Lakefront Retreat: A Blend of Wilderness and Understated Luxury

Founded in 2014, Daniel Joseph Chenin is an architecture and interiors studio specialising in fully conceptualised residential spaces. With a belief that design should engage the senses, the firm treats each project as an opportunity to craft an experience—one with a story arc and a distinct visual language that establishes a strong sense of place. Known for seamlessly blending architecture and interiors to create captivating environments, Daniel Joseph Chenin was commissioned by a repeat client to bring their vision for a new lakefront residence to life on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene in Harrison, Idaho.

In collaboration with renowned New York architect Hart Howerton, the studio led the comprehensive interior design, from custom detailing and furnishings to artwork curation, lighting, and accessories. The result is a cohesive, sophisticated lake retreat that reflects the studio’s signature approach to creating immersive and thoughtfully curated spaces.

On a scouting trip to the proposed site, Chenin was immediately struck by the natural beauty of the location—a majestic hillside framed by evergreen trees, with a tranquil lake embraced by the surrounding wilderness. However, the rugged terrain posed logistical and design challenges, particularly with the seasonal elements that characterize the area as a summer destination.

“The home is clad in reclaimed wood, with knobby imperfections that give it a rough and ready exterior that blends into the natural context,” explains Chenin. “It also responds to the harsh off-season climate by being fitted with a metal roof and Corten steel garage doors for much-needed protection against ice and heavy snow.”

Having collaborated with the couple on multiple residences since 2016, Chenin built on a relationship of trust and understanding. This foundation allowed the design process to focus on unraveling the client’s vision of a mountain retreat—one that felt true to its natural surroundings yet infused with understated luxury. They wanted a home that was warm and welcoming, with a soft, refined atmosphere, but also durable enough to withstand the demands of its environment.

The rugged exterior gives way to a more refined interior, softened by thoughtful detailing and carefully selected furnishings. The colour palette and materials, including leather, iron, steel, marble, and a variety of woods, were inspired by the natural environment. Custom-designed furniture adds texture and interest, anchored by area rugs that echo the surroundings, such as fallen leaves on the forest floor.

The home’s layout is simple and functional, with the main level featuring a kitchen and expansive pantry, living and dining rooms, an entry foyer, a mudroom, and a secluded primary bedroom. The second level comprises a second primary bedroom suite with a kitchenette, while the below-grade first floor, embedded into the hillside, and featuring a walkout terrace, houses three additional guest bedrooms centered around a large living area that connects them.

A diverse range of materials are thoughtfully integrated across the home—a large, hand-carved cabinet with bronze doors, subtle yet effective light fixtures, and barstools with durable leather finishes. Rich materials like Calacatta marble in the kitchen and bathrooms, oak flooring, and unlacquered bronze hardware introduce warmth, providing a counterbalance to the home’s more utilitarian elements.

“The bronze hardware will patina and weather over time through touch and exposure to the air,” explains Chenin. “Numerous finishes and details of this project are reflections of elements present in the surrounding natural environment, and we succeeded in replicating their shapes and textures.”

Tactile experiences are woven throughout from exposed wooden ceiling beams to nature-inspired artwork that lines the walls. Organic patterns in the furnishings further ground the design in its environment, as do the carved wooden legs of custom-built furniture and a steel tabletop that replicates the rings of a tree trunk. A live-edge desk in the upstairs suite adds another natural touch, echoing the connection to the outdoors.

One of the more challenging aspects of the design was the unusually long room on the main level. To address this, Chenin custom-designed a massive credenza to anchor the space. Steel-plated with simple handles and raw wood showcasing grainy patterns, the credenza balances rusticity with a polished finish. Throughout the home, Chenin’s positioning of custom pieces provides balance, versatility, and functionality. Each design draws inspiration from the surrounding environment, with live-edge wood kept from splitting by metal bowties, and steel reinforcement wraps binding wooden legs and bases together.

“There is an overall visual to the design, and then there’s abundant discovery of nuance as the materials and the finishes come together,” notes Chenin. “It’s utilitarian in its simplicity, yet very smart in its subtlety, with proportions and forms that are highly refined.”

A harmonious blend of natural elements and considered details, the home offers a tactile, grounded experience that feels deeply connected to its environment while providing comfort and warmth—a space where every detail tells a story and invites discovery.

Credits

Interior Design: Daniel Joseph Chenin, Ltd

Architecture: Hart Howerton

Contractors: Tekton

Photographer credits: David Mitchell

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BoConcept Launches New Kollektion celebrating 70 Years

Following a period of change in which many of us redefined our spaces and how we use them, Danish furniture brand BoConcept has responded with new designs and new versions of their beloved existing pieces. Kollektion features the best of Danish style with expertly crafted designs and timeless shapes, reflecting BoConcept's values and heritage: expert craftsmanship, quality without compromise, and unique Danish design. All pieces were created by Henrik Pedersen and Morten Georgsen, two long-term collaborators behind some of BoConcept's most iconic designs.

The launch also coincides with an impressive milestone for BoConcept - 70 years of Ekstraordinær. Here are some standout pieces from Kollektion.

Berne Chair & Sofa by Henrik Petersen

Modern and minimal in design, the new Berne sofa offers a new level of comfort thanks to a higher, more upright back, bigger seat depth and firmer cushions. Tubular-shaped matt black metal legs create a floating expression, while arms, seats and back are softly rounded, giving this design a welcoming look from every angle.

Princeton Lounge Chair by Morten Georgsen

The Princeton lounge chair is elegant yet cocooning with a light base and organic shape that gives it a feminine feel, combined with soft comfort. A well-proportioned accent chair, this would work beautifully in a living area or bedroom. 

Hamilton Dining Chair by Morten Georgsen

If you are on the hunt for new dining furniture, BoConcept has some versatile pieces on offer. The Hamilton dining chair is modern and airy with a curved profile and slim tubular legs. Featuring a classic yet contemporary expression, the timeless design of the Hamilton dining chair makes it a versatile option with plenty of character. 

Madrid Dining Table by Morten Georgsen

The Madrid dining table features sleek lines and organic shapes, coming together in a floating design. The minimal look and clean colours make this table very easy to combine with many different types of dining chairs.

Hauge Dining Table & Chair by Henrik Pedersen

Elegant in form, the Hauge dining table features wooden details that underline Scandinavian design heritage and craftsmanship. With its contemporary design, sleek yet sturdy base and exceptional comfort,  the Hauge dining chairs provide an effortless pairing.

Lund Vitrine Cabinet by Morten Georgsen

Contemporary yet timeless, the Lund is a new interpretation of the classic cabinet. One of my favourite pieces from the new collection, I love the clean lines and combination of wood, metal and glass. Perfect for displaying decorative pieces and keeping tableware at easy reach.

Asti Desk by Morten Georgsen

With the home office becoming a big part of our work life, BoConcept has decided to expand its Home Office range with two new designs. Clean and understated, the Asti desk has a light silhouette that makes it ideal for any home office set-up. Featuring a crafted combination of metal and wood, with a subtle framing, this design creates an enclosed, yet open, working area.

Kingston Desk by Morten Georgsen

Combining workspace and storage in a perfect home office solution, the Kingston desk features a thin metal frame with a subtly integrated drawer for storage of pens, tablet or paper. The organic shape radiates softness, while the slightly tapered and inclined legs ensure a light, Nordic expression.

In addition, the popular BoConcept Adelaide and Vienna chairs will now be available as office chairs, with a castor base and height-adjustable functionality. This exclusive design is matched with a fully upholstered seat for maximum comfort.  

New Fabrics and Colours

BoConcept has unveiled its latest fabric upgrades and additions, including one that immediately caught my eye, Auckland Bouclé, in white and beige. Auckland is made of nubby, looped fibres which are extremely soft to the touch, creating a chunky, heavy fabric with structured texture. I'll be sharing something exciting with this fabric later this year, so watch this space!

Other new fabrics to check out include Wellington, a woven felt upholstery fabric made of 100% New Zealand premium quality worsted wool, the satisfyingly soft and durable Tomelilla fabric in a new light beige colour, and the elegant and modern Skagen introduced in light green - a colour that has a calming effect, bringing balance and joy.

To find out more about the New Kollektion, including showroom locations and interior design services visit BoConcept NZ. 

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Kristina Dam Studio: Framing Sculptural Minimalism During 3daysofdesign

Copenhagen’s renowned design festival 3daysofdesign was held last week, bringing with it lots of design news from my favourite Danish brands. For Kristina Dam Studio the exhibition also marked its 10-year anniversary, and an opportunity to showcase unique artworks and sculptures alongside new designs. The inspiring presentation took place inside the apartment of fashion maven Kim Grenaa, owner of Grenaa Creative & Grenaa Creative Living, located in the backyard of a historical factory in the centre of Copenhagen.

The new Outline Desk was the focus of the studio’s anniversary exhibition. Born from a longing for a minimal yet essential space that pillars forward-thinking and outward-looking, the design exudes craft and humility with architectural clarity and grace. Thoughtfully designed, the desk features understated details that reveal themselves upon closer inspection. Sleek lines create a graphic interplay of steel frames that holds the solid oak tabletop and drawers, giving the Outline Desk a classic yet contemporary look.

Included in the 2022 3daysofdesign exhibition were one-of-a-kind paintings and sculptures created by Brand and Design Director Kristina Dam. A stand out for me, the incredible and unique black Stool Sculpture is made of defects from the Stool production, giving new life to leftover pieces with minor imperfections.

Photography by Maja Karen

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Saint-Hubert Apartment by Vives St-Laurent

For their latest interior project, Vives St-Laurent studio have completed the renovation of an apartment located on Saint-Hubert Street in Montreal. The area of Plateau Mont-Royal is known for its Victorian-style houses built at the end of the 19th century. A style marked by curved walls, mouldings, and high ceilings, the apartment is also recognisable by the way in which the rooms align into rows. Paying respect to the original architectural detailing that gives the home its unique character, the design team took direction from the existing layout to develop the project.

This involved the renovation of two main areas, the kitchen and the shared bathroom. The project also required a reorganization of the space at the back of the kitchen to create a functional area for everyday living, serving both as a coffee bar and as an additional counter space close to the outdoor terrace. Finally, a custom-made wooden desk, conducive to remote work, is designed to match the various mid-century modern furniture pieces selected by the clients.

The existing dining table commands a simple kitchen layout that follows the room’s rectangular shape. The addition of an arched opening between the living room and the kitchen accentuates views between the living areas, while also improving flow. The wall-mounted faucet and marble backsplash become the focal elements of the kitchen and infuse character into the space. Natural stone, combining green and brown shades, is used to create a monolithic-style island, while the neutral colour of the kitchen cabinets allows the materiality of the stone to take centre stage. High cabinets hide the pantry and refrigerator, whereas the lower section provides plenty of storage space.

A second arch marks a transition towards the bar and laundry room area, which are set back from the apartment. It features the same natural stone as in the kitchen, as well as stained cherry wood cabinets matching the existing windows and exterior doors. Once an open concept, the area is now sectioned off to improve its functionality.

In keeping with the overall materiality of the apartment, the bathroom’s redesign includes a custom cherry wood vanity. A cream-coloured mosaic tile is used for the shower walls and flooring to provide airiness to the tapered space.

The office, adjacent to the master bedroom, is separated by french doors, allowing light into the space. The small hanging storage added to the existing alcove creates a contrast between old and new.

By enhancing the original elements and applying a limited yet defined palette of new materials, Vives St-Laurent have created a beautifully light and welcoming home.

Credits

Designer: Vives St-Laurent 

Project manager: Justine Gagné

Contractor: Cassia Construction

Suppliers: Baril, Moruzzi, Daltile, Huey, Ceasarstone

Photography: Alex Lesage

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Staying In | Working from Home Now and in the Future

Styling and photography by Michelle Halford / TDC

As people adjust to working from home, many are discovering that not only is it doable, there are also added benefits to working remotely. Not only is it better for the environment, we're saving time and money on commutes and avoiding the many distractions that come with working in a busy office environment. Perhaps this will even lead to a new way of working in the future. I for one can highly recommend it, especially once the kids are back at school! I touched on the workspace in my first Staying In blog post, but today I wanted to hone in on the different elements required to make a functional office space at home. Blown away by the response to the image of my little workspace (above) that I recently posted on Instagram, which included loads of shares and people asking me questions (mostly about my desk!) this is clearly still a hot topic right now. 

Kidney Desk by Fred Rigby / Francis Gallery

— Desks —

While I dream of my next desk being a sculptural, curved piece like the one above, I know that my back will appreciate an adjustable standing desk. Two that I've been eyeing up are the Montana HiLow desk and the BoConcept Phoenix Electric office desk. BoConcept also have a great range of minimalist desk designs to suit a home office space. My current desk has evolved over the years but has served me well since I first set up my office. It's now a simple plywood top which was custom made to suit the space, paired with some steel trestle legs that used to belong to our previous dining table. In terms of positioning, I would recommend placing your desk by a window if possible, to let in some natural light and fresh air. 

Cube Office N-VL by Arjaan De Feyter Interior Architects / Photography by Piet-Albert Goethals

For a simple, minimalist solution, built-in desks are a great option. To help keep the desk clutter at bay, go a step further and install some simple floating shelves above. 

For compact spaces, the Menu Rail Desk by Japanese designer Keiji Ashizawa is ideal. The neat, precision-made piece in natural or stained oak offers multiple functions – as a desk, counter or shelf to store books, hung at any height you choose. That way it can be used beyond a temporary workspace and lends itself to almost any setting, fitting neatly into both living areas and bedrooms where space is tight.

If you need to go compact with the desk, and let's face it, many of us do when it comes to our home, look for desks that have built-in storage elements. The Scrivette Desk by Plyroom has a lid that allows for access to the storage space within the desk, rather than losing bits and pieces at the back of a drawer. Beautifully crafted from Baltic birch and Tasmanian oak, the materials exemplify a Japanese aesthetic concept of wabi: simplicity and quietude incorporating rustic beauty.

— Desk Accessories —

A few simple accessories to store papers, pens and other everyday items will help keep your space tidy. The 2x2 Organiser above is by Jamie Wolfond for ferm Living, and the Dania Letter Tray below is by Skagerak. 

I also love the Nomad Pen Holder and Tray by Skagerak, and the Città Oku series of storage boxes and trays, both shown below.

Tool boxes are another great desk accessory for storing pens and stationery and are particularly useful if you don't have a permanent office spot at home. I've rounded up some favourites below.

Koppa Tool Box by Verso Design 

Clockwise from left: Yamazaki Tosca Organiser and  Tower Tool Box both from Father Rabbit, Vitra Toolbox from Città and Hay Tool Box

— Task Lighting —

Good lighting is so important, especially when working in the evenings. You may remember the office above from my last blog post. I can't get enough of this space featuring Dinesen flooring, custom desk, stool, shelving and peg rail. The iconic PH Table Lamp by Louis Poulsen looks right at home here. The Arum table lamp by ferm Living, shown below, is another favourite. 

— Seating —  

When it comes to choosing an office chair, I believe that you can't go past classic Danish design for the right combination of comfort, aesthetics and functionality. Here are two of my top picks. 

Striking the perfect balance between geometric and organic shapes, the contoured curves of the Menu Harbour Chair  offers maximum support, while enveloping the body in its slender shell. Offered in a range of shapes, materials and finishes, allowing for total customisation, it also comes with the option of a swivel base and/or castors making it ideal for the home office.

The Fiber Armchair by Muuto is designed with embracing curves to provide extensive comfort, while taking up little space in the room. The option of swivel base with castors allows for ease of movement.

To see more from the Staying In Series, take a look here. 

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