Initialement configuré avec 4 chambres, deux salles de bain & un espace de vie relativement cloisonné, la disposition de cet appartement dans son état existant convenait plutôt bien aux nouveaux propriétaires. Cependant, les espaces impartis de la chambre parentale, sa salle de bain ainsi que la cuisine ne présentaient pas les volumes souhaités, avec notamment un grand dégagement de presque 4m2 de surface perdue. L’équipe d’Ameo Concept est donc intervenue sur plusieurs points : une optimisation complète de la suite parentale avec la création d’une grande salle d’eau attenante & d’un double dressing, le tout dissimulé derrière une porte « secrète » intégrée dans la bibliothèque du salon ; une ouverture partielle de la cuisine sur l’espace de vie, dont les agencements menuisés ont été réalisés sur mesure ; trois chambres enfants avec une identité propre pour chacune d’entre elles, une salle de bain fonctionnelle, un espace bureau compact et organisé sans oublier de nombreux rangements invisibles dans les circulations. L’ensemble des matériaux utilisés pour cette rénovation ont été sélectionnés avec le plus grand soin : parquet en point de Hongrie, plans de travail & vasque en pierre naturelle, peintures Farrow & Ball et appareillages électriques en laiton Modelec, sans oublier la tapisserie sur mesure avec la réalisation, notamment, d’une tête de lit magistrale en tissu Pierre Frey dans la chambre parentale & l’intégration de papiers peints Ananbo. Un projet haut de gamme où le souci du détail fut le maitre mot !

Bespoke hand wash basin made from an old singer sewing machine table, bowl, quartz worktop finished with brass taps and controls.

After the second fallout of the Delta Variant amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in mid 2021, our team working from home, and our client in quarantine, SDA Architects conceived Japandi Home. The initial brief for the renovation of this pool house was for its interior to have an "immediate sense of serenity" that roused the feeling of being peaceful. Influenced by loneliness and angst during quarantine, SDA Architects explored themes of escapism and empathy which led to a “Japandi” style concept design – the nexus between “Scandinavian functionality” and “Japanese rustic minimalism” to invoke feelings of “art, nature and simplicity.” This merging of styles forms the perfect amalgamation of both function and form, centred on clean lines, bright spaces and light colours. Grounded by its emotional weight, poetic lyricism, and relaxed atmosphere; Japandi Home aesthetics focus on simplicity, natural elements, and comfort; minimalism that is both aesthetically pleasing yet highly functional. Japandi Home places special emphasis on sustainability through use of raw furnishings and a rejection of the one-time-use culture we have embraced for numerous decades. A plethora of natural materials, muted colours, clean lines and minimal, yet-well-curated furnishings have been employed to showcase beautiful craftsmanship – quality handmade pieces over quantitative throwaway items. A neutral colour palette compliments the soft and hard furnishings within, allowing the timeless pieces to breath and speak for themselves. These calming, tranquil and peaceful colours have been chosen so when accent colours are incorporated, they are done so in a meaningful yet subtle way. Japandi home isn’t sparse – it’s intentional. The integrated storage throughout – from the kitchen, to dining buffet, linen cupboard, window seat, entertainment unit, bed ensemble and walk-in wardrobe are key to reducing clutter and maintaining the zen-like sense of calm created by these clean lines and open spaces. The Scandinavian concept of “hygge” refers to the idea that ones home is your cosy sanctuary. Similarly, this ideology has been fused with the Japanese notion of “wabi-sabi”; the idea that there is beauty in imperfection. Hence, the marriage of these design styles is both founded on minimalism and comfort; easy-going yet sophisticated. Conversely, whilst Japanese styles can be considered “sleek” and Scandinavian, “rustic”, the richness of the Japanese neutral colour palette aids in preventing the stark, crisp palette of Scandinavian styles from feeling cold and clinical. Japandi Home’s introspective essence can ultimately be considered quite timely for the pandemic and was the quintessential lockdown project our team needed.

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

ESCALAR

Trent Teigen

Anders Bergstedt

A simple cloakroom where the boxing installed to conceal unsightly pipework has also been used to mount a generously proportioned semi recessed hand basin. The stylish radiator from Zhender add a further touch of class.

Architect: Michelle Penn, AIA This is remodel & addition project of an Arts & Crafts two-story home. It included the Kitchen & Dining remodel and an addition of an Office, Dining, Mudroom & 1/2 Bath. This very compact bathroom utilizes a pocket door to reduce door conflict. The farmhouse sink is directly opposite the toilet. There are high upper windows to allow light to come in, but keep the privacy! Notice the doors to the left of the opening...every nook and cranny was used for storage! Even this small space carved between studs! Photo Credit: Jackson Studios

This powder room feature floor to ceiling pencil tiles in this gorgeous Jade Green colour. We used a Concrete Nation vessel from Plumbline and Gunmetal tapware from ABI Interiors. The vanities are solid oak and are a gorgeous unique design.

Dark Green Herringbone Feature wall with sconces Black Galaxy countertop

Installing under counter sinks into a quartz bench top is easy to clean. Constructing a nib wall behind the vanity provides a break-in the otherwise flat wall. Dimensional layering provides added interest to the vanity area.

Powder Bathroom

Декоратор-Катерина Наумова, фотограф- Ольга Мелекесцева.