This apartment in Taiwan is so bright and playful – perfect for a family! With a three-sided square, “ㄇ” shape layout, the general space of the home is split into two by the central iron staircase. We reconfigured the storage cabinets and room to create an extended vertical flush plane, using hidden door panels for a crisp and neater look. The foyer, extending all the way into the kitchen, is laid with kiln-fired bricks matching the shade of the hidden uniform door panels along the side, adding a touch of playfulness to the foyer’s narrow and long layout. The lounge area and adjacent balcony at the other end are a haven for privacy and relaxation…The open racks are ideal for the missus to keep her large collection of books on display. A gourmet paradise and a wellspring of inspiration, the kitchen island is the center stage where the missus channels her culinary passion and crafts her writing, its open-space design making it easy to check on the child. On the upper floor, fixed partitions were done away with in favor of flexible sliding doors between the kid’s bedroom and game room. Ample sunlight adds warmth to the minimalist Scandinavian palette and brings passion to the rustic Japanese esthetic. By HAO Design.

I’m thankful that restaurants are open again here in Ottawa (except if you’re a family/group of 5, stay home as only tables of 4 allowed) despite our COVID numbers being high (78 new cases yesterday and 3 deaths). I spotted this restaurant called Apollonia in the portfolio of NYC based Space Exploration that opened last year in Williamsburg though google tells me it’s now permanently closed. Not sure if that was due the the pandemic but it’s so heartbreaking to see the effects of it on small businesses. Anyhoo, it was a beauty while it was around. Simple and classic, and I love the repetition of circles and arches.

This gut renovated pre-war apartment in the West Village is a gem. Despite having high ceilings I love that it didn’t end up as an industrial loft as I think most people would be tempted to. Thumbs up to Gabriela Gargano of Grisoro Designs for keeping this timeless, clean lined, neutral and so easy on the eye. (Photos: Shade Degges)

Honestly, my dream house consists of a bathroom, a kitchen, a bedroom and like 18 balconies, porches, conservatories, pergolas, decks etc. etc. This house isn’t really my style but lawd half mursey there are sooooo many spaces to enjoy the outdoors! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like it. And I LIKE IT! This weekend residence embodies the warmth and charm of historical shingle-style architecture. The three-story home typifies the popular American vernacular with its numerous covered porches and balconies, curved conservatory and teal-green trim. Its design optimizes views of the lakeside setting. The interior design blends rustic and refined, with personal touches throughout, such as the custom de Gournay wallpaper hand-painted with area iconography, and an intricately hand-carved mantel in the master bedroom. In the conservatory, the latticed wood in an ornamental wall panel is painted soft green with a decorative border. Antique, carved panels purchased by the couple were integrated into the doors and paneling of the study. Interior and landscape design: Harrison Design; photos: Gordon Beall.

I can’t get enough of Brock Forsblom‘s daringly vibrant and maximalist style so I am sharing a couple of other projects from his portfolio. This first one is an Upper West Side garden apartment and the second is a West Side pied-à-terre. Fabulous colours. (Photos: Annie Schlechter)