Old World appreciation in Serenbe

The article highlights the home of Dana and Bill Lynch in the Serenbe neighborhood, emphasizing its sophisticated farmhouse style and the intentional use of natural materials. Dana Lynch, a seasoned builder and interior designer, designed the house with a layered approach, combining various elements in her kitchen, including plaster walls, three different stones, four distinct cabinet materials and finishes, four metals, and a wood floor. This seemingly complex mix resulted in a soothing and organic aesthetic that defines the entire home. The Lynches chose Serenbe for its community-centric environment, particularly its approach to parenting. Architect Ryan Duffey, known for his preference for natural materials, collaborated with the Lynches on the custom house. The exterior features a stucco-and-cypress combination with a wood shingle roof. The house's U-shaped structure, comprising a two-story main building flanked by a master suite wing and a garage wing, forms a charming central courtyard and evokes a pastoral grange. This design choice contributes to the home's European-industrial charm, further enhanced by metal doors and windows throughout. Inside, Dana Lynch's design philosophy prioritizes a neutral color palette and a rich interplay of textures and materials. Wood, stone, leather, worn metals, hand-hewn plaster, and iron are prominently featured. She expresses a particular fondness for genuine, aged brass and natural elements, believing they offer honesty and timelessness over fleeting trends. While generally favoring natural elements, she also incorporates touches of glamour, such as a fine art collection in the foyer and distinctive lighting fixtures, showing a penchant for "shiny objects," including Lucite. The kitchen, a focal point of her design, features poured concrete countertops and custom cabinetry. Counter-to-ceiling metal shelves in front of windows provide practical storage without obstructing natural light. The master bathroom is designed with a dramatic rectangular bathtub, reflecting Dana's personal preference, and includes double vanities made of poured concrete, complemented by gilded mirrors with faucets mounted directly on them. The sitting room includes a navy sectional, which Dana upgraded from Ikea by painting its legs gold. Dana Lynch, originally an attorney, now dedicates her career to interior design. Her work will be showcased in the _Organic Living Magazine_ show house in Serenbe and in projects within the Pinewood Forrest neighborhood. Her design approach is characterized by a lawyer's attention to detail combined with an intuitive passion for aesthetics, and she has learned to appreciate and integrate asymmetry and imperfection in her designs. The house is set against a wildflower meadow, with a pool, further enhancing its natural and serene ambiance. #Serenbe #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #AgrarianArchitecture #NaturalMaterials #DanaLynch #RyanDuffey #CustomHome #EuropeanFarmhouseStyle

Serenbe is an eco-friendly community located 45 minutes outside of Atlanta, Georgia, established in the mid-2000s by Steve Nygren and his family. The community spans acres of preserved forests, nature trails, and rolling meadows, integrating New Urbanism planning principles to promote sustainability and community living. Currently, Serenbe houses over 400 residents and emphasizes walkability, diverse housing options, and in-community jobs through its commercial centers. Each of Serenbe's four hamlets features its own retail area and distinct personality, offering various creative outlets from visual and culinary arts to healing practices, healthy living, and access to notable restaurants. The architectural design within Serenbe is diverse, featuring single-family houses, large estates, and small row houses that avoid the uniform appearance of typical suburban developments. Design styles range from traditional Arts and Crafts cottages to loft-style townhouses and modern homes, all intended to create harmony through varied details. The community offers new builds, re-sells, and properties still under construction, allowing homeowners to customize their final features. A key design element is the front porch on each residence and the absence of private backyards, which encourages the use of common green spaces and fosters neighborly interaction and community bonds. Significant attention to detail is evident in Serenbe's public spaces. Edible blueberry bushes line trails, and sidewalk curbs are constructed from high-quality granite. The roads are thoughtfully laid out to minimize disturbance to the existing topography. Serenbe's core mission is to promote environmentally friendly habits through its walkable neighborhoods, local commercial centers, a 25-acre organic farm with weekly Farmer’s Markets, and year-round cultural events. This commitment to sustainability has earned Serenbe multiple awards in sustainability, design, and development, contributing to an increase in home values within the community. #EcoFriendlyCommunity #SustainableLiving #NewUrbanism #Atlanta #CommunityPlanning #GreenSpaces #ArchitecturalDiversity #WalkableNeighborhoods #OrganicFarming

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

Design trends are currently favoring Mediterranean and European influences for outdoor spaces, incorporating sun-bleached neutrals, Greek tiles, and abundant greenery. Nicholas Trobiano of Trobiano Studios highlights the effortlessness of Mediterranean design, which features organic materials such as clay, stone, and wood, alongside sustainable elements like architectural salvage and antique furniture. This style is complemented by lush green landscapes, large palms, and seaside aesthetics. Robert Sicignano of Elite Pool Designs has observed a growing interest over the past five years in Greek tiles and Grecian-Roman pool shapes. Clients are increasingly drawn to green and blue color palettes, as well as architectural features like columns, vine-covered pergolas, and the strategic use of fire and water bowls near pools. For those in warmer climates, terracotta offers another avenue to introduce Mediterranean charm. While caution is advised for using terracotta as a tile due to its potential slipperiness, it is highly effective in other applications. Trobiano suggests incorporating terracotta pots for their warmth and aesthetic appeal, particularly when filled with orange and lemon trees, which thrive in environments like Florida. He also recommends using brown terracotta bowls and serveware for casual entertaining, noting that the rustic, earthen quality of fired clay creates an intimate and lived-in atmosphere. An easy method to infuse this ambiance into an outdoor space is by integrating terracotta pots or planters. Trobiano specifically recommends sago palms and olive trees, as they are sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants that flourish in large planters for many years. Additionally, collecting vintage ceramics or plaster sculptures for display on mantels or windowsills can further enhance the desired aesthetic. This approach to outdoor design marries natural elements with classic European sensibilities, creating inviting and elegant exterior environments. #MediterraneanDesign #EuropeanFlair #OutdoorSpaces #HomeDesignInspiration #HomeTrends #Terracotta #PoolDesign #Landscaping

The field of interior design is currently witnessing a resurgence of old-world products, which are being reinterpreted with modern sensibilities. This trend is particularly evident in the growing popularity of flecked surfaces, which are gaining traction among designers and consumers alike. These surfaces, often characterized by their intricate patterns and varied textures, offer a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary aesthetic appeal. The 2023 Hospitality Giants report highlights this movement, indicating a strong interest in incorporating these materials into modern design schemes. One prominent example of this trend is Max Lamb’s Marmoreal, a collection of large-aggregate terrazzo slabs and tiles available in White from Dzek. Terrazzo, a composite material made of chips of marble, quartz, granite, or glass set in a binder, has a rich history dating back to ancient Egypt. Lamb's interpretation reintroduces this classic material with a bold, contemporary scale, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from wall coverings to furniture. The use of large aggregates creates a distinctive visual texture, providing a modern twist on a traditional material. Another notable contribution comes from StudioCharlie with their Fossili terrazzo charger by MIPA. This piece showcases the versatility of terrazzo beyond architectural surfaces, demonstrating its potential for decorative and functional objects within a space. The charger's design emphasizes the material's aesthetic qualities, transforming a utilitarian item into a statement piece that blends old-world craftsmanship with modern design principles. For those seeking more refined options, Artistic Tile offers the Geotzzo Ribbon Black honed terrazzo tile. This tile features a sophisticated black base with subtle flecks, presenting a sleek and elegant option for contemporary interiors. The honing process provides a smooth, matte finish, enhancing the natural beauty of the terrazzo and making it an ideal choice for luxury residential and commercial projects. Its wavy pattern adds a dynamic visual element while maintaining a sense of classic sophistication. Ann Sacks contributes to this trend with their Terrazzo Form Waterfall tile in Vicenza. This tile features a blend of white and darker flecks, creating a natural and organic appearance. The 'Waterfall' designation likely refers to its ability to create a seamless flow when installed, making it suitable for large surface areas like floors and walls. The Vicenza variant brings a regional Italian influence, connecting the material back to its historical European roots while presenting it in a modern format. Beyond traditional stone-based materials, innovation in flecked surfaces also extends to sustainable options. SAS Minimum's Le Pavé surfacing, made of crushed plastic waste, exemplifies this eco-conscious approach. This material, shown in a custom colorway at Sonia Rykiel in Paris, offers a vibrant and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional surfaces. The process of repurposing plastic waste into a durable and aesthetically pleasing material not only addresses sustainability concerns but also introduces a unique, rainbow-speckled texture that is distinctively modern. This application demonstrates that flecked surfaces can be both beautiful and responsible, aligning with contemporary values of environmental stewardship in design. These diverse examples highlight how flecked surfaces, whether through traditional terrazzo or innovative recycled materials, are bridging the gap between historical design and modern aesthetics, offering designers a rich palette of textures and patterns. #FleckedSurfaces #Terrazzo #InteriorDesign #ModernDesign #OldWorldStyle #SustainableMaterials #TileDesign #HospitalityDesign #ArchitecturalSurfaces

The Cavendish Hotel, a British countryside establishment, recently underwent a significant redesign spearheaded by London-based interior designer Nicola Harding. The 18th-century property's interiors were reimagined using finishes from Paint & Paper Library and Pierre Frey wallcoverings. Harding's design approach emphasized a lived-in sophistication, incorporating repurposed antiques throughout the common areas and the 28 guest rooms. Examples include fire hydrants converted into lamps and sconces crafted from horse-drawn carriages. The hotel features a glass-enclosed Garden Room, which offers afternoon tea served on limestone tables sourced from Chatsworth’s archives. The Gallery, another space within the hotel, transitions from a bright daytime setting to an intimate, candlelit ambiance in the evening, offering locally sourced hearty English cuisine, such as Chatsworth farm lamb. In New York City, the seventh floor of Bergdorf Goodman hosts a multi-room exhibition curated by Salon Art + Design. This pop-up features collectible design and art pieces from six participant galleries: Onishi Gallery, Galerie Gabriel, J. Lohmann Gallery, Liz O’Brien, Verso, and Room 57 Gallery. The exhibition space is adorned in various shades of limewash paint, hand-applied by architectural finish producer Color Atelier, providing a distinctive backdrop for the showcased works. Artist Suzanne Kite's exhibition at the MIT Visual Arts Center focuses on indigenous knowledge systems, languages, and the interconnectedness of "stars, stones, and dreams." The multidisciplinary exhibition opened recently, offering a unique perspective on these themes. Phaidon is set to release "Defining Style: The Book of Interior Design" in March. This publication comprehensively outlines 150 residential interiors through 260 images and detailed text by Joan Barzilay Freund. The book serves as a resource for inspiration, categorizing diverse styles from tropical to maximalist. It features insights from numerous design leaders, including Atelier ND Monochrome, OKHA Collected, AGO Interiors, Shawn Henderson, and Alexandrea Tolstoy. Assouline, the Parisian publisher known for its collectible books, has expanded its presence with a new palatial library and lounge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This new location, which includes a piano lounge and restaurant, reflects Assouline's approach to interiors. The space features gilt-inlaid carved wood paneling, velvet-upholstered seating in an oxblood shade, and a selection of Assouline titles. It also offers sweeping terrace vistas of the historic Diriyah district. Flamingo Estate, a Los Angeles-based brand known for its "from the garden" philosophy and range of beauty, wellness, and pantry staples, has launched a residency at Bloomingdale’s in New York. This pop-up, part of the department store's Carousel series, makes the brand's products, including cult-favorite scents like petrichor, tomato leaf, and night blooming jasmine, accessible to New Yorkers. The installation features a canopy of dried florals and will run until mid-March. Following the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, home furnishing and decor brand Blu Dot has committed to replacing, free of charge, any of their pieces purchased within the last year that were destroyed in the tragic events. John Christakos, co-founder and CEO of Blu Dot, stated that while furniture might not be the immediate concern, the company aims to support customers in rebuilding when they are ready. Customers can initiate the replacement process by visiting Blu Dot’s West Hollywood store to connect with the team. #HotelDesign #InteriorDesign #ArtExhibition #DesignBooks #LuxuryInteriors #RetailPopUp #DisasterRelief

This article highlights a collaboration between The Hudson Company, a custom mill based in upstate New York, and Schotten & Hansen, a German flooring company, to introduce a line of naturally finished wood products to the U.S. market. The Hudson Company specializes in sustainably sourced and reclaimed wood, and this partnership expands their offerings to include wood from Germany's Bavaria region, which is also sustainably harvested. The defining characteristic of this new product line is Schotten & Hansen's unique finishing process, which emphasizes sustainability and traditional craftsmanship. Unlike typical industrial finishing methods, Schotten & Hansen uses only natural ingredients to treat their wood floors. This commitment to natural processes extends to every stage of finishing, including the use of waxes, oils, and resins derived from natural sources, ensuring that the final product is free from synthetic chemicals. The process involves meticulous hand-finishing techniques that have been passed down through generations of German woodworking. Each piece of wood undergoes a series of manual treatments, including planing, brushing, smoking, and coloring. These traditional methods are not merely for aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the wood's durability and natural texture, creating an authentic old-world feel. The natural ingredients are carefully selected not only to enhance the wood's inherent beauty but also to fill knot holes and other natural imperfections, seamlessly integrating them into the overall design while maintaining the wood's organic character. This approach results in a luxurious natural finish that is both environmentally friendly and aesthetically rich. The partnership aims to cater to a growing demand for sustainable and artisan-crafted building materials in the American market. By combining The Hudson Company's expertise in sustainable sourcing with Schotten & Hansen's traditional German finishing techniques, the collaboration offers a unique product that stands out in the flooring industry. The availability of these products in the U.S. provides architects, designers, and homeowners with access to high-quality, eco-conscious wood flooring and paneling options that embody both natural beauty and historical craftsmanship. This initiative underscores a broader trend towards integrating sustainable practices and traditional artistry into modern home design and construction. #OldWorldCraftsmanship #SustainableWood #NaturalFinishes #GermanWoodworking #LuxuryFlooring #EcoFriendlyMaterials #WoodPaneling #TraditionalMethods #HomeDesign