Showing posts with label architect. Show all posts
Showing posts with label architect. Show all posts
Boston is wonderful place if you are interested in architecture. There are so many glorious historical buildings. America's gilded age brought architecture with unparalleled opulence to Boston. Some of these buildings still remain untouched. Such is the case with the beautiful English Rose Estate, built in 1929. The house was built for Quincy Adams Shaw, a wealthy copper mining investor. The house is a three story, symmetrical red brick Georgian Revival almost 18,000 square feet.
When the homeowners purchased this elegant estate it was in dire need of renovation. They looked toward the talented architectural talents of Meyer & Meyer . Both John Meyer and Laura Brooks Meyer became instrumental parts of the elite design team to restore the home to its original grandeur. The scope of the work included the complete interior rebuilding of two-thirds of the house to create a new master suite, third floor bedroom suite, new entry and reception halls, and construction of a new main stairway.
With Meyer & Meyer directing the efforts no detail was overlooked. A new limestone portico was also added on the west elevation of the house with a balustrade railing at the second floor terrace. Now let's have a look inside.
Here is the original stairway when Meyer & Meyer began their renovation process. The goal was to not only return the home to its original beauty, but also to enhance it.
John Meyer is also an artist. He creates expressive, hand-drawn perspective images of his designs. Meyer feels his drawings provide a “virtual window” where architectural and interior design issues unfold before the owners eyes and allow every detail to be studied. As he designed this home, these hand renderings gave his clients an clear picture of his vision and feel for the space. Often times his clients frame these spectacular works and they become treasured and sentimental parts of their art collections. Above is Meyer's hand rendering of the entry staircase. Isn't it spectacular?!
Here is the final result. You can see that the style of the interiors evolved over time because the homeowner, who travels extensively in Europe, was enamoured with the chateaus outside of Paris. The interior result decidedly became more French than American with the use of French rococo style, pastel colors and detailing. Notice the addition of the window behind the staircase, this small window adds an incredible amount of natural light to the space. Also notice the new hand forged bronze railing - a true work of art. Meyer did an amazing job of capturing all the details and creating a space of reminiscent of a bygone era.
Here is the before picture of the Grand Reception Hall. 
And here is the hand drawn rendering that Meyer carefully and thoughtfully prepared for homeowners.
Finally here is the end result that was guided by both John and Laura Meyer. How could you not be awestruck?! Notice the moulding details, as well as the hand painted ceilings. These spectacular ceilings were painted by John Canning, the conservation specialist that also was responsible for restoring the sky mural on the ceiling of New York's Grand Central Station. Every craftsman on this project was dedicated to maintaining the highest level of quality and integrity. An amazing result!
Here is yet another view of this gorgeous home. The detailing is outstanding.
The Grand Reception hall from another angle - notice the ceiling detail, crystal chandelier and fireplace.
The master bath, bedroom and dressing room were also part of this renovation. The panels of master bedroom were also painted by Canning. Each of the four panels depicts a woman enjoying each of the four seasons.
A peek into the dressing room. Notice the cove lighting, moulding detail and hardware. No detail was overlooked.
It is wonderful to see these old buildings being carefully restored and returned to their original grandeur. The English Rose Estate is a reminder to us all the value of preserving and enhancing historical properties. To read the article from New England Home and to see more gorgeous photos and details about this house click here . For more information about the beautiful work being done by Meyer & Meyer click here. Thank you again to Meyer & Meyer for sharing this spectacular, lovingly restored architectural gem with us.
A peek into the dressing room. Notice the cove lighting, moulding detail and hardware. No detail was overlooked.It is wonderful to see these old buildings being carefully restored and returned to their original grandeur. The English Rose Estate is a reminder to us all the value of preserving and enhancing historical properties. To read the article from New England Home and to see more gorgeous photos and details about this house click here . For more information about the beautiful work being done by Meyer & Meyer click here. Thank you again to Meyer & Meyer for sharing this spectacular, lovingly restored architectural gem with us.
(all photos property of Meyer & Meyer, Inc Architecture and Interiors - do not copy with out permission)
One of the wonderful things about writing Willow Decor is the opportunity to get to know Architects, builders and other designers. Like any master skill, if you look closely and listen to these talented individuals you can learn an amazing amount. Master architect, Tom Catalano of Catalano Architects, was kind enough to send some photos of a house he recently finished. While the house clearly exceeds the price range most of us can afford, reflecting more closely on the design, we can learn a great deal about how to add details and features into our own more modest homes, for a stunning effect. 
Here is the exterior of the home. Of course it is beautiful, but interesting things to note are the the roof lines and the use of multiple materials. Stone, cedar siding and wood accents and doors are featured prominently. 
Additionally notice the curved roof lines, copper roofing and copper accents. The cobblestone driveway also adds to the wonderful feeling outside.
In your own home try to assess if you can add any one of these features to your existing exterior. A new wood door or cobblestone edging along your driveway or walkway can instantly elevate your exterior.
Of course some things are difficult and expensive to change once in your home- like banisters. But take a look at this entry. The iron spindles add a such a lovely accent to space. Also notice all the mouldings in this area. They are so beautiful. The addition of moldings is another way to add grandness to your spaces. 
The gorgeous living room has all the architectural features to make it a showplace: limestone fireplace, curved large windows, beautiful mouldings. Here the mouldings have been painted a soft seafoam, rather than white and become more prominent in the room. Paint is great tool to use to call more attention to a wonderful feature in your room - who could forget the black painted mantel from the movie It's Complicated (photo link here)?
The dining room color echos the living room colors and provides a beautiful flow. Also notice the light fixtures. I love sconces in a dining room. They provide ambient light that can really help create a spectacular atmosphere. Also notice how the beautiful windows are not covered with heavy draperies, but allow the light to flood the room.
Thea kitchen is an area where details abound: the ceilings are coffered, the cabinets have all the extras, not even the tile was overlooked.
Notice the detailed inlay on the cabinet crown moulding and the extended sides of the cabinets. Also of note it is the wood wall moulding which highlights the arched opening into the breakfast/dining area. 
I imagine that wall moulding was used to off set this moulding detail entering the family room. The wood trim around the stove hood is interesting.
Here is a close up of the tile design. Although the center piece is most likely expensive, the tiles that are not embellished are generally more affordable. Adding decorative tiles in strategic places, can give you an expensive, beautiful look for a reasonable cost. This can be done in your current tiled space, by carefully removing specific tiles and replacing the opened area with something more dramatic.
Another doorway with wall moulding that looks into the breakfast/dining area. I really love the raised fireplace. So cozy in the winter. Notice the color of the kitchen ties in nicely with the color of brick.
Off the entry, which you can see through the doorway is the library. Who wouldn't love to be surrounded by such fabulous wood and furnishings? Notice the ceiling - a deeper russet than the kitchen. Painting a ceiling in this tone really envelopes you in the room. (Have you noticed I am really into painted ceilings lately?)
Wonderful marble bath with wall mounted faucet.
This house has it all, including a to-die-for mudroom. The beadboard walls are so inviting. I love the branch like pulls. Also notice the floor; the slate is set on the diagonal which will make the space seem larger, and then edged horizontally, interesting details!
Here a back stairway brings you to the second floor. I suspect it is off the mudroom due to beadboard walls. I love beadboard in a newer home. It adds a nice touch by adding depth and a sense of age.
This is an entry to seating area -not sure which floor it is on, but I included it to show the wall moulding detail. It is interesting to me how well the rosettes mimic the kitchen backsplash tile. I love when details of one room are echoed in a different way in another room and this is a great example. Stunning!
The master bedroom is tranquil and beautiful - again gorgeous windows and french doors to private patio flood the room with light. The leather headboard provides a nice balance to the stunning wood ceiling.
Finally the opulent master bath. So much space and light - a dream with private make up area, separate sinks and glorious soaking tub! Small glass shelves dividing the vanity spaces provide privacy and openness at the same time..
This house is an exceptional example of classic home design. Though we may never be able to live in such a home, there are many small elements we can take from this and use in our own spaces. Take a fresh look at your room. Can you add some crown moulding, paint the ceiling or the mantel, add some tile? Outdoors can you edge the walkway with cobblestones or create a pebble path in the garden? Small changes can bring big impact. Let me know if any of this inspires you!
(all photos property of Catalano Architects - do not copy without permission)
As you know I am a fan of the northern New England coast. Though the water is always cold and the coast rocky, with few soft sandy areas, I love the contrast of ocean and craggy coast line. This house, redesigned by Whitten Architects is a perfect example. The house began as 1950's ranch, but was renovated into a spectacular ocean front home. 
The owners requested that they keep the feel of old beach house. The screen porch above captures the feeling with the beadboard ceiling and wicker furniture.
Here is another porch - I love the rockers and granite steps - this is classic coastal Maine.
The owners are empty nesters, but wanted the home to have lots of seating and bedrooms for guests. I love the choices of slipcovers in this room. Also notice the sisal rug. They mixed in some antique tables and accessories which give the room wonderful, warm feeling. Notice the antique weathervane arrow and the black and white framed photos lining the walls.
They were able to find and incorporate an antique mantel in the family room. Doesn't it just make the room?! Again more black and white photos - this is an easy and inexpensive decorating touch that can a classic feeling to your decor. Antique Pond boat on mantel is a classic addition.
Above is the kitchen, notice the cabinets are mixed with an antique painted cupboard. You can see the loft above from a different angle.
A four poster bed is the one of the highlights of the master bedroom, but the view is the real highlight. Sheer curtains, frame rather hid the spectacular view.
Built in beds make the most of the sloping ceilings. A fabulous retreat for the younger set. For more photos of built in beds click here. '
Check back this week for photos of my finished dining room and another new project ...
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Check out other renovations at Between Naps on the Porch - Metamorphsis Monday
(all photos Whitten Architects - photo credit Brian Vanden Brink)
I take a painting class every Friday. I love to paint seascapes. The teacher puts on some wonderfully soft music and brews us Cinnamon Tea. I sit on my stool and try to imagine the real sea. While I paint my mind wanders and I dream of where I would paint if I was "real" artist. Here is a picture of an artist's loft in NYC. It comes pretty close to my dream.
All photos Ochs Design
The 2700 sq ft abandoned warehouse space was converted and renovated into an artist's loft by Ochs Design. The painting studio retains the original industrial asphalt floor. The light is incredible!
The studio work table was fabricated from stone and wood left behind by former commercial occupants decades earlier. Only the steel frame is new. I love the wonderful mix of textures every where you look.
Platforms replace walls to define the living space. To the right is the painting studio to the left the living area. Raw industrial surfaces provide the backdrop for art and sculpture. A large skylight lets in daylight to paint by.
The client's desire to leave the space as open as possible led to this luminous fabric sleeping enclosure. Isn't this so romantic?
I love the spare furnishings - what a wonderfully unique side table.
The client likes to cook and entertain. The spacious open kitchen features a 1925 bistro table that seats 16 people. I could have some great parties here!
Just wanted to give you a peek of where I dream about painting when I finally get discovered!
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