California Cottage Style

I like LOVE myself a little bit of cool, relaxed california cottage style! I'd love to find (not an easy task in the N.E.) a home with an open floor plan, beamed ceiling and a board and batten facade. 

Porch Awning = YES!

of note: at the MFA

I'm a bit of an art enthusiast, I'm sure that doesn't come as a surprise, I write a design blog right? I was thrilled when invited to attend two separate private showings at the newly opened Art of the Americas wing at the Boston MFA. First off the newly designed wing was a much needed and anticipated addition. Simply put, it's a breath of fresh air. I love the fusion of old and new. The dialogue between the original building built in 1909 {a number of additions were added in the early 1900's.} and the new building designed by Foster and Partners of London is spectacular. Last night I attended the opening of Fresh Ink, an exhibit displaying ten artist's modern interpretation of a traditional piece of Chinese art. It was an engaging show that runs through mid-February.

images: Dexigner.com, MFA website, Skinner

The Modern Farmhouse

I'm packing up the kiddies and heading up North to Vermont for the week, it's my last hurrah this summer...Vermont evokes so many thoughts but one is definitely farmhouse, another is relaxation..this home blends the two, architecturally it's such cool interpretation of a "modern farmhouse" - I would mix up the furniture a bit..{but that's just me ;)}!

Architecture: Schappacher-White

FARM HOUSE REVISITED

THE MODERN INTERPRETATION OF THE QUINTESSENTIAL FARMHOUSE IS THE PERFECT BLEND OF NEW + OLD! THIS HOUSE WAS IN AN ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN DESIGN NEW ENGLAND, NOV/DEC. 2007

Architect: D. Michael Collins.

INTERIORS

Designer: Chistine Lane

Architecture - August - Modern Marvel

Philip Johnson in front of his home, 1949.

I've decided to post a variety architectural gems on SHELTER monthly!

Philip Johnson's - Glass House

International Style

Built in: 1949

The Glass House is now open to the public and is situated on 47 acres in picturesque New Canaan, CT. Philip's designed this home for his own use; it is a study of proportion, materials, reflectivity + light. The openness of the space creates an intimate relationship between the inhabitant and the landscape. This home is not for the faint of heart, or the modest, the only interior walls surround the bathroom. The contrast of the "glass box" with the organic is quite beautiful.

Philips was clearly influenced by Mies van der Rohe.

I'm sure the r-value (insulation) of this home isn't great! For more information and photographs visit: http://www.philipjohnsonglasshouse.org/

Photo: Paul Warchol

Photo: Richard Payne

Photo: Erik Johnson