Category: Architecture

Located just a few train stops from the city center of Warsaw, Poland, an unexpected haven lies within the gardens of a family allotment of land. Designed by Karol Pasternak, Piotr Maciaszek, and Mateusz Jaworski of NOKE Architects, the electric House of Color reflects the bold personalities of its owners, Magda Grabowska-Wacławek (aka Bovska) and Grzegorz Wacławek. The multi-talented couple – Magda, a singer, dancer, performer, and visual artist, and Grzegorz, the founder of award-winning animation firm Animoon Studio – sought tranquility away from the city’s chaos without sacrificing its accessibility. Their modern sanctuary seamlessly merges the bustling energy of the center district of Śródmieście with the lush serenity of the Żoliborz neighborhood, offering a respite amidst the metropolis.

Their selection of an allotment garden follows a growing trend in Poland, where these once overlooked spaces have gained popularity as urban dwellers seek solace in nature. “Not far from here, in Berlin, the frenzy for allotments has been going on for a decade. After all, it’s the simplest way to have your own little garden, green space, silence, and also grow your own flowers, vegetables, or fruits. And all of this is close to home, not somewhere at the edges of civilization,” says Karol Pasternak from NOKE Architects.

Despite its idyllic setting, the architects faced challenges inherent to the plot’s trapezoidal shape and regulatory constraints. Permanent structures are not allowed to be built in the gardens and the size must not surpass 35 square meters. Yet, they transformed the limitations into opportunities, creating a modern cabin that works with its surroundings while maximizing space and functionality.

The private locale makes the perfect setting for an enclosed, almost outdoor shower with a glass roof that allows views of the Warsaw skies. Glossy cobalt blue tiles bounce light around the oval shaped room making for a delightful space that’s bound to make any visitor happy.

“We’ve known Magda and Grzegorz for a long time, and we’ve had the opportunity to collaborate before. A few years ago, we designed a very bold, outrageously colorful office for them, Animoon, on Chmielna Street,” recalls Pasternak. “This time again, we were most inspired by their expressive personalities and aesthetically daring attitude.”

The main space boasts a rich raspberry color that finds its way onto the window frames, curtains, kitchen fittings, furnishings, and on the wall parallel to the glass front. The colorful interior juxtaposes the deep stained plywood exterior. While dark, the outside pops with cherry red details, like trim, chimney, and the ivy-covered trellises.

While compact, the cottage houses a bed nook, full bathroom, kitchenette, and workspace. Sliding glass doors open the interior up to the large front porch that spans the width of the cabin, making it appear larger.

While the color choices are bold, the interior is equally balanced with light wood walls, muted gray floors, and soft beige textiles.

From the moment one enters through the distinctive red gate adorned with a portrait Magda drew of their dog, a journey through nature unfolds. From the alley, the cottage is well hidden, but once inside, a winding path of red stones leads deeper into the garden, where the cottage gradually reveals itself amongst the verdant greenery.

NOKE Architects (left and third from left) with homeowners Grzegorz Wacławek (second from left) and Magda Grabowska-Wacławek (right)

Photography by Piotr Maciaszek.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

Imagine living in a home where delicate pastel tones blend seamlessly with smooth, curving lines, enveloping you in a serene and happy atmosphere. This is precisely the experience that Marshmallow, a 2800-square-foot penthouse in Gurugram, India, offers. Designed by Design Doodle Studio, led by husband-and-wife principal architects Vijay and Maha, this project redefines modern luxury and comfort with a bit of magic in hopes of making the owners feel like they’re wrapped in a giant marshmallow.

The studio’s philosophy of creating homes that serve as meaningful sanctuaries is evident in every aspect of Marshmallow. Inspired by the client’s desire for a relaxing yet luxurious environment, the design team wove a narrative that reflects the client’s personality and lifestyle. The result melds soft curves and marshmallow shades, creating a space that feels both inviting and sophisticated.

Warmth and elegance are the cornerstones of this project, with each material and detail carefully selected to evoke a range of emotions. The studio’s commitment to minimalism, smooth curves, textured elements, and arches is showcased throughout the penthouse, highlighting a design ethos that values simplicity and character. From the moment you enter, the ambiance is both familiar and playful, with plush fabrics, seamless surfaces, and subtle textures that invite you to relax and unwind.

The layout of the penthouse was reimagined to enhance the living experience, prioritizing spaciousness and comfort. Originally planned as a four-bedroom apartment, it was redesigned to feature three larger sized bedrooms, creating a more open and lush environment. The entrance lobby, a circular space, sets the tone for the journey through the home, leading you to two distinct zones: a private section on one side and an entertainment space on the other.

The delectable color palette, evoking hues of a fluffy marshmallow dipped in hot chocolate, adds to the sense of tranquility and elegance. Every corner of the home is infused with thoughtful detailing, from the microcement floors to the bespoke Venetian terrazzo inlays.

Fluted details are paired with smooth surfaces, including on the walls, kitchen cabinets and island, and built-in storage components, adding another cohesive design element seen throughout. In the primary bedroom, the bed is elevated on a platform in the corner of the space with a carved out arch opening. A massive pillar, wrapped in varying neutral colors that are reminiscent of sand layered in a glass jar, becomes a focal point and visual divider between the bed area and the rest of the space for a hint of privacy.

For more about Design Doodle Studio or the Marshmallow project, check them out on Instagram. 

Photography by Ekansh Goel.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

Nestled within lush greenery, block-wall house is a unique private residence in Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan designed by nendo, a Tokyo-based design studio led by Oki Sato. The property, characterized by its unusual triangular shape stretching 110 meters along the road, posed a significant design challenge: how to ensure privacy from nearby traffic and pedestrians while fully embracing the natural beauty of the surroundings.

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The innovative solution was the creation of concrete block walls that serve as both screens and aesthetic elements. These walls are composed of blocks meticulously arranged to manipulate the line of sight. By adjusting the angles of each block, the designers created a dynamic visual experience. In sections where a single row of blocks is used, views are directed in a specific orientation. In contrast, where two rows overlap, visibility through the blocks is only possible when the angles align perfectly. Otherwise, the view is obstructed, providing privacy.

Photo: Masahiro Ohgami

A notable aspect of this project is the use of “CO2-SUICOM,” or CO₂-Storage and Utilization for Infrastructure by COncrete Material, blocks which are an eco-friendly material that reduces carbon emissions. This material replaces a portion of the cement with an industrial byproduct and includes a carbon dioxide-absorbing component, resulting in a greener production process. For the block-wall house, approximately 2,050 blocks, each strategically angled, form five walls, each three meters high. These walls are positioned in parallel rows, creating gaps that define the living spaces.

The interior spaces are designed to harmonize with the block walls, ensuring privacy in areas such as the bedroom and bathroom while offering openness in the living and dining areas. The careful calibration of the block angles, adjusted by three degrees to suit each room’s requirements, creates a gradient-like pattern, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The use of CO2-SUICOM is a significant innovation in sustainable construction. This material, jointly developed by Kajima, The Chugoku Electric Power Co., Denka, and Landes Co., reduces CO2 emissions during the manufacturing process by replacing more than half of the cement with an environmentally friendly replacement. Additionally, the concrete hardens by capturing CO2 from the air, resulting in net-zero or even negative CO2 emissions during production.

From the tree-lined street, the block-wall house is set just off the road appearing to be just a series of block walls with only brief glimpses of the structure behind them. The small, linear footprint caused little interruption to the landscape making it feel a part of the forest.

Photo: Masahiro Ohgami

For more on nendo and the rest of their projects, head to nendo.jp.

Photography by Takumi Ota, unless otherwise noted.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

Though it sounds exuberant, Regency Revival design distills precedents set by Georgian architecture with a refinement in detailing and the careful practice of compositional restraint. Sometimes referred to as “Modern Georgian,” it found popularity in the Pacific Northwest from the mid-to-late 1930s before trickling down into California by the early 1950s and was used almost exclusively for residential applications. One such example is this Cordell Drive home situated in the Hollywood Hills. The box-shaped massing, shallow roof encapsulated by parapet walls, and simple, small frieze board adornment are several markers indicative of the era during which it was erected. Recently renovated by Los Angeles-based Studio OSKLO, it pulls focus as a modern classic able to outshine neighboring new-builds that are vapid in comparison to their historical counterparts.

“It was the best of Hollywood Regency design without the later 1950s and 1960s embellishments,” say Arya and Michael Martin, co-founders of Studio OSKLO. “Simple and clean lines, minimalist architectural accents in vertical colonnades and decorative adornment.”

Photo: Sam Frost

The team shepherded this project over the course of two years – careful to preserve the structure’s overall integrity – assuming responsibility for schematic design, construction, interior design, and the manufacturing of their own custom light fixtures and furniture. The now complete, nearly 5,000-square-foot, fully furnished home boasts an interior awash in more natural light with better exterior glazing, updated surfaces, and an open floor plan to accommodate entertaining on a scale as grand as the spaces themselves. Programming includes a large primary suite (with an adjoining dressing room-style walk-in closet, indoor/outdoor shower, and enormous terrace), three en suite guest bedrooms, a secondary guest terrace, powder room, entertainment and media rooms with a central bar, a robust kitchen, formal dining area, cafe nook, and den-like niche.

Photo: Sam Frost

Photo: Douglas Friedman

Warm, neutral earth tones – a mélange of taupe, brown, cream, ivory, and beige – abound setting the stage for a cozy environment while providing a backdrop for colors like terracotta, burgundy, deep green, and even black to have their respective moments. Natural stone with animated marbling, light oak wood, and tactile textiles including velvet, mohair, and boucle, play a supporting role in delivering a rich material performance. What’s more, light fixtures fashioned from fabric and plaster help scene build with enhanced warmth in oft colder elements. The furnishings strike a delicate balance between charm derived from antiques with the exclusivity of bespoke pieces from Studio OSKLO. This curatorial approach is an homage to the property’s storied past and a promise of patronage through the next generation of caretakers.

Photo: Douglas Friedman

The residence still exudes the same star-qualities that defined an iconic cultural period. “It emotes Hollywood glamor and quantifies Beverly Hills visually in a truly sexy and timeless sense,” the Martins add. “You can visualize Carole Lombard in a one-piece swimsuit poolside as readily as Sydney Sweeney in short shorts and a tank top without losing a bit of formality or class.”

Photo: Douglas Friedman

Photo: Douglas Friedman

Photo: Douglas Friedman

Photo: Douglas Friedman

Photo: Douglas Friedman

Photo: Sam Frost

Photo: Douglas Friedman

Photo: Douglas Friedman

Photo: Douglas Friedman

Photo: Sam Frost

Photo: Douglas Friedman

Photo: Sam Frost

Photo: Sam Frost

Photo: Douglas Friedman

Photo: Tyler Hogan

Photo: Tyler Hogan

Photo: Tyler Hogan

To learn more about this and other works by the creative practice, visit studioosklo.com.

With professional degrees in architecture and journalism, New York-based writer Joseph has a desire to make living beautifully accessible. His work seeks to enrich the lives of others with visual communication and storytelling through design. When not writing, he teaches visual communication, theory, and design.

Unfolding along the Pacific Ocean, the five bedroom villa is as much a boon to El Salvador’s tourism industry as it is the idea of spending quality time with your next of kin. The Al Suave House in Playa El Zonte can only be booked for a minimum of seven nights, which means that any large family or groups of friends that stay here are compelled to truly spend quality time together. Working out their problems, reestablishing bonds, and of course, enjoying some much-needed rest and relaxation is aided by the fact that this carefully planned indoor/outdoor home sits right along El Salvador’s mostly undiscovered and unadulterated Pacific coastline; one revered by those in the know for its particularly good surfing conditions. Activities abound within and outside this expansive beach villa.

Designed by José Roberto Paredes, founder of El Salvadorian and Spanish architectural firm Cincopatasalgato, and Paula Cabrera Gil of Pepe Cabrera Homes, the house cuts a unique figure as it makes the most of its tightly hemmed-in site. Massing along the property’s perimeter, a meandering river-like pool splits the structure in half as it heads out toward the ocean.

Lofted volumes look inwards toward this central feature. In true tropical architecture fashion, this programmatic strategy allows natural breezes to filter through unobstructed, eliminating the need for especially energy-inefficient and environmentally harmful air conditioning.

The overall design – defined by gently sloped roofs and undulating open latticed fin facades – evokes the surrounding nature. For this site-responsive motif, rendered in raw untreated wood, Paredes and his team drew inspiration from the fenced pathways that lead to the beach. Though boldly geometric in plan, the home’s massing organically nestles into its surroundings from an elevation standpoint. Its outer structural shells, almost all glass, anchor enclosed inserts, which contain the sprawling interiors.

Ground level operable walls completely open up, forming a seamless connection from indoor entertainment, kitchen, and dining areas to outdoor patios, rock gardens, and of course, the crashing ocean waves in the near distance.

“We really took our time to speak with the client’s family, including the children, to truly grasp what was important to them,” says Paredes. “The result of this highly personal approach to design is a unique dwelling that resonates with the spirit of Playa El Zonte. It’s a tropical haven where the essence of community, family, and exploration thrives.” The property is shared by the homeowners and vacationers at different times of the year.

Dynamically divided into an elongated pavilion with five en suite bedrooms – sleeping a total of 12 – on one side and another pavilion with double-height common areas, the home also incorporates a media room, children’s pavilion, and outdoor showers. “Al Suave House, or Casa Al Suave is a particularly chill home that allows its guests to wake up every morning to the sound of the waves and views of the sea from every corner of the house,” Cabrera Gil says.

What: Al Suave House
Where: Playa El Zonte, El Salvador
How much: Starting at $2,000 per night with a 7 night minimum
Design draw: Offering rest and relaxation with a carefully planned indoor/outdoor design, Al Suave House features a meandering river-like pool that splits the structure in half as it heads out toward the ocean. Gently sloped roofs and undulating open latticed fin facades give nod to surrounding nature. Though boldly geometric in plan, the home’s massing organically nestles into its surroundings with outer structural shells, almost all glass, which contain the sprawling interiors.
Book it: Al Suave House

Go virtually on vacation with more design destinations right here.

Photography by Topofilia Studio.

Adrian Madlener is a Brussels-born, New York-based writer specializing in collectible and sustainable design. With a particular focus on topics that exemplify the best in craft-led experimentation, he's committed to supporting talents that push the envelope in various disciplines.

Located in Praia Brava, a beach in the south of Brazil in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, this residence is the home of a couple and their three children who longed for open and relaxing living spaces that encouraged their family to spend more time together. The family tapped architect Simara Melo to transform the 5,210-square-foot home to meet their needs through modern and contemporary components.

The house underwent a major renovation to enhance functionality and comfort. The complete overhaul changed the existing layout, introducing a new support kitchen and reconfiguring the social areas to create a more spacious environment. Upstairs, the expansion of the primary suite included the addition of a new bathroom and much-needed separate closets for each partner.

A focal point of the home is the addition of a potted olive tree, approximately ten feet tall, positioned in the main living room. This natural element adds a sophisticated touch while resonating with the residents’ love for nature, mirrored in the additional olive trees adorning the outdoor spaces. The complementary garden, designed by Terraço Paisagismo, enhances the home’s aesthetic with lush greenery seen through every window.

In an innovative approach to lighting, direct fixtures were minimized in favor of indirect lighting, maximizing the effect of natural illumination. A thoughtfully placed wooden bookshelf with niches in front of a sliding glass door further amplifies the play of light and shadows.

One of the most challenging aspects of the renovation was the transformation of the staircase leading to the second floor. Initially, the clients considered replacing it entirely. However, Melo proposed a more sustainable solution – removing the enclosing walls and updating the existing structure. The outcome was a sleek, contemporary staircase that not only serves its function but also adds a unique architectural element to the home.

Central to the design intervention was the integration of living spaces, a deliberate departure from the previously segmented rooms. The interiors now feature a curated mix of materials, with wood playing a pivotal role in meeting the homeowners’ desire for a warm and inviting ambiance. Larger window frames were installed to flood the interiors with natural light, complemented by efficient air conditioning systems.

A cozy den overlooking the main living room benefits from the double-height windows that keep the space light and airy.

Photography by Fabio Jr Severo.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

Perched atop the picturesque ski slopes of Le Massif de Charlevoix in Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec, Chalet Bertha is a noble project designed by the renowned studio Perron. The private chalet-hotel embodies a seamless blend of luxury, comfort, and nature, offering an unparalleled retreat for a large, nature-loving family seeking relaxation and quality time together. The client envisioned a true turnkey experience, a rarity in such bespoke projects. Perron’s team embraced this challenge with enthusiasm, crafting a chalet that not only serves as a familial gathering spot but also rivals the amenities and atmosphere of a high-end boutique hotel, right down to the rolling luggage cart. Every detail, from custom European furniture to personalized bathroom products, was meticulously planned to create a cohesive and inviting environment.

The design of Chalet Bertha is heavily influenced by Nordic aesthetics, reflecting the surrounding mountains’ natural beauty. The interiors are minimalist yet warm, featuring an exposed fir wood frame and abundant natural light. The chalet’s spacious layout and large windows establish a constant connection with the outdoors, providing breathtaking views of the river and landscape.

The chalet is designed to cater to every family member’s needs. A terrace complete with a spa and fireplace offers a serene spot for relaxation, while children can enjoy a dedicated playroom featuring a climbing wall and custom-made red slide that runs adjacent to perforated metal stairs.

The ground floor’s centerpiece is a room with a suspended fireplace, ideal for unwinding after a day on the slopes. The space is practical too, with brick flooring that negates the need to remove wet boots, and there’s even a hidden boot warmer.

Perron’s design extends to the smallest details, ensuring a luxurious and functional experience. Unique furniture pieces from prestigious European manufacturers like Sancal, Dooor, Moooi, and Bonaldo are complemented by handcrafted items from local artisans in L’Isle-aux-Coudres. The combination of natural materials, soft colors, and clean lines are paired with eclectic touches – such as a bright yellow piano and vibrant dining area – which add to the interior’s playful energy. “We punctuated the ensemble, very neutral and minimalist, with textured, colorful, and unusual elements for Quebec,” Perron design team member Sarah Ève Hébert says. “We wanted to infuse it with a sense of Nordicity, pleasure, and eclecticism.”

The upper floor is designed for socializing and culinary experiences. A massive 500-square-foot lounge, inspired by the opulent lobbies of luxury hotels, provides ample space for reading, meetings, and contemplation. The state-of-the-art kitchen, discreetly hidden behind large panels, allows for professional chef services, ensuring gourmet dining experiences. A well-stocked bar and wine cellar further enhance the hospitality, making every gathering memorable.

Each of the five suites in Chalet Bertha carries a unique charm, with names inspired by the word ‘snow’ in various languages – Sno, Nev, Ho, Lumi, and Sne. These suites, while individually styled with different color palettes, share a common thread of luxury and comfort, each equipped with a full bathroom adorned with exclusive Bertha-labeled products.

Bertha is a chalet-hotel characterized by its holiday spirit, flavored by Nordic inspirations. Its design honors both European prestige and Quebec charm.

-Sarah Ève Hébert

If you want to experience Chalet Bertha firsthand (take us with you!), it’s available for rent here. To see more projects by Perron, head to perrondesign.ca.

Photography by Ulysse Lemerise, courtesy of v2com.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.