Consider realistic DIY limitations. If you’ve never delved into plumbing or electrical work before, a major renovation is usually not the right time to get started, as this type of work is best left to professionals. Even something as seemingly simple as demolition work can quickly become more complex if you are replacing plumbing or electrical fixtures.
The architect added a deck at the front of the house to extend the living room. "By keeping it uncovered, you’re allowed to encroach into the setback just a little bit," says Nwankpa Gillespie. "So, we were able to get quite a large porch. That was one way that allowed us to open up the doors to the front yard."
A midcentury-style walnut screen separates the entry from the living room, yet allows connection with its permeability.
A plywood box with a mesh bottom holds bottles and allows the water to pour through.
New accordion doors create a fluid connection to the backyard.
Custom white oak storage with slatted fronts lines the wall of the family room, blending in with the other finishes. The lower ceiling—nine feet high—fosters a cozy room to curl up and watch TV.
The custom white oak vanity was given the same treatment as the storage in the family room.
Custom cabinets in a mix of white oak and lacquered paint join Miele appliances and a honed quartz countertop.
Daylight floods the home from large windows and a skylight in the kitchen.
Sliding doors inspired by Japanese shoji screens can close off the office, which doubles as a guest room, for privacy.
The kitchen island is composed of rift white oak doors and drawers while the wall of storage cabinetry visually sinks into the white wall upon which it’s hosted.
A column of windows takes advantage of the double-height ceiling in the expanded primary bedroom, which sits above the yoga studio.
A built-in reading nook in the bedroom frames a window that overlooks the backyard.
The squiggly Bacterio laminate by Ettore Sottsass on the kitchen countertops was dead stock, and the HEWI drawer pulls were diligently sourced on eBay.
This view between the two casitas shows the compound’s material palette, which includes stone steps, corrugated-metal siding, and steel detailing.
The pool feels as laterally finite as the house feels spacious—but the view goes up forever.
A new covered seating area was created on the existing redwood deck, with hanging basket lamps inspired by decorations Sharp created for the couple's wedding.
A side patio leads from the front of the home to the courtyard. The same red bricks used for the facade have been used for the paving to create a seamless fabric that wraps the built form and the site.
The monolithic brick home in Mexico City by Esrawe Studio looks imposing from the street, but its enormous pivoting door opens to a courtyard that feels like a lush oasis.
California pepper trees, grasses, and sage are low-maintenance, low-water plants that also are low-allergen.
Top 9 Gardens of 2020: The verdant spaces nominated for the Dwell Design Awards help enliven their biophilic homes.
A detail photo of the water garden with rough sawn oak block which forms part of the waterfall and allows one a place to perch.
Goneau highlighted the red brick wall in the living room by leaving it bare and protecting it behind museum-quality glass. The space also features a floor-to-ceiling window that’s coated on the outside with a reflective film, letting residents keep their curtains open by day without fear of being seen from the street. The green sofa is by St-Laurent Domison and the white oak chairs are by Hans Wegner. All other furniture is custom.
Japanese joinery is an interest of Höweler + Yoon. "One of my exercises is to have students make a Japanese joint. The idea is that a void can kind of become a lock or an intersection to fit two pieces together," says Meejin. "There's something very strong about certain wedge Japanese joints. The courtyard wasn't intended to look like one—it just happened."
Plants were snuck into every possible corner to soften, create ambience, and screen the city vibes. Outside the great room, the custom-cut geometric natural stone patio and fire pit table draws you into the outdoor kitchen and lounge.
The shower offers a multisensory experience: the architect described how clients can take hot showers in the rain or simply lounge in the capacious garden area. Mint plants growing between the pavers release a pleasant smell when stepped upon.
Floor-to-ceiling windows from Ram usher in light during the day and emit a welcoming glow at night.
237 more saves