SubscribeSign In
Collection by Olivia Martin

Preview the February 'Modern for Less' Issue

Our “Modern for Less” issue is packed with ideas for wallets big and small. From trimming expenses without sacrificing quality during a renovation to a roundup of products that will give you the most bang for your buck, Dwell uncovers all the insider tips and tricks to help your home look luxe for less. Find it on newsstands now or order a digital edition here.

View 7 Photos
Baked in BrooklynFeatured on New York Magazine and Dwell’s City Modern home tour, this 1899 townhouse was renovated by architect Ben Bischoff of MADE. Designed for the owners of Boerum Hill’s One Girl Cookies, Bischoff transforms the gutted home into a sunny loftlike space. Learn how they chose where to scrimp and where to splurge and get inspired by Bischoff’s custom designs.
Baked in BrooklynFeatured on New York Magazine and Dwell’s City Modern home tour, this 1899 townhouse was renovated by architect Ben Bischoff of MADE. Designed for the owners of Boerum Hill’s One Girl Cookies, Bischoff transforms the gutted home into a sunny loftlike space. Learn how they chose where to scrimp and where to splurge and get inspired by Bischoff’s custom designs.
The Simple LifeWorld-renowned architect and designer duo, Mette Lyng Hansen of CF Møller and Mads Odgård redefine the concept of elbow grease with their vernacular-inspired renovation of historic barns in the Swedish countryside.
The Simple LifeWorld-renowned architect and designer duo, Mette Lyng Hansen of CF Møller and Mads Odgård redefine the concept of elbow grease with their vernacular-inspired renovation of historic barns in the Swedish countryside.
Family EmpireAt $70 per square foot, this tropical paradise in Cocoyoc, Mexico, was able to accommodate two families’ needs and budgets. The clean, simple material palette of wood and concrete, as well as architect Joaquin Castillo's smart reuse strategies, contributed to an airy vacation home with money leftover to spring for a killer kitchen.
Family EmpireAt $70 per square foot, this tropical paradise in Cocoyoc, Mexico, was able to accommodate two families’ needs and budgets. The clean, simple material palette of wood and concrete, as well as architect Joaquin Castillo's smart reuse strategies, contributed to an airy vacation home with money leftover to spring for a killer kitchen.
Such Great HeightsTina and Matthew Ford of Shade Development collaborate with investor Holden Shannon to hit the sweet spot of mass production. This series of nine row homes in Houston Heights takes advantage of economies of scale with a little help from a Dwell favorite, interior designer Barbara Hill.
Such Great HeightsTina and Matthew Ford of Shade Development collaborate with investor Holden Shannon to hit the sweet spot of mass production. This series of nine row homes in Houston Heights takes advantage of economies of scale with a little help from a Dwell favorite, interior designer Barbara Hill.
Short StackA tiny cabin in the Wisconsin Woods makes a big impact with Johnsen & Schmaling's innovative stacked design. The resulting cozy abode is stylish and durable, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Short StackA tiny cabin in the Wisconsin Woods makes a big impact with Johnsen & Schmaling's innovative stacked design. The resulting cozy abode is stylish and durable, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Calma Chicha's high-ceilinged storefront displays home wares at every scale. “Pouffes (from $46) were one of our first products, and we have become famous for them. When we first started, the traditional, pear-shaped version was the only one on the market. So we started doing other shapes, including oblong ones big enough to seat three people. The covers, which can be changed, are made of elasticized gabardine, so they stretch to accommodate every type of bottom. We were the first here to make sheets in cotton jersey ($95). And we sell a lot of cowhide placemats ($15), as well. Argentina is a big exporter of cowhide, but it’s much cheaper to buy here. It’s worth remembering that the hides are from animals that have already been slaughtered for meat, so the material does have an ecological aspect."
Calma Chicha's high-ceilinged storefront displays home wares at every scale. “Pouffes (from $46) were one of our first products, and we have become famous for them. When we first started, the traditional, pear-shaped version was the only one on the market. So we started doing other shapes, including oblong ones big enough to seat three people. The covers, which can be changed, are made of elasticized gabardine, so they stretch to accommodate every type of bottom. We were the first here to make sheets in cotton jersey ($95). And we sell a lot of cowhide placemats ($15), as well. Argentina is a big exporter of cowhide, but it’s much cheaper to buy here. It’s worth remembering that the hides are from animals that have already been slaughtered for meat, so the material does have an ecological aspect."