Blog

— From Mid-century Modern to local architectural travel tips and destinations, we love architecture and design. We have worked hard to make our architecture blog interesting to industry professionals but also to folks outside of the design industry. We like to highlight unique designs, interesting materials, and great travel destinations that architecture lovers would, well…love and become obsessed about, like us.

MCM Renovating: Project Hillyndale

As mentioned in our last blog post, we have moved into the exciting next chapter of BOTTEGA miscellanea’s design endeavors. We have purchased and fully moved into an amazing mid-century modern (MCM) property in north-eastern Connecticut. In doing so, we are undertaking the stewardship of bringing the home back to (or beyond!) its original luster with a few MCM-appropriate enhancements and a handful of behind-the-scenes modern advancements to increase efficiencies.

Designed in 1969 by architect Marian Isenberg of West Hartford, one of only a few practicing woman architects in the area at that time, this home embodies the true mid-century modern spirit. Complete with a flat roof/clerestory design, vertical redwood siding, and ample windows, this is not your typical New England style home. Although, to our excitement, there does seem to be a pocket of these homes in the area which are all of this similar style, which is a pleasure to see.

Entry2.jpg

To connect with people in the area with similar style homes, we have started a Facebook group called Mid-Century Modern Homes of CT. This is a forum for Connecticut mid-century modern homeowners, admirers, enthusiasts, etc to share information regarding the appreciation and upkeep of our unique homes. Please feel free to join! (even if you aren’t in CT, but are a fellow MCM admirer) We are looking forward to seeing this group grow into a community of like-minded individuals.

We invite you to follow along as we start to document our journey of restoring, rebuilding, and breathing new life into this gem of a home.


Scenes from Quarantine

 
20200707_101014.jpg

Baking sourdough

 
20200610_130855.jpg

Picking flowers from the garden

IMG_20200811_071611_671.jpg

Early morning kayaking

 
20200826_153852.jpg

Rediscovering dormant hobbies

 

August’s architecturally-significant birthday…

 
eero.jpg

Happy birthday Eero Saarinen!

One of the most influential architects of our time - architect of the TWA terminal at JFK and the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis, designer of the oh-so-famous Tulip Chair, and more!


What’s new in the Studio?

What’s new in the studio, you ask? A new studio!

An added bonus to our new mid-century home is that is comes with a separate studio building right next door that has become the new official headquarters for BOTTEGA miscellanea global enterprises. We have about 2,000 sf of glorious, light-filled space to explore all of our upcoming creative endeavors. Reach out with any ideas and let’s make something together!


Matthew Varley, AIA, NCARB Jillian Welenc, NCIDQ, LEED AP, IIDA

REGISTERED ARCHITECT / FOUNDER LICENSED CERTIFIED INTERIOR DESIGNER

p.s. hugs and kisses (socially distanced, of course)