McMullin Residence

One-way mirrored glass wraps around a portion of the home. "We wanted it to reflect like glass so that when you sit on the terrace, you see trees or the view in all directions—including when you look towards the house," says Larsen. The mirror effect is slightly distorted, and no birds have flown into the glass.

The expansive pine decks root the two cabins into their rocky surroundings.

The Japanese "no-brand" masters of minimalism unveil the first single-story design in their line of prefab homes.

Tucked on an industrial stretch of New Orleans on Tulane Avenue is an old motel turned boutique stay. Built in 1957, the property remains unassuming from the street, but upon further inspection is a haven for modern design. Inside, interior designer Nicole Cota Studio has transformed the stay with a myriad of colorful tones and local artwork. The hotel's restaurant, The Drifter, is teeming with bold texture and patterns—from troweled concrete walls to Oaxacan tile. The dining area presents a chic, yet casual vibe with a built-in banquette in pale olive tweed and tropical folding chairs.

Part modern farmhouse, part gallery, this vacation home just outside Tahoe National Forest is composed of four distinct gable forms separated by square, stone-clad volumes. It was designed by Tahoe-based architect Clare Walton. The interiors were a collaborative effort between the owner, who is an artist and art collector, and interior designer Brittany Haines of ABD Studio. In the kitchen, a custom-made, six-person breakfast banquet, crafted from walnut, is organized around a table that features cold roll steel table top and a turned wood base that has been ebonized black.

A built-in window seat across from the kitchen gives guests a spot to sit close to the cooking action.

The dramatic entry features a stone-framed ocean view that creates a "portal to the Pacific" and a zen rock garden designed by WATG and David O. Design.

The stunning midcentury home is sited around a pool—a 2005 addition that looks like it has always been there.

Measuring 2,018 square feet, the single-family residence has been tenderly cared for since its completion, offering a unique chance to step back in time. With a ribbon of transom windows along its front side, the midcentury also has an expansive windows spanning across the back.

A geometric arrangement of back-lit plywood adds flair to a simple bedroom.

Just north of San Francisco, the Mill Valley home of former Phish manager and current restaurant owner John Paluska takes its place within its eclectic neighborhood and natural surroundings. A guest cottage flanks the family's garden. The "casita" has hosted friends, family, and even wildfire evacuees; Rachel Paluska refers to it as a "revolving door, in a fun way."

A shed provides storage for the owners’ tools as well as wood for the fireplace. It features the same aged pine finish as the main home.

The exposed pine beams finished in OSMO oil support the polycarbonate opal/diffused panels set on aluminum glazing bars.

The Light Shed is wrapped in bituminous fiberglass corrugated mini profile cladding on battens with an UV open cladding membrane behind.

Portland, Oregon–based architects Heidi Beebe and Doug Skidmore designed a glass-walled studio to create a focal point in backyard of this Boise, Idaho house, and as a home office for one of the owners.

With little to no permitting required because of its small size, Sett Studio units can be used for an extra bedroom, a yoga studio, a hydroponics growing area or an office space, like this 96-square-foot one shown here.

A view of the entry garden from above.

Back garden view of raised deck with arbor feature from the main living area.

An arbor-covered deck looks out over an oval rain garden planted with a mix of flowering native plants.