Architectural Cases

Architecture News

Celebrity Style

Building materials

Architecture Awards

English

Celebrity Style

Jeremiah Brent's Water-Inspired Transformation of a Lakeside Retreat

Slide 10
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 6
Slide 7
Slide 8
Slide 9
Slide 10
Slide 1
Architectural Digest explores how AD100 designer Jeremiah Brent collaborated with Lauren Sands, founder of LES Collection, to transform her family's cherished lakeside retreat. This 20-month renovation focused on creating a space that is not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful, blending personal history with contemporary design inspired by the surrounding water.

Harmony in Reflection: A Lakeside Oasis Reimagined

A Deeply Personal Project: Revitalizing a Childhood Home with Artistic Flair

Lauren Sands, the visionary behind LES Collection, sought to infuse her family's lakeside retreat—a place rich with childhood memories—with a renewed sense of purpose and beauty. Her desire was for a home filled with art and objects that resonated deeply, each piece holding decades of personal significance, rather than merely being decorative. This ambition led her to engage AD100 designer Jeremiah Brent, whose ability to weave personal narratives into his designs made him the ideal choice.

The "Harmony of Reflection" Concept: Blending Interior with Nature's Flow

Brent's design philosophy for the project, which he aptly named "the harmony of reflection," sought to create a seamless connection between the home's interiors and its natural lakeside surroundings. This concept was meticulously applied throughout the renovation, from the expansive dining table adorned with wave-like carvings to the spiral droplet motifs found in various design elements. The transformation involved extensive structural changes, including relocating exterior walls, to optimize views of the lake and establish distinct yet cohesive living areas.

Crafting Functional Beauty: Thoughtful Spaces for Family Life

The renovation prioritized both aesthetics and functionality. The open-plan public spaces were designed to offer sweeping lake views while maintaining separate zones through strategic use of columns, flooring, and coffers. The family room kitchen, for instance, showcases Sands's personal collection of dinnerware and glassware within a corner cabinet featuring rippled glass, further emphasizing the water theme. Every detail, from custom furniture to unique lighting fixtures, was chosen to reflect the family's lifestyle and passions.

Intimate Retreats and Bespoke Details: Personalized Sanctuaries

Beyond the communal areas, personal spaces like the second-floor office and primary bedroom were crafted as serene hideaways. The office features unique warped-wood walls, a collaborative effort between Brent and local millworkers, designed to evoke a sense of history and warmth. The primary bedroom, with its luxurious creamy surfaces and canopy bed, offers a tranquil escape. The primary bathroom elevates this luxury with a stunning display of mid-century Italian and Austrian lighting set against dramatic Paonazzo marble, creating an exceptionally dreamy ambiance.

A Vision Realized: The Intersection of Art, History, and Family

The 20-month undertaking culminated in a home that Brent describes as a unique blend of "color and vibration and whimsy and feminine and European." It eschews a single design style, instead becoming a vivid representation of the client's personality and history. Sands herself marvels at the magic of living in her reimagined childhood home, noting how Brent truly understood her vision, creating a space that radiates the family's essence.

Architectural and Artistic Collaboration: Expert Craftsmanship and Design

The extensive renovation was a collaborative effort involving Brent's team, Hanlon Architects, and DVC Incorporated contracting. This partnership ensured that complex structural changes, such as moving exterior walls to enhance lake views, were executed flawlessly. The integration of custom-designed pieces, from the dining table by Jonathan Hansen to bespoke plaster walls by Kamp Studios, highlights the meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship that defined the project.

Curated Collections and Unique Furnishings: A Tapestry of Style

The home is a showcase of thoughtfully curated furnishings and unique art. Pieces like the biomorphic chrome coffee table in the formal living room, vintage Italian lounge chairs, and French Art Deco armchairs contribute to a rich, layered aesthetic. The powder room, with its ripple motifs in the wainscoting and marble sink, continues the water-centric theme, while whimsical sconces add a playful touch. Even the children's bunkroom is a vibrant, customized space, featuring bold patterns and unique lighting, demonstrating that every corner of the home tells a story.

The Ultimate Guide to Luxuriously Soft Bedding: Editor-Approved Selections
Celebrity Style

The Ultimate Guide to Luxuriously Soft Bedding: Editor-Approved Selections

Ronaldo and Rodriguez's Portuguese Coastal Haven
Celebrity Style

Ronaldo and Rodriguez's Portuguese Coastal Haven

Elevate Your Bedroom Style: The Best Bed Skirts for Modern Homes
Celebrity Style

Elevate Your Bedroom Style: The Best Bed Skirts for Modern Homes

Celebrity Style

Elizabeth Taylor's Private World: A Look at Her Life Beyond the Limelight

Slide 25
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 6
Slide 7
Slide 8
Slide 9
Slide 10
Slide 11
Slide 12
Slide 13
Slide 14
Slide 15
Slide 16
Slide 17
Slide 18
Slide 19
Slide 20
Slide 21
Slide 22
Slide 23
Slide 24
Slide 25
Slide 1

Elizabeth Taylor, a titan of Hollywood’s Golden Age, frequently distinguished between her public persona and her private self, expressing a deep desire for sanctuary away from the relentless glare of fame. Though her career was marked by extraordinary success, activism, and a famously eventful personal life with eight marriages, it was within the walls of her residences that she truly found contentment. This unique photographic compilation invites us to explore the quieter, more intimate aspects of her existence, unveiling the homes that served as a backdrop to her private moments and shaped the narrative of her life beyond the silver screen.

From her early years in Hollywood to her final days, Elizabeth Taylor’s homes offered a refuge from the public eye, evolving as she navigated the complexities of stardom and personal growth. Each dwelling, from her childhood abode to her cherished Bel Air estate, reflects different chapters of her life, capturing her evolving tastes and priorities. These spaces were not just structures but extensions of her being, providing comfort, stability, and a sense of normalcy that was often elusive in her public life.

The Evolution of Elizabeth Taylor's Domestic Sanctuaries

Elizabeth Taylor’s journey through various homes mirrored the dramatic trajectory of her life, each residence telling a unique story of her personal and professional evolution. From her early days in London and Los Angeles to her later years in sophisticated urban apartments and sprawling country estates, her living spaces were a constant amidst a life of constant change. She began her life in Hollywood in a Spanish-style Beverly Hills home, a space that would witness the nascent stages of her acting career. This initial home fostered her formative years, marked by both the joys of childhood and the early demands of stardom. As her career ascended, so too did the grandeur and diversity of her homes, from her London flat with Michael Wilding to a New York penthouse with Mike Todd. Each move represented a new phase, a different relationship, and a fresh attempt to cultivate a personal haven.

Her residences served as more than just places to live; they were canvases upon which she painted the chapters of her life. The Beverly Hills house she shared with Michael Wilding, for instance, became a symbol of burgeoning motherhood and domestic bliss, meticulously decorated to reflect her burgeoning personal style. Later, her New York City penthouse with Mike Todd showcased her sophisticated taste in art and served as a backdrop for intimate interviews, blending her public and private worlds in a delicate balance. The Chalet Ariel in Gstaad, Switzerland, offered a secluded retreat, reflecting her enduring love for tranquility and nature, while her Virginia farm with John Warner hinted at a desire for a more grounded existence. Finally, her long-term residence at 700 Nimes Road in Bel Air became her ultimate sanctuary, a place where she curated her art collections and welcomed close friends, embodying her final vision of a cozy and private home life, rich with memories and personal touches.

Balancing Stardom and Personal Retreats

Elizabeth Taylor's life was a masterclass in navigating the intense pressures of public scrutiny while fiercely guarding her private moments. From her initial disillusionment with fame, as she revealed in "Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes," she continuously sought to differentiate between the "commodity" that was the public Elizabeth Taylor and the "flesh and blood" woman who craved a normal existence. This pursuit of personal space led her to create a series of domestic sanctuaries that offered respite from the overwhelming demands of her celebrity. Her homes became vital havens where she could shed the mantle of stardom and embrace the roles of daughter, sister, wife, and mother, finding peace and authenticity away from the cameras.

Her experiences, from the rigidly scheduled childhood that stifled typical adolescent freedoms to the tumultuous early marriages that played out in the tabloids, underscored her need for personal retreats. The Plaza Hotel, following her first divorce, became a symbol of newfound independence, where she reveled in simple pleasures with close friends. Later, her homes with Michael Wilding, Mike Todd, Richard Burton, and John Warner each offered different forms of domesticity and stability, from raising children in Beverly Hills to entertaining on a lavish yacht or finding solace on a Virginia farm. Ultimately, her Bel Air estate on Nimes Road, designed with meticulous attention to comfort and personal taste, became her enduring sanctuary. It was here that she truly found a balance, surrounded by her beloved art, pastel interiors, and vibrant gardens, embodying her deep-seated preference for a cozy, authentic life away from the public's relentless gaze.

See More
Discovering the Perfect Throw Pillows for Every Interior
Celebrity Style

Discovering the Perfect Throw Pillows for Every Interior

Gesa Hansen's Samois-sur-Seine Cottage: A Fusion of Bold Colors, Nautical Accents, and Bauhaus Principles
Celebrity Style

Gesa Hansen's Samois-sur-Seine Cottage: A Fusion of Bold Colors, Nautical Accents, and Bauhaus Principles

The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Luxurious Sleep: Top Sheet Sets Reviewed
Celebrity Style

The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Luxurious Sleep: Top Sheet Sets Reviewed

Celebrity Style

The Ultimate Guide to TV Stands: Style, Storage, and Functionality

Slide 10
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 6
Slide 7
Slide 8
Slide 9
Slide 10
Slide 1

Finding the perfect television stand goes beyond mere utility; it’s about integrating a functional piece into your living area that elevates the overall aesthetic. The right media console can transform an ordinary viewing experience into a sophisticated affair, effectively concealing unsightly wires and accommodating various entertainment devices. This selection offers diverse options, from premium designer creations to highly practical and space-saving solutions, catering to a range of preferences and needs. Each recommendation focuses on both visual appeal and intelligent storage, ensuring your television is not just placed, but presented.

When choosing a TV stand, consider not only the size of your television but also the height that best suits your viewing comfort. The design should harmonize with your existing decor, whether you lean towards a classic mid-century modern look or a more vibrant, contemporary style. Ample storage is key for organizing remote controls, gaming consoles, and other media accessories, keeping your space clutter-free. The featured stands demonstrate how form and function can coalesce, providing stylish foundations for your home entertainment systems.

Curated Console Selections for Every Aesthetic

This section highlights a variety of TV stands designed to meet different stylistic preferences and practical requirements. From pieces that exude high-end design to those offering a clean, understated look, and even flexible solutions for dynamic spaces, there's an option for every home. We delve into how each console thoughtfully addresses cable management and storage, ensuring a seamless integration into your entertainment setup. Whether you're seeking a statement piece or a subtle addition, these curated selections provide both elegance and efficiency for your media display.

For those with an appreciation for sophisticated craftsmanship, the Honore Media Console, a creation by AD100 designer Athena Calderone, presents a compelling choice. Inspired by a vintage find, this console boasts intricate carved wood detailing, offering a refined, vintage farmhouse appeal. Its four cabinets provide substantial concealed storage, perfect for stowing away media components, while integrated cutouts ensure discreet cable organization. Capable of supporting large televisions up to 75 inches, this console beautifully marries aesthetic depth with practical functionality. Alternatively, the Terra Media Console caters to minimalists with its sleek design. Crafted from solid oak, it employs traditional woodworking techniques within a contemporary silhouette, featuring flat-front cabinet doors. With an adjustable shelf and a convenient flip-down compartment, it excels at organizing media devices. Reviewers frequently praise its robust construction, soft-close doors, and the option to expand it into a larger entertainment system with matching bookcases, all while being made from FSC-certified wood, highlighting its quality and thoughtful design.

Practical and Adaptable Media Solutions

This part of the guide explores media consoles that prioritize adaptability, space efficiency, and robust construction without compromising on style. We examine stands that offer versatile storage options, catering to both visible display and discreet organization needs, and models designed to maximize utility in compact living areas. Each option demonstrates a commitment to thoughtful design, ensuring your entertainment space remains tidy and functional, regardless of its size or your specific requirements. These solutions prove that practicality can indeed coexist with contemporary design trends.

The Eric Credenza by George Oliver stands out as a budget-friendly and practical choice, embodying a Scandinavian minimalist design. It features both open and closed storage, allowing easy access for media components like cable boxes and gaming consoles, while also providing hidden compartments for tidiness. Its low-profile design and excellent cable management slots make it an ideal solution for streamlined living spaces. For unparalleled flexibility, the Latitude Run Basharat Extendable TV Stand is noteworthy, accommodating televisions up to 88 inches. Its expandable nature, coupled with open storage cabinets for display and a high weight capacity, makes it versatile for various tech setups. Additionally, the Article Nera Low Media Unit offers a mid-century modern aesthetic at a fair price. Constructed from veneered walnut with a subtle chevron pattern, it boasts soft-close drawers and discrete cable management, earning high praise for its durability and design. For spaces demanding iconic design, the USM Haller Media Console, a modular piece from 1961, offers a unique blend of chromed steel and powder-coated panels in a range of colors. Its lockable drop-down doors and fully assembled, built-to-last construction underscore its premium quality and heritage. Finally, the Design Within Reach Line Media Console presents a low-lying option with a linear, geometric oak frame. Designed for discreet cable routing through its bottom panel, it offers ample hidden storage behind soft-closing doors, making it perfect for blending seamlessly into any modern living room, with shorter versions available for smaller areas. The Burrow Totem Credenza is an excellent choice for small spaces, featuring a narrow frame and two storage compartments with convenient downward-hinged doors, making it highly functional in tight environments.

See More