Welcome Back Cottage

Feeling some inspiration this morning and jumping back in after a really long nap.  A little client research along with some inspiration from my sweet wife on the current project we are working to complete.  This place on the southwest side of Michigan sparked some attention.  Simple yet crisp and creative.  White is king here, however they toned it down with stains and subtle accents in furnishings and cabinetry.

A make-up of fresh new contemporary design ideas while still incorporating the existing structure.

Scrap, clean, bolt and paint.  Well, not always that easy but as you can see they found a way to bring all those elements to life.  Exposed trusses, structural beam and pipe columns.

Check the old school roll-up shades in the windows.

The before and after.  Have that vision and stick with it.

via Contemporist

Outdoor Details

This cottage is fresh.  Just check the setting/view above.  I sometimes feel like the wraparound porch can take away from the main house but with such a kickass setting you really can't go wrong here.  It comes across a little simplistic but they do transform the vibe with the barrel roof on the porch.  I also like the way the tight lines in the railing and roof play off of one another.  And finally to top it off, the rustic qualities of the stone work that seamlessly tie the patio to the wall and steps.

via remodelista

The Sheep Cottage

A guest quarters/sheep shearers cottage with modern lines, rustic industrial finishes and crazy scenic views.  This place is hot.  Handcrafted details throughout from the metal shelving to the wood clad interior walls.

The volume is fresh and well showcased with geometric design.

via contemporist and archdaily

Roll Out!

They're called the "Rolling Huts".  A property owners way of accommodating out-of-town family and friends.  Where can we sign up?  These are badass.  A rustic and raw cluster of camping pods designed to capture the killer mountain views and preserve the natural landscape.  Minimal in the material selection yet so clean and well crafted.  The huts are composed of plywood, steel, concrete and glass.  You can also check this post over at Fred Flare.

via homedsgn

Handcrafted Art

A few super cool pieces from a badass craftsman named Sean Woolsey.  Self-taught and dedicated to putting out one of a kind pieces that stand the test of time.  Solid design and quality from woodworking to lighting to paintings.  A clear passion for what he's doing.

A little detail that can go a long way.  A basic, round reclaimed wood base with a few Reproduction Edison-Style light bulbs.  Instant character.

via Cool Hunting and Sean Woolsey

Exterior Metals

 A couple fresh, exterior details from this Texas style Ranch compound that I'd like to work into some projects.  In the above shot I love the use of the chain link as the downspout.  A sweet, rustic design element that compliments the industrial vibe.

And of course the outdoor shower.  Simplistic with the corrugated metal and galvanized piping.  The added touch of the saloon-style door just completes the look.

via Remodelista

The Copper Bar

Setting the tone and getting bold with the finish material.  This is classy.  A copper clad bar in London.  Individual sheets laid in a fish scale pattern on top of a laser cut skeleton. Designed and handcrafted by Christopher Jenner for Ketel One.  This post also runs over at Fred Flare.  Check it here.

via Contemporist

Hand Hewn Sconce

Hand hewn wall sconces.  Just sweet.  Check them as they blend in and just oh so slightly wash the barn wood wall with a little light.  Overall a killer blend of materials in this Soho loft.  A staple in most lofts is, of course, the exposed brick.  You can see the rugged texture they've introduced around the doors and windows as the brick styles are tied together.  Also, the custom ornamental railing showcases an industrial vibe and really highlights the stairwell.

via 1stdibs

Living on the Edge

A modern gem oh so nicely tucked right in on the edge of a cliff and at the water's edge. A great design that not only takes on the challenges of the site but of the natural weather environment as well. Elevation changes and a tight footprint. The view from the water is just sweet.

A shot of the courtyard that separates the main living from the boathouse. Fully equipped with a wood burning pizza oven and fireplace. An exterior make-up of copper, concrete, metal and cedar cladding to battle the elements.

Check the interior. Douglas fir all over giving that nautical feel for sure along with concrete floors and oversized windows. They even have some subtle copper accents in the kitchen hardware to tie the interior and exterior finishes.

A badass rooftop entry. A two story glass enclosed elevator shaft to get you to the residence. I love the stark contrast they've created between the two points of entry off land and water. So good.

via homedsgn

Camping Pods

Glorified camping. Check these custom pods. A unique, eco-friendly, custom residence for a family that grew up with a passion for the area.

Three individual, distinctive pods for bathing, sleeping and living were all fabricated off site as to not to disturb the natural surrounds and then carefully integrated with the roof structure and deck system once delivered.

Indoor/outdoor living highlighted with some killer local custom hardwoods and corrugated metal cladding.

Energy efficient by design. This place is fully equipped with rainwater storage tanks, solar hot water and electrical panels and community water recycling.

via Fresh Home

Brooklyn Kitchen

It seems options are always limited when you're working with a galley style (narrow) kitchen. Windows and tall ceilings are a bonus but can you get creative and maximize all at the same time? Try mixing up the style. A little modern. A little rustic. Blend the two. And a great use of the space with the hardwood shelves on the metal brackets. A nice subtle tie-in with the island.

Sweet solid wood island top with the custom knife holder. Very fresh.

A classic. An original farmhouse sink. The rustic vibe.

photos via The Selby

Norway Cottage

A rustic, recycled boathouse/summer cottage off the northwest coast of Norway. This little custom gem replace an original structure that dated back to the 1800's.

The bulk of the weight is distributed across a series of steel beams that have been engineered and designed to incorporate the existing bedrock. Such a cool look with the hanging fire pot and the actual bedrock serving as a little sitting area.

A tight shot showing the detail of the custom shutters. I like the choice in materials, from the rusted, ribbed steel to the lapping of the soft pine. A subtle industrial vibe.

Dual purpose. Providing shade and allowing the breeze to flow through.

A sweet view from the water looking back at the cottage. I love the design in the barn doors. It's just enough to catch your eye as the weathered and worn look of the structure seems to mesh so well with the surrounding landscape.

photos via designboom

Corrugated Metal and Chain Drain

A cover for community mailboxes. It's not typically a go to for creativity nor is it the place where design elements stand out. Check this. Corrugated metal on the roof and a chain drain. Sweet. Once again, it's those little details, big or small, that can make a statement.

photo via networx

Simple and Rustic

I love the simplicity in the design of this east coast New Zealand residence. It's located in this rugged, rural area called Shoal Bay and the idea was to make the space as welcoming as possible.

The two structures are slightly offset and separated into a sleeping quarters and a main living area. An open breezeway connects the two spaces.

All wood throughout with a corrugated metal roof. Not boring at all when it's so well crafted. This is a shot of a the screened porch. Semi private. It allows just enough light, wind and sunlight.

A rustic, no-frills design that definitely makes a statement yet blends well with the surroundings.

photos via Parsonson Architects