copper facade wraps minimalist timber interiors of pandolfini architects' glen iris house

Copper, a trendy metal, offers a unique aesthetic for home decor, differentiating itself from the sleekness of silver or the traditional appeal of gold. It infuses spaces with warmth and depth while maintaining a modern sensibility. This article explores various applications of copper in interior design, showcasing both subtle and prominent ways to integrate this versatile material into a home. It highlights how copper can be utilized in items ranging from tableware and hardware, such as Moscow Mule mugs, to more substantial decorative elements. The material's allure lies in its ability to be maintained in a shiny, polished state or allowed to develop a natural patina over time, with both appearances contributing to a beautiful and sophisticated ambiance. Throughout the article, examples from notable designers and architects illustrate diverse approaches to decorating with copper. Vicente Wolf and Matthew Yee's Montauk getaway features a copper side table alongside 19th-century Chinese furniture and an 18th-century Buddha, demonstrating how copper can complement historical pieces. Peter Marino's Rocky Mountain ski retreat incorporates a gilded-copper tabletop sculpture by Hervé Wahlen, adding an artistic touch to a living room adorned with Anselm Kiefer paintings and bespoke Poltrona Frau armchairs. Didier and Clémence Krzentowski's Paris apartment showcases a large copper sculpture by Danh Vō, positioned within a space featuring contemporary art and vintage furniture. Practical applications of copper are also presented, such as vintage copper pots shimmering in the kitchen of Sir Evelyn and Lady de Rothschild’s Martha’s Vineyard home, decorated by Mark Cunningham. Mattia Bonetti's Hong Kong apartment design includes a wall of full-height copper-sheathed cabinets and copper-plated chairs, emphasizing the material's potential for bold architectural statements. In a Long Island North Shore residence, renovated by Daniel Sachs and Kevin Lindores, a bespoke copper hood serves as a focal point in the kitchen. Fiona Kotur’s Hong Kong home features a cocktail table clad in basketweave-pattern copper tile by Maya Romanoff, highlighting copper's use in textured surfaces. The article further illustrates the integration of copper in various rooms and settings. Jeff Klein and John Goldwyn’s Los Angeles home includes copper molding topping suede-paneled walls in their screening room, adding a luxurious detail. Gluck+ architects use sheets of copper as a backsplash in a modern North Carolina kitchen, demonstrating its functional and aesthetic appeal. A copper-leafed cabinet by Pedro Sousa accents a London dining room designed by Rafael de Cárdenas, showcasing artistic furniture. Ernest de la Torre's design for Rachel and Drew Katz’s New York City living room features a vintage Pace Collection copper table, while Vicente Wolf repurposes copper vessels into lamps for a Manhattan apartment. Copper also finds its place in bathrooms, with architect Benedikt Bolza designing copper towel racks for his Umbrian estate's master bath, and Robert Couturier incorporating an antique copper tub with modern Waterworks fittings in Jay McInerney and Anne Hearst’s New York City home. Jean-Louis Deniot’s Manhattan duplex features a brass-and-copper light fixture, indicating combinations with other metals. Finally, a classical Las Vegas home by Atelier AM displays a copper Anish Kapoor sculpture in its living room, and an exotic Manhattan apartment's master bath boasts a copper tub and matching sconces, reinforcing copper's ability to create both dramatic and cohesive designs. These examples collectively underscore copper's versatility and enduring appeal in sophisticated home decor. #CopperDecor #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #MetalAccents #LuxuryInteriors #DesignInspiration #ModernDecor #ArchitecturalDigest #HomeStyling

Toronto's top interior designers craft interiors that embody a clean and classic aesthetic, characterized by an understated elegance that mirrors the city itself. These designers skillfully employ soft color palettes, architectural lines, and abundant natural light to achieve balanced and refined living spaces. Anne Hepfer Designs showcases a sophisticated living area that integrates various textures and muted tones to create an inviting yet chic atmosphere. Another example from Anne Hepfer Designs features a luxurious bedroom with a serene color scheme, emphasizing comfort and elegant simplicity through strategic furniture placement and soft lighting. Douglas Design Studio presents a grand staircase, highlighting how architectural elements can become central features in a clean design. The studio also provides a view of a contemporary great room, illustrating how modern furnishings and open spaces can coexist with classic design principles, maintaining a harmonious flow and sophisticated appeal. McGill Design Group / Plum Furniture features a unique interior space that blends functional design with artistic elements. Another design from McGill Design Group / Plum Furniture highlights a different area, showcasing their ability to create visually appealing and functional layouts. Laura Stein Interiors demonstrates a transitional kitchen that balances traditional and contemporary styles through thoughtful material choices and a streamlined layout. Furthermore, Laura Stein Interiors presents a transitional dining room, emphasizing elegant table settings and sophisticated lighting to create a formal yet comfortable dining experience. These featured designs collectively underscore the prevalent design philosophy in Toronto, where designers prioritize creating timeless and elegant interiors that are both visually stunning and highly functional, reflecting a city known for its refined character and modern sensibility. #InteriorDesign #TorontoDesigners #CleanClassicDesign #UnderstatedElegance #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalLines #NaturalLight #SoftColors #LuxuryInteriors

Rikke Baumgarten, creative director and cofounder of Danish fashion brand Baum Und Pferdgarten, found her dream home in Copenhagen's historic Carlsberg neighborhood in 2021. She and her husband sought "romantic, architectural homes" with a sense of history, a preference that ultimately secured their current 3,800-square-foot villa. During a bidding war, despite offering a lower price, the couple was chosen by the previous owner because the competing bidders intended to remove the home's historic glass ceilings, which Baumgarten cherished. Built in the late 18th century by architect Oscar Kramp, the villa features Italian and South European architectural details that Baumgarten found particularly appealing. The property includes a substantial garden, where she enjoys spending time during warmer months. Having previously resided in an apartment, Baumgarten describes the move as akin to a permanent vacation, particularly in the summer, where she experiences a holiday-like atmosphere at home. Baumgarten's approach to interior decoration balances the home's historical elements with modern design. While her husband wished to preserve traditional features like the mahogany staircase and kitchen cabinets, Baumgarten revitalized them with vibrant colors and contemporary furnishings. For instance, a friend suggested painting the staircase, leading her to adorn it in vermilion and complement it with a fringed textile piece. Her design philosophy revolves around color, which serves as her initial point of interest for art and textiles, allowing her to blend modern art with vintage furniture seamlessly. In the primary bedroom, the ceiling, distinguished by its geometric pattern, is considered the most beautiful in the house and provides daily inspiration. Upon waking, Baumgarten's attention often turns to a set of bookshelves, a sleek system she installed after being inspired by a visit to the Museum of Modern Art in New York. She finds that having bookshelves in the bedroom, an unconventional choice, brings her a sense of calm and peace. Having settled into her new home, Baumgarten's older children have moved out, and she has focused her attention on enhancing her outdoor space, primarily investing in garden flowers. She envisions a future expansion to connect the kitchen to her adjacent atelier, allowing her to cook and engage in creative pursuits like painting or flower arranging simultaneously. Regardless of how often she rearranges art or changes sofa pillows, fresh flowers remain a constant element in her home, reflecting her appreciation for the magic of growing things from small seeds. #CopenhagenHome #FashionDesigner #HomeTours #InteriorDesign #HistoricHomes #ArchitecturalDetails #ModernEclectic #GlassCeiling #GardenLiving

This article showcases an open-concept, three-storey minimalist landed house, completed in 2015, which features a distinctive rose-tinted façade and interiors designed for serenity and abundant natural light. The design, executed by Spacedge Designs, emphasizes a 'less is more' philosophy, focusing on clean lines, natural materials, and a curated approach to create a calm and balanced living environment. The exterior is notable for a nest-like lattice structure that envelops the upper storey, providing both an unconventional aesthetic and enhanced privacy by filtering natural light. The ground floor of the residence is characterized by an expansive open-concept layout, where crisp white walls and a staircase amplify the natural light, contributing to an airy and spacious feel. To establish distinct zones within this large open area, the designers skillfully utilized textural floor rugs, which also introduce warmth and visual interest to the predominantly minimalist palette. The living room features blocky, dark grey furniture that complements the architectural lines of the house and provides a balanced contrast to the white surroundings. This angular furniture harmonizes with the home's architecture, ensuring a consistent visual flow throughout the interior. In the kitchen, wood and steel elements are prominent, yet the white theme is subtly maintained through the inclusion of white bar-height chairs, ensuring visual cohesion with the rest of the open-concept home. This blend of natural materials and monochromatic tones contributes to a sophisticated and serene atmosphere. Moving to the upper floor, the master bedroom deviates slightly from the stark minimalism with vibrant bed linen and matching pouffes, introducing color and texture to create a cozy and inviting retreat. Full-height windows are strategically placed to allow inhabitants to appreciate the unique façade from inside, further integrating the interior and exterior spaces. The open-concept bathroom is designed to offer maximum privacy while retaining a sense of openness, achieved through the facade's metal screen. This design choice ensures the bathroom aligns with the overall architectural language of the house. An 'awkward' angular corner in the home was transformed into an elongated study area, demonstrating the designers' ability to optimize space effectively. This functional workspace seamlessly blends with the minimalist design. Throughout the residence, Spacedge Designs has meticulously balanced form and function, resulting in a three-storey living space that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly practical, embodying the principles of minimalist design for an elevated living experience. #Minimalist #OpenConcept #HomeTour #LandedHouse #ThreeStorey #InteriorDesign #ModernLiving #SpacedgeDesigns #ArchitecturalDesign

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

The Alps Villa, designed by Camillo Botticini Architetto, is situated in a clearing near the Passo del Cavallo in Italy's Brescia province, offering panoramic views of both an open valley to the south and the Alpine peaks to the north. The residence is characterized by a prominent panoramic window framed by faceted wood and corrugated copper, which dominates its facade and establishes a visual connection with the surrounding landscape. The architectural design intentionally creates an illusion of the structure being rooted to the hillside, a perception reinforced by its semi-submerged construction and strategic placement. The architect aimed for a balance of "harmony and tension" between the building and its natural environment, utilizing materials and a design approach that integrate the villa with its setting. The exterior surfaces of the villa are clad in sheets of pre-rusted corrugated copper and treated Accoya wood. These materials were chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their ability to blend the building into the natural landscape. The slight pleating of the copper panels is designed to interact with light, creating a vibrant, non-reflective surface, while the wood sections of the large splay reflect refracted light from the south. This careful selection of materials and their application contributes to the villa's overall integration with the Alpine surroundings, creating a sense of being both a part of and distinct from the natural world. Access to the villa is provided by a flight of textured metal steps that ascend the hillside from a steep hairpin road. At the foot of these stairs stands a gatehouse-like structure, constructed from the same oxidized copper and wood as the main house, signaling continuity in material and design. The main entrance is glazed and protected by the broad window and an overhanging sill, which also forms a terrace. Inside, the villa features an irregular C-shaped plan that wraps around an iroko wood patio, offering both protection and a connection to the outdoors. The interior layout is divided into three distinct sections: one for three bedrooms and their bathrooms, another for a combined living and dining area, and a third for the kitchen and circulation. The building's height varies to accommodate the sloping site, with a mezzanine above the living area serving as a study and the kitchen tucked beneath, opening directly onto the patio. The interior design of the villa emphasizes a minimalist aesthetic, with sand-colored resin floors used throughout and walls covered in white-painted plasterboard. Artificial lighting is subtly integrated into recessed grooves around the perimeter of each room, complementing the natural light that floods in through the main window and a long skylight. A staircase and an elevator connect the basement garage to the upper living spaces, enhancing accessibility. The villa incorporates sustainable design principles, including geothermal power, natural ventilation, and well-insulated walls, to minimize energy consumption and environmental impact. The architect's commitment to creating an environmentally friendly home is evident in the choice of building materials and insulation, aiming for a sustainable balance with the landscape. #CamilloBotticiniArchitetto #Villas #ResidentialArchitecture #Italy #Alps #Copper #Houses #ItalianHouses #SustainableDesign

The article details the personal experience of award-winning interior designer Gillian Segal as she designed and built her own family home in Vancouver, Canada. Segal humorously describes herself as her 'own worst client,' highlighting the unique challenges and extensive decision-making involved when a designer undertakes their own project. The primary focus of the design was smart space planning, driven by the need to accommodate a growing family within a relatively compact single-family home. Gillian Segal's design philosophy blends modern aesthetics with classical references, reflecting her appreciation for various design styles and her reluctance to commit to a single genre. Key design decisions included optimizing living spaces by combining traditional formal dining and breakfast nooks into a single, larger area, and merging a den with a formal living room. This approach maximized usable space and allowed for a more open and versatile floor plan. The flooring played a foundational role in the design, with Gillian opting for white concrete throughout the home to provide a fresh, unique, and neutral base. This choice subsequently influenced the kitchen design, serving as a blank canvas for the incorporation of stained wood vertical textures in cabinetry, fluted glass on upper cabinets, and antique mirror panels. The kitchen island, a central feature, was meticulously chosen for its durability and resistance to wear and tear from daily family life. Gillian specifically selected a porcelain slab, a material she wished to thoroughly test in her own home before recommending it to clients. The dining area, integrated into the kitchen-diner, features custom pieces from local Vancouver talent, including a table by Christian Woo and a light by Randy Zieber, emphasizing local craftsmanship. Throughout the home, a strong emphasis was placed on kid-proof design, particularly evident in the choice of materials for upholstery in the dining chairs, which combine hardwearing vinyl with patterned indoor/outdoor fabric. The living room showcases a custom marble mantelpiece, made from over 22 cuts of marble, serving as a significant focal point. A Kagan-inspired sofa, upholstered in performance fabric, was selected for its durability against children and its ability to facilitate conversational seating. Even with space constraints, Gillian incorporated a discreet home bar setup within custom built-ins in the living room, complete with a wine fridge. The mudroom, a highly functional area, doubles as a home office during lockdowns and features durable porcelain flooring with a terrazzo look, extensive millwork for storage, and a striking contrast between dark painted cabinetry and a light bench alcove. The entryway is defined by a curved staircase, introduced to add softness and visual interest to an otherwise rectilinear space, adorned with Lindsay Adelman pendants, a commissioned mirror by Hannah Polskin, and a vintage marble table. In the primary bedroom, space efficiency was achieved through a custom built-in headboard with integrated nightstands. The design thoughtfully includes personalized elements, such as a Kelly Wearstler fabric for the bed and nightstands, and Apparatus Studio ceiling lights. Children's rooms are characterized by playful elements like a leafy animal mural, expanding the perceived space and creating an engaging environment. The bathrooms also demonstrate thoughtful material selection, with the primary bathroom featuring unlacquered brass plumbing, European oak, and Calacatta viola, while the family bathroom incorporates a quirky geometric patterned tile for a fun and stylish aesthetic. The powder room, designed with budget in mind, drew inspiration from a 1960s vintage desk, utilizing Corian for the countertop and an integrated sink, alongside a mirrored laminate on the base and dramatic green paint. Gillian Segal's personal project underscores her deep understanding of design challenges and her ability to create a luxurious yet comfortable and highly functional family home. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #GillianSegal #FamilyHome #SpacePlanning #ModernClassics #VancouverHomes #KidProofDesign #CustomDesign

Architect Omar Gandhi undertook the design of his family home, the OG House, situated on a narrow, formerly abandoned lot in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Initially, the ground floor was intended for Gandhi's architectural practice, but its purpose evolved during construction. The space is now dedicated to community projects, specifically providing housing for individuals experiencing homelessness and other public amenities within the neighborhood. The exterior of the OG House features a two-story cedar-clad structure resting on a brick base. The ground level, constructed from brick, incorporates a rounded corner designed to guide visitors towards the rear of the property, where the main entrances to both the home and the studio are located. The upper volume houses the residential areas and is characterized by a screen of vertical cedar slats, which offers privacy from the street while maintaining aesthetic appeal. At the rear of the property, a garage and parking area are connected to a broad brick staircase, providing access to the main residential entrance. Upon entering the home, a steel-clad, oval-shaped closet serves a dual function, offering storage solutions and defining the pathway into both the living quarters and the studio. The main living space, located directly above the studio, encompasses the kitchen, dining room, living room, and a bathroom. The interior design emphasizes warmth and coherence through the extensive use of white oak paneling on both walls and ceilings. This material choice, combined with a restrained color palette and carefully selected furnishings, imbues the space with a Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic. An oversized, rounded island serves as a central feature in the kitchen, complementing a continuous wall of white cabinetry that extends from the kitchen into the living room. In the dining area, a white oak table is illuminated by a pair of white Louis Poulsen PH 5 pendant lights. A notable architectural element on the living room side of the main floor is an oak-clad lightwell that extends upwards to the roof. Extensive light studies and parametric modeling were employed during the design phase to optimize the lightwell's form, ensuring that natural light adequately permeates the main floor. An interior window from a child's room on the third floor offers a direct view into this lightwell and down to the living room below. The home features several bathrooms, each maintaining the minimalist and modern design principles evident throughout the residence. Ema Peter Photography documented the project. #ArchitecturalDesign #MinimalistHome #HalifaxArchitecture #LightwellDesign #ScandinavianInterior #CedarCladding #OmarGandhi #CommunitySpace

Grün Haus, a residential project by studio NICHE. located in Sliema, Malta, exemplifies a design philosophy that integrates modern living with timeless aesthetics. The interior design of Grün Haus meticulously balances minimalist principles with the strategic use of bold furnishings and materials, creating a sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere suitable for a contemporary family. The core of the design revolves around quiet sophistication, achieved through a carefully selected palette of textures and tones that foster a sense of tranquility and seamless flow throughout the home. A key feature is the continuous oak joinery, custom-crafted to connect various rooms. This element encases bespoke cabinetry and kitchen components, presenting a unified architectural skin where every joint is precisely considered and all handles are concealed. This approach allows the inherent beauty and texture of the materials to take prominence. The residence moves away from traditional, rigidly compartmentalized layouts, instead embracing flexibility through a modular spatial design. This allows rooms to adapt their functions based on the evolving needs of the occupants. Design elements such as a dual-aspect breakfast bench and a two-sided sofa are intentionally incorporated to encourage both individual contemplation and communal interaction, all while maintaining an unobstructed flow within the living spaces. Light plays a crucial role in shaping the home's character. A sleek, linear lighting system functions as a central guide, directing movement and subtly drawing attention towards the expansive vistas of Malta. Natural daylight is maximized and distributed throughout the interior, reflecting off warm microcement floors and diffusing through strategically positioned surfaces, thereby creating a luminous and inviting ambiance throughout the day. Textural elements are utilized as both functional and expressive components of the design. Vertical fluting on structural features adds depth and tactile interest, while sculptural seating pieces serve as artistic statements, blurring the lines between utilitarian objects and visual art. These textural nuances collectively enhance the residence's refined aesthetic. Sustainability is an integral aspect of Grün Haus's design. The project incorporates passive cooling strategies, cross-ventilation, and extensive natural light to minimize energy consumption. Material selections, including durable woods and low-impact finishes, are chosen for their longevity and environmental consideration. Additionally, integrated greenery throughout the interiors introduces biophilic elements, strengthening the connection between the residents and nature. A striking design feature is a bold, recessed ceiling element that serves as a visual compass, drawing the eye outwards to the surrounding landscape and integrating the interiors with their environment. This subtle yet impactful detail encapsulates the overarching design ethos: a thoughtful, connective, and elevating approach to residential architecture. #GrünHaus #StudioNICHE #MaltaDesign #MinimalistInterior #BoldMaterials #SustainableDesign #FlexibleLiving #OakJoinery #BiophilicDesign

In the Kitsilano beach neighborhood of Vancouver, Canada, designer Gillian Segal of Gillian Segal Design transformed a three-story home, originally built in the 1990s to mimic the style of local historic homes, into a modern residence. Segal aimed to preserve the heritage elements of the house, such as wood inlay floors, stained glass, and brass hardware, while reinterpreting them in a contemporary manner. The renovation involved opening up the space by removing pillars and a dropped coffered ceiling and introducing archways to add shapely architectural details. The design incorporated a neutral palette inspired by the natural hues of the Pacific Northwest beaches. Segal layered subtle shades of color, reserving more saturated tones for art pieces. This approach emphasized warmth, sophistication, and texture, allowing a focus on materiality. The team utilized natural stones, particularly marbles, and various finishes of oak throughout the home. Detailing was key, exemplified by a cast metal post running through the kitchen island, which provides an anchor for the space. Lighting fixtures were a significant design element, with Segal highlighting the Pelle Pendants, which feature brass and cast paper flowers, as works of art. Natural light was maximized in the kitchen through glass doors leading to the backyard. The living room features a contrasting black and white scheme, adding visual interest. Banisters were crafted from blackened steel, contributing to the modern aesthetic. The main bedroom is adorned with a Vertigo Pendant by Petite Friture, adding a distinctive design touch. An ornate glass door leads into the main bathroom, enhancing the serene atmosphere. The original stained glass windows, deemed too traditional for the client's modern taste, were reinterpreted to align with the contemporary design while respecting the home's original structure. The dining room showcases two paintings by Canadian artist Erin Armstrong. The guest room features layers of calming blue hues and offers views of the surrounding neighborhood's flora. The project successfully blended the home's historic charm with modern design sensibilities through careful material selection, thoughtful architectural modifications, and a sophisticated color palette. The renovation created a refined and contemporary living space that honors its roots while catering to modern preferences. #GillianSegalDesign #KitsilanoVancouver #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ModernHome #HeritageElements #NeutralPalette #NaturalMaterials

The article presents a detailed look into architectural designer Clive Lonstein's 17th-floor residence in a pre-war Manhattan building, once the site of the luxury retailer Barneys. The building's early 20th-century construction, typically characterized by charming but often flawed layouts, makes Lonstein's spacious apartment an unexpected delight. The residence benefits from ample natural light through southwest-facing windows and unusually high ceilings for its age. Lonstein's design philosophy embraces a distinctly minimalist aesthetic, which he redefines as 'reductive,' emphasizing rich materials and textures over starkness. The apartment underwent a year-long gut renovation orchestrated by Lonstein himself. His goal was to create a contemporary interior that harmonizes with the building's historical architecture. While maintaining a pre-war sensibility in elements like the beams, Lonstein streamlined the detailing and introduced modern bathrooms and a sleek kitchen. The design also incorporates a dynamic contrast between the indoor contemporary elements and the natural foliage visible from the oversized terrace. Lonstein's interpretation of minimalism challenges the common perception of it as cold or sterile. Instead, his home is warm and inviting, achieved through careful selection of furniture, products, and surfaces. The interior is enlivened by strategic pops of color from paintings and fabrics, further enhanced by a variety of textures. He points to a shearling sofa by Anthony Lawrence-Belfair, a perforated leather sofa, a multi-toned silk rug from Beauvais Carpets, and highly textural Perrine Rousseau drapery as examples of how he infuses richness into the space. These elements bring warmth and depth, preventing the minimalist aesthetic from appearing austere. Artwork, curated by Barbara Berger, adds another layer of interest throughout the apartment, with each piece chosen to stand alone without overpowering others. Lonstein particularly appreciates a painting by Cheyney Thompson for its abstraction, grid pattern, and cobalt blue hue. The kitchen is a testament to contemporary functionality, featuring stainless steel cabinets by Darren Vigilant and an integrated countertop for a seamless, industrial look. Lonstein, who frequently entertains, opted for a heavy-duty range. A marble counter from BAS Stone is complemented by two leather bar stools by Ochre, with a Robert Mapplethorpe photograph leaning against the wall. Leading from the kitchen is a glass door that opens to a large terrace. Here, contemporary outdoor furniture from Restoration Hardware and Atelier Thomas Serruys is juxtaposed against the building's traditional terracotta exterior. Lonstein deliberately chose blue-grey tones for the outdoor space to create an appealing contrast with the orange terracotta and the softness of the plantings. Ultimately, Lonstein's Manhattan home embodies a carefully considered and elaborate approach to a pared-down aesthetic, demonstrating how minimalism can be a warm and inviting living environment through intentional choices of materials, textures, and art. #ManhattanHome #CliveLonstein #MinimalistInterior #LuxuryDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #InteriorDesign #TexturalDesign #ContemporaryLiving #PreWarBuilding

A family of five, having relocated from Chicago, sought to fully integrate with the natural landscape of Boulder County. Their 7,600-square-foot home, situated on four acres with views of the foothills and diverse terrain, initially offered limited connection to the renowned Flatirons, particularly from its west-facing living room. This space featured only a standard sliding glass door and a single window, underscoring a design that was somewhat disconnected from its impressive surroundings. To address this, the homeowners enlisted architects Huili Feng and Ross Barney to undertake significant renovations. The primary change involved replacing the existing living room wall with a 30-foot-wide set of folding glass doors. This transformation dramatically enhanced the natural light within the living room and adjacent kitchen, creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior environments. When these doors are open, the distinction between inside and outside is effectively blurred, allowing the family to immerse themselves in the surrounding nature. Complementing this expansive opening, the architects focused on interior elements to foster a sense of coziness and integrate the home's modern aesthetic. The living room's existing paneled and beamed ceiling, which evoked a ski chalet atmosphere, was enhanced with custom white-oak millwork throughout the house. This millwork included art and plant display shelves near the staircase and a built-in kitchen banquette designed for family activities such as meals, games, and homework. The design emphasized rounded edges, prioritizing a kid-friendly and calming environment. The selection of furnishings also played a crucial role in establishing the home's new modern aesthetic. The family, having previously favored more traditional styles, embraced streamlined designs with soft textures. Key pieces included an Eero Saarinen Womb chair and B&B Italia’s modular Tufty-Time sofa, which can be reconfigured to face either the fireplace or the mountain views. Upholstery fabrics were chosen for their organic materials and nature-inspired hues, such as soft leathers, plush alpaca fiber, and felt, used for various seating options and accessories. Functional and stylish solutions were integrated throughout the home. A custom media room seating platform, designed by the architects, maximized space by eschewing conventional home theater seating in favor of two tiers of classic modern sofas and chairs, alongside sleek stools. This design demonstrated that comfort can be achieved without compromising on aesthetic appeal. Another innovative design feature was the repurposing of the space beneath the stairs. Inspired by Eero Aarnio’s Ball chair, Feng and Barney created a play nook for the three boys. This involved carving three spherical, interconnected seats into a high-density foam structure, reinforced with fireproof fiberglass, and finished with a coat of lime plaster. Despite the complexity of its three-dimensional curve, this space became a favorite retreat for the children. The renovation also extended to custom art pieces, specifically commissioned to reflect the home’s surroundings. An abstract painting featuring sky blues and autumnal ochres was installed near the living room fireplace. In the dining room, acrylic paintings depicted translucent branches and leaves, inspired by a treetop photographed on the property. The primary suite featured a woven wall hanging that mirrored the silhouette of the foothills, visually linking the interior to the external landscape. These strategic design choices collectively transformed the Boulder County home into a residence that fully embraces its spectacular natural setting and its modern style. #HomeDesign #BoulderCounty #FlatironsView #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #CustomMillwork #GlassDoors #FamilyHome #SeamlessTransition

Copper, often considered an underrated metal, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with celebrities like Ashley Benson and Olivia Rodrigo incorporating it into their home decor. This trend highlights copper's ability to introduce warmth and coziness into living spaces through various accent pieces, lighting, and statement items. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, copper holds symbolic significance, representing warmth, energy, luck, and good fortune, partly due to its excellent heat-conducting properties, which also make it a popular material for cookware. For individuals looking to integrate this distinctive hue into their homes, particularly for the autumn season, several carefully selected copper home decor items are available. These include a meticulously engraved Tamra Eden Copper Water Bottle from Free People, priced at $56, which stands out among more basic copper bottle designs. Another option is the Spadina Metal Table Lamp from Wayfair, currently reduced to $63.99 from $155. This lamp features a modern, minimalist design with a copper-hued tapered silhouette base that effectively adds warmth to any room. Additionally, hexagonal stainless steel trays with a copper-plated finish are available from Target for $59.99, offering a subtle yet impactful way to introduce copper accents. For a rustic country kitchen aesthetic, a set of Old Dutch Solid Copper Stone Hammered Bowls, available on Amazon for $79.95 (originally $180.99), can serve both functional and decorative purposes. Moscow Mule mugs from Yooreka Gift Set, priced at $38.97 on Amazon, provide a stylish alternative to traditional glassware for beverages. Finally, a high-end Cuisine Romefort Copper Pan, retailing for $158 on Amazon, is presented as a durable and stylish investment piece, similar to those seen in celebrity kitchens. These selections demonstrate the versatility of copper in home decor, ranging from practical kitchenware to decorative accessories, all contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere. #CopperDecor #HomeInteriors #CelebrityHomes #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeAccessories #Kitchenware #AccentLighting #AutumnDecor

This blog post details the extensive renovation of Lovers Walk, a two-story, four-bedroom suburban house in Cork, Ireland, by Kingston Lafferty Design (KLD). The project, which began as a small decoration job, evolved into a substantial design undertaking due to the COVID-19 pandemic extending timelines and the discovery of significant energy efficiency issues within the 1940s-built structure. The homeowners, a couple returning to Ireland from abroad, entrusted KLD with the full design, despite not meeting in person until the end of construction. Kiosk Architects collaborated on the project, addressing the structural and energy-related challenges, including the removal of original flooring and extensive exterior work to meet contemporary standards. A central feature of the house that influenced KLD’s concept was a 1970s addition: a warm, orange-toned oak staircase and paneling. KLD founder Róisín Lafferty appreciated its dominant character and decided to integrate it into the new design. The firm, known for its bold use of solid color, aimed to infuse the house with warmth and color that complemented its cliffside location and surrounding oak trees. This approach went beyond paint, incorporating various shades of green throughout the home. The living room, for instance, features moss-green marble cladding the fireplace wall. The child’s room showcases forest-green heavy wool curtains and is painted a similar shade, reflecting the child’s favorite color. The primary bedroom’s headboard wall is adorned with jade porcelain tiles by Gio Ponti. The living room's layout was streamlined, and a deep-navy velvet sofa was introduced to provide a strong visual contrast against the marble-rich palette. The clients' contemporary art collection, consisting of playful abstract works, was strategically placed throughout the house to add another layer of design. To create a dramatic transition, a tunnellike portal lined with red finger tiles was installed between the entry hall and the kitchen/dining area. In the kitchen, storage cabinets were kept at base level to avoid overwhelming the space, and countertops, the island, and backsplashes were covered in pink quartzite, which Lafferty describes as “like rock candy.” Rosewood-veneer cabinetry was intentionally used, pushing material boundaries to create a unique aesthetic. Upstairs, each of the three bedrooms—for the couple, their son, and guests—was given a distinct color scheme. The guest room features a 1970s vibe with cobalt blue curtains contrasted against buff pink walls (Dead Salmon) and a navy shag-like carpet. The primary bedroom, described as a “jewelry box” of materials, is accessed via a wide, open passageway with chevron-pattern oak flooring and angled skylights. A vanity of burgundy marble is tucked under the eaves, and a walk-in closet and bathroom are situated behind a wall faced with lacquered walnut-burl veneer, abutting the green tile of the headboard wall. The designers emphasized the calm and nostalgic atmosphere achieved through this eclectic mix of materials, which resonated with the clients’ trust in KLD’s unconventional design approach. #KingstonLaffertyDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #CorkIreland #ResidentialProject #ColorPalette #MaterialSelection #PandemicDesign #ModernTraditional

The article details the renovation of artist Charles Gaines and historian Roxana Landaverde’s Los Angeles home, highlighting a distinctive facade featuring perforated white metal screens. These screens are a prominent design element that, intentionally or not, echo the grid patterns fundamental to Gaines's celebrated artistic work. The screens serve as a unifying visual component for what has evolved into a substantial building project. The renovation began with a focused approach on the exterior, specifically the addition of these unique screens. This initial design decision, inspired by Gaines's artistic philosophy, set the tone for the broader scope of work. The house, situated in Los Angeles, integrates modern architectural interventions with a nod to the resident artist's creative output, creating a living space that is both functional and a reflection of personal expression. The project transformed a standard residence into a distinctive landmark, recognizable from the street due to its artistic facade. The article emphasizes the collaborative nature of the project, combining Gaines's artistic vision with architectural execution to create a home that is both aesthetically significant and structurally sound. The screens are not merely decorative but contribute to the overall architectural statement of the residence, influencing light, privacy, and the home's interaction with its surroundings. The renovation moved beyond a simple update, encompassing a more comprehensive transformation that addressed various aspects of the home’s design and functionality. The project underscores how a singular design element, such as the perforated metal screens, can instigate and define a much larger renovation effort. The article suggests that the visual impact of the facade creates a dialogue between art and architecture, making the home an extension of Gaines's artistic practice. The renovation also reflects the couple's lifestyle and aesthetic preferences, resulting in a residence that is deeply personalized and thoughtfully designed. Ultimately, the renovation of Gaines and Landaverde’s home illustrates how architectural decisions, particularly those inspired by artistic principles, can lead to a comprehensive transformation of a living space. The article portrays the project as an evolution from an initial facade enhancement to a significant architectural undertaking, resulting in a home that stands as a testament to creative collaboration and distinctive design in a prominent urban setting. #HomeRenovation #FacadeDesign #ArtistHome #LosAngelesArchitecture #ModernDesign #PerforatedMetal #ArchitecturalArt #ResidentialProject #GainesLandaverdeResidence