Showing posts with label Linda Banks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Linda Banks. Show all posts
Designer and architect, Linda Banks, has been creating some of my favorite coastal homes for many years. She just sent on to me one of her recently completed projects to share with you. Once again Linda has created a wonderful ocean oasis for her clients in Maine. 
On a spectacular property on the coast of Maine, Linda worked with her clients to create a shingled styled home from a new construction design. The goal was to create a casual feeling in a formal plan, but still retain the warmth and history of historic home. As such the home is filled with Linda's distinct attention to detail, including the client's antiques and collections, as well as nautical references of boats, fish and seashells, indigenous to the Maine coast.
The entryway above is a wonderful example of how Linda created the sense of history and age. The 24 foot hand hooked rug was custom designed with ships, lighthouses and other local references of Maine, sure to become a family heirloom. The bamboo bench is a beautiful reproduction and looks gorgeous with the framed hand tinted vintage map of the area.
The mudroom above provides a thoughtful location to keep everything in its place. With so many children and friends visiting the second home, this allows a wonderful spot for organization.
The dining and kitchen area above are designed in the classic New England tradition with white cabinets and blue/black granite counters. Wonderful slate floors, and butlers chairs create the perfect compliment of old and new. 
The living room is the most formal room in the house. Linda used a beautiful palette of whites and creams and several classic pieces from Hickory Chair. Chairs are slip covered in Belgian Linen and the hand hooked rug was custom designed. The painting is by Stephen Bach.
The octagonal family room is part of a three level octagonal wing which captures the incredible ocean views . Above this room is the master bedroom, and above that is the client's home office which you will see in the photos below. Lovely shades of blue enhance the ocean views.
The master bedroom continues the soothing soft palette of gray blues, creams and whites.
The attic office provides the most spectacular views. Created to mimic the inside of a sailing yacht all the furniture is built in. Notice the beautiful ceilings.
The master bath is an oasis with cast iron tub perfectly positioned to capture the ocean views.
One of the boys rooms with signature Banks Designed horizontal panelling called "nickel gap", because the boards are spaced a nickel's width apart - common in ship building. The blue tone really brings a richness to the room.
The boys bathroom provide a space for each child. Nautically inspired lights and a whimsical whale rug bring a youthfulness to the space.
Another bedroom on the third floor located in the wonderful attic boasts arched casement windows. The zinc topped table was designed by Linda and her shop, Simply Home.
Another bath is awash is beautiful pale blues and marble. The mirrors are custom designed by Linda and also available through Simply Home.
The Maine coastal home is another wonderful example of Linda Banks' beautiful work and attention to details that make a house into a home. For more information on this house and to read the full article in Maine Home and Design click here. For information on Linda Banks Design click here. Finally to browse Linda's wonderful store Simple Home click here.
Thank you Linda for another fabulous home tour!
When the owners of this Maine home purchased it, the house was in a state of disrepair. But they knew the house, built in by sea captain Ambrose Childe between 1855 and 1862, would be the perfect summer retreat for their bustling family. 
They hired one of my favorite architects/designers, Linda Banks, to renovate and restore the home they called "Big Pink". Linda drew inspiration from the homes seafaring past. To honor the history of the house and its location, she chose an earthy palette of blues, greens and taupes and accessorized with Audubon prints and nautical items.
The salon above was filled with historic details like the intricately carved frieze over the door, gothic door panel and original mercury glass door knobs. These details were painstakingly preserved. Notice how much texture the jute rug brings into the room.
Through the salon you can see the dining room above. Linda keeps the old home looking fresh with a mix of armillary style chandelier and heirloom antiques like the lovely chest. The palette is neutral with soft wall color and jute rug. The scientific charts on the wall add to the nautical, sea captain feel.
Period features figure prominently in every room, like the original fireplace. It's presence is enhanced by the beautiful antique mirror hanging above.
The home is filled with nautical reminders of the sea captain who lived here before the family. Notice the ship model, water charts and Audubon print above. Again a neutral palette and jute rugs allow the many small rooms to blend together seamlessly.
The library is a soft pink. Chairs are upholstered in a fabric with a coral motif and sea inspired rug create a pretty oasis for reading and relaxing.
The completely renovated kitchen is wonderful mix of white cabinetry and soft blue/green island. The counters are honed absolute black granite. Large windows over the sink and a glass door from the foyer flood the space with light.
One of the smaller bedrooms is done in a soothing blue and white palette. Notice the wonderful moulding around the floor to ceiling window which Linda does not hide, but highlights with soft sheer curtains.
Two new bathrooms were created from one of the bedrooms. White beadboard wainscotting and Clarence House wallpaper in La Mere Beige add to the playfulness of this sea captain's home.
A small bathroom was moved to make room for a landing library with views of the ocean. Notice the book shelves built above the windows to increase storage space.
Special thanks to Linda Banks for a peek into another gorgeous ocean home which captures both the history of it's past with the updated features needed for a family of today.
'
To read more about this home in Maine Home and Digest click here. To see more of Linda Banks' exceptional work read previous posts here and to tour her personal home click here and here. To visit Linda Banks' website click here and finally to visit Linda Banks' store Simply Home click here.
(all photos property of Linda Banks and not to be copied with out permission)
It's always so interesting to me which topics resonate so strongly with readers - No upper cabinets in the kitchen is one I have received an incredible amount of email and comments about over the past few days. Readers, bloggers, designers and kitchen enthusiasts all have sent me their opinions and many have sent on photos. 
This kitchen from Southern Living turned up both in my inbox and on the Gardenweb! Everyone agreed the windows were wonderful. This kitchen won high marks because of its size, it is so large the storage aspect would not be compromised.
Another kitchen from Southern Living with a similar feel, though this kitchen had a mix of windowed walls and storage walls. Having both seems to be a popular trade off. 
Linda Banks of Banks Design (one of my favorite designers) contacted me. She mentioned she wrote an article over 15 years ago in the now defunct, Decorating and Remodeling Magazine, shunning upper cabinets. She continues to limit their use in her kitchen designs. Here is a beautiful kitchen she did in CT.
This kitchen from Southern Living turned up both in my inbox and on the Gardenweb! Everyone agreed the windows were wonderful. This kitchen won high marks because of its size, it is so large the storage aspect would not be compromised.
Another kitchen from Southern Living with a similar feel, though this kitchen had a mix of windowed walls and storage walls. Having both seems to be a popular trade off. 
Linda Banks of Banks Design (one of my favorite designers) contacted me. She mentioned she wrote an article over 15 years ago in the now defunct, Decorating and Remodeling Magazine, shunning upper cabinets. She continues to limit their use in her kitchen designs. Here is a beautiful kitchen she did in CT.
Linda built free standing cupboards for extra storage. I love the mirrored fronts. To see posts of more of Linda's work click here.
This kitchen by Smallbone found its way to me via a reader in New Orleans. She thought I also might like the industrial stools. (which I do!) Notice the height of the ceilings in this kitchen - I think it adds to the drama. 
Many of these kitchens highlighted different types of storage - Here we see a copper pot rack on the wall. This could easily free up a lower cabinet for dishes. This kitchen is from Plain English.
Many readers also mentioned that omitting the upper cabinets is easier when other types of storage are available. This kitchen from HGTV shows a Hoosier cupboard.
Photos of European kitchens came my way - here is another one from Plain English. This is a favorite of mine, I love simplicity and warmth in this kitchen.
Another blogger directed me to architect Ruard Veltman who often sans upper cabinets. Isn't this kitchen fabulous?! 
Here is another angle of this great room! Notice the wonderful inset shelves on the left.
Most readers agreed that having a Butler's Pantry or large wall of cabinetry allowed the rest of the kitchen to be freed up to allow for windows. Veltman outdid himself with this striking wall of cabinetry.
This wonderful paneled wall turns into a trove of hidden cabinets. Spectacular! To see more of Veltman's work here. To see more on Butler's Pantries click here.
Many of these kitchens highlighted different types of storage - Here we see a copper pot rack on the wall. This could easily free up a lower cabinet for dishes. This kitchen is from Plain English.
Many readers also mentioned that omitting the upper cabinets is easier when other types of storage are available. This kitchen from HGTV shows a Hoosier cupboard.
Photos of European kitchens came my way - here is another one from Plain English. This is a favorite of mine, I love simplicity and warmth in this kitchen.
Another blogger directed me to architect Ruard Veltman who often sans upper cabinets. Isn't this kitchen fabulous?! 
Here is another angle of this great room! Notice the wonderful inset shelves on the left.
Most readers agreed that having a Butler's Pantry or large wall of cabinetry allowed the rest of the kitchen to be freed up to allow for windows. Veltman outdid himself with this striking wall of cabinetry.
This wonderful paneled wall turns into a trove of hidden cabinets. Spectacular! To see more of Veltman's work here. To see more on Butler's Pantries click here..
Thank you all for commenting and sending on the photos. It seems the overall verdict was that people preferred the natural light. And if space allowed, they wanted to at least incorporate one wall of windows. Let's wait and see then, if this does in fact become a trend! 
Since I've been on vacation, and it has been raining most of the time, I have had some extra time to do some Internet shopping. Here are some of my favorite new finds!
First, I stopped by my favorite Swedish Antiques site, Avolli, to see Tricia Mitchell's new pieces. I loved this dining table and chairs - It's in her ad in the July/August issue of Veranda - No surprise it's such a classic. 
I loved this dresser with X design. This could go into any room in my house!
This metal Empire sewing box is so charming!
But, my favorite piece is this Mora Clock. Notice the lovely, soft lines of this clock. Many of the Mora clocks I have seen recently do not have a good curve scale, they seem a bit off to me. This one is perfect and unique with the diamond detailing on the bottom. Tricia Mitchell has an incredible eye - check out more of her great finds here..
Next I headed over to see what was cooking at Kym Fraser's 3 Fine Grains. Kym's Dressage Chair below was recently featured in Washington Spaces Magazine (but remember you saw Kym first at WD!) Besides creating beautiful furniture; she's been very busy importing some fabulous antique textiles.
Lucky for us Kym is now also selling the antique sacks - so you can create your own custom upholstery, slipcovers or pillows. I was thrilled to learn this because as you know Kym has one of the largest inventories of original, authentic antique sacks in the country - and these textiles are not easy to find!! Imitators are now printing over old sacks (yuck!), but these babies are the real McCoy! They run $350 -$1200 - the sacks are huge and can be used for multiple projects.
I got giddy when I saw this crown sack from 1874 (wow- 1874!) -because she has three of them! What a find!! I would love to cover my dining room chairs with these!
The Horse sacks are really interesting! This one caught my eye because it is printed on both sides so I could make a bunch of pillows or cover a couple of chairs
Here is the back - aren't these fabulous?!! Now I just have to figure out what I am going to make with them. Of course you can always just have Kym make it for you - check out her new pillows and furniture.
.
.
From antiques I moved on to see what was new at Anthropologie.
This interesting lamp caught my eye. It reminded me of a French whimsical line drawing turned 3D. I especially love the two french bistro chairs with toile pads and table in the center. So unique! The lamp is called the Chateau Lamp and you can find it here. Do check it out so you can see a real close up.
.
Because it was still raining and I've got nothing but time, I thought I would check out this new site called Former Furniture. The site, started by an interior designer, features used furniture that her elite clientele want to sell when they are ready to redecorate.
Because it was still raining and I've got nothing but time, I thought I would check out this new site called Former Furniture. The site, started by an interior designer, features used furniture that her elite clientele want to sell when they are ready to redecorate.
They have some really interesting things. This vintage cabinet caught my eye because it reminded me of the metal desk we just saw in Linda Banks' new kitchen. Check the cabinet out here.
.
Meanwhile over at EBAY, I found these really neat vintage industrial stools.
These zinc and metal stools are from EBAY power seller The Antiques Warehouse in Cinncinatti, OH. Many styles were for sale for under $200. Shipping was reasonable too! A great find!
They also had these chairs, which look close to Kristin's kitchen chairs from Covetable Designs. I was on a roll!
.
Then, I stopped by to check out what new things were listed from my favorite Antique Textile Queen -"Loodylady" from EBAY's Textile Trunk.
I was in awe of this 19th Century French Ceil de lit Bed Canopy. 
Made from blue and white Ikat fabric. 
What a rare find! Spectacular!
Look at this lovely antique Toile de Jouy quilt from 1790. I bet Marie Antoinette had one just like this!
Then I found these gems - gorgeous antique monogrammed French Sheets. 
The monogram and detailing are spectacular! Who knew such treasures were on EBAY?
Finally I found this antique cart cover - Wow - I could just throw that over my sofa and change the entire look of my room! To see all her exquisite textiles click here.
.
Then, I stopped by to check out what new things were listed from my favorite Antique Textile Queen -"Loodylady" from EBAY's Textile Trunk.
I was in awe of this 19th Century French Ceil de lit Bed Canopy. 
Made from blue and white Ikat fabric. 
What a rare find! Spectacular!
Look at this lovely antique Toile de Jouy quilt from 1790. I bet Marie Antoinette had one just like this!
Then I found these gems - gorgeous antique monogrammed French Sheets. 
The monogram and detailing are spectacular! Who knew such treasures were on EBAY?
Finally I found this antique cart cover - Wow - I could just throw that over my sofa and change the entire look of my room! To see all her exquisite textiles click here..
Well the sun is starting to peek out so I am off to enjoy the beach - hope you enjoyed our Internet shopping trip!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
