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