flooring/walls

A carpet of custom tile created by Navone punctuates a corridor on the first floor.

Kitaterao Revival is a minimal space located in Yokohama, Japan, designed by Roovice. The project underwent its second phase of construction, which reformed the kitchen and bathroom areas. The kitchen utilizes unique Moroccan tiles, not generally seen throughout Japanese homes. All of the fixtures and appliances were replaced, and white tiling was used for the walls.

A pair of matching Idea lights by Vesoi over a dining room table and chairs, both locally-made.

The ground floor is comprised of a living room, kitchen, and bathroom that are all detailed with larch wood. In the kitchen, a retro Bompani refrigerator and freezer blend in with the minimal aesthetic.

With the home’s glass walls pulled open, the patio and fire pit become an extension of the dining room.

All of the home's wide-plank floors were reclaimed from the original farmhouse during the demolition process.

A cozy reading nook fits underneath the stairs, saving floor space in the 1690-square-foot home.

“The inside is, for the most part, concentrated on the local craftsmanship, because I believe it is very important,” Vanotti says. “It represents our history.” Artisan Vanotti Mauro built many parts of the building, including its most prominent feature: the larch wood accents. A custom fireplace warms the living room.

A door leads out from the romantic courtyard, lush with plants. “Although we live in a big city, it doesn’t feel like it,” Kolasiński says. “The neighborhood and the nature are very relaxing and quiet.”

This serene retreat by acclaimed Italian designers Ludovica+Roberto Palomba, carved out of a 17th-century oil mill in Salento, demonstrates the charm of historic Italy.

Michael and Tamami brought greenery to the master bath courtyard, which is lined with Eco Arbor Designs deck tiles, in the form of succulents in a ceramic Peanut planter by John Follis for Architectural Pottery from Vessel. Photo by Coral von Zumwalt.

Architects Simone Carneiro and Alexandre Skaff transformed a cramped São Paulo apartment into a mid-city refuge for Simone Santos. On the terrace, plants, vines, and pergolas form a barrier against the city’s notorious noise and pollution.

Walsh and Strongin's living room strikes a more rustic note.

The more planning you do and the fewer changes you make, the higher chance you have of staying within your budget. Take the time to figure out what the scope of the project is and get a sense of how much work is needed so that you can make educated decisions when presented with options.

The renovated attic is oriented around a central volume that houses the bathroom. The wooden shelves were fashioned from hemlock planks that were salvaged during the demolition of the roof structure.

Six staircases, many open to outside light, serve as pathways between the private interior spaces.