Displaying posts from December, 2023

What was once the chapel of a 20^th century convent has been transformed into a graceful, art filled penthouse duplex. With its traditional sequence of rooms, this penthouse mixes the classic with the unexpected. The end result is a delicately balanced space where art, heritage, and modernity intermingle. Our brief was to create a generous formal living space where they could entertain guests, but also easily be able to gather with their close family and their grandchildren (19 in total!). The reception area boasts a 20-foot-tall ceiling, and encompasses a dining room, a formal living room and a lounge area. Like the rest of the spaces, it combines chic traditional elegance with subtle architectural elements. The challenge was balancing a timeless and effortless-looking design with the mix of contemporary and classic pieces that are found throughout the home. 
Les Ensembliers at it again with another gorgeous project but this time much more formal. A wonderful juxtaposition of modern and classic. The drama of those gold ikat curtains – they steal the show!

Laura and McLean Jenkins fell in love with this 1905 Victorian bungalow in Grant Park, Atlanta, drawn by its historical features despite its run-down condition. The couple, an interior designer and architect were drawn by the house’s grand ceilings and original features, meticulously restoring it. Upholding a belief in preserving the history of the spaces while embracing the present, they redesigned spaces, blending diverse styles to create a harmonious yet eclectic home. Each room, a marriage of personal stories and carefully curated details reflects the enduring charm of their cherished old home. GP House by Laura W. Jenkins Interiors.

Photography by Jeff Herr.

“Purchased from a developer who had stripped this 1861 brownstone of its character, our team was hired to inject soul back into this historic building. Architectural details like decorative molding, intricate millwork, steel-cased doors and entryways set the stage for a layered, carefully curated balance of modern and traditional. Custom furniture and hidden conveniences make efficient use of the home’s limited width, and a budding art collection speaks to the client’s bourgeoning interest in modern artistic movements.”

Love the idea of injecting a soul into a building, of returning the spirit along with the details. Capitol Hill Brownstone by Zoe Feldman.

Photography by Max Burkhalter.

This project was deeply personal for Les Ensembliers: Argyll Farm, which includes a circa-1886 five-bedroom farmhouse, is just down the lane from their own country retreat, Humminghill Farm. Architecturally, the challenge was to keep the original charm of the farmhouse while reimagining it for modern family life. A large English roll-arm sofa dominates the L-shaped living room. The house has beautifully considered sight lines, and that includes the view from the main entrance. Even the space under the stairs is a design moment, with its vintage wooden bench, patterned pillows and intriguing wall art. An antique table is completed by a bright yellow cabinet and contemporary pendant. The kitchen has a serene atmosphere, and its custom warm oak cabinets and cream-colored backsplash tile envelop the space, while carefully curated open shelves flank the range. “There were two things we wanted to be able to do in the kitchen: to be comfy in sweatpants and to be able to host an elegant party, all without switching anything up,” says the client. “This space can do both things; it’s magic.”
Richard Ouelette and Maxime Vandal are a design duo I adore and their country house in West Bolton, Québec is such an inspiration for anyone with an old home and want to make a bit more contemporary. I am dying over each and every space. (I’m also dying for them to finish the completion of their new home on the property. It is bound to be EPIC. Side note: I just bought some of their maple syrup and vinegar – so good!)

Dax I creates timeless places in which architecture and design are combined. This architecture firm based in Berlin seems to be very familiar with designing small spaces as well as those with historic details. They succeed in optimizing space in creative ways (I adore a good built-in anything) and maintaining original features but adding modern touches for the way we live today. Photos: Wolfgang Stahr, Tomek Kwiatosz, Matthias Grabe, Lars Pillmann