In need of more space for their growing family, the buyers of this typical spec home on Chicago’s northside immediately fell in love, seeing through to its hidden potential.  Working fast to obscure more commonplace features, the house was reimagined with a striking palate of deep saturated neutrals, richly textured finishes & fabrics, one-of-a-kind lighting and a diverse, multi-dimensional collection of modern art. Michael Del Piero taking bland and basic and making it anything but. I love that she painted out the trim and windows in most rooms.

Designer Richard Ouellette and architect Maxime Vandal of my favourite Canadian design firm Les Ensembliers have a beautiful weekend/summer farm house in West Bolton, Québec. I follow their Instagram account to keep up to date on their design projects but mostly because I am obsessed with their farm and the beauty of the landscape and the relaxed vibe of farm life with their sweet dog Zack. They make and sell flower bouquets, vinegar, honey and have recently opened an online shop that sells their wares along with those of some really talented Québec artisans. Here are some photos of their farm…

Sculptural furniture, cozy fabrics, contrasting dark and light, a bit monastic, very textural….. what comes to mind when devouring these spaces designed by Trevor Cheney.

Dave is a longtime reader of our blog and recently wrote us to share his absolutely incredible Montréal loft with us, that he had torn down to the studs and completely renovated in 2018. Unfortunately he now has to sell it but wanted to share it with us before he leaves. A bit of info about it: 15ft ceilings, exposed brisk, 2 gas fireplaces, 2+1 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living space of 1760 sq ft and a mezzanine of 900 sq ft, private roof top terrace 21′ x 34′. Dane not included 😉
WOW!!!! I am totally smitten. This loft has EVERYTHING. Thank you Dave for sharing your home with us!
A few before photos to show you the extent of the work that was done…

In the event you are in the market for the loft of your dreams, here is the listing.

Glandyfi Castle – A magnificent and stunningly restored Regency/Gothic Castle built in the early 19th Century, the castle stands high on a beautifully wooded hillside from where it enjoys far reaching views across the glorious Dovey Estuary to the Mountains of Snowdonia National Park (northwest Wales). The Castle, built of local stone and slate with mullion windows, square, round and octagonal towers and impressive chimneys, has been recently renovated throughout. The medieval stone courtyard with its immense stone walls now has a glass roof creating a stunning atrium ideal for dining, sitting and large- scale entertaining. The upstairs has nine double bedrooms, all complimented by their own bathrooms. This property has 31.43 acres of land. There is a range of former barns set away from the main residence which have the potential to be converted to residential or other usage.
This home has incredible bones and a view that is spectacular. The decor is mostly unfortunate and I am horrified at the kitchen and bathroom but otherwise a stunner. For sale via Strutt & Parker.