A gut renovation and exterior restoration of a landmark Brooklyn brownstone in the historic Clinton Hill neighborhood. Abandoned to decay for twenty years, the building boasted generous ceiling heights and a faded but undeniable grandeur that is uncommon for a brownstone of its size. The design of the house balances stabilizing the building and recapturing its original details with efforts to create a new home in an adventurous, innovative manner, producing an appealing aesthetic tension between the historic elements and the sleeker additions. Color is an important component of the design, and it is treated in a three-dimensional, spatial manner. Across the redesign, a rigorously uniform yet distinct palette washes over each room, retaining the boldness and vibrancy of the original hues, while rendering the spaces more modern, cohesive, and calm. The large rear garden was also reworked, in collaboration with Brook Landscape. Love this whimsical renovation!!! Designed by MKCA. (Photos: Alan Tansey)

(it was looking a little rough before the renos began)

I have always had a love for dark and dramatic interiors and find that the bright/warm/neutral trend seems to overwhelmingly be the norm these days. So hats off to Brianne Bishop Design for this modern, moody, grey, dramatic design for a new build in Bucktown, Chicago. Edgy and fabulous.

Now this is quite the slice of outdoor heaven in Sagaponack, NY. This pool, pond, lounge setup surrounded by wildflowers and grasses and trees is in my humble opinion, the perfect example of how to create a useable outdoor space that is modern yet blends in with the landscape and doesn’t look forced. Incredible and going right into my inspiration folder. By Rees Roberts + Partners.

If light and bright and warm and modern is up your alley then this feature is definitively for you! A savvy professional young woman bought her architecturally noteworthy home in Austin, Texas and reached out to Veneer Designs in Los Angeles to make her design intent come to life. Working remotely to oversee a light kitchen renovation and coordinating furniture, ligtiing, and decor orders, this project proves anything is possible in the digital era. With an owner who is willing to roll up their sleeves and get intricately involved, the warm earthy minimalist style she was looking to achieve fell into place effortlessly. Photos: Charlotte Lea

The drama of black walls. EVERYTHING looks better when placed against a black backdrop. The office of Kay Kollar Design. Photos: Richard Powers.