Crisp, White and Narrow

 

Here's a little highlight from an NYC townhouse the measures just 16 feet in width.  Check this kitchen/nook space.  It's cozy but you really can't go wrong with the all white look.  Keep that space as bright as possible and you'll forget about the narrow, galley style.

Killer little added elements to highlight the space include the fresh yellow glass tiles of the backsplash as well as the factory style steel window off the sitting area.

It's subtle but I like the way they carried the horizontal lines throughout the space from the layout of the cabinetry to the cladding of the wood walls.

The floor to ceiling windows are flat out perfect once again helping open that space.  Bring on as much of that natural light as possible.

via Remodelista

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

Glass Cube

A studio and boathouse with an abundance of natural light. The ideal spot for this photographer. The sheer mass of the main living area/studio and an ever changing backdrop sets this place apart from your mainstream studio. A simple, clean and open design. A sweet example of the minimalists approach not only to structure but to the landscape as well. The site speaks for itself and they fully embraced the surroundings.

Looking up at the Master Suite with your back to the water. Sliding glass panels allow just enough light and provide the necessary privacy.

The view of the cube from the lake with the boat storage directly below the main living space.

photos via homedsgn

Northern California Beach Residence

A little bit of a different angle here with this beach house. It looks and feels to me like more of a rustic farmhouse. Either way, the place is kickass. This is just off the Pacific coast and little north of San Francisco. A nice open feel with the way the house sits on the site.

The exterior is clad in vertical cedar however with the color stain and the tall steel awing windows the structure has more of an industrial vibe. I also like the use of the barn style doors throughout the exterior. The galvanized steel door headers tie in well with the zinc roof.

The interior shows a little more of that coastal style. Check those crazy stairs that lead to the loft.

photos via Pfau Long Architecture

California Bluff

This is making the most out of a nice corner lot and just a stunning view of the ocean. It's on the bluffs in Aptos, CA overlooking the Monterey Bay. The lot clearly sets the tone. The architects then took full advantage designing this sweet compound that maximizes the views and allows for natural light to flow freely through the entire place.

The same materials and finishes run both inside and out, utilizing concrete block and a smooth textured stucco on the wall surfaces.

The main living quarters and guest house are joined by a common courtyard complete with a lap pool and built-in barbecue.

via ArchDaily

Stained Glass

Check out this stained glass window for sale at a local salvage yard. It's an arts & crafts piece from Chicago circa 1915 and is on sale for $245, which is a total steal. I could totally picture this in a Tudor style house as a little accent window in a staircase facing the street. Or, with its statement black frame, it would look cool in a bathroom or even as a transom in a hall archway.

(via Materials Unlimited)

Hand Crafted Windows & Doors

We are starting a custom home in Clarkston, Michigan that has an English Cottage design. We are looking into using steel frame windows so I've been researching them a lot lately. There are some amazing companies still crafting these windows and doors by hand. The Presidio project by architect Malcolm Davis used Crittall steel windows and doors in the picture above.

Crittall is a 150 year old UK company who still hand craft each window to your custom specifications. These guys literally weld the frame to your desired shape. I like the way they used the application in a shower (above) with a door leading out to the porch.

Another steel window supplier Hope's Windows is out of New York. They did this amazing house in Ohio using a ton of steel casement windows. The height of these doors/windows maximizes the amount of light brought into the space.

Photo credits by Hope's Windows and Malcolm Davis Architects