When you hear the words “South Pacific,” many people picture sun-drenched beaches, turquoise lagoons and the songs and stories of mid-20th century Broadway and film. Beyond entertainment, those two words also evoke a desire for an extended escape to tropical islands such as Hawaii, Tahiti and Fiji. These destinations are famous for cloudless skies, powder-soft … Read more

Timber-Clad Extension Preserves a Victorian Home in De Beauvoir, London Renovating and extending an existing home can be a far more sustainable and cost-effective option than demolition and rebuilding. Thoughtful restorations can retain a house’s original character while adding contemporary living space and modern performance. In London’s De Beauvoir Conservation Area, a Victorian residence was … Read more

I’m picky about some household purchases — and coasters are one of them. Buying ready-made coasters often feels unnecessary and overpriced to me. When I find a design I like, the price can be much higher than I’m willing to pay for something that will simply hold a drink. So instead of hunting for the … Read more

Constance Guisset’s Dancing Chair is a contemporary reinterpretation of the classic rocking chair, combining the comfort of a lounge seat with a sculptural, dynamic aesthetic. This piece translates movement into form: sweeping lines and subtly curved elements create the impression that the chair is poised to sway, lending both visual energy and a relaxed, inviting … Read more

Contemporary homes increasingly blend the comforts of a vacation retreat with the functionality of a modern residence. A staycation avoids long trips, heavy traffic and high travel costs while creating relaxed, shared moments at home. When a property includes a generous yard, a wooden deck and a pool—like the Ancha House in Yucatán, Mexico—the experience … Read more

Depending on where you live and how close to the equator you are, there may still be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Even if your holidays are spent in white, wintry landscapes, it makes sense to plan ahead for warmer months. While the season’s festivities demand attention now, spring will arrive soon and … Read more

Most renovation and design ideas we see tend to come from Europe, the US, or major Australian cities. Far Eastern renovations are less frequently highlighted, so this transformation on Shanghai’s Huaihai Road stands out. Situated in one of the city’s busiest neighborhoods, the apartment was reimagined as a calm urban oasis that deliberately separates the … Read more

The holidays are nearly here—have you started planning handmade gift ideas for friends and family? I’m Kate, and every year I enjoy crafting a few thoughtful presents. Over the last couple of months I gathered favorite DIY projects from top design bloggers, and I’m excited to share a curated selection with Decoist readers. Whether you … Read more

Hye Ro Hun House by IROJE KHM Architects — A Mountain-Edge Residence in Gwangju Simply stunning, the Hye Ro Hun House by IROJE KHM Architects presents a striking fusion of contemporary design and its natural setting. Perched above the downtown of Gwangju, the house reads as an architectural response to a steep, mountainous site: a … Read more

Small Granite Shack Reborn: A Modern Home with a Monumental Shower Tower in Portugal Transforming an old, weathered granite shack into a modern, elegant home is a delicate challenge—especially when the goal is to respect the building’s historic character while introducing contemporary comforts and a fresh aesthetic. That balance is precisely what Fala Atelier achieved … Read more