After that last post, I thought you might like to see the home of James Veal and Christine Stucker of Stewart-Schafer – another incredible renovation of theirs. Built in 1901, the 2,100 square foot brownstone was purchased by James and Christine in 2017, with the intent of gut renovating the entire home. The biggest challenge was the designers’ tight timeline, as they only had two months to complete the entire design, construction, and renovation process. Stewart-Schafer repainted the fireplace, refinished all of the flooring, created custom light fixtures and built custom millwork closets throughout the home. The stairs and railings were refinished by hand and all the spindles were repainted. To restore the home’s original details, the designers added molding to match the home’s original plaster molding. The entire master bathroom was completely gut renovated and ripped down to its studs. In the master bedroom, the plumbing was moved to reconfigure the layout, and Stewart-Schafer salvaged the original clawfoot tub and had it re-enameled. Stewart-Schafer creatively opened the space by adding a skylight above the vanity to make the space feel brighter. The entire bathroom was retiled and a custom vanity and mirror were made to add visual interest and a contemporary feel throughout the space.

Photos from the website of Stewart-Schafer and this Dwell article

I came across this project by architecture and design studio Stewart-Schafer and was mesmerized by the kitchen and that stunning marble countertop and backsplash. Also, dying over how the sink is inset into that raised section. !!! Then I learned this was a complete gut renovation when I came across more info on this project and was blown away at the amount of work that went into this project. Beautiful on the inside with a killer rooftop view outside.

Proof of just how much of a gut renovation this was…

Photos from their website and this article by Brownstoner (Marco Ricca)

Mary, a very sweet blog reader, emailed us about her Airbnb “beach shack” in a coastal village of Tuross Head, New South Wales. I had to share this beauty with you. What I would do to be able to spend a vacation here!

I know that there are a lot of great looking rooms out there that are far more fancy and luxe than my abode.  However, you may be curious to view my newly renovated 70s beach shack.  It sits by, what I believe, is one of the most beautiful and untouched coasts lines in the world – The Far South Coast of NSW. The interior styling of the house could be described as slow design.  The house includes art and furniture collections accumulated over many years of living in Asia and Australia.  To me the most important and inspiring pieces are from family: my dad’s old carpenter’s workbench and my parents’ Parker lounge chairs from my childhood.  These pieces inspired the look, feel and soul of my renovation, completed in December 2018. Mary Louise is a 1978 modified beach house. After being rented out for most of its life, it had become the eyesore of the neighbourhood. Despite its dilapidated condition, it had good bones and design integrity that needed saving. So, in 2017 the restoration of this 70’s original beach home began in earnest. After a year of work, Mary Louise was finally transformed. It now stands proudly getting the admiration it deserves. The living and dining area is open plan and seamlessly connected to a beautiful outside deck offering ocean, mountain and hidden garden vistas. 

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!

Voici Rufus! Du Saguenay! Au Québec! Dans sa vieille maison datant de 1867!
– Audrey

And some from me, of course. Phoebe checking out our new PVC rug from Lot 7 I picked up Saturday, Felix in his favourite afternoon napping spot, and Frankie wondering what I’ve brought home now (a repro tin ornament from Highjinx).

Is it just me, or does everything in every Paris apartment have some level of chicness no one else can get away with? There’s nothing exceptional about this apartment, but add in some to-die-for views out the windows, chevron hardwood floors (my dream), some cool tile and then add in a bunch of vintage furniture and accessories and it’s a total gem that is bright and cozy. Via Elle Déco with photos by Billie Blanket.