Set Sail in This Blue-Hued Nautical Home in Bilbao

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

This blog post showcases a 4,100-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath residence in Naples, Florida, designed by Eileen Marcuvitz of Plum Interiors and her husband, Andrew. The home, built by Big Island Builders and designed by Village Architects of Key Biscayne, Inc., stands out for its minimalist Bauhaus-style architecture, a departure from the repetitive designs often found in the area. The design emphasizes straight lines and flat surfaces, requiring significant skill and precision in its execution. The property's unique features begin with its exterior, a concrete structure featuring a three-step walkway wrapped in porcelain tile, appearing to float over a lit, filtered zero-edge pond. A slatted overhang extends from the roof, contributing to its modern and minimalist aesthetic. The home's design was inspired by a similar structure by Village Architects in South Beach, leading the couple to commission this new build despite initially not planning to do so. Upon entering the home through a large glass and bronze pivot door, visitors arrive directly into the living room. This space is characterized by a back-lit drop ceiling, massive walls of windows, and sliding doors that offer extensive views of the outdoor living area and pool, ensuring abundant natural light. The living room is furnished with Christian Liaigre sofas atop a Tibetan silk carpet from Holly Hunt, with a Robert Natkin oil painting serving as a focal point. Throughout the residence, 24- by 48-inch rectified porcelain tiles with a striated pattern are prominently featured, extending into the outdoor living spaces, pool deck, and even up the side of the building, providing texture to the home's silhouette and a sense of continuity. The kitchen exemplifies uniformity and architectural minimalism with its dark Poliform solid wood cabinetry, where hand-aligned grain patterns extend to the 12-foot ceilings, effectively concealing appliances. The waterfall-edge island and all kitchen surfaces, including those in the hidden pantry and adjoining laundry room, are crafted from Cristallo quartzite. A low linear window behind the double-faucet sink allows for natural light, complemented by white Poliform upper cabinetry that adds linear visual impact and storage. Symmetry is a guiding principle throughout the home, particularly evident in the dining area. Here, a large, custom alabaster and brass lighting fixture by Gabriel Scott is precisely mounted to an inverted drop ceiling, which also conceals curtain rails. A Holly Hunt dining table and chairs complete the space, alongside flush baseboards with reglet trim for a clean finish. The family room showcases the couple's appreciation for high design, featuring a Poliform Mad Joker armchair upholstered in Hermès leather and Poliform fabric, set on a Christian Astuguevieille rug. Wallpapers introduce texture and playfulness in various rooms, such as a peach-colored graphic finish in the powder room and grasscloth gray-blue coverings in the second-floor entertainment room. Upstairs bedrooms maintain a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance, with the primary suite boasting a wall of glass overlooking the pool, drop-down soffits concealing integrated curtains, and oversized his-and-hers walk-in closets. The primary bathroom continues the use of rectified porcelain tile, complemented by wall-mounted faucets and a tub filler. A third-floor, roof-level sun deck, accessible via elevator, provides views of nearby Cambier Park. The property also features retaining walls around its perimeter to level the site, and the pool's design allows it to spill over on two sides. The porcelain tile from the interior extends below the waterline, creating a seamless flow and ensuring the home makes an impression from every perspective. The project was executed by Village Architects of Key Biscayne (architect), Big Island Builders (builder), and Plum Interiors (interior design), with photography by Diana Todorova Photography. The home garnered three 2022 Sand Dollar Awards, including best kitchen and pool, highlighting its successful integration of innovative design and meticulous craftsmanship. #BauhausArchitecture #MinimalistDesign #NaplesHome #ModernHome #LuxuryInteriors #ArchitecturalInnovation #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture

Allyson and Paul Riser, who annually vacation along Highway 30A in Seaside, Florida, embarked on a project to build a family retreat on a narrow, challenging lot in the heart of Seaside. Initially skeptical of the neglected strip of land, which they mistook for overflow parking, the Risers were ultimately convinced by its unparalleled location—catty-corner from Seaside’s town square and a short walk from the beach, offering wide views of the Gulf of Mexico. This prime location was a critical requirement for their large family, consisting of four grown children and a daughter-in-law. To overcome the constraints of the unusual lot size and accommodate their family's needs, the Risers enlisted Seaside architect Ty Nunn and Birmingham interior designer Fran Keenan. Their primary objective was to create sufficient bedrooms and gathering spaces, while Allyson also sought to infuse the new Florida build with the character and timelessness found in the old coastal homes of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Nunn designed a three-story house, one room deep and three rooms wide, with the kitchen and main living area located on the top floor to maximize the exceptional views. Keenan faced the challenge of incorporating the Lowcountry aesthetic, which often features large, low-slung roofs, into a tall three-level structure. A trip to Paris provided an unconventional solution: installing large, pop-out windows in the roof to flood the third-floor living area with natural light, creating a bright and airy space that became the focal point of the home. Inside, Keenan and her colleague Sara Walker curated an interior that reflected the surrounding landscape without resorting to overt beach-themed decor. The color palette, inspired by the blues and greens of the Gulf, features grayish blues, whites, muted turquoise, and faded aqua, fostering a sense of peace and serenity. The light-colored floors were specifically chosen to mimic sand, cleverly concealing any beach sand tracked in by the family. The design incorporated a mix of antique furnishings and architectural details such as wide-wood-paneled walls and detailed casing to give the new house an immediate sense of history and character. Keenan emphasized that using "old things" helps keep a space fresh and unique, breaking away from conventional design norms. The decor was further enhanced by layers of art, including framed textiles and pressed botanicals, adding personal touches and fostering conversation. A notable feature is the stairwell art gallery, filled with over 120 vintage nautical paintings collected from various vendors across the Southeast, including estate sales in Little Rock, making an otherwise functional space a vibrant display of personal history and curated taste. A large coastal landscape painting, discovered at Scott Antique Markets in Atlanta, became a centerpiece in the sons' room, symbolizing a nostalgic piece that could be passed down through generations. Ultimately, the home serves as a cherished gathering place for the Riser family, facilitating connection and creating lasting memories as their children grow. #BeachBungalow #CoastalHome #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #SeasideFlorida #FamilyRetreat #ArchitecturalInnovation #AntiqueDecor #NauticalArt

This article details a unique mini-home, listed on the luxury home rental brand Plum Guide, which operates as a floating artist studio on the Spree River in Berlin. The structure was entirely hand-built by its owner, Claudius, with the intention of providing guests a serene environment to connect with nature, offering an alternative lifestyle away from the urban bustle of Berlin. The Plum Guide describes the experience of waking up in this houseboat as akin to opening one's eyes to an 'urban utopia.' Inside the compact floating home, a skylight is strategically placed above the platform bed, allowing occupants to gaze at the stars as they fall asleep. The exterior deck is equipped with an herb garden, a BBQ grill, and a sound system, enhancing the outdoor living experience. The interior features a fully equipped kitchen, a curated collection of books, and a portable Wi-Fi router. The decor, characterized by lively plants and hanging light bulbs, presents a mid-century aesthetic suitable for a wide range of visitors. The construction of the floating home emphasizes sustainability and craftsmanship, incorporating handcrafted furnishings and being built upon 200-year-old wooden panels. This design choice caters to environmentally conscious guests seeking a unique stay. It is important to note that the 'floating island' is not presented as a luxurious escape in the traditional sense, as it includes practical amenities such as a dry compost toilet and a shared sink for both the bathroom and kitchen areas, highlighting its rustic and eco-friendly ethos. The mobile nature of the house allows it to adapt to different seasons and environmental conditions. During the summer months, the house is anchored in the middle of a lake, offering a distinct waterside experience. In contrast, for the winter season, it is stationed on the outskirts of Friedrichshain, providing a different perspective of its Berlin surroundings. This adaptability ensures a varied experience for guests throughout the year. Plum Guide, the platform offering this unique rental, provides a selection of curated vacation homes across various locations, including the U.S., Europe, England, and Tel Aviv in the Middle East. The article positions this floating artist studio as an appealing option for those seeking an unforgettable and environmentally conscious getaway, promising an experience that blends natural immersion with urban proximity. The detailed description of the amenities and the unique characteristics of the home suggest a focus on a mindful and distinctive travel experience. #FloatingArchitecture #ArtistStudio #Berlin #HandBuilt #EcoFriendlyLiving #MiniHome #SustainableDesign #PlumGuide #Houseboat

This article highlights the design philosophy and execution of a beach house in Pulpos, Peru, owned by Bettina Lolas and designed in collaboration with Venezuelan-born designer Carlos Mota. The home is characterized by its open-air structure and a relaxed, bohemian aesthetic, eschewing traditional beach house tropes. Lolas, a creative consultant based in Lima, acquired the house in 2008, drawn to the laid-back atmosphere of the surfer town and the architecture of the 1980s Juvenal Baracco-designed property. Mota's design approach focused on creating a comfortable and unfussy environment where furniture and decor would gain character and patina over time from the coastal elements. For instance, the outdoor dining table is crafted from butcher's block wood, complemented by folding bamboo chairs that Mota painted black for added drama. The living spaces are kept minimal, emphasizing comfort over extensive furnishings, with a custom sofa banquette topped with pillows from John Derian serving as a key seating area. A notable design choice is the use of museum posters for wall art instead of expensive paintings, contributing to the home's carefree vibe. The primary bedroom features an Indian screen, painted white by Mota, which functions as a headboard, adding texture to the concrete walls, and is adorned with a vintage Turkish suzani bedcover. The bedroom also provides direct access to the pool area, where Mota extended a bamboo wall to enhance privacy from neighboring properties and incorporated a sculptural cactus garden around the pool's edge, chosen for its resilience to direct sun and heat. The collaboration between Lolas and Mota proved highly successful, leading to plans for a second beach house project in Máncora, northwestern Peru. The Pulpos beach house is described as a place where Lolas feels happy, free, and relaxed, particularly when enjoying the terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The article underscores Mota's unique vision of a beach house that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings while offering a distinctive and relaxed living experience. #CarlosMota #BeachHouse #PeruvianDesign #OpenAirLiving #BohemianStyle #CoastalDecor #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #OutdoorLiving

Bosco, a converted 1950s Dutch barge, is currently listed for £1.8 million and offers a unique family home experience on the River Thames in London. Moored at Oyster Pier in Battersea with a 120-year mooring, this floating residence was designed by LAB Architects for their own family. The barge spans 2,150 square feet and features three to four bedrooms and three bathrooms. In its past life, Bosco served as a cargo barge, transporting grain and coal across European waterways. Its transformation into a comfortable family home necessitated extensive re-engineering. This included the design and installation of a new steel and glass top section, while the interior layout was carefully planned to harmonize with the existing brass portholes, ensuring a consistent design rhythm throughout the vessel. One of the prominent features of Bosco is a large winter garden on the deck. This "transparent sea container" is heated, allowing for year-round usability and providing a tranquil space for relaxation or socializing by the riverside. The winter garden features wide timber flooring and a natural color palette, creating a warm atmosphere and is enhanced with greenery. The oak wood deck provides views of both the water and garden, with the gentle sway of the river designed to induce relaxation. The barge's interior is efficiently organized with separate staircases leading from the center of the vessel to the deck and winter garden. Below deck, the space is divided into three distinct sections, each accessible by its own staircase. The kitchen is surprisingly spacious, outfitted with Carrara marble countertops, stainless steel cabinets, and oak wood paneling. It is illuminated by gallery ceiling lights and two overhead skylights. A small dining nook is conveniently located adjacent to the kitchen. Skylights and windows strategically placed above the staircases ensure that natural light penetrates the lower decks, illuminating even the darker areas of the cabin. A corridor leads to two double cabin bedrooms, which include supplementary storage and additional shelf-beds for guests. A private social area acts as a buffer between the primary bedroom, which has an en suite bathroom, and the children's bedroom. The children's room is designed with a cubby-like feel, featuring painted wall paneling and built-in storage. The main bedroom is situated in the stern of the barge, characterized by oak parquet flooring, birch ply skirting, and ceilings framed by wood-paneled walls. This room also includes built-in wardrobes for ample storage. The en suite bathroom associated with the main bedroom incorporates deep navy lime-wash walls and Victorian tiles, contributing to its charming aesthetic. A central area below deck, currently serving as a study with a full bathroom, offers the flexibility to be converted into a secondary living space if desired. Bosco's location at Oyster Pier offers convenience, being only a five-minute walk from the vibrant café culture of Battersea Square, which provides numerous dining and drinking options. #FloatingHome #RiverThames #Houseboat #LondonRealEstate #BargeConversion #LABArchitects #OysterPier #UniqueHomes #WaterfrontLiving

In a departure from Ibiza's reputation for vibrant nightlife, a distinct, more serene aspect of the island's character is highlighted through the design of a contemporary finca. This architectural approach acknowledges the island's historical agrarian roots, where ancient olive groves and the aroma of rosemary and pine blend with the salty sea air. Traditional whitewashed farmhouses, known as fincas, represent centuries of rural existence, largely untouched by the influx of tourism. Blakstad Architects specializes in creating modern homes that respect this local heritage while incorporating contemporary comforts. Their latest endeavor, a collaboration with Natural Asthetik, an interior design studio based in London and Miami and founded by Tom Lawrence-Levy, reinterprets the classic finca for a family seeking a tranquil retreat rather than a party destination. The design principles of the traditional Ibizan finca are deeply rooted in practicality and aesthetic appeal, influenced by the climate, culture, and community. Features such as thick stone walls provide insulation against the Mediterranean sun, while natural materials promote sustainability and integrate with the environment, simultaneously supporting local industries. The arrangement of rooms, often expanded incrementally to accommodate evolving family needs, along with inward-facing courtyards, reflects a harmonious relationship between architecture and the natural world. The 3,500-square-foot residence immediately evokes an Ibizan sensibility, retaining the core tenets of the island's architectural style, including its characteristic cubic form, clean lines, and understated presence. The whitewashed exterior seamlessly integrates with the hillside, enveloped by natural gardens and indigenous forest. Stone walls, exposed beams, and substantial thresholds pay homage to generations of island dwellings. However, a closer inspection reveals modern enhancements, such as microcement finishes that soften the solid forms. Sandstone floors create a continuous flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, and a modern spiral staircase discretely leads to a lower level, maintaining the single-story appearance of the traditional finca from the exterior. Lawrence-Levy emphasized the importance of preserving the finca's essence, aiming for a home that feels naturally integrated into the landscape rather than appearing overly polished. The open-plan interior mirrors the exterior's textures and colors, extending into the six bedrooms and multiple bathrooms. Linen drapes soften the intense Ibizan light, creating a gentle, ethereal atmosphere. Soft, off-white walls echo the island's sandy shores, while warm wood tones reflect the surrounding forest. Accents of natural reds, particularly through the use of Rojo Alicante stone, nod to the local aesthetic. Traditional Moroccan zellige tiles from Mosaic Factory are integrated into wet-space walls, their inherent irregularities providing a subtle counterpoint to the clean modern lines. Reflecting the communal spirit of the finca, the residence is designed to foster shared experiences. The German-British owners, a growing family, envisioned the home as a gathering place for friends and family. The living room features custom Flexform sofas and Cassina accent chairs arranged around a large coffee table designed by Lawrence-Levy, which can be configured as a single unit. Expansive indoor and outdoor dining tables, stretching up to 12 feet, encourage extended meals under the stars. Numerous sofas, daybeds, and intimate conversation areas offer spaces for relaxation, providing a calm escape from the island's bustling elements. Lawrence-Levy highlighted the owners' hospitality, stating that creating a space capable of effortlessly accommodating large groups was a primary objective, aiming for a refined yet comfortable environment where the architecture serves as a backdrop for human connection. The completed project encapsulates the inherent contradictions of Ibiza, showcasing a secluded haven beneath its public persona. The logistical complexities of construction, exacerbated by the home's remote location, serve to underscore the unique charm of a place where time aligns with the natural rhythm of the land. This residence, with its thoughtful modern adaptations, demonstrates that architectural heritage can be respectfully reinterpreted rather than merely replicated or resisted. #FincaStyle #CoastalHideaway #IbizaArchitecture #BlakstadArchitects #NaturalAsthetik #InteriorDesign #ModernFinca #BalearicBeauty #SustainableDesign

This article explores a collection of 11 unique floating homes around the world, showcasing innovative designs that offer an escape from conventional living and a closer connection to nature. These buoyant buildings range from serene boathouses to luxury yacht villas, each designed with a focus on functionality, aesthetics, and environmental integration. The featured homes include "The Salty Dog" in New South Wales, Australia, a two-story wooden boathouse moored in Pittwater. It boasts a modern Scandi interior with whitewashed walls, timber paneling, and a wood-burning stove, accommodating two guests with a loft bedroom for stargazing and an outdoor deck. In Vereda Los Naranjos, Colombia, the "Casa Flotante de Guatapé" is a charming cabana floating on the Guatapé Reservoir. Despite its small size, it features contemporary furniture, an open-plan living space with a large bed, and a glass front that opens to the reservoir, complete with a compact kitchen and a Jacuzzi on the terrace. France offers the "Elaho Spa Cabin," a two-story floating treehouse in Bourgogne Franche-Comté, accessible only by boat. This hexagonal structure provides 360-degree views from its top-level double bedroom and includes a wraparound terrace made from natural timber. On-shore facilities provide hot showers. Quebec, Canada, hosts "Minibora," a modern chalet on a tranquil lake. This 450-square-foot floating home features an open-plan living area, a sleek green kitchen, and a glass garage door that opens to an exterior deck. A spiral staircase leads to sun loungers on the balcony, and a mezzanine bedroom with a netted hammock offers unique views. The "Float Home" in Seattle, Washington, designed by Design Northwest Architects, is part of a community on Lake Union. This 2,100-square-foot residence uses space-saving solutions, features a streamlined layout with polished concrete flooring, Western red cedar, and retractable glass doors providing lakefront views from the upper floor. Amsterdam, Netherlands, showcases two notable floating homes. The "Angular floating house" by i29 is part of the self-sufficient Schoonschip floating village. It uses canal water for heat and solar panels for electricity, featuring a pitched roof, dark-stained timber cladding, and a light-filled interior with extensive glazing and a shaded terrace. The "Watervilla" by +31 Architects, located on the Amstel river, emphasizes the connection between water and interior through a large glass wall that opens to unite both elements. This 2,000-square-foot villa includes a generous outdoor terrace and a basement level with bedrooms, including a master suite with an in-room bathtub. Another Amsterdam entry is the "Tatami House" by Julius Taminiau Architects, influenced by Japanese tatami rooms. Built off-site and transported, its design minimizes waste and features a light-reflective exterior that mirrors the water. The interior boasts a contemporary Japanese aesthetic with built-in storage and multiple levels, including a lower floor partially below the waterline and a rooftop terrace with solar panels. Internationally, Dymitr Malcew's "Floating experience house" is a conceptual design highlighting luxury living on water with a penthouse-like feel. It features three segmented living quarters, extensive floor-to-ceiling glass panels, and a customizable interior, with the entire structure capable of relocation on a floating platform. Finally, a "Luxury floating house" in Øygarden, Norway, offers a lavish stay on a Norwegian fjord. This 2,100-square-foot, six-bedroom house features chic white interiors, laminate flooring, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that provide stunning panoramic views. Multiple lounge spaces, including one with a wall of glass windows, are furnished with cozy, hygge-inspired elements. An "Arkup" zero-emissions yacht villa represents self-sufficient luxury, functioning as a solar-powered electric yacht with a villa structure. Designed to withstand extreme weather, it includes a waste management system, rainwater harvesting, and solar panels for off-grid living, featuring two outdoor decks and four en-suite bedrooms. These examples collectively demonstrate the diversity and ingenuity in floating home architecture, emphasizing sustainable living, unique experiences, and a harmonious relationship with aquatic environments. #FloatingHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableLiving #WaterfrontProperties #UniqueHomes #HomeInnovation #LuxuryLiving #EcoFriendlyHomes #TravelAccommodation

The article details the transformation of a floating house in Sausalito, California, by designer Colleen Dowd Saglimbeni for Donna and Eric Colson. Sausalito is known for its unique community of floating homes, established in the late 1800s and later becoming a cultural hub for figures like Timothy Leary and Maya Angelou. These homes, distinct from houseboats, are situated on immobile barges, offering a unique waterfront living experience. The specific floating home, built in 1983, was in a dilapidated state when the Colsons purchased it as a weekend retreat. Dowd Saglimbeni undertook an extensive eight-month renovation, addressing both the structural challenges and the unique environmental demands of a waterfront property. The designer had to contend with the destructive nature of saltwater, necessitating the use of outdoor fabrics, bulletproof siding, and an all-electric kitchen. A critical aspect of the renovation involved balancing the weight of new installations like cabinets and a range by adjusting cinder blocks beneath the barge. Beyond the practical considerations, the design prioritizes a serene atmosphere and a layout conducive to entertaining. The open floor plan and panoramic views of Richardson Bay are central to the home's appeal. The community's communal and lively spirit is reflected in the design, with features that encourage social gatherings, such as a rooftop deck for parties. The article highlights specific design choices in various rooms, including the living and dining areas, kitchen, dining nook, powder room, primary bedroom, guest bedroom, kid's room, and rooftop deck. In the front entrance, red-orange chairs from Galanter & Jones, complementing the Golden Gate Bridge, invite neighborly interaction, with siding by Vytec. The living and dining rooms feature seaworthy furniture, including a custom dining table, Palecek dining chairs, a Jøtul stove, custom Cypress Furniture swivel chairs, and Anthem coffee tables. The kitchen emphasizes maximizing bay views, incorporating McGuire stools, vintage tiki and Blenko Glass Co. glassware, a Caesarstone island, and Pratt + Larson tiles. For the dining nook, built-in storage was essential for entertaining, with All Natural Stone floors, a Beachwood Home stool, Anthem banquette pillows and cushions, and a family heirloom table. The powder room features a nautical-themed wallpaper from a 1927 C.F.A. Voysey watercolor print, a Pot-Pourri mirror, a Stone Forest sink with Palmer Industries legs, and a Toto toilet. The primary bedroom provides a tranquil sleeping space with Phillip Jeffries wallcovering, a Palecek bed, Urban Electric sconces, a Made Goods side table, and custom Kravet Roman shades. The guest bedroom offers a soothing seaside-inspired retreat with a Pottery Barn headboard, Palecek side table, Bright on Presidio pendant, custom Cowtan & Tout Roman shades, and Phillip Jeffries wallcovering. The rooftop deck, made with waterproof sophisticated teak parquet, is furnished with Palecek furniture in Perennials fabric and a custom Sue Fisher King table, creating an idyllic setting for alfresco evenings. The article emphasizes how the renovation embraces the historical charm and unique lifestyle of Sausalito's floating home community while addressing the challenges of waterfront construction. #FloatingHome #Sausalito #HouseTour #InteriorDesign #WaterfrontLiving #HomeRenovation #ColleenDowdSaglimbeni #DesignInspiration #CaliforniaHomes

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson designed the San Marino Residence, a waterfront property on Miami's Biscayne Bay for clients who own a California winery. The clients sought a home that would emphasize lush tropical surroundings and facilitate indoor/outdoor living directly on the water. The residence is situated on a narrow, wedge-shaped lot, and its design expands towards the waterfront, maximizing views and access to the bay. The architectural composition consists of three distinct linear elements. A two-story volume accommodates the primary living spaces, providing ample room for daily activities and relaxation. Adjacent to this, a single-story wing houses a guest suite and an office, offering privacy and dedicated workspaces or accommodations for visitors. A key architectural feature is the elevated lap pool, which extends dramatically into the backyard, providing a striking visual element and an elevated recreational space. The most distinctive aspect of the design is the cantilevered pool, which projects an impressive 18 feet over the home's main entry and walkway. This bold design choice creates a memorable visual statement and an architectural landmark for the property. The main living and sleeping areas are housed within the primary structure, designed to integrate seamlessly with the outdoor environment. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors are a prominent feature, allowing for abundant natural light and enabling ocean breezes to circulate throughout the interiors, which is crucial for maintaining comfort in a tropical climate. To mitigate direct sun exposure and prevent excessive heat gain, the design incorporates large roof overhangs, which provide shade and contribute to the home's energy efficiency. Inside, a large expanse of windows illuminates the staircase, connecting the sleeping quarters on the upper level with the living spaces below. This design choice ensures that even transitional areas within the home are bathed in natural light and offer visual connections to the surroundings. The overall design prioritizes a contemporary aesthetic while addressing the specific environmental conditions and lifestyle desires of the homeowners. The blend of sleek architectural lines, thoughtful material selection, and strategic orientation towards the water creates a residence that is both visually stunning and highly functional for its Miami Bay setting. The home serves as a luxurious retreat, embodying modern indoor/outdoor living with a focus on both comfort and innovative design. #WaterfrontHome #BiscayneBay #ModernArchitecture #CantileveredPool #IndoorOutdoorLiving #TropicalDesign #BohlinCywinskiJackson #MiamiHomes #LuxuryResidence

The 'Onjuku Beach House,' designed by Japanese architectural practice Bakoko, is a single-family residence situated in Onjuku, Japan, near the sandy white beaches southeast of Tokyo. The dwelling features a low-profile exterior that integrates with the local bluffs. Its construction employs traditional Japanese timber framing methods, utilizing modern technology to enhance efficiency and precision. The exterior is clad with cedar planks, which are treated with a preservative stain to achieve a weathered aesthetic. Sliding wooden shutters, positioned parallel to the wood deck, serve a similar function to the traditional Japanese engawa, providing a mechanism to enclose and protect the entire home from seasonal typhoons. The project incorporates advanced timber framing techniques, where traditional labor-intensive interlocking joints, historically used for earthquake-resistant structures, are now created with robotic machinery. This technology allows for the precise precutting of each joint in seconds. A timber supplier generates templates from blueprints, and then the lumber is accurately trimmed, numbered, and delivered to the construction site. This process enables workers to assemble the units like a large puzzle, using a wooden mallet to secure the joints. Additional bolts are incorporated to reinforce the structure and resist lateral forces, crucial for earthquake resistance. This innovative construction method significantly reduces the need for highly skilled woodworking labor on-site and achieves millimeter accuracy. Furthermore, it virtually eliminates waste during the construction phase. The entire structure can be erected in a single day due to the prefabrication and precision of the components. The article details the construction stages, starting from the foundations, and illustrates the assembly of the wood frame, the use of tongue and groove joints, and the installation of cedar cladding, both before and after treatment with a preservative. The final images showcase the completed exterior, including the porch, cedar deck, and sliding doors, highlighting the integration of traditional aesthetics with modern construction efficiency. The 'Onjuku Beach House' exemplifies a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese architectural principles with contemporary technological advancements. The design respects the local environment through its low-profile massing and material choices, while the construction methodology showcases a forward-thinking approach to efficiency, precision, and sustainability in timber construction. This project demonstrates how modern industrial processes can be leveraged to preserve and enhance historical building practices, particularly in regions prone to natural phenomena like typhoons and earthquakes. #Bakoko #OnjukuBeachHouse #JapaneseArchitecture #TimberFraming #EarthquakeResistantDesign #SustainableConstruction #CoastalArchitecture #PrecutTechnology

The Copenhagen residence, developed by Søren Hvalsøe Garde, redefines on-water living through its sophisticated design and array of modern amenities. Inspired by his experience with the Urban Rigger micro-district, which features affordable, carbon-neutral floating shipping containers, Garde sought to create a residential houseboat that prioritized domestic comfort over traditional maritime aesthetics. The project began in 2019 when Garde acquired a houseboat in Poland and had it relocated to a prime dockside spot on Dokøen Island in Copenhagen, strategically positioned between the city’s opera house and Kengo Kuma’s newly developed Paper Island cultural center. To realize his vision, Garde collaborated with architect Anders Halsteen, resulting in a two-story structure featuring expansive sliding glass doors that offer unobstructed views of the water. Multiple terraces are integrated across both levels, enhancing the connection to the surrounding environment. The exterior of the houseboat is characterized by black wooden slats at the rear, providing a contemporary aesthetic, while the front incorporates maritime-style windows to ensure privacy from the public dock. Attention to detail is evident in practical elements, such as the specially fabricated iron arms for the Wever Ducré lamps, designed to secure them against rough weather, replacing standard cords. Internally, the houseboat is designed to mimic a conventional home, offering two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a dedicated wine room. The kitchen, central to Garde’s passion for cooking, features open displays for hanging pots and pans and is equipped with breccia imperiale quartzite countertops. Adjacent to the kitchen island, a vintage Bruno Mathsson table paired with black PP201 Wegner chairs forms an elegant dining area, suitable for entertaining guests. The lower level includes a minimalist bedroom with a unique outdoor terrace positioned 10 centimeters below sea level, complete with a ladder for direct water access. Material choices further distinguish the interior: the entire first floor is laid with Dinesen fine oak flooring, contrasting with the concrete floors of the lower level. A key feature for comfort and sustainability is the underfloor heating system installed throughout the houseboat, which is efficiently warmed using seawater. Additionally, an outdoor dining terrace provides another space for al fresco enjoyment. The overall design successfully integrates luxurious residential features into a floating structure, challenging conventional perceptions of houseboat living. #houseboatDesign #copenhagenArchitecture #floatingHomes #sustainableLiving #modernDesign #luxuryHouseboat #architecturalInnovation #onWaterLiving

This article details the transformation of a circa-1980 Ventura, California, beach house, purchased by an LA-based couple with two young children at the beginning of the pandemic. The homeowners enlisted designer Jess Diab, formerly a project manager for Sarah Sherman Samuel, to redesign the space. The house, which was the only oceanfront property available at the time, presented a unique design challenge due to its irregular shapes, compartmentalized social areas, and a 'clunky' three-floor layout. Diab's design philosophy centered on celebrating the home's existing geometry, particularly inspired by its swooping entry stairwell. The primary goal was to enhance the sense of flow throughout the three-story structure without undertaking major structural changes. The layout includes guest bedrooms on the lower, beach-level floor, living, dining, and cooking areas on the middle floor, and a partially open, lofted main bedroom. Diab aimed to create numerous "moments" and visual movement to counteract the feeling of simply navigating a series of staircases. Key design elements and strategies implemented by Diab included plastering the walls of a funky stairwell niche to create a soothing, textured aesthetic. This area was further adorned with a sculptural side table and a large decorative clamshell, designed to encourage a momentary pause before guests exit the home. In the guest bedrooms on the ground floor, Diab opted for a hotel-suite ambiance, incorporating simple nightstands and pendant lights. A notable design choice in these rooms involved custom cushioned panels framing the headboard, inspired by Drop It Modern fabric. A black side table, originally an inexpensive find, was spray-painted to elevate its appearance and complement the graphic patterns in the room. The lofted main bedroom initially suffered from a long, narrow configuration, resembling a 'bowling alley' where the bed could only be placed on one wall. To mitigate this awkward orientation, Diab introduced a custom channel-tufted headboard to visually expand the room with horizontal lines. In the kitchen, a new marble countertop and backsplash featuring dark green and gray veining were selected to evoke the Pacific Ocean. The slab yard meticulously book-matched the visible edges of shelves to create a continuous, swirling, watery effect. An upper shelf was strategically placed to keep essentials like coffee and mugs accessible for guests. Addressing storage concerns, Diab collaborated with professional organizer Julianna Strickland of Space Camp Organizing. Beyond stocking the house with the family's preferred snacks, the project involved building custom cabinets to accommodate surplus kitchen items. Given the homeowners' need to host up to 15 people, Strickland designed extra storage around the dining nook for pantry items and dishes. The curved theme was extended to these cupboards, which were finished with Park Studio hardware, a detail replicated in the bedroom closets. The collaboration with Strickland reportedly brought a sense of calm and order to the home's functional aspects. #HomeRenovation #BeachHouseDesign #InteriorDesign #CoastalLiving #SpacePlanning #CurvedArchitecture #VenturaCalifornia #JessDiabStudio #StorageSolutions

This article details the transformation of a circa-1980 beachside home in Ventura, California, which was purchased by a Los Angeles-based couple with two young children at the beginning of the pandemic. The homeowners enlisted designer Jess Diab to revitalize the property, which was initially described as "clunky" with irregular shapes and compartmentalized social areas. Diab's primary goal was to celebrate the existing geometry of the space while introducing a sense of flow and movement, despite the house's three-story layout and numerous stairs, which often made it feel disjointed. The design strategy focused on enhancing the home's inherent curves and improving its functionality without undertaking major structural changes. The house features guest bedrooms on the lower level, living, dining, and kitchen areas on the middle floor, and a partially open, lofted main bedroom. Diab addressed the 'clunky' feel by creating design 'moments' throughout the house, aiming to give the illusion of seamless movement. For instance, a funky stairwell niche was transformed into a calming focal point using textured plaster walls, a sculptural side table, and a decorative clamshell, encouraging occupants to pause and appreciate the space. In the guest bedrooms, located on the beach level, Diab aimed to create a hotel-suite ambiance. This was achieved by incorporating simple nightstands and pendant lights. A custom-cushioned panel, sourced from Drop It Modern fabric, inspired the design of a three-ball side table. This table, originally an inexpensive piece, was spray-painted to mimic a high-end designer item, demonstrating a resourceful approach to budget-conscious design. The lofted main bedroom, initially narrow and awkward, was made more inviting with a custom channel-tufted headboard that introduced horizontal lines, visually broadening the space. The kitchen's design also incorporated the theme of movement and connection to the surroundings. A new marble countertop and backsplash, featuring dark green and gray veining, were selected to evoke the Pacific Ocean. The visible edges of the shelves were meticulously book-matched to create a swirling, watery effect. An upper shelf was strategically placed to ensure easy access to essentials like coffee and mugs for guests. Storage was a significant consideration, especially since the homeowners needed to accommodate up to 15 people. Diab collaborated with professional organizer Julianna Strickland of Space Camp Organizing to not only stock the home with family favorites but also to design and install custom cabinets. These cabinets, framing the dining nook, provided ample storage for pantry items and dishes, essential for entertaining large groups. The curved theme was extended to the hardware, with Park Studio handles adorning both the kitchen cupboards and bedroom closets, ensuring a cohesive design language throughout the home. #BeachHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #CurvedDesign #SpacePlanning #CoastalDecor #StorageSolutions #JessDiabStudio #VenturaHome

This article details the extensive renovation of a modernist lake house in Miramar, Belgium, undertaken by interior architect Peter Ivens. Originally built decades ago by the grandparents of the current owners, the 5,400-square-foot residence had become a "time capsule" with dated elements like shiny black granite floor tiles and dark brown architectural mirrors. Ivens was tasked with providing a fresh take, opting to strip the house down to its core structure. Externally, Ivens replaced the original blue-aluminum windows with new ones framed in padauk, a rot-resistant tropical hardwood. These were left unfinished to weather into a driftwood grey. New blackened steel stacking glass doors were installed, allowing the house to open up to nature in fair weather. The existing rhythm of transparent glazing and solid brick walls on the exterior was maintained. Inside, the ground floor was transformed into a loft-like, flowing space through extensive demolition. Ivens removed the original plaster drop ceilings, which had been installed to reduce air-conditioning costs, revealing handsome structural concrete beams and the overhead slab. This raised the ceiling height to 10 feet. The electrical wiring for new recessed lighting was creatively run on top of the concrete and embedded invisibly within a new topping slab, addressing the challenge of concealing wires after ceiling removal. The floors were finished with smooth microcement in an earthy greenish-grey, providing continuity throughout the space. The formerly closed-off kitchen was opened up and now features a freestanding circular pedestal island, a design choice inspired by 1970s Italian aesthetics. Walls were stripped of their old plaster and resurfaced with a new "cement grey" stucco. The original wood staircase leading to the five upstairs bedrooms was replaced with a sculptural concrete structure. For the interiors, Ivens collaborated with his long-time associate, interiors stylist Bea Mombaers, who curated new furnishings and a selection of twentieth-century vintage accessories. Upstairs, the floors in the bedrooms were raised to accommodate the wiring for recessed fixtures that illuminate the ground floor. This comprehensive renovation successfully modernized the 1970s lake house, transforming its dated appearance into a contemporary, light-filled, and nature-connected home while preserving its modernist spirit. #ModernistLakeHouse #BelgianDesign #PeterIvens #ArchitecturalRenovation #InteriorArchitecture #SustainableMaterials #ConcreteDesign #MidCenturyModern #HomeRenovation

Studio MK27, led by architect and filmmaker Marcio Kogan, designed the Vista House, an 8,343-square-foot seaside villa in Trancoso, Bahia province, Brazil. Completed in early 2020, the residence is situated atop a 46-meter-high cliff, offering expansive views of the ocean and its escarpments. The design of the house was significantly influenced by its tropical environment and the need to frame the panoramic ocean vista, which the architects describe as being captured "like a wide-angle camera." The central feature of the Vista House is its impressive low-slung, gabled roof, measuring approximately 15 meters wide, 3.5 meters tall, and 60 meters long. This substantial wooden roof creates a sense of scale and protection, beneath which the living areas are strategically placed. The roof's exterior is clad in hand-carved wooden shingles, adding to the organic aesthetic, while the outer structure is wrapped in eucalyptus staves. The elongated volume of the roof delineates the horizontal proportions of the house, with its ends enclosing the kitchen and the primary bedroom. These two enclosed volumes serve as anchor points for the structure, while the space beneath the central portion of the roof is largely open to the environment, fostering an indoor-outdoor living experience. The main living areas are designed to be fluid and connected to the surrounding landscape. A notable aspect of the interior is the inclusion of four additional bedrooms housed within a smaller, interior volume. This inner structure is set back from the exterior walls and constructed from Viroc, a composite panel made from wood and cement. The Viroc panels function as folding screens, allowing the inner house to open completely or to be shuttered for privacy and climate control, providing flexibility in how the space is used. The architectural team carefully considered the interplay of Brazil's intense sunlight with the chosen materials. The perforated Viroc panels and the slender eucalyptus staves create dynamic patterns of light and shadow throughout the home. Furthermore, the expansive overhang of the gabled roof offers ample shade, enabling residents to comfortably enjoy the outdoors regardless of weather conditions. The interiors are characterized by a restrained palette of creamy tones and wood finishes, which contrast with the more organic, textured exterior. This polished interior design complements the softer, natural feel of the external cladding. The design philosophy of Vista House emphasizes a harmonious integration with its natural surroundings, utilizing local materials and an open plan to maximize views and outdoor living. The architectural execution ensures both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, allowing for a deep connection between the inhabitants and the stunning Brazilian coastline. The project exemplifies Studio MK27's approach to creating residences that are deeply rooted in their context while offering modern, flexible living spaces. #BrazilianArchitecture #BeachHouseDesign #StudioMK27 #GabledRoof #IndoorOutdoorLiving #TropicalArchitecture #EucalyptusCladding #VirocPanels #ArchitecturalDesign