Displaying posts labeled "Brick"

The talented folks at Robson Rak Architects took this tired Victorian home in Melbourne and transformed it into a modern masterpiece, while renovating the existing structure and restoring the façade. It must be an incredible feeling to walk under that ornate porch, through the front door, under gorgeous original arches and you are lead into BOOM – a large, open and bright space that is really stunning. All of that reclaimed wood lends a bit of nature to the space and keeps it from being too cold. Respecting the old and embracing the new.

Photos: Lisa Cohen + Mark Roper

How about this for a summer country getaway? The original and reclaimed features in this home are just to die for. From the portfolio of interior designer Caroline Holdaway (in case you missed last week’s feature of hers here). This property, originally two keepers cottages in West Sussex, is a cherished second home for my clients who wanted to enlarge to create space for entertaining, provision for guests and ancillary accommodation. Two extensions were added and a glass link to capitalise on the views of the glorious Sussex Downs. Reclaimed oak and elm timber was sourced and laid for flooring and reclaimed York stone slabs were selected for interface areas with the outside. The newly constructed rooms were all given character by the use of reclaimed timber wall muntin. Oak beams were found and mechanically hollowed out to conceal the necessary modern steel supports marrying new construction with the original part of the building. Lime plaster was used to soften edges and a harmony of new and old sit peacefully together.

I came across this apartment by São Paulo architecture firm Tavares Duayer because BLACK, BRICK, CONCRETE, SUBWAY TILES…all of which results in a really cool industrial, masculine-vibe space. The black windows and doors are a nice touch too. The decor is well done too, but I would change out the light fixtures everywhere but the enamel kitchen pendants.

Let’s take a little trip. To Ukraine, a country with a vibrant design scene that we seem to have overlooked. How remiss of us. To make amends I present this amazing 180 sqm apartment in the city of Odessa by Kiev-based architectural firm 2B.GROUP. One bedroom with a walk-in-wardrobe to die for and a bathroom I’d be “lucky” to own. Love the panelling on the bedroom wall which, if you look carefully, is electrical wiring. Love the bookcase wall, the concrete, the exposed brick, the change in levels and materials to define rooms, the luxury in this small space living.

After all this time. After all the rooms I’ve seen. Still love this place. I remember when I first saw that kitchen wall and those brass taps in Elle Decoration UK all those years ago. Collage House by Jonathan Tuckey Design.