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.