Architectural Cases

Michelle R. Smith, a distinguished interior designer, embraces a unique philosophy when relocating, opting to re-imagine and integrate her existing cherished furnishings into new environments rather than embarking on extensive shopping sprees. Her intuitive design process allows her belongings to organically find their place, creating dynamic and personalized spaces, even foregoing traditional furniture planning.

Her latest endeavor, a historic courtyard residence in Westchester County, serves as a testament to her adaptive approach, balancing the excitement of New York City's northern suburbs with a desire for a tranquil home. While the property's original architectural elements, such as its striking rooflines and internal masonry, captivated her, the outdated interiors presented an opportunity for subtle transformation. Smith embarked on a thoughtful "chill renovation," preserving the home's fundamental layout while enhancing its inherent beauty through strategic millwork, refreshed surfaces, and the revelation of hidden stonework. She replaced dark flooring with wide planks of fumed oak, designed for both aesthetic appeal and practicality, and introduced light, neutral paint colors to most walls, reserving bolder statements for specific rooms. This project underscored her efficiency, as she judiciously selected off-the-shelf fixtures over custom pieces, a decision she lightheartedly terms "Studio M.R.S. lite."

Beyond these foundational changes, Smith also integrated bespoke elements that reflect her creative ingenuity. In the kitchen, she crafted custom lower cabinetry with unique profiles and installed cream-colored scullery tiles arranged in a subtle, textured grid. The powder room features a distinctive vanity, ingeniously fashioned from antique filing cabinets topped with marble. Throughout the home, familiar pieces from her past residences, such as a macrame pendant from her Brooklyn townhouse and an industrial light fixture from her Long Island kitchen, have been artfully repurposed, demonstrating her commitment to a cohesive and deeply personal aesthetic. This blend of old and new, custom and convenient, culminates in a home that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in her personal history and design ethos.

This remarkable transformation of Michelle R. Smith's home is a powerful reminder that true design is not merely about acquiring new possessions but about thoughtfully curating and integrating elements that tell a story and reflect personal history. It encourages us to find beauty in continuity, to adapt and evolve with our surroundings, and to approach challenges with creativity and a positive outlook. The result is a living space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also rich in character and personal significance, inspiring a more sustainable and intentional approach to home design.

Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, renowned designers, embarked on an ambitious five-year endeavor to renovate a vacation home in a secluded region of Portugal. This extensive project, while ultimately rewarding, presented a myriad of challenges that offered them invaluable lessons. Their experience underscores the complexities inherent in international property development, from navigating linguistic barriers to adapting to unfamiliar agricultural practices, and highlights the importance of meticulous planning and local engagement.

A critical initial step for any overseas renovation, as Berkus and Brent discovered, is securing a highly competent bilingual project manager. Communication proved to be the most significant hurdle in their Portuguese venture. Even before finalizing the property purchase, they engaged a manager proficient in both Portuguese and English, who oversaw the entire renovation. This individual served as an essential intermediary, facilitating seamless communication between the designers and local teams, ensuring their vision was accurately translated and executed. Their advice to prospective international property owners is to prioritize such a professional to bridge cultural and linguistic divides, offering support in contractor selection and team supervision.

When it came to construction, the designers advocated for a thorough vetting process. They recommended seeking contractors with a proven track record on projects of similar scope and advised visiting recently completed sites to assess quality. Interestingly, they also suggested considering commercial contractors for residential work, noting their typical organizational efficiency. For materials and goods requiring international transit, they emphasized the necessity of employing a customs broker and storage provider to streamline logistics.

Beyond structural renovation, the couple delved into the intricacies of land stewardship in their chosen region. They acknowledged a steep learning curve in managing a farm, particularly one situated across the Atlantic with different ecological characteristics. Years were dedicated to understanding the local soil, revitalizing ancient irrigation channels, and nurturing their citrus and olive groves. They further enriched the landscape by planting lavender fields and are now developing a substantial vegetable garden, aspiring to cultivate a genuine working farm. For large properties, they recommended first upgrading essential infrastructure, such as water and drainage systems. They also advised postponing the introduction of farm animals until construction concludes, as the noise and disruption can be distressing for livestock.

Another practical tip from their experience was the strategic use of local resources. While certain materials, like limestone for the entryway, were imported, they primarily utilized locally sourced marble and stone for its cost-effectiveness. For instance, their swimming pool features a distinctive checkerboard pattern crafted from Ruivina, a dark grey marble, and Estremoz White, both quarried in Portugal's Alentejo region. Berkus praised Portugal's diverse and accessible marble varieties, highlighting the flexibility afforded by local quarries. They recommended procuring and storing stone early in the construction process due to potentially longer delivery times compared to the US.

Ingenuity also played a role in their project. With five existing agricultural water tanks on the property, they ingeniously repurposed one into a swimming pool. They advised others considering such a conversion to confirm the tank's dimensions, noting they had to adjust theirs for shallower depths. Crucially, they opted to preserve the original rustic exterior texture, maintaining its authentic charm. They emphasized paying attention to small, character-defining details like drain outlets and original pillars, and selecting a discreet yet accessible location for equipment housing.

Finally, a profound aspect of their journey involved integrating into the local community. Berkus and Brent made a conscious effort to avoid being perceived as outsiders. They hired local villagers for the project and hosted events, such as wine and cheese gatherings, for their neighbors and friends. This commitment to understanding and respecting local customs fostered a sense of belonging and collaboration, proving essential for a harmonious and successful long-term residency.

The extensive renovation of Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent's Portuguese estate serves as a testament to the transformative power of design and the challenges inherent in large-scale international projects. Their journey offers valuable lessons on meticulous planning, the importance of local expertise, sustainable resource management, and deep community engagement, all contributing to the creation of a deeply personal and enriching homestead.