Displaying posts labeled "Minimalist"

Take me away this long, lonely Monday to the island of Föhr off the north coast of Germany. To a hay barn cleverly converted to a holiday home. Ancient brick and thatch enclose a modern renovation that references the island’s history of bed-boxes and the traditional blue green colours of Friesland. Wood and tile and 500m of blue polypropylene rope. By Swedish firm Karin Matz Arkitekt.

You may recall this stunning modern farmhouse Jo blogged not too long ago, or this almost upside down house in the dunes. They were the creations of Norwegian architects Jarmund/Vigsnæs AS Arkitekter MNAL. I happened upon their website recently and found all sorts of other projects they designed that knocked my socks off. I thought I’d share with you a mish-mash of some of my favourite spaces and exteriors. So beautiful. (LOVE the angled window set-up in the 3rd photo – perfect hangout for my cats!)

I love a little juxtaposition of old and new in my interiors. I’ve probably said that a thousand times. It’s that element of surprise that gets me every time. This home I found on Le Case di Elixír rocks my world. Looking at the exterior, you’d never guess what was inside. Unfortunately the photos of the interior are mainly of the kitchen area but those alone did it for me.

By now many of us have seen (and admired) the Shingle House by NORD. A beautifully simple house in tune with its environment. What could be better? Enter architectural photographer Jim Stephenson. A house that I like becomes a house that I want. His deep love of the built environment and his ability to interpret how people interact with a space make his photos come alive. So often a space is depicted as cold and clinical but architecturally perfect. By including people the home becomes more intimate, more real, more wonderful.

Help! I am working 16 hours a day at the moment. Too many jobs. Too many exciting projects coming to fruition. I need a holiday. Even just a weekend break. But alas! Looks like it will have to be a “virtual” holiday instead. You’ll find me here in my dreams this weekend. Casa Federica in the rolling hills of Noto in Sicily. A minimalist box perched above the sparse landscape with views to the sea. Still and stylish. A perfect retreat.

Architect – Maria Giuseppina Grasso Cannizzo, via Urlaubs Architektur.