’s “Calvia River” fabric and Phillip Jeffries’s “Vinyl Magnetism” wallcovering in “Slate Current” in the bathroom, creating a sophisticated marine influence without being overpowering. The primary bathroom features white cabinets, Phillip Jeffries wallcovering, and Made Good mirrors adorned with small shells, radiating metallic and bright elements. Unique architectural features include circular windows in vaulted dormers above the dining room and primary suite, resembling portholes, which elevate the vantage point and draw in more light. Accordion glass doors in the cabana room provide direct access to the pool area and invite the ocean breeze indoors. An ombre bar-height dining table by Aronson Woodworks encourages casual interaction and fluid movement, complementing a round Made Goods table in the dining room used for game nights. Texture plays a crucial role in achieving the desired coastal feel, adding richness and warmth to the largely monochromatic palette. Concrete coffee tables, a weathered teak chaise, a rattan vanity, and white oak lining the walls and ceilings contribute to a minimalistic, serene vacation home atmosphere. The homeowners envisioned a bright and beautiful space with crisp whites and medium-toned blues, reflecting the ocean's colors and embodying a sense of relaxation and calmness, rather than strong contrasts. The project was executed by Cape & Islands Construction Co., with interior design by Tricia Luong Design and photo styling by Sean William Styling. #HomeDesign #CoastalDecor #InteriorDesign #HarwichPort #CapeCodHome #OceanView #RenovationProject #LuxuryHome #TriciaLuongDesign

The Kroll family, consisting of Amy, Ryan, their two teenage children, and their golden retriever Rookie, achieved their long-held aspiration of lakefront living with convenient city access by constructing a custom farmhouse-style home on a 4-acre lot on Chanhassen’s Lake Riley. The previous structure on the property was beyond repair due to significant water damage, providing the Krolls with an opportunity to build a new residence tailored to their needs. Amy, a partner at Deloitte, and Ryan, a stay-at-home dad, engaged Boyer Building and Natalie Talley of Talley Jane Interiors to bring their vision to life. The 2,900-square-foot lakefront home was meticulously designed to accommodate the family's current lifestyle, which includes frequent entertaining and hosting, as well as to serve as a welcoming space for their children and future families. A central element of the design is the expansive kitchen, equipped for large gatherings and culinary activities. This space features a French cooktop, multiple ovens, a pot filler, and ample storage for cooking and baking equipment, catering to events such as Thanksgiving dinners and teen get-togethers. The kitchen's design incorporates natural wood tones, a key request from Amy Kroll, featuring hickory floors and white oak in the island and cabinet doors. A distinct blue kitchen, achieved with specialized cabinet colors and a Tile X Design backsplash, provides an elegant and cool aesthetic. Matte HanStone Quartz countertops mimic the appearance of natural stone, while aged-iron Muska Lighting pendants blend rustic and contemporary styles. A unique feature in the kitchen is a library-style ladder, which rolls on a track, providing access to tall cabinets and a pantry. This functional element eliminates the need for step stools and adds a stylish touch, alongside reeded glass cabinets for dishes and barware, and a built-in wine fridge. A double Wolf oven allows for simultaneous cooking at different temperatures. Maximizing space was a priority, leading to the inclusion of a hidden storage area referred to as a “hobbit hole,” ideal for bulk spices and less frequently used items. Furthermore, the design addresses the practical needs of pet ownership with a custom pet spa in the mudroom. This feature is essential for cleaning Rookie and the family's sandy feet after lake activities, providing a dedicated space to manage the mess often associated with lakeside living and an energetic dog. The mudroom also includes storage solutions for sports equipment and seasonal gear, ensuring an organized environment. A thoughtful detail is the integrated cutout in the kitchen island for Rookie's dog bowls, preventing accidental spills. The island itself, while appearing to have small drawers, cleverly conceals trash pullouts and a raiser for a stand mixer, showcasing efficient and discreet storage solutions. The home is intended to be a long-term residence, designed to adapt to the family's evolving needs over time. #FarmhouseStyle #NewConstruction #LakefrontLiving #InteriorDesign #KitchenDesign #CustomHome #PetFriendlyDesign #FamilyHome #Chanhassen

Perched above an isolated beach on the New South Wales south coast, Seagrass House, designed by Welsh and Major, stands as a testament to architecture that harmoniously integrates with its environment. The dwelling is situated on the rocky incline of a north-facing gully, offering a secluded retreat at the southern end of Tathra Beach. The design philosophy behind Seagrass House emphasizes gathering the character of the place into the architecture, both performatively and scenically, a concept that stands in contrast to architectural trends of ethereal structures in discordant isolation. The architects utilized two primary drawings to inform the design. The first meticulously mapped an existing path from the ridge entrance, winding down the site's contours to a shared path leading to the beach. This drawing was a careful record of the pre-existing natural flow. The second drawing depicted a functional arrangement of furniture along this path, creating spaces for cooking, sitting, eating, and sleeping, thereby establishing an order for habitation. The house's design skillfully combines these considerations, addressing both the specific conditions of the site and the universal aspects of dwelling. Seagrass House features a compact floor plan of approximately 100 square meters, offering single-level access from the car door to the kitchen, living area, bathroom, and bedroom, effectively providing apartment-style living within a bush and beach setting. The rooms are arranged around a central staircase, creating a loose enfilade that allows individual spaces to be distinct yet connected. Architectural elements such as the ceiling billow, fireplace shroud, and timber batten screen enhance this spatial dynamic, contributing to an open yet defined living experience. The centripetal plan allows for the inhabitation of the dwelling's very edge, a feature inspired by the built-in verandah of the original cottage on the site. This 'thickened facade' manifests in various forms throughout the house, including a magnificent north-east dining table bench seat, an ambiguous timber shelf in the sitting room, a terrazzo kitchen bench, the deep shadow of the bathroom window reveal, and the brilliant flatness of the bedroom corner window. These elements create magical spaces that foster individual connection with the surrounding landscape, providing areas for solitary comfort while the larger spatial organization supports convivial domestic interactions. The design also incorporates typical holiday home strategies, such as a bunkroom, shared bathroom, outdoor shower, and multiple external living spaces, allowing for flexible accommodation for varying numbers of occupants. Adjacent to the main house, a garage and services pavilion functions as a gatehouse, providing security with a large, unadorned timber panel within a brick and metal-clad wall. This panel slides open to reveal entry through the garage, hinting at a future-ready space for electric vehicles. Above the garage, a generously sized attic offers ample storage. The predominant material is Krause brick, custom-mixed to match the natural variegation of the exposed, weathered shale in the gully. The brickwork is detailed with a light touch, incorporating sharp-stacked nib walls, alternating sloped and flat sills, a fine rowlock parapet course, a gentle stepping rampart, and artful subfloor brick vents, showcasing a joyful engagement with fundamental architectural elements. This thoughtful approach creates a highly functional home that deeply relates to the inherent character of the Australian Country. #ResidentialArchitecture #CoastalLiving #SustainableDesign #SiteIntegration #CompactLiving #BrickArchitecture #SpatialDynamics #AustralianDesign #ArchitecturalDetails

Nestled within Odessa's Victoria Lakes community, a newly constructed four-bedroom, four-bathroom home by AR Homes by Custom Craft seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. The design draws inspiration from the local lakes and wooded landscapes, employing a palette of organic textures, lush greenery, and soothing blue tones to evoke Florida's inherent beauty while maintaining a sophisticated and refined aesthetic. This residence, built on the Grandview floorplan, emphasizes open-concept living, robust storm-safe construction, and cutting-edge smart home technology, alongside versatile spaces for both social gatherings and private retreats. A central feature of this home is the luxurious owner’s bath, offering a spa-like experience. The kitchen is designed to cater to a chef's needs, and a spacious great room serves as the heart of the home. This great room transitions effortlessly into the outdoor living area through 10-foot sliding glass doors, leading to a covered lanai, a dedicated cabana, a swimming pool, and a spa, creating a harmonious indoor-outdoor flow. Interior designer Jill Sunseri, from AR Franchising, Inc., was instrumental in shaping the home's ambiance. She meticulously curated the interiors with warm neutral colors—including creams, taupes, and soft grays—which are accented by strategic bold contrasts and reflective metallic finishes. These metallic elements subtly echo the brightness of the Florida sunlight, enhancing the overall luminosity of the space. The selection of materials such as natural stone, wide-plank hardwood floors, and sculptural accessories contributes to a tactile and visually rich environment. Every surface within the home is deliberately chosen to create a sense of thoughtful design and luxury. The furniture, characterized by its streamlined forms, combined with rich wood tones and dynamic ceiling designs, creates a balanced atmosphere that is simultaneously elevated and relaxing. Sunseri particularly enjoyed the process of selecting artwork and accessories, viewing each piece as essential to the home’s refined and collected appearance. This meticulous curation was pivotal in actualizing the overarching design vision. Ultimately, the residence achieves a delicate balance between elegance and understated style. It is designed to be impressive without being ostentatious, and its generous proportions are tempered with a sense of intimate personalization. This home is not merely constructed to make an impression; it is crafted to foster a deep sense of belonging for its inhabitants. #ARFranchising #ARHomesTampa #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #FloridaLiving #CustomCraftHomes #VictoriaLakes #OpenConcept