firm feature: s.r. gambrel

S.R. Gambrel is a highly recognized New York based firm headed up by Steven Gambrel. Founded in 1996, just three years after Gambrel graduated with a degree in architecture from the University of Virginia, the firm has greatly expanded taking commercial and residential commissions around the globe. Drawing inspiration from the vernacular architecture of the particular region of a specific commission, Gambrel pays specific attention to "the importance of properly proportioned structures and details, partnered always with a carefully curated collection of vintage, antique, and custom furniture designed by Steven himself" (about). 

The firm has a huge portfolio but below are more than a few examples of their work. To see more of S.R. Gambrel's work and examples of some of his much more colorful work visit their website, read Gambrel's book - Time and Place - and check out their custom lines for Waterworks and Urban Electric Co. 

leather

I wouldn't say I am a huge fan of leather as an interior textile but I do love a good chestnut, perfectly tan leather chair or accent piece like a headboard. The color combined with the smooth rich texture of leather adds warmth and interest to any room and can work equally well with warm or cool tones. I would love to replace our living room side chairs with two vintage, chestnut leather safari style chairs and have been searching like mad on places like Craigslist, Etsy, Chairish and Ebay. See below for a collection of favorite inspiration images.  

1. via Vintage Luxe  2. source unknown  3. via Lonny  4. via Amsterdam modern armchair  5. via A Note on Design  6. Finn rocker via Anthropologie

home feature: jenni kayne

I think I first feel in love with Jenni Kayne's house when I saw her kitchen featured in Martha Stewart.  The story had a focus on organization and how beautiful even the most mundane household objects can be. Being that I HATE clutter, this story was right up my alley not to mention that Kayne's style and aesthetic is pretty impeccable. My favorite part of her kitchen and actually her whole house is the material selections and the color palette. In the kitchen, the white, clean line surfaces and cabinets make the room light and bright while the wood accents bring a warmth and ease to the space. In the den, the black panel walls makes the space cozy yet slightly formal while the linen sectional contrasts the effect with its modern lines yet relaxed feel.

The exterior shares the same pared down elegance as the interior making it hard to believe that this home was built in the 1980s. I would love to see how the house looked before as it would be even greater testament to the home's design team at Standard, the architecture firm that is also responsible for the design of Kayne's first retail store. I especially love the backyard with its outdoor fireplace and expansive glass doors into the main living room. 

Scroll to see images below and head over to Architectural Digest for more images and a complete write up. Enjoy!

images via Architectural Digest with design by Standard photos by Roger Davies; kitchen pantry photo via Martha Stewart - photo by Lisa Romerin