A Renaissance of a Geist Estate

Lisa and Gary Mieran, owners of Akyrah Kitchens, designed and largely built their two-storey, industrial-style home with modernist influences in Gympie, Queensland. The house, completed in December 2019 after a two-stage construction, is situated on land historically owned by Lisa's family. The design draws inspiration from Heide II, a modernist icon in Melbourne, celebrating concrete, timber, abundant light, and earthy tones. Lisa envisioned a home that would rise organically from the earth, becoming an integral part of the landscape and improving with age. The structure features off-form concrete, walls of glass, and tactile timbers, with the lower storey clad in cedar and the upper storey in recycled hardwood. Steel balustrading, handcrafted by Gary, complements the exterior, which also includes a swimming pool with Andorra limestone pavers. The interior features a breezeway offering spectacular views and airflow, with ceilings made of Henley Oak Grove engineered timber. The foyer includes a BassamFellows 'Geometric' day bed and artworks by Steve Waller. Given their expertise with Akyrah Kitchens, the kitchen in their home is a highlight, featuring blackbutt veneer doors, Basaltina benchtops, Circa taps from Brodware, and Inax 'Ceravio G' tiles. The living areas include a guest sitting area with a B&B Italia 'Le Bambole' sofa and a living room with a Cheminées Philippe fireplace and Jardan furnishings. The home was built in two stages to accommodate their grown children, Taren and Kirra. The first stage was a self-contained flat, which served as their temporary residence during the main build and now functions as a guest wing. The main house and another guest wing are connected by glassed walkways, with the main bedroom suite located upstairs. This design allows for three self-contained bedrooms with ensuites, providing private quarters for everyone while centralizing communal living spaces. Practicality and functionality are key design principles, evident in the integrated laundry within the bathroom behind a blackbutt joinery feature wall, and the kitchen's two large islands designed for simplicity and ample storage. The materials used throughout the home emphasize natural elements. Recycled timber is used for the upper storey and blackbutt joinery adds warmth, while the seamless flow of concrete from exterior to interior reinforces the architectural aesthetic. The home is designed for climate control, with generous light for winter warmth and cross-breezes for summer cooling. Lisa also undertook the landscaping, incorporating native plants like Xanthorrhoea, pandanus, native grasses, and succulents. The furniture, much of it Australian-made from brands like Jardan, is chosen for its timeless appeal and durability, reflecting the couple's preference for classic design over fleeting trends. The house stands as a testament to the couple's comprehensive involvement and shared vision, combining their professional skills with personal passions to create a harmonious and functional living space. #ModernistArchitecture #IndustrialStyle #ConcreteDesign #TimberAccents #SustainableMaterials #HomeDesign #OwnerBuilt #QueenslandHome #InteriorDesign

In Seattle's historic Wedgwood neighborhood, a 1970s home has undergone a significant transformation, blending its original architectural character with modern functionality to suit a young family's lifestyle. The project, named The Wedge(wood), was a collaborative effort between Best Practice Architecture and Ainslie-Davis, a contracting firm with a personal connection to the property, as the home was originally built by a family member. The renovation focused on creating open, adaptable spaces while retaining nostalgic elements. The kitchen, previously enclosed and outdated, was a primary focus of the redesign. It was opened up to seamlessly connect with the dining area, enhancing the flow of the main living spaces. A new wooden bench was integrated, serving as a transitional element between the kitchen and dining zones. A notable feature is the lowered leaf on the kitchen island, specifically designed to encourage children's participation in meal preparation, fostering a more inclusive and interactive family environment. Respect for the home's heritage was a guiding principle. Key original features, such as the sunken living room and its vintage wood-burning stove, were preserved and integrated into the new design. To improve the connection between the living room and the adjacent kitchen and dining areas, existing partial-height walls were replaced with custom wood shelving. This solution maintained an open feel and unobstructed views to the outdoors, while still subtly defining distinct areas within the open-plan layout. A significant structural modification involved converting a formerly covered porch into a functional mudroom. Given Seattle's climate, this addition proved highly practical, providing a cheerful and organized space for managing wet weather gear. The mudroom features patterned tiles and ample storage, adding valuable square footage and enhancing the home's overall utility. Upstairs, the renovation continued with the addition of a full bathroom, addressing the family's growing needs. An underutilized great room was reconfigured to create both a new bedroom and a playroom, catering to the younger members of the household. The primary suite also received a comprehensive update. The design maximized natural light by preserving existing clerestory windows and created an airy, spa-like atmosphere in the newly designed bathroom. The removal of the upper portion of a dividing wall in the primary suite established a visual connection to the surrounding trees and sky, contributing to a tranquil and expansive ambiance within the private quarters. The overall renovation successfully balances preserving the home's historical essence with contemporary design and functionality. #HomeRenovation #Architecture #InteriorDesign #ModernLiving #SeattleHomes #FamilyHome #SustainableDesign #MidCenturyModern #KitchenDesign

Asim Merchant, a Mumbai-based designer, embarked on a unique passion project: the respectful restoration of an old Indo-Portuguese villa in Moira, a serene hamlet in North Goa. Merchant was captivated by the villa's location and the inherent beauty of its dilapidated structure, despite its neglected state. His primary objective was to infuse a subtle modern elegance while preserving the intrinsic, age-old charm of the home. This involved a deep dive into the historical context of Goan villas, studying their construction methods, the rationale behind specific architectural choices, and the materials used. The restoration was guided by the principle of 'restore, not recreate,' emphasizing the retention of as many original elements as possible. Merchant's extensive research into traditional Goan architecture, including the placement of wells and chosen heights, provided a foundational understanding of the villa's historical significance. He meticulously studied how such structures endured heavy monsoons without cement and how natural light and cooling mechanisms were integrated into 150-year-old designs. Key to the restoration was the integration of skylights, installed as long bands of glass across all roofs, including the living room, to maximize natural light. This design choice allows the sunlight to animate the interior spaces throughout the day. The balcão (porch) of the original home was carefully preserved and restored, maintaining its columns and roof wood. Multi-toned slate tiles with metallic glints were used to anchor the porch, reflecting traditional aesthetics. Merchant ensured that any modifications or extensions blended seamlessly with the surrounding, historically rich neighborhood. This commitment to contextual harmony extended to details such as the height of the house and the choice of tiles, drawing inspiration from the local architecture. A significant decision was to retain all existing trees on the property, which was a deciding factor for the previous owner in selling the villa to Merchant. This underscored his dedication to preserving the site's natural and historical integrity. While the villa's footprint remained largely unchanged, a portion of the original G+1 structure was converted into a G+2. This required strengthening the existing plinth, a complex process that involved recreating reinforcements using local materials like laterite stone, red mud, lime, and cement with wire mesh to support the fragile, almost-collapsing mud walls. The interior design maintained a natural and raw aesthetic, featuring exposed lime plaster on walls and restored wooden shutters on wardrobes integrated into the walls. The villa's long facade, a distinctive feature, was emphasized to create an impressive entrance from the adjoining roads. The furniture, a blend of vintage finds and custom pieces from Merchant's brand, Red Blue & Yellow, reflected the project's influence by inspiring a new line of vintage resort furniture tailored for second homes. The master bedroom, a self-contained double-height space, also benefits from abundant natural light. Ultimately, the project earned the approval of the local community, including long-time residents, who recognized the respectful approach taken by Merchant. This restoration offers a hopeful alternative for the preservation of Goa's numerous old, beautiful, and often crumbling villas, demonstrating that modern intervention can coexist harmoniously with historical preservation. #GoaHome #VillaRestoration #IndoPortugueseArchitecture #AsimMerchant #ArchitecturalPreservation #SustainableDesign #TraditionalCraftsmanship #NaturalLight #GoanHeritage

The Garden Estate, designed by Robson Rak and located in Point Lonsdale on the Bellarine Peninsula, exemplifies an integrated approach to residential design, where the house and its established garden are conceived as a singular, harmonious entity. The project originated from the client's acquisition of a double block, primarily for its mature northern garden and perimeter landscaping, which was meticulously preserved and expanded in collaboration with Eckersley Garden Architecture. This deep integration ensures that neither element feels complete without the other, contributing to the impression that the property has long been part of its environment. The defining material of the Garden Estate is 400-millimetre-thick rammed earth walls. This material's natural color and texture serve as a backdrop for the surrounding foliage while also shaping the interior aesthetic. The use of rammed earth extends from the exterior to the interior, blurring the boundaries between the two and fostering a sense of connection with nature. Strategic placement of these walls guides sightlines along corridors and axes, culminating in expansive or intimate garden views. An example of this meticulous planning is the front door, which, when ajar, frames a view of a palm tree trunk, illustrating the precise coordination between the architectural and landscape designs. The house's layout comprises a series of pavilions and pods organized along three main corridor axes. This zoning strategy accommodates an older couple's need for private space while also providing communal areas and distinct quarters for children, grandchildren, and visitors. The generous floor plan supports both retreat and social living. These pavilions and pods are finished with either rammed earth or timber, and both materials are used interchangeably both inside and outside the structure, further softening the division between the built environment and the natural surroundings. A central feature of the design is the living room pavilion, which acts as a "crescendo" in the house's architectural composition. This expansive space incorporates a raised roof on the northern side, designed to maximize natural light penetration and draw sunlight deep into the room, reaching the southern lounge area. Clerestory windows beneath this raked roof offer elevated views of the mature trees encircling the property. The seamless integration of window frames into the roof plane allows the roofline to form a unified and expressive canopy over the pavilion. The continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces is further enhanced by extending the stone paving from the exterior terrace into the dining area of the pavilion. The interior color palette draws inspiration from the garden's tones and hues, incorporating complementary and contrasting elements such as browns, greens, and the distinct shade of the rammed earth. Principal interior designer Chris Rak emphasized a design philosophy rooted in restraint, largely avoiding transient trends in favor of timelessness. The design team, including principal architect Kathryn Robson, continues to refine their detailing and construction techniques for rammed earth. Collaborating with an enthusiastic builder, they implemented innovative solutions, such as trenching door frames for seamless edges and devising a new 10-millimetre-thick plate capping method for the external walls to control water ingress effectively. This capping provides a sharp, defining line at the top of the walls, showcasing an evolving toolkit of construction details. Garden Estate embodies both continuity and evolution in Robson Rak’s body of work. The firm maintains a strong commitment to integrating landscape—or more specifically, garden—with interiors, with garden courtyards frequently appearing in their projects. Their modernist interpretation of rammed earth, balancing its inherent roughness with refined execution, highlights the material's rich potential. The project is described by Kathryn Robson as "unique, functional and contemporary," underscoring its success in blending robust materiality with thoughtful design to create a lasting and harmonious living environment. #ResidentialArchitecture #RammedEarth #SustainableDesign #GardenIntegration #ModernistDesign #Materiality #IndoorOutdoorLiving #LuxuryHomes #AustralianArchitecture

Jennifer Liffman's journey into interior design began in 2012 during a vacation in Florida, where an encounter with Coastal Living’s Ultimate Beach House ignited a long-dormant passion. Despite this initial spark, her formal pursuit of design education did not commence until early 2020, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, while at home with her family, Jennifer enrolled in a distance-learning program at the New York Institute of Art and Design, delving into various aspects of interior design from hand drafting to space planning. This educational experience culminated in the launch of her own design firm in 2022, and she subsequently joined the interiors team at Craft Realty/Interiors/Homes. Simultaneously with her professional development, Jennifer applied her burgeoning design expertise to her family's late-1960s ranch-style home in Jefferson Terrace. The Liffmans had moved into the home in August 2016 and initiated a series of renovations to align the space with their family's lifestyle. Exterior modifications included painting the brick for a more contemporary aesthetic, while interior changes involved replacing carpeting and tile with wood flooring and expanding the opening between the foyer and living room. These foundational updates paved the way for personalization, with each space being brightened and infused with unique touches. The renovation project was a collaborative family endeavor. Jennifer’s father, John Hawkins, contributed significantly by constructing custom shelves and cabinets for the living room, laundry room, and primary suite bathroom. Her husband, Eric, applied Venetian plaster finishes to select walls, adding textural depth. The home also became a showcase for art, prominently featuring works by Eric’s mother, artist Christy Diniz-Liffman, as well as pieces from other professional artists within their extended family, reflecting the couple's shared appreciation for art. A central theme in Jennifer's decorating philosophy is the integration of meaningful artworks, antique furnishings, and heirloom pieces that carry sentimental value. Examples include an antique iron bed and desk in her daughter Emma’s room, which previously belonged to Eric’s sister, and recovered wingback chairs from her grandmother that now grace the living room. Her coffee table exemplifies this blend of old and new, featuring an antique wood base paired with a new limestone top. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of creating thoughtful, collected spaces that blend time-honored items with contemporary elements, as seen with a hutch in her dining room, a piece inherited from her grandmother that she uses daily. The transformation of her home remains an ongoing process, with Jennifer continuously applying her evolving design skills to spaces like the master bedroom. Beyond her personal residence, she and the Craft Interiors team are actively involved in designing custom finishes for luxury home builds and are preparing for a significant 5,000-square-foot remodel. Jennifer acknowledges that her personal style is still developing and embraces the eclectic nature of her home, which accommodates her growing children, pets, and the continuous evolution of her design aesthetic. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #RanchHome #FamilyProject #EclecticStyle #AntiqueFurniture #HeirloomPieces #HomeDecor #DesignCareer

The article details the challenges and solutions involved in revitalizing the facade of a colonial home in Far Hills, New Jersey. The homeowner, Brian Truss, faced significant issues with the original cedar siding, including rot, mold, and insect infiltration, necessitating a complete replacement. The primary concern was to restore the exterior without compromising the home's distinctive colonial character, which featured complex trim work and extensive molding profiles. Traditional wood siding presented a continuous cycle of maintenance, and the homeowner sought a durable, low-maintenance alternative. CREO Construction, led by sales and design specialist Joe Hydro and operations manager Mike Crowell, proposed using AZEK Exteriors' comprehensive PVC system. This system was chosen for its ability to replicate the numerous existing molding profiles, ensuring that the home's architectural integrity would be maintained. The team highlighted that the AZEK system was unique in its capability to match the 10 to 12 different types of molding present on the house, offering a complete solution from trim to siding to blocks. The installation process revealed several practical advantages of the AZEK material. Its lightweight nature facilitated easier handling and faster installation, significantly reducing labor time. The material's clip system further contributed to the efficiency of the process. A key innovation discussed is the AZEK Lap Siding's floating installation system, which allows for natural expansion and contraction. Unlike traditional products that are rigidly tied to studs, this floating mechanism accommodates material movement, particularly around openings, preventing common issues associated with exterior materials. Another significant improvement was the elimination of visible maintenance points. The AZEK system avoids the need for caulk around windows, doors, and trim, addressing a common complaint from homeowners about other renovation projects. The 16-foot panel lengths minimize visible seams, contributing to cleaner sight lines across the facade. Combined with hidden fasteners and rabbeted trims, the overall result is a remarkably seamless finish that surpasses traditional installations in aesthetic quality and longevity. From the homeowners' perspective, the primary benefit of the AZEK system is its longevity and low maintenance. Hydro emphasized that AZEK Lap Siding requires no painting and is designed to maintain its original appearance for decades, eliminating the cyclical maintenance associated with traditional cedar siding. The renovation successfully preserved the home’s original architectural proportions and details, but now with materials engineered for durability and minimal upkeep. The outcome is a home that looks virtually identical to its original charming state, but without the persistent degradation and maintenance demands of its former exterior. #ColonialHome #ExteriorRenovation #SidingReplacement #AZEKExteriors #PVCBuildingMaterials #HomeMaintenance #ArchitecturalPreservation #DurableMaterials #LowMaintenance

March & White, an award-winning architecture and design studio, has completed the conversion of a three-story traditional mews building in North Belgravia, London, for the property developer Grosvenor. The project involved transforming an office space into a luxury residence, requiring a unified approach to both design and functionality. March & White managed all aspects of the conversion, encompassing architecture, interior design, and furnishings, resulting in a contemporary and luxurious property that aligns with the Grosvenor brand's image. A key element of the renovation was the creation of a centralized point of reference within the house. This was achieved by replacing the property’s original two sets of stairs with a single, bespoke staircase. This new staircase features wooden steps, a glazed balustrade, and a perimeter handrail with integrated lighting, creating a luminous path from the ground floor to the second floor and the newly added roof extension. The conversion work began in September 2012 with the demolition of the existing mansard roof, which paved the way for a contemporary roof extension. This extension now covers the entire footprint of the building and incorporates an outdoor terrace. The terrace is equipped with a vertical 'green' wall designed to support various plantings, enhancing the aesthetic and environmental aspects of the space. Access to the terrace from the second-floor living area is provided by a glazed frontage that includes a sliding glass door. This design choice not only allows for seamless indoor-outdoor living but also floods the living area with natural light. The open-plan living area within the residence combines a media den and a wet bar lounge. The media den features bespoke joinery with specialist artisan metal lacquer and leather detailing. It also integrates a fireplace and an AV installation into the far wall, creating a fully customized entertainment system. Ceiling coffer lighting complements the media den’s white bespoke joinery and establishes a visual connection to the wet bar, situated directly opposite. The concealed wet bar incorporates a hand-finished antiqued mirror, which reflects the second-floor living space, and artisan metal lacquer detailing that becomes visible when the bar is opened. In addition to these structural and joinery elements, March & White collaborated closely with suppliers to source rich materials for luxury interior accents throughout the home. This meticulous selection of materials contributed to the establishment of a well-balanced and contemporary environment. Italian lava stone from Mount Vesuvius, with an artisan-glazed finish, has been extensively used in the kitchen, ensuite bathrooms, and WC across all floors. The master suite on the first floor is distinguished by a built-in leather-clad vanity unit with a mirror, a feature headboard wall, and cove lighting. On the ground floor, the dining room showcases bespoke joinery on either side of a specialist hand-finished antiqued mirror. This mirror frames a fireplace nestled within its center. The dining room seamlessly connects to the kitchen, with the option for separation using top-hung sliding screens that can lock into place. This project, named Headfort, provided March & White with an opportunity to leverage all their capabilities, from architecture to interior design, and to strengthen their existing relationship with Grosvenor. James White and Elliot March, the founders of March & White, expressed their satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting that Headfort reflects Grosvenor’s forward-thinking approach to development and that their expertise successfully aligned with the client's vision. They believe Headfort sets a benchmark for the quality of projects they are currently undertaking with Grosvenor. March & White is a London-based architecture and interior design studio specializing in hotels, private homes, residential developments, restaurants, and yachts, with a diverse client base across the UK and internationally. #MewsConversion #LuxuryResidence #NorthBelgravia #MarchAndWhite #Grosvenor #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #LondonProperty #BespokeJoinery

Brandi and Scott Fuller embarked on a renovation journey for their 1914 Georgian home in Park Hill, Denver, intending to complete a few specific updates. Initially, their plans were modest, focusing on expanding and remodeling the kitchen, which felt too small for their combined family of seven and the 8,000-square-foot house. They also planned to add ensuite bathrooms to two upstairs bedrooms, a walk-in master bedroom closet, and a basement home gym. Despite their experience in the architecture and real estate industries, the Fullers did not anticipate the extensive scope their renovation project would ultimately encompass. What began as a "few things" quickly escalated into a near-complete transformation of their historic residence. The catalyst for this expansion was the discovery of a sagging kitchen floor, a result of a previous shoddy renovation. The architect, Toby Branch of Branch Architecture Studio, explained that addressing this structural issue required significant interventions in the basement, leading to a full structural remodel of the kitchen floor and the basement ceiling below. This, in turn, caused new cracks to appear in the main level's plaster walls, necessitating further repairs. The snowball effect continued throughout the house. The upstairs updates followed a similar pattern; converting two children's bedroom closets into bathrooms required unexpected construction, which then prompted Brandi and Scott to overhaul their master bathroom. While these projects were underway, they also decided to remodel the third-floor bathroom and bedrooms, restore a bedroom suite above the garage, replace most of the home's lead pipes, and install a new HVAC system. Brandi likened the process to getting a new sofa and then realizing the drapes and paint needed updating, illustrating how one improvement led to the desire for others. Outdoors, the initial plans to repair the original red-brick walls, sand, and paint also grew significantly. The architect enclosed the walkway between the garage and the house to create a new mudroom and added a French door and metal staircase connecting the kitchen to the yard. This enhancement transformed the yard into an additional living space, usable for a significant portion of the year. The property's original brick hardscaping now frames new plantings designed by Lifescape Colorado and artificial turf, which the Fullers chose to retain and integrate into the design due to shade and maintenance considerations. Ultimately, the renovations covered 6,000 square feet. Beyond the structural changes, a key challenge was to seamlessly blend the home's preserved original architectural details—such as old windows, millwork, wood-plank floors, marble fireplace surrounds, and even original call boxes—with modern updates. The kitchen served as a prime example of this vintage-meets-modern aesthetic. Mikal Otten, owner and lead designer of Exquisite Kitchen Design, created a "traditional kitchen with soft contemporary touches." This was achieved by incorporating simplified traditional elements, like custom cabinets with a subtle cove profile and a soft white brushstroke finish, and ethereal blue glass backsplash tiles that offer a contemporary nod to classic brick styles. A stainless steel farmhouse sink replaced traditional porcelain, providing a cleaner, edgier look, while a walnut coffee-bar armoire and chevron-patterned white oak flooring reintroduced turn-of-the-century flair, recalling a historical practice of special floor treatments in specific rooms. The floor coverings played a crucial role in anchoring the decor of each room. Brandi explained that they started with the rug in each room and built the design from there. For instance, the dining room's modern floral rug influenced the choice of silk shantung wallcovering, a branch-like brass chandelier, and clear Lucite chairs. In the living room, a neutral rug set the tone for gray crushed-velvet sofas, a marble-topped coffee table, and a ring-shaped crystal chandelier. The foyer featured a custom stair runner with a cherry-blossom pattern, complementing a midcentury-style credenza and bold custom artwork. The furnishings selected by Brandi and Scott represent a diverse mixture of styles, primarily transitional but incorporating midcentury, contemporary, and bohemian pieces, which Brandi noted "came together in the end." Branch attributed the project's success not just to luck, but to the inherent integrity and forgiving nature of century-old homes, which allow for structural repairs and modern updates without losing their original character. The complete transformation ultimately highlighted the enduring strength and beauty of the home's historic foundation. #HomeRenovation #HistoricHome #InteriorDesign #KitchenRemodel #StructuralRenovation #ParkHillDenver #VintageModern #ArchitecturalPreservation

Ghiora Aharoni, principal of Ghiora Aharoni Design Studio, undertook a renovation project on his apartment located in a 1903 tenement building on Leroy Street in the West Village. His approach to combining two separate apartments into a single modern living space involved a process akin to an archaeological excavation. The primary goal was to integrate contemporary living with a reverence for the building's original architectural character and materials. This involved stripping the apartments down to their structural foundations, exposing elements that had been concealed for decades. The renovation began with the removal of walls, leading to the discovery of 1903 newspapers tucked between ceiling beams, which confirmed the building's completion year. The process revealed the original bricks, beams, and wooden studs, which were then preserved and incorporated into the design. Aharoni's intention was to achieve a sense of Quaker-like simplicity in the aesthetic, emphasizing the raw, authentic materials of the building. The project involved the meticulous work of contractors, F&N Solutions, whose contribution Aharoni described as spectacular. A significant design challenge involved integrating the two original kitchens, which were separated by a common wall. Aharoni located the shared chimney that serviced both kitchens and subsequently created a unique connecting fireplace. This fireplace, an EcoSmart Fire model, is open on both sides and uses an alcohol-based flame, eliminating the need for a traditional flue and preventing the emission of fumes or smoke. The design of this central feature was crucial in linking the two previously distinct living spaces, transforming them into a cohesive home. Throughout the apartment, a black-and-white color scheme predominates. Aharoni noted that while this palette currently defines the space, it is not his ultimate vision. He expressed a desire to introduce color, specifically mentioning plans for two blue-and-red chairs, indicating that the current monochromatic design is a temporary stage in the apartment's evolution. Despite the minimalist color scheme, Aharoni emphasizes that the atmosphere is far from cold, attributing the warmth to the abundant natural light. One of the most cherished features of the renovated apartment for Aharoni is the presence of eight windows, which allow natural light to flood the living space, creating a luxurious and expansive feel. He describes the experience of waking up to beams of light across the floor as a significant luxury. The combined apartment now boasts a 50-foot living room, which, despite its origins in a tenement building, presents an unexpected sense of grandeur and luxury in disguise. The renovation also included specific design elements like a wooden statue of the goddess Parvati, placed under a supporting beam for protection, a wood-and-plaster ribbon sculpture by Aharoni himself, and a collaboration with artist Hisao Hanafusa on the dining table design, complemented by George Nakashima dining chairs. The bathroom was updated with a shower replacing a bathtub and a sleek Boffi sink. The kitchen features under-counter appliances and a clever storage solution behind a painting that doubles as a door, accommodating Aharoni's regular dinner parties despite having only two stovetop burners. Window coverings were designed to be graceful, covering two at a time rather than individual shades. #TenementRenovation #GhioraAharoniDesign #WestVillageApartment #ArchitecturalArchaeology #HistoricPreservation #ModernInteriors #OpenConceptLiving #SustainableDesign

Swiss architecture studio Frundgallina undertook a comprehensive renovation of a small, dilapidated chalet situated in the Swiss Jura Mountains, transforming it into an off-grid, modern home. Due to local regulations that prohibit invasive construction on the site, the architects maintained the original exterior dimensions of the structure. However, they implemented a revolutionary approach to the interior layout to maximize engagement with the natural surroundings. The interior was ingeniously divided into four sections, each approximately 86 square feet. These sections were deliberately set at varying heights to ensure seamless access from the exterior and to facilitate continuous views of the natural landscape from all areas within the chalet. This unique spatial arrangement resulted in a rich and varied interior, characterized by differing floor-to-ceiling heights. The design creates an effect of large steps spiraling around a central axis. Three of the four floors feature two distinct levels, culminating in a total of seven specific spaces within the compact structure. The varying heights and spatial divisions create a series of interconnected 'rooms' linked by thresholds of different sizes, allowing for an engaging, spiral stroll throughout the chalet. This configuration provides a playful and dynamic interior experience. The team at Frundgallina also designed the chalet to be 100 percent energy efficient, emphasizing sustainable practices in its overhaul. The exterior features a single sheet of folded stainless steel for the roof, which incorporates a gutter system for rainwater harvesting. Each of the chalet's four sides is punctuated by a large pitched-top door and a smaller pitched-top window. These gabled openings create the impression of eight smaller houses cut into the sides of the larger structure, hinting at the unusual and quirky interior arrangement. The construction explores several key architectural themes for Frundgallina, including simplicity and homogeneity of shapes, spatial richness and variety, uniformity and expressive singularity, and an overall sense of calmness, softness, and lightness derived from the formal composition. The chalet's design challenges traditional notions of entry, as it does not have a singular specific address or entrance. Instead, it benefits from four distinct entry points, allowing most rooms to be accessed directly from the outdoors and integrating the surrounding pastures as part of the spatial sequence. The chalet is built entirely from Jura forest Fir wood planks, which are vertically nailed to the framework and interior walls, with grooved and ridged versions used for the ceiling and floors. #SwissChalet #ChaletRenovation #OffGridLiving #ModernHomeDesign #Frundgallina #SustainableArchitecture #JuraMountains #InteriorDesign #SpatialVariety

In recent years, the architectural landscape has been dominated by large, white, and often simplistic designs. However, a noticeable shift is occurring, with a resurgence of interest in the Old World European aesthetic, characterized by its distinctive character and intricate details. This move away from contemporary uniformity signals a desire for unique and expressive homes, offering a refreshing alternative to the prevailing minimalist trends. J. Lambert Custom Homes, under the leadership of Jimmy Lambert, stands out in this evolving market by specializing in distinctive and highly customized residences. Lambert, a long-time resident of Southlake with 38 years of experience, transitioned from a fencing business to home building 23 years ago, driven by a vision to elevate design, construction, and customer service. His portfolio includes a wide range of styles, from modern designs to faithful reproductions of American Colonial and Mediterranean villas. A prime example of his unique approach is a Southlake property, designed as an Old World European-style castle, which embodies a blend of grandeur and personalized craftsmanship. The genesis of this particular castle began with Lambert's bold design for a home that evoked the charm of the English countryside. Confident in his vision, he believed that a well-executed, distinctive build would transcend typical pricing considerations. The project found its perfect match in a buyer with five young boys who had long dreamed of living in a castle. This alignment allowed for significant customization, tailoring the finish-out and features to the family's specific needs and aspirations. The construction process was meticulously managed, with Lambert overseeing every detail from the slab pour to various inspections, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to quality and client satisfaction. This thoroughness ensured that the home not only met the immediate needs of the family but also anticipated future desires. The resulting Old World European-style castle boasts multiple towers, impressive cathedral windows, and luxurious materials such as hardwood, marble, and brick floors. The interior is further enhanced by detailed hand-crafted wood and ironwork, contributing to its authentic and regal ambiance. Beyond the initial construction, Lambert's company distinguishes itself through a commitment to long-term client support. He and his loyal crew, many of whom worked on the original build, possess an unparalleled understanding of each home's intricacies. This enables them to provide ongoing service, guiding new owners through the home's unique features and potential customizations. For instance, one of the home's turrets is designed as an observatory, equipped to rotate with celestial movements, showcasing the thoughtful integration of innovative features. This dedication extends to significant additions and minor modifications alike. When the Southlake castle changed hands, Lambert returned to oversee the installation of an expansive, faux-painted garage capable of housing up to 15 cars. No request is deemed too small or too large, reflecting Lambert's philosophy of treating every homeowner as if the house was built specifically for them. The castle, now spanning 19,673 square feet, features eight ensuite bedrooms, four powder baths, a sophisticated wine cellar, and an accessible home theater with stadium seating, a full-service kitchen, and a commercial elevator equipped with advanced safety features. Additionally, a 1,300-square-foot craft room above the garage, complete with a ventilation system for a kiln, offers versatile space for hobbies, remote work, or homeschooling. The exterior of the Old World European-style castle is equally impressive. The 1.5-acre property includes multiple living areas, covered patios, and a picturesque grotto-style pool. Its advantageous location backs onto a wooded United States Army Corps of Engineers site, ensuring privacy and preventing future construction. Across the street, Bob Jones Park provides convenient access to a pond, playground, and dog park. The property, listed by Engel & Völkers Dallas Southlake Realtor Roxann Taylor, is currently available for $5 million. Taylor, who has a history with the property and a long-standing relationship with Lambert, highlights the home's spaciousness and potential as a multi-generational residence. To illustrate the potential for modern castle living, George Bass Stage & Design was brought in to furnish the home, presenting a contemporary interpretation of an Old World aesthetic, which even includes a secret room, adding to the home's mystique. #OldWorldArchitecture #CustomHomes #JLambertCustomHomes #SouthlakeRealEstate #EuropeanStyleCastle #LuxuryHomes #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #DallasRealEstate

Harriet's House, an addition to a Georgian cottage in Launceston, Tasmania, is the result of a six-year collaboration between design historian Harriet Edquist and SO: Architecture, led by Liz Walsh and Alex Nielsen. The project involved distilling a complex brief into a single vaulted room with integrated services, creating a surprising and joyful space within a modest heritage-listed cottage. The original cottage, built in the 1830s, features a basalt plinth and a single-story brick structure with a hipped roof. Historically, there's evidence of a kiln on site, suggesting the building materials were locally sourced. Its design, while simple, subtly references Regency architecture through expressed piers and recessed panels. The new addition respects the cottage's original form, reinstating the integrity of its four rooms by decommissioning a later doorway. A rear service wing, previously altered in the 1980s, was removed, preserving only its Victorian-era brick fireplace, which is now integrated into the new design. A new plinth, extending from the cottage's rear, uses local red bricks to form a base for the new light-colored brick shell, mirroring the original light-over-dark masonry pattern. The new form exhibits an austerity consistent with the existing structure, softened by intricate brickwork details such as header courses, corbelled openings, and subtle variations in brick color and tone due to the limited space for brick storage during construction. These variations, a result of having only one pallet of bricks on site at a time, narrate the construction process and the material's origin. The exterior of the addition is characterized by its simple geometry, concealed roof lights, and a single strategically placed window, maintaining privacy. Internally, a deep, timber-lined vault is revealed. The design draws inspiration from Sir John Soane, a Regency-era architect known for his vaults and mastery of natural light. Unlike Soane's shallow saucer domes, Harriet's House features a fully-fledged hemispherical vault, which appears suspended due to natural light washing down from above. This vaulted space provides a sense of openness, contrasting with the more compressed rooms of the original cottage. The multi-layered space beneath the vault serves for both living and working. It incorporates a kitchen along one edge and shelving for personal objects along another. The design allows for flexible furniture arrangement, accommodating favorite pieces around the reclaimed fireplace or in the morning sun. This interior space extends to a small courtyard, enclosed by a steep embankment of endemic Tasmanian plants, designed by landscape architect Miriam Shevland of Playstreet. The project masterfully balances old and new, and inside and outside, reflecting the collaborative discussions between the client and architects. Adolf Loos's modernist principles, known to Harriet through her work on Viennese modernism, also seem to influence the building's making and its interior. The exterior’s spareness complements intimate interiors that modulate volume, light, materials, and crafted fixtures. The project, Harriet’s House, stands as an exceptional accomplishment, showcasing the architects' skill in navigating historical contexts and contemporary design. Key products and materials used include Lysaght Custom Orb roofing, Austral Access and Yarra bricks, Johnson Tiles Spectrum tiles, Artedomus Yohen Border tiles, Knauf plasterboard, Gubi Semi 400-mm pendant lighting, Fisher and Paykel appliances, Streamline tapware, and Devi electric underfloor heating. The project team included Liz Walsh and Alex Nielsen of SO: Architecture, with Anstie Constructions as the builder, Aldanmark Consulting Engineers, Jonathan Hearn Landscape Design and Construction, Playstreet, and Green Building Surveying. The house is built on the land of the Stoney Creek nation. #ResidentialArchitecture #GeorgianCottage #ArchitecturalRenovation #VaultedCeiling #HeritageBuilding #TasmanianDesign #BrickworkDetail #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign

Hyphen House, a historic Hudson Valley farmhouse dating back to the 1700s, has undergone a significant transformation from a flower farm into a live-work artist's retreat. Originally built for the Dutch Van Messler family, the property once functioned as three separate apartments, now reconfigured into a single, cohesive residence. The name "Hyphen House" signifies this reunification of fragmented spaces, emphasizing the delicate balance required to merge its historical integrity with modern functionality. The renovation was spearheaded by artist Michele Lobo, the owner of Hyphen House, who commissioned her daughter’s design practice, NoNo Studio, co-founded by Susannah Stopford and Alejandra Murillo. The core challenge for NoNo Studio was to modernize the centuries-old structure without sacrificing its inherent historical soul. The designers described the process as a "high-stakes game of chess," navigating thick stone walls and inherent structural quirks to create a flowing layout while preserving the imprint of its past. Upon Lobo's initial acquisition, the house was a 'time capsule' filled with floral motifs, from wallpaper to light switches and lampshades, a legacy of its flower farm origins. While some original elements, such as specific wallpaper in the southern living room and powder room, were retained, others were reimagined. Notably, a quirky wax melter for candle making, hidden behind a fireplace, was preserved, as was the original wood of a mantle stripped back after extensive paint removal. Other enduring features include silk-screen wallpaper, a stone wall in the kitchen, a powder room under the stairs, and a built-in bookcase filled with art books. The aesthetic choices, including color palettes and material selections, were heavily influenced by the home's history and Lobo's extensive collection of art and objects. The designers aimed to create a dialogue between heritage and contemporary freshness, integrating 18th-century antiques with Lobo's globally sourced pieces. The guiding principle was to identify and amplify the distinctive character of the house. A primary goal of the renovation was to establish a home that could support Lobo’s artistic endeavors. After decades abroad, she sought a space near family that could accommodate her work across various mediums and scales. The property now thrives as a creative compound, featuring a sculpture studio in the former flower shop and a barn converted into an art gallery and entertaining area. NoNo Studio embraced the building's peculiarities, such as parallel staircases and duplicate living areas, transforming them into unique design opportunities. The project stands as a testament to the idea that preserving the spirit of an old building is as valuable as constructing something new, resulting in a warm, 'unbuttoned,' and inspiring "incubator of creativity." #HistoricRenovation #ArtistRetreat #HudsonValleyHome #NoNoStudio #InteriorDesign #AdaptiveReuse #ArchitecturalPreservation #LiveWorkSpace #FarmhouseRenovation

The Kaufman House, a historical landmark in Zelienople, Pennsylvania, originally built in 1902, has undergone a significant restoration after being severely damaged by a fire in 2011. This 121-year-old building, which served as a hotel, factory worker housing, and an iconic tavern, was a vital rest stop for travelers and a community focal point. After the fire, the building remained closed until 2020, facing potential demolition. However, the Zelienople Borough recognized its cultural and economic importance, purchasing it in 2017 with a state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Grant to ensure its preservation. The restoration project aimed to maintain the building's original aesthetic, particularly concerning its windows. James Druschel, former vice president of finance and CFO of Veka, played a crucial role by initiating the project and facilitating the donation of window profiles from Veka Inc. Wincore Windows contributed by charging only for labor, glass, and hardware. The choice was made to use residential windows, specifically the 7700 Series from Veka, to replicate the original single-hung, wood windows. These included double-hung, fixed, and awning glass windows, with picture windows on the street level and double-hung windows on the upper floors. The 7700 Series is an LC-rated product, deemed suitable for the project. Technical specifications include white interior and exterior frames and low-e argon insulated glass with a 0.29 U-value, totaling 51 double-hungs, 30 fixed, and 3 awning windows. Beyond windows, the restoration also involved reinforcing the Main Street-facing balcony on the second floor with beams and updating it with VEKAdeck in Signature Storm color and white Veka rails, with the contractor receiving a reduced price for these materials. The rehabilitation proved more extensive than initially anticipated, as structural deficiencies were progressively discovered. Many previous repairs had overlooked structural integrity, leading to a situation where 60 percent of the building's structural integrity was found to be compromised and required replacement. The interior was gutted, re-walled, rewired, and re-plumbed, essentially rebuilt to meet modern codes. In its reimagined state, the Kaufman House now serves multiple purposes. The ground floor has been re-established as a restaurant, coffee shop, and bar. The second floor features a banquet hall, retail and office spaces, and meeting rooms. The third floor accommodates the regional office of a marketing firm. The basement is designed to host entrepreneurs offering complementary products to the restaurant. To ensure compliance with local codes, an elevator and a new stairwell were installed. Looking ahead, the building is also slated to function as a boutique hotel and a training facility for the tourism, culinary arts, and hospitality industries, further cementing its role as a revitalized community asset. #HistoricPreservation #BuildingRestoration #ArchitecturalDesign #WindowRenovation #KaufmanHouse #CommunityRevitalization #VekaWindows #WincoreWindows #ZelienoplePennsylvania

Designer Rebecca Philipson undertook a significant remodel of a 1990s-built, 5,300-square-foot home in Aurora, Ohio, focusing on transforming the kitchen, great room, and lounge into more open and inviting spaces. The homeowners sought to infuse warmth and an open concept into their residence, a vision Philipson brought to life through a blend of traditional and rustic elements, with distinct French Country influences. Central to the design is the incorporation of Amish hand-hewn ceiling beams and elaborate stonework, which serve as prominent features, particularly in the lounge. This area, designed for relaxation and entertaining, includes a wet bar, a built-in refrigerator, and custom alder cabinetry. The adjacent sunroom houses a pool table, creating a seamless flow for social gatherings and post-dinner interactions. The overall layout was reimagined to foster a sense of togetherness, allowing family and guests to interact comfortably across the connected rooms. Philipson achieved this open concept by strategically removing the wall between the great room and kitchen, then linking the kitchen to the lounge. Archways were introduced to formalize these open transitions. The kitchen underwent the most substantial transformation. Previously walled off, it featured an angled peninsula, an irregularly shaped island, and low-hanging soffits. Philipson replaced these with faux beams to maintain the rustic aesthetic and installed a central island with seating for three. The homeowners' desire for warmth and intricate details was met through design elements such as decorative island legs. Attention to detail extends throughout the kitchen, with intricate touches found in the baseboards, legs, valances, and along the bottom of the island cabinetry. The refrigerator was artfully concealed with cabinet panels and mirrored glass, designed to resemble an armoire rather than an appliance, fulfilling the client's wish for cabinetry that emulated furniture. A built-in coffee maker contributed to a decluttered countertop space. The great room further showcases the sophisticated stonework, with cream-colored stone extending from floor to ceiling around the fireplace. This central feature is flanked by built-in cabinets that mirror the design of the kitchen's concealed refrigerator. Oversized iron hardware on the cabinetry adds a dramatic flair, complementing the multi-tiered iron chandelier, which serves as a focal point. Recessed lighting supplements the chandelier, with all lighting choices made to enhance the room's warm ambiance. The remodel successfully integrated rustic charm with French Country elegance, creating a cohesive and welcoming environment across the main living areas. #HomeRemodel #AuroraHome #FrenchCountryStyle #RusticDesign #KitchenRenovation #GreatRoomDesign #LoungeArea #InteriorDesign #OpenConcept

This article, part of the “Period Dramas” series, explores the enduring appeal of architect Mott Schmidt's work, particularly his role in shifting architectural tastes away from the Gilded Age's extravagance towards the more restrained elegance of Colonial Revival and Georgian styles. After World War I, the opulent, sprawling mansions characteristic of the Gilded Age began to fall out of favor, leading to a demand for designs that emphasized symmetry and a more modest, yet still formal, aesthetic. Schmidt, a New York City-based architect who studied at the Pratt Institute of Technology, became a prominent figure in this transition, working primarily from the 1920s until his death in the 1970s. Schmidt's career received a significant boost in 1920 when literary agent Elizabeth Marbury commissioned him to renovate a townhouse on Sutton Place in Manhattan. Marbury, known for fostering creative talent and instrumental in launching Elsie de Wolfe's interior design career, had influential friends, including members of the Vanderbilt and Morgan families. Impressed by Schmidt's work on Marbury's townhouse, these prominent individuals also hired him to develop their Sutton Place residences. This exposure rapidly transformed Sutton Place from an obscure area into one of Manhattan's most coveted addresses and solidified Schmidt's reputation as the go-to architect for wealthy New Yorkers seeking his distinctive refined classicism. His designs are celebrated for their spacious and elegantly appointed interiors, which eschewed the excessive use of marble and gold prevalent in many Gilded Age homes. Instead, Schmidt focused on a rigorous symmetry, formal details, and a more human scale, even in large residences. The article showcases three brick mansions designed by Mott Schmidt that were currently on the market at the time of publication, offering tangible examples of his architectural philosophy. The first property highlighted is an 8-bedroom, 8.5-bathroom double-wide townhouse on the Upper East Side of New York, completed in 1924. This nearly 10,000-square-foot residence was acquired by the Rockefeller family in 1948 and remained in their estate until David Rockefeller's passing. Its design represents a deliberate move away from Gilded Age extravagance, featuring simpler wood paneling and just enough molding to convey formality. The upper floor, though dedicated to staff rooms, also reflects this understated elegance, complemented by hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper. The second property is an 11-bedroom, 12-bathroom Georgian estate in Sleepy Hollow, New York, designed by Schmidt in 1938 for Abby Rockefeller, later sold to David Rockefeller. Located approximately an hour north of New York City, this 11,000-square-foot home stands in contrast to the nearby Gilded Age Rockefeller retreat, Kykuit. While Kykuit is characterized by monumental rooms and elaborate ornamentation, the Sleepy Hollow estate features a more human scale. Its interiors, much like the Manhattan townhouse, are formal but not overwhelming, with modest room sizes and ceiling heights. The dining room, in a cheerful yellow, suggests a setting for intimate gatherings rather than grand banquets, and the bedrooms are minimally adorned, typically featuring only a marble fireplace and a small band of crown molding. Finally, the article features a 7-bedroom, 7-bathroom red-brick Georgian mansion on 26 acres in North Salem, New York, also about an hour north of Manhattan. Built for Richard W. Woolworth, this 9,000-square-foot house perfectly embodies Schmidt’s signature symmetrical exterior design, from its chimney placement to its landscaping and dormers. While the interior has undergone renovations, including a modern kitchen update, the article notes that these changes were thoughtfully executed, preserving the original woodwork and maintaining the integrity of Schmidt’s design. This particular example demonstrates how Schmidt's architectural vision could adapt to modern updates without sacrificing its intrinsic character. #MottSchmidt #GeorgianArchitecture #ColonialRevival #HistoricHomes #NewYorkRealEstate #LuxuryMansions #ArchitecturalHistory #HomeSales #InteriorDesignTrends