The cure for Mondayitis

Come with me. Take my hand and runaway to a holiday home just metres from the  beach in Comporta, Portugal. Casa Do Pego sits lightly on the sand, its face turned to nearby agricultural land. Sliding shuttersprovide shelter from the setting sun while a roof top terrace and pool let you chill out in privacy. Clean, minimal lines are perfect for a beachside retreat while the suspended fireplace provides the wow factor. Go on. I know you want to come with me. It's the perfect cure for Mondayitis.

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A retreat by Salmela Architects

Thankfully it's Friday and I thought since I'm sure many of us could use a little decompressing right about now, that featuring a retreat would be quite fitting. This is the Yingst Retreat, 4000 sq ft on a peaceful 16 acres in Michigan, designed by Salmela Architects. What a dream! It's heaven in the middle of a forest. Modern yet fairly simple construction that is not at all harsh, and quite organic with the help of lots basic materials like wood, ceramic tile and brick. Complete with sauna and bocce court, it's the perfect place to relax and enjoy life. 

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House 'o concrete

This home, located in Tel Aviv, Israel and designed by Axelrod Architects is all about concrete. It's EVERYWHERE. A little too cold perhaps? I think so, but with some walls clad in wood and some wood flooring (I'd even welcome a bit of carpet) this is one sweet home. It may be cold and minimal but it's got ALOT of windows to keep things bright and warm. I love the long narrow window above the kitchen countertop, and the different levels of the home keep things interesting (love the floor #'s on the walls in case you weren't sure where you were). 

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Rachcoff Vella Architecture

I've got more "what I would do if I lived there" projects. This time by Rachcoff Vella Architecture. Their homes are modern, streamlined, bright and just pure class. All of the massive windows and the stunning wood floors and wood-clad walls used throughout are a dream. 

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The garden pavilion

Just in from photographer Brenda Liu this beautiful garden pavilion she shot for Shawn Freeman Architect.

"This pavilion is designed as a three-season living room from which to enjoy the views of an exquisite urban garden. The room opens fully to the garden surrounding it, and frames views back to the house, pool, great lawn, woodland, and fire circle. It is purposefully built in a simple elegant palette of materials including polished concrete floors (with concealed radiant heating), zinc clad exterior in a black patina, simple plaster ceiling, and an aluminum & stone bar. A dark exterior helps it blend quietly with the surroundings, and also contrast to the light Indiana limestone and stucco main house. In every respect the pavilion is a quiet retreat from the main house; there you can feel as if you have left the city behind, and relax surrounded by a beautiful woodland garden, and the sounds of nature."

A woodland retreat at the end of the garden. How perfect! As are Brenda's evocative shots!

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