summer residence's sharp geometry emerges from greek seaside slope

The popular series 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' offers a masterclass in timeless coastal design, blending serene, sun-soaked aesthetics with elegance. This article explores how to replicate the show's aesthetic, which is characterized by a balance of relaxed coastal living and traditional elements. Peter Spinella, a broker with CENTURY 21 Guardian Realty, describes the fictional Cousins Beach style as incorporating bright whites, soft blues, and greens, along with open-floor plans that maximize natural light. Key features include sweeping porches, expansive views, natural wood siding, and light colors, all contributing to a feeling of calm and relaxation, inviting inhabitants to unwind. The show's interiors reflect the characters' personalities, with Belly's spaces filled with light and softness, and the Fisher family's home featuring elegant, traditional furniture and vintage accents. To achieve this look, Spinella advises starting with interior color choices, recommending darker tones mixed with light wood or gray wood finishes, while avoiding heavy woods like mahogany. He suggests affordable swaps such as nautical outdoor accents or adding plants to instantly transform a home's feel. The article outlines five signature elements crucial to capturing the show's design. First, weathered wood and whitewashed walls are essential, with classic shiplap or beadboard in crisp white or muted cream evoking beach cottages. These are paired with wide plank hardwood floors in lighter tones to enhance an open, breezy atmosphere. Second, natural fibers and textured fabrics, such as rattan chairs, wicker baskets, and linen drapes or slipcovers, add depth and a tactile quality. Layering woven jute or sisal rugs provides grounding texture without overwhelming the space. Third, muted coastal colors like seafoam, pale aqua, and soft sky blues, accented with sand tones, creamy whites, and occasional navy, create a fresh yet timeless color story. Fourth, incorporating vintage and antique pieces is vital for achieving an "old-money style" look. This means seeking out vintage mirrors, brass lamps, or weathered wooden chests that appear to have been passed down through generations. The focus is on character and heirlooms rather than flashy new furniture. Fifth, creating welcoming places to gather is paramount, as the show emphasizes lived-in spaces with personal touches. This includes comfy, oversized sofas and slipcovered chairs for conversations, alongside elements like vintage record players for a nostalgic ambiance. The aim is to blend style with comfort, making spaces feel both chic and casual. Outdoor spaces also play a significant role in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' aesthetic, embracing an easygoing summer spirit with string lights, Adirondack chairs, and weathered wooden tables. Spinella notes that in beach markets, location, waterfront access, and proximity to shore are key, alongside nearby restaurants and activities that create a complete lifestyle package. Simple additions like fire pits, hanging swings, or floral arrangements can elevate outdoor areas. The article concludes by emphasizing that this aesthetic can be achieved in any home by layering natural materials, investing in quality vintage or vintage-inspired pieces, and maintaining a soft, airy color palette, even without a sprawling beach house. #CoastalDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #BeachHouseStyle #TheSummerITurnedPretty #VintageDecor #NaturalMaterials #ColorPalette #HomeStyling

Kapsimalis Architects has introduced a new architectural design to the scenic hills of Santorini, focusing on a residence situated within a vineyard in the central part of the Greek island. The site offers expansive views of the sea to the east and Fira, the island’s capital, to the west. The design ethos was deeply inspired by the surrounding landscape, aiming to integrate the land itself into the residence's structure and create an illusion of a Mediterranean mirage. The core concept involves creating the perception of levitating land above the residential spaces. To achieve this, the architects meticulously 'cut' a piece of land, measuring approximately 20m x 10m x 3m (65ft x 32ft x 9ft), then removed and elevated it. This elevated section makes room for the residential areas below, which are designed to reflect their immediate surroundings. This artificial earth is conceived as a sculpted and textured volume, intended to mimic the natural erosion patterns of volcanic rocks and the forms of traditional excavated caves found on the island. The massive, sculpted volume rests on a delicate, mirror-clad base, which contributes to a 'see-through' effect, allowing the structure to blend seamlessly with the natural scenery. The ground floor of the residence is positioned beneath this artificial earth, appearing as an open-plan space that camouflages into the landscape. This level encompasses the dining and living areas, a kitchen, a master bedroom, and a bathroom. An exterior lounge yard, featuring an elongated swimming pool, is accessible from the ground floor and is oriented towards the east. The main entrance is located on the west side of the ground floor, alongside access points to both the attic and the basement. The basement, situated 3m (9ft) below ground level, houses utility rooms, storage facilities, and mechanical equipment. The elevated roof structure, positioned 3.20m (10ft) above the ground, accommodates the attic and an office space. Both of these areas benefit from expansive, unobstructed views of the surroundings. Despite the massiveness of the roof, thick walls and an earthy texture contribute to a feeling of being partially underground, while simultaneously providing an elevated perspective. To introduce natural light into the ground floor spaces, the designers carved vaulted roofs, pyramidal openings, and narrow slits into the substantial volume of the elevated 'earth.' On top of this artificial earth roof, vines are cultivated, acting as a direct continuation of the natural vineyard landscape. The cross-section of the elevated roof reveals distinct layers, colors, and textures of the earth, mirroring the geological composition of the existing volcanic soil beneath the surface. In contrast to this dense, soil-like mass, the ground floor is enveloped by sliding mirror frames, which visually diminish its presence and help it disappear into the context. This interplay of contrasting materials—the robust, earthy volume and the reflective, ethereal ground floor—creates the illusion of a sculpted piece of earth hovering above the landscape. The architects' primary intention was to ensure the building became an intrinsic part of its natural environment. This integration extends beyond the exterior, with the interior's color palette also drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape. The plaster on the walls and ceilings, along with the industrial cement floors, replicates the earthy tones of the outer shell. Fixed partition walls are finished in natural oak, and mobile furniture pieces are selected to harmonize with the building's overall materiality. Through this design approach, Kapsimalis Architects seeks to offer an architectural solution that engages with its environment in a manner that is both conflicting in its structural audacity and harmonious in its aesthetic integration. #KapsimalisArchitects #SantoriniArchitecture #VineyardResidence #GreekIslandDesign #LandscapeIntegration #VolcanicLandscape #ArchitecturalIllusion #ResidentialDesign

This article highlights three distinct indoor-outdoor living spaces, each designed to maximize enjoyment of the warmer months and foster a seamless connection between interior and exterior environments. Each project showcases unique design approaches to create comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing areas for relaxation and entertainment. The first project details a "Perfect Pool House" in Sherwood, Maryland, conceptualized by Jamie Merida Interiors for empty nesters seeking a multipurpose guesthouse and entertainment zone. The 900-square-foot Cape Cod-style structure, designed by architect Charles Paul Goebel and built by Gary Smith Builders, Inc., extends the main 3,500-square-foot home's living space. Its design emphasizes durability and comfort, featuring easy-to-clean white beadboard walls and stone-tiled floors to accommodate frequent visits from family, including young grandchildren. The interior palette draws inspiration from the local sky and water, incorporating grays, blues, and whites, complemented by playful nautical patterns and performance fabrics for furniture, ensuring resilience against wet bathing suits. The open-plan layout includes a private guest suite, a kitchenette, a dining area with a 96-inch table, and a sitting area, all enhanced by a wall of windows and sliders that offer sweeping views of the pool and outdoor grill area. Spherical rattan chandeliers and a vaulted sky-blue ceiling further elevate the coastal aesthetic. The second featured space is a "Functional Sunroom" in an Alexandria home, designed by Kristin Try of Kristin Try Interiors. This English conservatory-inspired room serves as an ideal retreat during hot and humid summer days, offering a comfortable indoor alternative with an outdoor feel. Located on the main level and adjacent to a beautifully landscaped garden and greenhouse, the sunroom features a vaulted tongue-and-groove ceiling and arched windows that frame views of the backyard's blooming flowers. Painted in a soft blue with crisp white trim, the room includes newly finished walnut-stained floors and an indoor-outdoor rug that defines the seating area. Furnishings like an English roll arm sofa, light blue swivel chairs, and curved-back rattan chairs contribute to a relaxed conservatory ambiance. A large ivory grass cloth-covered coffee table, topped with protective glass, anchors the seating arrangement. Printed cotton pillows with contemporary botanical designs and an antique heirloom spool cabinet add charm, while two sets of French doors provide direct access to the garden. The design prioritizes resilient furnishings and finishes to withstand sun exposure and prevent fading, ensuring a bright, airy, and bug-free environment perfect for gatherings and birdwatching. The final project, a "Storybook Summerhouse" in Sherwood Forest, Maryland, is architect and designer Sarah Hayes's personal family cottage. Her design focuses on creating engaging family gathering spaces and strong indoor-outdoor connectivity within the planned 1913 summer camp community. The home adheres to Sherwood Forest traditions with its cottage-style architecture, scaled appropriately to blend with neighboring properties. A key feature is the front porch, which boasts a timbered ceiling, white Adirondack chairs, and a patriotic color scheme, serving as a social hub for interacting with neighbors. Overhead fans circulate air, and X-rail details pay homage to the original clubhouse motif. The main level's open-plan kitchen, dining, and seating areas seamlessly transition to a screened back porch through a triple set of French doors. This porch, spanning the width of the house, is furnished with comfortable white wicker furniture and a small dining area with café chairs. For larger gatherings, a long teak dining table can be moved onto the porch. Further enhancing the indoor-outdoor experience, the lower-level playroom connects to an outdoor shower for post-water activities, and the main bathroom on the top floor features an enclosed double shower with windows that open to offer a "treehouse feel" while showering. These design elements collectively contribute to a home that embraces its natural surroundings and fosters a friendly, casual summertime lifestyle. #IndoorOutdoorLiving #HomeDesign #PoolHouse #Sunroom #Summerhouse #CoastalDesign #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeRenovation

The article emphasizes the growing desire among homeowners to integrate indoor and outdoor living spaces to maximize usable and entertaining areas, even in regions with less predictable weather like Alberta. It highlights that the changing seasons often spark a renewed interest in enhancing outdoor environments. The piece suggests that homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to extend the enjoyment of their properties beyond traditional indoor confines, transforming exterior areas into functional and aesthetically pleasing extensions of their homes. Several popular options for creating sophisticated outdoor living spaces are presented, including rooftop terraces, outdoor kitchens, covered living rooms, and swimming pools. These features are not merely additions but are designed to seamlessly blend with the home's interior, creating a cohesive living experience. The mention of experts and suggestions indicates that the article provides guidance and ideas to help readers achieve their desired outdoor living goals. The goal is to allow individuals to fully embrace an al fresco lifestyle, making the most of their property's potential for relaxation and entertainment. Outdoor kitchens are discussed as a significant trend, offering convenience and functionality for cooking and dining outside. These can range from simple grilling stations to fully equipped culinary areas with sinks, refrigerators, and ample counter space, allowing for elaborate meal preparation and hosting. Covered living rooms provide shelter from the elements, making them usable in various weather conditions and extending the time homeowners can spend outdoors. These spaces often include comfortable furniture, heating elements, and lighting, creating cozy and inviting environments for year-round enjoyment. Rooftop terraces are presented as a sophisticated option, especially for urban dwellings or homes with architectural designs that can accommodate them. These elevated spaces offer panoramic views and provide private retreats for relaxation or social gatherings. Swimming pools, whether integrated into the landscape or as standalone features, are also highlighted as a way to enhance outdoor living, offering opportunities for recreation and leisure. The article acknowledges that while weather can be a factor, innovative design and features can mitigate its impact, allowing for extended use of these outdoor amenities. Ultimately, the article aims to inspire homeowners to think creatively about their outdoor spaces and invest in features that elevate their lifestyle and extend the summer season's enjoyment. #OutdoorLiving #HomeDesign #BackyardDesign #OutdoorKitchens #RooftopTerraces #SwimmingPools #ElegantSpaces #AlFrescoLiving #HomeRenovations