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Barkitecture

22 Mar

Each year, Austin does an event that combines two of my favorite things in life: architecture/design + dogs. It’s a called Barkitecture, and local builders and design/architecture firms create little home’s for man’s best friend to raise awareness and money for local animal shelters. Truly there are some amazing, one of a kind creations! Submissions are judged by a panel and prizes are awarded for categories such as Most Unusual and Best in Show. Take a peek at some of the interesting buildings and contest winners from 2012:

I can’t wait to go this fall!

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A Doggie Farmhouse
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Dog Cube Condo by Gensler
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Rex Box – Greenest Design
greenest design dog home barkitecture 2012
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The Woof Stream
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The Barkelow – Best Fundraiser
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Doggone Vault – Best in Show
doggone vault - best in show Barkitecture 2012.

Photos from Kara Mosher for Houzz and Barkitecture’s website.

See this other site for more pix from the event!

celebrity homes: will ferrell + john legend

15 Feb

Ahh so glad it’s Friday. I’m beyond ready for the weekend.  I was on AD’s website earlier and saw these two beautiful homes.  The first crib is home to the very talented musical star John Legend.  The 2nd belongs to one of my favorite actors & comedians, Will Ferrell.

John Legend’s Los Angeles Home

Tucked in the Hollywood Hills, this 60′s home’s style is “chic and tailored but also earthy and casual” according to the singer/songwriter, who shares the home with his fiance.

John Legend's living room

The contrast of light and dark, mixed use of materials, and organic shapes are what makes the space so special.

john legend's home

I adore those two chairs! How fun!

John Legend's kitchen

Streamlined and very modern kitchen.

John Legend's bedroom

Notice the wall covering? It’s seagrass.

john legend terrace

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Will Ferrell’s New York Loft

Located downtown NYC, this space was transformed from a dark and crumbling Victorian-era printing factory to a bright and airy residence to Will, his wife, and 3 kids.  It’s an unexpectedly upscale and sophisticated home for such a funny guy.

will ferrell living room 2

Classic white, black and grey.

will farrell loft living room

will ferrells kitchen

Artsy and minimalistic.

will ferrells bedroom

I must say, I love the bedrooms!

will ferrells guest bedroom

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So which celeb has the better designed home, Will or John??  What would you rather have: a city loft or the mansion in the hills?

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(Source: Architectural Digest. All photos link back to their original source)

70′s Malibu inspired home

11 Dec

It seems like lately I’m drawn to all these California-esque homes.  First Holiday in the Hills and now this!

I picked up the Oct/Nov issue of Urban Home Magazine and this project was featured on the cover.  Designed by local San Antonio firm, Baxter Design Group,  this home is a refreshing breeze of So-Cal eclectic style with organic touches.  It has a laid back, retro feel mingled with just the right amount of modern.  I had the chance to view this home back in May – it was part of the San Antonio Parade of Homes, featuring custom home builders Mattern & FitzGerald.

Exterior

In the article, builder Kevin FitzGerald describes how the client “wanted a house with soul and natural materials that were understated, yet elegant. We chose to design and build a home that would be low on ‘stuff’ and rich on texture.”

living room  dining room

kitchen

The planning period for this home took 5 months of getting to know the client’s hopes, dreams, and desires.  It paid off – the end result is gorgeous!

3 pics

lounge

details

bath

bedroom

front of home

You dig?! View the whole article here.

(Photo Credits:  Houzz & Urban Home Magazine)

design obsession: moroccan style

10 Oct

Morocco: A magical land, rich in history, culture, and charm.

It’s no secret that it’s top 10 on my bucket list.  I dream of traveling to Marrakech, strolling through the marketplace, and photographing architectural and scenic wonders that are like no other.

The style is timeless.  A constant influence to so much of the design and fashion world today.  The attention to detail is impeccable, from the arches and architecture, to the refinements of the tile and latticework.

So naturally, I adore anything inspired by this amazing place.

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Wallpaper by Urban Outfitters!

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Behold the La Mamounia Hotel in Marrakesh.  DROP. DEAD. GORGEOUS.

This freakin pool!!!

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Everybody needs a lil Moroccan in their life. :)

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a)  Light fixtures, Viva Terra   -  b) Teal Moroccan Veridigris Earrings, from Christina Nicole via Etsy  -  c) Geometric Cuff in Grey, Deja Vu  -  d) Sandals, Charlotte Russe  -  e) One Shoulder Dress, Deja Vu    -    f) Carthage Pierced Lantern, Home Decorators   -    g) Tahla Lantern, Z Gallerie  -   h) Rug, Ikea   -     i) Chinese Garden Stool, Wisteria   -    j) Moroccan Inspired Photo Frame, Wisteria   -   k) 4 Door Mirrored Console, to the trade only (contact me for pricing/ordering)  -     l) Votive cups, Z Gallerie   -    m) Jacqui Coffee Table in White, Bungalow 5    -    n) Light Fixture, to the trade only (contact me for pricing/ordering)    -   o) J.L. Rhein Pillow, Wayfair   -     p) Macau End Table, Home Decorators

happy friday!

7 Sep

Came across this photo on Pinterest and thought I’d share!  We’ll be enjoying the weather and cooking out this weekend.  I’d like to hear about everyone’s weekend plans…. xoxo! Hope you enjoy it!

 

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(photo via Pinterest)

Texas bunkhouse

10 Aug

As featured in Dwell Magazine, this 1400 square foot Bastrop bunkhouse is used as a recreation home for a film writer and director.  Built into the natural environment, the house expands vertically to give the illusion of more space.

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The home was designed by Austin architect Henry Panton.

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Cedar and steel make up most of the structure of the home.

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Love this door design!

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Outdoor shower. *sigh*

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The director wanted his home to be a place to entertain family and friends, so as you can see it sleeps about a dozen people! The best part is that the bunks are on casters and can be wheeled out through the french doors onto the porch so guests can sleep out there if they prefer!

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This 90ft foot bridge leads to an outdoor bathhouse and swimming pool.

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All photos courtesy of Dwell Magazine.  You can see the article and all the photos here.

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Happy Friday!

Best of San Antonio’s Parade of Homes

5 Jun

Last week, my coworkers & I went to go check out the Parade of Homes at the Dominion here in San Antonio.  With 12 different homes to tour, there was a lot of ground to cover.  Rather than boring you with every detail, I’ll get right to the good stuff.  Here are my personal faves:

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BEST BACKSPLASH

This is one of the coolest backsplashes. Period.

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BEST FABRICS

Loving the Kravet fabrics in this room.

You may recognize this fabric pattern from a previous post.  The chairs look absolutely fab in it!

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MOST COMFY SPACE

Slipcovered sectional.  Neutral palette.  Striped poufs.  Perfect place to curl up and read a book.

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MOST INNOVATIVE MATERIAL

Maybe I’ve been living under a rock but I’ve never seen this type of wall covering before – recycled paper bound together like grasscloth!  Really cool!

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BEST OUTDOOR SPACE

 This pool is to die for.  The steps across = pure genius.

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 And the U-shaped built-in bench with the orange and sky blue pillows takes the cake.

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 BEST CRAFT/ACTIVITY SPACE

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With so much storage and counter space, this room would be the perfect place to house all my little DIY projects.

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BEST LIVING SPACE

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This Adam Wilson home was my favorite overall.  Love the use of materials and the open concept….Everything from the architecture to those Barcelona Chairs (*sigh*).

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MOST CREATIVE HOME

Awesome architectural elements of this urban ranch.  Rustic meets modern, in a very interesting way!

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Also in the Urban Ranch were these big red doors in the Media Room that closed off for privacy, or opened up the living/dining area for entertaining.  LOVE!!

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BEST GREEN FEATURE

Yes, that is a giant rainwater collector.  My heart skipped a beat.  Such a great concept - especially here in San Antonio with all the water restrictions we have in the Summer.

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BEST BATH

Ironically with all of the beautiful baths I saw, my favorite was the outdoor one.  Lets face it - I’m a sucker for pebble mosaics, subway tile, and natural sunlight.

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BEST KITCHEN

I know this isn’t the best shot in the world, but I can promise you if you saw this Scavolini kitchen you would have fallen in love.

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BEST DINING

Simple, yet stunning.

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BEST LAUNDRY ROOM

Ah yes.  I MIGHT actually fold my clothes if I had this type of set up!  (Keyword is might, no promises there… )

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mid-century modern ranch home

1 Jun

This mid-century modern ranch was transformed into the perfect home for one Austin’s foremost music club owners with an extensive hot rod collection. The addition of a six-car garage and bedroom wing created the extra space and functionality needed for the home.  – Dick Clark Architecture

 Featured in this summer’s Atomic Ranch magazine, this amazing home is a eclectic mix of modern and retro.

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A bridge gallery was added to connect the new addition with the existing home.

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A combination of mid-century furniture with modern architectural design.

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I can’t imagine having a red kitchen but I really like it in this pic!

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Hello bath floor tile.  You inspire me.

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(All photos from Dick Clark Architecture’s website. )

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Happy Friday! xo

hill country modern

23 Feb

Welcome to this upscale home, located up the road from me in Wimberly, Texas.  Designed by Cunningham Architects out of Dallas,  this modern treasure is as beautiful as it is energy efficient.  Among the green building principles are use of local materials and harvesting rainwater on the rooftop.

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“Nestled on the edge of a bluff in the Texas hill country, the Wimberley residence quietly sits among the brush and trees, providing a peaceful respite for its inhabitants.” – Cunningham Architects

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“An “L” plan effectively separates the bedroom wing from the more public kitchen/living/dining room wing. As such, the house essentially is two discrete boxes, one of glass, and the other of stained cement fiber board, indicative of their respective functions.” – Cunningham Architects

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A few pictures of the interior!

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Don’t forget about the rooftop patio.  Ballin!

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I can already picture the rediculous pool parties that would happen here.

When can I move in???? :)

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(Picture sources:  Cunningham Architects website, and also on this link)

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