Resort-style lifestyle in an Adelaide sandstone sanctuary

This blog post showcases a modern, three-level, three-bedroom beach house located on the Victorian coast in Point Lonsdale, Australia. Designed by builder David McDonald for his brother Peter, Peter's wife Lis, and their children Johanna (15) and Charlie (11), the home serves as a family retreat built to withstand the test of time while offering flexible holiday living. The design emphasizes natural materials, clean lines, and high-quality, durable finishes. The house incorporates several distinctive architectural elements, notably a central lap pool with a 12-person spa and a striking curved rammed earth wall. This eight-meter-high rammed earth wall was a deliberate choice to break away from traditional straight lines, adding a sophisticated, earthy touch to the seaside sanctuary. The construction of this feature required careful planning and heavy machinery, especially considering the pool was already in place. The builder aimed for a strong, contemporary design that would blend seamlessly with the surrounding established vegetation, ensuring longevity and timeless appeal. Inside, the home features an open-plan layout bathed in natural light. The kitchen and living area form the central hub, designed for family interaction and direct access to the northern deck and pool. The kitchen boasts European oak for the island benchtop and flooring, complemented by black facades and stainless-steel kickboards, adding a touch of luxury. The dining area continues this aesthetic with a round dining table and sculptural chairs that echo the kitchen island's curves. The entryway is designed to make a bold first impression with its dark and moody aesthetic. Other notable areas include a flexible study space offering stunning views over Point Lonsdale Lighthouse and Port Phillip Heads. Hallways feature timber flooring and railings, which, combined with the rammed earth walls, add warmth to the interior. Bathrooms incorporate natural textures with limestone tiles and European oak vanities, while playful lighting fixtures contribute an industrial, modern touch. Bedrooms, such as Charlie's room and the master bedroom, are enlivened with bright elements like Kip & Co bedlinen and an Ikea rug, providing a fun and contemporary feel. The master bedroom also includes a dark dividing wall to separate the sleeping area from the wardrobe. The exterior of the home features Australian hardwood timber cladding, chosen for its sustainability and ability to age gracefully, further contributing to the architectural integrity. Another favourite design detail of the builder is the cantilevered timber staircase that elegantly follows the curve of the rammed earth wall. The project was completed in 11 months, adhering to a pre-Christmas deadline for the family's holiday celebrations, showcasing the efficiency and dedication of the builder and his team in overcoming construction challenges to deliver a uniquely designed, durable, and aesthetically pleasing beach house. #RammedEarth #BeachHouse #CoastalLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableMaterials #FamilyHome #ModernElegance #IndoorOutdoorLiving #PointLonsdale #InteriorDesign

The Tecture-designed Deans Marsh House is a tranquil, light-filled residence nestled in the Surf Coast's hinterland, specifically designed to offer a sense of anticipation and seclusion. The home is accessed via a meandering one-kilometer driveway, intentionally concealing its full form until visitors are well into the property. The initial view is a rammed earth wall with a single opening, revealing little of the interior beyond. This design choice, according to Tecture director and lead architect Ben Robertson, was a deliberate psychological play to create a powerful sense of discovery. The owners, transitioning from urban Newtown to Deans Marsh, sought a calm, quiet, and isolated space that would feel warm and cozy, deeply connected to its rural environment. A central design element is the extensive use of rammed earth walls, each 400mm thick, prominently featured throughout the main living areas as per the homeowners' request. The design maximizes the internal exposure of this material, which also forms a significant part of the home's exterior. This natural, environmentally friendly material, combined with timber cladding, drives the home's façade, ensuring it blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. The material palette was chosen to complement the rammed earth's tone, avoiding bright whites in favor of earthy and natural hues to facilitate a seamless transition from the clients' previous urban lifestyle. Internally, the home showcases a calming blend of dark and earthy tones, with consistent use of complementary and contrasting materials such as timber, laminates, and travertine. The design intentionally limited the number of materials to avoid complexity and maintain a cohesive aesthetic. This minimalist approach allows the natural material palette of the exterior to extend inward, especially given the remote location where privacy concerns are minimal, enabling large openings and an indoor-outdoor connection. The house is divided into two distinct sections. The living, kitchen, dining, and main bedroom areas are oriented northward to optimize sunlight and solar gain. A 'kids' wing' is situated to the south, primarily intended for occasional visitors. While an ideal design would have elongated the property to ensure all bedrooms benefited from northern light, budget constraints necessitated prioritizing the primary living spaces. Robertson expressed pride in the outcome, highlighting the home's profound sense of discovery, stillness, tranquility, and refined material application, all contributing to a successful and cathartic living environment. #RammedEarth #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #RuralLiving #CoastalHinterland #NaturalMaterials #HomeDesign #Tecture #DeansMarshHouse

Australia's diverse coastline offers a unique setting for luxurious homes, attracting both homeowners and designers. These properties, whether situated harbourside or beachside, are characterized by their ability to integrate spectacular views with sophisticated interiors, effectively blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The designs often prioritize air, light, and the expansive sea and sky, showcasing natural assets through refined aesthetics. One example is an island-inspired family retreat on Sydney's Northern Beaches, which, despite its tranquil resort-like appearance, functions as a serene family home, featuring oversized timber doors and a calm compound layout. Another featured property is a modern coastal home in Sydney, which underwent architectural reorientation by Georgina Wilson. This redesign transformed a series of smaller rooms into a single, expansive space, maximizing natural light and capturing harbour views, thereby creating a seamless connection to the outdoors with a neutral palette. A free-spirited beachside holiday home showcases a vibrant and playful atmosphere, drawing inspiration from chic resorts. This makeover incorporates vibrant red hues, spicy ginger upholstery on outdoor furniture, and zesty citrus accents, complemented by intricate patterns throughout the space. A renovated Bronte Beach home by Tom Mark Henry features a simplified and restrained design. The renovation introduced new openings and large glass panels to provide uninterrupted views of the water. The interior design adopted a monochromatic palette of dove grey and milky white, with biscuity unfilled limestone flooring, creating a sandy texture that complements the coastal environment. In a relaxed harbourside property, interiors by Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke complement the natural surroundings of the sea and mature trees. The home is distinguished by statement furniture, Australian art, and a warm color palette that enhances the daily lives of its residents. A modern Mediterranean coastal home in Palm Beach, designed by Megan Burns of CM Studio, features pure-white pavilions with billowing sheer curtains, pale rosewood interiors, and rough stone walls, evoking a Mediterranean ambiance suitable for a family-friendly holiday retreat. A minimalist harbourside home, designed by Phillip Mathieson, exudes pure luxury with a powerful minimal palette and is anchored by a magnificent gum tree. The design fulfills the homeowner's request for a sophisticated and serene permanent holiday residence. An arresting concrete home, positioned above Sydney's Balmoral, showcases a strong character derived from its robust materials and confident embrace of its bayside location, offering clear views of Sydney Heads. Finally, a modern coastal home in Sydney's eastern suburbs, designed by architect Matthew Krusin of Tobias Partners, is terraced into a sloping site to maximize ocean views. The design emphasizes a simple, luxurious aesthetic, with each level providing a unique experience as one ascends the property. These homes collectively demonstrate a high level of design sophistication, integrating natural beauty with contemporary luxury to create living spaces that are both visually stunning and functionally harmonious with their coastal environments. #CoastalHomes #AustralianArchitecture #LuxuryInteriors #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #SydneyHomes #BeachsideLiving #ModernCoastal

This article details the creation of a unique resort-style home in Bali for Alexander Jovanovic, designed by the A2Kreasitama (A2K) team. The project addressed the challenge of an irregularly shaped plot of land, which ultimately inspired the central octagonal foyer, serving as a functional meeting point and a symbolic compass for the house. The design aimed to merge the characteristics of a resort villa, emphasizing natural airflow, with the functionality of a traditional home where spaces could be fully enclosed. To achieve this dual functionality, the A2K team incorporated aluminum glass doors that can be fully opened to allow natural ventilation while also being tightly sealed to prevent insect intrusion. Strategic placement and height of the house were crucial in maximizing natural airflow, effectively eliminating the need for air conditioning. The home's location in Dreamland – Pecatu, Bali, allowed for the integration of Balinese contemporary design elements, starting with intricate wooden carvings at the main entrance. The octagonal foyer, inspired by Taoist cosmology, was intended to bring balance and stability to the irregular landform. The interior of the foyer features white granite tile floors, a sleek console table with a painting, and a contemporary chandelier above a central round table. From the foyer, access is provided to two bedrooms through oversized solid wood doors, and a glass door opens to the swimming pool. The guest bedroom is situated to the left, adjacent to a staircase leading to the upper floors, while the master bedroom on the right offers direct access to a green-stone swimming pool and a private wooden parquet patio. The master suite includes a walk-in closet connecting to a Balinese semi-outdoor bathroom, which features a freestanding bathtub, a solid wall finish, and a stonescape garden, enhancing the private resort-like ambiance. An outdoor whirlpool is located between the master bedroom and the main pool. The guest bedroom also has an open terrace for entertaining or enjoying sunsets, and its bathroom is equipped with a glass wall shower and a small garden leading to the swimming pool. All bedrooms are finished with wooden parquet floors and adorned with solid wood and natural stone accents. An eye-catching contemporary staircase, constructed from steel and solid wood with frameless glass railings, leads to the upper levels. A high synthetic rattan ceiling above the staircase not only serves as an aesthetic feature but also demonstrates a clever use of local materials. The living and dining areas are uniquely positioned on the upper floor to offer magnificent views during daily activities, cultivating a recreational, resort, and tropical atmosphere. The living room, encased by transparent glass doors and solid wood columns, is a focal point of the house. It includes a solid wood dining table with an integrated teppanyaki-style stove for entertaining. Above the dining room, an attic serves as a relaxing space and provides access to a rooftop with panoramic views of Jimbaran Bay and the airport runway, ideal for social gatherings. The lower ground level accommodates a service area, laundry room, and a spacious garage with a carport that can function as a versatile multi-purpose space. Given the owner's background in the hospitality business, the A2K team meticulously designed the home to offer luxurious comfort and a distinct resort feel. The public and private areas are clearly delineated, and the designer used scale effectively to maximize space and apply hospitality industry standards to a private residence. For example, the octagonal foyer's atrium was designed to be larger than typical for a home of its size. The innovative design on the 505 sqm plot successfully integrated various functions to cater to the owner's lifestyle, resulting in a truly unique resort-style home. #ArchitectureInterior #ResortStyleHome #BaliDesign #A2Kreasitama #SustainableDesign #BalineseContemporary #LuxuryLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation

This article details the creation of a contemporary single-level home in Arcadia, Scottsdale, designed for Lara and Brett Polachek. The homeowners aimed for a family sanctuary that also functions as an ideal space for entertaining, accommodating two teenagers and a dog. The design team included Brandon Architects for architecture, Wiseman & Gale's Holly Ogden and Jamie Hedstrom for interiors, Vista General as builder, and Berghoff Design Group for landscape design. The central vision was to create a warm, functional, and memorable space that felt like a "giant hug." A primary goal was to maximize Arizona's year-round livability and foster connection, leading to a pavilion-style layout that allows the main living areas—great room, dining, and kitchen—to open to both the Camelback Mountain views at the front and the rear yard with the pool and cabana. Outdoor spaces, designed by Berghoff Design Group, include patios, shaded seating areas, and a pickleball court, ensuring seamless indoor-outdoor living. The home also incorporates personalized retreats, such as Lara’s art studio, Brett’s home office, and private bedrooms. The inspiration for the design blended the Arizona landscape and Southern California coastal styles, with a focus on family life and entertaining. The home's U-shaped plan frames the pool and pickleball court while orienting key views toward Camelback Mountain, a feature the homeowners prioritized. The design team envisioned a home that could easily transition from daily family living to large-scale gatherings. Public spaces were designed for multiple uses, adapting to both intimate family moments and large social events. Architect Chris Brandon divided the home into distinct pavilions, each with its own material identity, including dark smooth stucco, natural stone veneer, and rustic vertical wood siding, complemented by shaded exterior living areas. Inside, a warm neutral palette was established, layered with texture and accented with gold. A notable feature is the bar-lounge, named Scout & Fig, designed as an upscale restaurant for after-dinner drinks or family movie nights. Throughout the home, sophistication is balanced with comfort. The dining area features a sleek black leather banquette, and the living room boasts a retractable art screen concealing the television, a favorite of Lara Polachek. The primary bathroom offers a serene retreat with honed slab shower walls, teak slatted flooring, and a private patio with a hot tub and cold plunge, which Brett uses almost daily. Lara particularly appreciates the ability to open windows and doors for fresh air. Both the art studio and home office were strategically placed to offer inspiring views, with Lara's facing Camelback and Brett's overlooking the pool. The landscape features layered, desert-friendly plantings, pathways, and seating areas that extend the living space outdoors. Challenges included a late decision to paint the exterior a deep black, which added a desired edge to the house, and difficulties with permitting due to the irregular lot shape in a new development. Despite these hurdles, the collaborative effort of the design team and the homeowners resulted in a home that exceeds expectations, fostering a vibrant family life and hosting environment. The Polacheks expressed immense satisfaction, describing it as a welcoming space filled with love, leading to happy tears upon its completion. This project highlights a successful integration of modern design, functional living, and personalized touches, creating a truly unique sanctuary. #ArcadiaSanctuary #ModernHomeDesign #ScottsdaleLiving #IndoorOutdoorLiving #LuxuryInteriors #CamelbackMountainViews #FamilyHome #EntertainingSpace #LandscapeArchitecture

Interior designer Kristen Peña recently completed a Pebble Beach, California project, transforming a four-bedroom bungalow into a coastal craftsman home designed for a retired couple. The design prioritizes fun and adventure while maintaining authenticity for the clients, deliberately avoiding fleeting trends. The 3,600-square-foot residence features 3.5 bathrooms and a variety of unique spaces tailored to the couple's lifestyle. Peña focused on creating an indoor-meets-outdoor oasis, recognizing the friendly climate of Pebble Beach. The front patio includes a fire pit inspired by local golf clubs, offering an additional outdoor retreat. The home's design allows for seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas, with both front and back spaces accessible for enjoyment. The back patio is equipped with a full chef's kitchen, a large dining table, and a state-of-the-art pizza oven, catering to the couple's love for entertaining. A notable feature in the outdoor space is "Mo’s Green clock," a putting green serving as a sentimental tribute to the client’s late father, who enjoyed golfing. Inside, the formal living room, located just past the front door, features a soft color palette and tactile textures. Peña designed this room as a comfortable central gathering space, emphasizing durability and usability over preciousness. The den is transformed into a sophisticated area for watching sports, complete with a full bar and access to an upper deck. The kitchen stands out with its "hero hue" of green, a departure from the common preference for blue. The backsplash tiles, sourced from Ann Sacks, are inspired by the cypress trees of Pebble Beach, each possessing unique color and texture. A prominent La Cornue range, equipped with an induction cooktop, serves as a functional focal point, reflecting a blend of classic aesthetics and modern utility. The dining room seamlessly connects to both the backyard and the living room. It features ceramic pendants by Dumais Made, chosen to incorporate the homeowner's interest in ceramics. A charming built-in nook in the dining room is adorned with Zak + Fox wallpaper, with its blue and green hues complementing the natural landscape outside. The powder room offers a moment of drama with moody red Porter Teleo wallpaper, contrasting with the home's generally serene palette. The primary bedroom accommodates a four-poster bed due to its generous scale and incorporates green accents, aligning with the homeowner's preference and the abundant greenery visible from the windows. A unique adult bunk room provides a playful yet sophisticated overnight space for guests, designed with practical, compact beds. The design evokes a collegiate feel, catering to friends who have known the homeowners since college. Another guest bedroom offers a private suite overlooking the landscaped side of the house. The primary bathroom showcases Calacatta Oro marble slabs, notably featuring a single, large piece on the shower's back wall, a testament to intricate design and installation. The custom-designed countertop profile further adds a romantic touch to the space. Kristen Peña, originally from Syracuse, founded her namesake firm in California's Bay Area after studying architecture and design at the University of California, Berkeley, and her portfolio has expanded to nearly 20 projects nationwide, starting with her own San Francisco home. #PebbleBeachResidence #CoastalCraftsman #KristenPeñaInteriors #OutdoorLiving #GolfLifestyle #LuxuryKitchen #AdultBunkRoom #CustomDesign #InteriorDesign

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

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 showcases five holiday homes, each featuring a unique infinity pool design, located across various picturesque regions, offering a luxurious escape and an immersive experience with nature. Infinity pools are highlighted as an ideal way to combat summer heat, creating an illusion of boundless space and tranquility by seamlessly merging with the surrounding landscape. The first featured property is an eco-conscious home in Kerala, named 'Malhar.' This weekend retreat, designed by architect Vivek PP of De Earth, is situated on a six-acre plot near Payyannur, Kannur. The owners, originally from Bengaluru, envision making this their permanent residence. The home features a cobbled pathway leading to a foyer, and an open-to-sky infinity pool, surrounded by areca palm trees, is central to a courtyard. The pool provides expansive views of nearby plantations, fulfilling the owners' desire for a lush, green environment integrated with music. Next is a second-generation summer home in Ahmedabad, a project by Rushi Shah and Vidisha Shah. This property is notable for its integration with the abundant trees on its verdant outskirts. Initially conceived as a standard two-bedroom dwelling, the design evolved to prioritize open spaces and a harmonious relationship with nature. The infinity pool at the front of the house is strategically positioned on a lawn slope, creating a stunning visual effect that allows inhabitants to fully appreciate the encompassing landscape, functioning as a viewing gallery. A lakeside home in Kamshet, Maharashtra, is also presented, owned by dance practitioner Avantika Bahl and consultant Avinash Goyal. This property, located on a unique lakeside parcel in the ghats, is described as extraordinary, with dancing grasses and a design that resonates with Bahl's artistic sensibilities. The home is characterized by a series of pavilions that offer increasingly spectacular lake views. Its design is intended to appear naturally integrated into the environment, featuring elements like colorful living room blocks that interact with sunlight and a half-moon shaped pool that mirrors the lake, creating a celestial impression. The fourth property is a coffee estate in Coorg, converted into a vacation home by Studio 4A co-founders Vijay Narayanan and Appachu Nanjappa. This 4,000-square-foot, single-story, gable-roofed house is set amidst a coffee estate with distant views of elk hills, and its structure is subtly integrated into the elevated terrain. The architects emphasized celebrating the natural landscape and climate, incorporating tropical architectural elements such as long verandahs, courtyards, high ceilings, and folding doors. These features create interconnected outdoor spaces, including an exterior infinity swimming pool, stepped sunken seating, and a deck that extends from the living area. Finally, a blissful getaway in Karjat offers an elevated perspective of the hillside. This luxurious 8,000-square-foot, two-story abode, spanning over six acres, includes a garden, swimming pool, and gaming room, all enveloped by lush greenery. Amritha Karnakar, principal architect at AKAD, designed the interiors to be minimal, ensuring that the focus remains on the undulating hillside views and the tranquil Kalote lake. An infinity pool on the ground floor deck, complemented by sunbeds, allows residents to immerse themselves in the green vistas, making it an ideal weekend retreat from the urban bustle of Mumbai. #HolidayHomes #InfinityPools #LuxuryTravel #ArchitecturalDesign #EcoConsciousHomes #LakesideProperties #CoffeeEstateHomes #ModernAesthetic

The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga offers a unique accommodation experience nestled within the natural landscape of Taronga Zoo Sydney. Guests can choose from a range of thoughtfully designed rooms, each offering distinct views and amenities. The retreat emphasizes luxury facilities combined with sustainable practices, ensuring a comfortable stay that also considers environmental impact. All accommodations feature spacious king or twin bedding, climate control (air conditioning and heating), elegant custom furniture, and sustainable amenities free from single-use plastics. Complimentary high-speed WiFi and flat-screen TVs are standard, providing options for relaxation amid the sounds of the Taronga sanctuary. The Bushland Room provides views of iconic Australian bushland, with native birds and flora visible from the windows. Packages for this room type typically include a Sanctuary tour, buffet breakfast at Me-Gal restaurant, complimentary access to Taronga Zoo Sydney, and free parking. These rooms accommodate a maximum of two adults and one child, with options for interconnecting rooms for larger families with children aged 10 and over. Amenities include a king-size bed, an open-plan ensuite with a shower, a mini-bar menu, a pull-out trundle bed (suitable for children up to age six upon request), and a baby cot (also upon request). The Animal View Room offers direct views of the Wildlife Retreat's Sanctuary, a lush habitat where Australian animals reside just outside the window. Similar to the Bushland Room, packages include a Sanctuary tour, buffet breakfast, zoo access, and parking. Room capacity and amenity details mirror those of the Bushland Room, including the availability of interconnecting rooms for families. The emphasis is on providing an immersive experience, bringing guests closer to the wildlife. For those seeking panoramic vistas, the Harbour View Room presents stunning sunrise views over Taronga Zoo Sydney, extending across Sydney Harbour to include the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The package inclusions for Harbour View Rooms are consistent with the other room types. These rooms also accommodate up to two adults and one child, with family-friendly options for interconnecting rooms. All standard amenities, such as the king-size bed, open-plan ensuite, and sustainable products, are provided. For an elevated experience, the Treetop Suites are the most spacious accommodation option, featuring panoramic views and an open-plan ensuite with a freestanding bathtub. These suites are designed for ultimate comfort and include the same package benefits as the other rooms. Treetop Suites can accommodate a maximum of three adults or two adults and one child. In addition to the standard amenities, they boast a custom king-size bed and the luxurious addition of a bathtub. The Wildlife Retreat also provides Accessible Rooms, specifically designed to accommodate guests with mobility needs. These four rooms include bathrooms and shower facilities suitable for wheelchair access. The N'Gurra Lounge and Me-Gal Restaurant also feature fully accessible toilets. The Sanctuary and Wollemi Tour are wheelchair accessible, and guests can obtain an accessible Zoo Map to navigate the zoo's paths. Accessible Rooms can accommodate up to three adults or two adults and one child, offering a king-size bed and a single roll-away bed upon request, alongside all other standard room amenities. #WildlifeRetreat #TarongaZooSydney #LuxuryAccommodation #SustainableTravel #AnimalViewRooms #HarbourViews #TreetopSuites #AccessibleAccommodation #ZooStay

A Bloomington, Minnesota, backyard underwent a dramatic transformation, inspired by the midcentury design aesthetic of Palm Springs, California. Homeowners Ayla and Heidi, avid admirers of Palm Springs, collaborated with landscape architect Steve Modrow of biota Landscapes to create a desert oasis in their backyard, bringing the Californian vibe to the Midwest. The project involved a complete overhaul of a previously overgrown yard that lacked sunlight due to numerous trees and was largely covered by a massive deck. The design process, spanning over eight years, aimed to convert the property into a dream resort. Modrow, a native of southern California, understood Ayla's vision, which included creating a unique biome that transports visitors. The redesigned backyard features circular concrete pavers, sparsely planted yucca, prickly pear cacti, Cyntinus shrubs, and thyme, evoking a desert landscape. A key element is an orange-framed door set into a white breeze-block wall, serving as an inviting entrance. Beyond the desert-inspired entrance, a path leads to a hot tub area, uniquely surrounded by faux turf to allow for year-round use, even in Minnesota's cold climate. Behind the hot tub, a Modrian-influenced acrylic-panel wall adds a modern artistic touch, complemented by horsetail grass, which contributes to the midcentury aesthetic. The pool area was also revitalized, with low-growing sumac planted and existing trees thinned and trimmed to create a vertical, sculptural effect. Arcing jets of water and subtle lighting enhance the ambiance in the evenings. For entertainment, an interlocking shuffleboard court was installed on a poured concrete pad, complete with an acrylic panel that functions as a dry-erase scoreboard. This feature caters to Ayla's childhood passion for shuffleboard. The backyard also boasts an updated gazebo, affectionately named “the Pink Flamingo Bar,” and a cheerful yellow-painted wall that serves as a backdrop for decorative items and the couple's collection of cacti from their Palm Springs travels. This vibrant wall extends the playful color scheme throughout the yard, including yellow cushions and seating around a fire pit set in pea gravel. The use of pea gravel around the fire pit offers a soft, squishy surface for barefoot walking, making it comfortable for those coming directly from the pool or hot tub. A hand-troweled concrete pad connects the fire pit area to the glass-walled house, ensuring seamless flow. Locally sourced boulders were strategically placed across the property to reinforce the modern desert aesthetic. The homeowners frequently host gatherings of up to 50 people, emphasizing the social and entertaining aspect of their transformed backyard. The project demonstrates that creating a desert oasis in a non-desert climate like the Midwest is achievable. Modrow ensured that the landscaping included Minnesota-hardy desert plants, blending the desired aesthetic with practical considerations for the local environment. For Ayla and Heidi, the backyard represents a personal oasis, a place to relax and entertain, providing a resort-like experience at home. The ongoing nature of the project, with continuous additions each year, highlights their commitment to evolving and enhancing their unique outdoor living space. #PalmSpringsStyle #BackyardDesign #DesertOasis #MidcenturyModern #OutdoorLiving #LandscapeArchitecture #MinnesotaDesign #BiotaLandscapes #ShuffleboardCourt

Perched on the 20th floor of a luxurious housing society in Gurugram, a 2,800-square-foot home draws inspiration from the global travels of its homeowners. The clients commissioned architects Rohan Gera and Nishtha Duggal, co-founders of The Concrete Story, to craft a space that integrated the urban raw aesthetic of the cityscape while avoiding the typical decor often found in luxury apartments. In response to this brief, the architects conceived a home that pays homage to the imagery of sand dunes and deserts. The residence serves as a canvas for a sophisticated interplay of materials, encompassing two bedrooms, a study lounge, four bathrooms, and a household staff's quarter. To achieve the desired raw desert ambiance, natural sand-based plasters were extensively used. Lime wash was applied to all walls, contributing to the cooling effect characteristic of desert homes. Another textured paint, known as _ghibli_, was incorporated into the main bedroom. Teak wood was utilized as a foundational material throughout the house, forming a robust structural element. Local artisans were instrumental in achieving the rustic finishes and in weaving the brutalist aesthetic of the desert into the overall design language. Upon entering, a private lift lobby leads to the main door, which is elegantly adorned with fabric sourced from Sarita Handa. The living room is bathed in natural light streaming from the balcony, which beautifully highlights the textured lime-washed walls and the wicker detail sofa. A prominent teak table, with its matte surface, provides a striking contrast against the diverse textures present in the space. Adjacent to the living area, and overlooking the meticulously designed balcony, is the dining table. Woven blinds and a subtly elegant chandelier complement the sandy textures that define the design scheme. The study lounge, conceived as a tribute to readers, features a Sabyasachi wallpaper as its focal point, showcasing a harmonious blend of patterns. The opposing wall is finished in white plaster with minimal depth, offering a clean counterpoint. A bespoke bookshelf, crafted on-site and finished in French yellow, introduces a touch of delicacy to the otherwise bold space. The study chair and settee were custom-designed by the architectural team. The main bedroom exudes a sense of understated luxury and adheres to a minimalist design philosophy. Crinkled curtains add visual interest, and a daybed by the window offers a serene spot for relaxation. The guest bedroom draws inspiration from India's rich architectural and design heritage, featuring a timeless teak bed and a refreshing green color palette. Intricately carved side tables enhance the room's elegance, while wardrobes, inspired by Parsi-style almirahs, are fitted with starched cotton fabric that emits a soft glow when illuminated at night. The entire home skillfully merges various textures, patterns, and materials to evoke the serene yet rugged beauty of a desert landscape, providing a unique and personalized living experience for its globetrotting inhabitants. #GurugramHome #LuxuryDesign #SandDunesInspired #TheConcreteStory #InteriorArchitecture #NaturalMaterials #ArtisanCraftsmanship #DesertVibe

Sun Ranch is a 55-acre coastal estate located in the Byron Bay hinterland, designed by Balanced Earth Architects to offer guests privacy, on-site experiences, and luxury hotel living. The project, completed in 2023, spans an area of 1000 square meters. The architectural team for Sun Ranch included Michael Leung and Leo Dewitte, with Carlotta Phelan serving as the interior designer. Engineering was provided by Lucena Engineering and Dougal May, while Laughlan Rabbidge and LAND were responsible for the landscape design. The construction was handled by Balanced Earth Building, with Ture Schmitd and Luke Wrencher overseeing the process. The design of Sun Ranch emphasizes a departure from conventional hospitality experiences, focusing on creating a unique and exceptional environment for guests. The choice of materials and construction methods reflects a commitment to integrating the structures within their natural surroundings while providing high-quality accommodations. Wood is a prominent material used throughout the project, contributing to its aesthetic and potentially its sustainability credentials. Key manufacturers involved in the project include Archdomus, Eco Outdoor, and Microcement, indicating a blend of high-end and natural materials. The estate features a variety of spaces, including bedrooms, dining areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, all meticulously designed to enhance the guest experience. The interior photography highlights elements such as exposed beams, strategic lighting, and large windows that connect the indoor spaces with the scenic outdoors. Exterior photography showcases the integration of the architecture with its natural landscape, featuring gardens, decks, patios, and courtyards, suggesting an emphasis on outdoor living and interaction with the coastal hinterland environment. The project falls under the categories of Hospitality Architecture and Cabins & Lodges, signifying its purpose as a destination for leisure and accommodation. The location in Byron Bay, Australia, further emphasizes its appeal as a serene retreat. The architectural approach appears to balance modern design with a respect for the natural setting, aiming to provide a distinct and memorable stay for its visitors. The overall design intent is to create a sense of total privacy and luxury, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the unique offerings of Sun Ranch. #HospitalityArchitecture #CabinsLodges #ByronBay #Australia #WoodConstruction #CoastalEstate #LuxuryAccommodation #BalancedEarthArchitects #InteriorDesign

This blog post details the design and features of a 4,000-square-foot mountain home in Park City, Utah, built by homeowners as their "forever home." The residence, designed by Unscripted Interiors, is situated on a lot with a creek, offering views of the Wasatch Range and access to year-round outdoor activities. The design process involved a collaboration with architects from the ground up, with Unscripted Interiors playing a pivotal role from the initial drawing plans. Kari Armstrong, principal of the Denver-based Unscripted Interiors, describes the home’s style as "Modern Americana" with a "mountain-ish" sensibility, avoiding overly rustic themes despite its mountain setting. The design subtly incorporates a red, white, and blue color palette, with reds appearing in vintage Turkish carpets, blues in blankets and pillows, and whites in paneled hallways and custom tile installations in the kitchen and bathrooms. Materials such as alpaca, local stone, petrified wood, bouclé, and linen contribute to the sophisticated aesthetic, ensuring the home feels elegant and adaptable to various settings. The double-height great room features custom bespoke elements, including an A. Rudin sofa, a 13-foot dining table with bronze accents from Holly Hunt, custom chairs with leather detailing, and a fireplace hearth crafted from local “Park City Gold” limestone. A custom-made rug from Nepal and a Ralph Lauren light fixture for Circa Lighting further enhance the room’s luxurious feel. The built-in bar showcases a unique approach to traditional mountain house elements, with custom-clad leather cabinets finished with nailhead details by The Tanner’s Craft. Accommodation for visiting family is a key aspect of the home's design, including a "four seasons" sun porch that provides comfort in winter with a fireplace and opens up in summer. A dedicated coffee and breakfast bar connected to guest rooms on the second floor caters to early risers. Other notable features include a sitting room with custom walnut millwork, a kitchen with a herringbone pattern backsplash from Concept Studio and metal cabinets, and a primary bedroom with an antler chandelier, a custom bench, and a bouclé bed. Guest rooms include "dueling bunks" with built-in storage and a wood-paneled guest room painted in Cornwall Slate by Sherwin Williams, adorned with vintage blankets transformed into pillows. The primary bathroom boasts a Victoria & Albert freestanding tub and Phylrich faucets. Outdoor spaces feature Gloster dining chairs and bar stools for al fresco meals and a "she shed" near concrete raised garden beds, offering a serene escape. #ParkCity #MountainRetreat #ModernAmericana #UnscriptedInteriors #HomeDesign #CustomInteriors #LuxuryHome #Utah

This article explores the transformation of an Indian Wells vacation home in Palm Springs, a mid-century modern residence that underwent a significant renovation by interior designer Stephanie Brown Inc. The project aimed to update a dated property, which suffered from piecemeal renovations, including ceramic flooring, defunct fireplaces, poor space planning, and an inefficient kitchen layout. The reimagined home, spanning 2,200 square feet, now seamlessly integrates with its desert landscape and adjacent golf course grounds, offering a blend of modern aesthetics and functional design. The exterior enhancements include an entry courtyard designed to draw attention skyward, expansive patios, and a pool with an organic, pond-like edge, all contributing to an immersive outdoor experience. Inside, the home features an open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area centered around a core element that houses a wood-burning fireplace and media equipment. The private quarters consist of three bedrooms and three bathrooms, all designed to maximize natural light, sight lines, and fresh air. Previous structural inefficiencies were addressed by consolidating poorly used space, converting former fireplaces into built-in millwork, and redesigning the kitchen for optimal entertaining. The kitchen now includes a long island for gatherings, a dedicated coffee station, and a bar strategically placed between the dining and living areas. Stephanie Brown's design philosophy for this project, dubbed "Casa Sand Dune," focused on creating a warm, calming, and clean interior. Unlike the bright and kitschy styles often associated with Palm Springs mid-century interiors, Brown drew inspiration from contemporary design in Mexico and Australia. These influences emphasize monochromatic palettes and the use of natural materials, such as textural stone and warm woods. The interior surfaces, including walls, floors, and countertops, are bathed in soft parchment tones, allowing for a layering of expressive home furnishings that introduce warmth and character, contrasting with the starkness sometimes found in minimalist designs. Considering the arid climate and the desire for outdoor living, large-format porcelain tile was selected for flooring throughout the home due to its cooling properties and durability. Other wet areas incorporate subtle shifts in material, featuring soft terrazzo marble and a textured wall of zellige terracotta. Melamine walnut cabinetry was chosen for its resistance to extreme heat and sunshine, ensuring longevity and maintaining aesthetic integrity. The fireplace, a focal point, is encased in walnut paneling with a hearth made of fluted concrete tiles. Through these careful interventions and material selections, Brown has successfully reinterpreted a mid-century modern gem, adding a contemporary layer to Palm Springs' rich architectural heritage while preserving its timeless appeal. #InteriorDesign #MidCenturyModern #PalmSprings #HomeRenovation #DesertLiving #StephanieBrownInc #ArchitecturalHeritage #NaturalMaterials #ContemporaryDesign

This article details the design and construction of a 12,000-square-foot, six-bedroom mansion in Palm Beach County, Florida, characterized by its extensive use of rare and vibrant marble. The homeowners, a couple with two young children, collaborated with architect Daniel Kahan of Smith and Moore, and interior designer Andrew Howard, on this ambitious project. The design draws inspiration from Art Deco and midcentury modernism, featuring a neutral palette intended to highlight the couple's contemporary art collection, all within a neoclassical architectural framework. The project began with the clients' strong preference for stone, sending numerous images of marble, travertine, and granite slabs from Italy, Turkey, and other locations. This led to hundreds of slabs being reserved even before the comprehensive design schemes were finalized. A significant acquisition was a 13-ton block of Breccia Capraia marble from Pietrasanta, Italy, which underscored the design team's realization that every detail in the house would be unique and high-end. The homeowners, a commercial real estate investor and a competitive equestrian, expressed a desire for a home that felt established and traditional in its bones but fluid and modern inside. This vision translated into integrating blue-chip French and Italian Art Deco and midcentury modern design icons, such as Paolo Buffa, Jean-Michel Frank, and René Lalique, into the decor. The use of marble is pervasive throughout the residence. For instance, the butler's pantry showcases riotously veined slabs of purple-and-green Calacatta Borghese marble on emerald-lacquered cabinets and as tall backsplashes. The primary bathroom features solid Calacatta Gold wainscoting, while the spa walls are covered in silver travertine. The kitchen island is entirely composed of Calacatta Caldia Supreme. A powder room includes a vanity crafted from brass-inlaid, lilac-veined Turkish marble, with a carved sink, resembling an ancient Roman altarpiece. A notable highlight is the lounge and games room, where a monumental bar, custom-carved in Italy from the large block of Breccia Capraia Verde marble, serves as a focal point. This room also features classic parquet flooring, high coffered ceilings with warm-walnut beams, and matching wood paneling on the walls. Contemporary elements such as a graphically patterned hair-on-hide Kyle Bunting rug and a burgundy-lacquered Francesco Balzano console table are incorporated to balance the traditional features. The windows are adorned with floor-to-ceiling curtains made from an overlapping patchwork of five jewel-toned fabrics. The games room also includes a custom 1,700-pound marble Ping-Pong table by Moniomi, featuring sleek geometry, black-and-white-striped edging, and a multicolored inlaid-marble surface, blending fun with luxury. The foyer makes a grand statement with a seven-tier Murano-glass and brass chandelier from the 1970s, hanging from an oval skylight. This is complemented by 10 Murano sconces and a graphic Charles Arnoldi painting above a 1940s French Art Deco sideboard, set against gray-and-white marble checkerboard floors. The living and dining area is equally opulent, featuring a mantel carved from a single block of marble, 1950s armchairs by Gio Ponti, and custom sofas upholstered in Scottish cashmere. An Art Deco–inspired coffee table with horn-marquetry legs and a bleached-parchment top, along with console tables clad in translucent selenite and cabinet doors with gypsum shards in a sunburst motif, add to the luxurious aesthetic. In the primary bedroom, a mirror framed in 23-karat gold appears to float beneath dentil crown molding, and the wife’s dressing room boasts a vintage Murano chandelier and a ceiling panel hand-embroidered by artist Sophie Coryndon, finished in gold. Despite the luxurious materials, the designers ensured the home remained livable for a family with young children. Andrew Howard incorporated durable indoor-outdoor performance fabrics and finishes in kid-friendly spaces like the kitchen, family room, and children’s bedrooms, maintaining the sophisticated aesthetic while enhancing practicality. The family expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing that the investment in quality and thoughtful design has created a cherished home for their children to grow up in. #PalmBeachMansion #LuxuryHomeDesign #MarbleInteriors #ArtDecoStyle #MidcenturyModern #InteriorDesign #AndrewHoward #SmithAndMooreArchitects #FloridaRealEstate