A 19th century restored home in London

Mornington Terrace is a 19th century, 5 bedroom period home in London that has been sympathetically restored by Undercover Architecture. The house hosts many experimental pieces of joinery, fixtures, lighting, sanitaryware, glazing and furniture. These were exclusively designed and built by Undercover Architecture and partnering artisans, sculptors, and makers. A stunning mix of original architectural details with modern furnishings and painted details. I love how shades of blue were used throughout the house for continuity. Currently for sale via The Modern House. (Interior design by Estelle Chandresinghe). 

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A renovated Soviet-era home in Latvia

It has been quite some time since we shared a project by Latvian interior designer Natalja Radchenko. It was great to hear from her recently when she sent us photos of a new project of hers. It is a Soviet-era home outside Riga, Latvia. Icky brown painted floors, dingy wallpaper and ugly ceilings were once horrible features in these spaces...

But not anymore! Check it out post-renovation and decoration below. LOVE this transformation!!!

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Glebe House Tour 2017 - House #2 part 2

Continuing the house tour from my last post, here is the rear of the home on the main floor, including the kitchen that I fell in love with. 

Through the cut-out from the dining room a beautiful piece of glass becomes a shelf. Carol wants to find a very tall glass vase to display here but in the meantime she uses it to display a vase she brought back from a trip to Sweden. 

A cool, modern piece of art leads you into the kitchen. This is by Maryann Camps depicting Rideau Street at night. 

AH! This kitchen is like a breath of fresh air. Modern, simple and perfect. Maybe it's because I am super frustrated with my tiny, dysfunctional kitchen but I wanted to give this space a big hug and never leave. Details, details, details! Just on the right of the photo above you'll see a Kartell step-ladder. Made of polycarbonnate, it was chosed to just blend into the wall. It is so fabulous though I personally would have bought it in orange/red and made it a feature, and now I want one badly. 

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Glebe House Tour 2017 - House #2 part 1

The other day I shared one of the homes in this year's Glebe House Tour and I have one more to feature before the tour is held this Sunday. WOOT!!! Ottawans, you've got to get yourself some tickets and come out to this event. It is SOOOO much fun. This neighbourhood is filled with so many incredibly beautiful homes that people have lovingly restored or renovated and it is a wonderful opportunity to get to see the creativity and blood/sweat/tears these homeowners have put into their homes. Out of all of the personal tours I have done over the years, this one might be my favourite. Why? Because when Carol showed my husband and I around her home, I was totally blown away at the attention to detail and the pride she showed in her home. I'll share some of those details with you and you'll understand. :) (Stay tuned for part 2 of this home where I share the rear of the house including the kitchen I was dying over). 

This house is 120 years old. Carol and her husband (and their adorable dog) have lived here for 25 years. Having worked in property management for many years, the idea of renovating was nauseating until Carol (now a personal trainer) sold her business and got up courage and energy to tackle updating the house. The renovation began last year and the entire first floor was gutted. They got rid of ALL of furniture they had and purchased all new pieces - many of which were custom made for their space. 

There are lots of little details throughout that I really love that add a little something special. Like this strip of terrazzo at the front entrance. And Carol explained that the contractor accidentally ripped out a piece of wall that was supposed to block the side of this cabinet, so to avoid an unsightly and boring view of that while walking down the stairs (see next photo) the cabinet maker created this wood detail which includes a built-in bench to sit and put on shoes. Brilliant! And it is stunning. Also, I love the glass detail in the door and window above. I don't have many sources for the items in this home (I can add them after the tour) but I do know that all of the gorgeous glass details throughout this house are by Delfina Falcão. I'm told I REALLY need to go check out her studio. 

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The Grey House

Roger + Chris renovated a 160 year old Italianate Victorian home in Sharon Springs, NY and now call it the Grey House. This might just be one of the best renovations I have ever seen! The exterior is blowing my mind. I love a dark painted house. So dramatic! Also loving that they documented all of the projects on their site with before photos too so I included some so you get the full effect of the work that went into this transformation.  

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