This Hamptons Landscape Uses Reflecting Pools to Mirror the Home's Architecture

Water features in home environments are gaining popularity for their aesthetic appeal and significant wellness benefits, both mental and physical. Sean So, founder and principal of Water Studio, notes a growing trend in both indoor and outdoor water installations, with many clients seeking to replicate public space designs in their homes. These features contribute to mental well-being by reducing stress, improving mood, and promoting relaxation, a phenomenon often linked to the calming effect of 'blue space,' as highlighted by sports medicine physician Gregory Charlop, M.D. Physically, water features can offer health advantages, such as the muscle recovery and inflammation reduction associated with cold water immersion, though Charlop cautions against cold plunges for untrained individuals due to potential cardiac risks. Conversely, warmer water temperatures in hot tubs and spas are beneficial for muscle relaxation. Popular water features include indoor water walls that offer dramatic visual appeal with minimal space requirements, and outdoor falling streams that provide tranquil sounds. Architects Phil Kean and Danny Wang frequently incorporate these elements into their designs. Kean mentions sheer descent fountains on feature walls as a common request, while Wang's popular features include water feature walls, fountains, and reflection ponds. Water features also serve practical purposes, such as acting as natural noise barriers against busy roads, enhancing privacy, and even blocking unsightly views. Enhancements like lighting, music, and fog effects can elevate the ambiance. Kean describes creating glass-top water tables for poolside dining, incorporating LED lighting for a magical evening effect. Automated systems for refilling, timing lights and pumps, and controlling flow are also popular for convenience and customization. Water specialists can upgrade existing features, provided the basin is leak-free, by adding modern sculptures or low-splash water walls. Despite their benefits, water features require careful planning and maintenance to avoid safety hazards and potential water damage. Sean So stresses the importance of working with experienced firms that thoroughly test installations. Gregory Charlop emphasizes the need to consider water quality, sanitation, and temperature regulation to prevent infections and injuries, recommending regular professional check-ups. The integration of water features into home design not only adds architectural flair and real estate value but also contributes significantly to the residents' overall wellness. #HomeDesign #WaterFeatures #WellnessBenefits #ArchitecturalFlair #RealEstateEnhancements #IndoorWaterFeatures #OutdoorWaterFeatures #HomeWellness #LuxuryHome

Tiburon Bay View, a contemporary residence on the eastern edge of California's Tiburon Peninsula, was designed by Walker Warner Architects for a family with a strong appreciation for art and nature. The clients sought a spacious home suitable for entertaining and multi-generational living, with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay. To mitigate the visual impact of the 12,000-square-foot structure, the architects terraced the two-story property into the hillside, giving it the appearance of a compound composed of low-slung horizontal volumes. The design incorporates a natural material palette and extensive high-performance glazing to seamlessly integrate the home with its surroundings. Materials such as Aegean limestone, western red cedar, zinc, and board-formed concrete contribute to this integration. Interior designer Nicole Hollis further enhanced the indoor/outdoor connection through a minimalist approach, employing surface materials and custom furnishings that echo the exterior's palette. Rift-sawn, white-oak wall paneling and engineered European oak flooring add warmth to the modern interior. The home was also designed to complement the clients' extensive contemporary art collection, featuring pieces like a custom bronze divider by Michele Oka Doner and pendant lighting fixtures by Lindsey Adelman Studio. The main residence is oriented towards the bay views and split across two levels. The ground floor houses the primary living areas and an accessible in-law bedroom, while the master suite and a second bedroom are located upstairs. An additional guest wing provides two more bedrooms. Large glass doors from Fleetwood Windows & Doors in the great room blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, facilitating an open and connected living experience. The master bedroom, with a Holly Hunt walnut bed, offers impressive bay views, and the master bath features custom teak cabinetry and Aged Petit Granit counters. A unique touch for the clients' teenage son includes a colorful bedroom with an elevated bed and a small climbing wall. Sustainability and energy efficiency were central to the home's design. A passive solar approach was implemented, featuring large roof overhangs over glass walls, automated solar shades, and an emphasis on natural ventilation. Radiant heating is installed throughout the home, complemented by Energy Star appliances, low-flow fixtures, LED lighting, and occupancy sensors. To conserve water, a native, drought-resistant planting plan with sensor-controlled drip irrigation was designed by SCDA and Strata Landscape Architecture, limiting the lawn area to less than 10 percent of the landscape. Photovoltaic panels have been installed at the pool house, further contributing to the home's energy independence. The architects highlighted that the residence's bold architectural elements create unexpected spaces, fulfilling the clients' desire for a home that celebrates both art and nature. #TiburonBayView #WalkerWarnerArchitects #EnergyConsciousHome #WaterfrontProperty #SustainableDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ModernArchitecture #NorthernCaliforniaHomes #PassiveSolarDesign

The article details the transformation of a Bridgehampton, New York, Hamptons home by architects Timothy Haynes and interior designer Kevin Roberts. The property, initially purchased 12 years prior by a New York businessman, was a five-acre estate near the ocean and the town of Bridgehampton. He had previously renovated the mid-1990s house with interior designer Victoria Hagan, streamlining its postmodern architecture into a comfortable beachside retreat for himself and his two sons. This earlier renovation, featuring a blue-and-white scheme, was prominently featured on the cover of ELLE DECOR in 2002. The current renovation was prompted by the homeowner's remarriage, necessitating a redesign to accommodate his new wife and her 10-year-old daughter. The couple initially engaged Haynes and Roberts for a partial renovation, including the kitchen and master bath. However, as their family grew and their entertaining needs expanded, a more extensive overhaul became necessary. The wife, a fashionista and museum patron with a strong design aesthetic, desired to infuse the home with her personal style, incorporating contemporary art, vibrant colors, vintage and antique furnishings, and a touch of glamour. A primary goal was to create a dining room capable of hosting 25 people for large family gatherings like Thanksgiving. Significant structural and landscape changes were implemented. The existing tennis court, which obstructed views and was unused by the couple, was removed along with the original swimming pool. Haynes and Roberts collaborated with Manhattan-based landscape architect Edmund Hollander, who had designed the property's initial garden, to create an ambitious new landscape plan. This included a new saltwater pool inspired by a Slim Aarons photograph, featuring limestone steps cascading into the water. Hollander also designed garden walks bordered with Japanese holly, green velvet boxwood, masses of hydrangeas, lilacs, peonies, and roses. A new poolhouse was constructed with two wings: one for a changing room and sauna, and the other featuring a chic bar and lounge with a white-and-blue circle-patterned marble floor. These wings frame an outdoor dining pavilion, complemented by a gravel-lined garden and a bosque of plane trees. The main house underwent extensive modifications, including the expansion of rooms and the lifting of ceilings to enhance the sense of space and ease. In the master bedroom, a wall with a Juliet balcony was replaced with expansive windows overlooking the garden, and a previously underutilized terrace was converted into an enclosed sitting room. The homeowners were deeply involved in every design decision, from fixtures to furniture selections. The living room was reimagined as the home's social hub. Haynes and Roberts raised its gabled ceiling to 20 feet and doubled the space with an addition featuring a wall of windows and French doors. The interior decor of the living room includes oversized white leather cocktail tables, ample seating, and a vintage Harvey Probber tufted sofa, which Roberts divided into two sections to face the garden. The design philosophy emphasized functionality and comfort, ensuring that every piece of furniture invited relaxation. A notable artistic element is a faceted mirror sculpture by Doug Aitken above the striped marble mantel, spelling out the word “more,” reflecting the wife’s preference for a touch of extravagance. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #HamptonsStyle #LuxuryHomes #LandscapeArchitecture #ContemporaryArt #VintageFurniture #ArchitecturalTransformation #SeasideLiving

Lisa and Gary Mieran, owners of Akyrah Kitchens, designed and largely built their two-storey, industrial-style home with modernist influences in Gympie, Queensland. The house, completed in December 2019 after a two-stage construction, is situated on land historically owned by Lisa's family. The design draws inspiration from Heide II, a modernist icon in Melbourne, celebrating concrete, timber, abundant light, and earthy tones. Lisa envisioned a home that would rise organically from the earth, becoming an integral part of the landscape and improving with age. The structure features off-form concrete, walls of glass, and tactile timbers, with the lower storey clad in cedar and the upper storey in recycled hardwood. Steel balustrading, handcrafted by Gary, complements the exterior, which also includes a swimming pool with Andorra limestone pavers. The interior features a breezeway offering spectacular views and airflow, with ceilings made of Henley Oak Grove engineered timber. The foyer includes a BassamFellows 'Geometric' day bed and artworks by Steve Waller. Given their expertise with Akyrah Kitchens, the kitchen in their home is a highlight, featuring blackbutt veneer doors, Basaltina benchtops, Circa taps from Brodware, and Inax 'Ceravio G' tiles. The living areas include a guest sitting area with a B&B Italia 'Le Bambole' sofa and a living room with a Cheminées Philippe fireplace and Jardan furnishings. The home was built in two stages to accommodate their grown children, Taren and Kirra. The first stage was a self-contained flat, which served as their temporary residence during the main build and now functions as a guest wing. The main house and another guest wing are connected by glassed walkways, with the main bedroom suite located upstairs. This design allows for three self-contained bedrooms with ensuites, providing private quarters for everyone while centralizing communal living spaces. Practicality and functionality are key design principles, evident in the integrated laundry within the bathroom behind a blackbutt joinery feature wall, and the kitchen's two large islands designed for simplicity and ample storage. The materials used throughout the home emphasize natural elements. Recycled timber is used for the upper storey and blackbutt joinery adds warmth, while the seamless flow of concrete from exterior to interior reinforces the architectural aesthetic. The home is designed for climate control, with generous light for winter warmth and cross-breezes for summer cooling. Lisa also undertook the landscaping, incorporating native plants like Xanthorrhoea, pandanus, native grasses, and succulents. The furniture, much of it Australian-made from brands like Jardan, is chosen for its timeless appeal and durability, reflecting the couple's preference for classic design over fleeting trends. The house stands as a testament to the couple's comprehensive involvement and shared vision, combining their professional skills with personal passions to create a harmonious and functional living space. #ModernistArchitecture #IndustrialStyle #ConcreteDesign #TimberAccents #SustainableMaterials #HomeDesign #OwnerBuilt #QueenslandHome #InteriorDesign

This article showcases three exquisite backyard designs in Westchester, each tailored to maximize outdoor living and entertainment, featuring stunning pools, thoughtfully designed pool houses, and harmonious landscaping. The first project, located in Rye, involved transforming a challenging topography into a naturally inviting refuge. The homeowners, having relocated from the Midwest with a desire for a pool and ample lawn, enlisted Sean Jancski Landscape Architects. The primary design objective was to create a pool environment that respected and integrated with the landscape's natural features, particularly the steep slopes and boulder outcroppings. The solution was an elevated infinity-edge pool, strategically placed to avoid disturbing the existing significant natural elements. The infinity edge provides a seamless view of a lush, forested area, complemented by a mix of perennials, beach grasses, and evergreens for year-round visual interest. A spectacular pool house/cabana, blending traditional and farmhouse styles, further enhances this outdoor sanctuary, equipped with a kitchenette, bathroom, and laundry facilities. The second featured backyard in Scarsdale is an idyllic oasis designed for a family of four who prioritize home-based entertainment and relaxation. Choura Architecture, with Gail Bishop of Thunder Hill Landscape Architecture & Garden Design, crafted a welcoming outdoor space with versatile areas and easy home access. The design overcame the challenge of the land's topography by incorporating a uniquely bent pool that follows the natural contours of a gentle slope. This slope is retained by a curved natural-stone wall, which also serves as seating, creating an amphitheater-like effect. The serene atmosphere is further enhanced by a modern fountain integrated into the stone wall, providing soothing sounds of flowing water. Two inviting, columned, covered porches extend from the classic Georgian-style house, offering dining and sitting areas with cheerful red-cushioned furniture. An expansive patio includes a dining table with a vibrant ocher-yellow umbrella, chaise lounges, and a specialized outdoor cooking area for the owner, a professional chef. The third backyard, a waterside sanctuary in Larchmont, was designed for an active family with teenage and young adult children, aiming for relaxing and large-gathering spaces. Zavaglia Associates handled the landscape/exterior design, with M. Partellow, Inc. and Arlene Pilson Interior Designs collaborating on the pool house. The property boasts expansive water views of an inlet in a conservancy area, which the design sought to highlight. A key objective was to unify the home's varied architectural elements and introduce a contemporary, resort-like feel to the outdoor spaces. The main challenge was integrating the outdoor elements to create a cohesive look, given the home's construction in stages with diverse architectural influences. The perfect pool house, designed to naturally blend with the surroundings, fulfills the clients' requests for a large screened porch, changing room, bathroom, living room, and kitchen. Luxurious outdoor furniture, including a Janus et Cie poolside daybed and a Brown Jordan L-shaped couch, provides comfortable spots for lounging and gathering, completing these beautiful al fresco escapes. #BackyardDesign #OutdoorLiving #PoolDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #HomeRenovation #LuxuryHomes #WestchesterHomes #GardenDesign #PoolHouse

Gardening can be a demanding activity, requiring consistent effort for watering plants, deadheading flowers, and harvesting vegetables. While some individuals enjoy these tasks, others may lack the time, inclination, or horticultural skills to maintain an elaborate outdoor space. Incorporating a water feature offers an effective solution for enhancing an outdoor area without the need for extensive planting or digging. Although the initial setup of a water feature may involve some cost, it eliminates concerns about plant mortality, providing a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing element. Water features, such as fountains, introduce a sense of tranquility and Zen to a space through their reflective surfaces and soothing trickling sounds. These elements have the potential to significantly transform outdoor areas that might otherwise consist only of concrete pavers, decking, and hedges. The article showcases a collection of impressive outdoor spaces that integrate remarkable water features, encouraging readers to consider ambitious designs for their own gardens. One featured design by Manhattan-based Pulltab Design showcases an urban rooftop deck and garden in the East Village. This space exhibits a modern industrial aesthetic with a subtle Japanese influence, featuring pebbles beneath a bench and an outdoor shower. A unique fountain made from a large, rough-hewn oak piece with a stainless steel basin and spout channels water into a rusted Corten steel trough, creating a distinctive focal point. Another example is a Japanese-style garden in Arlington, Virginia, designed by Boston architecture firm Höweler + Yoon. This micro-courtyard, spanning just 200 square feet, includes a rock garden, Japanese maples, a built-in bench, and a three-part concrete and metal fountain adorned with water hyacinths. The Sunnylands Center and Gardens in Rancho Mirage, California, at Walter Annenberg's 200-acre desert retreat, also features a notable water element. Designed by Frederick Fisher + Partners, with landscape architecture by The Office of James Burnett, this specific area draws inspiration from Van Gogh’s “A Wheatfield with Cypresses.” The design transitions from an organized, geometric layout, exemplified by a rectilinear reflecting pool and meticulously arranged plantings, to a more organic arrangement towards the edges of the property. London-based Luciano Giubbilei Garden Design presents work characterized by clean, symmetrical designs. An illustration shows precisely clipped hedges mirroring the shape of a fountain, which consists of a metal spout set in stone, emptying into a shallow basin of stone and crushed pebbles. A luxury villa garden in the Netherlands, initially designed by Marcel Wolterinck and later updated by Hendriks Gardeners, features a long reflecting pool with fountains. This pool cuts across concrete into a stone bed and runs parallel to a wood slat walkway, establishing an intriguing geometric pattern. Belgian designer Filip Van Damme created a minimalist configuration featuring a moat-like body of water with a plain concrete walkway. The design incorporates traditional materials such as wood slat siding and white painted brick, offering a striking contrast to its simple aesthetic. Another of Van Damme's designs shows a long, narrow body of water acting as a moat on one side of a house. Its precise function, whether a reflecting pool or swimming pool, is ambiguous, but its placement, directly adjacent to the home's opening, makes a bold statement. Stone Edge Farm, a Sonoma wine country retreat, features a home designed by STUDIOS Architecture and landscape by San Francisco-based Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture. The property includes a celestial observatory, spa, and stone pyramid, harmonized by linear forms such as a reflecting pool, raised lap pool, and rows of olive trees. Thuilot Associates, based in Berkeley, designed a modern garden in Los Altos, California, which includes a rusted steel fountain integrated into a stacked stone retaining wall. This forms part of a larger patio and garden area with grass squares, concrete pavers, and a wooden walkway. Finally, Nelson Byrd Woltz, a landscape architecture firm, designed a 200-acre Piedmont Virginia farm. A rectilinear bluestone patio and reflecting pool serve as a transition between the contemporary glass-walled house, designed by Voorsanger Architects, and the natural landscape of trees, rolling countryside, and distant Blue Ridge Mountains. Elysian Landscapes, located in Los Angeles, emphasizes outdoor living as a lifestyle. Their design features large, cast-in-place concrete pavers set within the lawn, creating a graphic composition with a circular concrete fountain and a built-in concrete bench. #ModernGardens #WaterFeatures #LandscapeDesign #OutdoorSpaces #GardenDesign #UrbanGardens #ArchitecturalDesign #ReflectingPools

This article highlights three Westchester homes that masterfully integrate indoor and outdoor living spaces, offering a blend of beauty and functionality. The first home, a Scarsdale residence designed by Tara Kantor, features an indoor/outdoor oasis adjacent to a pool. Kantor's design emphasizes flow and connectivity, drawing inspiration from Hamptons-style pool houses but adapted with a bar area. The space is equipped with an adjacent kitchen and bathroom for easy hosting and cleanup. The aesthetic is a fusion of Greek villa, Miami, and Hamptons vibes, characterized by reclaimed wood beams, plastered walls, and a predominantly white palette. Durable indoor/outdoor fabrics like terry and boucle are used for their spill-resistant qualities, making them suitable for wet bathing suits. The lighting is from Allied Maker, stone from Marble America, and stools from Thomas Hayes. The second home, located in Chappaqua and designed by Scott Hirshson of Hirshson Architecture + Design, embodies a resort-style living experience. The family desired a private sanctuary for various activities, leading to the creation of a veranda connected to the family room, a dining patio next to the kitchen, and a pathway to the pool. A central firepit surrounded by an oversized Restoration Hardware sectional serves as a cozy gathering spot with an outdoor TV. Hirshson prioritized the connection between indoor and outdoor areas using Marvin-sourced doors and windows, including glass corners in the breakfast room and large sliding doors. The aesthetic is a timeless modern blend, featuring new windows with bronze cladding contrasted against clapboard siding painted in Benjamin Moore’s Pure White. Performance fabrics are used for outdoor furnishings to withstand weather, and thermal bluestone is incorporated for barefoot comfort. Covered areas provide shade, and an easily accessible bathroom and changing space enhance guest convenience, fostering an ideal environment for entertaining. The third featured property is a guest cottage in Bronxville, designed by Amy Andrews with architect Charles Hilton and builder Significant Homes. The cottage boasts an open floor plan with expansive views of the backyard and French doors that open directly to the pool, functioning as a vacation home for extended family and friends. The design aims for a more casual atmosphere compared to the formal main house, incorporating detailed millwork and architectural elements. Andrews maintained a fresh look with a warm white palette and layered sophisticated neutral colors and natural textures that harmonize with the exterior stucco. Hints of color echo the treelined property designed by Renee Byers. Large windows and doors create a seamless indoor/outdoor experience, allowing the outdoors to merge with the interior living areas. This setup enables the family to enjoy indoor or outdoor dining, relax by an outdoor fireplace, or swim, with all amenities conveniently located. #WestchesterHomes #OutdoorLivingSpaces #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #PoolsideLiving #ModernAmenities #ClassicCottage #IndoorOutdoorFlow #HomeDecor

This article explores a Hamptons beach house designed by Tami Wassong, highlighting five key design lessons that contribute to its tranquil, coastal aesthetic. The home serves as a peaceful sanctuary for its owners, offering a luxurious yet understated environment that prioritizes calm and connection with nature. Wassong's design philosophy centers on creating a space where one can 'exhale' upon entering, nourishing the mind, lifting spirits, and fostering connections with family and friends. One of the primary lessons from this design is the strategic use of a tonal palette. The color scheme, inspired by the natural surroundings of the Hamptons, incorporates white, ivory, blues, soft grays, and matte black accents. This approach, which aligns with current color trends focused on creating cocooning environments, builds layers of depth and interest through the integration of warm, natural materials. The colors chosen reflect the homeowners' preferences and the home's proximity to the water, ensuring a harmonious and serene atmosphere. The second crucial element is the maximization of natural light. The home's design, orchestrated by architects at Mojo Stumer, features extensive glass elements that flood the interior with a warm glow, immediately creating a welcoming and tranquil ambiance. This abundance of natural light is emphasized as a mood enhancer, fostering a sense of calm. The article also touches upon biophilic design, noting how the large windows provide stunning seascape views from nearly every angle, thereby forging a strong connection with nature. Even without double-story windows or a waterfront, the principles of bringing the outside in through natural materials and foliage can be applied to any space. Thirdly, the design masterfully employs hidden storage to maintain a clutter-free environment, which is presented as essential for calm. Tami Wassong, a self-proclaimed minimalist, designed custom millwork throughout the home to ensure every item has a designated place, thereby eliminating visual clutter and stress. This is particularly evident in the kitchen, where appliances are concealed behind discreet pocket doors, allowing for an airy, open-plan ground floor that remains highly functional for family living. The fourth lesson involves the creation of cozy, inviting spaces. The designer's objective was to craft areas where the owners could comfortably unwind and relax, fostering a sense of peace. This was achieved by designing spaces that encourage lingering, whether for reading, entertaining, or simply enjoying the peaceful exterior views. The open-plan living room exemplifies this, combining sophisticated design with a relaxed, modern appeal through sleek interiors, plush upholstery, and warm, glowing light. These elements are easily replicable to emulate the home's ethos of comfort and style. Finally, the article highlights the importance of mixing materials to add texture and depth while maintaining a calm environment. Wassong incorporated natural wood and stone to reinforce the connection to nature and complement the tonal palette. The furnishings, upholstery, and fittings adhere to a monochromatic color scheme, but the varied textures of wood, plaster, metal, and fabric contribute significantly to the home's distinctive character. Suggestions for achieving this look include incorporating plush wool, boucle, and worn leather. #HamptonsBeachHouse #CoastalDecor #InteriorDesign #CalmInteriors #TonalPalette #NaturalLight #HiddenStorage #CozySpaces #MaterialMixing #BiophilicDesign

The article discusses the importance of integrating swimming pools into overall landscape design, moving beyond their traditional role as mere recreational spaces. It features insights from landscape designers Frederico Azevedo of Unlimited Earth Care of Bridgehampton, Michael Derrig of Landscape Details of East Hampton, and Ken Muellers of Hicks Nurseries of Westbury, all working in the Hamptons. Frederico Azevedo emphasizes treating the pool as a water feature and integrating it with the garden through strategic planting. He advocates for using plant beds to add color to the water and to visually connect the pool with the surrounding landscape. Azevedo suggests using rectangular flower beds or long plant beds that parallel the pool's size to maintain visual harmony and prevent the pool from appearing isolated. He also highlights how carefully curated flowerbeds can create visually appealing views from various points around the property, such as the house and pool house. For instance, placing flowerbeds close to the coping allows glimpses of the water through the flora, which he describes as a modern interpretation of a formal garden where water features act as centerpieces. Azevedo also notes the use of white Calamintha, an herbal scented plant, to repel mosquitoes and seamlessly blend raised pool decks into the garden. Additionally, he mentions using terracotta planters with purple Scaevolas to accent stairs and corners, and Annabelle hydrangeas to balance the far edge of the pool. One design involved framing a colorful garden with trimmed boxwoods on a berm to elevate it above the pool, creating vibrant reflections in the water. Another approach involved a flowerbed running the entire length of the pool to offer full floral views to swimmers and break the typical rectangular monotony. Michael Derrig focuses on minimizing plantings on waterfront properties to maximize the natural views, suggesting that the pool should visually "connect" to the larger body of water. He recommends infinity-edge pools to create this seamless connection and opts for low-maintenance, salt and wind-resistant ornamental grasses. Derrig also prefers to minimize hardscape around the pool, integrating it more with the lawn to emphasize the natural greens and blues of the Hamptons summer. He simplifies container plantings, often using succulents and unique antique or custom-fabricated pots. Ken Muellers advises on practical material choices for pool surroundings. While bluestone is popular, he cautions that it retains heat, making it uncomfortable for bare feet. He suggests brick as a cooler alternative, depending on the home's architectural style. Muellers also recommends using deer-proof privet hedges to conceal fencing and pool equipment. For plant selection, he suggests summer-blooming varieties such as hydrangeas, Knock Out and Carpet roses, ornamental grasses, and sun-friendly annuals like SunPatiens and Lantana. He also advises creating a small buffer zone between plantings and the pool to deter bees. The article appeared in the Memorial Day 2022 issue of Behind The Hedges, offering practical and aesthetic advice for homeowners in the Hamptons region. #PoolLandscapeDesign #HamptonsGardens #OutdoorLiving #FredericoAzevedo #MichaelDerrig #KenMuellers #PlantSelection #LandscapeArchitecture #HamptonRealEstate

The Ingram family, consisting of three generations and 17 members, frequently takes holidays together. To accommodate their growing family and create a shared holiday haven, John and Margaret Ingram, with their children Leanne, Katie, and Paul, decided to purchase a weekender. In 2010, Katie discovered a property on Sydney’s Northern Beaches that seemed promising. While the location offered appealing ocean views, the existing structure, a four-bedroom 1970s red-brick cottage, was dated and too small for the entire family. Interior designer Leanne Smeallie describes their initial years in the cottage as "glamping" due to its limited space, especially as the children grew into teenagers. To transform the outdated cottage into a spacious and functional holiday home, Leanne collaborated with architect Susan Rothwell and builder Mark Thompson of Contemporary Builders. The primary objective was to reconfigure the floor plan to create additional bedrooms and multi-zoned areas suitable for both intimate gatherings of two and larger family reunions of 20. The renovation aimed for a low-maintenance, Hamptons-style aesthetic. The first floor underwent the most significant changes, with the layout redesigned to include generous kitchen, dining, and living rooms. These spaces now have direct access to an extended terrace, which features both alfresco dining and sitting zones, becoming a central hub for relaxation. The original living room was converted into a luxurious main bedroom suite for John and Margaret, and two additional bedrooms were added to this level. The ground floor was designated as the children's area, featuring a bunkroom for younger children, two extra bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large covered terrace that serves as a hangout spot for teenagers. This design allows the first floor to function as the main living area, with the downstairs providing overflow accommodation during peak family visits, which typically occur for two weeks in January. For the interiors, Leanne adopted a beach house aesthetic, characterized by a simple yet durable palette. Consistency in materials, colors, and textures was crucial to maintain a cohesive coastal vernacular and enhance the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. For instance, sandstone cladding was used on balcony pillars and the fireplace surround, while the same stone floor tiles were applied in both the upstairs living areas and outdoor spaces. A restrained cool-neutral color palette further contributed to the unified design. A personal touch was incorporated at Margaret’s request: the integration of local sandstone, a material holding sentimental value from her childhood holidays in the area. The renovation was completed in 2018, and the transformed home has been met with universal approval from the family. The increased space and thoughtful design have fostered more frequent family gatherings, allowing the entire family to comfortably enjoy their time together, reinforcing the sentiment that it is "just more fun when we are all together." #HamptonsStyle #HomeRenovation #FamilyLiving #CoastalDesign #InteriorDesign #FloorPlanRedesign #MultiGenerationalHome #OutdoorLiving

Water, a symbol of tranquility and clarity, serves as a significant source of inspiration for product designers, injecting movement, freedom, and flow into interior spaces. This article highlights nine home design products that uniquely capture the essence of water, showcasing a diverse range of interpretations from various artists and brands. Each featured design demonstrates how water's fluid characteristics, reflective qualities, and symbolic meanings are translated into tangible home furnishings. The featured designs include interlocking handblown vases from Manu Nanu, created by artist Mansi Shah. These vases are designed to fit together like molecules, with the glass itself mimicking water and casting shifting shadows when exposed to sunlight. Beacon Custom Lighting's Pond decanter, designed by New York City architect Dean Maltz, extends a theme previously explored in a ceiling lamp that evoked a water drop. The handblown carafe features a bulbous glass filament rising from its center, reminiscent of a splash in a pool. Tina Scepanovic, a Chinese American artist, draws on her experience as a competitive swimmer to infuse her Narcissus catchall with the 'hidden power' of water. She translates the loose gestures of Chinese brush painting into metal sculpture, aiming to capture the object's 'qi' or vital energy, conceptualizing the pool form as a portal to another dimension. Joseph Algieri, a New York City designer, presents Construction vases where pigmented foam appears to break through ceramic barriers, challenging the conventional containment of water and emphasizing its transformative power. Italian designer Paola Navone, a self-proclaimed Pisces, created the nautical-inspired Oblò lighting collection for Lodes. These pendant lamps, named after the Italian word for 'porthole,' are suspended like buoys, creating an oceanic sway with milky white or limpid blue glass diffusers. Oki Sato, founder of Tokyo design studio Nendo, developed the Windy collection of grès porcelain tiles. These tiles feature subtly incised patterns that emulate the marks a breeze makes on water surfaces, rice paddies, and grasslands, available in various colors. Golnar Roshan of Rive Roshan, an Amsterdam design firm, designed the Fluid rug collection for Moooi, inspired by the light and sky reflecting and rippling on the canals outside her studio. These rugs are available in both rectangular and circular forms. Kast, an English concrete basin company, offers the Wave series, including the Tilde, Dune, and Prim fixtures, which complement the inherent water theme of bathrooms with their curvy forms and a palette of 28 colors, such as Storm (blue) and Brick (terra cotta). Lastly, the Tanba basket by Enkay features a sinuous rim that traces the lines of a river. Asha Chaudhary, the company's founder, highlights the enduring appeal of water motifs in interior design for the softness they impart to spaces. These handwoven baskets are crafted from ilala palm leaves sourced from Zimbabwe. Together, these nine products illustrate how water's symbolic and physical attributes continue to inspire innovation and creativity in contemporary home design. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #WaterInspired #ProductDesign #LuxuryHome #ArtisanCraftsmanship #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #CeramicArt

Architects Cayley Lambur and Lucia Bartholomew, cofounders of Electric Bowery, faced the challenge of a narrow 60-foot-wide plot in Venice, California. Collaborating with Gaia Construction, they designed a hacienda-style, multi-building compound, integrating custom steel windows and doors that open to a central courtyard. The design aimed to create a secluded, private retreat within the property boundaries. Landscape architects Terremoto, with assistance from Barranca Landscape, developed a landscaping plan focusing on lush, privacy-enhancing plants and a meandering layout that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces. This approach ensures that the outdoor areas do not feel like a singular large patio but rather a series of interconnected zones, enhancing the overall sense of privacy and retreat. Key design elements include the strategic use of travertine, a durable variety of limestone. This material was applied consistently across the property, appearing on the house's facade, as large patio pavers, and even in an alfresco shower. The shower's pony wall, approximately 5 feet tall, was designed to allow bathers views of the treetops, merging functionality with natural aesthetics. The fireplace facade, initially planned to match the stucco perimeter wall, was altered to incorporate a green stone hearth. This choice provided a verdant contrast against the sandy-toned compound, complementing the existing olive trees and a large jacaranda tree and further contributing to the oasis-like atmosphere. The plunge pool and hot tub were clad in Kelly green subway tile, drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscaping. Low-profile, tiered travertine pavers around the pool were chosen to evoke the appearance of an ancient natural spring, rather than a modern installation. This design decision contributes to the organic and integrated feel of the outdoor space. Inside, a thoughtful design detail creates a moment of pause: in the hallway connecting the main living area to the primary bedroom and en suite, a space was specifically carved out. This area features a floor-to-ceiling window looking onto a garden. While the indoor space itself contains only a sliver of gravel and no actual plants, the intention was to create the impression of being completely open to the elements, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living and enhancing the serene, secluded ambiance of the home. #CaliforniaHome #CourtyardDesign #Travertine #GreenTilePool #OutdoorShower #LandscapeArchitecture #HaciendaStyle #VeniceCalifornia #HomeDesign

This Buckhead residence exemplifies Frank Lloyd Wright's "organic architecture" philosophy, seamlessly integrating modern design with natural elements. The home, designed by architect Scott West for a family of four, utilizes natural materials like wood, stone, and concrete throughout its structure to create a continuous flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. The design's core principle is to avoid disrupting the landscape, instead enhancing its inherent beauty through thoughtful architectural choices. A key feature of the house is the extensive use of glass, including ipe ceilings that extend over glass transom windows and out to the terrace, and glass-walled "pocket gardens" strategically placed in the entry, primary suite, and even the basement garage. These elements introduce organic textures and maintain a visual connection with nature from various points within the home. The most striking element is a 40-foot-long retractable glass wall that spans the entire rear of the house, effectively dissolving the boundary between the interior living space and the outdoor environment, especially the pool area. Project designer Whitney Ray of Wyeth Ray Interiors highlights the home's continuous flow, noting that the design encourages the family to utilize the entire dwelling, with a central "spine" that connects all rooms. The owners, who previously resided in a four-story townhouse, desired a single-floor lifestyle in their new home, a preference that influenced the expansive layout. This design also allowed for the incorporation of a large subterranean garage, accommodating the owners' sports car collection. The aesthetic of the home draws inspiration from the owners' extensive travels, particularly to Asia, and their experience in luxury hotel development. This influence is evident in the selection of dramatic, luxurious materials and a minimalist approach to accessories. Furniture is characterized by clean lines and upholstered in dark neutrals, with subtle accents of navy. Accessories are intentionally sparse, contributing to an uncluttered and sophisticated ambiance. The outdoor landscaping further reinforces the serene, nature-inspired theme with the inclusion of pom-pom trees, bamboo, and tall grasses. Throughout the home, bespoke details enhance the organic and luxurious feel. A Tom Dixon blown-glass light fixture with an imperfect, organic quality is featured in the foyer. Concrete panels above a see-through fireplace are arranged in a deliberate abstract pattern. The kitchen boasts a sleek Poliform design with bookmatched marble, chosen for its vibrant character over manmade surfaces. The primary bathroom showcases Calacatta Viola marble and black cork walls, with light streaming through tall windows that overlook a private outdoor shower surrounded by lush foliage. In the dining area, another organic blown-glass fixture softly illuminates a dark marble Poliform table. The living room is designed to foster social interaction, intentionally omitting a television. A see-through metal screen separates it from an adjoining music room, providing both architectural interest and a degree of privacy. The primary bedroom features a wall of windows facing the backyard, where stone walls surrounding the pool are integrated with built-in firepits, planters, and fountains, with architect Scott West contributing to the outdoor space design. A corner of the primary bedroom is transformed into a private oasis by glass walls enclosing a shower garden. White oak floors with a custom stain create a contrast with the primary suite’s dark palette, including a gray mohair-upholstered wall, providing a crisp and fresh feel to the room. The overall result is a home that, despite its urban Buckhead location, evokes a sense of a luxurious, faraway sanctuary, blending intimacy with an expansive connection to its surroundings. #OrganicArchitecture #ModernDesign #GlassWalls #PocketGardens #Buckhead #NaturalMaterials #LuxuryHome #InteriorDesign #LandscapeIntegration

A family seeking a unique summer retreat in Southampton commissioned a home that deviates from the typical Hamptons shingle-style aesthetic. They collaborated with local architect James Merrell to design a modern structure on a four-acre plot, which successfully balances 21st-century design with traditional Hamptons village vernacular. The resulting H-shaped house, oriented east to west, maximizes natural light throughout the day, with careful placement of windows and plantings by AD100 landscape architect Edmund Hollander ensuring views of the outdoors from every room. To infuse the Zen-inspired interiors with personality and vibrancy, AD100 designer Kelly Behun was enlisted. The homeowners expressed a desire for both playful and sophisticated elements. Behun curated a space filled with distinctive furniture and art, leveraging her network of artisans. Notable pieces include a Shape Up chandelier by Ladies & Gentlemen Studio, colorful rugs designed by Kinder Modern and Behun for the Rug Company, and a collection of Memphis Group ceramics alongside contemporary vessels by Erica Prince and Manal Kara. Behun approached furniture as sculptural elements, prioritizing both comfort and functionality. The outdoor spaces were also integrated into the design, with Behun collaborating with Hollander to strategically place and light outdoor art installations. These include a stainless-steel zipper sculpture by Mark Richard Hall and an eight-foot-tall painted-fiberglass sculpture by Chiaozza. For the children, a supersized chessboard and Thomas Heatherwick's Spun chairs were added to the yard, creating whimsical and engaging elements. Despite the playful additions, Behun maintained a refined aesthetic by anchoring the interiors in neutral tones, luxurious materials, and stained white oak. The living room features a modular Francesco Binfaré sofa, complemented by brass and stone furnishings. The master bedroom, designed with a 1970s chalet-by-the-sea ambiance, incorporates fuzzy wool carpet, a vintage ribbon-like chair, and a channel-tufted headboard. Reading nooks and a library were also key considerations, reflecting the homeowner's profession as a novelist. The home's central, double-height library serves as a family gathering space, complete with Vladimir Kagan sofas. A shared "bunkroom" for the children includes capsule-like beds and cozy wall nooks for reading. A less conventional request, a bowling alley in the basement, was designed by Behun with inspiration from French artist Jean Dubuffet, featuring a graphic black-and-white pattern on Élitis wallpaper, creating a perception-bending effect. The finished home successfully provides a fun-filled, non-electronic environment for the family and their children's friends. #HamptonsDesign #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #KellyBehun #LuxuryHomes #LandscapeDesign #ArtisticInteriors #CustomFurniture #FamilyHome

The Overlook House in Lexington, Massachusetts, designed by architect Marcus Gleysteen and lighting consultant Doreen Madden, demonstrates how sophisticated lighting and thoughtful volumetric design can effectively differentiate living spaces within an open-plan home. This residence, recognized in the 2011 myMarvin Architect's Challenge, achieves LEED silver certification through its commitment to sustainability, incorporating geothermal heating, energy-efficient Marvin windows, and strategic use of natural light. Gleysteen's approach to open-plan living centers on the principle that the best architectural elements—light, proportion, and space configuration—are not costly additions but fundamental design principles. To create distinct zones without relying on physical walls, the design employs varied lighting schemes and spatial volumes. For instance, the living room is characterized by large volumes and diffused lighting, fostering a sense of openness and relaxation. In contrast, the kitchen, though part of the open layout, is designed as a more intimate area with focused task lighting and a singular window, clearly defining its functional purpose while maintaining a visual connection to the broader living area. This method ensures that each space retains its unique identity and atmosphere, preventing the kitchen from intruding on the ambiance of the living room. The project emphasizes the delicate balance between aesthetic design and practical livability. Gleysteen notes that while many impressive architectural designs prioritize beauty, they often overlook the daily functional requirements of a home. The Overlook House successfully integrates a contemporary design language focused on light and energy efficiency with practical considerations for everyday living, such as designated areas for children to study and places for muddy boots. This integration showcases that a modern, less traditional design approach can effectively address common livability challenges, making the home both beautiful and highly functional. Sustainability is a core tenet of the Overlook House, extending beyond mere hardware to encompass the entire design philosophy. Gleysteen advocates for building only what is truly necessary and maximizing its utility. He argues that the most sustainable homes are those that people desire to live in for extended periods, rather than those that are merely energy-efficient but quickly resold or extensively renovated. A well-designed and well-built home fosters long-term occupancy and appreciation, contributing more significantly to sustainability than short-lived, energy-efficient structures. Despite this broader view, the Overlook House is indeed highly energy-efficient, utilizing high-performance Marvin windows for ample natural light, coupled with strategic shading and overhangs to regulate solar gain. Urethane foam insulation and a geothermal heating and cooling system with zone management further minimize energy consumption, underscoring the home's commitment to environmental responsibility. The design process for the Overlook House notably incorporated Google SketchUp, a valuable and accessible 3D modeling tool. This software allowed the design team to explore numerous three-dimensional concepts efficiently and cost-effectively. By integrating SketchUp with Google Earth, the team could precisely orient the architectural model, analyze solar paths, and understand how sunlight would interact with the building throughout the year. This advanced simulation capability was crucial in determining optimal volumes and window placements, ensuring the effective harnessing of natural light and control over solar exposure, ultimately contributing to both the aesthetic quality and energy performance of the house. #OverlookHouse #ResidentialArchitecture #SustainableDesign #LEDLighting #OpenFloorPlan #EnergyEfficiency #ArchitecturalDesign #MarvinWindows #LEEDCertified