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More than 60 plant species were used in the layered design.

No whiteware here. In this moody apartment in Berlin, multi-toned charcoal gray subway tiles make up the backsplash, which contrasts with the pop of rosy color on the kitchen cabinets.

The kitchen cabinets, designed by Taku and built by Osamu Hironaga, hold dishes from Taku’s Hasami porcelain line, which is produced in Nagasaki.

Just because your kitchen is on the smaller side doesn’t mean you can’t make it as efficient and effective as possible.

For Bruce Shafer and Carol Horst's vacation home in the Tehachapi Mountains, architect Tom Kundig of Olson Kundig chose materials suited to the harsh climate. "The area is super cold in winter and super hot in summer," says Kundig, who designed a deep overhang to shade the core of the house from solar gain. "In the high desert, it's not just about being in the sun, it's about getting out of the sun."

Of the windows, which were designed to withstand gusts of more than 100 miles per hour, Cutler says, “The big sheets of glass create a phenomenal connection to place.” Ben adds, “Every window has a different view, and each one feels like it’s the view.”

The door opens directly into the main living space, where a Room & Board sofa joins a chair and ottoman from West Elm. The wood-burning stove is from Morsø.

The front door is by Simpson Door Company.

A detached studio is located just behind the home.

The cabinetry extends to a closet an adjacent wall.

Located along the front of the home and accessible from the living area, the bedroom features a 16-foot window at one end. A built-in bamboo dresser complements the custom bed.

The owners’ choice of a white wood stove influenced the architect’s decision to dye the cement floor electric blue.

The overhanging third floor shades a private outdoor spa—complete with an open-air shower and a plunge pool—which is located off the master bedroom and bath.

The palette of white, black, and brass continues in the principal bathroom.

The renovation made only minor changes to the kitchen's original footprint changes were minimal. However, the entire ceiling was vaulted and skylights were added for additional natural light. "This was a reaction to the neighbors building an ADU right up to their property line,

The elegantly curved shape of the open shower in the master bathroom came from the couple's desire to not have to deal with cleaning a glass door or having a curtain. The opening also allows some natural light to enter the shower. The vertically-positioned rectangular tiles are from Portland company Clayhaus Modern Tile.

The new master bathroom features wall sconces from Chown hardware and penny tiles in a patterned designed by Dyer herself.