In the south London home of Irish designer Orla Kiely and her husband Dermott Rowan it’s difficult to distinguish the pure vintage from her clever retro-inspired designs. The ground floor of their four-level house is composed of three distinct uses all open to each other and united by their color palette and style. Continue reading →

In a forest near Copenhagen, Norm Architects have designed a home that thrives through its forest surroundings. The home’s shape and palette are simple and sophisticated and crisp. A two story classic gable shape swathed in white inside and out, frames nature in vast expanses of rhythmically placed windows. Continue reading →

You don’t have to be an artist to appreciate the recreation of this materially rich home. Though I’m certain it will inspire your creativity. Norm Architects employed the structure’s original materials and cast new concrete talent to fashion a studio and home for a working artist. Continue reading →

This traditional chateau in the Burgundy region of France houses a guest suite for four under its slate covered gabled roof and a secret within its chambres d’hotes (bed and breakfast) walls. Constructed from the 17th to the 19th centuries, the buildings of Chateaux De La Resle have been renovated and transformed in to a luxurious retreat.

The main building’s interior gives up its secret the minute you walk inside. Looking for elaborate design and luxurious gilding, intricately carved moldings, portrait lined walls, and marble statues? You won’t find them here. Instead you’ll find a modern luxury created by the new owners. Continue reading →

It is always refreshing to find a cottage in the woods that uses modern materials in sophisticated current ways. This two bedroom cottage in the redwoods of Mendocino County, California, was designed for two readers who wanted the home to feel like an outdoor porch. Architect Cathy Schwabe succeeded in creating that as well as giving the home a tree house vibe. Continue reading →

If you grew up in the 1970s as I did, you were influenced or at least entertained by The Brady Bunch and their idyllic family and their fabulously mod home that was designed by dad, Mike Brady, the architect. Their home was completely unlike any I had ever seen. It was airy with double height spaces that melded together without pretension and fussy details.

Now picture that home with recent updates, it needs it, it’s been 40 years! That’s what I imagine when I see how this retro Vancouver home was revived by Sarah Gallop Design. The good bones were retained and even amplified in the new design. Continue reading →

You’ll probably think, as I did, that this home was recently built. But try to imagine how it looked when Bohlin Cywinski Jackson were hired to revamp this 1950s rambler in Woodway, Washington. From a previously disorganized plan, they created a family home that’s entertaining by nature. Continue reading →

In the 50’s Rosita and Ottavia Missoni created a fashion house that became world famous in the 1970s. They expanded their brilliant fresh and known-for-zig-zags line in to men’s wear, perfume, and then home furnishings.

Rosita’s crystal clear vision for bolder than life colorful graphics, her understanding of the need for flexible, multi-purpose pieces, and a welcoming sense of Italian style permeate the array of fabrics, towels, bedding, rugs, cushions, and even lighting. The 2013 collection is bursting with blooms embroidered on duchess silk and printed on linen. I dare you to choose only one indoor/outdoor pouf or limit yourself to just a glowing bubble draped in flowers. Continue reading →

If you live in West Vancouver, Canada, on a stunning site overlooking the sea, it is wise to create an interior palette from what nature has to offer. This new home’s interiors, designed by Claudia Leccacorvi, are selected from nature’s finest in color, material, and texture. Continue reading →

I’m certain this French country home has been plucked straight out of an earlier time. A time of abundant joy in the bounty of the seasons, picnicking in steamy grassy meadows, reading a book for hours stretched out under an expansive shade tree. This artist’s retreat is truly irresistible. Continue reading →