Walking into an architectural design firm can seem somewhat daunting. Stuffy offices piled high with blueprints come to mind. Not so at Room 11, all are encouraged to “stop in and say hi”. Room 11 is an architectural company comprised of nine highly creative architects looking to expand the reach of ordinary structures. They strive to create “focused, dynamic environments, encouraging progressive and collaborative design”. A great example of this can be seen in their new storefront/office in Hobart, Australia. Continue reading →

The unusual interior design of this Toronto condominium has a fantastic story behind it. Dr. Amir Khakshaee and Reza Aliabadi are longtime friends. Dr. Khakshaee purchased a photograph taken by Reza during an Arctic sailing trip and commissioned Aliabadi, owner of the design firm Atelier Rzlbd, to recreate the “sensation” of this photograph. Continue reading →

Although small in square footage, the Brick House is large in personality. I have always been a firm believer that the creative use of a diminutive space is both thought provoking and an impressive partnership between architect, designer and client. In addition, small spaces are becoming more desirable as both urban living and price per square foot are on the rise.

Architect Christi Azevedo has beautifully transformed the tiny Brick House, originally a laundry boiler room into this captivating guest apartment. We all love to have friends and family come to visit, but also long to have them in their own space, allowing them the luxury of keeping their own hours while on holiday. Continue reading →

As our lives seem to become more complicated, many of us yearn for living spaces that are simple, easy to navigate and free of clutter. This tiny carriage house is a perfect example of streamlining one’s nest. Continue reading →

I always have found graphic design to be a fascinating form of creativity. It utilizes type, space and images to create a visual art piece and communicate non-verbal thoughts and images to the viewer. Sony Music headquarters in Derry, London, has taken the traditional wallpaper to another level. Designed by Alex Fowkes, this superbly constructed mural could cause a visitor to stop and gaze for hours. He has cleverly interconnected over 1,000 names of artists signed during the history of Sony with developments in technology including the video cassette, records and modern streaming devices. Continue reading →

Perched atop a formerly non-descript structure in San Francisco, this creative renovation has resulted in a stunning “jewel box” in Telegraph Hill. Many buildings in San Francisco originally consisted of a series of narrow, chopped up interior rooms. Bringing light into these spaces can be challenging because they are flush against other buildings, allowing only natural light from the front and rear. The design approach of this project by Feldman Architecture was to re-invent both the exterior and interior with new materials and open spaces. Another great feature of this home was the potential for million dollar views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower and sweeping views of the downtown skyline. Continue reading →

This understated, classic yet modern home in France reminds me of an elegant French woman. She’s stylish and completely yet effortlessly pulled together, as if she just threw on the first thing that caught her eye. That is far from reality for most of us and the same holds true for gorgeous and comfortable living spaces as this one. Continue reading →

Millennium Tower in San Francisco has been voted by Worth magazine as one of the “Top 10 Residential Buildings in the World.” Located in the “SoMa” or South of Market area of San Francisco, this vibrantly diverse neighborhood is also close to restaurants, theaters and sporting events. Continue reading →

This new home built of stone and timber in Greece is the stuff of dreams. Nothing compares to the warmth of thick stone walls soaking up the sun during the day and releasing the heat when the sun sets. Or imagine coming inside on a steamy summer day and feeling the coolness of the stone floor slabs under your bare feet. Continue reading →

Picture life on the Seine in the French countryside…sprawling lawns, mature trees, and lush views from every bright spacious room in your newly revamped historic home. The fine bones of the original home remain in the volumes, the classic gable roofs, thick walls, and heavy timber framing. Yet the weight of the past has been removed and a pure and timeless sensibility remains. Continue reading →