This Maplewood 1920’s Auto Garage is a Place for Community

Wendy Davey of Cranberry Design transformed a disused garage in Melbourne into a chic, European-inspired guest retreat, embodying a French pied-à-terre aesthetic. The project originated from the clients' desire for a dedicated guest quarters or teenage retreat, utilizing the unfinished space above their existing garage. The framework, built during previous main home renovations, was initially used for storage before being reimagined as an elegant studio apartment. The design process commenced with an extensive consultation where Wendy and her clients drew inspiration from various French apartments, adapting their favorite elements to align with Australian trends and lifestyle. The core requirements for the retreat were clear: it needed to be entirely separate from the main house, low-maintenance, and suitable for a 'lock and leave' lifestyle, with sufficient storage for permanent residency if needed. Achieving a cohesive design in the one-bedroom studio necessitated a consistent approach, starting with the flooring. Pale engineered timber floorboards were selected for their natural appearance and versatility across different environments. The color palette was a crucial decision, ultimately integrating both red and navy accent colors after initial deliberations. A feature wall in 'Whale Watching' by Porter's Paints, combined with the 'Sandwashed' floorboards and custom brass nosing, created a welcoming entry. Central to the design was the goal of creating a warm and inviting guest suite. This was accomplished through the careful selection of lovely linens, diverse textures, and a muted color scheme. Custom whitewashed joinery, extending along the entire studio, was designed to blend seamlessly into the background while efficiently concealing necessary appliances and providing ample space-saving solutions. This integrated approach was vital for maintaining an uncluttered and spacious feel in a compact area. A significant challenge involved the lack of natural light from one side of the studio due to its proximity to the main house. This was resolved through the strategic installation of skylights, which illuminated darker areas like the bathroom and kitchen, creating an airy atmosphere and subtly delineating different zones within the open-plan layout. The bathroom, despite its small footprint, was designed to feel expansive and bright, utilizing a mirrored wall and additional skylights to maximize light and space. Functional features like recessed shelving, frameless shower screens, and large mirrors further contributed to the bathroom's functionality and aesthetic. Despite an extended construction period, the collaboration between Wendy Davey and her clients resulted in a well-resolved design where functionality perfectly harmonizes with aesthetic appeal. The spaces are utilized precisely as envisioned, highlighting a successful transformation of a neglected area into a luxurious and practical guest haven. #GarageConversion #GuestRetreat #EuropeanDesign #SmallSpaceDesign #InteriorRenovation #SpaceSavingSolutions #NaturalLight #CustomJoinery #MelbourneHomes

Architect Rafe Churchill and designer Heide Hendricks of Hendricks Churchill revisited a Connecticut farmhouse project a decade after its initial renovation to add a guest house. The original 1820 farmhouse, located on nearly 50 acres in the Oblong Valley, was in poor condition when clients Purdy and Josh Eaton purchased it. Hendricks Churchill undertook a significant renovation in 2015, which included rebuilding the chimney, raising the kitchen ceiling, and adding a side entrance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Eatons decided to reside full-time in Sharon, Connecticut, and initiated the second phase of development for their property. This involved a master plan that included a carriage house, a greenhouse, and a swimming pool. The design team chose to construct a freestanding carriage house rather than physically connecting it to the main house, to maintain traditional authenticity and align with the rural setting. The clients required a three-car garage, which influenced the dimensions of the carriage house. To prevent the structure from appearing solely as a garage, the architects designed it with a cubic mass that integrated well with the goal of creating a "new-old" carriage house. The interiors of the carriage house were designed to offer a more casual and practical atmosphere than the main house, incorporating bold patterns, diverse colors, and an eclectic mix of contemporary and mid-century modern furnishings. This space was intended for entertainment, featuring a generous home office, an exercise gym, an indoor sauna, and a recreation room with a pool table. The billiard room, for instance, features beadboard walls painted in Farrow & Ball’s Sulking Room Pink and a Porter Teleo wallpaper on the ceiling. The powder room extends the signature beadboard profile to chair-rail height, complemented by a large-scale Pierre Frey pattern above. The guest bedroom includes a pastoral landscape mural from Calico Wallpaper, a Studio Ilse bed with a vintage gingham throw, a 1940s Swedish club chair, and a mid-century modern pendant. A unique element implemented in the garage was a painted color-blocked “water line” on the vertical-grain fir beadboard. This design choice added a sense of history and durability, transforming the monochromatic space into one reminiscent of an older garage or factory, and subsequently became a signature design element for Hendricks Churchill's projects. The carriage house also features a cupola that allows dramatic light into the interior, with subtle pink walls by Farrow & Ball, making the windows glow warmly from the outside at night. The overall layout emphasizes an intimate cluster of buildings, fostering a sense of community. The greenhouse, installed by Alitex Glasshouses, sits on a foundation of waterstruck brick with custom mortar. The interconnectedness and visual relationship between the old and new structures contribute to a rich historical feel, making the entire project unique and special, as detailed in Hendricks and Churchill’s book, "Distinctly American: Home and Interiors." #CarriageHouse #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #ConnecticutHome #HendricksChurchill #RuralLiving #GuestHouse #FarmhouseRenovation

A remarkable single-family home in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, originally a garage, is currently listed for just over $1.9 million. This unique residence at 222 Madison Street combines industrial aesthetics with functional living spaces, spanning 3,000 square feet. The exterior maintains a modest garage appearance, cleverly concealing the expansive and stylish interior. The home's design embraces an industrial chic, characterized by cured cement floors, exposed white-washed brick walls, and soaring ceilings punctuated by skylights that flood the space with natural light. This architectural approach creates an open and airy atmosphere throughout the dwelling. The main floor features a spacious living room that provides direct views into a serene atrium, a central element designed to enhance the home's tranquil ambiance. Above this living area, a dedicated reading nook is integrated with a Dutch-designed music storage system, offering both comfort and practicality. The open-plan design seamlessly connects the living room to a large dining area, accommodating substantial furniture arrangements and fostering a sense of continuous flow. Adjacent to the dining area is a chef’s kitchen, equipped with stainless steel counters and cabinetry, a professional 36-inch range and oven, and a prominent Carrara marble island. A generous pantry offers ample storage, catering to the needs of a gourmet kitchen. This level is designed for both everyday living and entertaining, maximizing space and utility. The second level of the home houses the master bedroom suite. This private retreat is large enough to comfortably fit a king-sized bed and includes a walk-in closet for extensive storage. A private terrace extends from the master bedroom, providing an exclusive outdoor space for relaxation. The master bathroom is appointed with a separate soaking tub and a walk-in shower, complemented by two distinctively hand-painted Talavera sinks, adding a touch of artistic detail. Across from the master bedroom on the second level, a second large loft area offers significant versatility. While currently configured as a playroom, its substantial size allows for various creative uses, adaptable to the owner's needs or preferences. This flexibility underscores the home's capacity to evolve with its inhabitants. The outdoor terrace, designed to function as a garden, plays a crucial role in bringing additional light into the main living room through its large windows, reinforcing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the home is engineered for energy efficiency, incorporating modern conveniences such as on-demand hot water, heated floors, and central air conditioning. An integrated sound system allows for individual control in each space, enhancing comfort and personalization. A private garage provides practical city living, addressing parking challenges. The property is listed by Wendy Stephenson and David Cobell for Compass, showcasing a sophisticated blend of industrial design, modern amenities, and practical living solutions within a transformed urban space. #BedStuy #GarageConversion #IndustrialGlamour #ZenAtrium #SingleFamilyHome #BrooklynRealEstate #ModernDesign #EnergyEfficientHome #LuxuryLiving

About 15 years ago, a former urban garage and metal shop was converted into a distinctive residential space, featuring a glassed-in central courtyard and three roof decks, one of which is accessible via a 27-foot-long catwalk. This significant renovation was initially undertaken by Brooklyn's Mesh Architectures for a musician and actor. More recently, a young couple, founders of a start-up company, acquired the property. They engaged Clinton Hill-based Bespoke Only, a boutique interiors firm established 10 years ago, to reconfigure the 2,100-square-foot, three-bedroom space to accommodate their specific live-work requirements. The primary objective of the new renovation was to create a functional distinction between the couple's personal living space and their professional work environment. This was achieved by converting one of the bedrooms, located at the far end of the central courtyard, into a dedicated office space. This strategic placement allows team members to enter and exit the office with minimal disruption to the couple's private lives. Furthermore, the renovation involved updating certain aesthetic elements inherited from the previous owner, specifically replacing a lime-green kitchen, which Melissa Lee, a founding partner of Bespoke Only, described as having a more "bachelor pad-ish" feel, with a design reflecting the new owners' preferences. Melissa Lee explained the spatial organization: "The front of the house is now their home and the rear wing is the office. The courtyard connects them." Bespoke Only undertook a comprehensive re-design of the second floor, culminating in the creation of a new primary suite. This suite incorporates custom millwork, notable for its unique design, and an en suite bathroom. The kitchen was also significantly upgraded with new ebonized cabinetry, which was extended to integrate seamlessly with the living room's storage solutions. The kitchen's aesthetic now features ebony-stained white oak with antique brass pulls, a black granite countertop, and a pale green marble tile backsplash. Additionally, two bathrooms on the ground floor were renovated. Throughout the residence, the interior design firm meticulously selected furnishings that complement the building's existing industrial architectural language, characterized by timber, glass, and steel elements. Recognizing the prevalent delays associated with custom furniture orders, Bespoke Only prioritized sourcing vintage furniture pieces. Lee highlighted the practical advantages of this approach, noting that vintage items are both "readily available and sustainable." The property boasts a substantial 1,600 square feet of outdoor space spread across three distinct areas, including a terrace adjacent to the second-floor primary bedroom at the front of the building. The main living area features an impressive 28-foot-high ceiling and walls treated with chalky limewash, designed to subtly reflect the changing daylight. The original wood paneling from the former garage/metal shop has been preserved on one wall, as have the concrete floors, maintaining a connection to the building's industrial past. A 10-foot-long polished chrome and cast resin light fixture from Coil & Drift serves as a central design feature. The furnishings in this space include circa 1960s Scandinavian Siesta chairs upholstered in cognac leather, a Danish teak and mosaic coffee table from the same era, and vintage African stools utilized as end tables. In the upstairs bedrooms, an interior window that previously offered a view into the downstairs living area was removed. This alteration was intended to enhance privacy and "shift the energy outwards to the expansive terrace," according to Lee. Oatmeal sheer linen drapes were installed to filter natural light. The bedrooms, though modestly sized, were designed with inspiration drawn from classic hotel rooms, emphasizing an "artfully compact" layout where "everything within reach." New custom furniture and casework were incorporated, including a combined headboard/nightstand unit and closets featuring caning below and fluted glass above. The en suite bathroom's entrance is framed by a capsule-shaped mirror, and its walls and walk-in shower feature glossy ivory square tiles with black marble pencil trim, imparting a retro aesthetic. A downstairs guest room, which lacks abundant natural light, was transformed into a cozy, mauve-toned space, complete with a vivid pendant light and elegantly illuminated custom built-ins. A small downstairs powder room is distinguished by rustic millwork and a stone vessel sink. #Williamsburg #BespokeOnly #GarageConversion #LiveWorkSpace #InteriorDesignBrooklyn #RenovationProject #CustomMillwork #VintageFurniture

A meticulously restored 19th-century co-op situated on a highly sought-after street in the East 70s has recently entered the real estate market with an asking price of $3.95 million. This apartment, located at 5 East 75th Street, is characterized by its original architectural details and impressive views, which are highlights despite the presence of bold wallpaper choices and numerous mirrors. The building, a historic limestone mansion, offers direct elevator access to the unit. Upon entering the co-op, residents are greeted by a mirrored foyer adorned with checkered marble floors and intricate dental oak molding. Adjacent to the foyer, a high-end kitchen features cabinetry that contributes to a serene, almost 'religious' ambiance. On the opposite side of the foyer, a spacious great room captivates with carved wood-paneled walls and towering twelve-foot ceilings featuring authentic carved beams. The exquisite millwork is a continuous design element throughout this room, extending to a functioning wood-burning fireplace and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that includes bookshelves accessible by a library ladder. The private living quarters, located on the upper level, comprise a master suite that also includes a wood-burning fireplace. An adjoining second bedroom offers two generously sized built-out cedar closets. Both bedrooms provide picturesque "Parisian" views, looking out over the copper rooftops and mature trees of the elegant block. The property at 5 East 75th Street is ideally positioned within a historical limestone mansion, just steps away from Fifth Avenue. Its location offers convenient access to Central Park, with the Metropolitan Museum of Art located merely blocks away. This co-op represents a blend of historical charm and luxurious living in a prime Manhattan location. The emphasis on restored original details, such as the millwork and carved ceilings, preserves the character of the 19th-century building while providing modern amenities. The direct elevator access, high-quality kitchen, and the presence of two fireplaces enhance the comfort and sophistication of the residence. The apartment's views and proximity to iconic New York City landmarks further contribute to its appeal, offering a unique living experience in one of the city's most prestigious neighborhoods. The property is listed by Frances Katzen of Douglas Elliman, with additional details available through CityRealty. #CoOp #LuxuryRealEstate #HistoricHome #UpperEastSide #ManhattanRealEstate #ArchitecturalDetail #Millwork #NYCProperty #DouglasElliman

The author embarked on a garage retooling project, replacing an inadequate setup with a NewAge Products garage storage system. The previous workspace, a three-bay garage with one bay converted to an office, featured a small, rickety workbench and wire shelving, which proved insufficient for organizing tools and equipment after an extensive car project. This experience led to a collaboration with managing editor Jonathon Klein to evaluate garage storage systems from different manufacturers at varying price points. The author selected the NewAge Products Pro Series, a Canadian-based company known for its storage solutions across various applications, including commercial kitchens, patios, and garages. NewAge offers two main lines for garage storage: the economical Bold Series and the more robust Pro Series. The Pro Series, chosen for this project, is characterized by thicker gauge steel, larger dimensions, and soft-close hardware, making it sturdier and more durable. While approximately twice the cost of the Bold Series, the Pro Series remains more affordable compared to other high-end options in the market. The specific choice was a 14-piece Pro Series cabinet set, designed to fit perfectly at the back of the garage, leaving additional space for equipment that wouldn't be stored inside the cabinets. NewAge Products also provides options for customizing setups with various components and offers 3D renderings and free consultations for personalized workshop designs. Upon delivery, the sheer weight of the system was notable, with four boxes each weighing around 500 pounds, indicating robust construction. The installation process took approximately 24 hours for one person, involving the removal of the old setup, establishing anchor points for overhead cabinets, and assembling the new units with basic tools. The author highlighted the industrial paint finish, soft-close hinges and drawers, and the red and black color scheme combined with a bamboo workbench as elements that significantly enhanced the workshop's aesthetic and functionality. These features contributed to a feeling of working in a dedicated, professional space rather than a makeshift home garage. While largely positive, a minor issue noted was a gap between the workbench and the wall, attributed more to the garage's structure than the storage system itself, which the author plans to address with a slat wall. The 112-inch long bamboo workbench was a significant upgrade, offering ample space and improved accessibility. The system also includes modular separators, hardware bins, a trash bin, and pre-cut holes for wiring, providing extensive organizational flexibility that the author is still exploring. Looking ahead, the author anticipates using this new system as a cornerstone for future gear reviews for *The Drive*, emphasizing hands-on testing. The improved workspace will also facilitate ongoing work on a 1969 Dodge Charger project car, with updates expected in upcoming Project Car Diaries. Despite some minor comparisons to premium professional-grade systems where minor differences in drawer stability or metal thickness might exist, the author concludes that the Pro Series offers excellent value, as its total cost is comparable to a single chest from a top-tier brand. A comprehensive, long-term review is planned after more extensive use of the system. #GarageStorage #WorkshopOrganization #NewAgeProducts #ProSeries #HomeImprovement #CarMaintenance #Tools #ProductReview #DIYGarage

The article discusses the importance of giving attention to every detail in a home, including the garage, to achieve a luxurious aesthetic. Block contestant Taz emphasizes that the garage, often overlooked, is a significant space in a home and can be transformed into an extra living area, gym, or more. He and his wife, Britt, aimed to make their Block home's garage a standout feature, aligning with the high standard set for the rest of their house, including 'back of house' spaces like the laundry and mudroom. To elevate their garage's design, Taz and Britt collaborated with FlexSpec Modular Flooring. FlexSpec offers interlocking floor tiles known for their durability and appealing appearance. These tiles are available in 25 colors and 15 styles, providing extensive design versatility. Taz highlights the ease with which FlexSpec flooring can be changed or updated compared to traditional tiling or painting, and notes its luxurious look combined with easy maintenance. John Rothwell, FlexSpec director, explains that their garage tiles are made from high-quality polypropylene, ensuring strength, resistance to chemicals, and fade prevention due to integrated stabilizers. The GridFlex Pro model is particularly suited for garages, offering an elegant, durable, and functional solution. Originally designed for commercial use, the tiles proved ideal for residential applications. Rothwell details the practical benefits of the GridFlex design, particularly its ability to allow water and debris to seep through, preventing dirt from being tracked into the house. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring a vacuum for regular maintenance or a blower/pressure washer for deep cleaning, with built-in channels flushing debris towards the garage door. The aesthetic possibilities are vast, with tiles measuring 400mm by 400mm and a wide range of colors allowing for custom patterns, borders, checks, stripes, and even custom logos. FlexSpec provides an online Garage Floor Designer to assist customers in visualizing their designs and calculating tile quantities. While professional installation services are available, over 90% of FlexSpec customers opt for DIY installation due to the simple interlocking mechanism. Taz confirms the ease of installation, stating that he and Britt, despite their busy Block schedule, found it simple to lay their chosen Nut Brown and Ivory GridFlex Pro tiles in a large check pattern, complete with ramped edging and an LED strip-light channel. The finished garage received high praise from judges, including a perfect score, and was described as a gallery rather than just a garage, showcasing the transformative power of well-chosen flooring and design elements like artworks and gold wallpaper. #garageDesign #modularFlooring #flexSpec #homeRenovation #interiorDesign #DIY #homeImprovement #luxuryHome #TheBlock

Lauren and Jason Muir embarked on a significant renovation of their 1900-built Parkside home after returning to Adelaide from London and Sydney. The couple purchased the property in its original condition in late 2020, with renovation plans beginning almost immediately. However, due to pandemic-related delays and council approvals, construction didn't commence until two years later. Lauren, a strategy executive at Westpac, expressed the importance of honoring the home's 1900 heritage while integrating a modern aesthetic, a design philosophy inspired by Victorian homes in London's southwest. A key design objective was to create a seamless transition between the original structure and the new extension. This was achieved by extending the original timber floors throughout the house and meticulously matching architectural details like architraves. The couple also focused on cohesive styling, using art to introduce color and enhance flow between the old and new sections of the home. The front of the house retained its original character, while the rear extension was designed to complement it with a contemporary feel. The renovation project involved collaboration with The Building Company and Mavtect Designs, successfully navigating council requirements that mandated the extension not be visible from the street. Specific features desired by the couple included a wine cellar, which Jason envisioned as a space where one could walk down and be enveloped by wine. Lauren's primary desire for the living space was an abundance of natural light. While the front of the house, with its older structure and tree coverage, remained darker, the extension was designed to maximize light, leading to the creation of a seven-meter raked ceiling and a large wall of glass. This architectural choice not only floods the living area with light but also provides a view of the century-old hedge in the backyard, which offers significant privacy and a natural green wall effect. Outdoor spaces were also a crucial component of the renovation. With the help of Husk Projects and Evoke Outdoors for landscaping, Lauren and Jason created dedicated outdoor entertaining areas and a sauna area. The sauna was specifically inspired by Sequoia Lodge, aiming to replicate its serene garden setting where one could relax after using the sauna, creating a retreat-like atmosphere. The Parkside home became a labor of love, offering a convenient urban lifestyle, with easy access to parklands and local amenities. Despite their affection for the renovated Parkside home, the Muir family is now moving to Stirling in pursuit of more space for their young children. Their new 1920s home also requires renovation, signaling Lauren's continued preference for restoring older properties over new builds. The sale of the Parkside property, located at 9 Douglas Street, is being managed by Georgie Todd and Alexandra Green of Harris Real Estate, marking the end of one project and the beginning of another for the family. #HeritageHome #ParksideRenovation #ModernExtension #ArchitecturalDesign #LuxuryLiving #HomeRenovation #AdelaideRealEstate #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving

Julia Kramer, a former Bon Appétit editor, and her husband, Zach Kaplan, purchased a Craftsman home in Koreatown, Los Angeles, sight unseen during the early days of the pandemic. The decision was primarily influenced by a stained-glass peacock window in the dining room, which resonated with their family's experience visiting live peacocks at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. This personal connection served as a significant sign, making the long-distance purchase feel destined. The couple, still residing in their two-bedroom apartment in New York’s Upper West Side, relied on an L.A.-based friend to view the property shortly after it was listed before making an offer. Following the purchase, and with only six weeks until their move, Kramer and Kaplan enlisted the help of Jamie Haller, an experienced Craftsman restorer and shoe designer. Haller's primary task was to modernize certain aspects of the home while also stripping away inappropriate additions, such as built-in speaker systems in the living room and kitchen, and numerous recessed lights. The goal was to preserve the original character and 'good stuff' of the Craftsman style. Kramer, who was largely put off by the ubiquity of newly remodeled kitchens featuring subway tile and open shelves during her house hunt, found the untouched, wood-heavy kitchen of this home particularly appealing. She expressed a preference for living without common countertop materials like marble and granite and appreciated the kitchen's separation from other rooms, allowing her personal space while cooking. Restoration efforts in the kitchen focused on subtle yet crucial updates. Haller oversaw the replacement of awning window chains with historically accurate hardware, a task that required considerable effort to source and install. She emphasized 'restraint' in the renovation process, focusing on making the space functional without sacrificing its original charm. A carpenter was brought in to repair the track of the old-fashioned bread box's garage door, ensuring its safe operation. While the kitchen lacks modern amenities like soft-close hinges, it retains a distinct 'soul' that appealed to the owners. One of the most challenging projects was the living room, where plaster walls had been covered in blue silk dupioni fabric and secured with an estimated 45,000 staples. Removing these staples was a laborious process, taking a week of manual effort. The focal point of the revitalized living room became Kramer’s vintage coffee table, a 1stdibs acquisition, which uniquely functions as a champagne and shrimp cocktail station, with its inverted center perfectly accommodating her ice bucket. Haller also had to source new lighting fixtures, as the previous owners took the originals. She turned to a salvage shop in Los Angeles known for preserving lights from Old Hollywood celebrity homes, finding an antique sconce for the guest bedroom’s salvaged sink that once belonged to Buster Keaton. Distinguishing this Craftsman from others, the home features dark, purple-hued mahogany wood rather than the typical red-orange Douglas fir. This unique wood tone harmonizes surprisingly well with subtle pink accents, such as the original fireplace grout and the new dining room walls, which were painted a soft dusty lavender-gray. Haller noted that the natural light interacting with these elements creates a warm glow. Due to the tight renovation schedule, restoring the painted wood trim was not feasible. Instead, it was repainted in Farrow & Ball’s dark navy shade, Railings, to achieve a cohesive look. In contrast to the home’s more vibrant areas, the main bedroom adopted a softer palette, transforming its previous purple walls into a serene cream. Kramer, typically drawn to maximalist designs, was swayed by Haller’s vision for a neutral, tranquil space. The bedroom renovation included creating two closets on either side of the bed by reallocating space from an adjacent children’s room, and adding a built-in reading nook with a tufted cushion, which serves as Kramer’s preferred work-from-home spot. For the children’s bedrooms, Kramer and Haller exercised a different form of restraint, opting for allover wallpapers with prints that strike a balance between kid-friendly and adult-approved aesthetics. Kramer expressed her desire to postpone 'ugly child spaces,' choosing whimsical crane designs by House of Hackney for her youngest son's room and a floral print by the same brand for the bathroom. She found that the numerous built-ins in the large bathroom helped to break up the busy floral pattern effectively. The various bird motifs throughout the home, from the initial peacock window to the crane wallpaper, have become a personal symbol of good fortune for Kramer. #HomeTour #CraftsmanHome #LosAngelesRealEstate #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #SightUnseenPurchase #HistoricPreservation #VintageDecor #FamilyHome

This article details the extensive two-and-a-half-year renovation of a private garage in Logan Square, Chicago, into a single-family home. Originally built in 1910 as a private garage with its own gas tank, the structure later served as a shipping warehouse before its transformation. The renovation involved significant structural work, including the removal of a 1910 gas tank and the subfloor, to create a dramatic open space featuring a bow truss ceiling. The newly designed home now encompasses three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and a spacious open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area. An interior courtyard provides an outdoor connection, while an upstairs sunroom opens to two roof decks, suitable for gardening and relaxation. The interior design showcases a blend of vintage and custom elements. The living room features a living shelf with cascading plants, custom built-in shelving, vintage factory lighting, and a vintage Moroccan rug, all centered around a wood-burning fireplace that extends 20 feet to the ceiling. The kitchen is designed for both functionality and aesthetics, with black aged shaker-style cabinetry. Appliances are integrated and hidden, and the island offers storage, cookbook display, and counter-height seating. Repurposed trusses from the original building were used for a window shelf and the island's butcher block, adding historical character. Raw brass knobs and handles are incorporated throughout, intended to develop a natural patina over time. The master bathroom includes a unique subway pattern in the shower with a floating bench and gold fixtures, alongside a custom-built double vanity with bronze handles. Porcelain tiles mimic cement, laid diagonally in varying widths to expand the space. The kids' bathroom features cement tile, a vibrant yellow custom cabinet, and a shower-tub combination, blending classic subway tiles with bohemian touches to create a youthful atmosphere. Storage is optimized with a deep window sill for planters and a railroad-inspired shelf for towels. Several areas of the home exhibit distinct stylistic influences. A powder room strongly reflects Moroccan aesthetics, with imported wall tiles, a custom wall-mounted cement sink by a local Chicago artist, and online-sourced floor tiles. An intricate Moroccan barn door serves as a divider for the laundry and mudroom. The laundry and mudroom, accessible from the garage, feature black hexagon tiled floors, forest green cabinetry, and shelving created from striped black steel pipes and repurposed wood. The entryway is distinct, with hexagon cement tiles in shades of grey, white, and black, intricately pieced into the surrounding wood floors, and a crystal chandelier providing a dramatic focal point. The front of the house, previously housing three garage doors, has been reimagined with three bays of windows, including the main entrance, while a recessed front door provides a small, covered area with a floating bench and boot scraper. #GarageConversion #HomeRenovation #ChicagoHome #BowTrussCeiling #InteriorDesign #CustomCabinetry #MoroccanInfluence #SustainableDesign #VintageDecor #OpenConceptLiving

Antoinette Allande Interiors, a luxury residential design studio based in Hoboken, executed a significant home renovation in Montclair, New Jersey. The project involved transforming a 19th-century house, built in 1902 and located at 191 Christopher Street, into a modern yet traditional living space for a young family. The property spans 3,174 square feet and originally featured three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The clients, Amy and Tristan Morel L’Horset, are a family with three young boys and a history of international travel. Amy works as a registered dietitian and nutrition professor, while Tristan is a senior managing director at a global service and consulting company. Their brief to Antoinette Allande was to update their traditional home with a fresh perspective, prioritizing beautiful aesthetics alongside practical, comfortable living. They required durable furnishings that were not overly delicate and could seamlessly integrate with their existing collection of French antiques. The home's original formal and ornate exterior and interior architecture necessitated a design approach that respected its historical integrity. Antoinette Allande's design philosophy for this project was coined "Eclectic Traditional with a touch of Whimsy." This approach allowed her to blend modern furnishings with the historical architectural details, incorporating elements of the clients' whimsical preferences. Key design choices included a large, comfortable family room sectional, intended for family time and movie nights. The dining area features vintage pieces—a table, chairs, and a chandelier—acquired by the clients while living in France. These ornate, classical French furnishings were complemented by rich jewel-toned textiles, contrasting with lighter architectural finishes. A contemporary hand-knotted rug from Rejuvenation and antique French chairs re-upholstered in sapphire blue velvet further enhance the eclectic mix. The home's walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Moonshine 0C-56, while trim and other white areas utilize Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace OC-65. The entry hall is designed to make a strong first impression, incorporating vibrant colors and patterns to reflect the clients' personality and create a welcoming atmosphere. This space features a commissioned Moroccan carpet, a family tree display, a Mokum by Katherine Martin wallpaper from Holly Hunt New York, an antique British Colonial entry table, an Indian block-printed tablecloth by Roberta Roller Rabbit, a Kelly Wearstler light fixture from Circa Lighting, a CB2 cabinet, and an Arteriors Home table lamp, all contributing to a playful and youthful aesthetic. In the living and dining areas, original built-in cabinetry and millwork were preserved and enhanced by whitewashing dark beams, the fireplace, and paneling. This technique was employed to create a lighter, airier feel, drawing inspiration from early 20th-century designer Elsie de Wolf, known for transforming dark interiors with white and light colors. The project remained within budget and on schedule despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The property itself is a Dutch Colonial Revival style home, recognized for its ornate period details, symmetrical design, Ionic columns, white painted exterior, dormer windows with curved head sash detail, and black shutters, situated in Montclair's historic Marlboro Park area. Collaborators on the project included Franklin Nunez for painting, Orlando Silva of Golden Wallpaper for wallpaper installation, Ryan M. Brown Photography for documentation, and Brett Fixes for home improvements. Antoinette Allande Interiors operates from Hoboken, offering various design services including renovations, decorating, and art consulting, known for combining vintage and modern elements with contemporary art to achieve relaxed, layered, and eclectic interiors. #MontclairHomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #AntoinetteAllandeInteriors #EclecticTraditional #LuxuryResidentialDesign #DutchColonialRevival #VintageModernMix #HistoricalPreservation

Homeowners globally are repurposing their garages from mere car storage units into innovative and stylish extensions of their living spaces. This trend is driven by a desire for additional functional rooms, ranging from luxurious and practical additions like country kitchens and elegant wine cellars to recreational areas such as games rooms. The transformations showcased demonstrate significant creativity and design foresight, highlighting how these often-underutilized spaces can be completely reimagined to enhance a home's value and livability. Each conversion reflects a unique vision, adapting the garage's existing structure into something entirely new and often unrecognizable from its original purpose. One prominent example features a Yorkshire-based homeowner who converted their garage into a chic country kitchen, complete with bifolding doors that open onto a patio, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. This particular project emphasizes modern design elements and practicality, creating a vibrant space for cooking and entertaining. Another impressive conversion, located in Essex, transformed a garage into a sleek games room and bar, catering to leisure and entertainment needs. This space is equipped with features like a pool table, providing a dedicated area for social gatherings and relaxation within the home. In Perth, Australia, a dingy garage underwent a radical makeover to become a magnificent wine cellar. This rustic transformation includes stone cladding and an authentic barrel table, creating an ambiance perfect for wine enthusiasts. The conversion maximizes storage and display for wine collections while offering a unique gathering spot. Further examples include a Hampshire resident who opted to create an additional living room, providing more common space for the household. An Instagram user from Makerfield, England, converted their garage into a cozy bedroom, addressing the need for extra accommodation with thoughtful design. Architectural firms are also contributing to this trend, as seen in Buckinghamshire where a garage was transformed into a contemporary living space and kitchen, distinguished by its modern aesthetics and a hanging chair. For those seeking functional workspaces, a Maryland garage was converted into an artist's studio and gallery, providing a dedicated and inspiring environment for creative endeavors. Health and wellness enthusiasts are also embracing garage conversions, with a UK-based Instagram user showcasing an upmarket home gym space, allowing for convenient at-home workouts. Space optimization is a key theme, exemplified by a California-based homeowner who demonstrated how a small garage could be efficiently converted into a stunning, multi-functional space through clever design. Another wine-themed conversion by a US-based designer transformed a garage into a glamorous wine cellar and storage room, combining utility with sophisticated design. The trend also extends to professional applications, such as a beautician in Suffolk who converted her small garage into a treatment room, offering a dedicated business space at home. Finally, a Pennsylvania-based couple created a home office described as a 'haven' with bifolding doors, promoting productivity and connection to the outdoors. These diverse examples underscore the versatility and potential of garage conversions to meet a wide array of lifestyle and functional needs. #GarageConversion #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #LivingSpaceExpansion #HomeImprovement #CreativeHomeSolutions #SpaceTransformation #LuxuryHomeFeatures #FunctionalDesign

A home located outside of Chicago, dubbed Fastlane, has been meticulously redesigned to reflect the homeowners' deep passion for cars and motorcycles. While the exterior maintains a traditional suburban appearance, its interior is a showcase for a substantial collection of high-performance vehicles. The 6,000-square-foot residence, reimagined by Chicago-area studio Goesling Group, prominently features three sports cars, including a Ford GT and a Porsche, displayed on the main floor. The design integrates automotive elements throughout the living spaces, utilizing finishes and furnishings that evoke the high-tech and fluid aesthetics of car design. Beyond the aesthetic integration, the home is also highly functional for a car enthusiast. The lower level houses a fully operational workshop, equipped with an exhaust extraction system to ensure optimal air quality and a multi-position car lift. This lift allows prized vehicles to be transported from the workshop to the main living area, effectively transforming them into decorative pieces. The homeowners possess a collection of over 50 vehicles, highlighting the scale of their passion. Sarah Goesling, the principal designer, stated that Fastlane successfully celebrates the owners' interests while maintaining an approachable and livable environment. The design incorporates chrome accents, mirroring classic automotive materials. The flooring choices, including epoxy floors in the workshop and stained concrete on the main floor, were specifically selected for their durability and ability to withstand vehicular traffic. A unique feature in the bar area is a coffee table crafted from a vintage motorcycle engine, topped with glass, showcasing a blend of art and mechanics. The interior color palette is predominantly neutral, featuring soft, dusty hues, which were chosen to align with the owners' appreciation for desert landscapes. Reflective metals, smoked glass, natural wood, and leather contribute to a masculine aesthetic throughout the gathering spaces. Lighting plays a crucial role in the home's design, not only for highlighting the displayed vehicles but also in other areas, such as the powder room, where integrated LED lights illuminate a translucent stone vanity and a floor set with crushed reflective mosaic tiles. The exterior, designed by landscaper James Martin Associates, includes a covered outdoor kitchen and a swimming pool, maintaining a more conventional suburban appearance. #CarCollection #HomeDesign #LuxuryRealEstate #AutomotiveDecor #IllinoisHome #GoeslingGroup #CarWorkshop #LuxuryLifestyle #InteriorDesign

Trewhela Williams has completed the Elizabeth Mews project, a transformation of an underutilized garage and ground floor of a courtyard house into a minimalist family home in Primrose Hill, London. Situated within the Belsize Park Conservation Area, known for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture, the design prioritizes maintaining the mews' character. The former paneled garage door facing the street was converted into an oak-finned composition, enhancing the aesthetic by providing a more open appearance while ensuring privacy and solar shading. This new frontage also allows ample natural light to penetrate the interior. The design draws inspiration from Donald Judd's plywood sculptures, resulting in a playful yet refined arrangement of planes, volumes, and edges. The oak fins, with concealed restraint fixings and precisely aligned joints, create an illusion of solidity when viewed from a distance, unfurling like book pages as one approaches. A cohesive white oil finish and frameless glazing details further contribute to the sculptural simplicity. The glazing unit positioned behind the central fins serves as a tiltable window for cross-ventilation and features a pivot inward function to accommodate the family cat's outdoor access. This thoughtful design not only updates the existing mews style with dignity but also aims to inspire neighboring garage conversions, gradually revitalizing the street's ground-level appearance. Inside, the minimalist aesthetic is characterized by a linear layout and abundant natural light. The ground floor's reorganization centers around a nine-meter-long galley kitchen that spans the property's entire depth, flowing seamlessly into a dining area and a snug seating space. A central dividing wall efficiently provides tall storage and discreetly screens the entrance hall, WC, and staircase. The interior palette is serene and cohesive, achieved through a harmonious blend of tonal and textural elements. Danish plaster provides a fabric-like surface for walls and ceilings, while a Mugla marble worktop connects the street-facing and courtyard areas. Subtle color accents are introduced through rosy Douglas Fir planks, brushed copper details, burgundy leaves of an Acer Palmatum Fireglow, and rose quartz cushions in the snug. A minimal frame pivot door, stretching from floor to ceiling, connects the interior to a serene courtyard. This door acts as a toplit chamber, drawing significant daylight into the rear of the property and fostering a bright and inviting atmosphere. The outdoor space is defined by simple geometric forms, including a sleek planar bench and an elegant cylindrical pot. The bespoke pot, handmade from Ecocrete—a recycled cementitious material—in a bone white finish with lightly brushed strata and topped with white limestone chippings, harmonizes with the large-format concrete tiles flooring and the natural clay plaster adorning the walls. The overall design creates a tranquil and welcoming space that embodies timeless style and comfort for its occupants. #MinimalistHome #GarageConversion #LondonArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #TrewhelaWilliams #PrimroseHill #InteriorRenovation #SustainableDesign

This article showcases the transformation of a circa-1912 Old Town carriage house into a residence designed to prominently feature a vast collection of outsider art. Chicago designer Todd Haley spearheaded this project, aiming to create a living space where the art collection, consisting of hundreds of bold pieces, takes center stage without overwhelming the overall aesthetic. The five-bedroom, three-bath brick house, situated on a 37.5-foot-wide lot, was reimagined to be both a gallery for the art and a comfortable, functional home, especially during the pandemic. Haley's design philosophy for this project was to allow the art to dictate the starting point of the interior design. He is known for blending high-end bespoke furnishings with more accessible, mass-market items. In the expansive living room, the vibrant art pieces are juxtaposed against a backdrop of subtle gray and black tones in the furnishings, creating a sophisticated yet slightly whimsical atmosphere. The deliberate choice of a neutral palette ensures that the focus remains on the art, rather than competing with it. This approach reflects Haley's understanding of the clients' preferences, having worked with them on two previous projects. The art collection itself is diverse and eclectic, featuring notable works such as a mixed-media painting of a bull moose by William Hawkins, a mushroom sculpture crafted from bottle caps by Clarence Woolsey, and a detailed cathedral-shaped bird feeder from the 1970s by Aldobrando Piacenza. These pieces, ranging from folk art to mixed media, are strategically displayed throughout the home to maximize their visual impact and integration into the living environment. One of the distinctive features of the design is the elevated dining room, which Haley transformed into a theatrical setting. A custom-made dining table is surrounded by seating, with guests stepping up to enter the space. The dining room is anchored by an illuminated scale model of the John Hancock Center, positioned within a smoked-mirror niche. Bird prints by English photographer Luke Wilson adorn the walls, further enhancing the artistic ambiance. The dark, neutral color scheme extends into the family room, where a large U-shaped sectional sofa from Room & Board is complemented by custom wing chairs and sculptures. The mixed-media pieces are hung using gallery-inspired wiring, emphasizing their artistic presentation. Beyond aesthetics, the design also considered functionality and the owners' lifestyle. The open flow from the front of the home to the back garden makes the space suitable for entertaining. During the pandemic, the bright interiors contributed to an enjoyable work-from-home routine for the couple. Throughout the house, upbeat details are incorporated, such as oversized floor lamps fashioned from boom lights in the living room and a series of pop-art-style plates by filmmaker John Waters adorning the wet bar. The overall effect is a residence that comfortably merges the experience of living with an extensive art collection, akin to residing in a personal art gallery. #CarriageHouseRenovation #OutsiderArtCollection #InteriorDesign #ChicagoHomes #ArtIntegration #EclecticDecor #ToddHaleyDesign #OldTownChicago #HomeShowcase