The architects designed the large dining table, which is framed by the open kitchen, the wood-burning stove, and the garden beyond.

In the living area, a Tufty-Time sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia, a Soft Grid blanket by Established & Sons, and a wood-burning stove by Stûv keep her comfortable.

The living room and dining room were originally separated by a central fireplace, which interior designer Nicole Hollis removed to create this great room. She installed a modern, custom eight-foot-long open gas fireplace in the living room, equipped with sensors that automatically turn it off when someone gets too near to the flames.

"The effect of the plantings on the terrace is enormous,” reflects the couple. “Not only do the branches and formations give a sense of the four seasons, but the way it looks from the living room contributes to a sense of calmness. It gives the illusion that we are viewing art."

West Elm chairs are paired with a locally crafted wooden table.

“The finished materials are intended to be neutral and timeless, primarily employing woods and white walls,” says Gurney. “Color was introduced in juxtaposition to the neutrality.” When the sun isn’t shining, a Montigo gas-burning fireplace provides warmth next to neon WGS stools by Gallotti&Radice.

Millwork in the Living Space

The fireplace holds a modern gas insert. Hall originally built the five-foot-wide fireplace to recirculate heat using inset iron pipes and convection to project warm air throughout the room.

Trisore 140 by Element4; distributed by North American Retailer, European Home.

Living Room

This install was done by All Seasons Fireplace in Minnesota: “The homeowners loved the original wood burning fireplace, but their contractor suggested that cutting and carrying wood on a daily basis would get old fast, even with four boys at home to help. They wanted to maintain the large viewing area that the wood burning fireplace allowed, so this Trisore 100H gas fireplace model from European Home was the perfect choice for the room.”

Haven of Reflection | Olson Kundig

Villa Hohenlohe by Philipp Architekten won the prestigious Hugo Häring Award in 2014.

The communication between interior and exterior is unmistakable. The polished steel that surrounds the fireplace and the concrete floor’s dark finish recall the home’s exterior, while the contrasting stark white walls create a visual language as striking as the building’s black facade.

A cast-in-place concrete kitchen island features a cantilevered concrete dining table. The hearth’s plinth offers added seating at the table during crowded gatherings.

Living Room

Atelier Oslo overcame nature’s challenges when they designed Cabin Norderhov, a seasonal, eco-friendly retreat on a steep hillside overlooking Lake Steinsfjorden. The home’s layout revolves around a central glass and metal "campfire" that burns beneath a suspended mantel. Since it’s located at the access level, the fireplace's flickering warmth can be enjoyed throughout the house. The surrounding floor is covered with hexagon tiles cut from marble, which transition into tiles made of birch log in the rest of the house.

In the living area, an EcoSmart Fire ethanol-fueled fireplace is lined in charcoal tile by Winckelmans; the bench cushion is upholstered in Gillespie Onyx from Warwick Fabrics.

When closed, the miniature workspace vanishes into the detailed white oak millwork by KWI Cabinetry.

"I wanted to preserve the canopy, the sales space, the garage door, everything," Judin tells FvF. "It wasn’t until later that I realized there was also still space for a garden."

The fireplace is the focal piece of the living area, anchored by glazed openings on either side.

Entertainment area

Architect George Bradley and his husband, Eddie Baba, renovated a 1941 house in San Francisco. Tiles from Heath Ceramics surround the Ortal Clear 130LS fireplace. The white ceramic logs are by Klein Reid (but of course can be replaced with real firewood!), and the firewood storage continues the same dark horizontal band that contrasts with the light-colored fireplace cladding.

A rocking chair that once belonged to Deb’s grandmother sits next to the plaster fireplace in the living room; concrete floors were poured on-site.

Judin was fascinated by the abandoned gas station ever since he first discovered it in 1992. At the time, it had been unused for seven years. He finally purchased it in 2005 and transformed it into a one-of-a-kind residence.

Arguably a symbol of American modernism, these eight high-design gas stations will make you reconsider your next pit stop. Via Architizer

Interior designer Laura Britt followed WELL Building Standards to source the home’s non-toxic furnishings and finishes, which include living room chairs and a sofa from Thayer Coggin that use flame retardant– and formaldehyde-free cushions.

The hearth is custom made with locally poured concrete. The white oak timber beam that caps the inset hearth echoes the beam detail in the entry.

Gas Station Architect unknown; built in 1965 at Daugavpils 74 in Ogre. Photo by Zigmārs Jauja, NRJA