Displaying posts labeled "Brick"

The Rambler

Posted on Thu, 15 Feb 2024 by KiM

Located northwest of Seattle on the Kitsap Peninsula a few blocks up from a small beach town, this residence takes its place on a cherished piece of family property. The program for the house was simple; 3-bedroom / 2-bath house with space for playing music and drawing. The house at 1,700 square feet is modest in size yet reaches into the landscape with a sheltering roof and screen walls to create usable outdoor spaces on all sides. The roof becomes an additional level for more occupiable outdoor space and areas for an herb garden. The design concept evolved out of a solid rectangular volume stretched across the site in a typical one-story “Rambler” style. The single vertical element that breaks the horizontal datum of the roof is a site-cast fireplace and chimney that acts as a totem marking the heart of the living space – a space for family gatherings and music to be played. Douglas Fir trees from the site that made way for the structure were milled and dried in situ during construction and used to create the finish lid of the roof plane as well as the open kitchen shelves and coffee table. Cedar milled on site was used to create the entry door, benches, and east privacy fence. Brick screen walls extend out into the landscape creating semi-enclosed exterior rooms that filter light and views at the east and west ends of the site, dissolving the structure into the landscape.
I adore the simplicity of the structure and materials of this compact, modern home. I would be quite happy living here amongst the trees and wildlife. By architecture and design studio GO’C. Photos: Kevin Scott.

A historic villa in Tuscany

Posted on Fri, 9 Feb 2024 by KiM

Tucked away in a tranquil Tuscan Valley is an early 1800s farmhouse surrounded by olive groves and rows of grapevines. Fully restored and thoughtfully designed by Studio Magness, the property serves as a special place for family to gather together away from hectic city lives. Glowing in the singular Tuscan light, the exterior of the property is anchored by stone walls and Cyprus trees. Inside, accommodations for entertaining abound and rooms are filled with light from deep-set windows. Shadows from a large tracery window enliven the simplicity of the stair. Tile flooring, the ceiling rafters and beams, custom stair rail, and interior shutters provide lovely character while the sleek kitchen, with its beautiful finishes and cabinetry, beckon.
This home(s) is so spectacular I am speechless. To own such beauty and be able to escape every day life in a place this magical steeped in history….. Architect: Brian E. Boyle; Photos: Richard Powers.

A dreamy kitchen (and more) in St. Louis

Posted on Wed, 24 Jan 2024 by KiM

When I was tasked with the renovations on a property that I consider to be one of the most important pieces of architecture in St. Louis, I was absolute in my intention to honor the inherent masculinity of this architectural masterpiece. The main kitchen, pantries and service rooms had been covered in layers of linoleum, tile and ill fitting cabinetry over the years. Once we pulled back each and every era, and the original lines revealed themselves, my conviction to honor the original architecture grew even stronger. We gave the kitchen details that could easily be found in a gentleman’s wardrobe; brass buttons on a finely tailored sport coat became a bank of brass wrapped drawers, the deep ebony in a black tie tuxedo became the perimeter cabinetry color, and the cuff links at the wrist of a crisp French dress shirt became the cabinetry hardware. We abandoned the idea of upper cabinetry, choosing much more functional drawers instead. Along one perimeter wall, we dressed the expanse of drawers in riveted brass, nodding to the same finish of the custom unlacquered brass range hood. We curated a collection of copper that is as beautiful as it is functional and decided to dedicate ten feet of wall space to a large part of the collection. We added a prep sink to the second island, choosing to incorporate a Spanish antique marble fish cleaning sink. With it’s long marble drain board, fresh produce prep is a dream. The huge marble block that houses the carved out sink was our lead in establishing the thickness of the butcher block that surrounds the sink.
After many years of blogging I think I can safely say this is my favourite kitchen of all time. Annie Brahler of Euro Trash has managed to raise the bar so damn high with this one. Photos: Bjorn Wallander.

Christina Nielsen Design

Posted on Tue, 5 Dec 2023 by KiM

A resounding love for textiles and old school craftsmanship is evident throughout Christina‘s sophisticated yet refined spaces. Her layered mix of clean and contemporary with eclectic and antique results in projects that feel authentic, intentional and curated over time. Having lived in both New York and London, those experiences informed her bold design eye and exposed her to the world of art, fashion and European interiors. Known for her playful sensibility, the most pivotal part of Christina’s aesthetic is a fusion of elegance with livability.
Beautiful space. I am dying over that massive kitchen with the brick stove surround in the middle. WHOA.

The walled garden

Posted on Sun, 19 Nov 2023 by KiM

I was about to share a multi-million dollar castle that is to to die for but then I found this home near Perth, Scotland and it is, in my humble opinion, even more incredible than the castle. A walled garden? I’m not crying you’re crying! (I’m also crying a bit because of the pink carpeted bathroom but that is an easy fix). Under offer via Savills for £650,000.
The Walled Garden was constructed in 1999 to a design by Perthshire-based Murdoch Architects. Built of brick and with an eye-catching arched window above its front door, the house reflects the characteristics of the original arched gateways preserved within the garden wall. The area of garden within the wall extends to about 1.45 acres. To the south of the house and outside the walled garden there are about 2.62 acres of grass and woodland that will be sold with the property.