This three-storey house in Toronto, Canada, originally constructed as a dairy over a century ago, underwent an interior renovation by PLANT Architect in 2020. The designers transformed the narrow, townhouse-like layout by strategically redesigning the main staircase, incorporating floor-to-ceiling glass panels, and adding a skylight to visually expand the second-floor living room. The clients’ extensive art collection inspired a curio cabinet-inspired design for this level, complemented by whimsical, bubble-like pendant lighting fixtures.
The Convent of the Sacred Heart Library in New York City has undergone a stunning refurbishment by 1100 Architect, blending modern design elements with the historic character of the early 20th-century landmarked building.
This library, part of an all-girls K-12 school on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, now features a welcoming environment with the strategic use of color, texture, and pattern. Modular furniture allows for versatile group and individual study settings, while naturally lit nooks provide spaces for focused learning. The project is part of an ongoing collaboration between 1100 Architect and Convent of the Sacred Heart, which also includes the recent design of a new Future Lab and Makerspace.
Located in the historic city center of Vilnius, Lithuania, this stunning apartment project by designer Edita Righetto embodies a timeless elegance. Crafted within an 18th-century building, the interior seamlessly blends contemporary design with the property’s historic features. The layout prioritizes an airy, light-filled atmosphere, allowing the breathtaking cityscape views to take center stage. Carefully selected materials, including natural stone, smoked wood, and brass accents, contribute to the tranquil and refined ambiance throughout the space.
Exeter College Library in Oxford, UK, has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment by nex architecture. This neo-gothic library, designed by George Gilbert Scott in 1857, sits in a sensitive historic setting next to the Bodleian Library’s Convocation House. The project aimed to create additional study space, improve accessibility and environmental performance, and conserve the building’s fabric and historic features.
Feldman Architecture‘s reimagination of a historic San Francisco building into the chic, contemporary office space known as Seven Hills SF showcases their expertise in blending old and new. Located in the Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood, this former health center and gym now features a refreshed, airy workspace anchored by a striking, wood-slatted staircase and an operable skylight that floods the double-height atrium with natural light.
This historic Townhouse in the lush Palermo Chico neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, has been meticulously restored and modernized by renowned design duo Kallos Turin. The clients, who have collaborated with the designers on several previous projects, sought to create an elegant, intellectually-engaging home that blends the grandeur of the original Beaux-Arts architecture with contemporary sensibilities.
Kallos Turin‘s approach artfully preserves the home’s historic details while strategically inserting modern design elements, resulting in a harmonious balance of classic and contemporary styles.
Debonademeo Studio’s stunning redesign of the Michelin-starred Contraste restaurant in Milan, Italy, has transformed the historic space into a sensory journey. Blending vintage charm and contemporary elegance, the project thoughtfully incorporates the building’s original 19th-century features while catering to the modern dining experience. Across five distinct zones, each inspired by the four elements, the restaurant offers a captivating and immersive ambiance that complements the acclaimed culinary offerings.
The New Town Apartment in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, showcases a masterful blend of historic preservation and modern design, courtesy of the talented Luke McClelland Design. This 2023 project aims to celebrate the property’s existing features while introducing thoughtful interventions to enhance functionality and circulation. The careful balance between restoration and contemporary elements results in a subtly striking interior that complements the building’s Grade A Listed status.
