Lake Forest House
A house in the woods, finished in charcoal stone and warm oak so the trees outside stay the brightest thing in the room.
The brief was a house that felt like evening all day. We kept the palette to three materials, a honed charcoal stone, rift-sawn oak and a polished concrete floor, and let them run from the kitchen to the bath without a change of mind.
The oak is drawn as furniture rather than cabinetry: full-height panels with no visible handles, and open shelves at eye level for the pots and plants that get used. The island and the desk are the same stone, folded down at the ends.
Every room looks into the trees. Black window frames disappear against the dark walls, so the glass reads as pictures, and jute rugs and heavy linen keep the house soft underfoot.
For rooms like these
Things we would bring to these rooms, and keep specifying in others. Each one links to its maker.
Stagg EKG Electric Kettle
A gooseneck kettle that pours as slowly as you like and holds the water at the temperature you set. In matte black with a walnut handle it sits on a stone counter like a small sculpture.
Visit Fellow
The Toaster Pro
A spoonful of water turns to steam before the bread browns, so toast comes out crisp outside and soft inside. Black or off-white, and compact enough to stay on the counter.
Visit BALMUDA
Countertop System
A stainless steel water filter that lives on the counter instead of under the sink. Tested to take out lead, PFAS and microplastics while leaving the minerals in, and handsome enough to leave out.
Visit Rorra
Coupe Dinner Bowl
Edith Heath's rimless Coupe line has been in production since 1948. Quiet glazes, shapes that stack, and pieces that look better for being used.
Visit HeathProduct photographs from the makers.