Displaying posts from May, 2025

A 1913 Craftsman in Pasadena

Posted on Wed, 28 May 2025 by KiM

Now THIS is how you treat a Craftsman style home right. You DO NOT paint over the millwork. You DO NOT get rid of pocket doors. You DO NOT remove original windows. Designer Jamie Haller maintained all the history and charm in this home (bless her) and enhanced it with bold patterned wallpaper, a bit of colour (that’s Calke Green by Farrow & Ball in the dining room) and some pretty light fixtures. A big round of applause from a fellow Craftsman homeowner. Photos: Jenna Peffley.

Howark is a small, dedicated team that values collaboration and thoughtful design. For this full renovation, they crafted bespoke furnishings to complement the client’s beloved artworks and antiques, creating a home that feels both cosmopolitan and cosy. Every detail was carefully considered, resulting in a space that is not only beautiful but also deeply personal and reflective of the client’s lifestyle.

Helsham House by Phoebe Nicol is a sensitive renovation of a mid-century modern home originally designed by Peter Hall. The project balances contemporary functionality with heritage preservation, tailored to a young family’s lifestyle. Nicol collaborated closely with the family, ensuring the design reflected their values. Key original features were retained, including cork flooring and timber joinery, while new materials echoed the 1970s palette, blending past and present in a cohesive, thoughtful transformation.

Phptography by Dave Wheeler.

This resurrected Victorian farmhouse turned weekend cottage is absolute perfection. The wooden slatted ceilings, simple wood trim, brick fireplaces, the happiest of bright yellow walls, the prettiest wallpapers (in particular ‘Blackthorn Autumn’ by Morris & Co. in the stairs/upstairs hallway), a simple neutral wood kitchen, the coziest bedrooms all make for the perfect family getaway. Designed by Bodil Bjerkvik Blain. Photos: Dean Hearne.

A moody 1915 bungalow in Austin, TX

Posted on Mon, 26 May 2025 by KiM

Built in 1915 and renovated again and again until it was purchased in 2022, deconstructed and renewed by Christina Simon Studio.  The client works in the music industry as well as other industries pertaining to wellness, neurobiology and expanding consciousness.  This property serves as the client’s pied a terre for hosting several industry parties during SXSW and ACL and the design of the home was to reflect and contribute to the fun and ambiance of these events.
I think this meets the 4 word brief of “Austin eclectic hippie vibe”. It’s a dark and moody gentleman’s hangout with a retro, groovy vibe. I really dig this. Photos: Douglas Friedman.