
At the end of a long and winding driveway through the forest, White Rock is perched above a steep rocky incline overlooking the north bank of the Gaspereau River Valley. White Rock was designed as an escape – not in the traditional sense of a cottage but as an opportunity for solitude high above the valley floor with expansive views above the tree line. The simple form with deliberate, carefully positioned openings is inspired by traditional hunting cabins and duck blinds hidden in the dense forest. The bedrooms are both minimal and raw – lined entirely in smoked oak with raw steel shelving and wall-mounted industrial light fixtures. The bathroom is restrained, lined in a gray terracotta tile with simple stainless steel fixtures to accompany the stainless steel wall-mounted vanity. A full wall of glazing blurs the line between interior and exterior, creating the illusion of showering completely submersed in the surrounding forest. the second floor is expansive and bright. A massive window set within a large cantilevered corten steel hoop wraps the southeast corner, with raw steel benches to sit and take in the view. A wood-burning fireplace anchors the east wall with an antique Arne Norell lounge chair and furniture by Luca Nichetto and Montauk creating a spectacular setting for one or a small group. Along the west wall, the kitchen is composed of a simple series of protruding stainless steel shelves and a bank of stainless steel millwork. A corten steel roof hatch provides access to the rooftop, providing a secluded respite for dining and resting amongst a collection of Japanese maple trees with views across the tree canopy of the Gaspereau Valley below.
This house is spectacular. Moody and restrained, majestically capturing the beauty of the landscape. How could you not relax when retreating here? By Omar Ghandi Architects. Photos: Ema Peter Photography.
















There’s something about a mostly black and white interior, particularly when done with an old world feel, that makes my heart skip a beat. This Tudor home in Atlanta was revitalized by D Stanley Dixon Architect by keeping the authenticity and channelling Cotswolds vibes, whilst interior designer Amy Morris added shades of ebony and creamy whites, rich dark wood, touches of black and unlacquered brass. It’s bright yet has quite a mood and a sense of drama. I could not love this more. Photos: Simon Upton.























On the border between Sainte-Pétronille and Saint-Laurent-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, it is home to the Maison de l’île, a major renovation project located at the bottom of an agricultural lot in a resort area. Respecting the dimensions of the other buildings on the island, the two volumes incline respectively on four sides, opening openings on the river and the surrounding area. A low walkway provides the connection, while amplifying, thanks to its transparency and delicacy, the suburban language of the whole, to which is added the volume of the garage, set back. By reconciling the resort and agricultural traditions, the architects were able to reinvent the different codes specific to Île d’Orléans, cleverly integrating references to the Arts and Craft movement, vernacular constructions and Regency cottages: covered terraces, symmetrical compositions, regular rhythms, natural and raw materials and the enhancement of artisanal work.
This might be my favourite project of La Shed Architecture (and I have loved sooo many). The fact that this is very much modern but the materials are not is the perfect combination. The stone and brick add texture and the wood tones are such a warm but just-bright-enough shade…and with the Togo sofas & chairs in the deep orange/rust shade it’s such a gorgeous, earthy synergy. Photos: Maxime Brouillet.



















This may be a simple home consisting of essentially a box with a gabled roof, but the beauty is in the simplicity of it. A burnished stucco exterior, metal roof, Douglas fir framed windows, and a central double height living space make it feel grand and soooo bright and airy. I loooove the large steel trellis added at the back of the house for some much needed shade. Modern, minimal and really cool. Designed by Side Angle Side for photographer Casey Dunn (his photos, obviously).


















William Graper Interiors, a Los Angeles-based design studio, brings sophistication and soul to each project by blending elegance with intention and ease. Their Napoli Drive estate reflects East Coast refinement with California casualness. The library, a moody retreat, features rich wood panelling, a custom sofa and layered textures. The serene primary suite showcases Calacatta Gold marble and contrasting bath designs. Nearby, a grasscloth-wrapped powder room highlights tailored craftsmanship and timeless materials with quietly indulgent charm.


















Photography by Ethan Jones.