This Manhattan Beach house has everything you could want if modern is what you’re into. And I am into this! By ras-a studio. The home owners, both from Brazil, wanted an open floor plan with a strong connection to outdoor spaces that would remind them of home.Guests enter along a pathway that takes them through a courtyard before entering the home. Dictated by the geometry of the lot, the courtyard’s concrete masonry wall—which is just high enough to block outside views from the street while allowing in the southern sunlight—tucks under a cantilevered second floor, transitioning from courtyard to building wall. Rotating selected masonry units so they protrude from the face of wall to create succulent planters gives the wall texture and life. Two sets of sliding pocket doors seamlessly connect the courtyard to the open-concept ground level and then again to the patio and pool—which was carved out an existing backyard hillside. The bedrooms and private sectors are located on the second floor.

Photography: Joe Fletcher

A serene, neutral escape. This 2 bedroom cottage in Norfolk, U.K. is picture perfect. Designed by Studio Gabrielle. Surrounded by uncompromised views of the picturesque Gawdy Hall Estate and a 15th-century church, ‘Ivywood Cottage’ invokes a calm, restorative and enduring connection to its idyllic countryside location. Working within the bones of an existing Medieval build, it has been reimagined with luxurious warmth and thoughtful sensory experiences. Drawing from the rich tonal beauty of the rural setting, organic surfaces such as natural plaster and warm timber are offset by fine metal detailing and tactile textiles, completing the manifestation of understated luxury.⁣ 

Photography: Beth Davis

My jaw dropped to the floor when I spotted this apartment on real estate site Lagerlings. An apartment in Sweden that isn’t slathered in white paint! The dark grey and pink is stunning and is perfection together. Also, massive pink sectional sofa for the win!

Such a fun and inviting apartment this is! Another great project by Madrid-based architecture, interior design & construction firm BAO. Rustic touches throughout make the space homey and perfect for a family. The frosted glass partitions are a wonderful feature that lets light flow through whilst offering privacy.

I think I have died and gone to heaven. This home I spotted on sköna hem is so incredibly beautiful with floor to ceiling architectural moldings (including a coffered ceiling unlike any I have ever seen) and when painted dark grey, they are even more dramatic and modern. Add in some modern furniture and lighting (the owners clearly have a thing for Knoll’s Saarinentulip tables and Flos lights) and this is a total dream.

Photos:  Jonas Ingerstedt (House of Pictures)