Mint green-painted ironwork and tiles connect the indoors to the outside more fluidly.

The Max-A studio is also built with a pine frame, though it has pine panelling on the ceiling, while the main house ceiling is painted a warm white.

The White House, 2006.

Wood decking extends out to the yard.

Amending Meeuwissen’s early request for an open bathroom space, the architects devised a more private chamber with an overhead skylight and walls in stone tile from Intercodam Tegels.

After - living room (Rubio monocoat floors, Chantilly lace walls, used fireplace)

Quickly recalling the warm, organic, functional design of Scandinavian modernism, the Marstrand Candle Lantern ($180) by Skargaarden can be used indoors and outdoors. Its leather strap can be comfortably held or easily hung on the wall.

Last but not least, the Carrie Candle Lantern ($110) also mixes modern design with time-tested illumination (in this case, the humble candle). Designed by Norm Architects, its powder-coated steel design is at home on a patio, in a living room, atop a dining table, and throughout the modern home.

Lanterns by Rene Siebum “Style for me is capturing the essence of an object, what it should be or do,” says Siebum. “For me, design is about making things beautiful and telling stories.” Photo by Rene van der Hulst

Lanterns from Stelton hang above the dining table and chairs Brothers designed. Nevamar laminate covers the kitchen cabinets, which feature pulls from Häfele. The range is by Wolf.

99 by Von Tundra and Lydia Cambron $13,000 Oregon-based Von Tundra’s unit combines three different storage options—a rack, drawers, and boxes—into a multipurpose dresser.

Images by Raw Color hang in a room upstairs.

At night, the house’s unique windows glow brightly, much like a lantern.

A post-renovation view of the kitchen shows it opening into the family room. Replacing the former white cabinets are Island drawer fronts and wall panelling of teak wood and reclaimed American elm countertop, milled by Vintage Material Supply. The differing grains of the teak veneers and elm countertop vadd complexity and rhythm to the kitchen's wood motif. Stuc Pierre plaster ceiling selected by the homeowner, Sloan Houser, adds an airy feel to the opened space.

Designed by Danish designer Christian Bjørn for Menu, the Lighthouse Oil Lamps present a visually satisfying outdoor fire option. The lamps are designed as tall, slightly flared cylindrical shapes, much like the lighthouses for which they are named. They are available in black and white finishes, in four sizes ranging from 9.6 inches to 30 inches tall.

Carrie Candle Lantern, $110 at the Dwell Store From Danish design studio Norm Architects, the timeless Carrie Candle Lantern is made of powder-coated steel and glass and includes a handle for portability.

This handthrown white stone birdhouse is "the ultimate modernist pad for your friendly neighborhood birds."

The Armadillo is parked on a 1,000-square-foot lot that gives the couple ample outdoor space.

Cabin Nordmarka, 2006.

Image by Sam Grant.

Where the old kitchen was defined by a confining U shape, new doors now lead to a stair landing and the dining room.

Farm House, 2008. "Doing a small house is like doing a portrait of your client," says Jarmund. "In one case it’s an old abandoned farmhouse for a pair of historians. In another, it’s a guy who wants a house out of James Bond."

This outdoor chair from designer Damian Velasquez is both striking and strikingly comfortable—you might not believe you're sitting on metal. The mesh design is sturdy, but has just enough give to conform to your body. The heat-dispersing, wind-resistant powder-coated stainless steel construction makes it a smart addition to your yard.

O Table by Half 13 $2,800 This curvy powder-coated stainless steel outdoor table, fabricated by Damian Velasquez in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is available in nine vibrant colors.

Wooden decks can be added to heighten the indoor-outdoor living experience.

Landscape architect Kevin Campion went to great lengths to protect the poplar trees during construction. Delta Millworks charred the cedar gable fronts following the shou sugi ban technique.

A Rafa Kids swing hangs below the loft bed near the large desk designed for playing with Legos.

Shumaker Design + Build Associates honed in on natural light, rich tones, and earthy materials to update this Chicago kitchen. The renovated kitchen now boasts a ten-foot-long banquette paired with a West Elm table, offering seating for everything from quick breakfasts to grand dinners.

Light pine finishes make the interiors feel airy and spacious.

Neo Lantern by Apparatus Studio, from $780 each A single candle votive illuminates these stately Ianterns made from a glass globe and Italian marble base. They come available in two sizes and two colors: Bianco Arabescato (shown) and Nero Kinitra (black).