The Chicago Bungalow That Left Us Bemused and Confused

This article, part of the "What's That Building?" series focusing on Chicago's iconic structures, delves into the unique architectural and cultural significance of Chicago bungalows. It highlights how these homes, prevalent in the city's "Bungalow Belt," represent a distinct era of urban development and a strong desire for homeownership among Chicago's diverse population. The article begins by setting the scene in Auburn Gresham, specifically the 8300 to 8500 blocks of South May Street, where a variety of Chicago bungalow styles can be observed. These include homes with different brick colors (red, yellow, brown), varying facade designs (flat or octagon), and entrance placements (front or side). The author notes how some bungalows have undergone subtle updates, preserving their historical streetscape, while others feature more dramatic alterations like "pop tops" (second-story additions) or permastone exteriors, sometimes resembling a "Flintstones house." The "Bungalow Belt" is described as a large C-shaped area stretching from West Rogers Park on the Far North Side, through the West Side, and extending towards the Indiana State Line in South Chicago. This extensive zone contains approximately 80,000 bungalows, accounting for nearly one-third of all houses in the city. These homes were primarily constructed in the 1910s and 1920s to accommodate Chicago's rapidly growing population, driven by an influx of workers to its numerous factories. Between 1900 and 1930, the city's population nearly doubled, underscoring the critical need for affordable housing solutions like the bungalow. The Chicago bungalow's design is traced back to earlier influences. The term "bungalow" originated from British colonizers in India, who used a descriptive word for their low-roofed, shaded houses. This evolved to describe seaside homes in England and New England with similar heat-beating features. Southern California's late 19th-century population boom further popularized the Arts & Crafts-style bungalow, characterized by large eaves, cooling porches, and handcrafted interior details such as stained glass, built-in bookcases, and vintage tile work. A key adaptation for the Chicago bungalow was its narrower front profile, designed to fit the city's standard 25-by-125-foot lots. This characteristic, combined with the sheer volume of construction, led to the distinctive, almost continuous streetscapes seen in many neighborhoods, where bungalows maintain a consistent alignment of sills, windows, and rooflines, yet offer individual variations in materials and decorative elements, preventing monotony. Architectural historian Carla Bruni is quoted, emphasizing that the Chicago bungalow's unique form created an entirely novel urbanism for the city. The article provides a specific example with Armrhad Johnson's bungalow, purchased in 2009. Johnson's home retained many original features, such as stained glass windows, a fireplace, and built-ins. He was fortunate that the original hardwood floors were preserved under carpeting and that the wood trim had not been painted over. However, like many older homes, it required significant updates to plumbing and electrical wiring, which were largely original to its 1921 construction. Johnson shares his ongoing experience with home improvement, noting that despite initial expectations, renovating a bungalow is a continuous project. #ChicagoBungalow #Architecture #UrbanHistory #Homeownership #ChicagoLandmarks #ArchitecturalStyles #HousingMarket #CommunityDevelopment

Interior designer Kara Mann's Chicago apartment showcases a deliberate blend of high and low elements, characterized by a sophisticated palette of black and brown tones, complemented by various textures and materials. The design ethos is rooted in elegance, a value Mann inherited from her mother, and a preference for subtlety and richness over vibrant colors. This approach is evident throughout her personal style and her professional interior design work. The apartment is situated in a unique vintage co-op building in Chicago, designed by Andrew Rebori, where each unit possesses distinct characteristics. Mann specifically sought out a property that had been untouched for an extended period, allowing her the creative freedom for a comprehensive renovation project. The previous occupant resided there for approximately 40 years, making it an ideal canvas for her design vision. Mann's design philosophy extends to her personal fashion choices, which mirror her interior aesthetics. She embraces a 'high-low' style, favoring durable, beloved items worn repeatedly, and prioritizing texture, richness, and subtle details. This is reflected in her interiors through materials like marble, patinated leather, brass, wood, and grayscale photography, creating a 'muddy rainbow' of complementary hues. A key aspect of her design is the incorporation of animal prints, specifically leopard and tiger patterns, which provide a foundational layer to the textured and layered aesthetic. These prints are integrated in a way that emphasizes materiality rather than bold statements, contributing to the overall elegance. Mann believes in collecting items over time that resonate personally, rather than curating a space all at once. This organic approach is evident in the apartment's collected feel, where each piece, from a Rick Owens chair (a gift) to an Ann Collier art piece, holds personal significance and a story. The renovation of the apartment involved thoughtful restoration and strategic additions. The original checkerboard flooring in the living/dining room was preserved and became a central visual element around which other design choices, such as the terracotta rug, were made. The fireplace, also original, was restored with fire brick, and the plaster was refreshed. A significant modification included redesigning the kitchen from a galley layout into a more expansive and functional space, incorporating a powder room and utility closet. The kitchen features artwork by Alex Prager, chosen for its personal connection to Mann and her sister. Mann's sourcing strategy is eclectic, drawing from diverse places such as Paris flea markets, antique and vintage stores, and design resources like 1stDibs. She also procures rugs from New York and Los Angeles. She emphasizes that design should be lived in and not too precious, advocating for comfort and allowing spaces to evolve with the lives of their inhabitants. This perspective is particularly highlighted by the presence of her daughter's belongings, such as stuffed animals and books, which contribute to the lived-in feel of the space, even influencing the design of her daughter's room. The apartment, in its entirety, represents Mann's unique architectural and decorative style, a harmonious blend of collected treasures and personal narratives. #InteriorDesign #KaraMann #ChicagoApartment #HomeTour #HighLowDesign #TexturalDesign #VintageInteriors #PersonalStyle #ArchitecturalRenovation

This blog post, part of "The Home Page" series, delves into various aspects of architecture, home design, and local events, beginning with a personal account of a visit to Chicago. The author describes the architectural style of Chicago Bungalows, specifically highlighting a recently purchased home by her son and daughter-in-law in the Montclare neighborhood. These bungalows, built between 1910 and 1930, are noted for their brick construction and prevalence, with over 80,000 such homes forming "bungalow belts" across the city. The narrative touches upon the affordability of these homes relative to Santa Barbara standards, emphasizing the satisfaction derived from the new homeowners' happiness. Further into the Chicago visit, the author recounts a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio in Oak Park. This historical site served as the residence where Wright and his wife raised their six children and where Wright commenced his architectural career, earning him recognition as a leading American architect. The tour was guided by a docent named Amelia, whose historical insights enriched the experience. The author particularly enjoyed envisioning the daily life of the Wright family and the evolution of Wright's professional practice within that space. Specific architectural details are highlighted, such as the lighting in the octagonal library where Wright met clients, and the thoughtful placement and design of the windows, which included both decorative elements and functional features like a deeply recessed window in the children's playroom designed to create a window seat and maximize natural light. Shifting focus from Chicago, the article transitions to an upcoming local event: the Ojai Holiday Home Tour and Marketplace. This event, scheduled for the weekend of November 16 and 17, is presented as an opportunity for readers to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. The tour will feature four distinct homes in the Ojai Valley, ranging from a collector’s cottage to an expansive orchard estate. A complimentary shuttle service will be provided to facilitate transportation between the featured homes. Concurrently, Libbey Park will host a holiday marketplace, complete with Santa Claus appearances and musical entertainment. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Ojai Music Festival, with tickets priced at $45. The article concludes with a general wish for readers to find joy in their day, positioning the Ojai event as a potential source of such joy. #ChicagoBungalows #FrankLloydWright #ArchitecturalTour #OjaiHolidayHomeTour #RealEstate #HomeDesign #Travel #Fundraiser

This article explores an abandoned circus-themed house nestled in New York's Catskill Mountains, captured through the lens of urban explorer and photographer Bryan Sansivero. The Jacobean Revival mansion, constructed in 1925, was left vacant by its Italian-American owners for unknown reasons. Despite several attempts to sell it, the property was mysteriously delisted in 2018. The exterior of the house reveals a landscape reclaimed by nature, with unkempt grounds and overgrown lawns contributing to a sense of foreboding. Inside, a canary-yellow entrance hall, despite peeling wallpaper, retains original features like hardwood floors and an elegant wrought iron banister. An open door leads to a cellar, hinting at unknown depths beneath the house. The parlor, also in Day-Glo canary yellow, features a grand carved fireplace, but its worn and buckling floorboards suggest damp issues. An ornate cast-iron grate in the hearth indicates the reliance on open fires during cold upstate New York winters. A dilapidated salmon-pink room, bathed in sunlight, holds an unsettling ambiance, with an open umbrella on the dusty floor, considered a bad omen by the superstitious. Heading upstairs, yellow wallpaper clings to the stairwell, alongside recessed alcoves and red crosses, potentially decorator marks or more ominous symbols. The bedrooms on the upper floor embrace a vibrant, kaleidoscope of primary colors, reflecting the home's circus theme. One child's room or playroom strongly resembles a big top, with yellow and purple harlequin borders and croquet mallets and balls scattered as if by a poltergeist. The big top tent design on the ceiling, originally in dramatic yellow and red, is now in significant disrepair. Another adjacent bedroom features a loud color scheme of tonal oranges, moss-green, and a sky-blue ceiling. The master bedroom, once grand, is decorated in powder blue with a royal blue border and a Regency-style fireplace. A French door from this room opens onto a terrace with an intact roof and decent brickwork, suggesting renovation potential. The small bathroom continues the circus theme with bold red and white striped wallpaper, creating a spooky atmosphere, though the washbasin remains intact. A second staircase leading to the top floor has a curious rope handrail and scattered croquet balls. The vast yellow bedroom on the top floor features worn carpet and striped curtains, with a crumbling ceiling. A bizarre discovery is a painting of a bullfighter by Spanish artist Antonio Casero Sanz in a closet. Keys for the property's numerous outbuildings are found on a windowsill, prompting questions about the owners' sudden departure. The sprawling estate includes at least five other buildings, some residential, others commercial in their prime. A rundown stone and wood cottage, though overgrown, appears ripe for renovation. Inside the cottage, a fading fresco of a fantastical landscape covers an entire wall, possibly restorable. A blackened fireplace, solid oak paneling, and grand built-in cupboards furnish the room, where an antique backgammon set sits on the floor, implying unfinished business. Overgrown vines outside hint at the property's past as a winery, a common industry in the region. The barn on the property was used for wine processing and storage, containing a tapped cask, demijohns, and even a demijohn with wine. Labels with a red stag and 'Deerhaunt Wine' suggest a small-scale family operation. Additionally, an abandoned child's treehouse with a slide and rickety swings adds to the eerie atmosphere, evoking a sense of lingering ghosts from the estate's heyday. The property, steeped in mystery, holds many unanswered questions regarding its abandonment. Once a playful space, it has transformed into a derelict, haunting shadow of its former self. #AbandonedHouse #UrbanExploration #CatskillMountains #CircusTheme #JacobeanRevival #HauntedProperty #ArchitecturalHistory #RenovationPotential #Mystery

A suburban Chicago couple, initially seeking an addition to their existing home, embarked on an ambitious project to construct an entirely new residence centered around a two-story library, a lifelong dream for the husband. Collaborating with designer Summer Thornton and architect Heidi Lightner, the clients, who desired to remain in their family-centric neighborhood, acquired an adjacent property to accommodate the new build. The previous houses on the merged lots were deconstructed, with materials salvaged and kitchens donated to Habitat for Humanity, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and community. The design of the new home deftly balances the contrasting aesthetic preferences of the couple: the husband's inclination towards formality and boldness, and the wife's desire for a more casual and cozy environment. This synthesis is evident in elements such as the oversized, skylit stair hall. This space is not merely a transitional area but a versatile venue for entertaining large gatherings, featuring a grand staircase, herringbone floors, and dramatic marble door casings that cater to the husband's taste for grandeur. In contrast, an oversize de Gournay botanical-print wallpaper adds a whimsical touch, appealing to the wife's sensibility and providing a playful counterpoint to the hall's formality. The dining room, rather than being a formal entertaining space, was designed for intimacy, boasting delicate floral wallcovering, upholstery, a grand piano, and a Rococo console. The absence of a traditional living room further deviates from convention, with a spacious family room strategically placed between the kitchen and the wife's office to foster family connectivity. The central library, the catalyst for the entire project, is a testament to meticulous design and engineering. Lightner's team dedicated extensive effort, reviewing over 300 shop drawings to realize its complexities. Beyond hand-turned banisters, a custom-crafted colored-glass laylight, and pivoting bookcase secret doors, the library incorporates a state-of-the-art ventilation system, enabling cigar smoking without odor permeation. The interior furnishings challenge traditional library aesthetics, featuring an orange mohair velvet sofa and plum-leather chairs instead of classic brown leather, chosen for their vibrant, soul-lifting colors. A Warhol print of Sitting Bull subtly acknowledges the homeowner's American Indian heritage. Despite Chicago's often harsh climate, the home embraces the outdoors through numerous large casement windows and steel-and-glass doors, offering views of lush gardens designed by Craig Bergmann Landscape Design. These outdoor spaces, vibrant with flowers in warmer months, also hold a particular charm for the clients during colder, stormier seasons, as exemplified by the wife's serene experience in the dark conservatory during an icy winter rain. The home thus stands as a unique blend of personal dreams, thoughtful design, and a deep connection to its surroundings. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecorating #ChicagoHome #LuxuryLiving #TwoStoryLibrary #CustomHome #SummerThornton #HeidiLightnerArchitects #CraigBergmannLandscapeDesign

Ensemble Architecture undertook a comprehensive renovation of a late-19th-century wood-frame townhouse in Williamsburg, transforming it into a loft-like duplex for the owner and incorporating a separate rental unit on the ground floor. The project involved replacing every wall, ceiling, stair, floor, and window, alongside installing all-new mechanical systems. A notable feature of the property was its original 25-foot width and a historic passageway, once used for horses, which Ensemble Architecture ingeniously integrated into the new design. This former horse passageway was utilized for storage in the ground-floor rental unit, while on the upper levels, it contributed additional width to the owner's living space. This extra width allowed the designers to implement an unconventional stair placement, rotating it and pulling it away from the wall to run perpendicular to the typical direction, thereby significantly opening up the interior space. The custom steel and wood staircase now acts as a natural divider on the parlor level, separating the front living room from the dining room and kitchen located at the rear, which provides garden access through three new doors. The clients, involved in the music industry, desired a rustic-industrial aesthetic. This was achieved by exposing the existing wood ceiling joists on the parlor level and installing new reclaimed wood floors throughout the home, sourced from Tall Cotton Supply. The removal of dropped ceilings also helped to achieve considerable ceiling height in the parlor. Ensemble Architecture, founded by Elizabeth Roberts in 1998, also provided interior design services for the project. The living area features simple furnishings, including a pouf upholstered in Moroccan fabric and a vintage Moroccan rug. The custom steel staircase, with its thick solid-wood treads, was expertly fabricated by the general contractor, Tjun Industries, demonstrating high-quality millwork and metalwork. Basic porcelain lights, equipped with dimmers, are discreetly placed between the ceiling joists. In the dining area, mid-20th-century teak and woven wicker chairs complement a pedestal table designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll. The compact kitchen is outfitted with a stainless steel Elkay sink, a Blanco Meridian faucet from Ferguson, and Metro subway tile from Nemo Tile. Pendant lights from ABC Carpet & Home illuminate the kitchen island, which features a Caesarstone countertop. A Wolf range completes the kitchen's amenities. A sliding barn door provides access to the master bedroom at the top of the stairs. The bathroom features a custom-built vanity by the general contractor, topped with black granite from C&B Marble. Kohler undermount sinks are paired with circular mirrored medicine cabinets from Home Depot and sconces from Schoolhouse Electric. Wall and floor tiles are from Nemo Tile, and California Faucets shower fixtures were sourced from Davis & Warshow. The entire renovation resulted in a highly functional and aesthetically cohesive home that respects its historical origins while embracing modern, loft-like living. #WilliamsburgTownhouse #HomeRenovation #LoftLikeHome #EnsembleArchitecture #InteriorDesign #BrooklynRealEstate #RusticIndustrial #CustomStaircase #ReclaimedWoodFloors

Brooks + Scarpa, a Southern California-based architectural firm, undertook its first project in the Chicago area, designing a 2,800-square-foot courtyard residence in Evanston, Illinois. Principal Lawrence Scarpa made a deliberate choice to utilize Chicago common brick, a material locally manufactured and prevalent in the region's architecture, for this suburban home. Scarpa noted that these variegated mud-brown modules, typically considered unattractive, inexpensive, and abundant, are usually relegated to unseen areas such as rear walls and structural supports. However, in a collaborative effort with partner-wife Angela Brooks and local firm Studio Dwell, Brooks + Scarpa innovatively inverted this conventional use. They prominently featured the common brick for the front and side walls of the residence, transforming a mundane material into a key aesthetic and functional element. The street facade of the house presents a dynamic visual, appearing either predominantly solid or void depending on the viewer's perspective. This effect is achieved through bricks rotated to form twisting columns, which create a moiré-like screen. This unique design element not only provides privacy for the interior courtyard but also orchestrates an interplay of sunlight and shadow, reminiscent of a dance. Scarpa's inspiration for this dynamic facade drew from choreographer William Forsythe, a fellow professor at the University of Southern California, underscoring the artistic and experiential nature of the design. While the structure distinctly stands out from its more traditional neighboring residences, possessing a clear 'object quality,' Scarpa's objective was to 'reveal the extraordinary within the ordinary.' This approach, coupled with his first-time application of common brick in such a prominent way, elevates the residence beyond mere architecture to the status of experiential artwork. Scarpa emphasized that "Memory is based more on how we experience something than on its appearance." This statement encapsulates the core philosophy behind the project, suggesting that the true value and impact of the design lie in the unique sensory and emotional engagement it fosters with its inhabitants and observers. The residence thus becomes a testament to transforming overlooked materials and conventional architectural norms into a memorable and profound experience. #BrooksScarpa #ChicagoCommonBrick #SuburbanArchitecture #CourtyardResidence #EvanstonIllinois #ArchitecturalInnovation #ExperientialDesign #MaterialTransformation

This article details the transformation of a four-bedroom California bungalow on Sydney's Lower North Shore, owned by designer Jennie Cadman of Periwinkle Interiors. The renovation was undertaken to accommodate her growing family, which includes her husband and four children, aged between two and 12. Despite having completed a renovation on their previous home nearby, it proved insufficient for their needs, prompting the family to acquire this bungalow in 2018. The property was appealing due to its 'great bones,' featuring high ceilings, spacious bedrooms, a predominantly single-level layout, and a generous backyard. Previous owners had also effectively utilized the attic space, converting it into an additional bedroom and a family room. However, the bungalow presented challenges, particularly its dark and inefficient floor plan in the 1990s addition. This section included a bedroom and laundry overlooking the garden, a space Jennie felt was better suited for a living area. A significant issue was the lack of kitchen bench space, compelling Jennie to prepare meals on the stovetop. To address these functional shortcomings and improve the home's flow, the family engaged architect Adam Hampton of Hampton Architecture in 2019. Their primary goals were to design a new extension with a living area that maximized garden views, reconfigure the misplaced bedroom, and incorporate an ensuite for their eldest child, who needed a private bathroom. Today, the renovated home features an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area that occupies almost the entire left side of the house. A distinct sitting room is situated between this open-plan space and the entry, while the main bedroom suite and family bathroom are located to the right of the entry. The children’s bedrooms now overlook the backyard, and the pitched roof of the upper level houses a study and a family room. The kitchen, designed as the central hub, connects seamlessly to the new living room and the backyard. A notable architectural feature of the extension is its pitched roofline, which mirrors the original front facade and achieves an impressive height of approximately 4 meters, enhanced by skylights, to create an expansive and airy feel. Innovative design choices include a 1.4x1.1-meter cool room in place of a traditional fridge, providing an efficient way to store groceries. Jennie also specifically requested that all storage be below bench height, accommodating her stature. In the dining area, French doors were added, opening onto a deck overlooking the front garden and pool, with a sheltered sitting area beneath. Windows in the children’s bedrooms were enlarged, and the attic family room gained a balcony to further integrate indoor and outdoor spaces. The main bedroom was reconfigured to enlarge both the ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. The interior design, largely overseen by Jennie, showcases a bold navy blue palette, particularly prominent in the sitting room through artworks and soft furnishings. This is contrasted with vibrant pops of red and orange, seen in a Knoll ‘Womb’ chair and a patchwork kilim in the dining area. Jennie intentionally created a contrast between formal and informal spaces, with the casual living room being bright and airy, and the sitting room designed to be darker and more intimate. Texture plays a crucial role, with materials such as a linen modular sofa, linen curtains, timber floors, tongue-and-groove joinery, a concrete plinth, and a marble coffee table in the family room. The main bathroom features smooth marble, while the kitchen employs dolomite for benchtops and splashbacks, complemented by walnut veneer and brass finishes. Jennie identifies the sitting room as her favorite space, appreciating its cozy and enveloping atmosphere. #CaliforniaBungalow #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #ArchitecturalExtension #OpenPlanLiving #NavyInteriors #CathedralCeilings #KitchenDesign #OutdoorLiving

Designer Heather Peterson utilized her South Minneapolis family home as a creative laboratory to explore design concepts not yet ready for client projects. What began as a plan for a quick refresh during the pandemic evolved into a comprehensive overhaul involving her entire firm, fostering ideation and innovation among the team. Peterson aimed to showcase a more eclectic, spirited, and modern aesthetic compared to her typical client work, transforming her home into both a personal living space and a design portfolio piece. The main challenge involved designing for her own idiosyncratic tastes and integrating existing high-quality fixtures that she chose not to remove. The home, originally built in 2007, featured a 'modern Scandi' and 'contemporary A-frame' style, providing a strong foundation that Peterson and her team enhanced with rich colors, graphic shapes, and numerous vintage finds to infuse personality. The project also emphasized collaboration with local Minneapolis vendors, highlighting a 'love affair' with the city's talented and unique suppliers. The home spans 2,100 square feet, featuring 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The living room's layout presented a challenge due to multiple entry points and architectural quirks, including an off-center window and an odd structural element. Peterson addressed this by employing symmetry, leveraging vintage furniture, including a redwood burl coffee table inherited from her parents, to balance the space and add character. Adjacent to the living room is the versatile "Room of Requirement," named after the Harry Potter concept, which has served various functions such as a home office, Lego room, music room, and library. This space is currently a cozy flex area used for work, art, and family game nights. Peterson reinforced its cocoon-like ambiance with a custom brown paint, contrasting white elements, and ample storage to accommodate books, trinkets, and art. The dining room, central to the house with sightlines to several other areas, was designed to anchor the home’s aesthetic through a mix of colors, textures, and silhouettes. To add volume and prevent it from feeling like a mere pass-through, Peterson incorporated a large pendant light, an armoire, and artwork, complemented by cork wallcovering and an embroidered rug. In the kitchen, Peterson opted for a cosmetic facelift rather than an extensive renovation, satisfied with its existing layout and functionality. She transformed the space into a focal point of the first floor by applying a bold, 1970s-inspired green paint to the cabinetry and adding oversized ceramic knobs for a whimsical touch. A countertop lamp contributed to the ambiance, emphasizing Peterson's preference for varied lighting. The powder room was revitalized within its original structure, featuring a fresh coat of Farrow and Ball's Preference Red paint on the washstand-style sink and Sandberg's Raphael wallpaper, a long-loved choice that adds a magical feel to the small space. Theo’s room, for her eldest child, combines bold prints with a sophisticated navy and oxblood palette, using faux-wainscoting and a tall bed system to optimize the room's proportions. The primary bedroom, visible from multiple public areas, was designed for coziness and visual appeal, with paper-backed William Morris fabric on the walls, blending historical and modern elements. The room incorporates three florals and two patchworks, maintaining a dynamic yet cohesive look with a tight color palette. Eleri's room, for her daughter, despite its small size and upholstered goods, achieves visual interest and a calm atmosphere through subtle prints and a palette of dusty blues, greens, and mustard. The primary bathroom retains many original finishes, with strategic updates like Fireclay's rosemary tile, which, with its varied glaze, integrates seamlessly with the marble floor. Wicker accents add warmth, while red faucets introduce a lively element, with textiles completing the cohesive design. Heather Peterson Design is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and focuses on translating client tastes into personal, functional, and stylish homes, embracing diverse design styles and blending client preferences into cohesive designs. This home tour serves as a testament to Peterson’s design philosophy and her firm’s creative capabilities. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #EclecticStyle #MinneapolisDesign #HeatherPetersonDesign #VintageDecor #ColorPalette #RoomDecorating #HomeTour

A luxurious loft located in the Gretsch Building in Williamsburg is currently on the market for $2.5 million. This 1,832-square-foot corner apartment offers three bedrooms and panoramic views of both the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges. The interior design showcases high-end finishes, featuring soaring 13-foot beamed ceilings and custom imported cabinetry, contributing to an overall sophisticated aesthetic. The entrance opens into a chic entertainment area, illuminated by expansive industrial-style windows. The flooring throughout the main living spaces consists of Australian Jarrah wood, which adds warmth to the contemporary design. The living room is equipped with a functional fireplace, alongside integrated custom stereo and lighting systems, creating an inviting and modern ambiance. The open-plan chef's kitchen is a focal point, highlighted by a 14.5-foot-wide granite island, offering ample space for food preparation and casual dining. It is outfitted with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, catering to both functionality and style. The three bedrooms are conveniently located directly off the main living area. The master suite is particularly noteworthy, featuring custom built-in closets and an opulent en suite bathroom. This master bath is designed with custom Italian stone, a six-foot Zuma soaking tub for relaxation, and a marble and glass walk-in shower. Both the master bedroom and the second bedroom share the advantage of excellent city views and oversized windows, mirroring the light and airy feel of the living space. The third bedroom also benefits from large windows and generous closet space, offering flexibility for use as a guest room or a home office. Historical context reveals that the Gretsch Building, originally constructed in 1916 as the Gretsch Musical Instrument factory, was transformed into a luxury condominium at the turn of the 21st century. Residents of this building have access to a range of amenities, including a landscaped rooftop deck, a full-time doorman, an on-site super, a children's playroom, a bike room, and private storage facilities. Its prime location on a major artery of Williamsburg places it within easy reach of acclaimed restaurants, bars, and grocery stores, integrating luxury living with urban convenience. #WilliamsburgLoft #GretschBuilding #LuxuryRealEstate #BrooklynCondo #HighEndInteriors #NYCRealEstate #ArchitecturalConversion #UrbanLiving #WaterfrontViews

The article chronicles the journey of interior designer Mike Moser and architect Tyler Thomas as they transform a 1925 Spanish Colonial Revival bungalow in Hollywood Heights into a personalized sanctuary. Their relationship, which began with professional admiration on Instagram, evolved into romance and then engagement. This personal connection naturally extended to their shared creative venture: redesigning their home. The couple approached the renovation of the two-bedroom bungalow with a "clean slate and a lot of intention," converting it from Moser's bachelor pad into a tranquil retreat that merges their distinct design philosophies. Moser's spontaneous, experimental approach combined with Thomas's architectural emphasis on purpose, cleanliness, and conciseness. This resulted in an eclectic blend of contemporary and vintage elements throughout the home. A key aspect of the transformation involved reconfiguring the interior layout to foster an open floor plan conducive to entertaining. Moser's former bedroom was repurposed into an office, while his living room became the primary bedroom. This new primary bedroom features double doors that can remain open, integrating it as an extension of the living space. A custom raw-silk-curtained canopy bed, designed by Thomas during a trip to Paris, serves as the focal point of the bedroom, described by Moser as a space that draws people in and brings him immense joy. The formal living room showcases their blended aesthetic with a mix of iconic vintage pieces, including a 1930s aluminum-framed Warren McArthur sofa, a Jacques Adnet cocktail table, an Otto Schulz ottoman, and midcentury brown mohair chairs. Adjacent to the dining room, a more casual conversation area features a dusty blue Ligne Roset sofa, a Jean-Michel Frank–style parchment cocktail table, and a 1970s Tim Orr ceramic floor lamp, highlighting their preference for unique and artful pieces. Beyond furniture, the couple developed a shared passion for collecting decorative sterling tchotchkes, which are neatly displayed in a wall-mounted oxblood-red lacquered finishing cabinet behind the bed. Another shared interest is monogramming, with their initials "TT" or "MM" appearing on various items throughout the home. This shared design sensibility ultimately led them to launch TTMM, their joint design venture. Through TTMM, they plan to offer furniture, lighting, and objects that reflect their signature style, such as a cushioned stainless steel daybed designed for a nook in their bedroom. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #HollywoodHeights #SpanishColonialRevival #EclecticDecor #VintageFurniture #DesignCouple #OpenConcept #CustomFurniture

Ashley and Max, newlyweds, recently transformed their 1,068-square-foot 1920s bungalow in Madison, Wisconsin, into a cozy and personalized home. The couple moved from Boston, where homeownership was financially challenging, to Madison for Max's PhD studies at UW Madison. Inspired by Ashley's father, a civil engineer with a construction background, they sought an older home with character that they could renovate themselves. They purchased the bungalow, which, despite being livable, was in need of significant updates. The kitchen, in particular, was outdated and poorly designed, with an illogical layout that included the refrigerator obstructing a bedroom doorway. The outdoor space was also overgrown, and the interior walls featured bright orange and yellow paint. Their renovation journey began with gutting and revamping the kitchen. Max personally laid the new tile, while Ashley's father and uncle assisted with painting and assembling ready-to-assemble cabinets. This collaborative family effort resulted in the kitchen becoming one of their favorite rooms. Beyond the kitchen, they meticulously repainted all interior walls and the exterior siding and trim. Ashley also worked with a local nursery to select native plants for the yard and uncovered a hidden patio and fire pit, which they later used as the venue for their wedding in July 2022. This personal connection imbued the home with significant sentimental value, symbolizing their shared commitment and teamwork. The couple's personal interests are visibly integrated into the home's aesthetic. Ashley, with a background in art and poetry, and Max, a PhD student in U.S. history and education policy, appreciate older items, which aligns with the bungalow's 1920s architecture. Original features like scalloped arches, a large multi-panel dining room window, and 1920s bathroom tile were preserved and highlighted during the renovation. Ashley curated a gallery wall from her extensive collection of personal artwork, travel photographs, old maps, and souvenirs, creating a deeply personal and meaningful display. Their furniture selections reflect an eclectic approach, combining sentimental family heirlooms, such as a leather chair from Ashley's grandmother, with self-built pieces like a bookcase/TV stand, and budget-friendly finds from IKEA and Facebook Marketplace. This mix of textures, colors, and styles, featuring pops of orange and green against neutral tones, contributes to the home's warm and personal ambiance, with each item holding a unique story. The dining room, open to the living space, stands out as Ashley's favorite area. She envisioned it as a versatile space for work, reading, art, hosting, and games, appreciating the abundant natural light from the large window and the conversational appeal of the gallery wall. A bright yellow front door further adds to the home's charm. Their latest acquisition was an Art Deco mirror, a $20 Facebook Marketplace find, placed above an IKEA bar cart, highlighting their knack for discovering unique pieces affordably. Their advice for creating a beloved home centers on choosing items that bring joy, rather than strictly adhering to matching aesthetics, and experimenting with various colors, materials, textures, and furniture styles to achieve a cohesive and personal space. #HomeRenovation #Bungalow #DIYHome #EclecticDecor #HistoricArchitecture #CoupleGoals #PersonalizedHome #MadisonWisconsin #HouseTour

A recent exterior renovation of a wood frame house located at 1278 Jefferson Avenue in Bushwick has sparked considerable debate and mixed reactions among Instagram users. The property, featuring bay windows, underwent significant changes implemented by its new owner. The modifications include the installation of 1970s-style stained-wood siding, single-pane windows, and stained glass transoms. Additionally, the brick on the first story of the house has been painted black. The original cornice was uncovered and subsequently restored, and a new decorative band was added directly below it. The previous exterior of the house featured vinyl siding, which covered the tops of the bay windows. The current renovation has replaced this with the new wood siding, adhering to a similar architectural line. One online commenter described the house's updated appearance as "metamodernist," reflecting the blend of traditional elements with a more contemporary, perhaps anachronistic, aesthetic. The photographer who initially documented these changes, known as houses_of_new_york, noted the effort to revert the building's exterior to wood, aligning with its original construction materials. However, the photographer also observed that the new wood siding replicated the shape and pattern of the old vinyl siding, leading to a "curious" result that deviates from a historically accurate restoration. Further observations indicate that a similar renovation project appears to be underway at the adjacent property, despite no public records showing a change of ownership for that particular house. Investigations into the new owner of 1278 Jefferson Avenue reveal their professional background in the fashion industry, which some might speculate influenced the design choices. The block on which the house is situated, between Wilson and Central avenues, is predominantly composed of wood-frame houses with bay windows. Historically, many of these structures have had their original exteriors concealed by vinyl siding or stucco over the years. To provide historical context, the Instagram photographer shared a 1930s tax photograph depicting a similar row of houses in Greenpoint. This image was intended to illustrate what the houses in question might have looked like in their original state, allowing viewers to compare the historical appearance with the recent renovations. A photograph from 2015, taken by Christopher Bride via PropertyShark, also shows the house prior to its recent "strange remodeling." The contrasting opinions underscore the complex discussions surrounding architectural preservation, modernization, and personal aesthetic preferences in historic neighborhoods. #Bushwick #WoodFrameHouse #ArchitecturalRenovation #ExteriorDesign #HistoricPreservation #PropertyRenovation #BayWindows #BrooklynRealEstate