Modern, sleek, minimal. I love this concept for a cottage/boathouse because your focus tends to drift to the outdoors where the real magic is. Settled in a rocky enclave of seasonal, waterfront homes, Metrick Cottage is a one-storey, wood-clad, residence and boathouse on the shore of Lake Joseph, Ontario. This year-round retreat for a multi-generational family, draws inspiration from the rugged beauty that surrounds it to create a warm, elegant, and eco-friendly home. The design of the main cottage consists of three distinct yet connected ‘pods’ comprised of an open, communal space, flanked by private bedroom suites. The residence was carefully situated in the landscape so that the bedrooms face a stone ridge on either side, creating a visual boundary that extends the perception of space while providing privacy. At the same time, each pod is slightly angled from each other in order to capture the longest view from the central pod where the family congregates. Various textures of wood were used, from the semi-charred fir cladding to a torrified-ash that wraps the interior floors, walls, and ceilings. From the Lake, the cottage is designed to elegantly blend into the rugged terrain, while the boathouse maintains a quiet presence on the water. Designed by AKB Architects, built by Mazenga North, photography by Shai Gil.

Near the Yosemite national park entrance is AutoCamp Yosemite, a really cool setup that includes a mid-century modern clubhouse, a general store, swimming pool, and accommodations that includes Airstreams, luxury tents, basecamps and cabins. This looks like it would be sooooooo much fun to spend a weekend here. Designed by Lauren Geremia.

I had to share another magical project by the talented team of Quintana Partners – Casa Mina in Mahón, Menorca. Their attention to detail and the methods they introduce in their designs that pay homage to the history and patina of the original structure and architectural details is really incredible and I have much respect for their philosophy.

Back in 2017 Jo shared some spaces that were done in rich yet muted colours by Belgian designer Natalie Haegeman. I was perusing her portfolio and was mesmerized by both her colourful and neutral spaces and wanted to share some more of her work here. So moody with lots of antiques and textures and patinas. Brilliant.

Photography: Claude Smekens, Guy Obijn & Bieke Claessens

It has been a little while since we shared a project by Polish design firm Loft Kolasiński. Bauhaus Villa 1936 is a 250m2 home located in the town of Konstancin-Jeziorna. The firm, who was responsible for interior design, parts of furniture, stairs, fireplace, interior woodwork, renovation of vintage furniture and accessories, turned this home into a modern, book lover’s dream with such incredible attention to detail as I have come to expect from them. I love the repetition of circles throughout the home – so fun! (Photos: Joel Hauck, furniture made by Woodmaker, Woodeffect)