Architecture easy on the eyes

While on the subject of architectural details this week, I take a huge interest in architects and their work.  A beloved uncle of ours and his talented sons (and a few grandchildren) are architects, which I am proud to boast, and some of my all time favorite icons are Frank Lloyd Wright, Walter Gropius, Mies Van de Rohe and Le Corbusier.

 I have always drooled over the architectural creations of Andy Martin Architects, a London based firm, since spying this courtyard of a London home.  Here are views inside and out of his Mews 04 project. 

I love the fluidity of the lines, the light and the simplicity of pure design, oh yes, and the topiaries!

 This unique door is a beautiful art installation.

So much to love in these photos, like the art and statement furnishings. Andy Martin has designed furniture and objects both functional and for art's sake and claimed many high ranking awards. 

Beautiful, isn't it?

Vacation home in Brazil

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I love architecture and contemporary homes.  This would be a fabulous vacation spot, wouldn't it? 

You can check out my Architectural Details and Travel pinterest boards and go on a virtual trip with me... I'm ready to go someplace warm!

Trending : California Spanish

Every five years or so I find myself changing my tastes.  Fickle pickle, yeah yeah, I know. But it always surprises me when I open my mind up to options I once quickly discounted.  I had never been a fan of the California Spanish look in years prior.  I loved my best friend's parents sprawling vista in San Diego for its charm and total 180 from east coast housing but never really gave the rest of it any thought.   It started with my favorite set-design of all times on the movie, It's Complicated, which boasts the Santa Barbara Spanish colonial look all day long.  I kind of died a little.  Then, slowly, I fell in love with the Eastwood's estate on their reality show and consequently anything in the Ojai Valley through various other reality TV.  I really started to change my tune on this distinct style.

I know what you're thinking - 'it's always been around'.  It's just that now I seem to notice it everywhere (OKL sales, the Pottery Barn catalog).  It's like a heightened sense of awareness since I've overturned my prejudices.   I'd love to visit the central California coast and take this all in.  I can do without the wooden wall-mounted wine holders and wine kitschery, but I do wanna see some terracotta tiles, stucco and wooden beams!

Have you lived in a Spanish Colonial or Spanish California home? Is it as wonderful as I've made it to be in my head?

Contemporary or Modern Architecture?

I have always appreciated Mid Century Modern Architecture. Typically it is defined as a style that incorporates nature, simplicity and organic forms. This was a highly significant design movement from the 1930's to the 1960's and is still being copied today. Good design is timeless, right?

Having grown up across the street from a brick ranch-style contemporary home, it's image is ingrained in my mind as one of my all time favorite home designs.

As an art student I studied Frank Lloyd Wright and have seen his  Pope Leighey home, in Alexandria, VA. It is small, wood, glass and concrete, and the form and function of the home are paramount. The wooded lot that it stands on is as important as the building itself. All these homes featured here have these similar elements.

This also brings up the question of what is the difference between contemporary and modern architecture? 

Contemporary refers to design of the current time, of the period in which it was created. Modern architecture began at the turn of the 20th century, and not only employs the "form follows function" principle, but also is characterized by the natural unmasked appearance of materials, the industrial aesthetic, elimination of unnecessary details, non-ornamentation, simplicity and clarity of forms.*  It encompasses contemporary architecture. The terms are loosely used and have similarities, but the main difference is that modern architecture could have been created in the 1920's or now. It is contemporary at the time it was built. Confused enough?

There was a mid-century movement within modern architecture. Famous architects of this movement are Eero Saarinen, Alvar Aalto, Oscar Niemeyer, Frank Lloyd Wright, Buckminster Fuller. A perfect of modern architecture is:

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     I am quite intrigued. My current ranch style home is traditional, but if I could have a wish, it would be to trade it for one of these....

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I would love to go to Falling Waters in Pa. next. Have any of you been there? Do any of you share my love of this architecture? Do tell.

Nancy

If you are looking for help with your home, we'd love to work with you! Contact us for a listing of our services and prices. Nancy and Bethany