Firm Feature: Johnsen Schmaling Architects

Johnsen Schmaling Architects is a small firm based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its two principles, Brian Johnsen and Sebastian Schmaling, founded the firm in 2003 and have since received numerous awards for their high end residential and commercial projects. Their work can be characterized as being sensitive to site and context while still being bold and thoroughly modern. 

One of the things that I enjoy most about their projects is their approach to space planning - a traditional cabin layout flipped vertically for example. Also the way they site their projects according to what is best suited for the house rather than just abiding by neighborhood norms. Be sure to check out their website for more examples of their work but below find three of my favorites. 

Stacked Cabin by Johnsen Schmaling

OS House by Johnsen Schmaling

Nexus House by Johnsen Schmaling

outdoor spaces

I have been thoroughly enjoying my vacation and spending lots of time outside so I thought I would do a little round up of some great outdoor spaces. Enjoy!

1. Via Style Files and Lonny Magazine  2. Via Style Files via Matthew Williams 3. Via Style Files by Martin Gomez Arquitectos 4. Thom Filicia's house via House Beautiful  5. Via Style Files  by Maison Estate  6. Via Elle Interior by Emma Persson Lagerberg photo by Petra Bindel

bedroom makeover edits

Last week, I presented Jenn with two alternative designs for her master bedroom. The color mint provided the new inspiration while I selected to keep the items that they really liked from the first proposal - bedding, lamps and nightstands. In option 1, Jenn's dresser would be refinished in a dark stain and we would use a wicker headboard to tie in the rich wood tone. I would pair this with more subtle notes of coral in the sheets and accent pillows but would introduce a bolder pattern in the curtains.

In option 2, I went for a more tone on tone look using a color palette of blues and teals. The overall feel would be more masculine and modern. In this design, the dresser would be lacquered navy and we would use a light gray headboard.

Jenn liked the options but she also found herself gravitating back towards the coral schemes. I told her to take the week and think about what she was intuitively drawn towards and we would talk when I got back. See below!