This boom-time terrace in Melbourne’s inner north under-took a significant overhaul by Bryant Alsop Studio as the internal spaces were opened up to create connection and flow throughout an a previously internal and dark Victorian interior. Significant heritage listings prevented any significant external works. A black steel, contemporary window box punctures the rear north-facing facade, and takes advantage of the northern orientation. Formal reception rooms were given a new lease of life, with new openings made onto the grand hallway with colour, wall paper and decoration being embraced. Kitchens and bathrooms are clean and bright, while keeping the palette simple and refined. This old dame now has been given a new life as a contemporary family home that embraces and celebrates its past and future (Published with Bowerbird). Photography : Rhiannon Slatter See also : https://house-diaries.com/the-mosman-house-retaining-the-old-character-and-fabric/

Patalab Architecture were commissioned to transform a detached Arts and Crafts townhouse in Hampstead for a local family with three small children. The brief was to create an airier, lighter and more contemporary feel for the young family’s home and their modern art collection. It was also important to increase the overall floor area and to connect the house and garden through a continuous flow of space. They opted for an approach that expands the house horizontally thus making most of the spacious garden that surrounds the building. Many of the original features inside the house were retained, such as the central staircase and timber wall paneling but these were treated with white paint wash to achieve a less oppressive and more spacious appearance.The main house has been completely refurbished with internal layouts re-designed to provide more space and to reduce compartmentalisation. “We immensely enjoyed designing this home as it…

A four story modern townhome set in the rolling hillside neighborhood of Noe Valley in the heart of San Francisco. Built for a young tech pioneer, the design is a playful combination of surrealist compositions of modern art and objects, eclectic vintage finds, and custom designs specifically for this home. Fresh colors, natural finishes, and organic shapes throughout identify these spaces as quintessentially ‘California Modern’. Jamie Bush heads up Los Angeles-based Jamie Bush & Co., an interior design firm that he founded in 2002. The New York born designer comes from a family rich with designers, photographers, and artists, which led to his educational adventures in New Orleans and Italy to study architecture and design. Following his Masters in Architecture from Tulane University, Bush set his sights on venturing west to practice architecture. Since then, his fervent eye has been behind  a host of fresh, modern spaces that have landed in the…

Crestwood Drive is situated on a sloping hillside with mature hardwood trees overlooking the northern shore of Kempenfelt Bay in Ontario, Canada This design-focused, contemporary home by Ancerl Studio is full of awe-inspiring moments. From approaching the home and walking through its grand foyer to savouring its numerous views connecting the home to nature, Crestwood Drive has achieved a living experience that is comfortable, inspiring and effortless. The architecture is defined by its striking contemporary form, materiality and thoughtful design decisions. The home was carefully placed into the hillside, creating minimal disruption to the natural landscape and surrounding wood lot. All direct sightlines from the street into the property were minimized. In contrast, the light permeable back maximizes the spectacular vistas framing the mature forest and lake. This maintains the owner’s privacy while also feeling open, making the home comfortable, intimate and light. Unique and intriguing design decisions were made…

The design for this unique house in Brackenbury Village was the outcome of a lively collaboration between its current owners and Patrick Lewis architects. The inside spaces of the traditional London townhouse have been completely reimagined, using stepped levels and soaring double-height ceilings to remake its period proportions with exemplary vision. Six large-scale artworks that engage with the building’s rich past are permanently installed in the house, intersecting its bright and flexible spaces. The house forms part of an elegant cluster of period shops and houses at the southern end of Brackenbury Road. Patrick Lewis’ design process began with an investigation into the building’s history which revealed that it was home to a family of printers-turned-drapers for a period of over thirty years in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The current owners also feel a deep sense of connection with textile art and fabric, and so took inspiration from this…

This  fantastic apartment with high character by Historiska hem, is part of a historic industrial building, the Cigar Factory, where original details are nicely combined with new well-chosen material choices. It is located towards a quiet courtyard. Like the Swedish Board of Industry’s other two factory buildings, it has been carefully renovated and preserved the industrial feel that gives the Cigar Factory character and personality. Large preserved window sections have been painted dark inside and through this the feeling of the original industrial architecture is strengthened. Through these windows you can see an incomparable view of Vasastan and the Karlberg Canal in Stockholm.   Photography: Johan Spinnell Styling: Copparstad See also :https://house-diaries.com/bretorp-farm-renovation-of-a-17th-century-property/

This period townhouse in Holland Park, west London, has been given a top-to-toe makeover by Flora Soames, an English designer with an eclectic, magpie-like eye. Her clients had moved to the UK and were keen to mix their love of colour and pattern with some quintessentially English touches. Consequently this family townhouse reflects the client’s love of rich colours and pattern and houses their established art collection as well. Flora Soames set up her design consultancy business in 2009. One of House and Garden’s Top 100, her discerning eye and instinct for channelling both old and new has been formed through a lifetime love of collecting furniture, textiles and accessories. With a background in both the furniture and art worlds, Flora’s design philosophy is based on retaining the essence of a building or interior whilst adapting the design in a way that is comfortable, stylish and practical. Her modern yet eclectic approach is key to translating…

The Mosman House involves major alterations and additions to a two storey free standing Federation Bungalow style house in Sydney’s lower north shore suburb of Mosman. The house is located within a heritage conservation area with strict heritage controls pertaining to the retention of existing fabric and character visible from the public domain. The client sought to accommodate their inter-generation family and provide for each family member’s increased need for space, light and privacy within their existing freestanding house. Separate kitchen, dining and family spaces would be consolidated and carefully configured to allow light, ventilation and ample storage. Floor space and ceiling heights would be maximised and the attic converted into a third floor master bedroom suite with views south toward Sydney harbour and the city skyline. Anton Kouzmin Architecture collaborated with Acton & Rumble on the interior finishes palette to create an elegant and genuinely personal interior experience for…

Complete refurbishment of a Penthouse apartment by Wer Designs Studio. The wood structure building was formed of a corridor and several small rooms. The architect opened the walls and added new supports to integrate the spaces and introduce new lighting up in every room. The joinery and steelwork were designed by the studio and produced by talented local artisans. The furniture is vintage from England, north coast of Europe and Portugal, collected by the client and curated by Wer Studio for the Lisbon flat. Photography: Hampus Alexander See also :https://house-diaries.com/t-p-apartment-aesthetic-harmony-in-an-inspiring-apartment-in-paris/

This fantastic corner floor with contemporary original details has been beautifully preserved with details such as beautiful double doors that connect the rooms in file, stucco, ceiling rosettes, deep window niches, beautiful bar, star parquet floors, generous ceiling height and a fireplace with details in marble. Enjoy it!!!! See also :https://house-diaries.com/an-art-nouveau-apartment-with-dark-shades-in-stockholm/

This exceptional former perfume warehouse can be found on Doyce Street, overlooking Mint Street Park, a short walk from Borough Market, London Bridge and Tate Modern. Arranged over four expansive floors, with a private roof-terrace garden, the house which is on the market by The modern house, has been brilliantly repurposed and renovated by its current owners, while retaining much of its Victorian charm. It extends to over 4,700 sq ft internally and is designated live/work with accommodation on the upper levels and substantial open work spaces on the lower floors. Photography : The modern house See also :https://house-diaries.com/a-victorian-home-with-a-modern-kitchen-extension/