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A NOR11 chair anchors a sunny corner.

The facade features a sunny yellow balcony—intended to spark a smile, but it’s also a statement by the architects against the “monotonous and dull color palette” of traditional Japanese neighborhoods.

The idea of balance is expressed in all facets of the project—from light to dark, indoor to outdoor.

The bar showcases many green products. The bar top, made at the 19 greek street gallery, is fashioned from recycled glass, and the chairs, from both Out of the Dark and Studio deForm, are fashioned from upcycled material.

Another view of the mezzanine. Rough brick walls add texture and old-world charm.

According to Ndoro, LIBRARY will “provide a much-needed space for the pioneering design community of the capital and beyond.” This room features a collection of eclectic Middle Eastern and African pieces, according to 19 greek street founder and creative director Marc Peridis. The curvaceous M'Afrique Shadowy Chair by Moroso is made by Senegalese craftsman, the rug and vases are fashioned from recycled African fabric. The two Papillon chairs near the window are by Karen Chekerdjian, a designer based in Lebanon.

“When you’re working on something inexpensive and then decide you don’t like it, fine. You’re not tearing down millions of kroners worth of work.” —Mette Lyng Hansen

Evan Z. Crane Evan Z. Crane is a Brooklyn-born manufacturer who combines traditional furniture making techniques with current technology. His designs connect seasoned craftsmanship with enduring sustainability to make modern heirlooms.

The Polaroid Z2300 Instant Digital Camera is the ultimate social media gadget as it allows you to capture, edit, and upload pictures instantly, and it even features an integrated printer. ($200)

On an 18th-century farmstead in rural Sweden, two Copenhagen designers handcraft a summerhouse that seamlessly melds the modern and the traditional.

Another view of the bar, showcasing the recycled-glass bar top. Designer Chris Duffy made the bar tables against the wall.

Samsung developed its Club des Chefs line of kitchen appliances with input from Michelin star-rated chefs.

Peridis turned a small room that wasn't quite big enough for a guest into a chair showcase, which includes the Chubby chair by Dirk Vander Kooij and the leaning 8.5 by Rasmus Baekkel Fex.

The blocky Preston Club is a a resin chair with castors and plush Italian leather cushions. The best part? Interior illumination is available upon request.

Reading Club 2000 in Manila, Philippines-Reading Club 2000 began when Hernando Guanlao—known to friends and neighbors as Nanie—sought out a way to honor the memory of his parents, who instilled in him the love for reading. He set old textbooks of his own outside his Manila home to see if others would be interested in borrowing them. They were. 12 years later, Nanie's library now contains somewhere around 2,500 books (he doesn't know the exact count), and he even runs a "book bike" service, where he delivers reading material to the poorest communities in Manila. Photo: Ms. Ma. Patricia Nabong

Jensen-Lewis’ Clubber offers a retro feel and a quick conversion. The barely-there chrome legs present a nice alternative to the heftier sofa beds of yore.

Ronald Ndoro wants to “create a home for the vibrant literary community” with LIBRARY, a members-only club. The entryway features marble Bust Chairs by Tomas Libertiny and a table by Jaime Hayon for Se London.

The open dining space accommodates groups such as Fashandi’s book club with ease.

Large paver patios make excellent walkways.

Step inside a pop-up hotel cabin inspired by the cave that King Arthur and his knights would have slept in while traveling—a legendary cave that could be discovered once, and never again.

A local welder crafted the house number which is mounted off the wall to cast a shadow. “It also looks like ‘god’ which means ‘good’ in Danish, so it’s also ‘the good house,’” Thomas says.

Vignelli from A to Z by Massimo Vignelli (Images Publishing Group, 2007). A reminder of the scope and influence of the recently departed Vignelli.

Inside, the eye goes immediately to a floating staircase along one wall. Hand painted by local artist Tess Thomas, its wood treads add a pop of color within the voluminous great room.

The sunlit family room features sliding glass doors that provide direct access to the surrounding patio and backyard.

The modernized kitchen works within the original post-and-beam construction and retains redwood cladding around the island in order to match the rest of the home. The space also features blue limestone countertops and slate tile flooring.

Without traditional legs, the chair is made with four rectangular pieces of wood that are held together in a Z shape with dovetail joints. It is now produced by Cassina.

Despite their dark color palette, black and white kitchens can still feel bright. This tiny kitchen perfects the art of chiaroscuro with white shiplapped walls, custom-built open shelves and dark concrete floors. The owners selected sleek faucet fixtures by Santec and a sink by Blanco to complement the white laminate countertops. The stainless steel appliances include a Bertazzoni oven, Fisher & Payel refrigerator, and Thermador dishwasher.

“We kept the tones very neutral because we wanted the colors of the garden to come through,” Ong says. “Light also plays an important role here, and again the neutral tones help highlight the changes in the light and sky.” Ong’s team used Melbourne's Ajar Furniture and Design store to supply the home's furnishings, and this Marcel Breuer Club Chair Model B3 sits off the dining room.

The Z House's structure consists entirely of concrete. Wood screens wrap around the sides, and Prefa materials top the roof.

In keeping with the original character of the cottage the house was to be understated, a low maintenance home that could be enjoyed by everyone

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