Design Debate

This recent renovation by landscape architects Brenton Beggs and Katie Cudal was a breath of fresh air as I perused the world wide web today. The little apartment they purchased in Australia's Melbourne was just 55 square metres with one bedroom, but they cleverly managed to squeeze in another. The real allure for them was the garden, although shared the couple enjoyed free reign to show off their design prowess.  I believe they have successfully managed to create a light and airy space that feels very welcoming, I particularly love the plants and shelving that frames the doorways. Useful and beautiful, full of interest with ideas I might pinch for my own home! Originally found at The Design Files . 

Such a sympathetic and warming renovation I stumbled upon today, I wanted to share it with you. Peter and Rachel Harford-Cross, architects from Glasgow, decided it was time to renovate a prized family abode. This fisherman's cottage once belonged to Peter's grandmother and now passing to his parents, he wanted to carefully introduce some creature comforts without compromising the integrity of this remote island shelter.   The small space has been thoughtfully restored using, where possible, reclaimed items that totally feel at home in a traditional Scottish bothy.  What I particularly like is the clever hide away kitchen, the downstairs is all open plan but having the smooth honey plywood conceal the little kitchenette allows the lounge to feel calmer, tidying any mess away. All the cooking and heating comes from one little stove, a lovely focal point for the room.  The main bedroom has a hidden rail so a curtain can sweep it away for privacy. Up a restored wooden la...

This is rather lush, Expensify's office in Portland USA feels like it has slipped into this historic building as one would slide on a glove. The stunning First National Bank building remains uncompromised, a four story atrium filled with light and gorgeous original features. The open plan space is flexible. Metal-framed boxes appear to float at different heights dividing up the building and little wooden huts provide secluded hubs away from the buzz of the open plan work space. The choice of materials too brings warmth elegance but with that modern precision.  I do love seeing old buildings given new life and ZGF Architects have given this 1916 building a fresh story to tell. Originally found at The Cool Hunter .   

Sometimes a piece of architecture comes along and just really hits the spot. Landhaus is the best of the both worlds. This country pile was built during the Art Nouveau period but has been elegantly brought up to date by German architectural studio TKA.  The feeling of space is rather epic. Simple pieces of furniture set of the architectural features perfectly. It does feel more like a public building than a home but I think it is a space that would inspire and elevate the simplest and most mundane tasks in life!  Originally found at Eclectic Trends . 

I love it when I read about people who don't only say they care, but actually do something about it. It was the home of John and Gisele Fetterman that first caught my eye, but I am also wowed by what they have achieved in their community. John Fetterman and his family live in Braddock, PA, USA. It's just outside Pittsburgh and, not too long ago, was poor, violent and a bit of a ghost town. That wasn't always the story; back in its heyday this area was once a vibrant urban centre for the steel industry. When John arrived here in 2001, he set to work to bring the community back. Their home just epitomises what this family are good at: seeing potential. Their vast house was once an indoor car dealership built in the 1920s. From a boarded-up wreck they have created a great family home for them and their three kids. I love how they have kept the car ramps! A later look around the house reveals just how much of the building’s character they kept....