Displaying posts labeled "Wood"

Stark minimalism in black and white. Glass walls like a gold fish bowl. Everything on show. Reflective surfaces bouncing light. Hard, lean, buffed. The perfect exhibitionist. But wait there is a softer side. Concealed lighting throws rough bricks into relief. Solid planks warm walls. Could you? Would you? Are you a secret exhibitionist. Bold living by Montreal interior designer Anne Sophie Goneau.

Come with me. Take my hand and runaway to a holiday home just metres from the  beach in Comporta, Portugal. Casa Do Pego sits lightly on the sand, its face turned to nearby agricultural land. Sliding shuttersprovide shelter from the setting sun while a roof top terrace and pool let you chill out in privacy. Clean, minimal lines are perfect for a beachside retreat while the suspended fireplace provides the wow factor. Go on. I know you want to come with me. It’s the perfect cure for Mondayitis.

Thankfully it’s Friday and I thought since I’m sure many of us could use a little decompressing right about now, that featuring a retreat would be quite fitting. This is the Yingst Retreat, 4000 sq ft on a peaceful 16 acres in Michigan, designed by Salmela Architects. What a dream! It’s heaven in the middle of a forest. Modern yet fairly simple construction that is not at all harsh, and quite organic with the help of lots basic materials like wood, ceramic tile and brick. Complete with sauna and bocce court, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy life.

Every cloud has a silver lining… unless it’s the Cloud House in Fitzroy North in Melbourne by McBride Charles Ryan. The Edwardian era facade is left relatively untouched out of respect to the existing streetscape. The old house’s original interior has been painted white with a carpet of flowers providing the surprise. Linking the old and the new is a red box, the heart of the home, the kitchen. What opens beyond is a fantastical cloud shaped living area. No silver lining though. Warm timbers cocoon the space. Unexpected, child like but meticulously crafted.

Amazing photographs by Lucas Allen for Mark Tuckey. Love! Love! Love!