Patina Homes: Steve Giannetti and Brooke Giannetti

Everyone who has followed Steve and Brooke Giannetti has been inspired by their design style, a beautiful paradox of vintage modernity with a curated color palette of neutral tones, often accented by French oak and creamy French limestone walls, juxtaposed to steel windows and set in an open floor plan that is at once warm and inviting.  In their fourth book Patina Homes, readers are presented with a breathtaking showcase of 12 homes that demonstrate the architectural brilliance of Steve's signature materials and understated elegance.  The book, while focused on the architectural aspects of each project, is also a wonderful collection of design inspiration, and together these elements are perfectly suited to inspire us to lighten up our interiors, and pursue the lifestyle quality that makes a house a home.  

I know you will love it...  Here is your sneak peek!

Atherton

"Atherton reflects the stories and dream of our clients.  They raised their family in a beautiful traditional home on this tree-filled property, but their children were older now.  They were entering a new phase of their life and their house no longer fit their lifestyle.  They dreamed of open interior spaces, where they could entertain friends and their grown children.  After seeing Patina Farm, they were convinced they could create a home that reminded them of their original, traditional house, but also included bright, fluid spaces connected to their gardens."

"Although the interior rooms have a modern sensibility, I also wanted them to feel warm and welcoming.  A few antique architectural elements–a large-scale limestone mantle in the living room, a pair of antique French pine doors in the breakfast room, and two vintage zinc industrial pendants in the kitchen–help balance the contemporary detailing.  The view of the gardens through the generous steel windows becomes large-scale landscape art, adding a natural ease to the interior spaces."

Cliff House

"This Malibu home, equal parts industrial factory and Italian villa, is a departure from the traditional shingle-style beach house I designed for this same client a decade ago."

"One of my main goals was to connect the indoor spaces to the ocean beyond.  I wanted to take advantage of this home's location on a cliff above the Pacific.  From the entry courtyard, a steel-and-glass door allows visitors a peek at the magnificent views.  Upon entering the house, monumental steel doors pocket into the wall, providing guests with the full, breathtaking sights, scents and sounds of the ocean.  The entire home becomes an outdoor porch."

Malibu Colony

"This Malibu Colony beach house was my opportunity to create the perfect beach house by having every single element conform to the single purpose of opening the whole space to the ocean."

"Although this is a contemporary house, I wanted to make sure it felt inviting.  The natural material selections add warmth.  Planked wood walls and floors stained a warm honey tone balance the cooler plaster and glass throughout the house.  Honed slabs of buff-colored, fossilized limestone add natural texture to all of the bathrooms."

Oceanside

"Oceanside is a home in a private beach enclave in Southern California.  Built in the 1920s, all of the houses in this community are based on classic French Normandy architecture, and all new homes are required to adhere to these details."

"...I designed a French Normandy-style home centered around a courtyard, where the living room, dining room and kitchen flow together and connect to a porch with spectacular ocean views.  Combined with our clients' bedroom suite, these spaces become a comfortable two-person home.  As more guests arrive, the extra bedrooms and bunk room surrounding the courtyard extend the home while still protecting our clients' privacy."

To purchase Patina Homes and request an autographed copy, click here.

Congratulations to Steve and Brooke for the gorgeous new book, thank you ever so much for the signed copy.

As always a very special thanks to Jill Cohen Associates for the wonderful opportunity to review this beautiful publication.

All quotes courtesy of Steve Giannetti - Patina Homes

All images courtesy of Gibbs Smith, photographs in post taken by Lisa Romerein

Reprinted with publisher and authors' permission.

Architecture by Giannetti Home

Design Associates: Ryan Oliva, Laura Putnam, Renata Costa, Andrew Mitchell, Nick Giannetti, and Blenda Luong.

...live beautifully 

x Rié

April Book Club - HOUSES: Robert A.M. Stern Architects, Gorgeous New Book!

 

I learned the love of blueprints from my dad; as a child I would wait patiently for him to finish, to ask him if he had an extra so I could color them, and of course add my own designs.  Even though his plans were for mainframe computers and their parts, he was a budding architect at heart, and was the first to introduce me to architecture and landscape architecture.  The first time I remember learning an architect's name was for a beautiful building by Robert A. M. Stern, who was first known for his distinguished, timeless, houses.  The firm's latest book marks a new celebration of their world-renowned residential projects.  Houses: Robert A. M. Stern Architects was recently published by The Monacelli Press, so you know it's gorgeous.  It's a sweeping presentation "...of seventeen homes that showcase RAMSA's mastery of diverse styles and highlights the firm's collaboration with leading designers, landscape architects, craftspeople, and builders around the world."  It also contains blueprints of site plans, floor plans, and early conceptual sketches, which I personally find thrilling. 

Just order it now and add it to your library, you will thank me later... Enjoy your sneak peak!

HOUSE 

IN 

VIRGINIA

BEACH

Gary L. Brewer, Project Partner

"Several years ago, a Virginia Beach couple purchased oceanfront land on which to build their dream house.  While gathering inspiration images, they discovered that many of their favorite homes were designed by our firm and that the wife's father years before had consulted Bob Stern about a house that he was thinking of building.  Introductions were made, and before I knew it, I was on my way to Virginia, where the couple showed me their site as well as several local shingle-style houses they admired.  Among them, to my surprise, was one that had been built to our 1994 plans for the Life magazine dream house." ...

RESIDENCE

ON

KIAWAH

ISLAND

Roger H. Seifter, Project Partner

"Just twenty-five miles southwest of Charleston, South Carolina, the barrier island of Kiawah was first developed as a private community nearly fifty years ago.  Since then it has become a veritable subtropical paradise of scenic inlets and lagoons, rolling golf greens, and broad, south-facing beaches." ...

HOUSE

ON

LILY POND

LANE

Randy M. Correll, Project Partner

"This house is on one of East Hampton's most picturesque lanes, just parallel to the beach, with the sound of the ocean ever present.  The street is lined with beautiful sycamore trees that tower above the landscape, which takes on a park-like quality, thanks to the unusual siting of the house far to one side of the generous lot." ...

To Purchase Houses: Robert A. M. Stern Architects, click here.

All quotes attributed to the respectively listed partners; the opening quote sourced from The Monacelli Press press release.

Book Forward by Robert A. M. Stern.

Edited by Peter Morris Dixon and Shannon Hohlbein.

Written with Samuel Cochran.

Congratulations to Robert A. M. Stern Architects, and in particular RAMSA's residential Partners - Gary L. Brewer, Randy M. Correll, Grant F. Marani, and Roger H. Seifter on the magnificent book and each of your world class projects.

With very special thanks once again to Sarah Burningham - Little Bird Publicity - for the opportunity.

Thank you as well to The Monacelli Press, and media contact Laura Mintz, for the copy of the book to review.

...live beautifully

x Rié

NEW BOOK: Visions of Home: Timeless Designs, Modern Sensibility By Architect Andrew Cogar & Partners of Historical Concepts

It's no surprise that Atlanta-based architect Andrew Cogar and partners of Historical Concepts created another beautiful book.  Visions of Home: Timeless Design, Modern Sensibility is gorgeous, and a must-buy for anyone passionate for architecture or design.  Historical Concepts has partnered with Incollect to sell 100 beautiful, original, hand-drawn sketches from their daily drawing sessions to benefit The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.  The sale will be live on Incollect on April 15th.  

To learn more about the auction click here; to view and purchase drawings, click here.

Visions of Home is a beautifully produced and fascinatingly written showcase of the welcoming Southern homes designed by Historical Concepts.  As you thumb through this book, it will be no surprise to you that the firm is a recipient of the prestigious Arthur Ross Award from the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art.  The attention to detail, and the dedication to simultaneously fulfilling their clients' dream while preserving the history of each property, sets the firm in a class of its own.  Here's your sneak peak, I know it will inspire you to dream your very own vision of home...

"The front facade, which combines Dutch and Belgian influences, tells the story of a house 

that evolved over time.  Oak elements (left unfinished to record the patina from the region's 

dramatic weather patterns), inserted between the lime-washed brick gables, 

suggest enclosures and additions." 

"The entry offers the first of the home's many layers of discovery: rather than a modestly 

scaled foyer or vestibule, one enters into a grand hall with a boldly patterned tile floor, 

muscular beams, and woodwork lacquered in black.  Light from the broad glass Dutch door 

and sidelights plays off the warm plaster walls."

"In the invented history of this East Hampton residence, the farmhouse volume with 

the covered porch sheltering the front door was built first in the mid-1700s, with the adjoining gabled element added in the late 1800s."

"The chalky brick, wide-plank floors, and overscaled copper lights set the tone 

for the main kitchen."

"The cold room at the front of the house serves a an air lock protecting the interior 

from frigid winter temperatures while letting in the cheerful warmth 

of midday and late-afternoon."

 

"Once an underused, unwelcoming afterthought, now the narrow leg of the
 L-shaped property serves as an enjoyable summertime pool and party area
 - the perfect retreat for a young, active family."

"Architects often start with a blank slate and let their imaginations roam freely.  Yet homes that incorporate parts of earlier structures, or sit upon storied properties with a past, require a heightened sensitivity and awareness."

To Purchase Visions of Home: click here.

VISIONS
OF HOME

TIMELESS DESIGN, MODERN SENSIBILITY

ANDREW COGAR
and Partners of HISTORICAL CONCEPTS

Written with Marc Kristal
Photography by Eric Piasecki

This new volume from the esteemed architecture firm Historical Concepts features extraordinary homes rooted in traditions and enriched with a modern sensibility.

All quotes by Andrew Cogar

Congratulations to Andrew Cogar (President), James L. Strickland (Founder), and all the partners of Historical Concepts: Todd Strickland, Kristy Tindall, Aaron Daily, David VanGroningen, Kevin Clark, Elizabeth Dillon, Terry Pylant, Clay Rokicki, and Domenick Treschitta. 

With special thanks to Sarah Burningham - Little Bird Publicity - for the opportunity.

Thank you to Andrew Cogar for a signed copy of your gorgeous book.

Designed by Doug Turshen and David Huang

Rizzoli International Publications, Inc. NY

... live beautifully

x Rié

April Book Club: Designer Melanie Turner's New Book - Inviting Interiors

 

"Any traditional design elements, such as the sparkling crystal chandelier and scenic wallpaper, are juxtaposed with contemporary touches.  Amethyst-crystal lamps and dining chairs upholstered in a similar color liven things up.  Even the formal drapery cornices, based on an antique design, feel fresh with their simple tape outlines."

For the month of April we will be featuring a curated selection of new books from the worlds of architecture and design to inspire us to live beautifully.  Already well-known for her Atlanta-based design studio and her boutique store Melanie Turner Home in Big Sky, Montana, and Rosemary Beach, Florida, designer Melanie Turner has released her first book Inviting Interiors: A Fresh Take On Beautiful Rooms showcasing her versatile style across a range of both contemporary and classic designs.  Turner has been awarded a Kitchen of the Year citation by Architectural Digest, and has been recognized three times as ADAC'S Southeastern Residential Designer of the Year. 

Here's your sneak peak...enjoy!

"The living room's neutral palette creates a dreamlike effect; beyond the barely there pink and icy blue accent colors on fabrics and artwork, there is little to disrupt the quiet vibe.  

The velvet clad sectional was arranged to make the most of the corner unit's unique floor plan and take in the sweeping views."

"Even utilitarian spaces can be designed with nurturing characteristics.  The lack of upper cabinetry afforded space for a window, allowing sunlight to stream through.  The pale-wood finishes imbue the room with spa-like tranquility."

"The tiger-print sofa was based on an iconic piece that once belonged to style maven Lee Radziwill.  Its selection set the tone for the rest of home which is filled with colorful and glamorous details."

"With no hard edges or any kind of trim delineating the wall and the ceiling, the lustrous plasterwork creates an enveloping and soothing environment, allowing one's attention to focus on the furnishings, such as the shaggy armchair, which has an artful, sculptural sensibility, and the bold yet ethereal painting, which enhances a sense of calm."

"When I first began working with these clients, I promised to keep their favorite art, rugs, and furniture, all of which was reupholstered.  The walls were originally a deep red color, which actually distracted attention away form their collection of paintings.  I chose to design the new palette around their artwork and use colors from certain pieces as accents, deploying them sparingly but judiciously on pillows, curtain trim, and the occasional armchair.  Two large chandeliers were added to give this soaring space a more human scale."

"On the most basic level, this book is about my love for creating beauty.  Whether my clients' desire is for a home that is cool and calm or eclectic and colorful, one thing never wavers: everybody wants a place that best reflect his or her self."

To Purchase Click Here

My sincere thanks to Jill, Lizzie, and Mallory of Jill Cohen Associates: Where Beautiful Books Begin for the privilege, congratulations on another outstanding book.  

Congratulations to Melanie Turner on your new book, the first of many I am sure. 

Thank you also to Rizzoli New York for providing this magnificent book for review. 

[All quotes courtesy of Melanie Turner]

...live beautifully

xx Rié

Weekend Chic: AERIN Springtime Entertaining

 

SPRING ENTERTAINING AT HOME

In Spring it was common for my mom to place a table underneath a large tree in the garden and our family would gather for a lunch or early dinner she had prepared.  She loved for us to take the time to "gather" and share moments of our lives, have a conversation regarding hopes and dreams...When we were young she would put crayons or colored pencils and paper on the table during dessert, which was always fruit based, (whether a galette, or berries with ice cream) and have us draw Happy Easter or Spring cards to send to our grandparents, give to our teachers, or leave at the neighbors' doorstep.  Living Beautifully for me is making purposeful memories with our family and friends, no matter how small the gathering.  In my husband's family, during dessert a family member or friend who couldn't make it would receive a phone call and the phone would be passed to each person to say hello and send their love or congratulations, whatever the occasion called for.  My husband, our son, and I have been recipients of this long distance gathering and it meant so much to be far away and yet still be close.   

AERIN has introduced a new beautiful line for your Spring or Easter table... with lovely fresh touches to make your gathering (and memories) special.  

To purchase any of the items shown, click here.

All photography from the line: Springtime Entertaining | AERIN LLC

... live beautifully

xx Rié

Charlotte Moss and House Beautiful's Robert Rufino Video: How To Arrange Flowers Like An Expert

 

Living Beautifully - The Art of Arranging Flowers  

In celebration of her forthcoming book Charlotte Moss: Flowers, which will be released April 6th, we are showcasing just a few stunning bouquets from the renowned interior designer and tastemaker's website.  As a preview of her book, she joined House Beautiful's Style Director Robert Rufino to create a glorious flower arrangement, and the link for this beautiful video can be found at the end of this post.  

A perfect calling card for Spring... Enjoy!

To Watch Charlotte Moss' How To Arrange Flowers Like An Expert: click here

House Beautiful Style Director: Robert Rufino
House Beautiful Digital Director: Hadley Keller
Photography from Charlotte Moss | Site: charlottemoss.com

... live beautifully

xx Rié