A celebration of nature and the materials of the landscape. This home in the San Juan Islands, Washington was designed by Tom Kundig and it is spectacular and quite an architectural feat. Named “The Pierre” (stone in French), it is a retreat nestled in rock with waterfront views it quite literally blends into the surroundings. With the exception of a separate guest suite, the house functions on one main level, with an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space. A wood-clad storage box (made with siding reclaimed from a Lionel Pries–designed house) transitions from outside to inside. Its two large bookcases open to provide concealed access to laundry and kitchen storage. A large pivoting steel and glass door provides access to a terrace. The materiality of the built structure—mild steel, smooth concrete, and drywall—create a neutral backdrop for the interior furnishings and artwork and the exterior views to the bay and surrounding landscape. Throughout the house, the rock protrudes into the space, contrasting with the luxurious textures of the furnishings. Interior and exterior fireplace hearths are carved out of existing stone; leveled on top, they are otherwise left raw. In the master bathroom, water cascades through three polished pools, natural sinks in the existing stone. Off the main space, a powder room is carved out of the rock; a mirror set within a skytube reflects natural light into the space.

I’ve long admired interior designer Brett Mickan‘s work. His use of colour, the way he explores pattern. It’s contemporary with a vintage vernacular. Never stiff, always stylish with a sense of humour. Definitely one of my favourite Australian designers.

I wanted to share one more project by designer Taylor Jacobson before I call it a day. I love a little shock of colour in a home and this media room/library in a blue (cerulean?) high gloss is gorgeous. It really makes the books and art stand out and adds drama. LOVE. 

It might be winter in my part of the world but that didn’t stop me pottering around the garden on the weekend. Pruning and raking, simple hard landscaping and planning for the summer to come. Dreaming of courtyard gardens with sandstone paving and ivy growing up walls, firepit and crunchy gravel, sun traps and sunken ponds. Dreaming of a garden like this one in South Yarra, Melbourne by Kate Seddon Landscape Design.

I have pretty much died and gone to heaven. This home is a combination of all the things I adore – dark colours, vintage everything, collections. A genuine cabinet of curiosities, a wunderkammer, a visual delight. This is what a home should be. Filled with found items, something intriguing at every turn, eclecticism to the max. This is the Amsterdam home of Florian Seyd and Ueli Signer of famed flower/design shop aptly named The Wunderkammer. Via Architectural Digest Spain, photos by Marc Van Praag.