Displaying posts from September, 2023

The renovation of this 85m2 historic house in Valencia, Spain by Viruta Lab had its genesis in the maritime essence of the old fishing neighbourhood. It was important to respectfully restore the original architectural elements and existing materials after years of neglect to reveal their hidden splendour. The project focuses on enhancing the house’s historic charm, reintroducing essential elements with a new language evoking the sea. Brick walls contrast with blue and white mosaic checkerboard tiles, creating a hypnotic optical effect. The home retains its traditional natural light entryways and features a rooftop with a charming gazebo.

Apartment BW by Renata Gaia Arquitetura (in collaboration with Vapor Arquitetura) transformed an apartment in the Paraíso region of São Paulo for a family of four. The living area boasts an open layout with a central shelving unit that defines spaces without restricting flow and features exposed concrete slabs and pillars, herringbone wood and marble floors. The design embraces calming colours throughout, with a vibrant blue entryway inspired by Frida Kahlo. The furniture showcases Brazilian design, providing both functionality and style, creating a youthful and personality-filled space that plays with unconventional textures, finishes, and colours.

Photography by Lufe Gomes.

We have had this blog for what seems like forever, and back when we first started the blog homes filled with flea market/thrifted finds were all the rage and Jo and I were obsessed. I think it’s safe to say we still are and this quirky, random, thrift-filled Harlem townhouse of architects Maria Berman and Brad Horn of Berman Horn Studio is so fun and artful and everything I remember loving about thrifted homes.
This renovation of a hundred-year-old Manhattan townhouse sought to honor the neighborhood’s rich architectural past while updating and redefining its spaces for twenty-first century living. In contrast to the small rooms typically found in rowhouses, here, the living, dining, and kitchen spaces are combined into a single large space spanning from the front to the back of the house. The kitchen is centrally located and designed as a single 18-foot run of lower cabinets that becomes an extension of the furnished spaces, and the beating heart of the house, whether for daily life or entertaining. In contrast, a small library at the back of the house brackets the large rooms with an intimate space that looks onto the yard below. The bedrooms are on the more private upper floors, and are sun-filled and cozy, layered with textiles and collected art. Throughout, the remaining historic details have been restored, but simplified through a cohesive painted palette that allows them to contribute to the architecture of the rooms without overwhelming them. Photos: Greta Rybus with some from this post via Remodelista

The brief for the upgrade of this interwar Californian bungalow was to provide a retreat for a young family – sophisticated, liveable, relaxed. The kitchen was planned and executed to function as the heart of the family home. The client loves to cook and this laid the foundation to create a kitchen and butler’s pantry that cater to a family’s needs. An important part of the client’s brief was to have family friendly bathrooms with definitive details, custom finishes and fixtures. The beauty of the custom limestone checkerboard and cabochon floors is the subtle variation between the two types of limestone.
Designed by Phoebe Nicol, this home is about as serene and easy on the eye as it gets. It is elegant and refined yet inviting and has a sense of serenity. With all the light upholstered furniture they must have the most well behaved children on the planet 🙂 (Photos: Dave Wheeler. Styling: Joseph Gardner)

This project is all about the seamless blending opposites. A classic building meets a bold, concrete addition, giving a fresh twist to regional architecture. Inside, it’s all about creating a relaxing vibe with natural materials and artisanal flair for that subtle touch of luxury. And in a fabulous position like this, the gardens were a top priority. Traditional yet modern, breaking down the barriers between indoor and outdoor through the retractable windows. A Mediterranean dream. Villa Frederica by Caprini & Pellerin.