Maka Arkitektur completes contemporary Swedish courtyard house

Bornstein Lyckefors, a Swedish architecture studio, has unveiled its latest residential project, Villa Hovås, a striking black house located in Gothenburg. This project follows their previous work, Villa Timmerman, which showcased sustainable architecture and aesthetic appeal. Villa Hovås is situated on a sloped site within an affluent seaside suburb, offering exceptional natural views. The two-level residence is strategically designed to maximize these views. The elongated structure is oriented east-west, featuring a fully glazed side facing the sea to the west and a more private, closed side facing the street to the east. This design ensures that the inhabitants can fully experience the panoramic coastal scenery while maintaining privacy from public view. The ground floor of Villa Hovås serves as the primary social hub. It encompasses a spacious living room and several bedrooms. The living room seamlessly extends onto an outdoor terrace, which is elegantly bordered by a swimming pool. This integration of indoor and outdoor spaces creates a fluid environment for relaxation and entertaining, allowing residents to enjoy the natural surroundings. Upstairs, additional bedrooms are located, providing private retreats. A unique architectural feature of Villa Hovås is its continuity of communal space. The living room on the ground floor is conceptually extended to the upper floor, where the kitchen is situated. From the kitchen, the view opens dramatically towards the sea, with the swimming pool in the foreground. This thoughtful arrangement creates an optical illusion, making the pool appear as a seamless extension of the ocean, enhancing the sense of an "endless ocean" experience for residents. Materiality plays a crucial role in defining the aesthetic and functional aspects of the villa. The exterior is clad in black wooden slats, which give the house a distinctive and sophisticated appearance. This dark cladding allows the structure to blend harmoniously with its natural environment while also making a subtle yet strong statement. Inside, the design contrasts with the exterior; lighter-colored timber is predominantly used, fostering a warm, inviting, and domestically comfortable atmosphere. This interior palette ensures that the vibrant green landscapes and expansive seaside vistas remain the dominant visual elements, framed by the subtle elegance of the wooden interiors. Strategic placement of openings throughout the villa is another key design element. These openings are carefully planned to facilitate the entry of natural light, which dynamically transforms the internal ambiance throughout the day. This creates varied atmospheres depending on the time, enhancing the living experience. Bornstein Lyckefors articulates that the design intent for Villa Hovås is to create an experience of "living in the view," allowing residents to immerse themselves in the scenery while also providing control over their privacy in daily life. This balance between openness and seclusion is central to the villa's design philosophy. The architectural choices in Villa Hovås reflect a deep consideration for its site, material use, and the desired living experience. The use of natural materials like wood, both externally and internally, ties the house to its environment. The contrasting exterior and interior finishes provide a dynamic visual experience, moving from a bold external presence to a serene internal haven. The focus on views and light, combined with the thoughtful layout, exemplifies a contemporary approach to residential architecture that prioritizes connection with nature and quality of life. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #SwedishArchitecture #TimberConstruction #ModernHome #CoastalLiving #BornsteinLyckefors #SustainableDesign

The Dwell House, a one-bedroom backyard house designed by Norm Architects in collaboration with Abodu, exemplifies Scandinavian simplicity through its focus on natural materials and light-filled spaces. Spanning 540 square feet, the design aims for warmth and tactility, making it versatile as a guesthouse, pool house, office, or gym. The lead architect, Sofie Thorning of Norm Architects, explains that the design process involved balancing broad appeal with a unique aesthetic, without a specific client. The team focused on elements that generally foster a sense of well-being, utilizing a simple and timeless design language to evoke comfort. A key feature of the Dwell House is its exterior cladding, which utilizes Real Cedar siding. This material is available in a natural or black finish and was chosen for its quality, durability, and high design appeal. The cedar seamlessly integrates with other premium materials, such as the building’s standing-seam aluminum roof and engineered oak floors. William Hanley, Dwell’s editor-in-chief, emphasized the deliberate choice of Real Cedar due to its authenticity as a wood cladding, its support from a consortium of mills, and its natural weathering properties. Furthermore, the wood is sourced from sustainably managed forests, contributing to a reduced environmental footprint for the home. Cedar’s inherent resilience makes it resistant to rot, decay, weather, and insects, ensuring a low-maintenance exterior. The material’s natural properties also mean it is free of pitch or resin, allowing for easy customization with stains, oils, and finishes. This flexibility in color and appearance was a significant factor in selecting Western Red Cedar, particularly for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) designed to complement various architectural styles of main homes. Hanley highlighted that the design objective was to create a structure that looks equally appropriate behind a Mission Revival or a contemporary house, while still maintaining its distinct character through details like the varying widths of the cedar cladding. The Dwell House’s exterior design elements, including the vertical cedar slats, contribute to a sophisticated facade. These slats are complemented by outdoor sconces from Brendan Ravenhill, which provide adjustable and dimmable light. The interplay of natural warmth, grain, and variability of the cedar creates a dynamic appearance, particularly when illuminated by sunlight. The thoughtful material palette, which includes the aluminum roof and window exteriors alongside the wood cladding, ensures a cohesive and visually harmonious design. The result is a backyard home that blends functionality with a refined, tactile aesthetic, designed to enhance well-being and seamlessly integrate into diverse residential settings. #DwellHouse #ScandinavianDesign #RealCedar #ADUDesign #NaturalMaterials #SustainableDesign #NormArchitects #ExteriorCladding #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalDetails

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

This article showcases the unique interior design styles of three designers, Jenny Powell, Edward Girardi, and Biff Bartron, as demonstrated in their personal homes. Each designer offers insights into their design philosophy, material choices, and practical tips for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces. Jenny Powell, owner of Somethings Unique, resides in a spacious Landenberg home with her family. Her design approach emphasizes a blend of elegance and family-friendliness, incorporating a relaxed European style with Scandinavian influences. After moving into their home, the Powells lightened dark wood floors and painted walls in pastel yellow and beige to create a brighter atmosphere. Powell's design is characterized by mixing old and new elements, such as Swedish Rococo-style sidechairs paired with contemporary fabrics, and the use of natural light and preserved greenery. Key elements of her home include fauteuil chairs from Spain with a gray-blue glaze, silk curtains in two colors, and durable microsuede upholstery for family-friendly living. The kitchen features granite countertops and unique hammered metal hardware, while the sunroom offers a casual dining space with a pine farmhouse table. Powell's home is adorned with her father's art, and she advocates for mixing styles, choosing tactile materials, incorporating personal art, and using a soft Scandinavian color palette. Edward Girardi, a proponent of high-rise living, has transformed his 16th-floor condominium in Wilmington into a sophisticated urban sanctuary. His design focuses on maximizing space and functionality in a compact environment. Girardi converted an adjoining unit into an intimate media room, painted in a custom purple-tinged gray. He meticulously blends his own paint colors and uses a sophisticated neutral palette as a backdrop for his home. A large, self-painted contemporary artwork dominates the living room, complementing the angular, masculine aesthetic. He repurposed a cocktail table by replacing its gold top with etched glass and staining the wood mahogany. Girardi's philosophy includes investing in neutral basics and updating accessories with lively prints. He emphasizes grouping family photos for impact and keeping them current. The dining area features a glass and chrome table for spaciousness, and custom built-in cabinets hide a bar and storage. His galley kitchen is designed for efficiency, with ceiling-height cabinets, slate tiles, and cork flooring. In the bedroom, a contemporary pedestal bed is paired with Shaker nightstands, and the space is unified by painting moldings and doors the same color as the walls. Girardi's advice for small spaces includes using larger tiles, decluttering with built-in storage, grouping pictures, measuring furniture carefully, and using solid colors to enlarge a space. Biff Bartron, a partner in BW Design Group, showcases an elegant California ranch home in Wilmington that balances luxury with simplicity, reflecting his preference for peaceful, spa-like environments. Despite initially being in disrepair, Bartron envisioned an open, light-filled space. He renovated in stages, prioritizing the kitchen and bathrooms. The enlarged kitchen features two dishwashers, three microwave ovens, stainless steel sinks, granite counters, and porcelain tile floors that mimic limestone. Sleek cherry cabinets with frosted glass panels and a pass-through window enhance light. A clever design integrates a Sub-Zero refrigerator, with the back half extending into the garage. Bartron unified the public spaces by installing dark ebony-stained hardwood floors. The dining table has an acid-treated copper top, and the living room offers comfortable seating for 11 around a baby grand piano. A chocolate brown daybed and silk curtains frame a bay window, allowing the city lights to become part of the decor. His color palette and simple furniture highlight a dramatic art piece from Paris. The powder room features hand-painted bamboo shoots and polished river rocks in the sink, adding a surprise element. The master bath is a spa-like retreat with a large stone shower and bamboo accents. Guest rooms on the lower level open to a private garden, and a secondary kitchen caters to entertaining. Bartron upgraded lighting and installed a whole-house stereo system. His recent addition of an Asian-inspired front porch creates a tranquil entry. Bartron recommends an Asian-inspired palette, using frosted glass for light and privacy, pampering oneself with luxury baths and linens, keeping window treatments simple to preserve views, and choosing durable materials for pet and family-friendly living. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignerHomes #ScandinavianDesign #UrbanLiving #ModernRanch #SpacePlanning #Renovation #HomeStyling

Matilda Djerf, a prominent figure known for her company Djerf Avenue, recently opened the doors to her 1890s Stockholm apartment, which she shares with her partner Rasmus Johansson. The couple moved into the residence in February, embarking on a design journey that blends elegance with an unpretentious warmth, reflecting Matilda’s personal style and brand ethos. The apartment, characterized by its tranquil atmosphere, immediately captivated Djerf and Johansson with its preserved fin-de-siècle features, including three working fireplaces adorned with botanical details, a rarity in Sweden. Djerf expresses a preference for a tidy and peaceful home environment, which she finds essential for unwinding after work, a sentiment that guided the minimalist yet inviting interior design. The interiors are a thoughtful mix of warm minimalism, complemented by pieces from Djerf Avenue, creating a cohesive aesthetic. Djerf emphasizes that despite the immaculate appearance, nothing is staged, embodying her natural approach to living. The apartment showcases a deep appreciation for Swedish design, intertwined with global influences stemming from Djerf’s passion for travel. To honor the building's historical integrity while avoiding a sterile feel, she integrated antiques throughout the space. Notable pieces include a golden chandelier by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn and a 19th-century Bankers Lamp sourced from the Swedish boutique Sekelskifte, known for its focus on objects from 1880 to 1930. Personal touches are evident in every room, making the apartment uniquely hers. The guest bathroom, for instance, serves as a playful homage to her grandparents’ summer house, featuring retro-inspired green wallpaper with sunflowers, cherub-shaped soaps, and sunshine-yellow Terra Studios tiles. This space is a testament to her desire to infuse personal history and joyful memories into her living environment. The kitchen island and cabinetry were custom-made by local artisans, designed to harmoniously blend with the building’s historical character. A focal point of the apartment is the walk-in closet, which Djerf describes as non-negotiable. Originally the primary bedroom, it has been transformed into a “cabinet of fashion curiosities,” prioritizing style over expansive square footage. The room, reminiscent of a Parisian atelier, features clothing racks and shoes displayed gallery-style, reflecting Djerf’s extensive collection, including a cherished pair of Yves Saint Laurent heels. Her bedroom, which she considers her favorite room, was designed to evoke a hotel-like serenity. Initially considering a white palette for calm, Djerf ultimately opted for a soft blue, a decision she found ultimately more satisfying. The bed frame from YLSE Design is adorned with gingham bedsheets from Djerf Avenue, further integrating her brand into her personal space. Other details include a metallic Triangolo Chair by Per Holland Bastrup from FRAMA in the entryway and a dedicated manifest pinboard. The presence of a sandalwood and lilac scent throughout the apartment hints at Djerf’s upcoming candle line, indicating her holistic approach to creating a specific atmosphere. The apartment serves as a sanctuary for Djerf, a space where she can enjoy morning rituals like coffee and homemade traditional Morning Buns, and entertain friends with her signature Swedish Tacopaj. The overall design narrative is one of thoughtful curation, blending historical charm with modern sensibilities and personal narratives, creating an elegant yet lived-in home that reflects Matilda Djerf’s multifaceted identity. #MatildaDjerf #StockholmApartment #InteriorDesign #SwedishDesign #FinDeSiècleArchitecture #HomeDecor #DjerfAvenue #ElegantInteriors #Antiques #PersonalStyle

The Inglewood Residence, designed by Mark Odom Studio, is a 2,400 square foot Mid-Century Modern home located in Austin, United States, completed in 2020. The core design philosophy centers around integrating the dwelling with nature through a series of gardens and a centralized courtyard. Existing trees on the site played a crucial role in shaping the architectural design, both for preservation purposes and to enhance the continuous connection between the interior and exterior spaces. This integration is achieved through an abundance of floor-to-ceiling windows that line each room, ensuring visual access to the surrounding environment and natural light throughout the house. Internally, the residence features terraced zones that serve to strengthen the programming of each space while maintaining a consistent visual perspective across the different levels. A continuous brick wall acts as a central circulation spine, traversing the house along its north-south axis and connecting all the individual areas. This design element not only provides a cohesive visual thread but also guides movement and defines pathways within the home. The project emphasizes a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living, promoting an immersive experience with the natural surroundings. Key design decisions, such as the placement of windows and the orientation of spaces, were made to maximize this interaction. The project details indicate that Mark Odom Studio was responsible for both the architectural design and the landscape architecture, working in collaboration with ESS Design+Build for construction. Other collaborators included PCW Construction, Inc. for structural engineering, Thrower Design and Neslie Cook for civil engineering, and Ruby Cloutier for staging and furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E). The materials used in the construction include Ceasar Stone and Ferguston plumbing fixtures. The wall installations utilized Quality Spray Foam and drywall by Render Carpentry + Paint, with weather barriers provided by Austin Waterproof Deck & Tex Tar. A&J Masonry handled the masonry work, while ESS Design+Build was responsible for custom terrazzo flooring. Eco Wood Treatment was applied as a sealer, and Air-Rite by Design managed the HVAC systems. Render Carpentry + Paint also contributed to the cabinetry. The Inglewood Courtyard House is categorized under residential architecture, renovation, and house interiors. The comprehensive involvement of Mark Odom Studio in various aspects of the project, including landscape, highlights a holistic approach to the design, where the building and its environment are conceived as an integrated whole. The use of natural materials and careful consideration of light and views contribute to the home’s Mid-Century Modern aesthetic and its overarching theme of connecting with nature. The project demonstrates how architectural design can respond to and incorporate existing site features to create a harmonious living environment. #ResidentialArchitecture #MidCenturyModern #CourtyardHouse #MarkOdomStudio #AustinTexas #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #Renovation #LandscapeArchitecture

The latest lookbook curated by Dezeen showcases a collection of eight Scandinavian summer houses distinguished by their extraordinary interiors. These vacation homes, located across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, move beyond traditional cabin designs to present imaginative architectural and interior solutions. The lookbook is part of a series that offers visual inspiration from Dezeen's extensive archive, focusing on themes such as minimalist bedrooms, colorful resin floors, and statement staircases. The featured homes exemplify diverse approaches to modern Scandinavian summer living. Heatherhill Beach House in Denmark, designed by Norm Architects, incorporates a contemporary feel with a brick floor laid in a grid pattern, contrasting with traditional elements. Douglas fir wall paneling, a dolomite plaster fireplace, and a marble kitchen island define its interior. Saltviga House in Norway by Kolman Boye Architects creatively utilizes timber flooring offcuts, cladding its exterior in oak and furnishing its interior with waste Douglas fir, providing cabinet fronts and smooth screed floors, along with steeply sloping ceilings and expansive window walls. Förstberg Ling's House with a Hidden Atrium in Denmark features a secluded central courtyard accessible only through the toilet, with varying ceiling heights and a double-height main bedroom creating dramatic spatial experiences. Hee House in Sweden, by Studio Ellsinger, is characterized by its distinctive hat-shaped aluminum roof and high ceilings. The design cleverly integrates an expansive bookshelf wall to create split-level bedrooms and double-height living spaces, maximizing space with features like a built-in stove, compact kitchen, and corner bench. Mentze Ottenstein’s renovation of the Dinesen Country Home in Denmark, a 19th-century longhouse, introduces soft color tones and contemporary twists on period furniture. This guesthouse features a dark brown library with ash bookshelves, a forest-green kitchen, and pale yellow reception rooms. Vipp Cold Hawaii in Denmark, designed by Hahn Lavsen for the homeware brand Vipp, is organized around two large chimneys that divide the interior into three sections. The eastern section houses the living space and an anodized aluminum kitchen, with furniture in neutral shades mirroring the surrounding dune landscape. Cabin Nordmarka in Norway, by Rever & Drage, features a large, unusually shaped window that dictates its compact, open-plan layout. The dining area offers expansive forest views, while sleep spaces are strategically placed away from the window, and a bed platform provides under-floor storage. Finally, Villa Vassdal in Sweden, designed by Studio Holmberg, uses birch plywood for walls and built-in furniture to create a monolithic yet warm interior on a small Gothenburg archipelago island. Built-in bookshelves and soft furnishings add subtle color accents. This collection of summer houses highlights innovative design and thoughtful integration with nature, redefining the traditional Scandinavian summer retreat. #ScandinavianDesign #SummerHouses #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #NordicArchitecture #ContemporaryLiving #HolidayHomes #CabinDesign #VacationRetreats

The article highlights seven influential Scandinavian interior designers who offer fresh and modern interpretations of the classic Scandi style. This design aesthetic, rooted in minimalism, natural simplicity, and functionality, has given rise to numerous renowned brands like Muuto, Gubi, and IKEA. The featured designers, while embodying the core principles of Scandinavian design, bring their unique perspectives, ranging from bold and colorful to rich and luxurious. Bjarte Sandal, founder of Smau Arkitektur, represents a sustainable approach, emphasizing warm tones, clean lines, and natural materials. His studio draws inspiration from mid-century architectural teachings, prioritizing form following function, and integrating contemporary construction with sustainable practices. Sandal's work aims for timeless quality, creating spaces that are both grounded and forward-looking, respecting the quiet strength of Scandinavian heritage through simple forms and thoughtful detailing. Gustaf Westman challenges the notion that Scandi interiors must be neutral, introducing a bold, playful, and contemporary interpretation. His eponymous furniture line is characterized by chunky, curvaceous shapes, pastel tones, and high-gloss finishes, offering a whimsical and expressive style that adds character and a touch of surrealism to any home. Pernille Lind, though London-based, integrates her Danish-Thai heritage into her designs, creating warm, minimalist, and contemporary spaces. Her studio is known for refined elegance that balances coziness and luxury, utilizing clean lines, neutral color palettes, and sophisticated natural textures like wood, drawing influence from 1930s and 1950s styles while crafting unique narratives for each project. David Thulstrup, a Danish architect, grounds his style in materiality, blending Scandinavian heritage with contemporary elements to achieve rich, minimalist environments. His approach exemplifies 'quiet luxury' within a Scandi context, as seen in his transformation of a historic Copenhagen warehouse, where he respected original features while making contemporary statements with a limited palette of natural materials. Beata Heuman, a Swedish-born designer based in London, champions a style inspired by Swedish folk design. Her work features pattern-rich rooms that are warm, inviting, and characterful, offering a modern sensibility to traditional aesthetics. Her designs are seen as a 'nouveau Scandi' approach, brimming with charm. Norm Architects, a Copenhagen-based studio comprising multiple designers and architects, adheres to a strict minimalist and neutral Scandi style. Their work embodies the maxim 'form follows function' and a humanist design approach, prioritizing the user's needs. They describe their style as 'Soft Minimalism,' focusing on refining spaces to their purest forms while maintaining a soft, warm, and textural design language. Lotta Agaton, a Stockholm-based interior designer, builds her studio on classic Scandi design principles. Her aesthetic is sophisticated and sumptuous, incorporating natural materials like wood and stone, contrasted with contemporary art, sculptures, and lighting. Her use of dark, earthy tones creates rich, cocoon-like spaces, appealing to those who appreciate a chic and warm Scandinavian ambiance. The article concludes by encouraging readers to incorporate these inspirations into their own homes, noting that achieving a Scandinavian feel does not require a complete overhaul. #ScandinavianDesign #InteriorDesigners #ScandiStyle #HomeDecor #MinimalistInteriors #SustainableDesign #ContemporaryDesign #LuxuryInteriors #DesignInspiration

The article details the creation of a stone home in North Oaks, Minnesota, designed to evoke the charm of an old-world fairy tale. Homeowners Elaine and Claud Morgan, having moved from Atlanta, sought to recreate the wooded and natural environment they cherished while raising their children in Wisconsin. Their vision for a stone cottage in the woods, featuring abundant windows to connect with nature, guided the design process. They collaborated with City Homes, a builder, and Kathryn Alexander of Alexander Design Group to realize this dream. Elaine Morgan's specific requests included a European cottage aesthetic, incorporating stonework, curved rooflines, wood shutters, an octagonal sunroom, and a weather vane-capped cupola. These intricate details were crucial for achieving a timeless look. The exterior combines two types of stone, Fond du Lac Buff and Eden stone, selected for their light and dark variations by Rebecca Remick of City Homes. The roofline's gentle curves and painted shutters contribute to a soft, romantic, fairy-tale appearance, reflecting Elaine's background as an interior designer in Atlanta with a distinct Southern flair. French pane windows were chosen for their traditional style, allowing ample natural light into the interiors. The design emphasizes natural light and exterior views, transforming them into a form of art within the home. The Morgans also aimed to integrate meaningful art and antique pieces collected during their travels, necessitating spaces designed to accommodate these items. Elaine describes her interior style as a blend of soft contemporary and traditional, enriched with special antiques and diverse art, including pieces from European travels and a ceramic bust by Wisconsin artist Susan Strand-Penman. A key area of the home is the kitchen and adjoining sunroom. The kitchen features raised-panel, powder-blue cabinetry, providing a classic look and extensive storage. Expansive counters topped with Chiffon quartzite offer a durable and contemporary workspace, complemented by slab backsplashes. The sunroom, accessible from the kitchen, boasts walls of windows and French doors, offering natural light and scenic views. Inside, comfortable seating surrounds a cast-stone fireplace, while outside, turret-like architecture adds to the romantic, castle-like ambiance. The homeowner expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome, considering it her "happy place" and her home. #HomeBuilding #ArchitectureDesign #CustomHome #EuropeanCottage #InteriorDesign #NorthOaks #TimelessDesign

Moor Design, a Vancouver-based firm, undertook the interior design of a three-level, four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom Craftsman house for a young couple with two children under three. The clients sought a family-friendly yet stylish space suitable for entertaining, expressing a preference for New York loft aesthetics and Scandinavian minimalism. They also desired a custom home reflecting their personal taste. Lead interior designer Sarah Desaulniers and her team addressed these requirements by integrating practical solutions with sophisticated design elements. The design incorporated extensive custom millwork, strategically finished in Benjamin Moore's Iron Mountain paint and a combination of teak and white laminate. This choice served to conceal clutter and maintain a streamlined appearance, crucial for a household with young children. To introduce texture and visual interest, custom white-brick feature walls were installed in the living and dining areas, providing a subtle contrast to the minimalist theme. A notable technical and aesthetic achievement was the successful venting of the fireplace, preventing it from overheating the adjacent temperature-controlled wine storage, thereby facilitating effortless entertaining. Key design choices in various areas of the home emphasized both functionality and style. In the kitchen, School House pendants were installed above an island featuring Silestone quartz, complemented by West Elm stools. The living area was furnished with a Gluckstein Home table and club chairs, with wine storage expertly crafted by Asanti Homes. The dining area showcased a custom Union Wood Co. dining table, paired with Eurostyle side chairs, all illuminated by an Estiluz pendant. Children's spaces also received thoughtful attention, as evidenced by a Eurofase Lighting pendant illuminating a Joynote teepee in one of the bedrooms, adding a playful yet integrated element. The powder room on the main level featured a Kohler sink and a Brizo faucet set within a custom vanity by Blue Mountain Kitchens, with bespoke pendants handcrafted by Bocci contributing to its unique character. The master bathroom continued the theme of custom elegance, outfitted with a custom vanity and cabinets by Blue Mountain Kitchens, Duravit sinks, and Delta faucets. Throughout the project, Moor Design successfully balanced the practical demands of a young family with a desire for a custom, aesthetically refined living environment. The integration of high-quality materials, bespoke furnishings, and thoughtful spatial planning resulted in a home that embodies both Scandinavian minimalist principles and a modern Craftsman sensibility. #CraftsmanHome #ScandinavianMinimalism #MoorDesign #InteriorDesign #FamilyFriendlyDesign #CustomMillwork #VancouverHomes #ModernCraftsman #ResidentialDesign

Kaitlyn Wolfe of Iconic Design+Build undertook the redesign of a Scottsdale ranch home for a young couple relocating from California. The primary objective was to transform the existing space, which the clients perceived as a 'white box' lacking in color and texture, into a warm, cozy, and functional home, especially given the couple was expecting their first child. Wolfe's approach prioritized maximizing the budget by retaining existing hard surfaces and focusing on a smart design plan to enhance smaller rooms and low ceilings. The design aesthetic chosen was a clean, Scandinavian modern style, aiming to introduce unique and custom features to elevate the design while ensuring it remained kid-friendly and suitable for entertaining. The design strategy involved incorporating elements that would make each space appear larger and create a visual flow. Wolfe aimed to introduce memorable features in each room, creating distinct functional and aesthetic moments through the use of color, texture, and unique storage solutions to maximize usability. Durability and soft curves were key considerations for furniture selection to ensure a soothing and sculptural feel, appropriate for a family with a young child. Inspiration for the color palette was drawn from the Arizona desert sunset, incorporating terra cotta, olive greens, and creamy neutrals, complemented by textures such as terrazzo, cork, teak, steel, plaster, concrete, rattan, and boucle. Hand-applied finishes like a custom-painted mural, a plaster wall treatment, and wood paneling were used to add a thoughtful and personalized touch to the home. The furnishings comprised a mix of vintage and new pieces, with custom furniture and wall treatments created by local craftspeople. A notable space is the salon-like sitting room, featuring an eclectic mix of seating options, including leather chairs by Scandinavian Designs, a rattan chair by France & Son, and a boucle chair by Diamond Sofa, all grounded by a Stella rug by Chandra. The room is further enhanced by a View wall lamp by Modway and a Lote wall hanging by Anthropologie, with a black coffee table by Moe’s Home Collection serving as a focal point. The living room includes custom cabinetry by Luxury Woodworker with wooden sphere knobs from Etsy, providing essential storage and complementing the modern kitchen cabinetry. A Bain coffee table by Noir and a white tile side table by CB2, along with an Angelo rug by Chandra, complete the living area. Minimal changes were made to the kitchen, primarily involving reshaping the island with ivory white honed countertops by Arizona Tile, which improved the flow, provided more usable island seating, and enhanced kitchen functionality. Customized wall treatments were strategically used to define specific areas; for instance, a black plaster wall demarcates the bar area, and a color-blocking feature on the wall and ceiling in the dining room with beige paint adds personality. The primary bedroom features a one-of-a-kind custom wall mural designed and painted by a local artist. Even the home gym was designed to be both functional and stylish, incorporating cork flooring by APC Cork, paneled walls by Luxury Woodworker, Upplyft wall bars by FitWood, Shelfology hooks, and art from Juniper Print Shop. The project was completed in six months, with only five weeks of on-site work, during the height of the pandemic, culminating in a surprise reveal for the clients who expressed deep satisfaction with their transformed home. #ScottsdaleHome #ScandinavianDesign #ModernInteriors #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #CustomFurnishings #DesertInspiredPalette #KidFriendlyDesign #RanchHome

Adie Kaplan Mears and her husband, Brian Mears, sought to create a new home in New Orleans' Freret neighborhood that blended New Orleans architecture with modern Scandinavian design principles. Having outgrown their previous home on the same lot, the couple decided to demolish the existing structure, retaining only the garage, to build a new 3,000-square-foot residence. Adie, with a background in architecture, spearheaded the design process, collaborating with Adamick Architecture, led by Alexander “Alec” Adamick, to realize their vision. The design incorporated key Scandinavian elements such as abundant natural light, natural materials like wood, and a palette of soft, muted colors, aiming for a sleek yet comfortable living space. A primary goal was to integrate the new home seamlessly into the New Orleans aesthetic, despite its modern inclination. Adamick Architecture proposed a New Orleans townhouse style, incorporating features like a distinctive bump-out at the front for the office and stained wood-plank siding on the front porch and bump-out, which adds warmth and visual interest against the painted siding. The exterior design, credited to Alex Barthel and Judy La, ensured the overall concept aligned with Adie's vision. The ground floor of the new home includes a front porch, a powder room, a pantry, and an open-concept kitchen, living, and dining area, along with a covered rear porch. A custom contemporary stairway leads to the second floor, which houses a children’s play area, a home office, a bathroom, two children’s bedrooms, a walk-in laundry room, and the primary suite. Strategic placement of the play area and office at the front of the house ensures privacy for the bedrooms, which are located away from street view. Throughout the interior, Adie made all material selections, and Adamick Architecture assisted in realizing specific custom features, such as the unique staircase, a custom niche at the top of the hall, and the master bathroom design. The Mears prioritized natural light and tall ceilings, achieving 10-foot ceilings on both floors to create an airy and modern, yet inviting, atmosphere. The open floor plan facilitates family interaction, allowing parents to oversee children while cooking and enhancing entertainment opportunities. Notable interior features include an upstairs playroom with a vertical stained-wood screen overlooking the stairs and a window seat/storage bench. The front entry also features a built-in bench and stained wood screen. The master bath includes a walk-in shower and soaking tub combo, designed to feel like a single wet room with floor-to-ceiling tile. The kitchen cabinets feature a built-in bench for dining, reflecting the family's desire for an informal dining setup. Custom elements extend to the front steps, a back screened porch with matching stained wood, and a distinctive front window in the home office. Budget constraints presented a challenge, but Adie’s careful sourcing of materials, such as cost-effective flooring, allowed for the realization of a sophisticated contemporary design. The interior color scheme predominantly features neutral tones, with light taupe kitchen cabinets, engineered white oak floors, and white walls. Bathrooms provided an opportunity for bolder color choices, including sage green wall tiles in the master bath and mint green tiles with black accents in the children’s bathroom. Adie also incorporated Farrow & Ball's Mizzle for a modern wainscoting effect in Avi’s room and a sun mural in Ayla’s room, painted by a colleague. The new home provides ample space and diverse areas for both individual privacy and family gatherings, with future plans to add a pool and convert the shed into a modern pool house. #NewOrleansArchitecture #ScandinavianDesign #UptownHome #ModernHomeDesign #InteriorDesign #CustomHome #Architecture #HomeRenovation

This article features the "Folly in Solliveien," a unique backyard addition located in Asker, Norway, designed by Rever & Drage architects. The structure is situated in an elongated garden, adjacent to a large, old oak tree, and acts as a transitional space between the everyday residential area and a tranquil pastoral end of the property. The Folly's design transcends conventional garden structures, presenting a boat-like outline formed by a log facade that encloses two distinct structures. The main volume of the Folly houses functional spaces, including a dining room, an adjoining kitchen, and a bathroom. The bathroom is notably equipped with a sauna, a bathtub, and an outdoor shower, enhancing its practical utility and luxurious amenities. This primary structure contributes significantly to the Folly's functionality, offering comprehensive facilities for relaxation and entertainment within the garden setting. Opposite the main volume is a smaller, leaning structure, described as evoking the charm of a treehouse or a secret hideaway. This structure features a small lounge with a glass roof, designed to allow occupants to gaze up at the sprawling branches of the ancient oak tree. The glass roof panels provide ample daylight and views, while a wooden hatch ensures ventilation and serves as an emergency exit, emphasizing both comfort and safety in this secluded space. The architectural design of the Folly is characterized by a striking contrast between materials and aesthetics. From the eastern approach, the structure presents an elegant silhouette, achieved through slim, smooth oak panels that are juxtaposed against stout, rough logs used in its construction. This combination marries contemporary design with traditional log construction, offering a sophisticated and visually appealing facade. The volumes are strategically designed to converge on a central gate while also stretching away from it, effectively framing the impressive oak tree that dominates the landscape. From the pastoral western perspective, the building transforms into a warm, embracing form, creating a sunny nook ideal for leisurely afternoons. This configuration offers a moment of respite and tranquility before individuals transition back into their daily routines. The Folly at Solliveien represents a harmonious blend of decorative artistry and practical functionality, providing a serene and multi-functional retreat within a residential garden. #ArchitecturalDesign #BackyardAddition #NorwegianArchitecture #ReverAndDrage #GardenStructure #ModernDesign #OutdoorLiving #ResidentialArchitecture #UniqueStructures

This article explores the enduring appeal of Scandinavian interior design by showcasing five distinct homes across Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Each home offers a unique interpretation of Scandi style, providing insights from the designers responsible for their creation. The first stop is a vibrant family home in Norway, where Koi Color Studio, led by Dagny Thurmann-Moe, embraces Norway's maximalist and colorful heritage. The kitchen features desaturated green cabinetry with bold zellige tiles, referencing traditional patterns, while the living room utilizes warm terracotta and red nuances from Pure & Original paints. The dining area continues this theme with a yellow ceiling and terracotta walls, balancing craftsmanship with maximalist decor, and the entryway is painted in Farrow & Ball's Crimson Red to create a dramatic, welcoming tone. Iconic Scandinavian pieces, like the Little Petra chair and Tiki sofa, are integrated throughout this home. In stark contrast, a midcentury modern home in Lidingö, Sweden, belonging to designer Joanna Lavén of Studio Lawahl, presents a sleek, pared-back aesthetic. Its striking feature is a sunken living room with a conversation pit, framed by new floor-to-ceiling windows. The color palette incorporates icy blues and winter whites, warmed by wood elements. The kitchen and dining area, on the second story, form a contemporary family space with a teak-clad island and midcentury modern furniture. A second living room combines light surfaces, wood, and green textiles, preserving an original limestone brick fireplace. The primary bedroom features soft blues and greens, a custom wall-to-wall headboard, and vintage lighting and decor elements. The third featured home is a historic boathouse on Värmdö island in the Stockholm archipelago, transformed into a romantic coastal holiday retreat. Painted in traditional Falu red, this home emphasizes gathering and showcasing the stunning lake view. The open-plan dining room incorporates Gustavian-style chairs with layered textiles, including Swedish floral prints and zebra patterns, to blend heritage with contemporary touches. The kitchen maintains an uncluttered look with open shelves and marble countertops, allowing displays to be both useful and aesthetically pleasing. The main bedroom continues the blue décor theme with contrasting floral prints, unified by variations of blue. Next, a top-floor apartment in Helsinki, Finland, updated by interior architect Elina Siltanen-Sjöberg of Interiors by Ess, showcases a cohesive color palette with a cozy, international Scandinavian feel. The living room features layers of grey, complemented by rattan furniture and patterned cushions. A compact breakfast nook is created with a vintage table and classic Carl Hansen CH24 wishbone chairs, set against Farrow & Ball's Tessella wallpaper and warm gray paint. The challenging-shaped bedroom uses Finnish/Scandinavian colors like sand, beige, and brown with red accents, incorporating patterns and mirrors to create an inviting space. A children's bedroom features playful Rosslyn 1908 wallpaper from Farrow & Ball, bunk beds from Avaroom, and custom playful elements. Finally, an 18th-century Swedish villa near Stockholm, also redesigned by Studio Lawahl, blends midcentury modern influences with high-end finishes and antiques. The entryway combines drama with welcome, featuring bespoke stone flooring, a curved ceiling, and a brass chandelier, alongside concealed storage in teak. The kitchen boasts bespoke dark brass cabinetry, classic paneling, Cielo marble worktops, and a two-tier island, with vintage lighting and designer chairs. The dining room includes a custom teak and glass cabinet, vibrant pink tones, and vintage Italian chairs, while the home office harmonizes traditional millwork with bespoke wood and marble pieces, vintage lighting by Oscar Torlasco, and iconic Arne Jacobsen chairs. #ScandinavianDesign #NordicInteriors #HomeTours #InteriorDesign #MidcenturyModern #ColorPalettes #SwedishHomes #NorwegianHomes #FinnishApartments

This article details the extensive home renovation project undertaken by Birgitte Danielsen and her husband in Richmond's West End, aiming to create an eclectic, modern home that blends their Danish and Indian heritages. The couple, originally hesitant about a large property needing significant work, were ultimately drawn to the house's abundant windows and open floor plan, which offered views of a nearby lake. Their decision to purchase coincided with Danielsen giving birth to twins, adding complexity to the renovation. Interior designer Kristi Lane of Visible Proof and contractor Mark Franko of Mark Franko Custom Building collaborated on the project. Danielsen, who works in finance and frequently travels between New York City and Richmond, sought a modern aesthetic that avoided a generic "catalog" look, emphasizing personal touches and a reflection of their extensive travels. While the 1960s-built residence featured some Midcentury design elements, Danielsen's preference leaned towards contemporary Danish design, characterized by collecting enduring pieces rather than frequent redecorating. Her consistent choice of Danish designers impressed Lane, who appreciated the couple's international, eclectic, and unique taste. Despite the main floor undergoing a complete gut renovation, the original room layouts largely remained intact, with the exception of the master bathroom. This space was significantly expanded by combining several smaller rooms and closets. A new large picture window was installed, offering panoramic lake views and flooding the room with natural light. An engineered solid-stone soaking tub by MTI Baths was positioned in front of this window, and a wall of built-in cabinets ensured a clean, clutter-free environment, aligning with Danielsen's desire for everything to be out of sight. The kitchen also received a modern overhaul, featuring rich walnut cabinetry and a substantial center island topped with Calcutta Gold marble, a detail chosen to honor her husband's Indian heritage. Recognizing the absence of a mudroom, Lane integrated a wall of cabinets dedicated to organizing family belongings. A portion of a wall was also removed to foster an open-concept living space, allowing for greater connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. A notable transformation occurred on the stairs and lower-level railing, where existing pipe railings were replaced with clear-coated steel bannisters and cable rails custom-fabricated by Virginia Railing & Gates in Ashland. This design choice aimed to maintain an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape. The renovation is ongoing, with future plans for extensive work on the home's lower level and yard, including the creation of a playroom and outdoor play area for their twins. Danielsen expressed immense satisfaction with the collaborative efforts of Mark Franko and Kristi Lane, acknowledging their ability to understand and execute her vision effectively. #DanishModern #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #EclecticDecor #CustomBuilding #ModernAesthetics #RichmondHome #InternationalInfluence #OpenConcept

The Holms, a couple living in Odense, Denmark, initially envisioned a simple wooden farmhouse for their new home. However, architect Jan Henrik Jansen, known for offering multiple solutions for his projects, presented them with a radically different concept: a round house. To his surprise, the Holms immediately embraced this unconventional design. Jansen, a German architect who established Jan Henrik Jansen Arkitekter in Denmark, attributes the couple's adventurous spirit partly to the Danish national character, which he describes as having a fundamental interest in design, not limited to an upper-class clientele. The unique round shape of the house was strategically chosen due to its location, flanked by other residences. By orienting the house to face a green meadow, Jansen aimed to create a sense of living in open countryside, providing privacy and a connection to nature. The architect opted for brick as the primary building material, rather than the initially requested wood, to ensure the house blended harmoniously with the existing neighborhood. He also noted that the curved structure inherently called for a solid material like brick. Despite their enthusiasm for the design, the initial cost was a concern for the Holms. Finn Holm, who owns a corporate cleaning business, took on the role of general contractor to manage the project, a decision he later described as a two-year ordeal he would not repeat. A significant part of this arduous process involved Finn hand-cutting thousands of bricks from a demolished Carlsberg brewery in Copenhagen, a task that alone took six months and required enduring various weather conditions. The house, spanning 2,400 square feet, accommodates a blended family of six children from previous marriages, with three still living at home, along with a cocker spaniel. To manage the bustling household, Jansen designed the layout as a C-shape. The master suite is situated at one end, while the children's three bedrooms and a shared bathroom are at the opposite end. The living rooms, dining area, and kitchen are centrally located. Jansen explained that the curved design creates a sense of openness without feeling excessively exposed. Materially, the house primarily utilizes wood and brick. The interior curve of the C-shape features a triple-glazed thermal glass curtain wall. Even the radiant-heated floors are made of brick, sealed for easy maintenance. Jansen highlighted that the use of these traditional materials gives the house a timeless quality, suggesting it “could have been built 100 years ago.” Janni Holm, a doctor with a keen interest in design, took charge of the interiors, furnishing the space with her collection of Danish 1950s and 1960s furniture, which seamlessly integrates with the house’s curved architecture. Finn Holm particularly appreciates the constant connection to the outdoors, facilitated by the floor-to-ceiling glass, which offers views of a circular, cobblestone-paved courtyard featuring an outdoor fireplace for entertaining. Despite their neighbors' admiration, Janni noted with a smile that most couldn't imagine living in such an unconventional home. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #UnconventionalHome #DanishDesign #BrickArchitecture #FamilyHome #InteriorDesign #SustainableMaterials