A magnificent townhouse in a converted school

As soon as I hear the word 'conversion' I know it's going to be good (I'm talking barns, warehouses, even a converted bar). There's something about the word which sings fabulous architecture and cool interior (isn't that so?). And this New York City lower east side townhouse in a former school (found via one of my fave blogs The Style Files) is no different. Designer Labo Design Studio has worked hard to ensure the original structure plays a big part in the three storey family home, which also comprises an art gallery on the ground floor (of course!). The space has been simply furnished with mid-century chairs, natural word and soft textures against a backdrop of white and exposed brick. Oh to have a space like this to play with....

 

Labo Design Studio

Minimalist decor really was the way to go with this space as it allows the architecture of the former school building to shine through (although there are flashes of colour in the space too - as seen in the full tour here). Those vast windows on the top floor are just incredible don't you think? The light!  

Loving the leather mid-century chairs too, you can pick up a similar pair here (no bidding required - love that!).

I've featured several converted schools on here before, including the home of a Swedish artist and Ylva Skarp's wonderful home. There's also a whole host of other conversions in the MSH archives - including factories and vicarages (sorry, you might just have to extend your coffee break....).

Thank you to everyone for entering the give-away to win a signed copy of my book (there's still time!). It's always nerve-racking putting your own work out there and all your words of encouragement are so heart warming.

Have a lovely day!

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Sneak peek / Win a signed copy of my book - Modern Pastoral

Do you ever feel the urge to up sticks and move to the countryside? Somewhere perhaps, that's just you and your family, and the bears, deer, and foxes outside your window? Although I live in the city, my family and I love to head to the nearby forest or our cottage on Sweden's west coast at the weekends. This desire for a pared-back lifestyle and allowing nature to help eradicate the stresses and strains of daily life inspired me to write Modern Pastoral, published by CICO Books. Photographer James Gardiner and I visited 10 beautiful homes across Scandinavia and USA (all in the name of work - honest!). Although varied in style, the homes are centred around a back-to-basic lifestyle and embrace the nature on their doorstep. The book is available in stores now! Here's a sneak peek....

Images extracted from Modern Pastoral by Niki Brantmark, published by CICO Books, photography: James Gardiner.

These images bring back so many wonderful memories! Here's a picture by picture run down:

1. (Front cover). The beautiful stone cottage belonging to Fabio, Laura & Matteo Ferrara who divide their time between New York City and the fabulous Westwind Orchard in the Hudson River Valley, Upstate New York. When we arrived they made us the most delicious brunch using fresh produce from the farm.

2. Striking Milkweed Barn in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, Delaware County which Bill Hovard (Hudson Made) has transformed into a permanent home.

3. A study / dining room in a Scanian farmhouse (those beams), here in Southern Sweden owned by the Montan family (if you like the look of this room you should see the barn!).

4. The magnificent rustic barn on Westwind Orchard used for entertaining friends, family and guests as well as testing ingredients for produce sold in the farm shop.

5. A light and airy bedroom in the afore-mentioned Scanian farmhouse. When we took this picture it was pretty much dark outside. James took this image with a really long exposure and we couldn't even breath we had to be so still!

6. A cosy wood burning stove and reading corner in a cottage on the North coast of Zealand, Denmark.

The give-away is now closed

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