A midcentury home but make it timeless

Posted on Tue, 17 Dec 2024 by KiM

A linear and geometric single-story home tucked in the historic neighborhood of Wilshire Square in Los Angeles is a tribute to the designer’s ability to introduce mid-century with a fresh yet timeless perspective. Douglas-fir and Mahogany are the common threads that connect the interior spaces and offer a welcoming atmosphere of elegance and integration. Warmth and comfort are achieved in the bespoke kitchen that Graham identifies as a living space. The sculptural marble island enjoys counter seating from all sides and is enveloped by the wall-to-wall illuminated Douglas-fir built-ins that span the room. The open shelving concept provides optimal storage with customized wood boxes, hanging drawers and lower pull-out trays. Beyond the kitchen, Graham appointed a wood paneled butler’s pantry with integrated refrigeration and ovens. A secondary free-standing sink and dishwasher are a nod to the designer’s furniture collections. Mahogany storage solutions were designed to characterize the home’s mid-century architecture and separate rooms with integrated jambs and thresholds. Douglas-fir paneled bathrooms and custom marble sinks are yet another reminder of the cohesive and articulate design concept. Beyond the architectural key features, noteworthy mid-century furnishings were chosen for their authenticity amidst the client’s carefully curated art collection.
I am always and forever fascinated by Mandy Graham‘s approach to design. Monastic, minimal and unique with incredible attention to detail. Photos: Jasper Carlberg.

Round the round

Posted on Tue, 17 Dec 2024 by KiM

Designer Leanne Ford and her designer friend Grace Mitchell bought a home in Round Top, Texas. It is rustic and filled with vintage goodness (love that Aga stove!) …and the same vintage wall light used about 18 times, which as it turns out is one of my pet peeves of Leanne’s projects. It seems repetition in excess drives me batty. Anyhoo it’s a really pretty home, and I do love that light fixture (x18). You can book a stay here. Photos: Sarah Barlow.

A 15th century castle in Sarthe, France

Posted on Sun, 15 Dec 2024 by KiM

A 15th-century castle and listed historical monument with independent houses for restoration with an estate of more than 30 hectares, in the Perche area of the Sarthe department. The central section of the current castle dates back to the second half of the 15th century. The western façade of this T-shaped building has retained its medieval appearance, with chamfered openings, half-cross windows with moulded windowsills, arrow slits and cannon openings. In the 17th century, two lateral pavilions with towers increased the overall surface. Away from the space around the castle, surrounded by moats with an outbuilding, a large, landscaped garden enclosed by walls stretches out to the north, including a meadow with a small artificial island and a wood. Near to the castle, to the north and west, the former ornamental garden, orchard, vegetable garden, greenhouse and dog pens can be found. A large outbuilding stands alongside the course of the walls to the east. At the end of a private lane, there are ruins of brick-built farm buildings, as well as a large, circular dovecote dating from 1609. Running alongside the walls, a road leads to two authentic small houses, one of which is available for rent, while the other needs to be restored. Nearby, a village house with a garden, which is currently rented out, is also included in the sale.
This castle sounds like a compound. If you enjoy the company of your friends and family, they can all live here with you. And to note, I have stared at the dining room photo for an embarrassing amount of time. For sale via Patrice Besse for €1,815,000.

Camp Coeur d’Alene

Posted on Fri, 13 Dec 2024 by KiM

Camp, but make it not-campy. Camp Coeur d’Alene is a stunning property in Gozzer Ranch, Idaho that looks like a series of barns but are far from it when you step inside. Contemporary design by Morrison Interiors that has elements of nature and the outdoors and is warm and bright and made for chilling out in any season. Architect: Foubister Architects; Landscape: Clearwater Summit Group; Photos: Lance Gerber

A San Francisco charmer

Posted on Fri, 13 Dec 2024 by KiM

Built in, 1902, this San Francisco gem is dripping in character. Our goal was to turn this architectural charmer into a modern family home. Focusing on art and beauty without skimping on functionality was at the core of the design process. With a very light touch, we updated the home’s cosmetic details to better accommodate our clients aesthetics and lifestyle. We created spaces focused on entertaining as well family-friendly gatherings. Warm whites, camel, and earth tones in the living room helped create a foundation for our client’s incredible art collection.
What a fabulous home! I love the modern take on the interior but with lots of curves and plush furniture and fabrics that make it feel really loungey. Designed by Katie Monkhouse. Photos: Stephanie Russo.