Architectural Cases

This compilation of photographs offers a unique glimpse into the personal dwellings and moments of Grace Kelly, tracing her journey from an acclaimed actress to the Princess of Monaco. It highlights her profound appreciation for home and family, juxtaposing her illustrious career with her domestic pursuits like cooking and gardening, which she considered vital to her authentic self. Through these images, we observe her evolution and unwavering commitment to creating a serene and balanced environment for her loved ones.

Grace Kelly, at the young age of 25, achieved the pinnacle of Hollywood success, earning an Academy Award. Just a year later, she transitioned into royalty by marrying Prince Rainier III of Monaco, marking a significant shift from her acting career to her royal duties. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Kelly's early life saw her rise to stardom in iconic films such as High Noon and Rear Window, captivating audiences and directors alike. Her cinematic journey concluded with High Society in 1956, as she embraced her new role as Princess Grace of Monaco.

The move from her West Hollywood apartment to the opulent Prince's Palace in Monte Carlo represented a dramatic lifestyle change. Kelly reflected on this transformation, noting the challenge of adapting from an actress's high-profile existence to a more private, "civilian" life. She found solace in establishing a home that provided tranquility and stability for her family, engaging in activities such as cooking and gardening. As she penned in her 1980 work, My Book of Flowers, maintaining equilibrium in one's personal space is crucial amidst external pressures. Beyond Monaco and California, her residences included homes in New York, New Jersey, France, and Switzerland.

Her childhood home in Philadelphia, a 17-room brick mansion built by her father, John B. Kelly, Sr., was a substantial estate with expansive lawns and a tennis court. This property, free of mortgage, was managed by household staff. A 1935 family portrait captures young Kelly, the third of four children, with her parents and siblings, providing a rare look at her early life. The family also enjoyed a summer retreat in Ocean City, New Jersey, a coastal haven Kelly fondly remembered as her "favorite summer resort." Later, she recreated a similar serene environment at Roc Agel, the Monegasque royal family's 125-acre countryside estate, emphasizing a relaxed family life away from the palace's formalities. She described establishing a villa there with a farm, vegetable garden, pool, and tennis court, despite its initially "bare and desolate" landscape.

Kelly's New York apartment on Fifth Avenue, a spacious residence occupying an entire floor, showcased her taste for chic living. With ten-foot ceilings, crown molding, and French antiques, it offered a luxurious setting for her pre-monarchy life. She shared this apartment with fellow actress Rita Gam, who described it as "feminine and sentimental," adorned with personal mementos. Her engagement to Prince Rainier III was announced from her Philadelphia family estate in 1956, a setting that imbued the announcement with a sense of personal connection. The botanical toile backdrop of the announcement photo mirrored her later interior design choices, incorporating nature-themed patterns in her homes, such as floral chintz in her Parisian bedroom.

Her marriage brought about a profound personal redefinition. Kelly found it challenging to reconcile her identity as an American actress with her new role as a princess, describing a period of losing herself in her husband's life until the arrival of her children and her philanthropic work in Monaco helped her regain a sense of self. The royal couple's family life flourished with the birth of Princess Caroline, Prince Albert II, and Princess Stéphanie. Photographs capture heartwarming moments, such as Kelly reading to her children and her eldest daughter, Caroline, reflecting on her mother's modern and supportive parenting style, encouraging independence.

A significant family trip in 1963 saw Kelly, Prince Rainier, and their children revisit her childhood home in Philadelphia, captured in a photograph in the family garden. Kelly cherished her memories of gardening there, a pastime that continued to be a source of joy. Her son, Prince Albert II, later repurchased this beloved home in 2016, preserving a piece of his mother's legacy. Kelly's philosophy on home was profound; she viewed it as an essential "oasis" for family, a place for well-being and replenishment, advocating for harmony through color and balance in interior design. Her palace bedroom, adorned with 18th-century silk panels featuring butterflies, birds, and flowers, reflected her preference for tranquil blues, greens, and yellows, creating cheerful and soothing spaces.

Beyond her royal duties, Kelly was renowned for her refined hosting style, entertaining guests at the palace and various international properties. She meticulously planned table settings, using colorful tablecloths and coordinating flowers, as detailed in My Book of Flowers. Her love for nature extended to pressing flowers, a relaxing hobby she enjoyed with her family, viewing it as a form of art and communication. Tragically, Kelly's life ended prematurely in 1982 due to a stroke and car accident. She expressed a desire to be remembered as someone kind, loving, and accomplished, striving to help others. The Garden Club of Monaco, a testament to her dedication to public service and community, remains a lasting part of her legacy, underscoring her belief in the importance of green spaces for every community.

Actress Cobie Smulders, known for her role in How I Met Your Mother, has fulfilled a lifelong aspiration by creating a magnificent family cabin in British Columbia. Growing up in the Vancouver suburbs, Smulders always cherished escapes to the wild landscapes, often visiting friends' family cabins. She harbored a dream of one day building her own retreat and knew exactly who she wanted to design it: Elizabeth MacKenzie, the architect mother of a childhood friend. Decades later, with her husband, comedian Taran Killam, Smulders embarked on this journey. After a patient search, they discovered an expansive, secluded plot by a tranquil lake, encircled by towering mountains, a location they instantly recognized as ideal. The collaborative design process, involving MacKenzie, Skladan Architecture, and Ben Leavitt of PlaidFox Studio, resulted in a home that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings while radiating a unique, playful character. This sanctuary has become a beloved gathering place for friends and family, a testament to Smulders' vision of a home filled with shared joy and connection.

A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Whimsy in British Columbia

In a picturesque, secluded setting within British Columbia, actress Cobie Smulders and her husband, Taran Killam, have realized their dream of a family cabin, a project spearheaded by architect Elizabeth MacKenzie and design team Skladan Architecture and PlaidFox Studio. The exterior of the house, with its olive green wood paneling and raw steel roof that has gracefully aged to a burnt orange, perfectly mirrors the vibrant colors of the surrounding natural landscape. Inside, the design showcases a playful spirit, marrying the rustic charm of a modern mountain chalet with the nostalgic appeal of an English farmhouse.

A striking feature upon entry is the twisting, aged steel staircase in the foyer, custom-made by local artisan Metal Mart, which ascends majestically through the double-height space. Beneath it, chairs from Restoration Hardware, upholstered in Kravet fabric, and a bespoke chess table by carpenter Mike Simchuck invite moments of quiet contemplation. The spacious dining area boasts a custom smoked white oak table from Lock & Mortice, capable of seating up to 27 guests, surrounded by Midj chairs and curtains made from Zimmer-Rohde fabric, all resting on a unique Indian-made rug. The kitchen features a custom island by Bertu Home, adorned with AnneStarr fabric and illuminated by a Blueprint Lighting chandelier.

Playful design elements abound throughout the home. In a children's bathroom, a lively orange-tree wallpaper from Cole & Son is paired with House of Rohl fittings, sconces from The Future Perfect, and RH mirrors, while a black soapstone vanity is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron. Another powder room features an equestrian-themed wallpaper by Cole & Son, a Gubi x Inform Interiors leather mirror, and a black soapstone vanity. The primary bedroom's decor, with its serene tan and dark green palette, reflects the colors of the mountains and trees outside, featuring a custom bed from Ffabb Furnishings, Restoration Hardware linens, a quilt from The Fabric Craft, and a bespoke nightstand by Lock & Mortice. Art by Erin Armstrong graces the wall, adding a personal touch. A guest room embraces a cheerful marigold color scheme, with wallpaper by GP & J Baker and paint by Benjamin Moore, complemented by a vintage Siirt blanket kilim rug from Etsy and linens from Bed Threads and Pottery Barn. The bunk room, designed to accommodate up to six, includes custom beds from Log Furniture and More, Bed Threads and RH Teen bedding, and a Woodland Forest wallpaper by Belarte Studio. Additionally, a custom tapestry by Phillip David Stearns, depicting both California and British Columbia, along with a portrait of Smulders' family, hangs prominently, symbolizing the blend of their two homes.

The collective vision for this home was to create a haven that was both expansive enough for large gatherings and intimately connected to its environment. Last summer, the family fully embraced their new retreat, spending sun-drenched days swimming in the lake and evenings gathered around the grand dining table. Smulders joyfully recounted having eighteen friends and family members staying under one roof, describing the experience as "heaven." She expressed immense contentment with her home, enthusiastically inviting everyone she knows to share in its beauty and comfort.

This project reminds us that a home is more than just a structure; it's a living space imbued with personal history, dreams, and the desire for connection. Cobie Smulders' British Columbia cabin beautifully illustrates how thoughtful design, combined with a deep appreciation for nature and community, can create a sanctuary where memories are made and cherished. It's an inspiring example of transforming a childhood vision into a tangible reality, proving that with patience and collaboration, truly magical spaces can emerge.