Author Archives - Stefan Gheorghe
Extensive Two-Year Remodel Transforms this Texas Home from Early 90’s
By Stefan Gheorghe • Nov 2, 2020
Texas is a land that is renowned for all things ‘big’ and when it comes to expansive homes and villas, the state holds true to its motto! Designed originally by David Shiflet in 1992, this exquisite Texas home was painstakingly revamped and remodeled by Mark Ashby Design to usher in an air of modern minimalism. In its new avatar, the large home feels both relaxing and captivating.
The Westlake Hideaway sits on a lot that overlooks a secluded cove and this gave the architects an opportunity to combine complete privacy with unhindered views. With an interior that elegantly combines neural colors with splashes of blue and woodsy charm, every room inside the residence stays true to the new contemporary style.
Dark, framed glass doors welcome you at the entry with an open plan living are dining area next to it. A wood and white kitchen follows next with the custom family room on the other side. A woodsy accent wall with geo contrast steals the show in here while the bedrooms are draped in a bit more of bold color!
It is easy to understand the basics of the makeover in here. The architects chose a wood and white color palette to improve lighting in every room even as they alter the style of the home, Metallics and bespoke wood features bring contrast with playful splashes of color being relegated to personal spaces. An impressive and understated makeover that feels organic!
Dilapidated Old Home in Mallorca Gets a Smart Budget Makeover
By Stefan Gheorghe • Oct 28, 2020
Giving the old a new lease of life is a difficult task at the best of times. It gets harder when you are doing it on a tight budget. The St. Miquel 19 Refurbishment by Carles Oliver in Mallorca, Spain is one such exceptional residence. Revamped and refurbished to blend the old with the new in a seamless manner, the house was previously neglected and abandoned for a long period.
In its new avatar, distressed finishes, smart modern ergonomics and a world of white shape the residence. The old wooden ceiling has been carefully preserved and enhanced and another layer of textural char to the spacious new interior. Sections of the old house along with the rugged archways have also been left largely untouched.
The entire makeover was done on a budget of just € 18,000 and most of this amount was spent on turning the dingy interior into a more inhabitable space. Insulation and energy-efficiency were the top priority in here. An open plan living area, smart kitchen and dining space lead way into the bedroom on the other side of the home.
Roof insulation and the new biomass stove make a big difference to the interior and the transformed Spanish residence is perfect for those looking for affordable housing. Light, bright and still intriguing thanks to the many weathered finishes, this is one home that is unique in every sense of the way!
Photograph Credits: José Hevia
Small Scale Multi-Residential Building in Melbourne Clad in Serene Neutrals
By Stefan Gheorghe • Oct 26, 2020
Minimalism meets nature at the Carter Toorak House designed Carr in the inner suburb of Melbourne. The street façade of this multi-residential building offers complete privacy while the rear section is connected with the residential units in a seamless manner. With eight residential units inside the building, space is maximized in a stylish manner inside each apartment.
Interior of each apartment is clad in neutral hues with white and gray shaping the backdrop. Marble and wood surfaces steal the spotlight in the sleek contemporary kitchen. A bight, dark club chair sits at one corner of the house while sliding glass doors connect the living area with the outdoors.
Marble fireplace in the living room along with a custom entertainment unit next to it bring textural contrast to the living area while the same color palette is continued in the bedrooms and bathrooms as well. Each of the apartment units is different in its own way with greenery adding color to the interior in its own unique way.
It is the fusion of timber, marble and glass creating the harmonious backdrop in every room with bronze accents adding metallic glitz to the sophisticated backdrop.
The natural stone stands out as a luxurious feature in the kitchen, bathrooms, and fireplaces, while cabinetry is offset by bronze touches. Greenery and connection to nature were important consideration at Carter and a flowing indoor-outdoor relationship has been created through floor to ceiling windows and verdant landscaping, carried out in partnership with Acre.
Photographs Credit: Timothy Kaye
This 1960’s Shop in Porto is Transformed into a Snazzy Modern Apartment
By Stefan Gheorghe • Oct 21, 2020
Love smart conversions and nifty renovations that save energy and resources? So do we and they are the perfect way to also find new design ideas which blend the old with the new in a seamless manner. Designed by Fala, the Uneven House in Porto, Portugal is one such clever home that was previously a ground floor shop and basement in a complex that was originally built in the 1960’s.
It is easy to admire the brilliant design that turns the cramped old shop and dark basement into a lovely contemporary apartment that is filled with natural light. A large living area that extends from the front façade to the rear section is the heart of the new house with kitchen and dining space next to it.
The Uneven House functions seamlessly despite the different levels inside the house and a new marble floor, pink ceiling and mirrored sections add to its brightness. Life inside the apartment feels rich and relaxing. Step outside and the new private yard is equally inviting. Even the outdoors seems to embrace a black and white color scheme – something that work so very well on the inside of the house.
Wooden door with marble handles, luxurious bedrooms and modern bathrooms complete the fancy makeover. Smart and sensible, this Portuguese home appears sophisticated and yet eclectic at the same time – a rare quality to have indeed!
Photographs Credit: Ricardo Loureiro
