Melrose House

by moss

The renovation of this single family home rethought the layout of the existing building, which made the unit feel too much like an apartment, with the kitchen and entryway cordoned off from the main room—and access to natural light. We privatized the side entry door, and opened the stair to the unit, then joined the kitchen with the living room, filling the first floor with sunlight. By moving the kitchen wall and mechanical ductwork, we were able to relocate the powder room (outfitted with a vintage door from a Reid's Pharmacy) into the stairwell, leaving just enough space for a mini-garage to stow children's toys. The shelving which lined the stairs was a work of 90's pop-architecture with glass shelves and random light wood. We simplified the layout, and toned down the color to complement the staircase. The floor and main staircase are composed of reclaimed shipping crates, originally of Tropical hardwoods, which lend a beautiful variation in color and pattern to the flooring—and influenced a monochrome palette for the rest of the house.

With two small children, open railings weren't an option, so we installed a removable hanger and glass rail that would be taken down when they got older. The master bathroom features a free standing tub, and custom walnut shoji doors separate the closet from it. Other materials of note include salvaged pendant lights from Architectural Anarchy, and a dining table from Gathering Moss in London.