Displaying posts labeled "Uncategorized"

From the exterior it is almost austere. Simple lines, almost like a child’s drawing of a house. Nothing extraneous. Inside, though, the simple clean lines of concrete, steel and glass are softened by layers of wood and textiles. What seems disciplined, almost spartan on the outside is a warm family home inside. House I in Amsterdam North by Hoyt

Modern living in a house that is almost 300 years old. Living simply, living well but not excessively, respecting the past, embracing the moment, finding the beauty not only in the unusual but also the mundane. Give me this type of luxury any day. Give me this lovely home by Kelly and Co. Design.

My previous home was built in the early 1900s and I thought that was old, although sadly it lacked any interesting architectural details (we did find a clump of horse air in the walls – does that count for something?). I would like to introduce you to Štajnhaus. This VERY OLD 16th century former home now a hotel located in the town of Mikulov in the Czech Republic was reconstructed (it had partially burnt in a fire in 1926) and maintains much of its original details, which makes it incredibly special. Love the juxtaposition of some of the modern details that have been added. (Thank you Barbora for the link!)

There is a distinct Belgian vibe to this house by Nashville-based interior designers Parkes and Lamb Interiors. The grey colour palette enhanced with muted blues and taupes. The layering of rough textures with smooth, raw wood with plaster, whitewash and linen. It’s a house with personality, a mix of new and old, high and low, traditional yet contemporary. Beautiful. Comfortable.

It has been quite some time since we featured a project by Dieter Vander Velpen Architects so we were excited when Dieter emailed with some photos of another project. This time it is the remodel of a kitchen and bathroom in a 70’s villa near the Belgian town of Leuven. The brief was to create an open, bright kitchen with plenty of workspace and a clutterless look. For the bathroom, the main request was to create a luxurious and calming atmosphere on a limited surface. The kitchen is a modern dream – I ADORE cooking niches like this one, featuring a countertop in polished granite and backsplash in hammered granite. The island is pretty fabulous too where 5 different materials come together: black Zimbabwe granite, dark stained Walnut veneer, polished Calacatta marble, patinated bronze and the black lacquered Vola taps. In the bathroom it is all about beautiful travertine. The results are timeless, modern, understated luxury. (Photos: Thomas De Bruyne)