Rooms Archives

Six interior designers style rooms at L’Appartamento in Milan

Six interior design studios, including Kingston Lafferty Design and T.ZED Architects, have overhauled a room at the 1930s L’Appartamento for commerce platform Artemest at Milan design week.

The designers each used furniture, lighting and art from the brands, designers and artists represented on the Artemest platform to showcase their own style in a room at the apartment in Milan’s 5Vie district for the L’Appartamento exhibition.

“We wanted to bring this stunning apartment back to life and show how different interior design studios, each with its own style and design approach, can work with Artemest to create inspiring and surprising interiors that celebrate authentic Italian beauty,” said Artemest founder Ippolita Rostagno.

Entryway at Artemest’s L'Appartamento in Milan by Dubai-based studio T.ZED Architects — T.ZED Architects designed the entrance space at Artemest’s L’Appartamento

In the entryway, Dubai-based studio T.ZED Architects aimed “to set the tone for what is yet to come” by preserving the character of the room and adding selected pieces.

The studio choose a mix of furniture in off-white, cream and brown, including copper and leather finishes that plays off the green tones of the richly patterned, period wallpaper.

Mirrors – including a Sybilla mirror with console by Ettore Sottsass for Glas Italia, and an Itaca floor mirror by Atlasproject – were placed to illuminate and enlarge the space, while amplifying the period details.

Living room at Artemest's L'Appartamento in Milan by Kingston Lafferty Design — Kingston Lafferty Design placed a golden block in the living room

In the adjoining room, Dublin-based studio Kingston Lafferty Design aimed to “challenge visitors’ sense of what a living room should be” by placing a sculptural monolithic block seems to glow with a soft golden sheen in the centre of the space.

The block splits the room into two distinct spaces and contains a mirrored space described by the studio as “a gallery of lights”.

Golden block in living room — The golden block divides the space into two

On one side of the block is an informal living room that evokes a sense of playfulness through the use of oversized furniture in bright colours, including the Osaka Blue Sofa by Pierre Paulin for La Cividina.

The other side has a rich palette of jewel-tones to creates a more decadent atmosphere.

Terrace at Milanese villa — Moniomi aimed to create a room on the terrace

Leading from the living room a large terrace was reworked by Miami-based studio Moniomi, which aimed to create an outside room that felt like an interior space.

The studio used a combination of large-scale upholstered pieces, gridline patterns and graphic blacks and whites, softened by lush greens to reference the outdoor location.

The design language here features saturated colours and layered patterns – including the Nuovola 01 dining table by Mario Cucinella for Officine Tamborrino, which represent the studio’s Hispanic roots.

Dining space in Milanese apartment — Nina Magon designed the apartment’s dining space

Another US-based designer, Nina Magon, created the L’Appartamento dining room, playing with monochromatic hues to enhance the authenticity of the original finishes here.

Sculptural furniture, such as the Trompe-l’oeil Trois dining table by DelMondo Studio, topped with a cluster of Flow[t] pendant lamps by Nao Tamura for WonderGlass was added to the space.

Bedroom designed by Styled Habitat — The bedroom was designed by Styled Habitat

In the bedroom, Dubai-based studio, Styled Habitat, delved into the history of the 1930s to translate the romance of that era into the modern day and evoke a sense of timeless glamour.

To capture the experimental and avant-garde trends of European modernism, Styled Habitat juxtaposed new and old, with a Czech Chair by Hermann Czech for Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, alongside pieces like the Calle Pinzi Murano Glass Chandelier by Luci Italia.

Finally, for L’Appartamento’s hallway and the studio, Paris-based interior designer Anne-Sophie Pailleret was informed by her first reaction to seeing the apartment.

The long, narrow hall, has been covered with the textural Tra 1100 Wallpaper hand-crafted by La Scala Milano Wallcovering, contrasting with geometric Alfabeto Tiles by Margherita Rui for Ninefifty, on the floor.

Corridor by Anne-Sophie Pailleret — Anne-Sophie Pailleret styled the corridor

The walls are further decorated with Ninfea wall lamps by Giovanni Botticelli in collaboration with Paola Paronetto, functioning as a gallery-style grouping of lights.

For the studio room, Pailleret created a mix of warm colours and graphic patterns, with comfortable and curvaceous furniture.

The photography is courtesy of Artemest.

L’Appartamento takes place from 17 to 23 April 2023 at Via Cesare Correnti 14, 20123 Milan, Italy. See our Milan design week 2023 guide on Dezeen Events Guide for information about the many other exhibitions, installations and talks taking place throughout the week.

Reference

Interior Design

Ten living rooms that use warm neutrals to create a cosy ambience

By Zarkon Group,06/11/2022

As the days get darker in the northern hemisphere, our latest lookbook spotlights 10 living rooms rendered in warm yet discrete colour palettes, proving that neutrals don’t have to feel clinical.

Mixing tactile natural materials with toasty shades of chocolate brown, creamy beige and blush pink can help to create a sense of homeliness in a room without being overbearing.

From a São Paulo apartment filled with Brazilian modernist design to a converted biscuit factory in Los Angeles, here are 10 American homes that show how it’s done.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring bathrooms with statement sinks, homes with Eames chairs and contemporary living rooms in Victorian and Georgian houses.

Formal lounge in Twentieth house by Woods and Dangaran — Photo is by Joe Fletcher

Twentieth, USA, by Woods +Dangaran

This Santa Monica home features two separate living areas – a family room (top image) and a formal living room (above) – which flank a central courtyard housing a decades-old olive tree.

Despite being framed by glazing, the rooms maintain a homely atmosphere with the help of an earthy material palette ranging from the travertine fireplace to a rose-gold cashmere rug and club chairs finished in tactile chocolate-brown corduroy.

Find out more about Twentieth ›

A living room inside Amity Street Residence with warm neutral colour palette — Photo is by Sean Davidson

Amity Street Residence, USA, by Selma Akkari and Rawan Muqaddas

Architectural designers Selma Akkari and Rawan Muqaddas used warm oak floors and cream-hued walls, contrasted against dark stone and stained-wood bookshelves, to enliven this “neglected” apartment in a 20th-century building in Brooklyn.

“A dialogue of opposites was the main theme behind the creation; minimal but warm, understated yet rich,” Muqaddas told Dezeen.

Find out more about Amity Street Residence ›

Hygge Studio by Melina Romano — Photo is by Denilson Machado of MCA Estúdio

Hygge Studio, Brazil, by Melina Romano

A black fireplace is suspended from the ceiling in this living room to contrast with the otherwise soft colour scheme of the interior, reflected in everything from the cream sofa and woven rug to the cobogó block screen that acts as a room divider.

Walls and floor throughout the São Paulo apartment are covered in terracotta tiles, chosen by local designer Melina Romano to strike a balance between “modern and bucolic”.

Find out more about Hygge Studio ›

Living room with full storage wall with warm neutral colour palette — Photo is by Nicole Franzen

East Village Apartment, USA, by GRT Architects

New York-based GRT Architects used warm tones and materials to modernise this renovated East Village apartment – set in a Beaux-Arts building on Second Avenue – while “preserving its turn-of-the-century disposition”.

In the lounge, this was achieved by adding a storage wall backed with sienna-coloured panels and complementing it with a geometric, art deco-style rug rendered in muted shades of sage green and dusty rose.

Find out more about this East Village Apartment ›

Kelly Wearstler's interiors for Santa Monica Proper Hotel — Photo is by The Ingalls and Matthieu Salvaing

Santa Monica Proper, USA, by Kelly Wearstler

Although not technically a living room, the lounge of the Santa Monica Proper hotel features all the trappings of a cosy den – timber bookshelves, creamy-white Soriana lounge chairs and a Coulmier limestone coffee table with three orbs for legs.

Interior designer Kelly Wearstler used natural materials and neutral colours throughout the hotel to reference its seaside setting.

“Organic materials, neutral colour stories, everything has a texture,” Wearstler told Dezeen. “There’s a patina, there’s a hand, there’s something that feels very warm.”

Find out more about Santa Monica Proper ›

Olivier Garcé apartment with warm neutral colour palette — Photo is by Sean Davidson

West Village apartment, USA, by Olivier Garcé

American interior designer Olivier Garcé found a creative outlet during last year’s coronavirus lockdown by working remotely with friends and colleagues to transform his West Village home into a show space for contemporary art and design.

His lounge now houses a vintage Axel Einar Hjorth rocking chair, paired with a lava-stone coffee table and side chair upholstered in alpaca wool by New York designer Ian Felton, complementing the terracotta-coloured tiling on the building’s original fireplace surround.

Find out more about this West Village apartment ›

Living room of 20 Bond apartment by Home Studios — Photo is by Brian Ferry

20 Bond apartment, USA, by Home Studios

Curves feature liberally throughout this family apartment in New York’s NoHo neighbourhood, from its copper-edged skirting to the rounded oak-and-brass shelving unit in the living room, which was made bespoke by interior practice Home Studios.

The muted tones of the timber are complemented by a set of antique Danish armchairs with woven leather seats and a blush-coloured version of designer Sabine Marcelis’s Candy Cube side tables.

Find out more about 20 Bond apartment ›

Gale Apartment living room with warm neutral colour palette — Photo is by Fran Parente

Gale Apartment, Brazil, by Memola Estudio

Furnishings are coloured in grounding, earthy hues inside this lounge flanked by two double-height statement walls – one housing the owners’ art collection and the other clad in a broken-edge stone mosaic.

“Furniture has been reupholstered to match the new colour palette, inspired by the autumn and the sunset colours found in the horizon,” said design practice Memola Estudio, which was responsible for renovating the São Paulo apartment.

Find out more about Gale Apartment ›

Biscuit Loft, USA, by OWIU Studio

Japanese design informed this apartment in a converted 1920s biscuit factory in Downtown Los Angeles, with a guest room modelled on a traditional Ryokan inn that also functions as a space for hosting gatherings and tea ceremonies.

Local practice OWIU Studio added Noguchi pendant lights to bathe the room in a warm glow, while a convertible platform made from pale wood conceals extra storage and functions as a base for a futon when guests are staying over.

Find out more about Biscuit Loft ›

Sao Paolo apartment by BC Arquitetos with warm neutral colour palette — Photo is by Denilson Machado

DN Apartment, Brazil, by BC Arquitetos

Walnut wood panelling and soft furnishings upholstered in caramel-coloured leather help to temper the chunky concrete columns of this apartment, housed in a 1970s building in São Paulo’s traditional Jardins neighbourhood.

Local practice BC Arquitetos describes the home as a “gallery apartment” as it houses an extensive collection of mid-20th century Brazilian art and design, ranging from the net-backed Janguada armchair by Jean Gillon to Jader Almeida’s Verde Corvo sofa, which is finished in a faded olive green.

Find out more about DN Apartment ›

Reference

Interior Design

Ten colourful living rooms that make a statement with bold hues

By Zarkon Group,25/09/2022

Flamingo pink walls in a Greek seaside apartment and a living space in Italy defined by primary colours feature in our latest lookbook, which collects colourful living rooms that are designed to stand out.

From the pastel colour palette used in a Tokyo dwelling to the clash of reds and greens seen in an Athens apartment, these 10 living rooms from across the world are defined by their colourful interiors.

While using strong colours in a living room can seem like an intimidating prospect, these examples show how even just a few splashes of colour can create a warmer atmosphere and work as a contrast against traditional white walls.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks showcasing brutalist interiors, terrazzo eateries and residential atriums.

Interiors of Polychrome House, designed by Amber Road — Photo is by Prue Ruscoe

Polychrome House, Australia, by Amber Road and Lymesmith

Pops of colour feature in every room of Polychrome House, a 1960s property in Sydney that was renovated by architecture studio Amber Road and colour consultants Lymesmith.

“Bright primary colours, which were layered throughout the interior, became the heartbeat of the joyful experience we were all committed to creating,” Amber Road co-director Yasmine Ghoniem told Dezeen.

Find out more about Polychrome House ›

Waterfront Nikis Apartment by Stamatios Giannikis — Photo is by Kim Powell

Waterfront Nikis Apartment, Greece, by Stamatios Giannikis

Flamingo pink walls and accents take centre stage in the living room of Waterfront Nikis Apartment, a Greek seaside dwelling set within a 1937 listed art deco building.

Architect Stamatios Giannikis paired a neon-pink hammock with a soft fluffy rug and rosy plant pots in the living room that overlooks the sea.

Find out more about Waterfront Nikis Apartment ›

Nagatachō Apartment by Adam Nathaniel Furman — Photo is by Jan Vranovsky

Nagatachō Apartment, Japan, by Adam Nathaniel Furman

Designer Adam Nathaniel Furman used a sugar-sweet colour palette to liven up a Tokyo apartment he renovated for a retired expat couple.

Located opposite the open-plan kitchen, the combined living space and dining area features a plush lilac carpet that was chosen to contrast a bold green and blue chair and footrest, which Furman said “has the feel of sponge cake and looks like icing”.

Find out more about Nagatachō Apartment ›

Levine by Hendricks Churchill — Photo is by Tim Lenz

Connecticut house, USA, by Hendricks Churchill

American firm Hendricks Churchill sought to combine the aesthetic of a traditional farmhouse with more contemporary details at this Connecticut house.

Dusty blue cabinetry meets reddy orange furniture in the home’s living room while a textured blue rug was placed on neutral wooden floorboards.

Find out more about this Connecticut house ›

Trevi House apartment in Rome designed by Studio Venturoni — Photo is by Michele Bonechi

Trevi House, Italy, by Studio Venturoni

Thick bands of terracotta and sand-coloured paint wrap around the walls of Trevi House, a one-bedroom apartment in Rome that is defined by warm, earthy hues.

The living room includes a contrasting rectilinear blue and cream rug, which is positioned underneath a statement oversized sculpture, reminiscent of traditional marble statues.

Find out more about Trevi House ›

The Karine Vilas Boas Apartment, Brazil, by Studio Julliana Camargo

A large rug with a bright geometric pattern by Portuguese brand Punto e Filo features in the living space of this large apartment in downtown São Paulo.

Studio Julliana Camargo placed a crescent-shaped pink sofa and vivid green armchairs around the rug, emphasising its bold, technicolour appearance.

Find out more about the Karine Vilas Boas Apartment ›

Trikoupi apartment by Point Supreme — Photo is by Yannis Drakoulidis

Trikoui apartment, Greece, by Point Supreme Architects

Local firm Point Supreme Architects designed this vibrant Athens apartment to include a single open-plan space combining the living, dining and kitchen areas.

To make up for the absence of partition walls, the apartment includes colourful built-in custom furniture to help delineate spaces, including a stained-green plywood storage wall and a table with a bright red top.

Find out more about this Trikoui apartment ›

House for Booklovers and Cats by BFDO Architects — Photo is by Francis Dzikowski

House for Booklovers and Cats, USA, by BFDO Architects

American studio BFDO Architects added splashes of pink, orange and blue to the living room of House for Booklovers and Cats, a Brooklyn home designed to include various nooks for a pair of shy cats to retreat to.

A higgledypiggledy bookshelf featuring brightly painted alcoves was built into one of the room’s walls, which was designed to house the owners’ extensive reading collection.

Find out more about House for Booklovers and Cats ›

Retroscena apartment renovation by La Macchina Studio — Photo is by Paolo Fusco

Retroscena, Italy, by La Macchina Studio

Retroscena is a distinctive 1950s apartment renovation in Rome, completed by Italian architecture office La Macchina Studio to reveal the home’s original terrazzo floors.

Primary colours were celebrated in the interior design, where the living room can be screened off by a yellow curtain and is decorated with a circular red wall hanging and a squidgy blue sofa.

Find out more about Retroscena ›

Husos Arquitectos Madrid apartment — Photo is by José Hevia

Madrid apartment, Spain, by Husos Arquitectos

Playful lime green deck chairs and bold yellow and orange accents feature in the large living room of this Madrid apartment by Spanish studio Husos Arquitectos.

While its plywood-board cabinetry and pinewood floors mean that natural hues dominate in the room, the studio painted some of the shelves in vibrant colours to brighten up the wood.

Find out more about this Madrid apartment ›

This is the latest in our series of lookbooks providing curated visual inspiration from Dezeen’s image archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks showcasing green bedrooms, gardens with swimming pools and homes with glass extensions.

Reference

Interior Design

Ten peaceful Scandi living rooms that feature minimalist design

By Zarkon Group,03/07/2021

For this week’s lookbook, we have picked ten Scandi-style living rooms from the Dezeen archive that play with textures and showcase natural materials, elegant accessories and muted colours.

Scandi style is a term used to describe designs from the three Scandinavian countries – Sweden, Denmark and Norway – but has also become a catchphrase that denotes minimalist interior design that uses plenty of natural materials, especially wood.

Wooden floors are traditional in Scandinavian homes, where they are often matched with wood details such as panelling and classic mid-century modern furniture.

Scandi living rooms often feature white or pale walls, which are common in the Nordic countries where the long, dark winter months mean people tend to choose light colours for their interiors.

Many of the ten interiors below also play with textures, adding fluffy throws to simple sofas, tactile rugs to wooden floors and rattan and leather seating.

This is the latest roundup in our Dezeen Lookbooks series providing visual inspiration for the home. Previous roundups include L-shaped kitchens, interiors that use internal glazing and inviting courtyards.

Gjøvik House, Norway, by Norm Architects

Located an hour outside of Oslo, Gjøvik House comprises six interconnected blocks with interiors featuring mottled grey walls, earthen textiles and warm wooden panelling.

Pale grey hues were used for the living room, which has a soft Bollo chair designed by Andreas Engesvik for Foglia and a modular sofa in a neutral grey tone.

According to the architect, the spaces were designed to have a “cosy and inviting feel, where you can truly hibernate while taking shelter from the frigid days of Nordic winter.”

Find out more about Gjøvik House ›

TypeO Loft, Sweden, by TypeO

The living room area of creative studio TypeO’s guest loft in southern Sweden features floor-to-ceiling glazing that opens up onto a large balcony.

A coffee table by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra matches the wooden floor and beams and is complemented by Ligne Roset’s Togo armchairs in black leather. Sculptural decorative details add an art gallery-like feel to the bright living space.

Find out more about TypeO Loft ›

20 Bond Apartment, US, by Home Studios

Design firm Home Studios filled the 20 Bond Apartment in New York with bespoke furniture and vintage finds, including a leather Safari chair by Danish designer Kai Winding.

An entire wall is taken up by a bespoke shelving unit that the studio made from oak wood and brass, adding another Scandinavian-style feature to the room. A rattan table and a pink resin side table by Sabine Marcelis add a tactile touch.

Find out more about 20 Bond Apartment ›

The Sculptor's Residence installation by Norm Architects at Stockholm Design Week

Sculptor’s Residence, Sweden, by Norm Architects, Menu and Dux

Norm Architects, Menu and Dux collaborated on this installation that was designed to resemble the “eclectic living quarters of a creative.” Muted brown and beige hues lend the interiors an earthy, organic feel, which is contrasted by the elegance of the black marble table and black sculptures.

Menu’s Hashira floor lamp adds a subtle nod to Japanese interiors, and its sleek surface offsets the knobbly texture of the brand’s Eave Dining Sofa Bench.

Find out more about Sculptor’s Residence ›

Villa Weinberg by Weinberg Architects and Friis and Moltke

Villa Weinberg, Denmark, by Mette and Martin Weinberg

Wienberg Architects collaborated with fellow Danish architects Friis & Moltke to overhaul the 1940s Villa Weinberg. The result is a warm, inviting home lined with oil-treated oak walls.

The wood-clad living room also has a simple wooden coffee table and poufs for lounging on, as well as a built-in leather-clad bench. A rice lamp and sheepskin throw add texture to the wooden interior.

Find out more about Villa Weinberg ›

Summerhouse Solviken by Johan Sundberg Arkitektur

Solviken, Sweden, by Johan Sundberg

Scandi living rooms tend to have very neutral colours, but in this space in a Swedish holiday home, two comfy sofas in a calming seafoam green create a bright focal point in the room. The hue is picked up by a painting at the end of the large, open-plan kitchen and living room.

Small unpainted wooden coffee tables match the floor and the wooden storage cabinets alongside one wall.

Find out more about Solviken ›

London townhouse, UK, by Daytrip

Design studio Daytrip’s renovation and expansion of an east London townhouse includes a living room with white walls, a wooden floor and furniture in muted colours.

A textured “Banana” sofa designed by Danish Cabinetmaker, contrasts with the glass Trebol side table by Oscar Tusquets Blanca.

Numerous ceramics and sculptures surround the open fireplace and add life and interest to the sleek white interior.

Find out more about London townhouse ›

Lyceum apartments by Andreas Martin-Löf Arkitekter

Lyceum Apartments, Sweden, by Andreas Martin-Löf Arkitekter

The Lyceum Apartments in Stockholm are located in the Old Technical College’s Pharmaceutical Institute and feature light-filled rooms with clean designs and historical details.

In the living room, a curved white sofa contrasts against the angular shapes of Pierre Jeanneret’s wood and cane Easy Chairs, Soft beige curtains match the neutral hues of the rest of the room.

Find out more about Lyceum Apartments ›

Sommarhus T, Sweden, by Johan Sundberg

This summer house by Johan Sundberg features a green sofa and a matching armchair. Both are from Danish brand &tradition and match the verdant greenery outside the large glass windows.

A practical wooden table holds globe-shaped glass vases matching the slightly uneven glass lamps in the ceiling. The entire room is clad in pale wood, including the spruce floors, creating a calm, peaceful interior. The fixed furniture in the home was made from oak.

Find out more about Sommarhus T ›

Birkedal, Denmark, by Jan Henrik Jansen

A circular holiday home on the island of Møn in Denmark features a playful living room with white-panelled walls and a floor covered in small white pebbles collected from the beach.

A built-in curved sofa has brown leather seats that have been made cosier with added throws and pillows, and a small circular side table provides space for books, magazines and snacks.

Find out more about Birkedal ›

This is the latest in our series of lookbooks providing curated visual inspiration from Dezeen’s image archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks showcasing colourful interiors, calm living rooms and colourful kitchens.

Reference

Interior Design

Eight comfortable living rooms with inviting interiors

By Zarkon Group,24/06/2021

With winter approaching in the northern hemisphere, wes selected eight snug living rooms with cosy features including fireplaces and wood-lined walls as our latest Dezeen Lookbook.

This is the latest roundup in a series providing visual inspiration for the home. Previous articles in the series showcased colourful kitchens, bedrooms with statement walls and domestic bathrooms designed by architects.

Villa Weinberg, Denmark, by Mette and Martin Weinberg

The inviting living room inside this 1940s cottage in Aarhus is almost entirely lined with oiled oak boards.

Although it is devoid of sofas, the seating bench that runs around the room’s periphery has been topped with comforting tan-leather cushions and woolly throws. There are also a couple of beanbags for inhabitants to relax on.

Find out more about Villa Weinberg ›

Ocean House, Australia, by Rob Mills

Concrete isn’t typically associated with cosiness – but architect Rob Mills has applied it throughout the living room of this house on Australia’s Great Ocean Road, adding homely details like a plump sofa, a shaggy rug and a fireplace.

“I don’t see the design as being stark,” Mills said. “The interior is organic and tactile, and incorporates neutral fabrics.”

Find out more about Ocean House ›

Carriage House, USA, by Workstead

Exposed-brick walls smattered with remnants of paint and plaster lend a cosy, lived-in quality to this lounge, which sits inside a Charleston home that dates back to the 1800s.

Cane cabinetry, red-leather armchairs and an olive-green sofa provide extra touches of warmth.

Find out more about Carriage House ›

Plywood-lined living room with wood-burning stove

Avalanche House, New Zealand, by Intuitive Architects

Pitched ceilings and plywood-lined walls make this holiday home in Wanaka feel much more like an intimate cabin.

Intuitive Architects have finished its lounge with more cosy decor elements like fluffy cushions, a wood burner and even a trio of tree branches, which have been stood in the room’s corner.

Find out more about Avalanche House ›

North Bank, UK, by Elliott Architects

Walls washed with pale-brown plaster give a rustic warmth to this living area, despite its lofty proportions and large windows which look out to the countryside of Northumberland.

Tucked in the corner of the space is a daybed dressed with a patchwork blanket, fur throws and plush cushions, forming a perfect spot for inhabitants to snuggle up.

Find out more about North Bank ›

Central Park Road Residence, Australia, by Studio Four

Studio Four orientated the design scheme of this Melbourne home around the concept of hygge – a Danish term used to describe feelings of cosiness, comfort and general contentment.

Its living area rather aptly features a warm mix of blackened timber surfaces, copper light fixtures and tan-leather armchairs. The focal point of the room is a huge fireplace topped with a five-metre-high steel flue, where inhabitants can gather on chilly winter evenings.

Find out more about Central Park Road Residence ›

Cottage in Hai Zhen by Sun Min and Christian Taeubert

Cottage in Hai Zhen, China, by Sun Min and Christian Taeubert

The creative pair behind the renovation of this cottage on the rural outskirts of Beijing opted to retain the property’s rustic features, while introducing slick contemporary elements.

In the lounge, cracked plaster walls, worn ceiling beams and an old wood burner have contrastingly been paired with wire-frame chairs and steel cabinetry, forming a cosy yet balanced space.

Find out more about the cottage ›

Seaside Abode, Denmark, by Norm Architects

Weathered beams of dark-stained timber clad the central gabled wall of this living room. Just in front are a couple of marble side tables, a thick fringed rug and taupe-coloured sofas.

These earthy, tactile details are meant to foster a sense of warmth within the space, but also reflect the rugged coastal landscape of Denmark’s North Zealand region, which can be seen through the home’s expansive windows.

Find out more about Seaside Abode ›

Reference

CategoriesInterior Design

Ten dining rooms in American homes that are a feast for the eyes

By Zarkon Group,24/06/2021

With glimpses of the seaside to views of the Rocky Mountains, our latest Dezeen Lookbook rounds up 10 dining rooms in American houses that would be spectacular settings for a Thanksgiving dinner.

This is the latest roundup in a series providing visual inspiration for the home. Previous articles in the series showcased cosy living rooms, domestic bathrooms designed by architects and colourful kitchens.

Dining room in Bayhouse by Studio Rick Joy

Bayhouse, New England by Studio Rick Joy

A dramatic wood-covered ceiling covers the dining room in New England residence Bayhouse designed by Tucson-based Studio Rick Joy.

When seated at the long table – which forms part of a wood palette throughout the house – diners enjoy views out to the sea.

Find out more about Bayhouse ›

Dining room in Dawnridge House by Field Architecture

Dawnridge House, California by Field Architecture

The dining room of this house, in a suburb of Silicon Valley, is designed so that it is always open to the outdoors and frames a large oak tree.

Food can be served up from a built-in barbecue or from the kitchen, which adjoins the space via sliding glass doors.

Find out more about Dawnridge House ›

Dining room in Wasatch House by Olson Kundig

Hale Lana, Hawaii by Olson Kundig

An expansive roof provides shade to a wooden deck furnished with a dining area in this residence Seattle firm Olson Kundig has completed on an old lava field in Hawaii.

Suited to a large gathering, the wood table and benches mirror the form of the surrounding wood architecture.

Find out more about Hale Lana ›

Dining room in Hudson Woods home by Magdalena Keck

Hudson Woods Home, New York by Magdalena Keck

A more intimate gathering would suit this foldable Finn Juhl dining table – one of a number of Danish mid-century designs furnishing the holiday home in a Catskill Mountains development.

The table is placed to make the most of a square window framing a view of the outdoors.

Find out more about Hudson Woods home ›

Dining room in Ledge House by Desai Chia

Ledge House, Connecticut by Desai Chia

Placed between the kitchen counter and a concrete fireplace with a wood-burning stove, the dining table forms the heart of this home in Connecticut.

The pale wood table extends to large rectangular windows that span the length of the house providing views of the hilly landscape.

Find out more about Ledge House ›

Dining room in Little Peek by Bernman Horn Studio

Little Peek, Maine by Bernman Horn Studio

Weathered metal chairs and a weathered wood table form a simple, stripped-back setting for diners in Little Peek House.

The area is an enclosed patio that is sandwiched between two cedar volumes to form the holiday home that the founders of Berman Horn Studio built themselves on an island in Maine.

Find out more about Little Peek ›

Dining room in Shaw Mesa by Michael Doty Architects

Shaw Mesa, Idaho by Michael Doty Architects

The Rocky Mountains in Idaho are visible through sliding glass doors from the dining table in this Shaw Mesa residence by Michael Doty Architects.

Metal slices through the wood table top referencing the materiality of the house, which includes charred-black timber walls and a corrugated metal roof.

Find out more about Shaw Mesa ›

Dining room in Sheffield House by Vincent Appel

Sheffield House, Masschusetts by Vincent Appel

The dining room in Sheffield House is furnished with warm, red-hued wooden chairs with woven seats and a glossy black table.

With these bold hues, which provides a contrast to the house’s bleached cedar exterior, the dining area provides an anchor in the open-plan living space.

Find out more about Sheffield House ›

Dining room in Valley Street house by Síol Studios and Levy Art and Architecture

Valley Street House, California by Síol Studios and Levy Art and Architecture

Black gridded windows and doors wrap a corner of the dining room in this residence in San Francisco.

They open onto a terrace with glass railings, ideal for hanging out before or after a feast.

Find out more about Valley Street house ›

Wasatch House, Utah by Olson Kundig

Set in Salt Lake City, Utah, Wasatch House by Olson Kundig is furnished with a circular table for four diners.

Hues of green, orange ad brown pick up the tones of woodland visible through the window.

Find out more about Wasatch House ›

Reference

CategoriesInterior Design

10 contemporary living rooms with calm interiors

By Zarkon Group,24/06/2021

In our latest Dezeen Lookbook, we’ve rounded up 10 living rooms with calm, relaxing interiors, including rooms with soothing colours and natural materials that create a peaceful environment.

This is the latest roundup in a series providing visual inspiration for the home. Previous articles in the series showcased peaceful bedrooms, dining rooms in American homes, and kitchens and domestic bathrooms designed by architects.

Budge Over Dover house, Australia, by YSG

Interior design studio YSG opened up the kitchen and living room into one large, open-plan space that connects to the garden to create a “fluid” sense of space in the Budge Over Dover House in Sydney.

The studio used warm, deep colours to create a sense of calm, including dark wood detailing and aubergine hues. Marble surfaces add a luxury touch and look intriguing next to the simple brick floor.

Find out more about Budge Over Dover house ›

Living room in Esperinos guesthouse in Greece

Esperinos Guesthouse, Greece, by Michael Stamos

Greek designer Michael Stamos used a moss-green colour for the living room walls in the Esperinos guesthouse in Greece. The colour gives the room a relaxing feel and picks up the green from the plants that are dotted around the space.

A nearby staircase has been painted black as a contrast, creating a moody atmosphere that’s contrasted by the colourful cushions on the large sofa.

Find out more about Esperinos Guesthouse ›

Whidbey Island Farm, USA, by MW Works

MW Works wisely designed Whidbey Island Farm to make the most of the surrounding nature, with large windows and a pared-back interior design that lets the view speak for itself.

Simple wooden furniture sits both inside the living room and on the connected terrace, while woven blankets and a furry throw adding a cosy touch. The open fire means the owners can enjoy the view of the surrounding forest in comfort even in the depths of winter.

Find out more about Whidbey Island Farm ›

VS House, India, by Sãrãnsh

Architecture studio Sārānsh used local Kota tiles in the living room of the VS House in Ahmedabad to create a sense of tactility. The interior was kept minimalist, but the studio created interest by combining a range of different natural materials.

The discrete grey hues of the plush furniture cushions work well against the rattan armrests and wooden furniture bases, while a decorative wall in dark wood adds a refined touch.

Find out more about VS House ›

Living room in Nithurst farm by Adam Richards Architecture

Nithurst Farm, UK, by Adam Richards

Nithurst Farm might have been inspired by both Roman architecture and Soviet-era science fiction, but its living room has a more traditional look.

Architect Adam Richards, who designed Nithurst Farm as his own home, took advantage of the high, concrete ceilings as a calm background onto which he’s projected bright splashes of colour in the form of paintings and curtains. A baroque-style chair and a fabric-clad footstool help soften the space.

Find out more about Nithurst Farm ›

Williamsburg schoolhouse, US, by White Arrow

The living room of this schoolhouse in Brooklyn, which studio White Arrow’s founders designed for their own home, has plenty of patterned textiles, but their creamy pastel hues means the space still doesn’t feel busy.

A large palm tree is a fun detail and picks up the dark wood of a small sideboard and a floating TV-bench. Clean, white walls and a selection of modernist white lamps, as well as glass sofa table, create a restful atmosphere.

Find out more about Williamsburg schoolhouse ›

Living room in Bismarck House by Andrew Burges Architects

Bismarck House, Australia, by Andrew Burges Architects

With its floor-to-ceiling glass walls that open out onto a garden in Bondi, Sydney, the living room of Bismarck House has the feel of a terrace. Andrew Burges Architects kept the details simple, adding galvanised steel columns and a concrete floor to “reinforce a robust outdoor character.”

Furniture is in the same laid-back style with wooden chairs and a daybed creating comfortable resting spots. A terracotta-coloured wall lends the space more privacy and adds to the comfortable holiday-vibe of this inviting living room.

Find out more about Bismarck House ›

Riverside Apartment, US, by Format Architecture Office

The living room of Riverside Apartment, set within a 1920s building on New York’s Upper West Side, owes much of its quiet charm to the beautiful wooden floorboards. The theme was taken up in both furniture in various types of wood and a woodclad doorway.

Crisp white walls are decorated with graphic art that perfectly matches the mid-century modern furniture to create a soothing environment.

Find out more about Riverside Apartment ›

Casa Meco, Portugal, by Atelier Rua

The enormous sitting room in Casa Meco, a holiday home south of Lisbon, Portugal, has three different vistas surrounding it and plenty of space for socialising and relaxing.

Earthy colours were used for the interiors, which work well with the exposed-concrete ceiling and floor and make for a laid-back space. Glazed panels can be slid open for easy outdoor access.

Find out more about Casa Meco ›

View from Residence for Two Collectors by Wheeler Kearns Architects

Residence for Two Collectors, US, by Wheeler Kearns Architects

The living room of this Chicago penthouse is filled with art, collected by its owners, and features a striking view of the city skyline.

In front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, a sofa group in pale colours is combined with a matching rug in calm grey and white hues, while a seagreen glass coffee table picks up the light from the windows.

A Georg Nakashima bench from the owners’ collection adds an organic touch to the elegant space.

Find out more about Residence for Two Collectors ›

This roundup is part of our interior inspirations series that aims to provide ideas for people renovating or decorating their homes. For more inspiration read our pieces focused on bathrooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and home offices.

Reference

CategoriesInterior Design

Ten welcoming living rooms where the fireplace takes centre stage

By Zarkon Group,23/06/2021

With spring still a few months away in the northern hemisphere, this is the season to snuggle up in front of an open fire. For our latest lookbook, we’ve rounded up ten cosy living rooms where the fireplace is at the heart of the interior design.

This is the latest roundup in our Dezeen Lookbook series providing visual inspiration for the home. Previous articles in the series showcased living rooms with calm interiors, peaceful bedrooms, Japandi interiors and domestic bathrooms designed by architects.

116 Sorauren and 118 Sorauren, Canada, by Ancerl Studio

The living room of 116 Sorauren Street in Toronto, one of a pair of twin townhouses designed by Ancerl Studio, has been made cosy through the use of natural materials and plenty of textiles.

A black steel fireplace sits on a cast concrete plinth against the back wall. The plinth extends to create a comfortable nook has where the owners or their guests can warm themselves.

Find out more about 116 and 118 Sorauren ›

Pale brick fireplace in modern living room

Three Chimney House, US, by T W Ryan Architecture

This modernist white-brick house in Virginia (above and top image) has three white chimneys that define its external form. Inside, one of them opens up into this starkly elegant, brick-clad fireplace in the living room.

Here, tall white walls and ceilings create a contrast with the more traditional upholstered furniture. Warm colours ranging from pale aubergine purple to a mustard yellow were used on the seating by the fireplace, which is practical during cold winter months as well as being a decorative feature all year round.

Find out more about Three Chimney House ›

Living space with Japanese informed fireplace

Pound Ridge House, US, by Tsao & McKown

Tsao & McKown drew on Japanese architectural principles when designing Pound Ridge House. The influence that can be seen in the pared-back fireplace built onto a square stone hearth that sits between the living room and the dining room.

The design references an irori, a traditional Japanese sunken hearth which is often square in form and set in the middle of a room.

Smoke is extracted by a bronze flue in the form of a truncated pyramid that hangs from the ceiling of the lounge, which is filled with wood detailing and cream-coloured textiles. A generous skylight lets the light in during the daytime.

Find out more about Pound Ridge House ›

Teton House, US, by Olson Kundig

With views like the ones from Teton House (above and top) in the mountainous terrain of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you don’t need art on the walls. Olson Kundig used floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of the vistas. But the view is almost upstaged by a substantial black fireplace in the centre of the glazing.

The simple form of the fireplace is complemented by leather chairs in warm brown hues as well as wood surfaces and woven textiles, creating an inviting, relaxing atmosphere.

Find out more about Teton House ›

California farmhouse with white brick fireplace

House for Grandparents, US, by Dash Marshall

The renovation of this California farmhouse was informed by the state’s Spanish missions, and its geometric forms and spartan material use reference these religious structures. But there is nothing ascetic about the house’s comfortable living room, where a broad brick fireplace sits on one wall.

A colourful painting and rug add vibrancy to the room, while two cylindrical metal coffee tables pick up the warm glow of the fire.

Find out more about House for Grandparents ›

Smith Residence, Canada, by MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple

Inside this holiday home on the Nova Scotia peninsula, a massive fireplace keeps the living room toasty. Made from granite that was sourced from a nearby quarry, the fireplace features one aperture for the fire and one for storing logs.

Its sits underneath the black steel trusses that support the exposed roof. In front of the fire, a soft high-pile rug and two brown leather sofas complete the design of the living room.

Find out more about Smith Residence ›

Wasatch House, US, by Olson Kundig

An enormous bronze flue dominates the library in this Utah home by Olson Kundig, which has the feel of a living room thanks to a wide leather sofa and two cognac-coloured leather chairs. These sit in front of the unusual portrait-shaped fireplace, which is set in the monolithic flue and fronted by double doors.

A colour palette of dark browns and greys create a pleasantly laid-back atmosphere in the capacious room while ceiling-height bookcases flank the fireplace.

Find out more about Wasatch House ›

Concrete and red brick fireplace in Brussels rooftop extension

Lincoln, Belgium, by Notan Office

Modernist architect and designer Alvar Aalto inspired the design for this fireplace, set in a rooftop extension in Brussels by Notan Office.

It wraps around a corner and was built from concrete and ceramic construction blocks in warm orange and pale grey hues. “A fireplace is a kind of artifactual element in a house,” architect Frédéric Karam told Dezeen. “I wanted to express a sense of organic and rough feeling for such a function,”

Find out more about Lincoln ›

Slim fireplace in Little Peek by Berman Horn Studio

Little Peek, US, by Berman Horn Studio

Little Peek is a holiday home in Vinalhaven off the coast of Maine, designed by the Berman Horn Studio founders for themselves.

Designed to be used in all seasons, the house nevertheless has a summer feel thanks to its light interior and many generous windows, as well as an enclosed patio.

But in the open-plan kitchen and living room, a built-in fireplace set in a narrow stonework flue helps keep the room warm during cold New England winters.

Find out more about Little Peek ›

Contemporary freestanding fireplace in Italy

Casa Prè de Sura, Italy, by Casati

A freestanding fireplace in the form of a trapezoidal prism decorates this living room in Italy, set in a gabled house by Austrian architects Casati that has rough limestone interior walls.

The white fireplace functions as a decorative piece as well as a heat source. It has been cleverly designed with a side ledge on which the owners can stack wood. Beige and cream hues were used for the colour palette, matching both the fireplace and the limestone walls.

Find out more about Casa Prè de Sura ›

This is the latest in our series of lookbooks providing curated visual inspiration from Dezeen’s image archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks showcasing peaceful bedrooms, calm living rooms and colourful kitchens.

Reference

CategoriesInterior Design

Ten living rooms with practical and beautiful built-in storage

By Zarkon Group,22/06/2021

For our latest lookbook, we’ve rounded up ten living rooms that have solved the storage dilemma with bespoke shelving that define the room.

This is the latest roundup in our Dezeen Lookbook series providing visual inspiration for the home. Previous articles in the series showcased designer bathrooms, colourful kitchens and living rooms with calm interiors.

Whether they’re used as room dividers, to show off the owners’ book collection or as a hiding place for shy pets, built-in or custom-made shelves create a design statement.

Read on for our round up of the ten best from Dezeen’s archives (plus a bonus eleventh one, above, which features the spectacular floor-to-ceiling bookcases at Olson Kundig’s Wasatch House in Salt Lake City):

Mermaid Beach Residence by B.E. Architecture

Mermaid Beach Residence, Australia, by B.E. Architecture

The living room of Mermaid Beach Residence in Queensland’s Gold Coast region is a study in clever material use, with its concrete surfaces and timber flooring.

The monolithic built-in wooden shelving that fills one wall creates a decorative grid-effect on top of the concrete. It rests on a stone slab above wooden storage units at floor level.

Find out more about Mermaid Beach Residence ›

Artist's studio with large plywood partition

Artist’s studio, Russia, by Ruetemple

Architecture studio Ruetemple looked to “drawing and architecture” when designing this artist’s studio in Moscow, which is dominated by a large plywood partition that incorporates both furniture and shelving.

As well as separating the lounge area from a workspace, the partition works as both storage space and furniture. It has a built-in sofa, shelving, and a set of steps that lead up to a suspended sleeping platform.

Find out more about Artist’s studio ›

Pastel yellow built-in shelves in living room with concrete-style fireplace

Spear Building Loft, US, by Ravi Raj and Evan Watts

This former factory in New York was renovated to create a bright, open living space. In the living room, simple built-in shelves were painted in a creamy pastel-yellow hue that harmonises with the white storage units and the fireplace.

Rather than building the shelves into a separate wall panel, they have been attached to the white wall on one side, which creates an airy feel and helps open up the room.

Find out more about Spear Building Loft ›

Sierra Negra, Mexico, by Hemaa

Two built-in shelves with wooden panelling serve a decorative function in this Mexico City living room, which has matching wooden floorboards and wood-clad walls.

Its minimalist interior and simple colour palette, which blends beige, brown and grey hues, means the books in the shelves stand out as a splash of colour. The shelves also hold speakers and picture frames, helping to keep the rest of the room free from clutter.

Find out more about Sierra Negra ›

Sausalito Outlook by Feldman Architecture

Sausalito Outlook, USA, by Feldman Architecture

In the living room of this hillside home in Sausalito, California, Feldman Architecture added plenty of storage space for the owners’ book collection, while the white panelling in the middle hides the TV from sight.

The walls and kitchen space next to the storage wall have been painted a matching glossy white, complemented by more natural hues such as a beige rug and brown Ligne Roset Togo seating.

Find out more about Sausalito Outlook ›

Built-in wooden panelling in white open-plan living room

Mayfair apartment, UK, by MWAI

In small apartments, built-in shelving can be the perfect space-saving solution. For MWAI’s design of a 37-square-metre home in London’s Mayfair area, it covered one wall of the open-plan kitchen and living area in a pale-wood storage unit that also includes a desk.

Colours were kept neutral to reinforce the studio’s idea to look at the design as that of a hotel room where “all functions are carefully and discreetly planned to provide a functional response.”

Find out more about Mayfair apartment ›

Study lined with wood in Kew Residence by John Wardle Architects in Melbourne, Australia

Kew Residence, Australia, by John Wardle

Architect John Wardle renovated his own Kew Residence home to make its wood-lined first-floor study the focal point of the house. Built-in shelves hold books and bric-a-brac on one side of the room and the architect’s art collection on another.

Neutral wood colours were used for the shelves and the built-in reading nook in the room, where the architect said he spends “just about all his daylight hours.”

Find out more about Kew Residence ›

White shelves with a staircase for cats and colourful furniture

House for Booklovers and Cats, USA, by BFDO Architects

The built-in storage in this colourful home lives up to the project name – it doesn’t just have space for books and art, but also for the owners’ two cats to hide away from visitors.

The custom-made shelf has dozens of cubby holes while projecting shelves form a staircase for the cats to ascend to the ledge at the top, where they can sit and observe the goings-on below.

Find out more about House for Booklovers and Cats ›

Walnut reading nook and white bookshelf in Frank Gehry house

The Hide Out, US, by Dan Brunn Architecture

Dan Brunn Architecture renovated The Hide Out, which was originally designed by Frank Gehry in the 1970s, to pay homage to its initial simple material palette.

In this living room and bedroom overlooking a meditation garden, the lush walnut seating nook is complemented by a built-in white bookshelf that also hides a fold-out bed.

Find out more about The Hide Out ›

Roksanda Ilincic renovation by RA Projects

Fin House, UK, by RA Projects

The blue steel staircase in the middle of the living space in this home designed for fashion designer Roksanda Ilincic was designed to look “like a sculpture in a gallery.”

As well as a staircase, the piece functions as a shelving system with multiple shelves in different sizes. Its back wall is broken up rather than solid, which lets light pass through and stops the colourful piece from feeling too solid.

Find out more about Fin House ›

Reference

CategoriesInterior Design

Watch our lookbook video roundup of living rooms with calm interiors

By Zarkon Group,22/06/2021

This one-minute video takes you on a tour of contemporary living rooms with relaxing interiors, as featured in a recent Dezeen Lookbook.

The video showcases examples of living rooms that have been designed to create a peaceful environment, including rooms with soothing colours and natural materials.

Dezeen Lookbooks is a new section featuring roundups of home interiors and decor trends to help designers and design lovers plan their projects.

Published each Saturday, each lookbook presents images of contemporary interiors selected from Dezeen’s vast archive of over 750,000 images.

Check out the lookbook to find out more about all the projects ›

Reference

Rooms

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10 contemporary living rooms with calm interiors

Ten welcoming living rooms where the fireplace takes centre stage

Ten living rooms with practical and beautiful built-in storage

Watch our lookbook video roundup of living rooms with calm interiors

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