Central Park, December 1960. Photo by: Bates Littlehales, National Geographic.
Central Park, December 1960. Photo by: Bates Littlehales, National Geographic.
Pacek and Roynon peeled away wallpaper to reveal layers of old paint that serendipitously complemented the color scheme of their new kitchen, and used a circular frame to preserve a section of it. The matte-chrome handles and pulls are by Mockett.
Pacek and Roynon peeled away wallpaper to reveal layers of old paint that serendipitously complemented the color scheme of their new kitchen, and used a circular frame to preserve a section of it. The matte-chrome handles and pulls are by Mockett.
Maira wallpaper from the 70s adorns the guest bathroom. When they knocked down several interior walls, Sawatzky and Flanders were left with tons of lath—the thin, irregular strips of softwood that provided the base for wall plaster. With the help of a demolition contractor, they sorted out the cleanest pieces to reuse. The couple clad the box on the second floor that contains their bathroom and closets with the lath, nail-gunning each piece to the walls.
Maira wallpaper from the 70s adorns the guest bathroom. When they knocked down several interior walls, Sawatzky and Flanders were left with tons of lath—the thin, irregular strips of softwood that provided the base for wall plaster. With the help of a demolition contractor, they sorted out the cleanest pieces to reuse. The couple clad the box on the second floor that contains their bathroom and closets with the lath, nail-gunning each piece to the walls.
Mojo Stumer Associates Architects and landscape architects Town & Gardens partnered to rejuventate an overlooked outdoor area at a Manhattan penthouse. Their objective was to elevate the terrace to match the inviting, modern interiors.
Mojo Stumer Associates Architects and landscape architects Town & Gardens partnered to rejuventate an overlooked outdoor area at a Manhattan penthouse. Their objective was to elevate the terrace to match the inviting, modern interiors.
LA-based real estate development company Prime Five Homes sought to create a home that was clean, peaceful, and uncluttered, particularly through material choices and large, open spaces. The central atrium—a recurring element used to expand indoor/outdoor space in Prime Five Homes projects—helps lengthen the living room vertically and creates a light well that fills both the upstairs and downstairs areas with bright daylight.
LA-based real estate development company Prime Five Homes sought to create a home that was clean, peaceful, and uncluttered, particularly through material choices and large, open spaces. The central atrium—a recurring element used to expand indoor/outdoor space in Prime Five Homes projects—helps lengthen the living room vertically and creates a light well that fills both the upstairs and downstairs areas with bright daylight.
Two art studios adjoin a central volume at this work/live residence built from terracreto (sustainable concrete), glass, and painted steel just outside of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Residents Austin and Lida Lowrey, retired design and museum professionals, collaborated with their two daughters—Sheridan, an artist, and Elizabeth, an architect—to design the structure as a place for creative contemplation.
Two art studios adjoin a central volume at this work/live residence built from terracreto (sustainable concrete), glass, and painted steel just outside of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Residents Austin and Lida Lowrey, retired design and museum professionals, collaborated with their two daughters—Sheridan, an artist, and Elizabeth, an architect—to design the structure as a place for creative contemplation.
The once public hallway between the two apartments now boasts a bold wallpaper by Kravitz Design for Flavor Paper.
The once public hallway between the two apartments now boasts a bold wallpaper by Kravitz Design for Flavor Paper.
One of the hardest things to do when looking at potential homes is to overlook existing finishes, colors, and materials.
One of the hardest things to do when looking at potential homes is to overlook existing finishes, colors, and materials.
Simon and Eva Luna play in front of a wall covered in Daks wallpaper from Walnut.
Simon and Eva Luna play in front of a wall covered in Daks wallpaper from Walnut.
The Lotus wallpaper pattern by Galbraith and Paul is produced in-studio with the help of a digital printer.
The Lotus wallpaper pattern by Galbraith and Paul is produced in-studio with the help of a digital printer.
The plan of this house in British Columbia by Vancouver architects Heather Howat and David Battersby of BattersbyHowat Architects revolves around a rocky outcropping lush with life that acts as the home’s central atrium. The granite was left intact in order to serve as the nucleus of the courtyard, and the walls of windows draw a wealth of natural daylight into the back of the building.
The plan of this house in British Columbia by Vancouver architects Heather Howat and David Battersby of BattersbyHowat Architects revolves around a rocky outcropping lush with life that acts as the home’s central atrium. The granite was left intact in order to serve as the nucleus of the courtyard, and the walls of windows draw a wealth of natural daylight into the back of the building.
Calico nabbed a 2015 ICFF Editors' Award for its painterly wallcoverings. (Long live gradients!)
Calico nabbed a 2015 ICFF Editors' Award for its painterly wallcoverings. (Long live gradients!)
Kiss Chapel (New York, United States: 2011)

A Central Park pop-up celebrating marriage equality, this helix of honeycomb cardboard by Z-A Studio is itself a metaphor for the institution of marriage, since the two pillars can’t stand without each other. A dozen couples tied the knot under the temporary structure, which was conceived of and constructed in five days. 

Photo by Roman Francisco
Kiss Chapel (New York, United States: 2011) A Central Park pop-up celebrating marriage equality, this helix of honeycomb cardboard by Z-A Studio is itself a metaphor for the institution of marriage, since the two pillars can’t stand without each other. A dozen couples tied the knot under the temporary structure, which was conceived of and constructed in five days. Photo by Roman Francisco
The team had plenty to work with in terms of views: Central Park fans out around the home, with an uninterrupted view of the supertall 432 Park Avenue residential tower in the distance.
The team had plenty to work with in terms of views: Central Park fans out around the home, with an uninterrupted view of the supertall 432 Park Avenue residential tower in the distance.
Crushed stone paths and native plantings, including cacti, wildflowers, and grasses, encompass the surrounding landscape. “We’re nothing but natural,” says Austin. “The cacti, to me, are like pieces of sculpture, each with their own personality. I even named some.”
Crushed stone paths and native plantings, including cacti, wildflowers, and grasses, encompass the surrounding landscape. “We’re nothing but natural,” says Austin. “The cacti, to me, are like pieces of sculpture, each with their own personality. I even named some.”
Resident Nadja van Praag enjoys the view from the deck that connects the trio of structures. The idea for the deconstructed plan was inspired in part by Alvar Aalto sketches of a “peeled apart” summer cabin, says architectural designer Riley Pratt, in which interconnected volumes surround a central courtyard.
Resident Nadja van Praag enjoys the view from the deck that connects the trio of structures. The idea for the deconstructed plan was inspired in part by Alvar Aalto sketches of a “peeled apart” summer cabin, says architectural designer Riley Pratt, in which interconnected volumes surround a central courtyard.
The headboard in Hansen’s bedroom echoes the 2013 side-board. The wallpaper is from Arte.
The headboard in Hansen’s bedroom echoes the 2013 side-board. The wallpaper is from Arte.
Atelier Oslo overcame nature’s challenges when they designed Cabin Norderhov, a seasonal, eco-friendly retreat on a steep hillside overlooking Lake Steinsfjorden. The home’s layout revolves around a central glass and metal "campfire" that burns beneath a suspended mantel. Since it’s located at the access level, the fireplace's flickering warmth can be enjoyed throughout the house. The surrounding floor is covered with hexagon tiles cut from marble, which transition into tiles made of birch log in the rest of the house.
Atelier Oslo overcame nature’s challenges when they designed Cabin Norderhov, a seasonal, eco-friendly retreat on a steep hillside overlooking Lake Steinsfjorden. The home’s layout revolves around a central glass and metal "campfire" that burns beneath a suspended mantel. Since it’s located at the access level, the fireplace's flickering warmth can be enjoyed throughout the house. The surrounding floor is covered with hexagon tiles cut from marble, which transition into tiles made of birch log in the rest of the house.
Open and inviting, the addition enables a fluid indoor-outdoor connection that didn’t exist before.
Open and inviting, the addition enables a fluid indoor-outdoor connection that didn’t exist before.
The editors' pick for Best Wallcovering went to Trove. Here's a selection of their new Redux wallpaper, which is PVC-free and made from 31 percent post-consumer recycled material.
The editors' pick for Best Wallcovering went to Trove. Here's a selection of their new Redux wallpaper, which is PVC-free and made from 31 percent post-consumer recycled material.
The larger volume of the addition, consisting of kitchen, living, and dining spaces, loops around to the smaller bedroom through a wooden passage. The same ipe, with differing finishes, is used for both the interior and exterior. Expansive sliding glass doors by Fleetwood dramatically open up the living space to the outdoors.
The larger volume of the addition, consisting of kitchen, living, and dining spaces, loops around to the smaller bedroom through a wooden passage. The same ipe, with differing finishes, is used for both the interior and exterior. Expansive sliding glass doors by Fleetwood dramatically open up the living space to the outdoors.
Once home to a shoe repairer and abandoned for the last two years, Central Hotel & Café received a much-needed makeover from owner Leif Thingtved, who is seen here peering out the one-roomed hotel located above the downstairs café. The single room comes with a bathroom, flat screen television, high-speed internet, Royal Eden bed, and mini bar. Photo by: Martin Kaufmann
Once home to a shoe repairer and abandoned for the last two years, Central Hotel & Café received a much-needed makeover from owner Leif Thingtved, who is seen here peering out the one-roomed hotel located above the downstairs café. The single room comes with a bathroom, flat screen television, high-speed internet, Royal Eden bed, and mini bar. Photo by: Martin Kaufmann
The bamboo garden, home to Oscar the tortoise, abuts the walkway leading to the central courtyard.
The bamboo garden, home to Oscar the tortoise, abuts the walkway leading to the central courtyard.
Accenting the warm wood tones, pops of cobalt blue are found throughout the home, including in the kitchen. The space, which anchors the new living wing, features custom lacquer finish cabinets, Caesarstone counters, a Bertazzoni range, a Miele dishwasher, a Kohler sink, and a custom stainless steel backsplash.
Accenting the warm wood tones, pops of cobalt blue are found throughout the home, including in the kitchen. The space, which anchors the new living wing, features custom lacquer finish cabinets, Caesarstone counters, a Bertazzoni range, a Miele dishwasher, a Kohler sink, and a custom stainless steel backsplash.
This cover is for Jazz at the Philharmonic Vol. IV from Clef Records, 1946.
This cover is for Jazz at the Philharmonic Vol. IV from Clef Records, 1946.
Playful wallpaper from Graham & Brown livens up the house’s otherwise staid 

powder room, which also contains a 

pint-size Ikea sink.
Playful wallpaper from Graham & Brown livens up the house’s otherwise staid powder room, which also contains a pint-size Ikea sink.
Parisian design company, Élitis, began designing wallpapers because they felt the industry didn’t offer enough colorful and innovative selections. Their latest Kandy line, inspired by the ancient city Kandy in Sri Lanka, is just that. 

Painterly yet structured, this paper is strong enough to make a statement and subtle enough to paper a whole room without overwhelming it. Bonus: the thick vinyl coating makes it easy to wash. $700 per panoramic (Each panoramic can be hung like a pattern drop, cutting marks are provided).
Parisian design company, Élitis, began designing wallpapers because they felt the industry didn’t offer enough colorful and innovative selections. Their latest Kandy line, inspired by the ancient city Kandy in Sri Lanka, is just that. Painterly yet structured, this paper is strong enough to make a statement and subtle enough to paper a whole room without overwhelming it. Bonus: the thick vinyl coating makes it easy to wash. $700 per panoramic (Each panoramic can be hung like a pattern drop, cutting marks are provided).
So what music do designers listen to when work? “It depends who's in charge of the Sonos device that day,” Nick says. While his preference tends to be towards Chopin or Max Richter, it’s not uncommon for hip-hop or 80s music to fill up the studio.
So what music do designers listen to when work? “It depends who's in charge of the Sonos device that day,” Nick says. While his preference tends to be towards Chopin or Max Richter, it’s not uncommon for hip-hop or 80s music to fill up the studio.
More patterned wallpaper in the bathroom.
More patterned wallpaper in the bathroom.
Degrado Amarillo wallpaper by Eijffinger. The Dutch company’s Ibiza collection saturates walls in degrees with a photorealistic paper that adds an of-the-moment gradient  effect.
Degrado Amarillo wallpaper by Eijffinger. The Dutch company’s Ibiza collection saturates walls in degrees with a photorealistic paper that adds an of-the-moment gradient effect.
Sherman recommends reflective materials for smaller spaces. "Metallic materials and colors to add light movement and mirror effects, immediately making a space feel more dynamic and larger," he says.
Sherman recommends reflective materials for smaller spaces. "Metallic materials and colors to add light movement and mirror effects, immediately making a space feel more dynamic and larger," he says.
Trove’s founders, Jee Levin and Randall Buck, made over 100 light “paintings” by exposing photographic paper to flashlights and fiber-optic toys. Then, they distilled their favorite elements across all of the paintings and created two patterns: Heze and Nimbus.
Trove’s founders, Jee Levin and Randall Buck, made over 100 light “paintings” by exposing photographic paper to flashlights and fiber-optic toys. Then, they distilled their favorite elements across all of the paintings and created two patterns: Heze and Nimbus.
Central Beheer Office

Saval says this design by Herman Hertzberger was one of the great open office plans of Europe, which differed markedly from American interior designs. “It’s like a casbah, a lot of nested, private spaces.”
Central Beheer Office Saval says this design by Herman Hertzberger was one of the great open office plans of Europe, which differed markedly from American interior designs. “It’s like a casbah, a lot of nested, private spaces.”
Heze connects circles with blurred strokes of color that is supposed to display the “mathematical impossibility of the circle.”
Heze connects circles with blurred strokes of color that is supposed to display the “mathematical impossibility of the circle.”
Designers can enjoy a coffee break on the sofa. It certainly beats gathering around the water cooler.
Designers can enjoy a coffee break on the sofa. It certainly beats gathering around the water cooler.

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