I knew the day would come when chocolate brown brick was cool again, when hipsters would embrace the bain of the 70s and 80s, re-inventing and re-invigorating the humble little brick. Those of us who lived through its last incarnation gladly waved goodbye to the light-sucking, prison-like boxes that were often made from it… but not now. It’s back and it’s bold and bright. It’s all in how you use the little blighter. Welcome back chocolate brown brick! Dolce Lane house by Klopper & Davis Architects.
Here is another project by the incredibly talented Italian architecture and design firm Marcante – Testa (previous one here) that I had to share because it is a work of art. Honestly I am blown away by this. A few details: This is the renovation of the communal areas of a 19th-century building facing a small canal in Sestiere San Marco, and one of its apartments. Prior to the project the building was completely without decorative-architectural features appropriate to its character. The project for this apartment develops through diaphragm-dividers with structures in painted metal and brass, infill elements in green glass and wooden panels treated with Venetian stucco: inspired by the intervention of Carlo Scarpa at Ca’ Foscari, the dividers conserve natural lighting even in the areas without windows. Inside the rooms, the relationship between the windows and the Venetian landscape is reinforced by a system of brass frames with gilded curtains of metal screen, that act to determine precisely revised openings towards the outside in a sort of continuous ribbon window through all the spaces. Through the glass of the lamps, the wallpapers with a shaded effect, the colors of the walls, all the way to the choice of the furnishings (like the glass tables or the iridescent carpet), the project sets out to interpret and incorporate the Venetian landscape, the lagoon and its colors. I have no words for the mind-blowing attention to detail here, and the bold choices in colours and patterns. This project is so inspiring, and brings creativity and eclecticism to a whole other level. Photos: Carola Ripamonti
I am DYING over the colours in the bathroom above. !!!!!
Contemporary luxury by French interior designer Claude Cartier.
“This large family home was renovated to blend the Victorian-architecture aesthetic with function for a large family who loves to entertain. The historical charms meld beautifully with contemporary elements and to create a comfortable, modern home.”
It’s all about simplicity, elegance and authenticity. Contemporary living combined with well chosen antique pieces. Heritage House by Susan Burns Design.
If you would like to participate in the Monday’s pets on furniture series please send photos, your name, location and a brief description to kim[at]desiretoinspire[dot]net, or hashtag your photos on Instagram with #DTIpetsonfurniture. Thanks!
This is norwegian Lars, he loves to pose and wait for drinks on the sofa.
– Nicholas
My sister Jen sent me this photo of one of her 3 cats, Spencer, lounging in her living room on a chair that used to be our grandmothers.
And one from me of my blue point Himalayan Milo watching the happenings on the street from the front living room window.