Displaying posts labeled "Wood"

“Purposefully lo-fi, The Retreat embraces a low-tech aesthetic towards the operation of the building itself, fully embodying the idea of retreat and slowing down. Celebrating craftsmanship and integrity of materiality instead of technology, every wall of the building have been designed to contain components that manually fold, open and close to manipulate the space and transform the program of the building.”

More and more these days I don’t need large and ostentatious. I don’t need transplanted and often inappropriate design styles. I do need quality and craftsmanship, beauty and a sense of purpose and place. I do need a slow building for slow living. I would love this multi-use private retreat/studio, not as a stylish folly but as my home. (I’d just need a storage shed conveniently out of sight or the willpower to divest myself of the treasure and junk I have accumulated over the years.) The Retreat in Balnarring, Victoria by Branch Studio Architects.

Photography by Peter Clarke

It sounds wonderful as it rolls off your tongue. “Pond Hollow Lodge.” It looks wonderful too. This is where I’ll be spending this weekend… in my day dreams. Nothing to disturb the rural idyll except the chorus of frogs and the pop of champagne corks. By Reese Owens Architects.

The renovation and extension of this Beverley Hills home included the incorporation of elements from a dismantled 19th century wood barn as well as a new entrance and landscaping. The old beams and siding add warmth to the expansive rooms. I love the marriage of the new build with the old barn wood, the mid century feel of the furnishings working back against the aged timbers and white walls and the beautiful dry climate garden. Jenni Kayne Home by Los Angeles based architecture and interior design firm Standard.

Close your eyes. That’s right. Close your eyes. Imagine a barn, a big, grey barn with huge doors that silde open to reveal views of lush green woods. Imagine the space divided into rooms intimate or vast. Now furnish those rooms with simple pieces, simple, beautiful, tactile things. Think of aged timbers and white wash, stone and linens, old but new. Open your eyes. Did your dream barn look like this one? Mine did. Contemporary Barn by  D. Stanley Dixon Architect.

I have been a fan of Courtney Nye‘s designs since featuring some bits of projects here and this kid’s playroom. This mid-century home is a dream with tons of windows letting in all kinds of natural light (If this were my home I would have an obscene amount of plants) and the timber ceiling that feels right at home while living amidst the trees.  The mid-century modern vibe of the decor suits this home perfectly.