AN OLD STONE BARN TRANSFORMED

Am fascinated with converted barns for some reason.  Is that weird?  I think it is very cool when an old barn or stable is turned into a home. Re-purposing a space into something new.

This once abandoned barn in Spain was transformed into a contemporary living space.

Solar panels were installed to provide electricity during the summer. During the winter, turbines were installed to convert energy from the two nearby streams.

Love the minimalist decor too. A nice country house with a modern eco friendly twist!

Happy Monday!

xo
Coco

Photos: Abaton

HOW TO MAKE A LIVING ROOM LARGER - DESIGN IDEA

Have a small living space? Here is a design solution for making it bigger.

It's simple...create an outdoor living space on an adjacent patio and mirror what is going on inside.

I like this small 2 bedroom home on the island of Majorca, Spain.  The owners took a very small open floor plan living room, dining room, kitchen combo and increased the size by using the outdoor space wisely.

Conventional design floor planning would probably have the furniture on the patio facing the garden.  In this case, the owners faced the outdoor furniture in towards the house...so when the large sliding glass doors are open...the conversation area of the living room is doubled!

Good idea I think!

The pretty much all white interior makes this small open floor plan living area seem larger...love the use of  natural materials like the tree stump stools and sea grass rug combined with the modern furniture. (above)

FLOOR PLAN (below)

The public living areas are to the right...the outdoor space almost doubles the size of the living room! (above)

To see the rest of this home click here.

What do you think of this design idea?  Any tricks you might have to grow a living room without doing a full remodel?  Please comment below!

Happy Wednesday!

xo
Coco

Photos: Mi Casa Revista

ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE - CONTRASTING THE VERY OLD WITH THE BRAND NEW!

I like this living room in Barcelona. It is in a modern home that incorporates as part of the living room, the architecture of 500 year old cloisters - an ancient covered walkway with barrel vaulted ceilings and and arches.

Love the juxtaposition between the very modern style and the very old structure.  The light colored wide plank wood floors, the minimalist modern decor all work because of the bold but romantic architecture.

I like.  I would live here.  Would you?

Love the tall arched front door with the porthole window.  Very stately.  Also I am very intrigued by that screen that divides the home office from the rest of the room.  Hmmm...wonder where that comes from?  I will have to do a search to find this screen.  I like!

Anyhoooo, Happy Tuesday!

xo
Coco

Photos: Minim

THIS OR THAT: BEAMED IN ON TWO LIVING ROOMS!

Two simple questions for you.

1. Do you like exposed beams in a home?
2. Which of these living rooms do you prefer?

Simple questions...may have more complicated answers but maybe not.

Let's see...these two country house living rooms...one in the U.S. one in Spain. Both with exposed beams but with two different styles of decor. Would be interested to know which you prefer. Hmmm...I'm still deciding...

Okay...not sure I would chose either if I had a choice of all rooms in the world...but if I had to chose one of these...I think you'll be surprised at which one I'd take. Will wait to hear from you before I give my selection. I'll add it in a P.S. here tomorrow. Okay...fess up...which room is it for you? THIS OR THAT?

Happy Thursday!

xo
Coco

Photos: Miki Duesterhof; Nuevo Estilo