Atelier Armbuster is a design firm based in New York City that focuses on modernism and minimalism but also packs a punch. I wanted to share a couple of their projects with you. First up is a jaw-dropping loft-y townhouse and the second is a colourful home on the Upper East Side.

Photos: Robert Granoff; Gieves Anderson

As you likely guessed from the teaser photo, this is another wildly creative and playful home design by 2LG Studio. A double-fronted period property in South London that was in need of a personality injection to make it feel like home. The young professional newly-weds who live here love our use of colour and the juxtaposition of period features and contemporary design. Dark floors unite the spaces, grounding them and allowing us to be playful in our designs for this vibrant couple. Embossed wallpaper on the ceilings and under the dado rail in the hallway, strengthen the impact of period fireplace and coving, giving the perfect backdrop for eclectic elements of contemporary design in the lighting and furnishings.

The creativity and boldness of South East London design firm 2LG Studio continues to blow my mind. This is a lesson on breaking all the rules, using colour in magical ways and embracing shapes. Each element has been inspired by found objects and prints from within the house as well as our own design travels. Its previous owners clearly had a passion for interiors as it had pink walls throughout, and deep green carpets. In the loft we found a stash of old interior magazines from the 50’s and 60’s as well as remnants of fabrics. As the house evolves with us, it has been through many stages, acting not only as a home, but as a backdrop for our work as designers. So far we have restored the roof and chimneys, the original sash windows and floors. We have completed the pink bathroom, updated the front door, given ourselves a wonder closet for a WC, created an entrance hallway the previous owners would have loved, we hope, and given the lounge added panelling to go with the original coving and ceiling rose, based on pencil markings we found on the walls under the old wallpaper. The open plan kitchen/diner/studio space is the heart of the project and was the inspiration behind many new product designs.

With 10 days to go to Christmas I thought I would try to add a bit more festive vibes to the blog (since neither Jo nor I partake in any Christmas decorating) with this beautiful 49 sq m apartment in Sweden dolled up for the holidays. Home of 20 year old decorator Simon Olsson, it’s a delicious melange of white, grey and black and is filled with vintage finds. So cozy and the sparse pine trees and lighting really make it special. Via sköna hem.

Photos: Carina Olander

After 30 years of stale decor and small rooms, Gramercy Design took this 1400 sq ft Lower Fifth Avenue apartment to a whole other lofty level by opening it and making it conducive to entertaining. The kitchen is the money shot. So simple yet perfectly executed in a fairly small space. Stashing that photo in my inspiration folder.