If someone had predicted a decade ago that rustic would become one of the most popular decorating styles, many would have laughed. Yet rustic interiors are ubiquitous today, appearing in living rooms, kitchens and — perhaps most invitingly — bedrooms. The appeal is obvious: a desire to slow down, to bring natural, tactile materials into … Read more

A compact duplex, redesigned by La Firme, has been transformed into an elegant artist’s apartment and studio where restrained modern minimalism meets clever, space-saving solutions. The goal of the renovation was to create a feeling of greater openness without radically changing the original floor plan. Adding a mezzanine level achieved that goal: the elevated level … Read more

Canal House Renovation on KNSM Island, Amsterdam Amsterdam is renowned for its striking architecture, and the city takes on a special kind of magic after dusk, when carefully designed lighting animates façades and canals alike. On KNSM Island in the Eastern Docklands sits a thoughtfully renovated residence known simply as the Canal House, redesigned by … Read more

Giving an older home a fresh makeover is about uncovering new possibilities while working within an existing framework and its constraints. Originally built in the 1920s, this Californian-style bungalow in Kensington, Sydney has been carefully renovated and extended to create a more functional, contemporary family home. The lower level now accommodates an open living zone, … Read more

We are enthusiastic about rear extensions that introduce natural light into darker, older homes while adding living space that respects the original architecture. This Victorian terrace has been carefully revamped and renovated by CAN Architects with a rear and side extension that blends contemporary interventions with the historic fabric in a restrained, elegant manner. To … Read more

A garden studio and workspace can dramatically improve the balance between work and home life. That is precisely the promise of the Light Shed, a beautifully crafted backyard office tucked behind a classic London home. Designed to provide a private, light-filled studio that doubles as a welcoming social space, the Light Shed combines a compact … Read more

Everyone appreciates a chance to escape, especially during a period when daily life has been shaped by quarantining. A cozy retreat away from the city feels more desirable than ever. This article focuses on cottage design, with a modern twist. If you’ve seen the #cottagecore trend online, you know romantic country living is fashionable right … Read more

When planning a room refresh or a full redesign, color choices often take center stage. We focus first on walls, textiles and accessories, and sometimes the ceiling gets a subtle update. The floor, however, is frequently viewed only through the lens of material—wood, stone, or tile—rather than color. Yet a dramatic, well-chosen floor color can … Read more

Two-in-One House in Salzburg by Haro Architects: Contemporary Living with a Classic Gabled Roof Salzburg, Austria, is a city famous for its classical architecture, rich musical heritage and timeless cultural appeal. In a densely built urban neighborhood where large parcels of land have been divided into smaller lots, Haro Architects designed the Two-in-One house to … Read more

Plywood-Clad Split Levels Transform a Historic London Family Home When homeowners want to extend an older property with historic value, the usual solution is a rear extension that adds living space on the ground floor and a bedroom or studio above. That approach preserves the street façade while creating new usable area. But for a … Read more