Displaying posts labeled "Black"

A timeless forest retreat

Posted on Mon, 29 Jan 2024 by midcenturyjo

This Bend, Oregon residence, situated on a 10-acre site on the edge of a national forest, is a timeless home for a family of four. The single-story floor plan features distinct volumes, with private areas at one end and a central core connecting to a garage and workshop. Designed as a retreat, the house maximizes views of the mountains and forest. Natural materials, such as slate siding and warm cedar, blend seamlessly with the surroundings. Architecture by Bestor Architects and interior design by Reath Design.

Photography by Bruce Damonte and Laure Joliet.

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.

Designer’s own

Posted on Wed, 17 Jan 2024 by midcenturyjo

I love looking into the inner spaces of a designer’s mind. Their own homes allow them to express themselves freely. This is the old Chelsea apartment of interior designer Neal Beckstedt. It may be well over 10 years ago but it’s a wonderful insight into stylishly curated small space living. Things I love? The black gallery wall is in the kitchen and the Murphy bed nook.

Photography by Eric Piasecki.

Revived vintage gem

Posted on Mon, 20 Nov 2023 by midcenturyjo

Built in 1972 by Joe D’Urso, this East Hamptons house features striking black lining boards on its interior and exterior walls. Interior design studio 2Michaels preserved the original essence, maintaining the staircase, railings, and metal kitchen and bathroom cabinets. They revamped with Ann Sacks fixtures, transforming the kitchen and bathrooms. Shifting from dark industrial carpeting to white oak floors, they curated a bright sunroom, a vibrant contrast to the darker walls, sustaining the indoor-outdoor vibe. Seasons bring natural shifts, with shade from trees in spring and summer, and radiant warmth in fall and winter as sunlight floods the space.

Photography by David Mitchell.

The Estate

Posted on Thu, 2 Nov 2023 by midcenturyjo

In the remote New South Wales high country, The Estate, a late-19th Century regional homestead, stands as a testament to a unique collaboration between a client and architect. The renovation saw meticulous care and thoughtful upgrades to the heritage building. Crafted by local artisans, the work combines precision, spatial confidence, and subtle restraint, showcasing innovative environmental upgrades. The Estate by Luke Moloney Architecture (with interior design by Arent&Pyke.)

Photography by Tom Ferguson.