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MASA Architects also designed the large kitchen island made from infinity quartzite, which was honed and oiled by the Netherlands–based natural stone supplier Vasto Natuursteen.

A rolling ladder gives Isabella access to the home’s high-up shelves. It also cleverly slides along a railing that leads to a rooftop deck overlooking the waterway.

Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves provide ample storage for books and memorabilia.

A look at the third bedroom, which is currently set up as a nursery.

The Tower House is made up of tiny houses, clustered at the southern end of the property and clad in white steel panels and western red cedar shingles. Spinning off the living room on the north side of the main house, the children’s study sits separate from the other pavilions. On its upper level, Oxley netting forms a web on which the kids and their friends can sit and read with views of the leafy street and garden.

John Issa of Perimeter Architects oversaw the creation of the rope room in this Wicker Park abode, which belongs to client Brian Littleton—a bachelor with a young niece and nephew. "It posed tons of challenges," he recalls. "Designing with a material that has slack is more math than I care to tackle."

Deep, earthy greens like olive and wasabi were popular during the 1960s. Relentless Olive (SW 6425) from Sherwin Williams and Green Root (8334) from Jotun capture these shades well.

Encourage your imaginative niece, nephew, neighbor, sibling, or child to grow their creativity and curiosity with these fun-filled gifts.

The living area features a weathered metal fireplace, warm wood furniture, and travertine floors sourced by Destefano Marble & Granite.

Rustic, Scandinavian-style The Hut, in Ohio, is a true family affair; the sustainable cabin, covered in cedar shingles, was built by architect Greg Dutton and his brother and father. Inside, views are amplified through a 25-foot wall of floor-to-ceiling windows.

“This house for me is about contemplation,” says Adrian. “You come here from the city and the place is saying, ‘Hi, meet yourself again.’”

Floor-to-ceiling shelves and storage bookend a cabinet that conceals the television.

The Franklin stove adds an authentic touch to the updated cabin.

The concrete hearth at the fireplace has angled sidewalls and a bevelled edge.