Stunning Hillside Home in Camelback Canyon

This blog post highlights a colonial-style luxury home at 17 Cobtail Way in Simsbury, Connecticut, designed by architect Jack Kemper. The residence is notable for its architecture, floor plan, and mountain-top views, showcasing a meticulous attention to detail both externally and internally. The exterior features a granite stone facade, a portico at the main entrance, symmetrical design with large windows, two massive chimneys, a circular drive, and professional landscaping. The property offers panoramic mountain views from various vantage points, including a lower-level bluestone patio, a first-floor deck, and a second-floor deck accessible via a spiral staircase, with the latter providing the most expansive views. The interior of the home is equally impressive, beginning with an entry foyer inspired by the Governor’s Mansion in Hartford. This design choice ensures an unobstructed sightline from the front door through to the sunroom, which features an array of windows offering views of the valley. A prominent feature throughout the home is the use of random-width Georgia pine floors, which extend even into the bathrooms, contributing to a country estate ambiance. The only tiled areas are the mudroom and the sunroom, where the same stone used on the facade is incorporated into the interior design. The millwork is elaborate, including triple crown molding, wainscoting in formal rooms, five-foot-high beadboards in hallways, and dentil moldings in the formal living room, all contributing to a rich aesthetic. The first floor comprises formal living and dining rooms, each equipped with a gas-burning fireplace. The kitchen is spacious and well-appointed, featuring ample counter space, storage-rich cabinets, a brick accent wall with a fireplace, built-in double ovens, and a six-burner cooktop centered on a large island. High-end appliances, such as a Sub-Zero refrigerator and a Miele dishwasher, are also included. The kitchen connects to the dining room via a butler’s pantry, offering additional storage, and opens into a family room with a fireplace, cathedral ceiling with exposed wood beam trusses, and magnificent valley views. A home office with built-in bookcases and cabinets, located near the mudroom and a half bath, allows for business meetings without guests needing to access the main living areas. The first floor also includes a second half bath, direct access to a three-car garage, and a rear stairway leading to both the lower level and the second floor. On the second floor, the primary bedroom suite offers a large sleeping area with valley views, a spacious walk-in closet, and a luxurious spa-like bathroom. This bathroom features a centrally located jetted soaking tub, a large dual-sink vanity, a glass shower, and a separate commode room, along with a fifth fireplace shared with the primary bedroom. Four additional bedrooms are on this floor, three of which have attached full baths. Two of these bedrooms can form a suite via a pocket door, ideal for guests or multi-generational living, given their proximity to the rear stairs and garage. The lower level includes a large gym with durable luxury vinyl flooring and direct access to the bluestone patio, offering potential as a playroom. This level also houses a wine cellar, ample storage space, and a workshop. Outdoor amenities include a professionally landscaped 2.1-acre lot with a Japanese garden featuring a waterfall, two bridges, and a fish pond. The home’s location in Simsbury is considered ideal, with proximity to Avon, West Hartford, and Bradley International Airport. The Cobtail Way community is highlighted for its convenience to services and recreational facilities, such as public golf courses and equestrian centers. The property, built in 1998, has 12 rooms, 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 2 half baths, and 6,725 square feet of living space, including the lower level. #LuxuryHome #ConnecticutRealEstate #TalcottMountain #ColonialArchitecture #CustomDesign #MountainViews #SimsburyCT #HighEndFinishes #LuxuryLiving

The article details the creation of Whimsy Valley, the Western North Carolina mountain retreat of photographer and historic preservationist Perry Vaile. Vaile and her husband embarked on a long journey to find and build their dream mountain home, ultimately settling on a property near Burnsville after a previous attempt in Chimney Rock was thwarted by a landslide specialist's warning, which proved prescient when the property was destroyed by Hurricane Helene. This experience highlighted the importance of thorough environmental assessments before purchasing land for construction. With the new property, Vaile collaborated with local contractor Chris Jarrett over two years to construct a home that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. Her background in historic preservation influenced the architectural choices, such as incorporating bark siding as a nod to late 1800s architect Henry Bacon, who popularized this style in Linville, North Carolina. This design decision aimed to give the new build vernacular sensitivity and integrate it respectfully into the region's architectural history. The interior design reflects Vaile's photography career, lending her an eye for creating visually compelling spaces. She combined antique pieces, diverse patterns, and a carefully curated color palette to achieve a timeless yet whimsical atmosphere. The living room features vaulted ceilings, providing a sense of grandeur and allowing for the inclusion of a stained-glass window sourced from a decommissioned church, which casts magical light when illuminated by the south-facing sun. The kitchen is designed to evoke warmth and character, channeling an "eccentric grandma" aesthetic. A William Morris patterned backsplash complements soft blue cupboards, adding texture and personality to the space. The master bedroom is built around a blue patterned wallpaper, inspired by an inn Vaile photographed, and features antique doors from an architectural salvage center in New Orleans. For her daughters' bedroom, Vaile aimed for a playful yet chic English bed and breakfast feel, incorporating gingham curtains and wallpaper from House of Hackney, with wood paneling completed by Vaile and her husband. Outdoor elements were also carefully considered. Vaile, who always desired to live near water, created an artificial stream that mimics natural rock formations and winds through the yard, providing a soothing soundscape and a scenic place to relax. The master bathroom features a copper tub as a focal point and an antique dresser with a marble countertop and stone sink, a resourceful find from Facebook Marketplace. The home also includes a wraparound deck equipped with rocking chairs, designed to offer expansive views of the surrounding mountains. The property is further enlivened by six miniature ponies, which roam the grounds, adding to the idyllic, storybook ambiance of Whimsy Valley, where Vaile's mother also resides in a nearby cabin, fostering a nostalgic, close-knit family environment. #MountainRetreat #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HistoricPreservation #WesternNorthCarolina #WhimsyValley #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomHome #OutdoorLiving

This article features a rustic mountain compound located in Topanga Canyon, California, which is currently listed for $4.195 million. The property, just 20 minutes from Los Angeles, offers a sense of remote, off-grid living due to its wooded surroundings and mountain backdrop, reminiscent of the Big Sur wilderness. Constructed in the 1970s, the home incorporates massive timbers reclaimed from a pier, blending elements of a cabin and a ranch house. A notable feature is its glassy, double-height conservatory. The compound has a history of celebrity residents, including British actress Thandiwe Newton and married actors Julianne Nicholson and Jonathan Cake, who previously owned the property. This rich history contributes to the allure of the retreat, making it easy to envision past occupants enjoying the views of the Santa Monica mountains. Recent renovations, carried out by a former set designer and an architectural preservation specialist, have updated the structure while preserving its original character. These improvements involved restoring the wood elements and redesigning the interior space around a monumental Jack Rice stone fireplace, which serves as a central focal point. The home is equipped with built-in features, such as a bar and a country-style kitchen, along with antique bathroom cabinetry. The property spans 280 square meters and includes four bedrooms and 4+1 bathrooms. A fully plumbed guest house is also part of the estate, situated adjacent to a seasonal creek. The outdoor spaces are equally impressive, featuring a multi-level garden that descends the mountainside to a newly installed natural plunge pool, a standalone Finnish sauna, and an outdoor shower. Mature oak and eucalyptus trees provide shade for various outdoor seating areas, enhancing the tranquil and natural ambiance of the property. The overall design and location offer a blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, making it a distinctive and desirable residence. #RusticHome #TopangaCanyon #CaliforniaArchitecture #SeventiesStyle #MountainLiving #LuxuryProperty #ArchitecturalRenovation #IndoorOutdoorLiving

Caroline Edwards and Nicholas Kraft embarked on a comprehensive remodel of their Laurel Canyon home, initially planning only a primary bathroom tub addition. This vision expanded significantly, influenced by their designer Gianpiero Gaglione’s enthusiasm and the couple's penchant for large projects. Kraft, a film and television producer and co-founder of Chain, already had an established connection with Gaglione through shared pastimes. The project aimed to embody the breezy, bohemian spirit of Laurel Canyon, a neighborhood renowned for its history with musicians like the Doors and Joni Mitchell. A key objective was to respect the home's original 1950s post-and-beam architecture, ensuring that no element felt overtly 'new or renovated.' Perched on stilts amidst a dense canopy of trees, the residence features large windows that frame views of the surrounding landscape and distant hills. Edwards, a podcast agent, emphasized the desire to maintain a 'cozy-but-chic treehouse feeling,' insisting that all renovations appear as if they had always been part of the home. This commitment to an aged aesthetic led to a unique challenge during the kitchen renovation, where their tiler quit due to the couple's demand for imperfect, non-flush tile work for the backsplash. To achieve an old-world charm, the design incorporated vintage knobs and pulls, live-edge wood vanities, cane doors for built-ins, and woven rush details on the kitchen island. Even the balustrade was custom-designed, drawing inspiration from the 1930s. The kitchen, despite being entirely new, was meticulously crafted to appear aged, featuring sage cabinetry and rustic brick tiles around the range, each field-cut and treated to look worn. Vinyl window trims and baseboards throughout the house were upgraded to white oak, and club chairs, inherited from Edwards’s grandfather, were reupholstered in a tropical bird print, a subtle homage to Los Angeles's sunny climate. Living in the canyon presented a challenge with earlier sunsets and frequent overcast skies. To counteract this, the couple sought solutions for evening lighting. Given the post-and-beam structure lacked attic space, flush-mounted lights were installed by drilling through the sandblasted cedar ceilings, creating a 'profoundly beautiful halo effect.' Gaglione further enhanced natural light penetration by replacing a timber dining room door with large sliding glass partitions. Edwards particularly enjoys the primary bathroom, transformed from a small space with only a shower cubicle and single vanity into a tranquil retreat with a freestanding tub and double vanity. This expansion was skillfully achieved by incorporating a window, maximizing the available space. A unique outdoor shower, offering an open-air experience, is highlighted as the ultimate feature, encapsulating the adventurous spirit of Laurel Canyon living. The renovation successfully blended historical respect with modern comfort, creating a home that feels both established and intimately connected to its natural and cultural surroundings. #HomeTour #LaurelCanyon #InteriorDesign #Renovation #BohemianStyle #MidCenturyModern #RusticCharm #CustomCabinetry #VintageInspired

The Hilltop Estate project, designed by Studio McGee, exemplifies a sophisticated blend of Napa-inspired aesthetics with a coastal California sensibility, taking advantage of the property's incredible views from every window. The design journey begins with the entryway, which sets a warm and inviting tone through the strategic use of white oak wood paneling on walls and ceilings, providing a comforting embrace despite abundant glass. Sconces are incorporated to free up console table space while maintaining ambient lighting. Moving into the formal living room and dining room, a sense of continuity is achieved with uniform drapery and symmetrical chandeliers, despite distinct functions. The living room features a focal wall with built-in shelving, a limestone fireplace, and flannel-textured wallpaper, while furniture is artfully mixed to achieve a cohesive yet varied look. The dining room maximizes space and visual interest with a sideboard and a large hutch, reflecting views and offering storage. The kitchen and breakfast nook maintain consistency with vaulted, wood-stained ceilings. This space blends contemporary elements, such as mixed cabinetry and chunky brass hardware, with luxurious details like a Calacatta marble countertop and backspace. Steel windows are meticulously integrated into the marble, and a marble drip edge upgrades the apron-front farmhouse sink. A vintage pocket pantry door reveals a moody, charcoal-grey pantry (Sherwin Williams Peppercorn) with a patterned paint tile backsplash and soapstone countertop. The breakfast nook features vertical tongue and groove paneling, a buttery yellow laminated cushion, and McGee & Co.’s Reeves dining chairs. The family room serves as a casual hangout space, featuring a sectional sofa and a thoughtfully placed Beckett Chair to maintain flow. An antique carved wood mirror adds a unique accent to a large wall. The primary suite, located upstairs, offers a relaxing retreat with a balcony and vaulted ceilings with white oak beams. Walls are painted in Swiss Coffee by Dunn Edwards, a warm white. Asymmetrical nightstands and varied lamp heights create balance, while the custom canopy bed, upholstered in striped blue and cream fabric, is accented with vintage block print pillows in blue and reddish-orange. The primary bathroom embraces glamor with ornate paneling, smooth limestone floors, and a palette of creams and warm whites. A vintage patterned rug introduces olive and blue tones, complementing reeded drawer fronts and Calcutta marble countertops. For the children's rooms, durability and adaptability are key. The girls' room features a soft palette of light turquoise and faded gold, with blush pink accents on the ceiling (Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster) and a Cloud Toile wallpaper by Schumacher in the built-ins. Boys' rooms incorporate personality with patterned sheets, football art, and board and batten details, using industrial plug-in sconces and a neutral wall color (Swiss Coffee by Dunn Edwards). The homework room doubles as a hangout space with a deep sofa, TV, beanbag chairs, and built-in desks, all benefiting from ample natural light and flush-mounted brass light fixtures. The wine room, a unique and moody space, features dark-stained herringbone hardwood floors with a double-striped perimeter. Walls are painted in Benjamin Moore Midnight, extending to a coffered, stained wood ceiling and a plaster-coated barrel-vaulted ceiling in the wine storage area. Details include black steel doors, a black marble fireplace, tonal drapes, a rolling wood ladder, antiqued mirrors, a vintage rug, leather club chairs, and an emerald green tufted velvet sofa. The wine storage itself is custom-stained oak, accommodating an extensive bottle collection at optimal temperatures. The outdoor spaces and pool house are designed as an extension of the home, facilitating indoor/outdoor living in Southern California. The L-shaped main house opens to a backyard centered around a pool, with various zones for gathering, including a courtyard with a firepit and café lights. The outdoor dining area incorporates warm wood beams and woven pendants, while a partitioned area features a built-in pizza oven and BBQ with L-shaped banquette seating. Olive trees and planters enhance the SoCal vibe. The pool house, with its high-contrast black and white exterior, features black steel doors and custom-colored siding, mirroring the main house. A garage window opens to a pass-through bar, and accordion-style steel doors connect the interior with the pool area. The pool house design adopts a beachier, lighter aesthetic with a shiplap ceiling in Swiss Coffee, steel cable ties, and limestone pavers extending from the pool deck. It includes an indoor/outdoor rug, a charcoal-colored performance fabric sectional, and art by Brian Kingston. The kitchen and bar area feature blue ceramic tiles, light wood cabinets, and louvered doors, designed for heavy use. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LuxuryHomes #CaliforniaDesign #NapaInspired #CoastalLiving #DesignTips #StudioMcGee #HomeStyling

Matthew Segal, a San Diego architect, designed an award-winning concrete-and-glass home for his family in Mission Hills, moving from a city-centric lifestyle in Little Italy to a more suburban, nature-adjacent environment. The new residence, situated at the edge of a canyon, offers proximity to wildlife while maintaining access to urban amenities. The property was a challenging "flag" lot, chosen due to its steep terrain behind an existing modern home. Segal's design approach involved navigating complex city permitting processes and convincing authorities that the three-story structure, with its lowest level tucked into the hillside, complied with height and scale regulations. This project was completed in 11 months, showcasing Segal's integrated process that involves a collaborative team of specialists. Segal’s design received a 2024 Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects, San Diego. The house draws inspiration from modernist architectural principles, including those of Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and post-war Case Study Houses. A significant feature is the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, exemplified by the 15-by-42-foot patio accessible through large sliding glass doors. Italian porcelain tile floors extend seamlessly from the interior to the exterior, enhancing the continuous flow of space. The central living area features a long kitchen with an island, complemented by ceiling-height walnut cabinets that discreetly store household items. The interior is furnished with iconic modernist pieces like Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona chairs and a Florence Knoll sofa, along with Segal’s custom-designed steel-and-glass dining table. The home is organized across three levels. The middle floor hosts the main living areas, including the kitchen, dining space, and a children's play area. A concealed elevator connects all floors. The lower level accommodates the primary suite and the children’s bedrooms, intentionally designed to be close to each other. The primary bedroom and en-suite bathroom feature glass walls, offering extensive canyon views. The top level contains the garage, a guest room, and a compact office, complete with engineered walnut floors, a vintage rosewood desk, and artwork by Segal’s sister, Austen Segal. Fire safety was a primary concern for Segal due to the home's proximity to the canyon. The design incorporates thick concrete walls and fire-resistant glass panels with inert gas to diffuse heat, enhancing the structure's resilience against potential fires. Beyond safety, the concrete construction provides energy efficiency through its thermal mass. The home also uses rooftop solar panels to generate nearly all its electricity, even accounting for electric vehicle charging. The Mission Hills location offers a balanced lifestyle, with convenient access to schools, a neighborhood park, local businesses, and Matthew’s wife April’s holistic pharmacy in Little Italy, and Matthew’s shared office in Barrio Logan. Segal expressed a strong sense of permanence about the home, noting its unique blend of wilderness and urban accessibility. The family enjoys hearing owls and observing coyotes, creating a distinct connection to nature while remaining minutes away from downtown San Diego. The architecture is designed to harmonize with the canyon landscape, light, and sky, providing dynamic and ever-changing vistas. The minimalist design is warmed by inviting materials, textures, and strategic splashes of color, making it a functional and aesthetically pleasing residence that supports the family's desire for a balanced, nature-integrated lifestyle. #ArchitecturalDesign #MissionHills #MatthewSegal #ModernHome #CanyonLiving #SanDiegoArchitecture #SustainableDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving

This blog post highlights a renovated 1970s ranch house in Sonoma, California, demonstrating how to update a property while preserving its original architectural character. The homeowner, Kurt Neubert, chose to refresh the existing structure rather than undertaking a complete remodel, resulting in a transformed yet authentic ranch house. The 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is currently listed for $2.25 million, showcasing a blend of subtle design elements and carefully curated materials. The exterior of the house features an earthy, olive green color that covers the moldings, window trims, and main facade, with a white accent along the roofline. This color choice helps the home integrate seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, characterized by salt-and-pepper rocks and mature olive trees. The front door serves as a focal point, painted in a contrasting black with a large window and sidelight panels, complemented by black half-cylinder sconces and modern house numbers. The front yard employs a minimalist, low-water landscape design, incorporating pebbles, aloe vera, and succulents, with symmetrical limestone squares adding visual interest. The mature olive trees in the front yard also provide natural privacy. Inside, the home continues the theme of simplicity and expert material curation. The flooring includes French oak in the bedrooms, Italian porcelain tile in the kitchen, and Jerusalem tile in the bathrooms. The kitchen boasts quartz blend countertops, offering an attractive and more affordable alternative to solid quartz. The original kitchen cabinets were retained and refreshed with a new coat of paint, complemented by low-cost handles. A Brazilian granite face modernizes the fireplace, and the use of white paint from floor to ceiling creates an expansive and open feel throughout the living spaces. Neubert's approach demonstrates that mixing inexpensive and expensive elements can achieve a cohesive and sophisticated design. The interior design is further enhanced by thoughtfully selected furniture pieces upholstered in “high performance fabrics” such as Kravet Couture mohair and microfiber, which are both durable and stylish. In the backyard, the pool has been resurfaced with an aggregate material containing teal quartz and is surrounded by glass tiles that reflect light at night, creating a shimmering effect. The pool's color is intended to evoke the Aegean Sea. This renovation project serves as an example of how a dated ranch house can be revitalized through strategic updates to finishes and careful attention to design details, maintaining its original charm while incorporating modern sensibilities and sustainable practices. The property is listed by Daniel Casabonne of Sotheby’s International Real Estate. #ranchHouseMakeover #SonomaRanchHouseRefresh #homeRenovation #interiorDesign #exteriorDesign #sustainableLandscape #realEstate #SonomaHome #mediterraneanInfluence

This blog post showcases a Chestnut Hill home designed by Michelle Gage, known for its vibrant and saturated color palette. The homeowner, a writer and mother of two, expressed a clear preference for bold colors, art, and brass, which became the foundational elements for the home's interior design. The design process began with a specific request for a hot pink velvet sofa, setting the tone for the playful and colorful aesthetic that permeates the entire residence. A significant challenge addressed by Gage was the open-concept layout of the first floor. This design choice necessitated a careful approach to ensure that each area, while distinct, harmonized with the overall flow of the space. Gage achieved this by utilizing a range of vibrant but complementary hues, and by incorporating unifying elements such as art, rugs, and brass accents throughout the connecting rooms. In more self-contained spaces, such as the entryway, mudroom, and bathrooms, Gage intensified the whimsical feel by layering multiple patterns, a signature aspect of her design style. The kitchen area features blue cabinets and is further enhanced by apricot-hued island seating and a patterned window treatment created by Claudia Clobes Yudis of Urban Loft Design Studio. A brass credenza in the adjacent family room establishes a cohesive metallic theme with the kitchen. The dining area is furnished with an expandable round table crafted by Chad Barranco of Salvage Works in Downingtown, complemented by oxblood chairs. In the living room, the central hot pink velvet sofa was chosen for its durability, making it suitable for a household with children and a dog. This bold piece is balanced by a gray vintage rug and drapery that echo the kitchen's cabinet color. An Anthropologie throw pillow and a ceramic table, repurposed from a patio, add further personalized touches to the space. The entryway makes a strong first impression with a vibrant wallpaper that perfectly matches the existing floor tiles. This area also displays one of 25 art pieces selected by Gage and the homeowner from The Little Gallery in Chestnut Hill. The primary bedroom continues the home's colorful theme with lively wallpaper and a striking purple bed frame. Rounded wooden side tables soften the bed's strong color, and additional pillows from Anthropologie complete the room's inviting atmosphere. This article was originally published as “Color Me Happy” in the January/February 2021 issue of Philadelphia magazine. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorfulHomes #ChestnutHill #MichelleGage #OpenConcept #VibrantLiving #PhiladelphiaMagazine

The McDonald family sought a rural Northern California setting in Angwin, a small town within California wine country. They purchased a property primarily for its land, as the existing 1960s ranch house, a stucco box, was characterized by low ceilings, a poor layout, and a significant lack of connection to the outdoors. To transform this dark and uninspiring dwelling into a home that embraced its scenic surroundings, the McDonalds enlisted the expertise of San Francisco-based Lundberg Design. This collaboration was a natural fit, given design principal Olle Lundberg's four-decade friendship with the McDonalds and previous professional engagements. The remodel aimed to address the home's original shortcomings, which included an unremarkable façade, eight-foot ceilings, and only two small windows that failed to capitalize on the picturesque hillside and pond views. Lundberg described the original structure as "one of the plainest structures I’ve ever worked on." The primary objectives were to introduce light and openness into the cramped interior and to forge a stronger connection with the surrounding landscape. To achieve this, the Lundberg team implemented a bidirectional vertical expansion, creating additional living space by dropping the living room floor into an unutilized crawl space, thereby gaining two feet of vertical height. This modification dramatically increased the ceiling height. Perhaps the most impactful design decision was replacing the original hip roof with a gable roof, which allowed for the incorporation of floor-to-ceiling glazing on the entire gabled façade. This architectural change, along with new doors and a terrace, established a previously absent connection to the outdoors, effectively tying the house to its site and enabling residents to fully experience the landscape. Lundberg emphasized that this gesture was crucial in opening the house to the natural environment. To move away from the original stucco exterior, which Lundberg considered "one of my least favorite materials," the team decided to utilize redwood for the revamped exterior. Redwood was chosen for its local availability, affordability, sustainability, and versatility. Humboldt Sawmill, known for its sustainably harvested redwood, supplied several key redwood elements. The stucco was replaced with vertical redwood siding, transforming the exterior into a warm, modern, and inviting facade. A significant design feature, the trellis, integrated redwood beams and columns, providing heat protection while aesthetically blending the built structure with the natural environment. This layering effect enhanced the home's connection to Flin McDonald's landscaping and provided a sense of depth and protection in the warm climate. The interior underwent a complete gut renovation, with the new layout prioritizing public spaces. The kitchen and dining area were centrally located, while the living room and den were strategically placed to benefit from the soaring glazed-end façade. A Finnish soapstone stove, inspired by Lundberg’s Swedish heritage, became a central feature in the public area, serving both as a cooking element and a primary heat source during winter. The primary bathroom, situated at one private end of the house overlooking a hillside, was designed to evoke the sensation of bathing outdoors, enclosed in a glass box. Homeowner Tim McDonald and his son Branden contributed to the project by building many elements themselves, imbuing the residence with a personal touch. Even though their children have since moved out, the house remains a warm and welcoming family gathering place, successfully fulfilling the initial goal of creating a home that softly sits within and deeply connects to its landscape. #ranchHouseRenovation #californiaDesign #sustainableRedwood #indoorOutdoorLiving #lundbergDesign #modernRustic #architecturalTransformation #homeRenovation #humboldtSawmill

The Wallis family, consisting of Jenna, an internationally acclaimed interior designer and owner of Jenna Wallis Interior Design, and her husband Ed, purchased a 1940s English cottage in the Hedgemoor neighborhood of Memphis with a vision to transform it into a serene and classic retreat for their family, including their two boys. Despite its charming exterior, the cottage required extensive renovation to accommodate a modern family while preserving its original character. After living in the house for about four years, the Wallises engaged Ryan Anderson of RKA Investments, a Memphis builder known for restoring older homes, and architect Charles Shipp to lead the renovation. Jenna's design philosophy centered on blending the old with the new, maintaining the home's classic charm while introducing contemporary elements. A significant challenge involved literally lifting the existing structure to create an open, airy space. The renovation team, including Ryan Anderson's business partner Chris Clark, worked collaboratively to achieve Jenna's vision, which included raising the living area's 9-foot ceilings to 11 feet to enhance natural light and spaciousness. Eight-foot windows were installed, flanking a custom fireplace, above which a vibrant painting by Atlanta artist Sally King Benedict became a focal point. Key areas of the home were meticulously redesigned. The kitchen was transformed with custom cabinetry extending to the ceiling for maximum storage, a beveled subway tile backsplash, and honed Carrara marble countertops. Jenna opted for unlacquered brass hardware, which develops a natural patina over time, to align with the home's original aesthetic. A breakfast nook, connecting the living area and kitchen, features sleek white walls, a streamlined banquette, and a rustic farmhouse table complemented by a brass globe chandelier. A framed 1966 Andy Warhol-designed Campbell's Soup dress, inherited from Ed's grandmother, adds a whimsical touch to this space. Throughout the living areas, white walls serve as a gallery for the Wallises' extensive art collection, which includes pieces by Memphis artist Megan Hurdle. In the parlor, a soft mint green ceiling, inspired by one of Hurdle's mixed-media works, adds a subtle color accent. Jenna's favorite space, her downstairs study, is distinguished by pale, high-gloss blue lacquered walls, a French pedestal desk, whimsical peacock figurines, and a modern brass starburst chandelier. Custom-built bookshelves by RKA Investments house the family's book collection, while art consultant Anna Wunderlich assisted in curating and displaying the family's diverse artwork, including a collection of oils and watercolors from Paris. The guest bedroom features a bold coral lattice wallpaper on an accent wall, framing an upholstered headboard, alongside French dressers and draperies made from Jim Thompson silk. The master bath was conceived as a spa-like retreat, with gray and white marble, built-in mirrors, millwork surrounding a white vanity, and elegant brass hardware. Antique light fixtures were incorporated to maintain the home's period charm. The renovation extended to the exterior, with Ryan Anderson and his team salvaging stone to create a cozy fireplace on a spacious, screened-in porch, which has become an ideal gathering spot for the Wallis family and friends. The project culminated in a home that perfectly blends classic charm with modern functionality, fulfilling Jenna's five-year vision. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #HistoricPreservation #MemphisHomes #CottageRenovation #JennaWallisDesign #RKAInvestments #LuxuryInteriors #ArtCollection

In the mountainous region of Bavaria, Germany, a distinctive holiday home known as Haus P offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional chalet. Designed by Stuttgart-based Yonder — Architektur und Design, this 2,680-square-foot residence serves as a rural retreat for a family of seven from Hamburg. The architects, Benedikt Bosch and Katja Knaus, drew inspiration from classic Allgäu chalet-style homes, adapting the form into a modern, sculptural structure. The house is strategically positioned on a gentle slope in the German alpine region of Allgäu. Its exterior features charred wooden siding, which not only provides a natural, weathered appearance but also offers eco-friendly weather protection, contributing to a cool, dark-grey aesthetic. This charred wood contrasts effectively with core-insulated exposed concrete used for the foundations of the basement level, establishing a solid plinth for the timber structure above. The combination of these materials creates a two-toned facade that is both visually striking and functionally robust. The unique geometry of Haus P is a result of maximizing the property’s allowable building envelope. Bosch explains that the design conceptually originates from a classic chalet form with a shallow gabled roof and a full lower level, from which an oblique section was strategically removed along its central axis. This incision effectively divides a single building into two primary components: the main house and a separate storage shed, creating a protected courtyard in the intervening space for outdoor activities. Access to the main entrance is provided by cantilevering stairs along the slanted rear façade, leading to this courtyard. The interior spaces are characterized by their cool, lofty ambiance and an emphasis on pure and simple aesthetics. Wood, a prevalent building material in the region, is extensively used for the home's structural framework and interior finishes. The double-height ground level accommodates the open-plan communal areas, including the kitchen, living, and dining spaces. A large picture window in this area frames stunning views of the surrounding mountains, integrating the natural landscape into the living experience. A modern, minimalistic concrete fireplace is a focal point in the living area. The lower level, or garden basement, is functional and well-appointed, housing two guest rooms, a sauna, and a bathroom, offering practical amenities for a large family or guests. Stairs within the house beautifully blend with the wooden walls, floors, and ceilings, creating a cohesive design. A built-in bench along the stairs provides a quiet spot for reflection, while an upper-level loft serves as an idyllic space for reading or stargazing through its picture windows. The canted shape of the building contributes to these commodious interior spaces with high ceilings, enhancing the overall sense of openness and light within the home. #ChaletInspiredHome #ModernArchitecture #GermanAlps #CharredWoodSiding #ConcreteDesign #HolidayHome #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation

The Dancing Light House, located in Paradise Valley, Arizona, is a striking architectural project designed by Kendle Design Collaborative. This residence deeply integrates with its desert environment, featuring geometric shapes that echo the surrounding mountains and using nature as a core influence for its aesthetic. Spanning 5,600 square feet across a single story, the home incorporates various outdoor living areas and is composed of distinct yet interconnected structures. A central design element of the Dancing Light House is its large, floating roof canopy. This sculptural feature provides protection from the elements while also serving as an aesthetic highlight, reflecting both the local geology and the distinctive monsoon cloud formations of the region. The underside of the canopy is lined with wood boards that appear to glow under the desert sun, creating a dynamic visual effect. The design team meticulously concealed lighting and mechanical systems to ensure that the focus remained on the canopy's form and natural materials. Internally, the canopy begins low in the living spaces and gradually ascends, drawing attention to the 180-degree views of Camelback Mountain. Beyond its architectural form, the house draws significant inspiration from natural light, which filters into the interiors through thoughtfully designed crevices. The internal layout is arranged around a central outdoor atrium, facilitating natural ventilation and allowing warm daylight to permeate the living spaces. The material palette emphasizes a connection to nature, with exposed rammed earth walls and cast-in-situ concrete used throughout the interior. These materials provide a rustic texture that is complemented by the integration of metal, glass, and steel, which introduce an industrial touch. The kitchen area maintains a warm, neutral color scheme that harmonizes with the desert surroundings. Bedrooms are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize sunlight and views. Bathrooms also feature expansive windows, framing breathtaking mountain vistas. A serene corner reading nook offers a tranquil space for relaxation. The presence of a swimming pool outside creates dynamic light reflections on the interior wall planes, altering the ambiance of the living areas throughout the day. The project involved collaborations with Desert Star Construction for building, PH Structural for structural engineering, Gookin Engineers for civil engineering, GBtwo Landscape Architecture, Inc. for landscape design, Creative Designs in Lighting for lighting, David Michael Miller for interior design, and Bulthaup for cabinetry design, with Wood Design Studios handling cabinets and doors. Photography was provided by Alexander Vertikoff. #DesertArchitecture #RammedEarthHome #FloatingRoof #KendleDesignCollaborative #ParadiseValley #ArizonaHomes #SustainableDesign #NaturalLightIntegration #ModernDesertHome

This article showcases a recently built Craftsman-style home located at 43 Glendale Drive in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, listed for $1.079 million. Constructed in 2020 by Biltbold Building Company, the residence sits on a 2.5-acre lot and offers picturesque views of Blue Mountain. The exterior design features a combination of horizontal and vertical siding, black-framed windows, multiple gables, stone veneer beneath the dining room windows, a covered front porch, and various pent roof overhangs, all complemented by a metal roof on the front porch. The home's construction emphasizes energy efficiency, incorporating a superior basement wall system, R60 insulation, eco-friendly heating and cooling systems, and integrated solar technology on the rear roof. The interior of the home boasts solid wood flooring, upscale trim, and custom details throughout. The family room is a central feature, complete with a craftsman-style fireplace and coffered ceilings. The main floor includes a first-floor bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, situated opposite a formal dining room that also features an elegant coffered ceiling. A butler’s pantry and beverage station efficiently connects the dining room to the kitchen. The open-concept kitchen is equipped with a large island, a six-burner gas range with an exposed range hood, a tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and high-end stainless steel appliances. An adjacent eat-in kitchen area provides expansive views of the backyard through double doors that open into a screened-in sunroom, which further extends to a covered porch. The second floor accommodates four additional bedrooms. Two of these bedrooms share a full hall bathroom, while a third bedroom has its own private full bath. The master bedroom suite is conveniently located near a spacious laundry room and features a tray ceiling, a large walk-in closet, and a dedicated full-size office. The master bathroom is designed with luxury in mind, offering a free-standing soaking tub, tile flooring, a custom-tiled shower, and double vanities. The exposed lower level adds nearly 1,000 square feet of finished living space, which includes a partial bathroom, alongside an unfinished area for storage. Further amenities include a three-car garage that incorporates a practical dog wash area, designed to help maintain cleanliness after pets have been in the partially fenced-in backyard. The property is positioned in a tranquil part of northeastern Cumberland County, making it an attractive option for those seeking a blend of modern design, comfort, and natural surroundings. The home is listed by Garrett Rothman with RSR, Realtors, and represents a noteworthy example within the "Cool Spaces" series highlighting distinctive properties in central Pennsylvania. #CraftsmanStyle #CumberlandCounty #MountainViews #LuxuryHome #EnergyEfficient #HomeDesign #RealEstate #PennsylvaniaHomes #CoolSpaces

This article highlights a vibrant design project undertaken by Leah Ring of Another Human for a 1923 bungalow in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles. The client, owner of a high-end pet supply store, sought to transform her two-bedroom home, which she shares with her two dogs, from a 'white box' into a space filled with color and personality. The project focused on interior design rather than structural renovations, emphasizing custom furnishings, rugs, lighting, wallpaper, and paint. Ring's approach involved embracing and enhancing existing quirky elements, such as stained glass windows. The small footprint of the bungalow was leveraged to create a cohesive color palette that flows throughout the adjacent rooms. The design concept blended 'east-coast granny chic' with 'Topanga canyon hippie in the '70s' vibes. In the living and dining room, a cheerful lavender tone (Benjamin Moore's Grape Ice) was chosen for the walls, complemented by a bright rug. The space incorporates vintage furniture alongside custom pieces, such as an upholstered bench with a skirt for whimsical aesthetics and hidden storage. This area was designed to feel layered and collected, with a focus on eccentric charm. The kitchen retained its retro character, with new lighting and a colorful runner adding updated personality. The primary bedroom features a peachy wall color (Benjamin Moore's Juno Peach) to create a warm, glowing atmosphere. It combines custom elements, like the headboard and a pillow made from a vintage quilt, with vintage nightstands, lamps, and a pendant, aiming for a serene and layered feel. A second bedroom was converted into a personal dressing room. This space includes a custom, wall-to-wall storage unit designed by Objects for Objects, intentionally built in free-standing sections for portability. The dressing room features yellow walls (Benjamin Moore's Citrus Burst) and vintage rug and light fixtures, with a sarong from Lisa Corti used as a curtain panel. The office, a crucial workspace for the client, showcases House of Hackney’s Artemis wallpaper in a vibrant colorway, which was a key inspiration for the project. The wainscoting is painted in Benjamin Moore's Adriatic Sea, and the room is furnished with vintage desk, chair, and table lamp. The bathroom incorporates textiles, with a kilim covering a built-in ledge under a glass top, enhancing the bohemian, lived-in aesthetic found throughout the home. Leah Ring emphasizes her client's adventurous personality and her willingness to embrace bold design choices. She advises against boxing oneself into a single aesthetic, suggesting that inspiration can be drawn from diverse sources like movies, songs, fashion campaigns, or travel memories to create truly unique interiors. Ring also highlights her preference for vintage and custom furnishings due to their eco-friendly nature and their ability to add character and unique stories to a space. For those still developing their style, she recommends visual communication through broad references, gradually narrowing down to specific elements that resonate most with the client's desired vibe. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #SmallSpaceDesign #ColorfulInteriors #VintageDecor #BungalowStyle #LosAngelesHomes #CustomFurnishings #BohemianChic

Architectural designer Mila Morris and furniture builder Jøna Maaryn collaborated to transform an old ranch in Yucca Valley, California, into a stunning desert retreat known as Le Chacuel. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom property, spanning 2,800 square feet, combines renovation and new construction, offering a minimalist aesthetic with nature-inspired colors. The home is available for rent on Airbnb when the owners are traveling. The renovation, initiated by Mila Morris in late 2018, involved a complete gutting of the existing structure. Interior walls were removed, relocated, and new walls were added. Windows were repositioned and new ones installed to maximize natural light, while doors were rearranged to improve traffic flow. A primary goal was to create more communal spaces and expand bedrooms and bathrooms, with only the exterior studs of the original ranch being retained. Mila opened up the living room's low ceilings, exposing the trusses and coating all surfaces with white paint to create an expansive feel. The interior furnishings were a collaborative effort between Mila and Jøna. Jøna’s sleek designs for items like barstools, sling chairs, table bases, and benches incorporate materials such as brass, leather, powder-coated steel, and hand-poured concrete. These furnishings provide warmth and texture, complementing the home's clean lines while contrasting with cultural and worn-in found objects, creating a blend of modern design and lived-in comfort. Throughout the renovation, there was a strong emphasis on organic materials. Plastic baths were replaced with tadelakt showers, a waterproof plaster from Morocco. The kitchen sink and countertops, as well as the outdoor shower and sink, feature terrazzo and salvaged marble. This approach minimized plastic use, favoring materials like concrete, metal, and natural stone. New outdoor constructions were also integrated to enhance the desert living experience. Le Chacuel now includes an outdoor shower, a concrete pool with a submerged tanning ledge, a hot tub, and a lounge area surrounded by irrigated desert plantings. The dilapidated roof was replaced with a standing-seam metal covering designed to withstand harsh desert weather. The former garage was transformed into a live/work studio, featuring salvaged windows from the main house, a kitchen, a bed, and an outdoor bathroom, offering visitors a remote workspace with desert views. #DesertRetreat #HomeRenovation #YuccaValley #MinimalistDesign #OrganicMaterials #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorFurnishings #OutdoorLiving #Airbnb #ModernRanch

This article details the renovation and thoughtful restoration of a mid-century modernist house in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, undertaken by Annie Ritz and Daniel Rabin, founders of And And And Studio. The couple, after a three-year stint in Toronto, returned to Los Angeles and acquired the property sight unseen, drawn by its impressive views of the San Gabriel Mountains, Mulholland Drive, the Hollywood sign, Griffith Park Observatory, and Beverly Hills. Despite the house's original state, shrouded in bamboo and clad in porcelain travertine tile, Ritz recognized its inherent potential, stating that it 'needed to be revealed and excavated and found again.' The renovation began with significant exterior changes, replacing the previous cladding with custom-milled Thermory Kodiak Spruce for the facade and deck. This choice reflected the couple's commitment to environmental sustainability, opting for local, American-made wood over imported alternatives. Inside, they revitalized the house's mid-century character by sandblasting the ceilings to expose the original timber and painting the existing brick fireplace white, complementing the natural oak floors. The design process for their own home diverged from their typical client work, allowing for a more spontaneous and organic approach. They moved slowly, making decisions as inspiration struck, viewing the project as an 'architectural dig' to uncover and enhance the existing mid-century elements. The interiors are characterized by a blend of natural materials and unique pieces. A toffee-colored Italian marble island serves as a central feature in the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, paired with vintage Canadian steel bar stools from the 1970s. The article highlights an eclectic mix of art and furnishings, including a large-scale painting by Italian artist Sebastiano Ciarcia, discovered serendipitously and acquired from a neighbor. Other notable artistic contributions include paintings from the Bouroullec Brothers, who also designed the outdoor metal dining table and Gub lamps. Lighting fixtures are also a focal point, featuring a silver metal Chiara floor lamp by Mario Bellini and a Santa & Cole Tekio Horizontal Pendant lamp illuminating a custom terrazzo table with Knoll chairs by Marcel Breuer. The outdoor spaces were designed in collaboration with landscape studio Terremoto, transforming the sloped ground and former Trex deck into a functional and relaxing area. This outdoor setup includes a fire pit, barrel sauna, cedar soaking tub, and a cold plunge. Personal touches abound, such as the custom oak bed in the primary bedroom, designed by their studio. An initial miscalculation in its length led to the innovative addition of a built-in bookcase at the foot, becoming a cherished piece. The article concludes by emphasizing the couple's design philosophy: viewing all aspects of their work, from ground-up builds to interiors and custom furniture, as interconnected design challenges, differing only in scale. This integrated approach has transformed their Laurel Canyon residence into a 'cherished gem,' reflecting their expertise and personal aesthetic. The couple, who met in grad school in Toronto and lived in Switzerland and Rotterdam before settling in Los Angeles, are now engaged in multiple residential projects and are developing a book idea. #MidcenturyModern #LaurelCanyon #AndAndAndStudio #ArchitecturalRenovation #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #LosAngelesHomes #HomeRestoration