Dax I creates timeless places in which architecture and design are combined. This architecture firm based in Berlin seems to be very familiar with designing small spaces as well as those with historic details. They succeed in optimizing space in creative ways (I adore a good built-in anything) and maintaining original features but adding modern touches for the way we live today. Photos: Wolfgang Stahr, Tomek Kwiatosz, Matthias Grabe, Lars Pillmann
This apartment in Warsaw designed by Finchstudio is so incredibly warm with shades of green, yellow and brown. The cohesion with using some repetitive colours and tiles in more than one room really makes the spaces flow. Now THIS is how you design a small space right! Photos: Aleksandra Dermont
This courtyard in London’s Camberwell might be small in square metres but it’s a little oasis in a big city. A place to break out of the house to enjoy the greenery and space for al fresco cooking and dining. The impactful but simple material palette of composite decking, larch cladding and borrowed brick combines with repetitive plantings. A little makes a big difference in this garden by Andy Stedman.
Studio Elroy by LINTEL Studio For Architecture, carved from a heritage building’s basement, showcases the potential of inspired living in a compact space. Spanning a mere 28m2, this self-contained unit ingeniously houses a queen-sized bed, home office, kitchen, living area, wine cellar and bathroom. A protruding joinery unit defines indoor and outdoor spaces while allowing natural light to enter from above. The studio’s cochineal-red paint allows the layout to remain discreet. Instead of street views, changing shades of salmon to garnet, illuminated by sunlight and shadows, mark time inside.
This apartment in the historic Cobble Hill neighorhood belongs to partner, Erin Fearins and has been carefully renovated to include custom millwork and an expertly layered mix of vintage furniture pieces and carefully curated art and antiques.
Erin of Studio FSW decked out her family’s apartment with layers of vintage and antique finds, very bold graphic wallpapers and fabrics and daring colour choices. A designer after my own heart. (Photos: Lesley Unruh).