Quartz vs. Granite: Choosing the Best Kitchen Countertop Deciding on the right countertop material is one of the most important choices when building or remodeling a kitchen. For years granite was the go-to material promoted for its natural beauty and perceived resale value. More recently, engineered surfaces like quartz have gained popularity thanks to their … Read more

Whenever the seasons change or a New Year arrives, many of us look for ways to refresh our surroundings. For design lovers, that often means trying new decorating trends or making small updates that give a home a renewed feel. While makeovers usually begin in living rooms and kitchens, the bathroom is increasingly becoming a … Read more

Designing a modern family home on a narrow, constrained lot is always a challenge. Designing one that is both family-friendly and eco-conscious raises the stakes even higher. Nestled at the foot of a mountain in Japan, the Melt House successfully meets that challenge. The home integrates greenery directly into its interior, creating a calm, nature-forward … Read more

Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year: Classic Blue and How to Use It at Home Every December designers, color specialists, and trend watchers eagerly await Pantone’s annual announcement naming its Color of the Year. For 2020 the company chose a timeless, steady shade: Classic Blue (Pantone 19-4052). Two decades earlier Pantone had selected another calming … Read more

With the New Year upon us, many of us want to refresh our homes without committing to extensive renovations. Some prefer small updates—a new accessory, a shift in accent color, or finally buying that piece of décor they’ve been eyeing—while others are ready for a bolder change that redefines a room. If you’re drawn to … Read more

Kalim Beach House, Patong — Hillside Home with Curved Pool and Andaman Sea Views Nestled on Phuket’s west coast in the heart of Tambon Patong, the Kalim Beach House is a striking hillside residence that frames wide coastal views, the distant Andaman Sea and unforgettable sunset panoramas. Designed to respond to a compact, sloped lot, … Read more

Lopez Design Office: A Modern Studio-Home in Gurugram The idea of blending work and home life is gaining momentum worldwide, and architects are increasingly erasing the boundaries between professional and personal spaces. Designed by DADA & Partners, the Lopez Design Office in Gurugram, India, demonstrates this approach with clarity and elegance on a 500 square … Read more

We are drawn to houses that skillfully combine historic fabric with contemporary interventions—projects that honor the past while giving a building a renewed purpose. Stone Respect, designed by Dom Arquitectura in Spain, is a fine example of this approach. What began as a rather gloomy stone house has been transformed into a warm, welcoming home … Read more

Home design and decorating trends rarely stand alone; those that led the way last year often shape the most popular choices in the year ahead. As we move into 2020, one kitchen element continues to take center stage around the world: the kitchen island. Over the past decade the island—often including a breakfast bar—has become … Read more

Homes around the world vary widely in the materials they use. Differences come from local building techniques, regional availability of materials and vernacular design traditions. For example, homes in Brazil often showcase concrete in rugged, expressive ways, while wood is the dominant building element in many Nordic and Japanese houses. In Asia, brick has long … Read more