27 Apr Arches & Doors
I have a thing about arches and doorways. Maybe it’s where they lead that intrigues me the most. This feels like a secret passage.
Architect Kevin Coffey of Burke Coffey Architecture is working with us on our new digs. He understood our desire to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. We showed him many pictures of homes with arches and rustic, yet sophisticated style. He drew them in the plan and says he uses arches not only to transition from one space to another, but to create a kind of rhythm. I may never look at them the same way again. Coffey says the hierarchy of arches is very important and when designing a house, he puts them in meaningful places. I think the placement in our home is spot on.
Another concept he brought to my attention in our chat was the importance of axial relationships. What’s that? He explained it by giving me an example. When you look down our hallway, a certain feature attracts your attention. In this case, it’s a wine room.
We got the cool old door from Preservation Station on 8th Avenue. My understanding of axial relationships is placing features like windows or doors in areas that give you visual impact by drawing your eye to something special, whether it’s a piece of art, a tree outside or an architectural element. And I just have to show you one of my favorite arched front doors ever!
This is my friend Sadhna’s door that leads to a courtyard at her fabulous home in Santa Barbara. And here’s the amazing courtyard! Of course the house is fantastic, but Sadhna and Jim’s touches make it so cool. Like the moss covered chair, and pot of succulents and tangerine shrubs by the front door. By the way, you may want to visit yourself and you can! It’s available for rent on VRBO.
First impressions are everything and so I need to share another outstanding entrance of a friend’s house. The subtle curve makes such a strong statement.
Coffey also stresses the importance of classic ideas when building a house. Even if you incorporate current trends, by falling back on classic designs, your home will stand the test of time.
I would love to walk in and see that every day. What a retreat. What a house. What great memories. And isn’t that what we all want? Because home is happiness.
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