Relaxing on the Porch

(crisp architects)
I'll be taking a few days off this week to spend some relaxing time with my family. Here is fabulous porch that certainly would provide a welcome oasis. Everyone needs a few moments to slow down and toast some marshmallows. See you in a few days...
xxx-Gina

Grand Country Home

It is so peaceful to sit outside and enjoy the day when surrounded by beautiful countryside. This newly constructed home, by Crisp Architects, sits wonderfully on several acres of spectacular rolling hills. It was built in three distinct sections to mimic the way older homes evolved over time. In this way, they were able to create a wonderful example of how new construction can be made to look like a historic home.
The Living Room is awash in warm historic colors of mustard and russet. Notice the ceiling detail where 200 year old hand hewn beams were used and the beautiful century old reclaimed hardwood floors. Also notice the deep transition doorways between the Living Room and Foyer. This adds immensely to the historic feeling of the house.
The formal main entry is very large and flooded in natural light. It provides a neutral backdrop for the home owners folk art collection.
On the opposite side of the foyer you enter a warm and inviting library. The wood shelving, hand hewn beams and antique flooring make you feel like you are in a room at least a century old. It is hard to believe that this is new construction. Again notice the deep transitions in the doorways.
The home features a soft blue kitchen. Though not my taste it is an interesting departure from the usual white cabinets. The blue is a wonderful compliment to the antique floors and stainless steel.
Artfully designed to look like an addition added over the years, no "historic style" home is complete without a sun room. This one is so lovely. Notice the railings, the exterior column details and the pergola. Nothing was missed - I am in love with this!
And it is every bit as lovely inside with incredible moulding details and beadboard ceilings! Great furniture choices, with a mix of antiques and a zebra skin layered over a sisal rug. Also notice how the placement and height of the tree and then tall lamp carries your eye around the room.
The master bedroom is beautiful. The highlight is the fireplace, again a wonderful job of making the room look very vintage. Notice the hand forged hardware on the doors.

Every grand country home needs a wine cellar. The design is very thoughtful with a bar area and separate tasting room. The wine barrel against the brick walls is a nice touch.

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You all know how excited I get when I see wonderful period details incorporated into new construction. This home is an incredible example of great design with no details overlooked. To see more photos of this home, click here.
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James Crisp of Crisp Architects also writes a blog, On the Drawing Board, which has wonderful tips and information on home design and construction, to read more click here.

Greek Revival Pool House

One of my favorite secret past times is to peruse architectural design firms websites to see what interesting spaces they are creating. Here is a lovely Greek Revival Pool House designed by Crisp Architects in Millbrook, NY. All photos and information are from the Crisp Architects website.

This jewel box of a pool house serves as an entertainment area for the homeowner and her guests. The architect decided to highlight the Greek Revival details of the main house and to keep the structure as small as possible.

Although the square footage is not large, there is an abundance of classical detailing that gives the building stature and also makes the space comfortably approachable. The lovely design highlights the easy flow between the interior and exterior spaces when the multiple French doors are thrown open.

I love the use of bluestone both as a flooring material throughout the interior and as the material used for the adjacent terrace areas. A lovely entertaining space - perhaps one of my lucky readers have been invited to a party here?