A dacha is a country house or cottage in Russia, typically used as a second or vacation home. I found this dacha owned by designer sisters Ilona Menshakova and Irina Markidonova at Architectural Digest Russia and I am completely in love with the outdoor spaces, particularly the use of black which adds a modern edge. And well, black is always a winner in any application. 🙂 The interior is beautiful too – a mix of rustic cabin, antique glam with a Swedish touch.

Photos: Mikhail Stepanov

A big thanks to interior designer Cyrille Maurice for letting us know about this awesome modern industrial kitchen he renovated for a client in Montreal. It had to flow with the rest of the lofty open floor plan and kept sleek and minimal. The refrigerator was hidden, and huge sliding doors hide lots of storage for things like the microwave, cookbooks and a wine fridge. I really dig the detail of the sink with the faucet installed to the left instead of behind it. The butcher block countertop and section of the island add warmth. Gorgeous!!!

photos: Valérie de l’Etoile

Elegant, sophisticated and unmatched attention to detail is what comes to mind while I drool over the photos of this glorious Park Avenue residence by MR Architecture + Decor. That photo above has me completely mesmerized.

Want more? Jo featured the Hudson home of David Mann (the founding partner) recently here

This bachelor is bound to score some dates with his fantastic pad in San Francisco designed by Studio Munroe. This single level three bedroom home for a 20-something bachelor needed to respect its classic Edwardian detailing while channeling the spirit and lifestyle of its young owner and the dynamic surrounding neighborhood.  Unexpected wallpaper, deep jewel toned paint, and a mix of bespoke furnishings did the trick. (Photos: Thomas Kuoh)

Find another project of Emilie’s here

It has been years since we have featured some spaces designed by Michael Habachy (here and here). It appears that in almost 10 years he still remains true to his signature style – as Jo had put it, it’s glamorous and broody, high end and hedonistic, OTT and fab. I would say he has toned things down a bit, and gone a bit less OTT and a bit more elegant, and not quite so dark. In the end it is more liveable and easy on the eye.