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.

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)

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.

The Welcome HD smart camera by Netatmo uses advanced face-recognition technology to send an alert to a user's smartphone when it detects an unfamiliar (and perhaps unwelcome) visitor.

Old-world crafting techniques meet a modern sensibility in these 100-percent Turkish cotton towels by Michele Keeler. The highly absorbent, velvety-soft pile is designed to withstand years of use, and the cheerful color palette will add a bright note to bathrooms. Price: $18-89.

1. Canakkale Antenna The winning design, from a collaboration between IND (Inter.National.Design), Powerhouse Company and the consulting firm ABT, is a unique structure that not only makes a case for local icon status, but also manages to respect the city and site while creating unexpected public space. Architect Felix Madrazo said the challenge was about respecting people’s increased awareness and sensitivity to topology and geography. “We wanted to do something that was recognizable but with restraint,” he says. “As subtle as possible.” Photo from Powerhouse Company

Looking at Istanbul’s old city from the trendy neighborhood of Beyoğlu, one can see the Hagia Sophia at left (rebuilt for the last time in the 6th century) and the 17th-century Sultanahmet (or “Blue”) Mosque with its six minarets at right.

3. Canakkale Antenna The Çanakkale Antenna is on an aggressive construction plane, set to be finished in 2015 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli. Photo from Powerhouse Company

2. Canakkale Antenna The search for a shape with minimum impact led to the winning design, almost like an inverted, knotted tie, that separates the antenna and observation deck from the recreational facilities at ground level. Not only does the final design have minimum impact on the hill, but the curvature at the base actually led to the idea of the walkway and interior gardens, a feature not included in the original brief. Madrazo’s team also discovered that, due to the unique shape, the profile changes as viewers approach the tower. Photo from Powerhouse Company

4. Canakkale Antenna Recreational Facility The design incorporate a large ring that forms an interior garden. Photo from Powerhouse Company

5. Canakkale Antenna Design Sketch The Turkish city of Canakkale announced a contest last year to design a massive observation and broadcast tower for a hillside overlooking the former Ottoman fortress. Photo from Powerhouse Company

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

In the living room, an 18th century jajim, purchased in Istanbul, hangs behind a Molteni & C sofa covered in woven linen with mohair pillows. The wool rug is from California Carpets.

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.

Vintage Turkish rug, 3'7"x5'5", that Aelfie overdyed in a bright royal blue ($410).

The Vitali Hakko Creative Industries Library offers a handsomely stocked and up-to-the-minute catalog of visual culture for scholars and the public.

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.

The outside deck, made of local celery-top pine, welcomes both humans and the natural landscape further into the house.

An opaque sliding glass door separates the bathroom from the dining area. White tile with pink-colored grout ties the two spaces together.

A pool cage with a retractable awing makes the pool deck feel like a natural extension of the home's interior, while the terraced construction lifts the building up above the level of floods and storm surges.

Designed to be a welcoming space for visitors, the glassy foyer addition is clearly defined against the more private interior of the house.