Birch + Bird Vintage Home Interiors

Well, my week didn’t quite end the way that I had hoped.  As Lily mentioned I got the stomach flu on the last few days of my mom’s visit, not the best way to say good bye.  But thankfully, it didn’t interfere too much with our plans and I’m on the mend.  I was so relieved when Lily graciously stepped in yesterday when I was too dizzy and nauseous to pull a post together.  One of the many benefits of a blog partner, who I miss dearly.  Carrying on from my post the other day, I wanted to share the home of the Charles and Ray Eames with you.

Among other major architects of the day, Charles and Ray were commissioned to design and build affordable and sensible model homes for The Case Study House Program that was sponsored by Arts & Architecture Magazine.  With millions of soldiers returning home from war, the United States was experiencing a housing boom so the houses had to be easily reproduced and use some of the technology that was acquired from the war. This was an experiment of sorts.  The architects had to keep a hypothetical client in mind.  So the Eames’ jumped at the opportunity to be their own client and build their dream house in a meadow on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in California.

The “clients”  were a working couple with grown children who wanted a comfortable living space with a studio.  So, using prefabricated industrial materials that you would find “off the shelf”, the Eames’ (with help, of course) put together the frame in just a two day span.  Along the way, several changes were made to the original plan which ended with two neighboring buildings, one with the living space where Charles and Ray called home and the other that housed their studio.  The Eames Case Study House #8 was one of 36 designs part of the program that were built between 1945-1966.  Some of these houses were never built, some were demolished and others, like the Case Study 8 are still standing, preserved and open for tours.

 Leslie Williamson

Floor to ceiling factory windows flood the space with light and give way to spectacular views of the 3 acre property beyond.   I love the contrast of the industrial materials to the surrounding nature and the spacious open plan.  Perfection.  I wonder why architects and builders aren’t taking on projects like these nowadays?

 All images for Life magazine photographed by Peter Stackpole

Dave & Anna Douglas

The Eames’ home is definitely on my list of places to visit.  Field trip, anyone?

I’ve been slowly working my way through The Eames documentary that’s streaming on Netflix right now and so far, it’s fantastic.  I’ve always loved Eames furniture and I’m ashamed to say that I had no idea the influence the duo had on American design that goes far beyond furniture.  Most of us are familiar with their iconic chairs but their portfolio is bursting at the seams with a long list of fine examples of modern architecture, short films, exhibitions and the list goes on.  I found their creative process fascinating and respect their simplistic approach to design.  I’ll get into the Eames’ a little more in a few days but for now, let’s talk about chairs.  I’ve mentioned it once or twice before that I happen to love chairs and have a collection of about 20 neatly tucked away in storage.  I don’t usually hesitate if I see a chair for $3.50 at the thrift store especially if it makes a statement like one of these.

Evans Molded Plywood

Styling by Helen Wiggers Photo by Line Klein

Alvhem via Desire to Inspire

Anthropologie

Styling by Helen Wiggers Photo by Line Klein

More Design Please

Micky Hoyle via My Paradissi

Sasa Antic via My Paradissi

Styling by Helen Wiggers Photo by Line Klein

Joe Schmelzer via Desire to Inspire

Now, I just have to clarify that I have not come across an Eames chair at a thrift store just yet but you will be the first to know.  Enjoy your day!

I was feeling very under the weather with a head cold this weekend, as were my two girls, so the majority of our family time was spent snuggling on the couch or making soup. Watching an LA-based real estate show one evening, I fell in love with several of the modern homes featured but was shocked by some of the immense sizes…do people really think it’s normal to live in 16,000 square feet? I would really love to build someday and have often browsed through home plans, trying to imagine what our ideal layout would be, and it’s always surprised me how limited the pre-drawn options for houses under 3000 sq ft in size are. I mean, how much space does a family really need? So I found it very refreshing to come across the current home of one of our favourite designers (whom we’ve also featured here and here) Jessica Helgerson…

Jessica Helgerson. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

Located on Sauvie Island, just North of Portland Oregon, Jessica and her husband live with their two children in a mere 540 square feet of space. Yes, you read that right, five hundred and forty square feet! Their tiny house sits on 5 acres of property and the Helgerson’s remodelled it using only reclaimed materials, choosing not to add to its existing footprint…a daring choice for a family of four!

Jessica Helgerson. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

Jessica Helgerson. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

Jessica Helgerson. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

With a sleeping loft, well-planned built-ins and storage in literally every nook and cranny, Jessica’s family has managed to live here comfortably for several years…with room to spare for regular weekend guests! The couches have drawers beneath for toy storage and double as guest beds while a pull-out closet in the kids’ bunk room provides storage for clothing and more…

Jessica Helgerson. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

Jessica Helgerson. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

Jessica Helgerson. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

Jessica Helgerson. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

I love this example of simplified living and find it much easier to aspire to than living large. You can read more about the Helgerson’s home and green renovations here. Rachel pared down their belongings in a very big way before they left and it’s inspired me to do the same. Rather than continuously letting the clutter frustrate me (and the kids, in turn, with my nagging!), I’m determined to tackle my closets and basement and get rid of the excess once and for all. The more challenging goal will be to keep it that way!

Happy Wednesday! How was your Valentine’s Day? Mine was good, with just the right amount of love notes and chocolate to get me through the week. Rachel and I have been busy bees planning our Spring market…it’s a lot different planning with the deadline of her leaving the country so close at hand! But thankfully, the majority of our planning happens online so we’re confident that we’ll adjust to the changes ahead.

Janis Nicolay for Style At Home. Designed by Omer Arbel.

When I opened the latest edition of Style At Home magazine last week, I was happy to see the work of our friend Janis featured and even more excited to see the amazing Gastown space that she photographed. I must say I’m super envious of her amazing job…getting an intimate look inside people’s homes must be so great! But I suppose that’s why we started this blog too…

Janis Nicolay for Style At Home. Designed by Omer Arbel.

Janis Nicolay for Style At Home. Designed by Omer Arbel.

Designed by architect, Omer Arbel, this industrial space in a less-than-savoury part of town was once unliveable. It is a long and skinny space, with the original windows being only at either end of the 33-by-150 foot home. In Omer’s words, “This was a cavernous space in a not-so-pretty neighbourhood. We decided to concentrate on light and create a sort of cube of nature in the middle of the floor plan rather than open up the views to the streets cape.” This was achieved by the construction of a glass walled courtyard in the middle of the living space. Genius, right?

Janis Nicolay for Style At Home. Designed by Omer Arbel.

Janis Nicolay for Style At Home. Designed by Omer Arbel.

Janis Nicolay for Style At Home. Designed by Omer Arbel.

I love how the layering of colourful art, rugs and upholstery keep the otherwise concrete and brick space from looking too cold or sterile. The addition of some fantastic vintage pieces (like the amazing antique cabinet in the bathroom) and modern lines in the streamlined kitchen, the overall design truly embraces the contrast of old and new…

Janis Nicolay for Style At Home. Designed by Omer Arbel.

Janis Nicolay for Style At Home. Designed by Omer Arbel.

I think it would be so cool to visit this space and to see it’s “lightbox” of a courtyard, especially on one of our wet West Coast days! Depending on the weather, either a rectangle of sunshine or one of rain becomes the focal point of this home, such a clever solution for bringing in some much needed light.

On another note, vendor applications are now open for Scout Handmade + Vintage Market! Visit our market blog for Frequently Asked Questions and more information. Looking forward to seeing the amazing talent of our vendors this time ’round!

Well, it’s been quite the dark and soggy week around here and a big change from the bright white snow that we got to enjoy last week! So, I don’t know about you, but I’m more than ready to browse through some light-filled and inspiring interiors. The work of Portland-based Jessica Helgerson has caught my eye several times in the past few months and, once you browse through some of these photos (all taken by the extremely talented Lincoln Barbour), I’m pretty sure you’ll see why…

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

Rachel featured this amazing home last fall, and I totally agree with her thoughts that this rancher is what dream homes are made of! In fact, each of the homes featured in the design team’s portfolio are equally drool-worthy and have the perfect combination of traditional and modern elements, in my humble opinion. The use of natural wood, clean lines and white walls is my ideal mix of West Coast style with Scandinavian simplicity. Each house seems to flow from one room to the next and was built or renovated with family living and sustainability in mind…

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

Now, you know how much I love the Oregon coast…can you imagine getting the chance to stay in this beautiful cottage? It’s a very impressive cottage at that, built for a large family (the project was managed and designed by Jesse Moyer) and be sure to check out the view from the bedroom window below…I don’t think I’d ever leave!

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

I’m pretty sure I first saw the following living room in a past Benjamin Moore colour book (but I could be totally wrong!) and then saw it again featured on Design*Sponge last year. This whole house is pretty fantastic…vaulted ceilings, window seat, open plan, a fabulous kitchen…yes, please! While I’m not generally a huge fan of dark wood, I could definitely get comfortable with the espresso floors and massive kitchen island in this space…

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.

This next home won the 2011 Pacific Northwest Award for Best Home under $400,000 and was also featured on Design*Sponge. It’s pretty impressive that Jessica and her design team were able to create such a fresh modern home out of a one hundred year old house without stripping away the original character, isn’t it? I think so! Something that I love about Halgerson’s design approach is her use of timeless materials and a neutral base for each project. Each space will be able to age gracefully and be easily updated with colourful accessories and other furnishings over time…

Lincoln Barbour Photography featuring Jessica Halgerson Interior Design.

Lincoln Barbour Photography featuring Jessica Halgerson Interior Design.

I’ll leave you with some of the design firm’s key questions that are asked of each client:

“At the beginning of each project, Jessica likes to start with the same questions: What’s the best design for the client? What’s the best design for the building or space? What will stand the test of time, stylistically and functionally? For any project, her goal is to ensure that the fundamental design and the materials are classic, long lasting, and appropriate to the building and its period. Then she likes to layer on fresh, contemporary elements—such as lighting, furniture, and art—that feel just right for the clients and for the moment.”

Some questions and thoughts that I’ll definitely be running through before diving into our own future projects. Have a great Thursday!