The Bauhaus, 1919–1933

Nest Studio's Profile Series, developed in collaboration with interior designer Laura Jenkins, draws inspiration from Bauhaus design principles. This collection emphasizes simplicity and sculptural forms in its hardware offerings. The foundational piece of the series is the Disc pull, characterized by its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic. The available finishes for the hardware include Blackened Bronze, Polished Brass Unlacquered, and Polished Nickel. Additionally, Nest Studio offers custom finishes, providing flexibility for designers and homeowners to match specific design schemes and preferences. This product is categorized under Decorative Cabinet Hardware, indicating its primary function as an aesthetic and functional element for cabinetry. The article is part of a broader platform dedicated to kitchen and bath design news and products, offering information on various components and systems relevant to home interior design. The platform categorizes products into several main areas, including Appliances, Bath Accessories, Bath Fixtures, Business Assistance, Cabinet Components, Cabinetry, Countertops & Surfacing Materials, Decorative Tile, Electrical Systems & HVAC, Faucets & Fittings, Flooring & Flooring Materials, Hardware - Decorative & Functional, Kitchen & Home Accessories, Lighting, Paints & Stains, Shower Components, and Sinks. Under Appliances, a wide range of kitchen equipment is listed, from coffee systems and cooktops to refrigerators, ovens, and specialty items like pizza ovens and wine/beverage refrigeration. The Bath Accessories section covers items such as ADA-compliant accessories, decorative towel bars, robe hooks, paper holders, medicine cabinets, mirrors, and spa amenities like towel warmers. Bath Fixtures include toilets, bidets, tubs, saunas, and ADA-compliant options. Cabinet Components delve into the specifics of cabinet construction and organization, including boxes, door frames, inserts, drawer organizers, finishes, pullouts, and closet systems. Cabinetry focuses on complete units such as bath vanities, kitchen cabinets, outdoor cabinetry, and wine storage solutions, available in custom, semi-custom, or ready-to-assemble options. Countertops & Surfacing Materials cover various materials like cement, glass, laminate, natural stone, porcelain, quartz, recycled materials, sintered stone, and wood, as well as wall panels and decorative surfaces. Decorative Tile includes diverse styles such as ceramic, glass, metal, mosaic, natural stone, porcelain, and wood tiles, along with different patterns, textures, and eco-friendly options. Electrical Systems & HVAC address lighting controls, power systems, bath fans, and floor heating. Faucets & Fittings encompass bath, kitchen, bar/prep, and outdoor faucets, along with smart/touchless options and water filtration systems. Flooring & Flooring Materials list cement, ceramic, natural stone, porcelain, luxury vinyl, and wood flooring types. The Decorative & Functional Hardware category, where the Bauhaus-inspired hardware is featured, also includes appliance hardware, countertop and shelf hardware, and shower door hardware, with a focus on both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. Kitchen & Home Accessories feature items like cutting boards, fireplaces, furniture, shelving, and indoor gardens. Lighting covers various types from pendant and puck lighting to smart lighting, strip lights, and sconces, emphasizing both ambiance and utility. Paints & Stains section includes interior, exterior, and wood stains. Shower Components detail drains, doors, enclosures, pans, systems, showerheads, and smart/digital showers, highlighting features like accessibility and water efficiency. Lastly, Sinks include bar/prep, bath, kitchen, outdoor, and utility/laundry sinks, available in materials such as concrete, copper, granite, fireclay, and stainless steel, often with workstation capabilities. The comprehensive listing reflects the breadth of products and design considerations for modern kitchen and bath environments. #BauhausDesign #CabinetHardware #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #KitchenDesign #BathDesign #DecorativeHardware #NestStudio #ProductDesign

Haussmann architecture, also known as Haussmannian architecture, describes the distinctive Parisian building style from the 19th century that continues to define the city's aesthetic and contributes to its global appeal. This architectural style is characterized by large, elegant buildings featuring stone facades and intricate wrought iron details. It is considered the archetypal Parisian building design. The origins of Haussmannian architecture date back to Napoleon III's ambition to transform Paris from a crowded, medieval city into a modern, open, and luminous urban center. To achieve this, he appointed Georges-Eugène Haussmann, a city prefect, to oversee the extensive renovation of Paris between 1853 and 1870. This period saw a significant urban transformation, leading to both widespread social upheaval and Haussmann's recognition as a prominent, albeit controversial, urban planner. Haussmann's vision involved demolishing narrow, winding streets and compact medieval structures to make way for wide, straight boulevards and avenues. These new thoroughfares were lined with uniform, elegant stone apartment buildings that fundamentally reshaped and harmonized the visual landscape of Paris. The renovation project also encompassed the creation of new parks and squares, the installation of kiosks and street lamps, the construction of the opulent Palais Garnier opera house, and the modernization of the city's water and sewer systems. Despite being removed from his position after 17 years due to criticism regarding the extensive and costly construction, the disregard for historical structures, and the destruction of old Paris's medieval charm, Haussmann's impact was indelible. His influence persisted into the post-Haussmannian period until around 1910, during which many of his stone buildings were adorned with decorative stonework and wrought iron, features that are highly valued today. While some Haussmann buildings were replaced by modern tower blocks in the 1970s, his legacy remains significant, with approximately 40,000 Haussmann buildings constituting 60% of Paris's housing stock. These apartments continue to be highly sought after, and elements of Haussmann-style architecture can be found in various cities worldwide, including Manhattan's Upper West Side, Buenos Aires, and even modern China. Key characteristics of Haussmann architecture include large, elegant, and imposing buildings that, while varying in minor details, share common features. These include stone facades, plain or ornamental black wrought iron window grills and balconies (particularly on the second floor), gray zinc Mansard roofs angled at 45 degrees to optimize street-level sunlight, and chimneys that, though no longer primarily for heating, contribute to Paris's iconic skyline. Other features are dormer windows on top-floor attic rooms, sometimes with small balconies offering city views, French double windows, and large single or double wooden entry doors with bronze or iron doorknobs. Many buildings also feature stone-paved carriage entrances leading to a central courtyard. Haussmann interiors typically boast hardwood floors in herringbone or straight plank oak patterns, intricate moldings and millwork, marble fireplaces, inlaid fireplace mirrors, and French doors and windows. Although Haussmann architecture is celebrated for its classical beauty and timeless appeal, the original apartment layouts reflect a different era. Historically, upper floors were less desirable due to lower ceilings and the absence of elevators, leading to lower rents. The ground floors were designed for shops, the first floor (second in the U.S.) for shopkeepers or storage, and the second floor (third in the U.S.), known as the noble floor, was reserved for the elite with the highest ceilings and grandest proportions. The top (sixth) floor was typically for household staff, often featuring small rooms with fireplaces and tiny balconies, some lacking private water access and sharing hallway toilets. Today, modern adaptations are common. While the exteriors maintain their unified appearance, many homeowners modify interior floorplans to suit contemporary lifestyles, often removing walls to create open-plan spaces, especially between former dining and living rooms. A significant change involves kitchen placement; originally cramped and isolated from main living areas, modern homeowners prefer large, open-plan kitchens connected to dining and living spaces, often integrating contemporary designs with historic features by altering original woodwork and walls. #HaussmannArchitecture #ParisianStyle #UrbanPlanning #19thCenturyArchitecture #BuildingCharacteristics #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalHistory #NapoleonIII #GeorgesEugèneHaussmann

Midcentury modern architecture, an American classic emerging post-World War II, is defined by its clean lines, minimal decoration, and profound connection with nature. This architectural style, which boomed from 1945 to 1969, has experienced a significant revival, influencing contemporary interior decorating trends such as Scandinavian and Danish Modern design. Initially conceived as a broad collection of post-war homes, it has evolved into a distinct building and decorating aesthetic. The historical roots of midcentury modern architecture trace back to European architects who immigrated to the United States, bringing with them influences from the Bauhaus movement and American high-prairie style homes. Notable early designers included Walter Gropius, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Marcel Breuer, with Frank Lloyd Wright, a pioneer of modern architecture, mentoring many midcentury modern architects. The post-war era saw Americans prioritizing family life, leisure, and a connection with the natural environment. Midcentury modern homes mirrored these values through expansive windows offering views of the outdoors, open-plan living spaces designed for family gatherings, and technological advancements, particularly in kitchens, aimed at reducing household chores and fostering more family time. The style developed into three primary variations. The International style, heavily influenced by the Bauhaus movement, featured simple, unadorned homes typically finished with stucco. The Contemporary style, the most prevalent midcentury modern expression, emphasized clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and the use of natural and organic materials such as wood, stone, and brick. These homes often presented asymmetrical exteriors with windows extending to the roofline and exposed interior ceilings and beams. The Organic style, a less common subset, focused on seamlessly integrating homes with their natural surroundings, leading to structures with fluid, natural shapes rather than rigid lines, adapting uniquely to diverse environments like forests or deserts. Key characteristics unify midcentury modern house plans, regardless of their specific stylistic bent. These include the prominence of clean lines and geometric shapes, often manifesting in flat roofs and straight architectural elements. Floor-to-ceiling windows and multiple access points to the outdoors are central, reinforcing the desire to merge indoor and outdoor living. Changes in elevation, frequently seen in split-level designs, and internal features like partial brick walls, glass partitions, and centrally placed fireplaces, add visual depth and spatial variation. Decoration is kept minimal, with simple furnishings and a muted color palette of warm earth tones like orange, brown, mustard, or golden yellow complementing the homes' understated exteriors. The emphasis remains on functionality and a harmonious relationship with nature. Midcentury modern homes are widespread across the United States, reflecting their post-war popularity. Palm Springs, California, is particularly noted for its extensive collection of these homes, including designs by renowned architects, and continues to inspire new construction in the style. New York City also showcases significant midcentury modern buildings, identifiable by their glass facades and linear designs. To determine if a home is midcentury modern, one should look for these distinctive features and verify its construction period, typically between 1945 and 1969. #MidcenturyModern #Architecture #HomeDesign #PostWarArchitecture #BauhausInfluence #OrganicArchitecture #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalHistory

This article discusses the design and construction of a new guesthouse by Hariri & Hariri Architecture, commissioned by entrepreneur Cliff Schorer, for his property in Provincetown, Massachusetts. The property is home to a significant 20th-century architectural masterwork, the former residence of Carl Murchison, designed by The Architects Collaborative, led by Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius, and completed in 1959. Gropius was a strong advocate for modernist design, famously urging the U.S. government to adopt contemporary architectural styles for the Cape Cod National Seashore's visitor centers, rather than resorting to "reviving revivals." Despite Provincetown's history of embracing progressive ideas and diverse communities, modern architecture remains uncommon. However, Schorer and the Hariri sisters, Gisue and Mojgan, shared a vision inspired by Gropius's philosophy, viewing his Cape Cod National Seashore letter as a call to push the town's architecture into the 21st century. Schorer, described as a "very inspired client," sought a design that would be both "revolutionary yet livable," driven by his passions for architecture, furniture, and art. The resulting 2,400-square-foot guesthouse presents a fresh and captivating appearance, envisioned by Gisue Hariri as reminiscent of rocks washing off the nearby breakwater and landing on the beach. While distinct, the design thoughtfully incorporates and adapts Gropius’s signature rectilinear forms and neutral materials. The Hariris used a palette of grays, taupe tones, and dark wood, mirroring the original house's aesthetic. Charcoal-colored stucco covers the retaining walls, polished concrete flooring features on the lower level, and aluminum frames the windows, all contributing to the gray scheme. Brazilian ipe wood is a prominent material, wrapping the upper level's exterior and lining its interior, creating a sense of warmth and continuity. The guesthouse's roofline, with its hairpin shape and broken pediment, serves as a transitional element, addressing the pre-existing gabled gatehouse on the property. A Gropius-inspired clerestory adds height to the master bedroom's window wall, while a smaller, ipe-clad window in the master bathroom is strategically placed to block views of a neighboring motel. Inside the master bathroom, ipe continues for flooring and faceted paneling, evoking a carved, cavelike feel, or a warm Swedish sauna, as described by the Hariri sisters. Emulating Gropius's architectural approach, a portion of the guesthouse's lower level is buried, capitalizing on the site's elevation change. This design choice makes the guesthouse appear as a modest single story from the approach, with the living and dining areas revealing themselves down the slope. The double-height living area features a soaring fireplace wall, surfaced with the same gray stucco used on the exterior, echoing the Gropius house's fireplace. The Hariris expressed their profound respect and excitement in working with Gropius's architectural principles. The project serves as a testament to honoring the architectural heritage of a place while simultaneously advancing contemporary design, a philosophy that will guide future guesthouse proposals for the property. #BauhausArchitecture #GuesthouseDesign #HaririAndHariri #CapeCod #ModernArchitecture #ArchitecturalRenovation #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture