fireplaces

This midcentury modern home that dates from 1952 was given a fresh renovation before it was put back on the market. The happy, modern home gives a nod to its original construction with details like a fireplace with painted grey bricks and white mantel.

A three-dimensional bronze work of art by Denver–based Yoshitomo Saito hangs above the fireplace. From afar, it appears to be inspired by the surrounding bird sanctuary; however, up close, it resembles leaves. The wood-paneled ceiling and the wood columns are both original features.

The original floor plan and design elements remain—from the concrete block fireplace to the restored sconces. The vaulted ceiling is made from western red cedar.

Concrete masses break up the grand interior spaces, while providing some solidity to the light framework of the home.

Stretching across 6,000 square feet, the home is comprised of three adjoining boxes: the public wing, the guest wing, and the family wing.

The ideal cabin feature: a fireplace.

View of Living Room

Josh and Moeka Lowman of San Francisco branding firm Goldfront reached out to Michael Hennessey Architecture to renovate the interior of their two-story residence in Diamond Heights, which was built by Eichler in 1965. Michael Hennessey explains, "We struck a balance between the positive, inherent qualities of an Eichler structure with modern improvements that enhance rather than compete with the existing building."

Blouin and Dupont kept the river rock surrounding the fireplace despite its loud texture "because the smoothness, or overall materiality of the house, gives a sense of balance to the living room," says Blouin.

The wall joins the ceiling with a subtle curve that softens the angularity of the fireplace and relaxes the room.

Also in the mix are antique market finds and pieces sourced from years of travel. Across from the Donna Wilson ottoman bought in London sit a pair of Brazilian, midcentury-modern chairs. They are among Nina’s favorites.

The wood-burning fireplace at Ditton Hill House adds a touch of warmth to the interior.

A sliding timber door elegantly conceals both the television and storage in the first-floor living room.

Mac describes adding the fireplace’s Domingue plaster finish as a real "labor of love." "The end result was a credit to the builder and his team. It really pulled the spaces together, and there is nothing better than the natural light playing with the plaster finish," explains the architect.

In the living room, the team raised the firebox, cladded the hearth in a tactile plaster finish, and installed a floating limestone bench that wraps the column. On the left (unseen) is integrated firewood storage, and a cozy reading nook sits on the right. "The bench was designed to be used as a social space/lounge, and is well-used," says Coffey. The wood beams and red brick were scraped and stripped many times to remove the silver paint and reclaim a natural state.