Mid Century

Continuous clerestory windows provide views out into the surroundings at all edges. The butterfly roof appears to hover atop the structure.

In a midcentury home in Victoria, Australia, an interior designer embraces color and a connection to the outdoors.

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design, with project manager and lead designer Emily Kudsen Leland at the helm, remade a Portland abode with a crisp paint palette: Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron for the cladding and Venetian Gold for the front door. The home was originally designed by Saul Zaik in Southwest Portland, complete with a wood-clad exterior, in 1956. As part of the renovation, landscape design was completed by Lilyvilla Gardens.

Architect Ben Waechter wrapped the upper floor of Nick Oakley’s house in inexpensive black corrugated steel. By rounding the corners, Waechter avoided unsightly trim at the edges.

New rear addition

The couple chose to contrast the wood in the master bath with a smooth Caesarstone counter in Organic White 4600, which was measured and cut specifically for the space. They added a bit of shine with polished-nickel Upton fixtures from Toto. Photo by Coral von Zumwalt.

The deck connects to the open kitchen and living room through Loewen sliding glass doors. Photo by Patrick Bernard.

"There's a sort of peacefulness that envelops you," says Sam Ferris of the house he grew up in, show in 1955.

The view as it appears today.