Displaying posts labeled "Kitchen"

A designer however creative feels the constraints of a client’s brief. Very few are given carte blanche. That is of course except for their own homes. Juan Moreno Lopéz-Calull is the founder and designer at John Brown Projects, a Barcelona-based interior design firm and art consultancy and this is his vibrant home. Statement chairs, pops of colour (check out the multi coloured cornice), an iron doorway and art, art and more art. Fun, fresh and fabulous.

“The original Stone House was built in 1780 and was updated with a second structure in 1877. The addition and multiple renovations left the house with layers of finishes and a memory of how the home accommodated people’s needs through time. Our sensitive approach recognized that we are one piece in the building’s long life. While there was a drastic reorganization of the interior spaces, we took care to respect the building’s thick stone structure.”

I love the thought of this renovation being just one piece of the building’s long life. To me a good renovation is all about respect. Retaining important features and reinstating the lost while carefully creating a home for modern living. This 19th century stone house outside Callicoon, New York is a triumph by Brooklyn-based General Assembly.

Photography by Matthew Williams

Up under the eaves with it’s old architectural bones on display is a light, bright Parisian apartment with a modern vibe. Think pops of vibrant blue plucked from a painting, a galley kitchen with stunning stone and storage, storage everywhere. Contemporary French living by Atelier DAAA.

The bones may be old but the look is modern. This reworking of a Madrid apartment (with impressive roof terrace reached by the sculptural sweep of a spiral staircase) by interior architect Inés Benavides preserves all the best features of old apartment while ringing in the new. Walls are removed, a modern kitchen is open plan to the living and dining while bright colour and pattern packs a punch.

I absolutely love all the character and personality in this home, care of designer Ben Pentreath. In 2013, we were engaged to work on the interior decoration of a substantial Edwardian house in Hampstead. The fine house was in need of significant refurbishment, and we worked closely with the local Hampstead architects Charlton Brown in developing internal layouts and plans for the new owners, a recently-married young couple. These developed to include an underground swimming pool, new kitchen extension and a significant remodelling of some of the internal spaces. Jointly with the clients, we drew inspiration from the Arts and Crafts, in particular the papers of William Morris, but in combination with other themes and strands that ranged from the late 19th century aesthetic movement, through mid-century modernism, to significant contemporary elements. Surrounded by generous gardens and trees, the house has the hint of a rural atmosphere; this too provided part of the inspiration, and we used soft, natural materials and floor coverings. The mood is designed to be calm and tranquil, but to provide visual richness and stimulation throughout.