L’après-guerre

Often times an architect's portfolio seems so unattainable. I was pleasantly surprised when I came across this project by Montreal architects L. McComber, because it appears to be a very attainable renovation - taking an older home and making it current and functional without a bunch of fancy and unnecessary detail. To conserve the best aspects of this post-war worker housing: this is what a young family asked their architect. The wood floors and almost all of the walls and original plaster mouldings have been restored. A series of targeted modifications helped to bring light and a modern feel to the home: a new pantry-wall in the kitchen, sliding doors to the hallway and a serving hatch in the dining room. The bathroom has been expanded underneath the existing skylight dividing it with the bath on one side and a large storage wall on the other. Cascading onto the natural quartz ceramic, the overhead light provides a welcoming depth in this tiny space. A small playroom in the basement covered with birch wood ceiling and fibre board walls created a pleasant refuge for the kids.

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Cave Interiors - items of note

There is nothing more quaint than a little built-in seating area in a kitchen. I have always wanted one. (I'll take that sign too)

Something else I have always wanted - a proper media room with loungey sofas for movie nights. 

The dark painted cubes are a great way to break up the monotony of piles of books, and are perfect for showcasing little treasures, like penguins. 

Via Cave Interiors

Gill Renlund spaces of note

I looooove this kitchen! The stainless cabinets with marble countertop is SO hot. I adore the vintage lights over the sink, and the beverage station with hanging wine glasses for easy access. I even dig the tree on the table - distracts you from the fact that there is no light over the table.

What a cool space - the random finishes on the ceiling and the peeling wall, together with the painted floor and chalky grey wall is all about subtle textures and sheens. And I may be nuts, but maybe a huge skull painted on the wall is not such a bad idea. :)

This photo makes me want to cry, the winter here has been so cold and snowy and BRUTAL. But I leave for Mexico in one week, so there's that. But right now I would love to be sitting on that porch with a glass of wine. 

From the portfolio of interior stylist Gill Renlund.

Vintage kitchen extra

This kitchen in a 1920s apartment in Stockholm featured in Elle Decoration Sweden is absolutely gorgeous. It was totally renovated but they maintained the peeling and cracked ceiling, added some Ikea cabinetry mixed with vintage pieces, Carrera marble, tiled walls, funky lighting... The resulting space looks like it has been there since the 20's. SWOON! (photos: Martin Löf) 

Vintage kitchens

Elle Decoration Sweden (photo: Petra Bindel)

I love vintage kitchens. There is something so comforting and unpretentious about them, filled with character and they look even better with scratches in the butcher block, wine stains on the counters, and pots and pans hanging from any surface with a hook. I thought I would do a round-up of vintage kitchens (love the ones with industrial touches too) in the hopes of inspiring anyone who has a vintage kitchen to maybe reconsider updating it. Because you may regret it. 

Covet Garden

Covet Garden

Rum Hemma

Homelife (Photo: Sharyn Cairns)

Homelife

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