MAKE, reuse and respect

A Californian Bungalow trapped in a 50s time warp has been given new life by Melbourne based MAKE architecture. Reminders of the house's past link to the new. Where possible materials were reused in the renovation and the new layout allows flexible use of the rooms including a sunroom once considered as wasted space.

"This project goes against the too common 'gut-and-re-build' approach to interior projects. Rather than totally strip the interior, the existing building and its past lives are treated carefully and with respect. The renovation is considered as another layer to the life of the house rather than as a whole new story."

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4 Floors

Four apartments over four floors in Istanbul, Turkey. A contemporary renovation of an historic building by designer and artist Sema Topaloğlu. Within a tradition of craft and craftsmanship Topaloğlu weaves her magic creating an earthy but elegant series of rooms that respect the bones of the building while overlaying it with a new history of bespoke pieces. These beautiful apartments are not locked away from us though. 4 Floors Istanbul provides boutique accommodation where mine host is Topaloğlu's brother Murat. I think a trip to Turkey was just added to my bucket list.

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The exhibitionist

Stark minimalism in black and white. Glass walls like a gold fish bowl. Everything on show. Reflective surfaces bouncing light. Hard, lean, buffed. The perfect exhibitionist. But wait there is a softer side. Concealed lighting throws rough bricks into relief. Solid planks warm walls. Could you? Would you? Are you a secret exhibitionist. Bold living by Montreal interior designer Anne Sophie Goneau.

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A dude lives here

It really could not be more obvious that a guy's guy lives here. I may be stereotyping but I'd wager a cat. It has everything a masculine pad could ever dream of - brick walls everywhere, steel beams, loftiness, reclaimed wood, a decent media centre, a just-big-enough kitchen to eat take out in....and it's even got pets made out of conduit! Via The Village

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The cowshed

On a street corner in once gritty inner Sydney suburb sat the remains of an old cowshed, brick and timber standing against the ravages of time. From another era and another way of life the building should not have survived as the surrounding suburb was gentrified. The new owners turned to architects Carter Williamson to save it. Not as a time capsule though but as a vibrant and lively modern home perfect for family and friends, for entertaining or for retreating from the hustle and bustle of the big, brash city.

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