Category: Coastal Style

For six months James Botha carefully analyzed the raw, exposed materials and open design in his Brooklyn attic before putting pencil to paper to look some modifications. “After things settled and I began to learn what was necessary, I took action and began drawing,” says Botha, an architect. He then sparingly added walls and walk-throughs to split out a dining room, living and bedroom area. He worked with Arc Fabrication, a building and carpentry firm, and each room now highlights exposed air ducts, original brick walls and the attic’s natural light and airflow.

at a Glance
Who lives here: James Botha
Location: Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York
Size: 1,200 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
That’s intriguing: The residential building was once a warehouse that housed the New York Trolley Museum.

Corynne Pless

The attic’s original floor plan didn’t include the wall and bookcase. Botha’s love for fun prompted him to maintain the attic open and define the chambers with walk-throughs. “I blurred the lines between the general public and private locations,” he states. “The bedroom is ordinarily an area people like to keep private, but I left it quite open to the dining space, with reclaimed wood beams framing the pass-through.”

The new floor plan allows for your living area, dining area and bedroom to flow into one another.

Wall and trim paint Super White, Benjamin Moore; dining room chairs: Hudson, Restoration Hardware

Corynne Pless

When Botha was rising up, the dining area was the most formal room in the house. He maintained some of that formality in his space with an alder wood trestle dining table and upholstered chairs. “The dining area has such a elegant yet playful sense to it,” he states. “It contains all my favorite elements of the apartment: the brick wall, the flat wood paneling, the background, the retrieved wood, the chandelier and so on. It is sort of a greatest hits.”

Botha’s parents gave him the ornate teak screen in the back corner. The walk-through is lined by thin strips of timber planks to the bedroom.

Chandelier: Tomorrow’s Antiques; timber planks: Arc Fabrication

Corynne Pless

Botha converted this small, open niche in the dining area to a storage and display shelf with reclaimed wood.

Background: Trade Routes; artwork: Rebecca Posner (top), Jay Davis (bottom)

Corynne Pless

This mohair wall hanging is by Sotho artisans in South Africa, purchased by Botha’s parents on a trip from the ’70s. “I was born and spent a great deal of time in Europe, and have traveled extensively through Asia and Africa,” he states. “I’m in love with all the regional aesthetics I have discovered in these places.”

Console table: Hybrideclaimed wood, Nightwood; floor lamp: Paul Pisanelli, from Brooklyn Flea

Corynne Pless

Exposed brick and a wall Botha built-in feel to the bedroom. The horizontal support beams in the wall twice as shelves.

Bedding: Fab India

Corynne Pless

Botha made this custom storage wall to prevent just beneath the ceiling, leaving space for air to flow to the next room.

Structure and Cosmetic: Arc Fabrication; cupboard paint: Gettysburg Gray, Benjamin Moore

Corynne Pless

The other side of the unit displays Botha’s records and records.

Fan: Emerson

Corynne Pless

Arc Fabrication used plywood with a poplar face to build the bookcase. The bar is reclaimed walnut.

Corynne Pless

Botha attracted back this handwoven wool Kashmir rug from a trip to India. His mother purchased the open-arm wing seat while the family lived in Scotland. He had it reupholstered by Rosini and Sons.

Couch: Ethan Allen; pillows: Andrew Martin; artwork: Re-POP

Corynne Pless

Lawyer’s case: Luddite; floor Lamp: Paul Pisanelli, from Brooklyn Flea; stools: Toledo, Restoration Hardware

Corynne Pless

During the renovations Botha eliminated a tiny closet on the side of the fridge. The countertops are out of IceStone and are a mixture of reclaimed glass with an aggregate of concrete.

Corynne Pless

Botha found these vintage industrial pendant lamps at the Brimfield Antique Show in Massachusetts. He bought the custom stainless steel kitchen in Chinatown.

Corynne Pless

Recording gear and tools are stored within this extra office space. Botha soundproofed the far wall into consideration of his neighbours by doubling the Sheetrock and adding Green Glue, a rigid foam between the layers.

Daybed: CB2; rug; ABC Carpet & Home; doorway and trim paint: Gettysburg Gray, Benjamin Moore

Corynne Pless

A floating shelf carries a few cherished collectibles above a classic desk.

Wall and trim paint: Super White, Benjamin Moore

Corynne Pless

Wall paint: Carrington Beige, Benjamin Moore; shower curtain: Target

Corynne Pless

“Do all of the design work on front to save yourself from sudden change orders in the future,” says Botha, shown here. “This may also help the builders get you an accurate quote from the beginning in order to and they, can plan better. The more buttoned-up the design is the shorter the building work will take.”

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Log cabins tend to be dark. It is just often a reality when the space is wood; the inside tends to be moody. That is what Sam Wotring and Nicole Ray were expecting before they stepped within this 1920s log cabin on a calm lake nearby Ann Arbor, Michigan. Boy, were they wrong.

As a previous homeowner utilized a superlight grey paint to cover every log surface within the home, such as the vaulted wood-plank ceiling, the distance is far from dark. “We were so surprised by how light and airy it was inside, so enchanting and quaint,” Ray says. Meanwhile, vivid colors and original art — Ray is an illustrator and artist — further lighten the space, as do vintage chandeliers that hang in every area.

at a Glance
Who lives here: Sam Wotring and Nicole Ray
Location: Brighton, Michigan
Size: Around 1,600 square feet; two bedrooms, 11/2 baths

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

The light grey paint covering the ceiling and logs produce an unexpectedly bright and airy inside. Floor markings leave clues that past owners had opened up three small bedrooms and bathrooms to create larger living spaces. The homeowner who had painted the inside also left all of the vintage chandeliers.

Ray built the side sofa table at the main living space with a wooden cage from her grandfather and thighs from Hairpin Legs.

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

The home is on a former golf course, and Ray and Wotring found that it once provided summer housing for golf caddies. The couple now refers to the home since the “The Caddy Shack.”

Wotring built the sliding door and worked with a local fabricator to make the hardware and slipping track.

Door paint: New Born’s Eyes, Benjamin Moore

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

2 10- by 10-foot caddie bunk rooms became one 10-by-20 principal bedroom.

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

“The fireplace is one of my favorite items in the home,” says Ray. “It’s original to the home and is rumored to be the largest fireplace around the lake,” she states.

The coffee table was passed down from Wotring’s grandmother.

Rug: Green at Heart Rug, Etsy; sofa: Henry, West Elm; green sofa, armchair: Newton Furniture; throw pillows: Robin Cottage, Etsy

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

Worktables: Norden; bookcase: Expedit; red drawer component: Helmer (all from Ikea)

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

According to floor markings, the couple believes there utilized to be a 6-foot-long wall or half wall that ran through the center of the present office area, maybe to shut off a dining room.

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

Lights over mattress: Krämare, Ikea; gray blanket: Pendleton Windowpane, Lands’ End; art: “Whale Rider,” Nicole Ray

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

Wotring’s work area would be to the best of the kitchen in the living room. His desk is a vintage drafting table; the Hoosier cupboard was a family heirloom given to Wotring by his stepdad.

The lobster block-printed wall hanging is from The Sarah Elizabeth Shop at Rockport, Massachusetts.

Chairs: Franklin, Ikea

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

Art of the Excellent Lakes by Marcy Davy of All Things Grow decorates the half wall dividing the kitchen from the living area. A Insufficient Ikea shelf exhibits whiskey. The butcher block table was another family heirloom passed down to the couple.

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

“When we moved in, we wanted to do something new with all the kitchen floor,” says Ray. “The ceramic tile was worn out, however, a complete renovation wasn’t in our budget.” After doing some online research, the few painted above the tile with garage-floor paint. After performing two coats of primer, then they painted stripes through the hall and into the bathroom.

Paint: Behr premium one-part epoxy concrete floor paint in White Base and Silver Gray, Home Depot

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

A skylight, open yellow painted cabinets and also a wood beam pot stand contribute into the open, airy feel of the home.

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

This Winans Lake embroidery art, which hangs in the kitchen on an idea plank, was custom made for Ray from Amy Cronkite of My Marigold. The heart marks where the couple lives on the lake.

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

Ray’s grandmother photographed her kitchen window at 1936. The shooter now hangs between the kitchen windows here.

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

The dining area faces Winans Lake and leads out to a deck.

Dining table: Bjursta, Ikea; carpeting: West Elm

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

Ray made this nook near the entry where she ships and packs her art.

Rug: Downtown Home & Garden; Michigan squirrel plate: Martha Bishop, Lazy Gal; birds plate: Janae Easton, Playpus File; art by sloeginfizz on Etsy: Seahorse Nursery, Fox in Sox, Wild Spring Ride, Turtle Flight

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

Ray painted the goldfish piece, now in the guest bedroom.

Plush squid: Amber Adams, Woolly Mammoth Designs

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

Rug: Emmie, Ikea; lush creature: Frankenstitch Productions

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

The owners installed this tiny claw-foot bathtub.

Cabinet, stool, shelving, curtains, rug: Ikea

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

Mirror paint: Dry Bouquet, True Worth; wall-mounted lights: Lowe’s; embroidered anchor, paper airplane: From J. Loo to You

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

Ray relaxes in her area. Behind her is a gallery wall showcasing work from her mother, like the ’70s bird crewelwork from a kit, also from other artists.

Tree art: The Artisan’s Bench; woodpecker in trousers: Pillbug Designs; fox: Stephanie Salamone; screen-print of a woman: Kristine Virsis, Just Seeds Artists Cooperative

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

Jeff Jones Snap It Photography

The log cabin community is built around Winans Lake, which is motor free for quiet and peace.

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Trends are put; they burst on blogs; costs on Etsy and eBay soar; big retailers such as Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn start selling them; everybody’s got one; folks start to get tired of these; and snarkiness ensues. Writer Malcolm Gladwell explains it much more eloquently in The Tipping Point, but that is the gist of decor trends. However, designers and smart homeowners are always tweaking tendencies and giving them fresh appearances. Just one example suitcases and trunks.

The tendency: Using vintage suitcases as storage, decorative props and side tables. Here’s a look at the tendency since it soared toward the point. Don’t get me wrong; I like them, however, they hit the tipping point when stores started carrying fresh suitcases designed to look vintage.

The difficulty: Often these vintage cases were a little overly scuffed and dirty and paired with too much other crusty old stuff, sending us into vintage overload (in other words, an excessive amount of shabbiness and not enough chicness).

The alternative: It’s time for a reset. Below are some examples of vintage suitcases used in new ways. The tendency all is dusted off and looking shiny and new .

Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard

What’s new here: This very tailored, monochromatic modern room needed something with wear and age to add interest. These suitcases are roughly the same size and have a color-blocked impact, for a exceptional nightstand.

Tips for your search: Figure out the measurements and colours you want to use before you begin looking. Maintain a doodle mat outside so you can add up the measurements of every case to your nightstand’s total elevation.

Montana Reclaimed Lumber Co..

What’s new here: This vintage case is mounted beneath a metal stand, which turns into a one-of-a-kind nightstand. Its deep crimson colour picks upon the bedding, and specifics such as the chain manage and lock components include personality.

Tips for your search: If you currently have a stand, you have the measurements you want. Maintain the colours you are thinking about for the room or that exist in the room while searching. A suitcase that is colored will help inspire the color scheme of the whole room.

Allure Interiors Inc…..Crystal Ann Norris

What’s new here: These truncated and mounted instances function as identifying picture rails. They complement the wood accent wall without competing with it.

“We cut the suitcases using a saw and created L-shaped shelves — imagine a step,” says Crystal Ann Norris of Allure Interiors. “We utilized a 2-by-4 for the rise and also a 2-by-6 for the step. Then we screwed them into the wall and set the suitcases them over.” She hot-glued ribbon round the edges.

Tips for your search: Do a rough sketch of what you would like your wall to look like to get an idea for measurements. This idea would also work well for a wall-mounted nightstand.

Jordan Cappella

What’s new here: The designer encased a sizable classic instance in an acrylic box, mixing new and old in one coffee table. The clear box coats over the crustier particulars of this suitcase, elevating it into an artful object.

Tips for your search: Determine how big this table you would like. Then have a look at boxes in locations such as Acrylic Screen Store for size choices to organize your suitcase dimensions accordingly. You can also have a box custom made from a firm like Screen Case Art, and include details like castors and hinges.

Where to find the very best vintage suitcases: I like the selection in Etsy the finest; revealed here is a smattering of what has been available from vintage sellers on the site. I just did a search for “vintage suitcase.” You will find pages and pages of listings to choose from. If something high end such as Goyard or Louis Vuitton is more your thing, I urge 1stdibs and eBay.

Maintaining going: More new and old ways with vintage suitcases

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While helping their friends move to Ellensburg, Washington, Scott and Emily Faulkner fell in love with a midcentury home there. Designed by architect James Cowan at 1957, the home nodded to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian design, using its L-shaped plan, native materials, flat roof, clerestory windows, and large cantilevered overhang for passive solar heating and cooling. Before leaving their friends and heading back home to Seattle, the Faulkners vowed to relocate Ellensburg if the home ever went up available. One year after it did.

The Faulkners purchased the home, moving from Seattle across the hills and settling into their new rural town. Scott, an architect and furniture maker, constructed the majority of the plywood furniture. And though the previous owners had renovated in 2006, much of the home’s original character stays. The couple was fortunate to get an entire set of the original drawings of the home, and they intend to honor and reflect Cowan’s design.

Who lives here: Scott and Emily Faulkner, cats Pearl and Tiger, and puppy Domino
Location: Craig Hill neighborhood of Ellensburg, Washington
Size: 3,200 square feet; 5 bedrooms, 3 baths

Kimberley Bryan

Many substances transfer between the indoors and outside. A bed of river rock inside near the entryway goes outside, as does the concrete masonry unit wall.

A large, unadorned entry window washes the entry with natural light, while offering a clear perspective of the exterior vertical weathered siding.

Kimberley Bryan

After the Faulkners, revealed here, entered the home for the first time after purchasing it, Scott introduced Emily using a midcentury design clock that hangs on the transparent, vertical-grain Douglas fir paneling in the living room.

“I was hoping it would look like one of those built-in clocks often seen in midcentury homes. And it will,” says Scott.

Hitter: Chiasso

Kimberley Bryan

The two-bedroom home blends timber, cement and glass. A large wall of glass lets light flood into the living room and also connects the distance into the outdoors, but a wood-screened courtyard facing it from feeling exposed into the street.

The home was constructed in 1957 for the Devney family. It stayed in its original condition until it was offered to its next owner in 2006.

The Faulkners have met both James Cowan’s daughter and one of those Devney sons. “Speaking together has added into the home and our desire to preserve it as a historic object of architecture,” says Scott.

Kimberley Bryan

Front entry is a study in textures: fir wood siding, cement pavers and cubes, glass, river stones and playful shadows created by open roofing.

The homeowners created their own version of a screen door a 3/4-inch board of fir plywood painted and sprinkled with circular cutouts.

Kimberley Bryan

The circular cutouts bring breezes indoors but also create an artistic light element.

Kimberley Bryan

Both enchanted with and motivated by the home’s rich design background, Scott constructed over half of the home’s furniture, including this entry console made from cherry and plywood, with cutout slots designed to make sorting incoming mail easy.

The slate flooring is unique to the home.

Kimberley Bryan

Scott also constructed the long, low-slung console, coffee table and armchair in this living room. “At this time the seat and coffee table are raw plywood,” he says. “They will be finished such as the console, and a few cushions will be added to the seat. However, like the home, I enjoy the furniture to be great in its own details: nicely made, with multiple, surprising functions and with tidy, surprising elements, such as the cherry and heavily striated plywood”

The couch and 2 orange vases were gifts from Scott’s family.

Tall orange vase: Mort’s Cabin; table lamp: vintage, Vintage Vine

Kimberley Bryan

Eames-style rockers add curves into an otherwise straight-lined composition.

Scott constructed the door propped against the wall along with a composite substance left over from one of his own architectural endeavors.

Kimberley Bryan

The bamboo flooring, installed by the home’s second owners, represent the abundant light that pours through paned windows.

Little groupings of furniture anchored by no-frills carpets in dark browns and gray keep the eye on the home’s lines and the play of shadow and light.

Rugs: Morning Coffee, Espresso, Flor

Kimberley Bryan

Scott constructed the storage cabinets to echo the scale and form of the rectangular opening that leads to the dining room. “I enjoy things Upgraded, but also usable and functional,” he says. “I appreciate architecture and furniture that’s adaptive and will transform itself for multiple applications.”

The tufted vintage Mort’s Chair, made by George Mulhauser, was a present from Scott’s mom.

Floor lamp: vintage, from a secondhand store (now closed)

Kimberley Bryan

Bamboo flooring continue into the dining room, bathed in light. High windows create an open atmosphere but block the view of the carport on the other side.

Kimberley Bryan

A classic teak and glass light fixture hangs over a desk and seat that Scott constructed.

The low-slung round table and console are both vintage.

Kimberley Bryan

One of many original pocket doors at the home connects the dining room to the kitchen, which retains its original layout and birch cabinets.

The previous homeowners had installed new flooring, a tile backsplash and updated appliances. “It really is amazing just how much of the home stayed intact,” Scott says. “And we’ve got that fantastic original spec book, which we can look at to find the items that are missing. Gradually we will try to re-create them”

Kimberley Bryan

The homeowners admit that other individuals might prefer to completely revamp the kitchen but they’re happy the cabinets and sliding glass doors stay. “It’s so interesting to observe how intelligently a few of the facets of the home were designed,” Scott says. “The glass sliders can be opened from either side, so that if you wish, you can get the light from the family room windows pouring into the kitchen. Where the dog bed has become, there used to be a swing-out desk that you could put up against the [image] wall, to operate at. I’d like to reconstruct that one of these days”

Hitter: made by George Nelson

Kimberley Bryan

The kitchen connects to a living room, making an open concept that is common now, “but if this home was designed, this was forward thinking,” Scott says.

The original fireplace was not drafting correctly, therefore the homeowners installed a woodstove in its own place.

Woodstove: Lopi Republic 1750, Armstrong’s Stove & Spa

Kimberley Bryan

Sliding doors off the family room conceal a large storage and utility room with floor-to-ceiling closets.

Scott constructed the sawhorse table, coffee table and sofa; the latter turns right into a guest bed. “Together with five bedrooms in the home, we actually haven’t needed to use it,” Scott says. “But I enjoy that it’s that second purpose.”

Kimberley Bryan

A staircase results in the bedrooms and baths, which can be “all about function,” Scott says. “They’re small, and regardless of what you do, you have to leave the bedroom to get into the toilet. A good deal of individuals who seemed in the home when on the marketplace were turned off with that. But it works for us”

Kimberley Bryan

Clerestory windows are the hallmark of the upstairs bedrooms. “You can tell their positioning was carefully picked,” says Scott. “The light that comes through the windows entirely changes throughout the day.”

In this home office, a vibrant shaft of afternoon light seems to point straight to one of Scott’s multiuse layouts: a Murphy bed that folds down to reveal a complete shelves and headboard.

Kimberley Bryan

After the bed is closed, the distance becomes a home office at both function and appearance.

Kimberley Bryan

Lined with sliding doors, the hallway includes ample storage created even more functional through another creative initial element: slide-out cabinets.

Kimberley Bryan

Even though a bathroom renovation by the last owners veered from midcentury design, the Faulkners still like the interplay of light through the windows that are original. “We will return the baths to their midcentury roots one day,” Scott says.

Faucet, sink: Grohe

Kimberley Bryan

The bathroom area is set by A enclosure with three dimensional windows that are rectilinear apart from the bathroom.

Kimberley Bryan

Though another bedroom has larger windows, the Faulkners created this their principal bedroom because they love the way light pours in through the clerestory windows.

Scott constructed the platform bed with underbed storage.

Kimberley Bryan

The only other furniture in the room besides the bed and a shelving is a vintage desk. “I saw it in an auction and thought it might be a George Nelson bit,” Scott says. “It was not, but we enjoy it.”

Kimberley Bryan

Living in the home for the past five years has shown the carefulness of this design into the Faulkners. “Cowan took into account all the organic elements we have here in Ellensburg: our famous winds, the need to capture the sun in sunlight through glass walls but shield from the sun at the summertime with large overhangs,” Scott says. “The home does not have air conditioning, but it does not require it. The home was not just designed to be pretty, but to be somewhat livable.”

Kimberley Bryan

Among the couple’s greatest challenges was enlarging storage at the carport for their bikes while still staying true to the home’s design.

The few of increased a storage area by 6 feet, constructed doors to match the home’s front “display” doorway and repurposed the home’s siding to create a wall.

Kimberley Bryan

For this couple, the architectural background of the home helps them enjoy the home itself. “It is like unraveling a mystery,” Scott says. “We are lucky that we’ve got the original spec book for the home, together with all the blueprints. Whenever we wonder what the house had that’s gone, we can always reference those. It is unusual and astonishing to have all the materials”

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When an 1892 Anglican church outside Melbourne, Australia, arrived the market, husband-and-wife architects Dominic and Marie Bagnato jumped at the chance to rescue the weatherboarded structure from being bought and turned into a commercial office space. With older churches such as it becoming a rarity in the region — the little designs can’t support growing congregations, so churchgoers are consolidating into larger spaces — the couple determined that converting the building into an amazing modern house would help make sure its remaining power. “We wanted to maintain the architecture and keep the appearance but bring it to a 21st-century home on the interior,” Marie says.

Clearly, adding a little style did not hurt, either. Since it had been recorded as a heritage site, the architects could do just so much to the existing construction. They created a mezzanine with two bedrooms and a rumpus room in the older church structure and added a new modern building with a lavish master suite, ramping up the square footage to accommodate the current occupants: a physician, his wife and their six kids.

Together with the house’s hundred-year-old trusses and ceiling, and luxury decoration, being inside it today is almost a religious experience.

in a Glance
Who lives here: A family of 8
Location: Moonee Ponds neighborhood of Melbourne, Australia
Size: 5,274 square feet; 4 or 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
Budget: $1.55 million

Bagnato Architects

It had been all about highlighting the emptiness in the living room. The monolithic fireplace soars up to 6 1/2 meters (a little more than 21 feet). The normal ceiling height in Australia is half. “It’s quite imposing when you’re standing there,” Marie Bagnato says. The chimney has a black marble hearth and a plaster finish, also connects to the ceiling and timber trusses, both a hundred years old.

Leaving the limestone floor “lumpy and bumpy,” Bagnato says, and incorporating an acid-washed finish, helped make the surface look aged.

Bagnato Architects

Since it was a very insular building, the architect worked to link the distance to the yard. Large windows now open to the swimming pool and scenic Moonee Valley. The larger window is supposed to be a modern interpretation of a Gothic window. “It gets the space magnificent back there,” Bagnato says.

Gold is a theme throughout the home. The color reminds Bagnato of older churches, something she says she subconsciously thought of throughout the plan. Gold comes from the multicylindered chandelier, which is intended to emulate organ pipes.

Bagnato Architects

Since this is a heritage-listed building, the architects kept all the original exterior features on the church side, including the weatherboard, Gothic windows and cloverleaf port. “To be transparent, we wanted to highlight the building, not ruin the facade,” Bagnato says.

A black stairwell links the church to the new modern building, which includes the master bedroom.

Bagnato Architects

The designer wanted the press lounge in the church building to have a very different vibe in another living areas. Whereas the living area is spacious and filled with light, this space is intimate and moody, with gray walls, alligator-skin-recalling wallpaper, velvety sofas and carpets, and tiny surprises of stone.

“I wanted it to feel very lush and over the top. It’s almost just like a foyer to a resort,” Bagnato says. “It’s where you go with friends”

All furniture: Coco Republic

Bagnato Architects

Black and gold remain in this sitting area, which was the first entry to the church. It now links to the press couch, with windows that look to a garden.

Bagnato Architects

Calacatta marble runs throughout the kitchen, such as the staircase. The place connects with the dining area and spills from the living area.

Bagnato Architects

A freestanding Caroma Noir bath overlooks the master bath. The materials utilized throughout the rest of the home replicate within this space. The black Nero Tempest marble found around the fireplace comes up here as an imposing wall; acid-washed Chiampo limestone similar to that in the living area adorns the ground, just here it has a more honed, smoother finish. The light fixtures glow amber when lit, complementing the golden tones in the marble.

Bagnato Architects

This staircase is the link between the old and new building. It leads up to the bedrooms and features partially exposed stained wood treads to get a floating effect.

Bagnato Architects

The first Gothic windows divide the ground levels in the two church bedrooms. An original truss cuts a striking scene, as does a mirror near the ceiling over the bed that makes the hundred-year-old wood roof appear to hover.

Bagnato Architects

This al fresco seating place is underneath some of the new building that joins the two structures. The cabinetry around the stainless steel barbecue and sink is recycled timber.

Bagnato Architects

Glass walls fuse old and new, inside and outside, connecting the home to the pool area and the Moonee Valley beyond.

Bagnato Architects

The mezzanine looks over the living area void, aided by a glass balustrade. The old trusses jut into the distance, maintaining the rhythm of this old structure.

The architect wanted the staircase, which contributes to an attic-type space, to sense sculptural but not fight the old building design.

Bagnato Architects

The homeowners are turning the attic-type space with views of Moonee Valley into a attic bedroom for two of their kids. A kitchenette and powder room are back.

Bagnato Architects

The owners wanted the master bedroom to feel somewhat like a lavish hotel room. Sheer black drapes, charcoal wallpaper and an artichoke-recalling mild add to the effect.

Bagnato Architects

The ceiling at the wine cellar is recycled timber. The backsplash is backlit onyx.

Tell us Can you live in a remodeled church building? We would love to find a photo.

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When inside designers Laura Umansky and Kristina Wilson of Laura U, Inc. came upon this home, it was in great condition. Constructed in 1929 by noted Houston architect John Staub, the home had undergone a rather recent update by a dominant interior designer. But the new owners turned into a young family who desired a much more open plan for your kitchen and the breakfast room, an updated master suite and insides that reflected their very own fashion. The results equilibrium luxury and relaxation, elegance and coziness, muted tones and bold hues, elegance and fun.

in a Glance
Who lives here: A family of 7
Size: 4 bedrooms, 6 full and 2 half bathrooms
Location: Houston
Year built: 1929

Laura U, Inc..

The residence is located in the tony Houston neighborhood of River Oaks. Architect John Staubfamous for his understated elegance, designed there, including this one. This house’s features include first floor-to-ceiling windows, a glass sunporch plus a grand pool pavilion.

Laura U, Inc..

Throughout the insides, the designers in Laura U Interior Design continued the tradition of understated elegance, ramping up the luxury from the mature rooms while focusing on colorful playfulness from the more kidcentric rooms.

This formal living room’s neutral color palette is emphasized by luxe metal finishes and rich textures. “We love to combine our metals” exclaims Umansky. “This room features nickel sconces, gold rope frame chairs from Annie Selke for Vanguard and custom cushions in platinum cloth.”

Settees: Donghia

Laura U, Inc..

The first windows were carefully restored and outfitted in tailored, custom drapery, Umansky says.

Hardware: Bradley

Laura U, Inc..

In the dining room, Umansky enlisted the talents of local artisans in Imago Dei to paint a trompe l’oeil design on the ceiling.

“We love combining patterns and using sudden color,” she says, talking about the purple silk drapes. “The customer owned the zebra-patterned chairs, so we knew this was a match made in design paradise.”

The hair-on-hide rug by Kyle Bunting adds more texture on the ground and plays off the geometry of their ceiling mural.

Laura U, Inc..

This room functions as the family space and viewing space; a recessed, motorized screen is located in the ceiling over the fireplace. “It’s the ideal space for piling onto the couch and watching movies,” says Umansky.

“We lacquered the paneling in this library at a rich brown with fuchsia and gold accents,” she says. “The color palette makes this a snug, comfy room.”

Sofa: B&B Italia; colors: Lutron; custom artwork: McClain Gallery

Laura U, Inc..

Next into the dark and comfy library is this mild and vibrant sunroom. The floor borrows its color palette in the library, making the hues in a bold checkerboard pattern. Because this is a kids’ domain, carpet tiles by Flor were a great option.

“The persimmon color on the ceiling and also at the accent cushions is a fun foil to the otherwise muted colour,” says Umansky.

Sofa: Vanguard; ottoman: Ralph Lauren Home; table, chairs: Michael Aram

Laura U, Inc..

“The muted color palette in this master bedroom set the stage for the play which is the Hudson chandelier,” says Umanksy. The outcome is a comfy yet glamorous space.

Automatic drapery: Lutron; bench: Christopher Guy (via Laura U Collection)

Laura U, Inc..

“We love to use a writing desk in a bedroom, often as an alternative to a night table,” says Umansky. “We locate the lost art of handwriting letters to be intimate and ideal for your boudoir.”

Laura U, Inc..

Calacatta gold marble is mirrored in layers of mirrors at the master en suite. Venetian mirrors were layered over a wall of custom-cut antiqued mirror. Custom vanities bring the mirror out into new dimensions.

Laura U, Inc..

The mother’s dressing area is an enjoyable meeting spot for all of the women in the home. “Her dressing room connects to the master suite and into the space her daughters share, making this a great space for them to hang out together,” explains Umansky. The room is playfully fashionable; you can see that bolder colors and prints reappear within this shared adult and kid room.

Ceiling wallpaper: Maya Romanoff

Laura U, Inc..

Two young brothers share this room. “We floated the bunk beds because of the locations of each the doors and windows,” explains Umansky. Each bed has a recessed reading light in the head.

Mirrored desks: Bungalow 5

Laura U, Inc..

In a teenaged boy’s room, the habit splatter-painted ceiling steals center stage. A deep blue accent wall causes the bed.

Art: Collaboration involving Natalie Davis and Saba Jawda

Laura U, Inc..

A slick homework and notebook channel consists of a shiny black parson’s desk out of West Elm plus a contemporary chair from the Phillips Collection.

Laura U, Inc..

One existing element from the prior homeowners inspired this entire room: the entertaining, colorful, striped Stark carpet. Low Togo Chairs are a comfortable choice for little ones and match the scale of their attic playroom.

Laura U, Inc..

Moving outside, Umansky added an abrupt jolt of electrical orange poolside via ceramic garden stools. The curvacious wicker furniture is by Janus et Cie. A black and white umbrella provides a crisp graphic component.

Laura U, Inc..

More crisp black and white continues on the pool pavilion’s terrace. “The swimming pool pavilion is equally suited for elegant entertaining as it is for children’s birthday parties,” says Umansky. Philippe Starck’s Bubble Club Chairs provide an enjoyable component, while the black and white palette keeps things sophisticated.

Laura U, Inc..

“The pool pavilion was designed for the previous homeowner. We supplied the space for our customer, keeping in mind that the space would be utilized for entertaining adults but would have to resist wet bathing suits,” says Umansky. “All the upholstery materials are either industrial or indoor-outdoor.”

More:
1929 Mansion Revival in Minnesota

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Even before digital cameras snapped the photography landscape, older movie cameras have always had an edgy, stylish vibe. They’re plentiful on the current market, and you can often score great bargains, so they may be an inexpensive way to spark your interiors with a gathered display.

When you plan to put your vintage cameras into use, go through a reputable dealer — you do not want to take a chance with internet auction websites or local garage sales. A trader can help you figure out a vintage camera’s condition, find a model that uses film still accessible and offer ideas on how to coax out the very best possible shots. Many offer a guarantee as well. Try KEH, Collectible Cameras, Adorama and E.P. Levine to start.

If, however, you’re more interested in attractiveness than function — and in case you do not care about value — don’t hesitate to save money on thrift-store or Craigslist finds. Stumped for how to exhibit them? These ideas will get your creative juices pumping.

Kaylovesvintage

Like things always have more impact when grouped together. The same as the trio of vases with this side desk, the set of cameras brings a great deal more attention in unison than either camera would on its own.

What an approach to art! Frames surround a grid of cameras for a beautifully manicured screen.

Dabito

Layers of vintage chic add as much as a supercool impact in this setting, by the midcentury modern–fashion cupboard to the old-school phone and cameras.

Tiffany Brooks, Interior Designer & HGTV Host

Purists may shriek, but spray painting a classic camera elevates it to the realm of sculpture.

Cameras, rather than paperbacks or bric-a-brac, dot these bookshelves for a lovely shadow box effect. This therapy is evidence that you don’t have to audience shelves with objects — occasionally simplicity works best.

Megan Buchanan

Wondering what to do with a sterile mantel? An assortment of cameras appears so much fresher than the expected candles or vases.

Annie McElwain Photography

I adore the way this peekaboo camera is slotted to a shelving unit full of additional flotsam — you do not notice it right away, and that’s the purpose. It is a sly surprise amid ordinary objects.

Amid a display of clocks and old books and photos, a set of cameras adds a period-appropriate finishing touch.

More:
Get Inspired With Suggestions To Get Vintage Style
How to score in the Flea Market

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Formal dining moved out the window when designer Jennifer Ott remodeled the kitchen in her Austin, Texas, home. Ott and her husband did not use the huge closed-off dining room next to the first small kitchen, so they knocked down the walls to create a modern, ample space for entertaining as well as cooking. Bold colors, two pantries, clever cupboard designs along with a smart breakfast nook today give her the room and style she’s craved.

Loop Design

Ott needed plenty of countertop to share with her husband, and room for two guests and cooks to move smoothly around the kitchen. “I’m a lover of generous aisle widths,” she states. “If you cook or entertain often and have the space, I suggest 48-inch into 54-inch wide aisles. Greater than 54 inches starts to feel overly wide, and you’ll feel like you have run a marathon after building a meal” Following the remodel, the kitchen is 250 square foot, and the dining space is 115 square foot.

Cabinetry: Ikea base cupboard boxes, Texas Trim pecan door and drawer fronts; shelving: habit pecan; countertops: concrete by Caesarstone; stove, hood: Wolf

Loop Design

Following the walls between the original kitchen and dining rooms were knocked down, architect Christy Seals of Loop Design needed to incorporate a large beam to support the loading of the second story, which was rather a challenge. Because the beam is a foot thick, it meant they needed to lower the ceiling height in this field. However, Ott loves the varying ceiling heights — they allow for a subtle willingness from the kitchen and intimacy from the dining area.

Ott picked the colors based on housewares she had fallen in love with. Her strategy was to use neutral colors for substances that are costly or hard to change — such as the quartz countertop and concrete floor — and use bold colors for substances that are economical and easy to replace — such as paint and accessories.

Floors: concrete overlay; wall paint: Parakeet, Sherwin Williams; island paint: Larchmere, Sherwin Williams; bar stools: Ikea

Loop Design

Although she loves her kitchen neat and clean, Ott isn’t always able to stay on top of putting everything off. She made the window seat as a secret storage space, with a massive space for oversize and little-used products. Two pantries at the end of the kitchen help with this too. Since the pantries are behind closed doors, she doesn’t have to be concerned about them being spotless.

Refrigerator: Samsung; pendants at dining room: Firefly, CB2; window seat cloth: Little Dandelion, Premier Prints

Loop Design

Ott put extra-large drawers at the bottom cabinets, rather than fixed shelves, making it easier for her to reach kitchen items. Often-used bowls, plates and glasses were put on the open pecan shelvingsystem, to stop constant dusting. Ott also used the house’s existing plumbing to keep down costs. This limited the kitchen’s layout, but they had lots of room to work with.

“nobody comes with an unlimited budget, so it’s good to determine what your priorities are and place the money from the items that make the most sense for you, for how you’ll use your kitchen,” Ott says. “I do not bake, so that I did not want two separate wall ovens. It might be a popular must-have for a great deal of people, but we simply didn’t want it”

Sink: Silgranit Precis Super Single Undermount, Blanco; fixtures: Grohe; pendant over sink: George Kovacs, Lights Fantastic

Contractor: Jason Williams, Shoal Creek Construction

Photography: Patrick Wong, Atelier Wong

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The most effective architectural design — contemporary, conventional, whatever the situation may be — chooses the natural surroundings into consideration. Architectural type, materials and assemblies should react to sunlight, wind and other factors of climate. One means of addressing sunlight is with louvers — closely spaced slats that allow the sun’s rays to pass through specific times of the day, producing shade at other occasions.

The following examples illustrate how louvers can be oriented vertically on a facade or as a trellis. The majority fall into the latter category, as spending some time outdoors while still having some respite from the sun is a popular reason to use louvers. For much more shading ideas, see my posts on timber slats and sunshades.

Wheeler Kearns Architects

The horizontal louvers located on the outside of the house designed by Wheeler Kearns Architects are located on the projecting quantity at left along with a stair which sits between it and the more solid place on the right side.

Wheeler Kearns Architects

It’s simple to see why louvers were used here: All these are the areas with the most transparency. In the instance of the foreground quantity, a screened porch, the louvers wrap the top half (approximately) of three sides.

Wheeler Kearns Architects

By increasing the louvers above door height, views from the seating area inside to the landscape are rather open. The amount, horizontal profile and standing of the louvers means the large, midday sunlight is blocked but the very low sunlight can come through.

Wheeler Kearns Architects

The louvers are articulated in precisely the same fashion from the stair, filtering the light which enters the tall space. The louvers mitigate the impact of the sunlight on the space, keeping it from turning into a greenhouse in warmer months.

Wheeler Kearns Architects

Here is the view from the staircase out to the landscape, together with the screened seats area seen beyond.

Baldridge Architects

Baldridge Architects’ aptly named Courtyard House is highlighted with a large trellis within the decked outdoor space. With the louvers oriented vertically (the opposite of the former example), the sun is allowed to input when it’s directly overhead but is filtered when in an angle.

Baldridge Architects

This daytime photo shows the trellis in action. It’s important to be aware that the louvers work in concert with all the surrounding trees, so more shade is provided together than independently.

Baldridge Architects

When seen from inside, the trellis appears to function as an exterior ceiling, solid at a few angles. This provides a enclosure and privacy to the space adjacent to the glass walls.

Rudolfsson Alliker Associates Architects

Much like the preceding instance is the home in Sydney, Australia, designed by Rudolfsson Alliker Associates Architects. The trellis also sits just outside the glass walls, in this instance sliding walls that connect inside and out.

Rudolfsson Alliker Associates Architects

The placement of the louvers makes it seem they are a continuation of the ceiling, making a stronger tie between inside and out in line with the remainder of the design.

Rudolfsson Alliker Associates Architects

Nevertheless the timber used for the louvers provides the trellis some warmth which the rest of the layout lacks in its minimalism.

Rudolfsson Alliker Associates Architects

This detail shows the simplicity of the layout: closely spaced wood slats attached to paired galvanized steel angles.

Studio Saved – ASAP House

Studio ASAP’s ASAP House on New York’s Long Island features a red trellis in the rear which is apparently completely different — visually and physically — from the home, a straightforward one-story box. That they function together is evident from the way the trellis columns sit between each set of double doors.

Studio Saved – ASAP House

The trellis is capped in translucent, corrugated plastic, shielding the occupants from rain as well as sunlight.

Studio Saved – ASAP House

Another Studio Kiss project features a trellis more in tune with its house, but there’s still something to it that makes it feel as the trellis is a great addition. In fact the project is a renovation with a new front porch.

Studio Saved – ASAP House

The trellis sits in the front edge of the new porch, behaving like a screen between the street and the home. It’s an interesting design that provides a little bit of privacy to some side not normally used to it. I really could see a barbecue occurring here, as opposed to out back.

Studio Saved – ASAP House

The stepping from the wall creates places to sit down, aided by the wall’s thickness.

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Shade in Summer, Sun at Winter

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Tired of your coastal home design? Pare down your decor and vary textures and finishes to update to a appearance. Color plays an integral part go bold with splashes of turquoises along with corals throughout spaces. Think of your room as an art gallery; put and select objects for maximum effect. This appearance doesn’t scream coastal. On the contrary, it’s very subtle — you may have just 1 painting or piece of furniture that defines the appearance, but it will be sufficient to give your space a coastal feel.

Related: So Your Design Is: Coastal

John Lewis

Davey Factory Ceiling Light, Copper – GBP 360

Lighting

This lighting has all of the components needed for the modern coastal appearance — a maritime feel and smooth, sleek lines in a beautiful polished copper.

Resources:
• Locate this at John Lewis (U.K. just).
• Restoration Hardware has a massive selection of lights that look perfect in modern coastal homes.

Wisteria

Floating Coral Shelf – $49

Accessories

Mix coastal contours with more contemporary materials. Organic shapes are highlighted by these coral shelves in a format that is clean.

Resources:
• Locate this at Wisteria.
• Anthropologie is great for quirky takes on coastal accessories.

beebolt

Zikat Fabric, Indigo – $10.50

Fabric

Play with layouts from neutrals and blues, such as this gorgeous chevron stripe from Beebolt. A couple bits in a fun pattern are.

Resources:
• Lewis & Sheron have a beautiful range of stripes and ikats.
• Romo fabrics always has great coordinating stripes.

RSH

Malibu Fish Plates, Set of 9 – $239

Wall Art

Create a screen of coastal-inspired art. Visit local galleries to locate sculpture or a painting that feels special.

Resources:
• Discover these great plates at RSH.
• Art.com has an excellent selection of modern art in many different price ranges.

ABC Carpet & Home

Shibori Linen Pillow – $158

Pillows

This shibori linen pillow is filled with visual feel. It’d look amazing.

Resources:
• Get this cushion from ABC Carpet & Home.
• West Elm is a great source for pillows in all shapes, sizes and colours.
• For more modern coastal cushions, attempt Tuvalu Home.

John Lewis

Eames RAR Rocking Chair, Ocean – GBP 435

Furniture

Keep furniture lines classic and clean. Aim for simple bits that still stand out — such as this timeless Eames rocker at a foggy blue.

Resources:
• Check out Dwell (U.K. just) for some magnificent contemporary furniture.
• Restoration Hardware always has a great mixture of modern and unusual pieces.

Exquisite Surfaces

Montaigne Collection Tournai Wood Floors

Floors

in case you’ve got the option of trimming your floors, target to get worn hardwoods in light colours to keep the more classic side of your coastal home.

Resources:
• Locate this timber flooring at Exquisite Surfaces.
• Take a peek at Pavé Tile and Stone for more worn wood options.

weegohome.com

Coral Rug – $270

Rugs

Utilize a picture rug to add a wow factor to any room. Keep the colour palette simple and instead aim for patterns.

Resources:
• Locate this carpet at Weego Home.
• A fantastic selection of rugs may also be located at Modern Rugs (U.K. just).

Benjamin Moore

In the Tropics Paint

Shade

You can play with colour in a modern coastal home, and thus don’t feel like you need to adhere to just neutrals. Brighten things up with a coral or turquoise!

Resources:
• Discover this and other great coastal colours at Benjamin Moore.
• Try Small Greene for more great colours.

Thomas Paul

King Octopus Duvet Cover, Charcoal – $400

Bedding

Keep bedding simple but statement making. This duvet cover creates a real impact with its vintage drawing from bold black and white.

Resources:
• Locate this at Thomas Paul.
• Try Ralph Lauren for pared-down seems for your bedroom.
• The White Company has an extensive range of bedding.

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