Perched on a prominent hill in the historic Santa Teresa neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, this striking residence by SPBR Architects makes the most of a privileged site. The house is a contemporary interpretation of urban hillside living, combining raw concrete volumes and expansive glazing to frame spectacular panoramas. Its careful siting and material palette—exposed … Read more

Storage can be a design challenge: we want it to be functional and attractive. Too often shelving becomes boring, bulky, or awkward. A smart solution is to use corner shelving—these space-saving shelves make corners useful and visually interesting while maximizing storage in kitchens, offices, bathrooms and living areas. Corner Shelves in the Kitchen Corner shelving … Read more

Every detail of a kitchen design contributes to the room’s overall look and functionality. Choosing the right sink is one of the decisions that can affect both how your kitchen feels and how well it functions. With so many options available, it helps to break the decision down into clear factors: location, size and style … Read more

Roman showers are a contemporary addition to bathroom design that blend elegance with practicality. Defined by their open, doorless configuration, roman showers create a seamless transition between the shower area and the rest of the bathroom. Their simple silhouette and architectural presence can upgrade both modern and traditional interiors, offering a tailored, spa-like atmosphere that … Read more

When it comes to decorating with ocean inspiration, nautical and coastal styles are two of the most popular approaches. While both draw from the sea, they offer different moods and visual languages. Understanding the distinctions between nautical and coastal design will help you choose the style that best suits your home and the atmosphere you … Read more

What is the biggest challenge when decorating a home? For most of us the answer is space. We squeeze furniture into every available corner and dream of that extra room that will solve all our storage and layout problems. Oddly enough, even after moving to a larger home or adding a room, many of us … Read more

It is no surprise to anyone following early trends of 2017 that natural design elements are a favorite among homeowners and designers. Wood leads the pack: modern homes are embracing the warmth, texture and organic elegance of wood across décor, furniture and architectural accents. Whether as clever décor, stylish accessories or a dramatic backdrop, wood … Read more

An historic house that turns its back on the landscape around it is a familiar story. At Limerick House in Eganstown, Australia, a carefully considered extension reverses that pattern. The new addition respects the scale and rhythm of the original Victorian residence while opening the interior to wide rural views. Its gabled roof and proportions … Read more

Driven in part by a growing preference for eco-friendly living, natural wood accents have returned to the forefront of home décor. Many homeowners are moving away from mass-produced, chemically treated materials and choosing wood elements that emphasize authenticity, warmth, and sustainability. Whether you prefer a modern minimalist look, a rustic farmhouse vibe, or an eclectic … Read more

It seems Danish architect Bjarke Ingels has become the architectural world’s current figure of influence. As founder of BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), a multidisciplinary design practice with offices in Copenhagen and New York, Ingels was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. In a citation accompanying that recognition, Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas wrote: … Read more