Robert A.M. Stern Redux

The mark of good architecture is that it can withstand the test of time. This house designed by Robert A.M. Stern certainly meets that criteria.  The house was built in 1993, and published soon after.  It was noteworthy then as lovely example of classical detailing and proportion for an up-to-date modern home.  Now almost 20 years later, the firm of Shelton Mindel & Associates has breathed new life into this classic home, keeping many of the architectural elements, but adding a sense of whimsy, light and color.  The house and interiors were fantastic in the 1990's...they now look a little dour, but in this new iteration, the home looks fresh and up-to-date.  These photos were all published in Architectural Digest.

 

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 The decor has changed, but much of the architecture has remained exactly the same....still looks fantastic, maybe even better, shown off by the cleaner look of the new furnishings, fixtures, and art.

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It looks like they took the paneling above the mantel off...and replaced some French doors with windows.

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 I couldn't find any images of the kitchen before...but I'm sure it was much more traditional.

 

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It looks as though they re built the library...the detailing is actually very different from the original in this space.

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I predict that this house has a long life ahead.  And that this classically beautiful home will go through many more decorative transformations in the years to come.

Style Trend: The Porte Cochere

Gil Schafer

The porte cochere is making a comeback in a big way.  This design element, which was extremely popular at the end of the the 19th century, has once again become a popular feature in new homes. It's a way for architects and designers to give a new home the weight, history, and feel of an older home.  We recently designed a home where we used a port cochere to connect the house to a barn.  We drew inspiration from some old examples.  

 

South Hampton Village

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The porte cocheres of these shingle style houses have low pitch roof in keeping with the front porches.

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It's easy to envision a carriage with horses parked in this porte cochere

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The grand scale of this is matched by the extremely tall casement windows, giving the whole wing a porch-like feel.

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Elegant paving, lanterns and trim give this porte cochere a beautiful sense of entry.

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Anne Decker

Brooks Falotico

 

Photo by Huestis Tucker Architects

This is one of my all time favorite buildings. It's a carriage house on Cape Cod.  The image above is the porte cochere.  The gable on the right, shown below, is the carriage entrance.   This carriage house was the inspiration for our recent porte cochere project.  When it's built, I will post photos.

Photo by Huestis Tucker Architects

Ferguson Shamamian

IKBA

Doxahome

Georgiana Design

Melanie Turner

So pretty, offering a view to the garden gate.

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Shingles, stone and an arch...need I say more?

via things that inspire

The gravel path and ivy walls give a country manor house feel to this porte cochere.

via traditional building magazine

This porte cochere offers a view to the barn.

Heavenly Stairways

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Here is a small sampling of staircases and stair halls I find apealing.

Some are modern and some are traditional.  But they all are anchored by the inclusion of other design elements.  In many cases the stairhall is made remarkable by the additon of a great light fixture, wonderful artwork, or a small piece of furniture.  These elements help to create a sense of stasis in a transitional space, making you want to pause end enjoy rather than pass through quickly.

 

 

 

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This tablescape echoes the beachy summery look of the stair detailing and the striped carpet runner.
 

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This stair hall is made more formal by the selection of lighting and classic sideboard. The detailing of the stair is a little less formal....my guess is that this was a renovation where lots of trim and mouldings were added, but the existing stair remained.  It would be prettier if the stair detailing matched the trim....but as I know well, the budget is always a consideration.
 

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This is a beautiful space where stair, furniture and fixtures are all in perfect harmony.
 

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Ditto for this space.

 

 James Howard

Pretty classical detailing on the newel post and the paneling, gives this stair a feeling of age and history.

 James Howard

This display of prints on the wall adss interest. The striped runner keeps the look informal.
 

James Howard

 

A gorgeous selection of simple furniture and wide plank floors give this entry a very put together look.

 

 

 Max & Company

The cut out balusters give these two stairs a European look.
 

 Max & Company

 

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Great art, great light and a beautiful carpet make this space come alive.
 

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Bleached floors, white walls and trim give a cottagy look to this space.
 

 Suzanne Kasler

Elegant!  Black and white floors, sweeping staircase and loads of paneling.  I'm guessing the big chandelier is just out of sight.
 

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The color, light fixtures, and runnger give this classically detailed space a cool modern look.
 

 Phoebe Howard

A leopard print runner lightens up this otherwise quite formal stairhall.

 

Thom Felicia

Love the mid century modern look of the stair and light fixture.