DREAM HOME
DREAM HOME

Saturday, January 30, 2010

An Exquisite French Manor in Utah

Earlier in the week I promised you a tour of a wonderful newly constructed house in Utah. Built by a reader of WD and her husband (who previously worked for Christopher Peacock Kitchens). The house is an wonderful example of true craftsmanship.
We were able to get a private sneak peak into this home which they refer to as the "French House". The home is currently for sale, and unfurnished.
More often than not designers spend large amounts of time bringing interest and depth to plain rooms. I think it's important to show how wonderful and warm a home can look, even unfurnished, for you to have a true appreciation what good architecture and craftsmanship can bring to a space. Even empty this home is stunning.
The main entry, though not grand in size is really beautiful. Notice the key details here: herringbone floors, hand forged iron railings, exquisite moulding details and a beamed ceiling. Beyond we see an interesting curved hallway.
Here is a close up of the reclaimed hand hewn barn beams
Of course when the builder is also a world class cabinet maker you know the kitchen will be the jewel of the home and this one is gorgeous! It has a very Christopher Peacock feel, but I think this particular kitchen has even more personality. I love the front X detailing on the center island. Also notice the coffered ceiling. I also like the choice of light fixtures!
Notice the the first center island has a soft curve to it, which was harder to see in the picture above. Having a conversation at a curved island versus a straight one is much more enjoyable. You should always try to incorporate even a soft curve in a kitchen island if possible.
I love the subtle diamond shaped marble tile backsplash. As expected the kitchen is outfitted with top of the line appliances.
The first island has been thoughtfully designed with a step down so guests can't view a messy sink. The second island is topped walnut for food prep.
Here is a close up of the corner detailing on the island! Wonderful!
A close up of the walnut top - notice its tongue in groove and bread board sides.
Coffered ceilings continue in the Living room, which also has a stunning fireplace and surround. Can you imagine how wonderful this home would look furnished?
The dining room with French doors and interesting moulding details
The family room continues the coffered ceilings. I love the fireplace! My imagination is going wild furnishing it in my head!
The curved staircase is just stunning - hand forged iron railings are beautiful.
A quick peek into the master bath which reveals a coveted zinc soaking tub.
This porch off the Master bedroom is one of several porches to take in the spectacular mountain views.
Notice that the outdoor detailing and stonework are as elaborate and thoughtful as the indoor detailing. This shows just part of the back of the home. See the mountains on the right.
Here is a side view - a lovely landscaped path - notice the copper gutters and cedar shake roof. More spectacular mountain views.
I adore the charm of these shutters!
No detail was left out. Look at the close up of these iron fleur de lys.
Even the garage was not overlooked. I love the heft and depth of the stone outside the garage. Look closely to see the herringbone brick detail in the driveway.
This gorgeous house is a spectacular example of craftsmanship. It was recently on the local "Parade of Homes". For more information on this home and to see
the real estate listing click here.
For more information on the iron work and railings click here.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Beach House Renovation with a Twist

It's always exciting to hear from my readers! Last week one of my readers contacted me and let me know about Michael Greenberg Associates in Connecticut. He owns a wonderful architectural firm which also has a beautiful cabinetry arm. My reader's husband used to work for them and she knew I would love their work. She was so right!
This is a stunning old beach house renovation in Connecticut done by Greenberg.
I love the openness of this home, but I also like how they kept the old feeling by making sure they used similar, substantial mouldings. A lovely mix of slipcovers, sisal, rattan and glass! All give it a beach house vibe, with class.
The dining room is rather sparse, but it really goes with the New England Beach look. I like striped fabric on the upholstered end chairs and the solid fabric on the side chairs. Traditional with a twist.
The sunroom really captures the spectacular outdoor views. I like how the furniture echos the grid lines on the windows. The subtle furnishings blend, as they should, and do not compete with the view.
Here is another view of the kitchen. Traditional New England Beach House style with white marble counters. Very Christopher Peacock! I like the center island - not sure what the top material is - Corian? The big whisk is fun! I actually have one that I picked up yeas ago at a flea market, but mine is in a box in my basement waiting for the right photo shoot!
I love the color of the Master bedroom! Notice the cowhide rug on the floor - we are seeing these everywhere now! To read an previous post about cowhide rugs click here
Lovely master bath - The window placement and the mirror is interesting. I have a similar set up in my own master bath. I also love the textural element of the beadboard.
Finally the wonderful outdoor screened porch. It really is a room of its own with the fieldstone fireplace.
What a spectacular view!

My reader and her husband relocated to Utah and he just completed another gorgeous home. The workmanship and detail are amazing! Here's a sneak peek of part of the exterior. I will be posting the rest the home later this week! See you then!

(all photos m.greenberg assoiciates)

Monday, January 25, 2010

Eddie Ross & Bloomingdale's Big Window Challenge

I have been a fan of Eddie Ross' for several years and was thrilled to learn that he was one of the contestants in the Bloomingdale's Big Window Challenge - Three designers were asked to go head to head and create a window for Bloomingdale's flagship store in NY. Viewers vote for their favorite window. To see all three rooms – go here.
It was no surprise that my favorite is Eddie Ross' window. As usual Eddie has a fresh and fun approach to decorating! Elegant but not stuffy, formal with a twist!
To learn more about Eddie and the contest click here. For more information on how to vote, go here. Be sure to vote TWICE a day – through this Thursday.
If his window is your favorite, please help show Eddie your love of his work and your support!!!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Belgian Factory Restored

Some of my favorite magazines are from France and Belgium. I recently saw this wonderful Brussels home that was originally a mirror factory and wanted to share it with you.
The owner, an artist, has lovingly restored and refurbished the factory over the course of several years. The dining room above features a naturally worn farm table and a collection of antique cream chairs with a wonderful patina. The cupboard is made from several old pieces of wood and houses only part of the owners extensive glass collection. The large entry is painted a beautiful buttery cream while the ceilings and upper mouldings are painted a contrasting white. The doors and built in mirrors add to the already light filled space. An antique woodworker's table is a beautiful place to display the owners collection of vintage hats. The light fixture is from IKEA. The kitchen is so wonderfully rustic. Old library shelving is painted white and used to display the huge collection of dishes and serving pieces. An antique library ladder is used to retrieve those items too high to reach. Notice the thickness of the shelves; thicker shelves were created to handle the weight of the different types of crockery. I love the interesting contrast of the industrial style faucet. The owners extensive glass collection is housed in an antique museum case that was painted a soft white to match the walls and highlight the glass. A collection of old unmatched chairs were also painted in soft pastels which unify them. The soft colors and leaning antique mirror add to airiness of the room. Interestingly the light fixture, which matches the entry fixture is also from IKEA.
The library, which doubles as the owners studio is washed in gray paint. The library shelving was also painted and holds the owners extensive collection of books. A vintage stepladder makes the high shelves accessible. I love the wide pine floors, softened from years of use left natural and waxed. The light in this room is just fabulous.
One of several bedrooms -I included this room because I adore the wall moulding.
Here is the adjacent bath. I like the mix of pieces in this space. The antique painted table looks so interesting with the reproduction tub.
This is the trompe-l'oeil bedroom. A closer look reveals a wall of canvas painted by the owner to look like pillows and headboard. A vintage industrial metal stool serves as night stand.
Finally another bath - I just adore the way the owner painted/washed the wall in a soft green. An antique cupboard holds extra towels and sundries for guests.

For more information about this wonderful factory turned home in Brussels click here.

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(all photos marieclairemaison)

Monday, January 18, 2010

Modern Furniture Design

Modern Furniture Design

Modern Sofa
Modern Sofa
Sofa sets, a significant furniture piece, serve as beautiful enrichments to the interiors. They are designed in Sofa Setstraditionally or contemporary Indian styles that are truly eye-catching. Intricately carved sofa sets are a major hit among the admirers of exquisite furniture and are a craze in the overseas export market.
Sofa Bed Design
Sofa Bed Design
They are often adorned with fabrics in elegant prints and finishes with solid wood legs. Being rare and luxurious, the silver stools are true old fashioned and real taste of noble & high status buyers. The sofa sets are perfect for the living rooms, family rooms or offices.
Furniture Modern Design
Furniture Modern Design
The sofa sets are available in both contemporary and traditional styles lending a touch of beauty and character to the homes. They are elegantly adorned with intricate carvings and patterns that blend in totally with functionality. The sofa sets are padded with cushions made of different fabric, designed to offer immense comfort while sitting. They are available in a huge range of styles and finish supplemented by appropriate smoothing and polishing.Modern Interior
Living Room Furniture
Living Room Furniture
Living Room Interior Design
Living Room Interior Design
Sofa Furniture
Sofa Furniture
I love the used of solid wood as a functional and aesthetic detail that reveals a sign of quality furniture. The PATMOS leather sofa from RIVA exudes a classic quality that has been part of the plan for three generation that combines "wooden blocks, set between or flanking the leather seat, thus turned into a useful and convenient surface". The Riva is an all Italian collection that features quality materials, strictly reforested timber (preferably solid timber), quality of production employing skilled craftsman, detailed finishes, ad hoc fixtures and fittings, natural oil and wax based treatments and detailed design quality. The PATAMOS divan is available in various compositions and dimensions, and if requested made in specific sizes.Modern Furniture