We recently took a spontaneous day trip up to Napa for a bit of wine tasting and countryside, and wound up at The Carneros Inn for lunch.  Nevermind the food; I was most impressed by their modern farmhouse style patio.  Even though we were in wine country, all I wanted to do was sit back [...]

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We’re finally back from our 10-day voyage to Denmark.  After visiting family and friends, doing a little shopping, touring museums and eating well, I can safely say that Denmark is a design paradise.  It seems that nearly everything in the country is well-thought, efficient and visually pleasing.  I plan many future posts about the goodies [...]

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Need to explain architecture to your friends?  Fear not.  3-2-1 Contact, that PBS kids show from the eighties, already took care of it.  Check out their fly architecture rap track.

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Despite the recent excitement about pre-fab homes and sustainable design, the current economy is proving more than some small companies can bear.  Unfortunately, one of my favorite architects just recently fell into the financial crosshairs.  Michelle Kaufmann, whose firm is based in Oakland, makes absolutely gorgeous homes and has received many awards for her work.  [...]

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Like many kids, especially those who grew up to become engineers, LEGO blocks were a huge source of fun and inspiration for me.  In fact, I’ve never really stopped loving them, though I haven’t built or purchased any in a long time.  That’s all about to change. I nearly jumped out of my chair while [...]

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The American Institute of Architecture just announced the winners of their 2009 Housing Awards.  These represent the best and brightest examples of home design throughout the country over the last year.  Here are the homes I’d choose myself, photographs courtesy of the Wall Street Journal.  If anyone knows of interior shots, send a link in [...]

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Randomly reading the New York Times this morning I ran across this article about a young couple and their hip Noe Valley renovation.  Jay Shapiro, a skateboarder and bassist for local band Space Vacation, and Claire Bigbie, interior designer and RISD graduate, have totally transformed this Victorian space into a perfect home for SF youngsters. [...]

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Every suburban kid dreams of having a treehouse in the backyard.  A sanctuary away from siblings, parents and, most of all, chores.  Even well into adulthood, I still think treehouses are cool. Apparently some Germans do too.  Baumraum (German for “tree space”) has created some absolutely wonderful modern treehouses.  While I’ve seen a few amazing [...]

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Finally, a home to showcase that fits my style and doesn’t break the bank.  Renovated by the architectural firm of Buff, Smith and Hensen, this cute 1600 square foot home sits in the hills outside of LA.  Exposed wood ceilings, plenty of natural light through perfectly situated windows and a neutral palette make this home [...]

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Here’s some more absolutely stunning architecture on the market in the Bay Area.  Designed and owned by architects Ana Cecilia and Alfred Quezada, this home exudes style and modernism while still keeping very much in touch with its local surroundings.  I freely admit that I am a sucker for exposed redwood, especially when mixed with [...]

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