A Studio City home by Carla Lane

Posted on Fri, 26 Jan 2024 by KiM

It has been several years since we featured the work of California designer Carla Lane (here and here) and she kindly reached out and shared a couple new projects with us. This one has definite Cali vibes along with organic and vintage elements that really add a coziness and vibrance to the home. I adore the wallpaper in the dining room and the bedroom sofa and ottoman.

A dreamy kitchen (and more) in St. Louis

Posted on Wed, 24 Jan 2024 by KiM

When I was tasked with the renovations on a property that I consider to be one of the most important pieces of architecture in St. Louis, I was absolute in my intention to honor the inherent masculinity of this architectural masterpiece. The main kitchen, pantries and service rooms had been covered in layers of linoleum, tile and ill fitting cabinetry over the years. Once we pulled back each and every era, and the original lines revealed themselves, my conviction to honor the original architecture grew even stronger. We gave the kitchen details that could easily be found in a gentleman’s wardrobe; brass buttons on a finely tailored sport coat became a bank of brass wrapped drawers, the deep ebony in a black tie tuxedo became the perimeter cabinetry color, and the cuff links at the wrist of a crisp French dress shirt became the cabinetry hardware. We abandoned the idea of upper cabinetry, choosing much more functional drawers instead. Along one perimeter wall, we dressed the expanse of drawers in riveted brass, nodding to the same finish of the custom unlacquered brass range hood. We curated a collection of copper that is as beautiful as it is functional and decided to dedicate ten feet of wall space to a large part of the collection. We added a prep sink to the second island, choosing to incorporate a Spanish antique marble fish cleaning sink. With it’s long marble drain board, fresh produce prep is a dream. The huge marble block that houses the carved out sink was our lead in establishing the thickness of the butcher block that surrounds the sink.
After many years of blogging I think I can safely say this is my favourite kitchen of all time. Annie Brahler of Euro Trash has managed to raise the bar so damn high with this one. Photos: Bjorn Wallander.

Living an MCM life in Los Angeles

Posted on Wed, 24 Jan 2024 by KiM

I have always had and always will have a thing for mid-century modern homes so I was stoked when Mark Cutler of @cutlerschulze sent over this project. The home was originally designed by Gregory Ain and sits so beautifully amidst the LA sunshine and lush landscape. Massive walls of windows and worn concrete floors are a dream and I love that they kept MCM vibes but it’s contemporary and not so predictable. Fabulous!! Photos: Laura Hull.

House of Otto

Posted on Mon, 22 Jan 2024 by KiM

A range hood and headboard created from architectural salvage from France. A French sideboard converted into an island. A lacquered yellow butlers pantry. A curved plaster staircase. A speakeasy behind a hidden door with a massive bar. A gentleman’s office hidden behind a wall panel in the dressing room. Annie Brahler of Euro Trash is the absolute queen of drama and this home is dramatic like I’ve never seen. Her jaw-dropping use of European salvage is what really sets her apart from other designers and her lack of fear and always stepping outside the box is really inspiring. I’m obsessed. Photos: Bjorn Wallander.

A rejuvenated brownstone by DAMA + WOOD

Posted on Mon, 22 Jan 2024 by KiM

I don’t know what this brownstone looked like before but I sure am loving the after! Jennifer Acito of DAMA + WOOD made these spaces elegant in a classic way, and I can see them lasting for years to come. Photos: Rikki Snyder