Displaying posts labeled "Uncategorized"

We try not to play favourites here on Desire to Inspire but sometimes we just have to fess up. There will always be a special spot in our design hearts for those who are ahead of the pack, who repeatedly create homes where every room goes straight into our inspiration files, where we would move in in a heart beat. Jessica Helgerson and her team are such designers. Just look at this 1920’s Portland home with its soft and muted colour palette and a modern, fresh fitout that respects the history of the house. Actually I’d be happy to just live in the kitchen a la Cinderella. Neely House by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design.

Photos by Jeremy Bittermann

We have featured many modern farmhouses on the blog over the years, and according to Anthony Michael this is such a dwelling… but this may be the least farmhouse-y home we have ever featured. Not one bit of reclaimed wood to be had! I am not sure what part of it constitutes a farmhouse but I frankly don’t really care because it is beautiful and I love the kitchen – especially that pretty backsplash. 

Photos: Anthony Tahlier Photography

This Healdsburg, CA home is a family compound that was once stuck in the 80’s. Jeff Schlarb‘s team took it to a whole other level, with cool, neutral tones, classic style with some traditional and bold furnishings mixed together for a little unexpected combo, and a very relaxing atmosphere. The perfect getaway with really sweet views. 

(More of Jeff Schlarb’s work can be found here and here)

I could barely contain myself when I spotted this first bathroom designed by Los Angeles-based Daniela Malca Benloulou. It is going in my inspiration folder for my eventual bathroom renovation as I wanted to do something very similar with a tile on the wall, a vintage dresser as the vanity (already purchased – it just needs the back half chopped off) and a blingy mirror. I added in a couple of other bathrooms she has designed as she seems to have some serious skills in this department. 

A celebration of nature and the materials of the landscape. This home in the San Juan Islands, Washington was designed by Tom Kundig and it is spectacular and quite an architectural feat. Named “The Pierre” (stone in French), it is a retreat nestled in rock with waterfront views it quite literally blends into the surroundings. With the exception of a separate guest suite, the house functions on one main level, with an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space. A wood-clad storage box (made with siding reclaimed from a Lionel Pries–designed house) transitions from outside to inside. Its two large bookcases open to provide concealed access to laundry and kitchen storage. A large pivoting steel and glass door provides access to a terrace. The materiality of the built structure—mild steel, smooth concrete, and drywall—create a neutral backdrop for the interior furnishings and artwork and the exterior views to the bay and surrounding landscape. Throughout the house, the rock protrudes into the space, contrasting with the luxurious textures of the furnishings. Interior and exterior fireplace hearths are carved out of existing stone; leveled on top, they are otherwise left raw. In the master bathroom, water cascades through three polished pools, natural sinks in the existing stone. Off the main space, a powder room is carved out of the rock; a mirror set within a skytube reflects natural light into the space.