Dream Homes
Envisioned with an eclectic eye by the artist/designer himself, the modern dream apartment of Greg Baker of Ambassador Home manages to encapsulate a melodious mix of warm woods, ethnic accents, contemporary lines and rich textiles that make the space ultra-inviting.
Located in the city of Perth in Western Australia, this flat was originally built in the 1970s and possessed a limited, closed-in floorplan. Greg and his father personally renovated the space, knocking down walls and enhancing the living areas to be more functional and conducive to the owner’s lifestyle. The color scheme is earthy and sumptuous with gold, cream, beige, brown, grey and black coming into play throughout.
Creating interest is the decisive design of the living room and master bedroom. Both are open to each other, yet afford enough privacy to make the distinction between the somewhat shared space. A central wall remains in tact, with openings on either side of it expanding the area and gathering natural light from the dining room’s glass doors.
While initially a smaller space, the bedroom now escapes constraint with a furnished sitting area. A fully mirrored wall behind the bed exhibits an oversized photographic artwork and bounces light from both the outside and table lamps perched in front of it. The bathroom features a combined step-in tub and shower with glazed wall, and a minimalist wood vanity with cool white basin.
Adjoining the bedroom is the living room which is anchored by a stunning, customized EcoSmart ethanol fireplace which is housed in an elongated unit also storing books, CDs and displaying a collection of intriguing–sometimes playful–objects d’art which are dotted amongst the interiors. A beautiful cowhide and chrome-legged bench ties together the other contemporary furnishings of leather and sturdy woven fabric. The shared dining room sits adjacent to a sliding glass door leading to the terrace. Mid-century modern chairs surround the rustic wood table.
The kitchen is streamlined and practical with a center island discreetly housing the refrigerator, freezer, cooktop and oven. This space becomes perfect for entertaining guests as it is unfolds unto to the main living areas.
Greg Baker’s modern dream home is a thought-provoking apartment that magnificently redines the quintessential bachelor pad. (via)
Photography by Ross Swanborough
Posted by Suzanne at 13 May, 2013
An abandoned industrial bakery, the Kempart Loft in Liege, Belgium was transformed by Dethier Architectures into an ultra-modern dream home doused in severe futuristic style.
Inspired by the clients’ affinity towards precision engineering, the design team worked to create the approximately 1,660 square-foot modular space which is primarily one open area, though divided into zones by metal corrugations stemming from the pitched roof. A centralized, podlike structure resembling an iconic Airstream trailer rests in the middle of the stark space, acting as an aerodynamic container for two bathrooms, storage and the heating/ventilation systems, as well as the flat-screen television. Doors in this unit can fold open or slide shut to induce an intensely streamlined aesthetic. Abundant uplighting throughout aids an airy sense of the space.
Interiors are virtually monochromatic in grey and white, while the gleaming brushed aluminum contributes a sleek effect to the radically minimalist home. One bathroom bursts in lime green, while the other buzzes with tangerine walls and accents. Each has a portal-type window, allowing these vivid hues to glow from within, creating pops of color to the otherwise muted living areas.
The bedroom resides in the north sector of the loft while the lounge rests at the south. This living room consists of custom-made sectional seating which was intentionally positioned so when relaxing, the residents could have sight-lines of the neighborhood street at one end and the rooftop terrace via the other. The spacious, connected kitchen is sheathed in white and stainless steel, yet surprises with bright red chairs at the dining table. A wall panel with LED read-out further adds a space-age vibe.
Unexpected is the expansive garden roof terrace, which is nearly twice the size of the interior living plan. This contrasting space engages the more organic elements of the outdoors with wood decking, brickwork and potted greenery
The Kempart Loft is a boldly reinterpreted dream loft which takes extreme minimalistic design to its outermost realms.
Posted by Suzanne at 10 May, 2013
Set upon a 10-acre farm near Melbourne, the Merricks Farm House by Robson Rak Architecture is an unconventional modern dream home derived almost entirely of earth, glass and timber. Intended as a holiday retreat, this spacious residence fits a family of four and can easily be expanded upon as per the clients’ future plans.
A series of rectangular, two-level structures, this dwelling possesses a flat roof and boasts three separate living areas while maintaing a low-profile spread across the rural landscape. A foundation of natural elements used in constructing the dream home include the rammed earth walls made from indigenous sand. The distinctive textures of walls, which are featured on both the exterior and interiors, create varying hues according to where and when the daylight bounces. An understated palette of grey, beige, brown and white follows throughout the minimalist space, and evokes the organic beauty of the design.
The contemporary living room shares space with the open kitchen, and features a linear wood-burning fireplace set into one of the rammed earth walls bearing a light cream color. Horizontal windows above this structure, as well as the black-framed glass sliding glass doors here and in the dining area, welcome help to elicit an airy vibe and bring the outdoors in.
The sizable kitchen island is a remarkable focal point, and is wrapped in rectangular charcoal-hued tiles, some of which are heavily glazed creating a unique visual integration. Skylights are perched above this work area, allowing natural light to pour in and form striking geometric shadows within the space.
A deep soaking tub defines one of the bathrooms and sits under a window with stunning views of the lush trees. Industrial hanging glass pendants enclose a bare bulb and contrast the soft sheer drapery accenting the space. A half wall of glazed tiles harmoniously echo those in the kitchen.
An expansive back terrace overlooks the vast greenery of the farm property, features a dining table, additional fireplace nestled into a divider wall. Down a few steps is another patio featuring glazed panels embracing the pool, wooden pergola and lounging area.
Whether for a vacation get away or permanent residence, the Merricks Farm House is a modern dream home escape.
Photography by Shannon McGrath
Posted by Suzanne at 10 May, 2013
At the end of a long winding driveway lies the Pigeon Creek Residence by Lucid Architecture. This Midwestern modern dream home is situated in western Michigan amidst a forest and wetland, and possesses a solid connection to the surrounding natural landscape.
Built for a family with two young children, the owners envisioned a spacious, warm and cozy residence. Lucid Architecture took those requests and created a mainly vertical 20’ x 80’ box structure conducive to a family lifestyle.
The timber facade features a generous amount of glazed surfaces, which allow natural light to infuse the interiors. A wide cedar deck at the front leads to the home’s entry, while continuous wood flooring throughout enhances the organic vibe of the home. Once inside, the living room, kitchen, dining area and master bedroom can be found.
With a double-sided fireplace, the living space beckons the outdoors with a 24’ wall of sliding glass doors which disappear completely to create a multi-functional room. Hues of brown, beige and gold in the sectional seating and accent rug unite with the forest, while bold pink and orange throw pillows add zest. A corrugated metal roof overhang shields direct sunlight from the space during the hot summer months, yet allows for northern light to penetrate in the winter.
Further bringing nature within this modern dwelling, the colored concrete blocks of the fireplace and chimney mimic the bark of beech trees bordering the property. A soaring ceiling slants upwards towards the main box of the house, while the same horizontal wood siding used on the exterior shows through creating warmth and character.
The kitchen is vast and contemporary with smooth black cabinetry, stainless appliances and a vivid white island with seating which is a striking offset to the space. Unique storage units mounted above the countertops glow with opaque glass doors lighted from within. A bright yellow geometric block containing some of the recessed lighting adds a perky surprise.
A cantilevered switchback staircase sits just off the kitchen and ascends to a steel-riveted glass “railing” upstairs. This clever design allows light to interchange between the levels, further enhancing the airy design.
The master suite is on the northern end of the floorplan and is highlighted by a keen sliding glass pocket door which exposes this haven to the lush outdoors. The children’s bedrooms are on the second level, as is a loft ideal for play.
The Pigeon Creek Residence is a refreshing departure from the traditional design typical in this part of the country, and becomes a modern dream home perfectly suited for a family of four.
Posted by Suzanne at 9 May, 2013
Part of a traditional brownstone-lined street in Brooklyn Heights, the Mirtillo Townhouse by Leone Design Studio has been renovated into a 4,000 square-foot dwelling with a renewed and quite unique modern interpretation of an urban dream home.
The original interiors were in line with the classic four-story layout which was veritcally-driven, yet closed off by ceilings and floors. A main component of the restructure was to open the entire home to double-height ceilings where possible, as well as to add square footage which was done via a two-story rear addition of a dining room and family living area.
Rooted in the middle of this now airy home is the centerpiece staircase, boldly suspended and constructed of reclaimed blackened steel and wood beams discovered during the demolition. The stairs are embraced by a partition of industrial stainless steel cables is an illusional surprise which travel the full height of the townhome. A further element to this stunning design is the natural light which penetrates the staircase from the roof skylight perched amongst faceted walls.
The two-story addition towards the rear of the home includes a balcony dining room which joins space with the sitting room fitted with plentiful bookshelves and contemporary wood and fabric furnishings. The dining area sits directly over the spacious family room. The adjacent kitchen is sleek with state-of-the-art stainless amenities, an elongated counter and a fireplace which is flush with the wall. The entire back wall of this supplemental living space is glazed and framed in mahogany with lovely views to the outdoor dining terrace landscaped gardens of the backyard. Knotted wood floors span all levels while timeless paned windows and doors add balance to the otherwise modern aesthetic.
Downstairs, the inviting first-floor entry features a baby grand piano, Persian rug and a lime green contemporary work of art hung over a sturdy marble fireplace. On the second floor, the master bedroom is warm with golden hues and medium-toned woodwork including custom shelving and armoires. An adjoining terrace with sitting area sits upon this ‘green roof.’ The bathroom is fresh and bright with yellow walls, white trim, glass walk-in shower, as well as minimalist tub, sink basins and fixtures. Two additional bedrooms and bath reside on the top floor.
Leone Design Studio manages to meticulously balance industrial chic based with historic beauty in this masterful urban dream home.
Photos by: ©Albert Vecerka / Esto
Posted by Suzanne at 8 May, 2013
Situated in the much sought-after Meatpacking District of Manhattan, Leone Design Studio of Brooklyn was faced with the task of creating a family-friendly modern dream home derived from a challenging floorplan.
The clients who are both in the fashion industry, were seeking interiors with a modern vibe which were conducive to both entertaining and comfortable living with their two young boys. The result: The Meatpacking Loft, a sleek, airy space with warm wood elements including contemporary storage collections of bespoke millwork. The renovation encompassed a vast area including living room, dining room, kitchen, den, master suite, children’s bedroom, bathroom and den.
The living area is a light-filled space bathed in soothing hues of cream, beige and brown, including the pale wood flooring throughout. Windows are plentiful, typically a rarity in Manhattan spaces, but this particular dwelling possess sunny exposure which contributes to the open feel of the room. The wall of custom built-ins spans the height of the ceiling and blends well with the design. It features an interesting and compact fireplace within the lower level of the woodwork. Incredible exposed rustic ceiling beams, likely from the original structure, as well as new dark wood columns, create a striking visual division between the living room and dining area.
A round dining table relaxes the space which leads to a geometric central wall and breakfast bar overlooking the main kitchen area. The grey, wood-grain cabinetry is seamless with the wall space and features an alcove housing a stainless commercial stove. White marble countertops add light to the space, as does the recessed uplighting between the wood trim and white walls.
Yet another bonus to the quintessential Manhattan apartment is a den. In this amazing home, the office is lounge-like with a contemporary sofa, chairs and coffee table. Desk and cabinets were cleverly built in to maximize square footage, while a bright red chair surprises in this otherwise neutral work-live zone
The children’s bedroom is reached by a brief flight of cantilevered stairs. It follows the minimalism aesthetic of the rest of the house yet manages to induce a cozy vibe where the boys can play and have fun. Painted white “game trophies” adorn one wall, while the other is clad in preppy plaid which contrasts the contemporary modular bunk beds and desk well. Cherry red seating pops, as does an opaque white globe lighting fixture, both creating fresh whimsy.
The master bedroom carries the muted greys of the rest of the home with contemporary furnishings and smooth white customized wall units which forge a striking accent. The bath is sheathed in natural grey stone and clean white vanities bringing forth a spa-like essence.
The Meatpacking Loft by Leone Design Studio exemplifies the modern urban dream home that so many live to covet.
Posted by Suzanne at 7 May, 2013
Rarely is a design concept so definitively ‘black-and-white’, yet in the case of a modern dream home by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen of Norm Architects, that’s precisely what the project is. A four-level townhouse bathed in brilliant white with strategic black accents, Copenhagen Penthouse II personifies the beauty of minimalism.
The exterior proves to be characteristic of the surrounding dwellings of this central Copenhagen neighborhood, where facades are constructed of classic grey-brown bricks and traditional window frames. Upon entering this vast, clean space, though, one immediately feels a vibe of contemporary chic as well as a rush of relaxation. The natural light literally bounces between the pure white walls, ceilings and floors. With such a rich palette of white-on-white with doses of black, it seems as if the interiors were photographed with a special effect.
To contrast the all-white spaces, a central core was painted striking matte black. Lighting is camouflaged underneath this structure creating an illusion of floating walls. To establish height within the residence, which was rather closed off due to four vertically-divided floors, cement walls were knocked down, glazed elements like floor-to-ceiling staircase panels added and all doors were cut to the ceiling.
Smooth white resin floors gleam, flowing between rooms and produce a neutral backdrop allowing the artful furnishings to command attention. Geometric recessed lighting spotlights the floors generating unique light forms and adding interest to the understated space. The top floor possess a ceiling of rustic beans painted stark white and features rooftop skylights which allow daylight to generously pour in.
Much attention was placed on streamlining storage and cabinetry so details such as door handles, panelings and fittings were limited to exposure. Closets were built in to create flush walls, while wiring for lighting fixtures was completed with wireless switches.
The child’s bedroom is the one dedicated space popping with vibrant accents of fuchsia, navy, lavender, yellow and green. From shelving cubbies stocked with small wooden toys to the circular rug made of colorful mini pom-poms, the bright white space is playfully dotted with cheer and exudes a sense of harmony with the rest of the home.
With zero clutter, a newly open floor plan and plentiful windows, Copenhagen Penthouse II is a visually soothing modern dream home which beckons simplified living at its finest.
photo © Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen
Posted by Suzanne at 7 May, 2013
