Blank Slate was appointed to oversee the modernization and complete refurbishment of a quintessential, stone farmhouse set in the English countryside. Bari and her team sympathetically stripped the property back, preserving the original structure, and everything they added matched the house’s history and unique character. Material selection was crucial for this project—sourcing new oak beams to match the original ones, and adding open joists throughout the new extension to make the new build feel less new. They installed character-grade oak floors in creamy tones of shale, limed and smoked, cobbles for the boot room and utility, and limestone checkerboard tiles in the entry hall to give it a reclaimed and found feel. Blank Slate moved the entrance to the center, creating perfect symmetry and a large open reception area with a bespoke staircase featuring large curved steps at the base. Bari added rich marble to each of the bathrooms, creating feature showers in both the family bathroom and the en-suite. As a result, the Wiltshire Farmhouse project is a calm haven with a neutral palette of earthy tones and layered textures, embodying the Blank Slate approach perfectly.
Quite literally my dream home. This is perfect in every way. I’d just add a smidge more colour and pattern and happily live here for the rest of my days. (I’m going to be dreaming about that limestone checkerboard entry for the rest of my days)
The transformation of this iconic Pettit and Sevitt home in Sydney by Studio Prineas honours its original architecture while introducing a new layer for family life. An added upper level and integrated landscaping blend seamlessly with the existing structure, softening transitions between old and new. Outdoor terraces connect the home to the garden while a circular pool nestles like a bushland billabong. Inside a playful open-tread stair replaces the spiral complementing the original timber beams. Nostalgic design touches including repurposed curtains preserve the home’s charm and history.
Photography by Clinton Weaver.
Like sunshine on a cloudy day, lemon meringue pie or fried eggs in the pan, nothing is as cheerful as a jolt of yellow and the designers have saturated this kitchen in the joyous colour. I dare you to be despondent in this room. Fitch Mountain by Alex Mutter-Rottmayer and Austin Carrier of Hommeboys.
Photography by Adam Potts.
“Nestled in the hills of Laurel Canyon, this project aimed to extend and remodel the kitchen, a central space open to all main living areas. Ensuring harmony with the home’s MCM aesthetics was paramount, including a prominent peninsula island designed as a standout furniture piece, along with a dedicated banquet seating area for intimate family meals.”
Laurel Canyon Modern by L.A. design firm A1000XBetter brilliantly blending MCM design with functionality and style.
Photography by Michael Clifford.
Designer and journalist Kate Watson-Smyth of Mad About the House decided to make her 30 year dream of buying a home in Italy come true and in spring 2023 she fell in love and purchased a run-down historic villa (24 rooms over 3 floors) in Piemonte, northern Italy (a village outside Turin) and spent about a year renovating. painting and wallpapering. It is absolutely stunning – it has 2 kitchens (one of ground floor and one on the top floor), a cantina with vaulted ceilings and a traditional working pizza oven (!!!) and 100 year old wisteria growing outside. It is now colourful and cozy with some modern touches and I am in love. Photos: Rachael Smith & Carol Poirot via Inigo & Domino, via Sophie Robinson.