Architect in Residence

We've been in our home for a solid decade now and while that seems like a long time for our young family, it really is no more than a sneeze, a blink, a flutter in the grand scheme of things.

This home however has been standing since 1967 and is still inhabited and enjoyed by its original owners. The home, designed by well-known California architect Ray Kappe, sits on a hillside adjacent to a creek and if the views from the multiple floor-to-ceiling windows are any indication, the setting is a veritable verdant escape. The house itself is a symphony of wood, concrete, and glass constructed over seven levels which are in turn attached to six concrete towers. In our era of seemingly disposable everything, I love the idea that this beautiful, timeless home is still being enjoyed by its now 80-year-old designer and is as inspiring as ever.

{images via Dwell, read the accompanying article here}

ridiculous + awesome

This concrete chesterfield sofa, oh yes, I said concrete, is ridiculously awesome. I don't think I've ever met a chesterfield I didn't like and this one is no exception. Granted, it's not the usual broken in leather or soft and cushy velvet, but the cool factor alone makes it a standout.

Pretty convincing isn't it?

I definitely did a double take!

And what, say you, would I pair with my fabulous concrete chesterfield? Well, how about another classic, tufted beauty. The sexy Barcelona, perhaps? I spotted this unusual specimen during RainaFest 2010 earlier this year. Yep, patio furniture with concrete cushions!

{concrete chesterfield via gray concrete, concrete barcelona image via if the lamp shade fits}

Slumber

{image credits: 1.&2.Inside, 3.Decked, 4.&5.Tear it Out}

For a Mere $15 million it Could Be Yours

Frank Lloyd Wright's historic concrete block masterpiece, The Ennis House, is on the market. Sure, it's a fixer upper, but look at what you have to work with!

{images via Sunset & Ennis House}