Ashby Collective brought new life to a 1940s home in Austin’s Old Enfield neighbourhood with a respectful, detail-driven approach. Original trim and colorful encaustic tiles were preserved or re-created maintaining the home’s charm. A state-of-the-art kitchen and hidden pantry were seamlessly integrated. The result is a subtly modernized residence where old Austin character remains intact, complemented by playful vintage decor and a Gen X–focused art collection curated by the home’s creative owners.

Photography by Douglas Friedman.

Sydney-based architects and builders CplusC designed a modest retreat nestled high in the bushland of Sydney’s Palm Beach for a semi-retired couple and their family. Rather than imposing on the steep, rocky site, the home is lightly perched among the treetops, celebrating simplicity and nature. Built using prefabricated elements and oversized hardwood beams, it avoids excavation and embraces the landscape. Expansive timber decks and a cargo net bay offer tranquil spaces to relax, immersed in sunshine, birdsong, and breeze. The design reflects the clients’ wish for a compact, low-impact sanctuary grounded in humility and connection to place.

Photography by Murray Fredericks, Michael Lassman, Renata Dominik.

Nina Freudenberger of Freudenberger Design Studio has transformed a former Californian surf shack into a relaxed and inviting retreat. Drawing on retro influences and a love of natural materials, the home is filled with warm wood tones across floors, walls and furnishings. The result is a laid-back, stylish getaway that reflects Freudenberger’s evolving aesthetic blending 70s seaside charm with her signature approach to creating spaces that feel personal, timeless, and effortlessly livable.

Photography by Chris Mottalini.

This Chelsea High Line apartment by Lucy Harris offers a calm, refined escape above the bustle of the city. Designed as a restful pied-à-terre, the space features a relaxed, open-plan layout enriched with warm tones, curved forms, and soft textures. Lucy and her team introduced custom furnishings and layered botanical wallcoverings to create depth and personality. Defined zones for living, working, and entertaining lend the home a sense of intimacy, sophistication, and effortless comfort.

Photography by Read McKendree.

Nicola Harding & Co. reimagined this historic 1800s Tuscan villa—originally a farmhouse—for modern family living. The four-bedroom main house became a family haven, with a private suite for the couple featuring its own living room. Two outbuildings were transformed into guest cottages, and a new pool house was added in the olive grove. Inspired by English design, craftsmanship, and the local landscape, the interiors reflect warmth, story, and a strong sense of place.