house proud, vol. 2 {life}
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 12:00PM 
A mid-century modern, on the water, with a granite wall running from the front path through the house all the way to the back deck? I'm sold. After photographing this gorgeous traditional that my friend Bill designed, we snuck over to get some shots of this quirky, mid-century treat. What a gorgeous home! Bill describes this experience as one where the couple was open to anything he threw at them; they pretty much let him have at it when it came to bringing a tired home back to life. The end result included a granite stairwell and wall, laid out in stunning bricks, that runs from before you reach the front door, through the entire length of the house straight out to the back yard. Built into the wall is a fireplace and three bookshelves, one of which (the middle) rotates to become a door, allowing access into the study. In the 10th photo above, you see the study and a painting hanging in the back of a bookcase. This clever trick gives party goers free range to the bar when socializing.
The wall grounds the house, but all is filled with light and air and views of the water. As Bill explains, the wall and its corresponding stairwell separate the private and public areas of the home. Off a soaring hall, perpendicualr to the granite wall, you find a study and guest rooms, and up the stairwell, perched alone with the finest views of the water, is the master suite.
Outside, the green of the house blends into the landscape while the red trim around the windows adds a vibrant pop of color, drawing the viewer's eye towards the interior of the home.
I think about all the mid-century houses I grew up running in and out of and how I never paid attention. What was wrong with me? Sometimes I think this era can tend toward cold and all sharp angles, but with this house it's been turned into something interesting and fun. Bill describes it as a fun project to work on, and you can tell. It must be a fun house to live in as well.
Reader Comments (9)
Those bookshelves are some of the sexiest I've ever seen. Is it weird to call a bookshelf sexy? I'll do it again!
My mom always gives me the side-eye whenever I talk about Danish teak or MCM furniture. She had a house in the 70s right after she got married that was the epitome of the era: shag carpet you had to rake, pistachio colored kitchen appliances, lots of teak wood and wood paneled walls. She shudders whenever she talks about that era of design but I secretly yearn for it. I like this house because it's a nice mix of traditional in a modern setting. Nicely shot, girl! xo
oh mid-century is my comfort zone. i think it's because i watched a lot tv shows from the 50's (dyke van dykes house was a favorite!) and when i got into thrift shopping i could always find amazing mid-century pieces for pennies! but not anymore, why oh why, did i liquidate all those finds?! i also think it is because mid-century always just looks so nice and clean and harkens to era of modernism and the boom of design. so, with that you might guess i am kind of in love with that house. the outside is amazing, the inside is equally amazing. granite wall, what?! i love that on the other side of the room it's so bright and warm, nice balance. i think your friend has a bit of talent : ) and gorgeous photos friend! i just love, love, love the kitchen one!
Well, you're doing Bill proud again with these wonderful shots of this home. Like Erin and Christine, I have a soft spot for all things mid-century modern. Just mention the name Eames and I'll come running. I'm guessing from the peek you gave that this home also has some spectacular views of the water. All those unique features Bill added to the home convinces me that this home is truly special. PS~I'm liking this partnership [wink].
What an unusual home, I can't decide whether I like it or not. The trees outside do a really good job of softening it's look. Oh, to have the luxury of a double lounging space to comfortably fit a grand piano and all the furniure, that's lovely. Great photos Lauren x
Ooooh, I love the concrete block walls, especially that they are visible inside as well. I am with Erin those bookshelves are sexy!
hi there! i love the outside - the pops of red and the quiet color otherwise. also bookshelves. mmm hmm. and it looks like they are put to good use. wonderful! is that nearby? it looks like spring there? can it be? the sun is shining. is the grass turning green? joy to you, n
I love the exterior... and I love a home with lots of book shelves.Gorgeous photos L xx
Love the kitchen cabinet x
Oh my, those bookshelves grabbed my attention right away. You're a lucky lady to get a sneak peek inside the home - I'd love to visit some of the houses that I feature on my blog