The main living area is connected to the back unit by a modern bridge. Polished concrete is used for both floors and ceilings, and a Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Stool accents the space.

When Cathy and Craig bought the land, it was completely bare. With plenty of sun and rain, these palms have grown a lot in the last two years.

A side view of the house and of Salmela’s signature architectural feature: the “unchimney.” All windows are from Loewen.

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 backyard sports a sequence of raised flower and vegetable beds and two green roofs—one atop the workshop and other atop the back entrance.

The cavernous living room takes advantage of its height with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.

A slender, black double-sided fireplace distinguishes the living room from the dining area.

A graphic wallpaper by Kate Zaremba wraps the kids' bathroom with sconces by Allied Maker.

For architect Stephen Chung, the design of his Wayland, Massachusetts, home was all about blending into the natural environment. The first floor is a serene composition of white and wood. The demand for a domestic office space inspired him to build up, adding a second floor for him to "experiment." In a departure from the Cape Cod aesthetic that rules his block, he was able to give the addition a modernist take, while also literally reflecting the existing landscape of the neighborhood. The entire 1,100-square-foot adjunct that encompasses his second story office-studio, master suite, and fort for his two young sons is swathed in mirrored siding and plate-glass windows.

Tribeca Manufacturing Building New York–based architect Andrew Franz undertook the renovation of a landmark circa-1884 former soap warehouse in Tribeca, originally designed by George W. DaCunha in the Romanesque Revival style. Franz reorganized and modernized the six-story building—which retains its original 16-foot beam ceilings, brick walls, timber columns, and elevator winches from the former freight shaft—by incorporating steel, glass, handmade tile, and lacquer to complement the masonry and heavy timber. An interior courtyard and rectangular mezzanine are situated below the original 16-foot gull-wing ceiling planes.

The exterior of the new, two-story home in East Austin, Texas was designed with a minimal palette, bronze windows, and steel details in order to blend into the existing cityscape.

Bestor opened up the central spine of the ranch-style home, creating a kind of longhouse with the ceilings insulated and covered with hemlock.

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German designer Maximilian Schmahl created the DIY beacon while considering the philosophy behind his new fifti-fifti label, making a equal connection between the object and the customer. “I wanted to make a product you can customize, something that gives you joy while using it, a vibrant product,” he said. “I started to experimenting with perforated paper and it was just perfect to design a lamp with it. The owner can decide for him or herself where the light comes through the shade.”

This sophisticated credenza is a streamlined storage system that is available in a variety of configurations. It can be used as a buffet or sideboard in a dining room, media console, or cabinet in a bedroom. Other credenzas include the 4 Drawer and 4 Door. Similar designs include the 2 Door 2 Drawer File Cabinet, 4 Door Cabinet, and Dresser.

The sleeping cubbies lie beneath the walkway connecting front and back units. Cedar decking and soffit add warmth and texture to the transitional space.

Marcia takes in the view.

Take-Off Light These flat-packed, laser-stitched lamp shade invites endless customizations.

Rendering of the different pieces of the lamp.

The home's indoor/outdoor connection is strong.

The bedroom takes up the small second floor of the house.

A well-placed writing desk takes advantage of the view.

The tiered side table was designed by Jasper Morrison.

The family’s two cats, Baron and Jula.

In the kids bathroom, Ceramica Vogue tile in multiple colors brings a youthful quality. Countertops are by Concrete Collaborative.

Airy living room.

Bil’ak takes a meticulous approach to Arabic type design, although he is unaware of the words’ meaning.

The automatic arm that raises and lowers the flapper can be set up so that it stays open for the correct amount of time each flush—that means never having to tell guests to jiggle the handle.

Two-sided fireplace reaches mezzanine.

Interior palette: slate fireplace, Douglas fir ceilings, black accents, glass

To pay homage to the home’s era, the couple chose a midcentury-inspired Pacific Green Starburst III tile from the Cement Tile Shop to go behind the Moreno Bath MOB rosewood vanity. Hudson Valley Lighting fixtures and CB2 mirrors add some retro bling to the bath.

Eric Schneider and Michael Chen take in the space-efficient renovation.

The spacious, central living area looks out on a bucolic landscape.

Dulkinys uses the remote-controlled mountaineer’s harness to peruse the two-story bookshelf.