Displaying posts from July, 2025

Designer Claire Staszak of Centered by Design coins this Chicago townhouse “east coast meets west coast”. It has an air of sophistication yet a sense of calm and comfort and a lovely mix of antiques and pretty wallpapers added here and there. I am totally smitten with the dark and moody library/music room and that stunning green (Benjamin Moore’s Vineland). Photos: Taylor Hall O’Brien.

I can never get enough of outdoor inspiration in the summer when I’m spending every waking minute in my backyard enjoying the warmth, sun, greenery, visiting critters and the sound of birds and water. Nothing brings me more peace. The exception being portfolios like that of Wales-based landscape design firm Studio Bristow.

Perched above the Yarra, this 1930s/40s South Yarra home has been transformed by Melbourne-based Studio Doherty into a layered and welcoming family retreat. With minimal structural changes, the design introduces warmth through natural oak floors, soft green accents and richly textured finishes. Each space balances character and comfort, with a refined palette and thoughtful detailing. The result is a home that feels cohesive, soulful and deeply connected to both its past and its environment.

Photography by Sean Fennessy.

Lilse McKenna brought a refined balance to this Upper East Side prewar apartment, drawing on its existing blend of traditional and modern elements. With a focus on longevity, the design layers clean, masculine lines with soft, feminine details to reflect the lifestyle of its young resident. Honouring the apartment’s original renovation, the space feels both timeless and personal—rooted in tradition yet adaptable to the client’s evolving needs.

Photography by Read McKendree.

This redesigned Chicago home sits within a protected historic district, requiring Annarya Design to work within preservation guidelines. The result is a masterful balance of heritage and charm, where original architectural features were honoured and thoughtfully integrated into a fresh, livable aesthetic. The home’s vintage character remains front and center: the original fireplaces anchor key rooms with their undeniable sense of history. The staircase, a focal point in the entry, was carefully restored including missing sections replaced. This home radiates the quiet elegance of something lived-in and loved, with modern comforts, including a kitchen in the new addition, that work for a family. Photos: Margaret Rajic.