A barn conversion in Washington

I am always up for a good conversion, and this one is GOOD. The work of SHED Architecture & Design, this barn located in Whidbey Island, WA was outfitted with a workroom/kitchen, an apartment, a bunkroom and bathrooms. Some skylights., dormers and bay windows were added, and re-use of existing barn materials - original barn siding for interior paneling, re-milling of salvaged floor joists for stair material, trim and countertops. The exterior was then wrapped in new cedar board and batten. The result is the coziest, rustic getaway. 

Click to read more ...

Church conversion

You all know how much Kim and I love a church conversion and this one is so pretty. In 1961, the town congregation of Glenelg, MD reunited and formed a new church leaving this landmark 1889 building abandoned. After a decade, a local architect purchased the property and transformed the space into a residence for him and his wife, a famous potter. Forward to 2012 and the building is once again neglected. Enter Stacia Smith, founder and lead designer of  Homewood Interiors and the church is given a new life as the design studio's office and showroom. What a beautiful transformation. All the charm, all the integrity. I'm jealous. I'd love to have such a space to create. You can see some of the before and renovation pictures after the jump.

(Images 6,7,8,13 and 14 by Ashley Michelle Photgraphy.)

Click to read more ...

Stalking a church conversion

I do love a good church conversion. There is something about the challenge of doing justice to what is the often imposing, original architecture and accommodating the needs of modern living. This 1888 former Methodist church with its vaulted timber ceiling and beautiful stainglass windows has been converted into a commercial space at the front and 3 floors of living space. Unfortunately the striking series of white boxes and voids is let down in the listing by what appears to be a few sticks of furniture cobbled together to save it from being empty. My imagination is ticking over with what I would do to decorate the Queenscliff, Victoria conversion if it were ever mine. Link here while it lasts.

Click to read more ...

A church conversion in Byron Bay

I am taking a quick kitchen-painting break to share this beautiful church conversion in Byron Bay with you. It was featured on the lovely Citizens of the World and is the home of Amanda Callan, Andrew Morris, their son and their side project Church Farm General Store. I absolutely love this conversion. The original windows are gorgeous, the space does not read too much like a church, and they did not modernize it (which often happens and the results typically fail miserably). It is perfect. More details and photos (by Dominic Loneragan) are here. 

Click to read more ...

New York dreaming

The New York dream. A loft. Light. Style. Or perhaps a little something more? A three storey conversion of an old Jewish school? Sparse beauty over an art gallery. Pinch me. I really am dreaming. Both by Labo Design Studio.

Click to read more ...