boutique hotel paris hidden 800x531 - Parisian Hidden Hotel

Parisian Hidden Hotel

Just a stone’s throw from Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, you’ll be fortunate to discover the Hidden Hotel. This urban oasis seems to have been plucked from a bohemian luxury resort or a nature spa. Either way, you’ll be rejuvenated by the serene interiors the moment you step inside. Continue reading

colorful kitchen design lago 800x580 - Lago Cucina: Floating Containment

Lago Cucina: Floating Containment

Lago Cucina translates to “lake kitchen” and indeed the floating components have been freed from the floor and from the ordinary. The containment system is free of handles and decoration and its function and color choices release it from a life of ordinary storage. Continue reading

loft penthouse design esny 800x532 - Södermalm loft: Diminutive Penthouse

Södermalm loft: Diminutive Penthouse

I’m completely smitten with Swedish design. The crisp aesthetic, no fuss clean lines, the fabulous manipulation of natural light, and how spatially challenged spaces are maximized never cease to amaze me. This penthouse loft, meaning tucked under the roof lines, is a perfect example of all these incredible design tools. Continue reading

hostel design brazil we10 - We Hostel Design: A New Take on an Old Tradition

We Hostel Design: A New Take on an Old Tradition

Are you thinking about a trip to Brazil? If so, this lovely hostel in the tranquil town of Vila Mariana is a perfect spot to rest your weary head. South of the bustling city of Sao Paulo, this house is perfectly situated near subways and bike rental shops, a prime location for travelers who want to experience the local flavor. Continue reading

indoor outdoor house mrks 800x535 - Merricks Residence: Light filled Spaces

Merricks Residence: Light filled Spaces

Vast expanses of glass, steel, concrete and the utilization of clever engineering have resulted in this sprawling contemporary home designed by the architectural team of Kathryn Robson and Chris Rak. Light filled, open spaces are the predominant features in this home. The architectural team successfully balanced natural and man-made textures, which have resulted in an effortless design palette. Continue reading

attic extension tyler1 - Tyler Residence: Simplicity in the Suburbs

Tyler Residence: Simplicity in the Suburbs

The quirky and creative team at el dorado, or as they affectingly call themselves “Eldos”, are located in the mid-western region of the United States. This architect-led, design build firm offers its clients a streamlined process for building and remodeling; they serve as both the architect and general contractor. Anyone who has been through a remodeling project (including me) knows how helpful this can be; trying to effectively communicate with multiple sub-contractors can be stressful.

The Tyler family, whose home is located in Leawood, Kansas, commissioned el dorado to create additional space while maintaining the current footprint and meeting local architectural review regulations. Continue reading

small modern house bb - Wonderland: Mid Century Modern Marvel

Wonderland: Mid Century Modern Marvel

The influence of mid century design is abundant in today’s furnishings and architecture. I believe that one of the reasons it has made such a big comeback is that the clean, crisp lines of the period’s architecture and furnishings mimic what homeowners seek in their lives, balance and simplicity.

This beautiful 380 sq. ft. home remodel, by architect Bruce Bolander in sunny Los Angeles, is a lovely case study in the mid century design aesthetic. The branch of architecture, originally known as “Modernist Architecture” has come to be known as “California Modern”. Continue reading

bungalow remodel howe 800x533 - Howe Street Remodel: Up Scaled bungalow

Howe Street Remodel: Up Scaled bungalow

A well-constructed brick and cedar bungalow was sorely in need of a remodel to open up its small, dark rooms. This home, originally built in 1947 in the quaint neighborhood of Montlake, near Seattle, was in need of an updated and more modern look for its new owners. Johnston Architects, an experienced and talented team that is dedicated to providing comprehensive design and planning services for its clients was hired to design and renovate this home. Continue reading

colorful home brooklyn jhid 800x533 - Brooklyn Brownstone: Pop Art is Alive and Well in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Brownstone: Pop Art is Alive and Well in Brooklyn

The Fort Greene neighborhood in Brooklyn is the home of this lovely remodel by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. The clients’ love of bright colors, pop art and a contemporary design aesthetic were important factors in designing this space. Continue reading

nyc townhouse renovation sha4 800x408 - Bank St Townhouse renovation

Bank St Townhouse renovation

Renovating a historic home can be daunting, but not for the team at Steven Harris Architects, LLP. Steven Harris comes with an impressive resume. He is a Professor of Architecture at Yale University and has a tender spot for exploring the architectural potential of urban living, particularly in New York City. This home has been tastefully updated and decorated with an engaging style. Continue reading