The Art of Home Making

I know we all remember Olatz Schnabel's gorgeous watery blue bedroom and the amazing mix of textiles and art adorning the space. Well, here's a peek at the rest of her beautiful, wonderfully eclectic SoHo home. It's romantic and old-fashioned and yet, still completely comfortable in a 21st century kind of way.

{images via The New York Times, see more of her work on her new interior design site at Interiors by Olatz}

More Great Art and Footstools

Once again, I'm all about the art, especially the Baechler in the dining nook. However, it's also important to note that those 80's footstools are teasing me with their toasted marshmallow-y leather yumminess. Shame on you stools, shame on you.

{images via Vogue}

This is why you hire an architect.

In order to make use of every square inch of your 300 square foot, 1970s West Village studio. That's right, it's hard to imagine that this bright apartment is home to such a tiny footprint, but the credit must go to the architects, MESH Architectures, and the amazing creativity they used to carve out function from every available nook and cranny. I love the use of the reclaimed timber flooring which adds warmth to the mostly white interiors and I am crazy for all of the wonderful built-in storage. The owner, an art dealer, was particularly adamant that the kitchen remain functional, while taking up the least amount of space possible and not encroaching on the living area. I'd say they were successful and then some. While the elfin space is just that, a tiny alcove, it certainly does not scrimp on modern convenience and is brilliantly executed. (see more of the kitchen here)

Overall, a wonderful transformation to a space that many would not have given a second glance, much less have seen the possibilities and then acted on that vision to create a beautifully livable, stupendously functional home.

{images via MESH Architectures and Apartment Therapy}

A Rooftop Aerie in Manhattan

This is Joel's house. Joel, as in Grey, as in father of Dirty Dancing progeny Jennifer. Joel lives here, amidst the rooftops of NYC. Jealous much? I am.

{From the design firm's site, Madderlake Designs Architecture + Landscape:}

"A LONGTIME RESIDENT OF THE PENTHOUSE FLOOR OF THE FABULOUS HOTEL DES ARTISTES ON MANHATTAN'S WEST SIDE, JOEL LIVED IN A LONG, NARROW SERIES OF ROOMS THAT ADJOINED A LARGE OPEN TERRACE--BUT LONGED FOR MORE INTERIOR LIVING SPACE. UNWILLING TO GIVE UP URBAN CONVENIENCE FOR A REFUGE IN THE COUNTRY, WE BROUGHT COUNTRY LIVING TO JOEL BY ADDING LIGHT-FILLED CONSERVATORY ROOMS FOR DINING, STUDY AND MASTER BATHROOM, THEN SURROUNDING THEM WITH GORGEOUS GROVES OF BIRCH AND BAMBOO, A GRAPE ARBOR OVER THE OUTDOOR DINING AREA, AND FLOWERS EVERYWHERE. THE ORIGINAL INTERIOR WAS GUTTED AND MADE AIRY; NEW AND OLD SPACES FLOW FREELY ONE TO ANOTHER. AND WHILE THE INTERIOR NOW LOOKS WARM AND MODERN, WE INTRODUCED QUIRKY ELEMENTS TO KEEP IT COZY AND INTRIGUING."

On the Market: The Costello's Place

Oh yes, as in Paul and Sara Ruffin Costello. For a mere $12,950,000 you can buy yourself some digs with provenance. Like Domino kind of provenance.

Read all about it here.

Impressions? Talk to me.

Friday Fixation: Roman and Williams

Today I'm totally fixated on the work of husband and wife team Stephen Alesch and Robin Standefer, otherwise known as Roman and Williams. I love how their designs are at once old and new, timeless, yet unique. I find the sturdy, solid, beautifully detailed spaces completely entrancing. These images represent a smidgen of their work, from their own home to an incredibly designed, no-detail-is-too-small hotel and even a top-to-bottom designed apartment building on a corner in New York's Soho. Read more and see more here.

{images via Metropolis}

DIY

This charming Catskills cottage was purchased and renovated on a shoestring budget. Granted the place was in a rather sad state, hence the $95,000 price tag. But considering it came with 8 and a half wooded acres and a barn to boot, I'd say that was a pretty. darn. good. deal. Throw in a pair of novice, but handy twenty-something New Yorkers with big dreams and you've got yourself a sweet DIY retreat. When I say this was done on a shoestring budget, I'm not exaggerating. The couple did virtually all repairs and fix-ups on their own and spent $12,352 on the renovations and decorating combined. Amazing what a little confidence, some really good sleuthing skills and a touch of elbow grease can accomplish. I'm duly impressed. Read the entire story here.

{all images via NY Times}