I had to share another project by Michelle Dirkse because I am in awe once again. Drama, pattern and colour are back but in this case it’s a bit more modern/hollywood regency. With almost no updates since the original apartment grade finishes from 1960, this condominium was in need of a major overhaul along with new furniture and decor. While existing wall locations and the original periwinkle bathtub remained, everything else was updated during the remodel. After removing the asbestos popcorn ceiling, the concrete ceiling was revealed which told the story of the numbered concrete forms. Light oak floors and a custom protruding window trim contrast with the black cerused cabinets and doors as well as the wallpaper. The kitchen counter was extended into the small dining space to create more storage and workspace. Many furniture pieces were designed from scratch by our team and produced by local craftspeople. Fabric, wallpaper and the living room rug are from the Michelle Dirkse collection that is made in collaboration with local artists. Artists were also commissioned for the custom bedroom table lamps and art throughout. Light fixtures were sourced from vintage vendors. The remodel and decor result is an unexpected mix of finishes and fixtures in a functional space.

Photos: Haris Kenjar

Dream home alert!!! I am absolutely head over heels in love with this project by Seattle-based designer Michelle Dirkse. Victorian chic is what I would call this. “We want it to look like a haunted mansion.” Our clients’ request was one that we had never heard before and we were excited to explore it. The historic landmark home needed major work on the second floor. We completely re-developed the floorplan for the existing 6 bedroom 2 bath layout. By relocating walls with the help of a structural engineer and converting one of the bedrooms into an appropriately sized master bathroom, the new floorplan served the clients’ as they needed. With no plans to have others live in the home with them, we were able to convert 2 rooms into a large art studio with a lounge area. Another room was converted to a den, one to a dressing room and the last to the master bathroom. (The bathroom – OMGGGG!!!)

Photos: Aaron Leitz

It has been several years since we featured the work of Toronto-based designer Anne Hepfer (here and here). Her signature style of layering palettes of colour and contrast and luxurious finishes is still very much apparent. Such gorgeous spaces.

If you would like to participate in the Monday’s pets on furniture series please send photos, your name, location and a brief description to kim[at]desiretoinspire[dot]net, or hashtag your photos on Instagram with #dtipetsonfurniture. Thanks!

And a couple from me. Bernie perching on Milo’s now-destroyed antique stool with Phoebe chillin’ behind him on an antique and expensive chair that is saved thanks to a sheepskin cover. And Milo on the edge of my new-to-me Afghan rug with my new-to-me antique art deco milk glass light fixture that we had just hung in the foyer.

I got heart palpitations when I spotted this house on Nuevo Estilo and had to share with you because there is nothing I love more than ornate architectural moldings. And uniquely laid hardwood floors. Both of these elements in this apartment in Madrid designed by architecture and design studio BAO are absolutely exquisite. What was formerly a law office that was painted yellow with synthetic flooring is now a dreamy home.

Photos: Montse Garriga