Displaying posts labeled "Wood"

It seems this week that Kim and I have been travelling the same design path. Our focus has been on fabulous Australian design. This East St Kilda House by Melbourne-based interior design and architectural practice MEME is yet another stellar example. Clean, modern lines with a palette of whites and greys warmed by wood. The recurring arch motive references the building’s original Spanish Mission style with new windows and doors in black steel adding another layer to the link. Tactile, robust but strikingly contemporary.

The Concrete House by Matt Gibson Architecture + Design is a stunning modern masterpiece that may be made of concrete but is far from cold and harsh (the cozy furnishings sure do help). Composed of 2 longitudinal zones located to north & south of an east west spine – living spaces to the north and sleeping/utility spaces to the south, Concrete House utilises vertical connections and void spaces to provide strong visual connections between levels. Formally simple, lofty and airy, the main spaces are reminiscent of mid century modernist material and compositional qualities (particularly Brazilian modernism). The client, a builder and specialist in masonry was keen to utilise a concrete and stone palette externally. These materials along with a generous utilisation of naturally finished timber became the determining elements of both the houses’ architecture and interior. These provide a series of haptic textures that effect a powerful contrast against the smooth and more polished nature of glass and steel. Photos: Derek Swalwell

Dear gawd this kitchen is IT! It makes me want to take a sledgehammer to mine. Black and brass is so sexy in any application, but in a kitchen it is such a hot combination. Especially because the designer Pip Norris was smart enough not to use black countertops. I have been living a year and a half with some type of granite/quartz black stuff and it is a freaking nightmare to keep clean. These cabinets though – WOW. And the antique finish of the faucet and bathroom fixtures is incredible. The stuff that dreams are made of. (Photos: Tom Ferguson)

Because my trip to Mexico is not for another 3 weeks. Because I hate winter more than anything else. Because I love featuring talented Canadians. This cabin in the woods in Sainte-Adèle, Québec was designed by Appareil Architecture and is a great distraction from the current weather here in Ottawa. This home is exactly what bringing the outside in is all about. A cabin that is simple and warm and functional. What a little dreamy oasis in the country. 

interior design: Julie Raymond – homeowner, landscaping+design: Fanie Quenneville, Véronique Genest, photos: Mathieu Laverdière

I had to share another refined rustic chalet in the mountains by the incredibly talented Marianne Tiegen. Where wood walls meet Tom Dixon Beat lights and a Mies van der Rohe Barcelona stool. And YES to the wrinkled linen duvet covers. (On that note, I am desperate to find one for my king-sized bed. If anyone knows of a reasonably priced preferably Canadian source let me know in the comments!)