Kitchen Cave

It's all about the existing elements in this kitchen cave.  There are always crazy challenges in building and design and in this example it's all about the stone work.  Classic, rustic, detailed and badass.  Old European craftsmanship you rarely come across.  This is where you embrace the conditions and get after it.

You can't hang cabinets so strategically run some base units along with an island and incorporate some freestanding pieces.  The overall lighting is weak so hide any new electrical behind base units and "wash" the walls with some up lighting.  Keep the color tones neutral and let the stone speak for itself.

via enpundit

Greek Kitchen

Once again another killer example of modern meeting rustic.  This kitchen is part of a badass renovation of a historic home on the island of Hydra in Greece.  Timeless original craftsmanship throughout really sets the tone here from the exposed rugged stone walls to the warmth of the wood ceiling.  On the modern side you have the sleek, smooth look of the custom molded base cabinetry and cubbies.  The highlight that I feel really transforms and marks the contrast in styles is the glass floor.  A genius little idea that looks down into the food storage space.

via Yatzer

Stone

 A true stone fireplace.  A classic.  A timeless design element that doesn't overpower the room.  Best displayed when it's just left alone to age.  Another gem here in this place are the floors.  Original, raw pine in random widths.  Once again proud to show their age.

A quick shot of the exterior showing the craftsmanship of the stone work that was carried inside for the fireplace facing.

via designsponge

Hillside Stone Cubes

Old world stone craftsmanship and style showcased in this contemporary home built into the hillside in Ticino, Switzerland. An architectural gem built to look like it's hundreds of years old.

Two cubes emerge from the rugged terrain connect internally via cavities. One cube for the garage and swimming pool and the other for the living and sleeping quarters.

The main courtyard as you walk up from the garage to the main living quarters. Open, airy and bright with natural light reflecting off the lighter tones of colored stone.

Again maximizing the use of natural light here in the garage. The door is a wooden grid and above is a narrow, metal grid system adjacent to the pool deck.

Such a killer view.

via homedsgn

Abandoned Stable

An old abandoned stable in need of a little love. This killer stone structure kept it's rugged character outside while introducing a modern vibe on the interior. Very cool. Reshaped to accommodate a more modern lifestyle, the main living has been completely opened up while the old haylofts were turned into bedrooms.

A shot of that wide open modern look inside with the plastered walls and raw steel stair.

A mix of the elements and styles once again from the hand chiseled stone sinks in the baths to the all white smooth, glossy feel in the kitchen.

A total gem out in the countryside done just right. You can also check this post here, at Fred Flare.

via freshome

Old Stone Bath

Rustic and raw and meshing the textures. I like the fact that they chose not to mess with this 16th century bath. Instead, they've incorporated a custom molded concrete tub and platform. A modern edge that compliments not clashes.

via Remodelista

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

Stone Patio and Fire Pit

A play on shapes. I like the mass and chunkiness of these broken puzzle pieces here on this stone patio. A cool two dimensional extension of the rugged shoreline just off in the distance. Also love the way they've incorporated the fire pit with the radius. A sweet design element that also functions as another seating area.

photo via New England Magazine

Stone Barn Transformed

An old 15th century barn gets remodeled and goes modern. What was once much darker and closed off is now more fluid, brighter and wide open.

I like the way they've keep the rustic character and volume with the detail in the beams and rafters while incorporating little modern flashes with the loft and skylights.

A sleek transition between the formal living area and separate sleeping quarters, the glass walkway is sweet.

A cool pairing at the dining area with the funky, white chairs and the natural stain of the birch table and high-back banquette seating. Also love the surface mounted disc style lights in the kitchen. This post also runs over at my weekly guest home, Fred Flare.

photos via Contemporist

Mix It Up

A mix of textures. The rough, chiseled face of the stone wall against the smooth, polished white tops. A mix of style. Clean, sharp lines give a modern vibe while warm, reclaimed wood and a vintage stove show the rustic side.

photo via Feldman Architecture

Rustic Fire Pit

Rustic and rural. Private and laid-back. This is a sweet little custom fire pit blending right in with the natural landscaping.

photo via Elle Decor

Rock Fireplace

Dry stacked stones and hand chiseled. It doesn't overpower the space and blends well with the reclaimed wood. A custom design and layout with the recessed cubbies and shelves.

photo via New England Home

Fireplace Mass

Here it's all about mass, structure and reinforcement. This really is just crazy. I love the creativity and the fact that they were able to incorporate boulders found on site. The hanging light fixture is interesting too. I like the size and shape and the balance it brings. It's a cool compliment to the boulders in the fireplace wall.

And check this. It's the loft on the back side of the fireplace. A reading nook with a massive chuck of chiseled stone. Cozy up.

photos via New England Home

Subtle Detail And Design

There are so many things I just love about architecture and most of it I find is in the details. Call me crazy but I'm constantly searching for those subtle elements.

Check the stone wall. I don't know if they had an intention of tying it into the design but to me it takes on a similar profile of the shingle style architecture of the home.

via Hutker Architects

Creative Outdoor Elements

We're working on this cottage project at the moment and last night at a meeting with the client we were discussing various ways to incorporate an outdoor sitting area. The challenge is to maximize the smaller area that we have to work with while keeping it both creative and unique. This was one example I was drawing some inspiration from. I like the tranquil feel of this area with the smooth stone surface and the flush fire pit. Those two items may seem like small details yet the texture and placement can change a space in no time.

photo via Contemporist

Off Balance

You don't always need that balance and symmetry to create the perfect layout. I like the natural characteristics of the uneven stone fireplace surround. It immediately sets the tone for this space. And to take it a step further, you have the asymmetry with the French Doors. A few unique, subtle features that will not throw off the overall feel. You've immediately created character in your design.

via New England Home

Site Perfection

There are times when you find yourself with a ton of land and for one reason or another, only a portion of the piece is suitable for building. It can get even trickier when you're site involves waterfront. Here's a little example I found on the Connecticut shoreline.

The architect was faced with a limited envelope and the challenges of maximizing amazing views and allowing for as much natural light as possible. A unique characteristic to the design here extending out two stories and resting on a post foundation. They make the most out of the space and capitalize on those highlighted ideas.

Great exterior details from the dry-set, local stone to the exposed rafter tails.

A well planned layout to showcase the views. The two structures above are linked together by an all glass breezeway.

via New England Home

Two-Sided Fireplace

Sitting Room

Dining Room

I like how the use of the stone hearth defines the fireplace in each space. A little glimpse in the dining just to let you know it's there and more pronounced and functional in the sitting room.

via Cup of Jo

Modern Farmhouse Addition

So here is this farmhouse in Virginia from the 18 century that sits on something like 500 acres and has all kinds of crazy views. You would think that the addition would be pretty straight forward and seamlessly blend right in. Nope. The owner and architect had some other sweet ideas to showcase. They wanted to bring the outdoors in as much as possible and basically take advantage of nature.

The addition is set right at ground level. You can see how they ran the bluestone from the entry right into the glass enclosed pavilion. This view really gives a great perspective of what they wanted to achieve in the overall design with the large glass panels.

They utilized stone from the site for the fireplace and also constructed the chimney chase with board-formed concrete. A little rustic quality to the modern design. You can see a ton more photos here.

via ArchDaily

Pool House Options and Finishes

Check out this little place. This is a pool house/guest house for a summer home in Stowe, Vermont. A very cool design and layout from the building itself to the surrounding landscape. The views look amazing and the finishes compliment the natural setting so well. They incorporated cedar and Douglas fir on the trellis, along with bluestone that runs from the pool deck right into the main enclosed structure.

This all black, matte kitchen cabinet is strong. That's a wood backsplash as well. Go for it. It's unique. Not the most practical but the sink will probably not get a ton of use.

That's copper cladding on the main structure with a sweet little outdoor shower on the right and a board-formed concrete chimney chase on the left.

This is just a great view and I really like how they broke down the space. It's perfect for entertaining or just relaxing.

photos via New England Home