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The blue cabinets of the kitchen run through into the living area with a softer natural oak top tying the room together. A modular sofa can be moved in different configurations.

The architects widened the opening between the living room and dining room, then delineated it with brass accents. "Rather than try to match the existing historical moldings, we opted for minimal trim with brass inlays and a broad brass threshold marking the new opening," they said. The pendent lights are by Andrew Neyer.

The architects also restored many of the original windows. "We rehabbed the wood sashes and added insulated glazing with a low-E coating to increase the energy efficiency," explains Dale. "We rebuilt the weights and updated the hardware. They look appropriate for the age of the home, but perform so much better."

The pair replaced the cluttered firewood storage with a floating hearth that can double as a seat and display for art.

The firm furnished the home on a modest budget.

A Deep Thoughts Chaise by Blu Dot occupies a sunny spot by the new windows. The firm chose leather for its durability with regards to the owners’ two cats.

The Summer House in the Stockholm archipelago, designed by Kod Arkitekter, emphasizes a strong connection with the forested surroundings and exceptional sea views beyond. The architects achieved this by combining a Scandinavian cottage vernacular with a simplicity inspired by Japanese design.

A work by Victoria Fu and Matt Rich hangs across from a book-case by Louis in the family room. The sofa and ottomans are from Room & Board, while the Drum pouf is by Softline and the rug is by West Elm.

On the top floor, the dropped ceiling follows the shape of the exterior with a new layer of insulation. "This measure gave the living room a pleasant height, without needing to lift up the entire ceiling at unpredictable costs," says owner-designer Uli Wagner.

The different ceiling heights delineate the different rooms.

A wall of storage in the living area has become a revolving display of souvenirs and found objects, either from their travels or shopping trips around the city. A wide window was installed to make the room feel like a treehouse. "I really wanted the home to feel bright and serene,

Los Angeles's Stahl House served as inspiration for the home, which capitalized on its views of the Baltic Sea with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Now positioned as they are at the top of the home, the living room and dining room have ten-foot high ceilings and wide open views of the water.

RJ and Frances took down the wall to connect the kitchen with the living area, improving the home’s circulation.

Walnut storage, both open and closed, frames a black-painted wall with a fireplace at its center. The wall treatment can also hide a future television. "A dark wall is a great way to keep a large screen from feeling like a big black hole on the wall," notes the firm.