Deborah Berke and Partners on Shelter Island

I came across the firm of Deborah Berke and Partners as I scrolled through Remodelista's archives. This 1200 square foot ranch house on Shelter Island attempts to channel the "aesthetic agenda of a New York City loft," using a palette of grays, including white cedar and galvanized steel. Intended or not, the proportions of the home seem ideal for a summer escape, with the modest square-footage allowing for low-maintenance and the open floor-plan for added flexibility. See more of Deborah Berke and Partners here.

Light from Above

As spring keeps trying to get sprung, I find myself increasingly aware of natural light indoors. In homage to the warmth to come, this is a round-up of skylights that make the indoors a little more bearable.

A Seattle Garage Turned Home

I came across this NY Times profile of Michelle de la Vega's converted garage in Seattle and was immediately inspired to buy a garage. The products of her labor in converting the structure are more than admirable in themselves, but the reason for doing so (renting the main house for a steady income, while converting the adjacent garage into her own home) is even more clever. Blessed by an abundance of nearby industrial salvage yards, the space draws much of its character from the revived fittings and fixtures --topping the list: the industrial sink set an impressively paired down kitchen. See the full article and slideshow at the NY Times.

A Greenpoint remodel

This Greenpoint, Brooklyn kitchen remodel by Coburn Architects and Purekitchen worked from a dry pallet of white oak and matte lacquer. The result is a bright and calming space, highlighted by subtle transitions between the home's original 1870 details and the restrained geometry of the new cabinetry and millwork. I especially like the bar, tucked between the stairwell and kitchen; it brings an unusual sense of utility to an otherwise vacant corridor. See more of Coburn's portfolio here, and see more of Purekitchen here.

A domestic collection in Brussels

Spotted on the NY Times, this Belgian townhouse was used for commercial purposes for about 40 years before its new owners reclaimed its domesticity. There is definitely a fair share of Danish-modern furnishings, but the remodel was also considerate of the structure's heritage, maintaining the ornament around the fireplace and a sophisticated pallet of greige on the walls. Needless to say, its the tiny chair next to the toilet that sells it.

Superfolk makes a table

I can't get enough of Dailytonic today. It just keeps on giving. I have seen this table before and its been incubating in my head ever since. From Ireland's Superfolk, the aptly titled table conveys a sturdy elegance with its dowel legs and angled brace. There is even something in their branding of their work (literally) that speaks to timelessness and durability. See their work here. Dailytonic here.

"living-space-as-furniture"

Also spotted on Dailytonic, Chatou by Paris outfit H2O Architects is self-described as an attempt at "living-space-as-furniture." They describe it as a means of independence for their clients' teenager, however it comes off more as an affective, compact, and integrated living space. See more H2O here, Dailytonic here.

Berta by Gufler

Spotted on Dailytonic, Alexander Gufler's Berta chair is a winner. It doesn't necessarily push the seating envelope, but its creative construction method and detailed proportions set it apart. See Alexander's site here. Dailytonic here.

A tiny place to write

Inspired by Remodelista's post on the bedding features in FROM THE DESK OF LOLA's portfolio, I came across this perfectly secluded built-in desk. Being a bit of a claustrophobe, however, I fear it may be far nicer to look at it than sit at. In any case, kudos to Alexandra Loew for an eloquent use of a small space.

A Swedish Conversion

LASC studio premier their talent with this farmhouse conversion in Skane, Sweden. LASC founders, Jonas Labbe and Johannes Schotanus, took what was once a dark and cramped interior (Originally intended, I'm assuming, as a buffer from the Scandinavian cold) and created a light, white space, highlighted by knotty wood cladding and some candy-inspired colors. Ultimately, I think it's the scale of the project that makes it so appealed and concise. Spotted originally on Designboom. See also LASC.

Jane Street townhouse by Rees Roberts

Rees Roberts is a New York based interiors and landscapes firm, formerly a division of Steven Harris Architects. They're responsible for this Jane street residence in NYC, featuring dynamic outdoor space, adding a bright open column of space relative to the home's compact architecture. See more of their work here.

Kinderhook Retreat by Steven Harris Architects

About 130 miles due north of New York City is the Kinderhook Retreat by Steven Harris Architects. The blanched white aesthetic against the green expansiveness of the 50 acre property definitely says "retreat" (and the gun-port style windows says "defend with your life"). See more of their portfolio here.