A modern-rustic cabin in Quebec

Home of interiorista Athena Calderone in Suffolk

When Athena and Victor Calderone first saw the beach house in Amagansett, New York, it was love at first sight. After a year of searching, they hadn’t come across anything like it—a 1960s house with clean lines and clerestory windows that let in plenty of natural light. 

They bought the property in May 2009. “We literally painted everything white,” explains Victor.  The kitchen, which was tucked away in a cramped corner, would be moved closer to the main living space. They would also expand the master bath. But their primary goal was to give the whole house a laid-back feel that walked a fine line between modern and rustic.

After finding the right place, they were determined to make it reflect their personalities. Athena began collecting vintage and antique furniture and accessories from local sources. She created texture by installing reclaimed-pine boards on interior surfaces, repurposing wooden beams as kitchen shelves, and adding leather pulls to the kitchen and bathroom cabinetry.

The Calderones hired Sag Harbor architect Paul Masi, who expanded the four-bedroom home’s footprint from 2,000 to 2,400 square feet. One of Masi’s most welcome suggestions was to use thick woven Manila rope as a finishing treatment on the ceilings. The rope offers more than a decorative element. Lengths of line hang from the ceiling to support major pieces, such as a light fixture above the dining table and a mirror in the master bath.

The result is a deeply comfortable home with layers of history as well as tactile pleasures. “It’s very much a beach house, but it also feels like a cabin in the winter".

Loft in Toronto

Originally a printing press factory, this Toronto building was converted into lofts many years ago. The owners wanted to improve the openness and flow between spaces. The design intent was to accentuate original features, and give attention to the quality of loft living. The kitchen was realigned and extended under the stairs to create a better path of travel and spatial division. Custom millwork, natural finishes and muted colours were used to create a more cohesive space. Modern furniture combined with unique colourful pieces creates inviting conversational seating in the living area, while monochromatic cabinets and tiles in the kitchen calm and integrate the large extent of storage.

Photo Credit: John Heineman Photography

House in New Mexico

The first things that occur to people seeing this house are «care», «warmth», «tranquility»... An original gallery of works of art belonging to different ages and styles, the living room is given charm by the restrained lines of furniture. The caramel-coloured wooden floor is covered with a refined carpet. There is a black-and-white photo collection entitled «Woman in Water» by Herbritz in the hall that joins the living room, the dining room and the kitchen. Neighbouring is a 1954's portrait of Gorgia O'Keefe and a number of «photo souvenirs» -- recollections of Morocco. The interior design of the simple and light bedroom, overlooking a garden, is an aspiration for solitude and tranquil rest. Equipped with wooden furniture with marble counters, the spacious kitchen is yet very cozy. High glass cupboards are both very functional and elegant.