Displaying posts labeled "Outdoors"

A creative retreat by the sea

Posted on Thu, 7 Aug 2025 by midcenturyjo

Casa Loma, designed by Electric Bowery, is a relaxed coastal retreat that blends art, history and California charm. The lobby welcomes guests with vintage-inspired furnishings, earthy tones and handcrafted details that set a warm, communal tone. Guest rooms feature soft textures, custom built-ins and natural materials, offering a refined yet effortless sense of comfort. Sculptural seating, bespoke elements and a sun-drenched pool create spaces for connection and rest, evoking the creative, free-spirited essence of Laguna Beach.

Photography by Chris Mottalini.

Surrounded by nature, escaping from the chaos of the Amsterdam city centre, lies the Forest Home situated on the northern edge of the extensive nature reserve ‘Veluwe’. The house, originally a bungalow with origins from the 1960s, is located amid tall pine trees and verdant woodland. It was discovered in almost completely its original condition. Although trying to re-use the traditional character of the home, we opened the space through adjustments to the layout, trying to make it even more open and transparent in character. This resulted in a more natural flow and circulation through the space, while retaining the connection to all individual spaces and functions. An atmosphere was achieved whereby the principles of living with nature and ‘to slow down’ were essential. The choices that were made during the design process incorporated the 1960s way of thinking about design – simplicity, functionality and clean lines. In contrast to other projects, where intense colours are often used more, the forest home incorporates a much calmer colour palette. Surrounding nature and the view of the garden had to remain the most important ‘feature’, hence the understated and natural atmosphere and colours.
I have a similar dream for a weekend home – something neutral and earthy. Taking it to another level with a cool mid century home here which must have been so fun to re-invent. Love this sooooo much. Designed and owned by Nicemakers. Photos: Marc Heldens & Alan Jensen.

A bright revival in Boerum Hill

Posted on Tue, 5 Aug 2025 by midcenturyjo

Lauren Stern Design undertook a full renovation of this Greek Revival townhouse in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, transforming three apartments into one cohesive family home. Known for their artful, individualistic touch, the studio paired hand-painted wallcoverings and sculptural antiques with modern furnishings. The result is a richly layered and practical interior tailored to the needs of a young, energetic family while honoring the home’s historic character.

An incremental remodel of a historic Victorian homestead in Portland’s Mount Tabor neighborhood.  We worked closely and collaboratively with the clients, over a decade, to transform their beloved old house, bit by bit, into something that truly is their home. 
Home of James Mercer of The Shins, his garden designer wife and their 3 kids, this home is everything I continue to adore about designer Jessica Helgerson. It’s always in keeping with the history of the home, lots of vintage elements and attention to detail like no other. Yet another spectacular kitchen, a bedroom ensuite that is maybe my favourite of all time (with a tile floor of dreams), and it’s just got charm oozing from every corner. As if the exterior wasn’t cute enough…. Photos: Aaron Leitz.

Family home on a lake in Louisiana

Posted on Wed, 30 Jul 2025 by midcenturyjo

This spacious Louisiana lake house by TIEK BYDAY was designed as a welcoming haven for an extended family, comfortably sleeping 32 across ten bedrooms and nine bathrooms. Rooted in traditional Acadian architecture, the home features generous communal areas, a large kitchen and a refined bar, all oriented toward lake-view porches for easy indoor-outdoor living. Thoughtfully layered with cozy nooks, alcove beds and deep seating, the design balances grandeur with warmth, making it perfect for gathering, relaxing and entertaining.

Photography by Jaqueline Marque.