Dreaming in Brick

I have been waiting until my blog was redesigned to share this fabulous brick home with you. Of course this house is stunning but it is captured spectacularly by architectural photographer, Peter Montanti of Mountain Photographics. He is a master at photographing interior and exterior architectural details with over 30 years experience.

The house, nestled in northern Georgia, is built with post and beams and General Shale brick. The details of the house are just amazing. I fell in love with this photo of the twilight reflecting off the metal roof.

I adore the meandering brick bridge to the back door – We often see this type of connector with very straight lines, but the way this curves is just a delight. Notice the detailing on the roof line and around the windows. Also notice the lovely copper overhang – beautiful. Now for a real treat let’s see inside!

Look at that fireplace, quite an architectural feature. The post and beams come right to the floor which I think is very interesting. The wood ceiling and floors balance the expanse of brick. One of my favorite details is the metal band around the fireplace. Also notice the arched entry ways which is repeated in the arch of the fireplace opening.

The kitchen is stunning! Notice there are almost no upper cabinets – the wall of arched windows is breathtaking. The black honed counters are nicely balanced by the black cabinet on the left.

Finally let’s have another look at the outstanding details on the exterior. It is wonderful to see such craftsmanship. A special thank you to Peter Montanti for his wonderful photo tour. Click HERE or on the small photo below to see more of his outstanding work. The fabulous architect was Clay Chapman. To see more of his work click HERE. To read his Blog click HERE. To see more brick homes by General Shale Brick, click HERE.

(All Photos Property of PETER MONTANTI not to be copied with out written permission)

Weekend!

I will be relaxing with my family over the next few days! We will be doing some organizing and pre-spring cleaning! Have a great long weekend!!!

What Every Princess Wants for Valentine's Day!!!

Happy Valentine's Day readers!! I wanted to share the sweetest heart I found from Sugarboo Designs.

The copper heart is embellished in French: "Heureux Pour Toujours" or "Happily Ever After" - LOVE THIS!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

xx-Gina


(You can find it HERE - WD gets no compensation for recommending this - Just a joyful heart!!)

Stunning Coastal Exterior and Interior Renovation

I am always intrigued by renovation. I especially marvel at exterior transformations and this beautiful home in New York is no exception.


On a breathtaking piece of property on the Long Island Sound it was a perfect home for renovation. Above is the Before - a wonderful, quaint colonial.

And here is the After: Notice the change in the roof lines - the original second story was expanded and a second story was also added to the original one story structure - These external additions changed the ordinary into extraordinary.

The kitchen renovation is stunning boasting state of the art appliances and marble counters. Notice the arched entrances between rooms.

I love the classic details of this kitchen including the subway backsplash tile, lighting, marble counters and the exquisite detailing on the corners of the center islands.

Looking from the other side of the center island we can see the dining and family room area. Notice the arched bookcases which echo the arches through out the first floor.

With the addition of a second story over the original one story structure, the owners were able to add a spectacular wood paneled library with fireplace and vaulted ceilings.



Again if look closely you can great details in the millwork of this room. The arched window provides a spectacular view of the Long Island Sound.

An infinity edge pool gives the illusion that the water's edge begins just steps outside the back door.
Wonderful coastal landscaping seamlessly bridges this outstanding home from land to sea.
I adore oceanfront homes - How about you??

.

(All photos by Chuck Choi and property of Oliver Cope Architects & Mayfair Construction)

Spectacular Pool Pavilion

In New England during the winter months we sometimes have to stay indoors - this year with so much snow, we have been indoors more than we have wanted to be. Our friend, the fabulous architect, Tom Catalano, of Catalano Architects, shared this gorgeous Pool Pavilion with me. A wonderful respite from the chilly, snowy days. Beautiful photography by the talented interior photographer, Eric Roth.

What a spectacular space. I love the post and beam ceiling details. It is wonderful oasis of natural lighting with french doors on three sides.

Here is a closer shot looking from the other side. Notice the ceiling beams and painted a gray green - it wonderfully compliments the wood doors and walls.

From this angle we can see the windows very high in ceiling to add even more light. No matter what the temperature outdoors, in this pool pavilion you immediately feel like you have escaped the winter and are at a fabulous resort.

Directly off the pool is a tranquil home gym and yoga studio. In this home it is easy to stay in shape all year long. If you look closely in the mirrors you can see the ceiling beams of the pool area.

Of course the house also boasts a gorgeous Billiards Room.

Look at stone work around the bar. Just stunning!!! This home has so much to offer on those days when you are snowed in and you just want to stay home.

Thanks again to Catalano Architects for sharing this Pool Pavilion with us. To see more of this home from a previous post, "Lessons of a Grand Home", click HERE. To visit Catalano Architects click HERE. To visit the website of photographer Eric Roth click HERE.

(all photos by Eric Roth and Catalano Architects- not to be copied with our permission)

Maine Coastal Gem!

My friend, the talented interior photographer, Jamie Salomon of James R. Salomon Photography, shared this fabulous home in Bar Harbor, Maine with me recently. He was kind enough to let me provide you a private tour .

The owners of this gorgeous historical home on the water wanted to do a renovation.

You can see how much character the home has and they wanted to keep that feeling so they called upon Anthony Barnes of Barnes Vanze Architects to help design their renovation. Let's have a look: The Entry Hall is a lovely of mix of old and new. Notice the stone arches which lead into the Dining Room. I like the choice of the wood and white paint on the staircase.

The Dining Room is just beautiful. Notice how the granite stone of the archway is echoed in the stone fireplace. Also notice the detailing in this room. I love the wood arched doorway and the built in; they both also echo the stone archway. Peeking further you can see the stunning wood and marble Butler's Pantry.

Also notice the coffered ceilings which add an additional layer of detail - the ceilings are very high, so it also brings them down a bit - I also love the turned wood chandelier.

Here is a close up of the Butler's Pantry area. It is interesting to me that french doors open up right beside it. I think this is a great idea, and a very thoughtful part of the design, to have access to the Pantry for entertaining indoors and out. Great architects always think ahead!

Moving to the Kitchen we see more period style details incorporated like this charming oval window over the sink.

Pulling back and getting a larger view of the kitchen you can see how every inch of space was utilized including under the stairs. Also notice the stone work and the transition of stone to plaster up the staircase. I love this effect and how it cleverly solves the design problem - so you don't harshly have stone butted up against plaster.

Another kitchen view where you can see an antique fireback incorporated into the white subway tile behind the stove. Wonderful combinations of old and new!

The family room captures the views of the water at every turn. You can only see a bit of the fireplace, but it is also the same granite stone we have been seeing in other parts of the house. Perfect coastal decor with antiques, sisal rugs and slipcovers. Notice the ceiling detail - love it!

Finally a perfect tub for a perfect retreat - Isn't this a beautiful home in Maine??

To learn more about Barnes Vanze Archietects click HERE

For more inspiring interiors photographed by James R. Salomon Photography click HERE.

(All photos Jame R. Salomon Photography and not to be copied with permission)