Mixed-Use Homes That Pack Tons of Functionality Under One Roof

Inside, white paint lightens up the middle of the building. A vintage Danish dining set and Cloud pendants by Frank Gehry for Vitra define the dining area.

Though it rests on the site of a former mine, this mixed-use development in Bath, England houses several eco-conscious residences in addition to an exhibition space that explores the history of the village.

Kitchen and Dining Room A dimly lit living space above a former funeral home, the kitchen and dining rooms have become animated, illuminated family spaces with splashes of color and light-providing transom windows. The dining space features Hans Wegner chairs circling a Matthew Hilton Cross-Extension table and a Pallucco Glow Square pendant lamp. Photo by Morlen Sinoway

Along a busy street in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood stands the mixed-use building in which architect Nathan Lee Colkitt and a diverse array of tenants inhabit their live/work spaces. “It’s hard to describe—it’s really funky,” says Colkitt of the building. “It looks like a giant aircraft carrier landed in the street.” Rental units inside range in size from about 400 to 3,000 square feet. Photo by Cheryl Ramsay

Architect Tamira Sawatzky and artist Elle Flanders get an awfully good view of their busy Toronto street from their office and dining room.