Sarah Walker The Curated House, Author at The Curated House

Photographer | Michael Graydon

Every once in awhile you stumble upon something honest. Something clear and simple and humble and true. Concise in its clarity and pure in its authenticity, you can’t help but love it just for being itself.

This may seem an odd description for photography, yet that is how I feel about the work of Toronto photographer Michael Graydon. His use of light and his natural, unfraught compositions feel like a frank but gentle conversation about all things beautiful and lovely in the world.

You may recognize editor-in-chief Suzanne Dimma of Canadian House & Home magazine, pictured below in her beautifully simple, Canadiana-modern cottage. At least one of the following shots has also been featured in this eponymous design mag {see if you can guess which one?}.

I hope Michael’s photography inspires you to notice the light in each room you enter today. Perhaps these images will inspire you to create simple yet intriguing vignettes in your mind’s eye as you take photographs with your imagination. Whatever spark is lit, I hope you fan the flame.

Happy Monday!
xo
s.

By Sarah Walker The Curated House|August 6th, 2012|1 Comment

Barn Conversions | A New Kind of Loft Living

With urban sprawl being what it is, many design-loving, space-seeking naturalists are searching for new ways to create their own unique rural retreat. In the spirit of redemptive upcycling, some such seekers have taken to converting old barns into new homes. With soaring ceilings and sweeping interior spaces, barns provide the perfect rural alternative to a hip urban loft conversion.

This spectacular space – an 1800’s English barn converted into a country vacation home by architect Preston Scott Cohen – serves a literary couple and their family with a generous dose of inspiration and expansive imaginings. (Images via Dwell)

I love the juxtaposition of modern concrete floors and fireplace with the rustic, hand-hewn beams integrated seamlessly into the newly divided rooms.

This space defies agrarian cliches while embracing its roots and bridging into the modern day. This breezeway (shown below) capitalizes on the natural light and scenic landscape to connect the outdoors in with a decidedly modern aesthetic.

This next home – a Belgian barn house designed by Buro II – is the epitome of modern simplicity. The design truly embraces the landscape as art. (Images via ArchDaily)

What do you think of these barn conversions? Can you imagine yourself creating your own unique, rural retreat in a beautifully restored and upcycled barn? Perhaps these spaces will help you expand your imagination as you consider how you define “home.”

xo
s.

By Sarah Walker The Curated House|August 3rd, 2012|2 Comments

Roost Blog | Ode to the Peach

Image via Roost

Peaches are a matter of some debate in our household. I adore peaches that have been ripened until the last possible second on the vine, so luscious they bathe my chin in their golden juices as I bite into their sweet flesh. My darling husband, on the other hand, has a strange penchant for peaches that are crisp and firm and “crunch” with what can only be described as a “chomp.” I think he was dropped on his head as a baby.

Either way you slice it, the fragrant beauty of peaches is simply intoxicating when they are in season. From peach cobbler to fresh slices over vanilla ice cream, they are the stuff childhood summer desserts were made of. As if you needed any excuse to fall deeper in love, just feast your senses on this delicious video from Caitlin at Roost.

Ode To The Peach from Caitlin | Roost on Vimeo.