longitudinal floor plan

Bakery bar

Reflections

Lightning strikes over a haunted house? Probably just a coincidence.

The MASS MoCA exhibition Free Roses is the first museum survey of the work of Alex Da Corte, an artist who has burst onto the scene with otherworldly installations that bring together art history, movie references, and everyday kitsch into bold interiors.

Clara strikes a yoga pose on a vintage Pierre Paulin chair for Artefort.

London-based designers Lightning and Kinglyface presented a collection of three tables made from a variety of exotic hardwoods, including Zebrawood from West Africa and Tiger Fig from Brazil. Called Zebra, Tiger, and Larch, the table's tops each feature an intricate geometric inlay pattern.

Like much of his recent work, the show references the hallucinatory sensation described in Author Rimbaud's prose poem A Season in Hell. Da Corte plays up this sense of the uncanny by incorporating conspicuously artificial elements from sets and stages, like the disembodied facade seen here, as well as strangely familiar objects that simultaneously provide cultural touchstones and confound.

In his largest showing ever, Da Corte presents a retrospective of recent works plus the new installation "Lightning," seen here.

The custom kitchen cabinetry with its cutout pulls and geometric arrangement strikes a modern chord.

Walsh and Strongin's living room strikes a more rustic note.

The rooftop pool strikes tropical vibes with cane furniture and palms.

The home's oak parquet flooring strikes contrast with traditional Sicilian patterned tiles.

Robert Williams, a graduate student in architecture at RISD, explains lightning fields, Hawaii's new energy policies, and more.

Hanging and potted plants and a moss floor strike contrast with the apartment's white walls.

Wood panels strike contrast with concrete and stone walls to keep the space from appearing too cold.

One of the home’s six bathrooms strikes an elegant balance between white walls and quarried stone.

In Richmond, Virginia, The Broad's interior design strikes a balance between elegance and comfort.

This folklore-inspired rug is handmade in the style of Moroccan textiles and features three traditional techniques—embroidery, weaving, and decorative knotting. Proving that thrice is nice, this is a multi-faceted statement piece.

This voluminous cabin in Austin, Quebec, has a sharply pitched roof and a bright and lofty interior that strikes surprising contrast to its austere, angular exterior.

Takuma strikes a pose from the loft lookout as seen from the second floor. The loft is used for storage as well as a place for some peace and quiet.

Sink Area (lightning)

A bright blue feature wall strikes contrast with the texture and color of the oriented strand board and black surfaces. The storage piece is custom-made.

A Metro modular sofa from Room & Board offers a comfy place to perch. A Hase Collection Tula 8191 wood stove by HearthStone strikes a balance between refined and rustic.

Rama strikes the final blow against Ravana, aiming Vishnu's bow at his navel, the monster's only weak spot.

"[The General Strike in Oakland, California on November 2nd] was amazing," Dao reports. He and Cash set up a table printing on bills. "About seven thousand people showed up to support the strike in Oakland. It was literally one of the most diverse crowds I've ever seen, I know it sounds silly to say, but the last time I saw a crowd that diverse was at a Prince concert. It was just a very positive atmosphere. Ivan was working the table the whole day and we had some friends help out. The crowd was very receptive and enthusiastic about the project. The action was non-stop, people would literally reach deep into their pockets and we stamped all of their money. We saw every domination stamped. Ones, twos, fives, tens, twenties, fifties, and hundreds. We came there with two fresh ink beds and [by the end] they were both dry. We actually had to break down a little earlier than expected because of that. The highlights for us were meeting people who actually went out and had some of our stamps made, pretty exciting stuff. And during the march, Ivan spotted a guy who made a sign referencing one of our dollar designs. Ivan ran over to him and taped the dollar to his sign. So in a sense the project came full circle. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, we had a tip jar for Occupy Oakland at our table and we raised over a hundred dollars for them. That money will help the organizers buy food and supplies for occupiers."

The renovation, which focused on the living-dining-kitchen area, strikes a balance between intimate and inviting, hence the project's name, the Open/Private apartment.

Mobile Nap Turner made much of the barn’s furniture from OSB, but the mobile daybed on wheels is a standout piece and allows the user to catch the sun or shade as the mood strikes.

Crump played with the traditional gable roof form common to Australian farmhouses and transformed it into something entirely modern. The house’s three distinct ridgelines follow each other in succession, their simple contours conjuring a cartoon lightning bolt. The wood cladding covering the exterior also lends the house an impenetrable feel, heightening the surprise visitors experience upon entering and seeing its open, seaside views.

If you've ever considered living the life aquatic, check out the seven delightful houseboats we've rounded up. Ranging in space, style, and price, these floating abodes are sure to strike your fancy.

Natural lightning

Lightning design

Inspired by hilltop views and traditional New England farm and barn structures, Marvin Architect's Challenge-winner Michael Waters of LDa Architecture & Interiors set out to strike the perfect balance between time-tested tradition and sophisticated, clean lines.

Røros Tweed Lightning Throw

Peach-tinted glass in the shower is an unexpected accent, yet flows with the rest of the home. "The interior strikes a fine balance between energy and respite, boldness and refinement; an appealing and youthful space that is an expression of Tom’s lifestyle and arts practice," says Lynch.

Master bathroom with lightning ceiling.