Let’s start with a studio apartment that goes light with natural wood finishes and calming pastel green walls. It’s a cheerful space that makes great use of color blocking to define each functional area within its small interior footprint, easily appearing larger than it really is.
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The interior is open but each functional area feels distinct thanks to the clever division created by the geometrically clad wall that stands in the center of the living area.
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Rounded forms and wooden legs give the furniture mid-century appeal. Even the pendant lighting and bar design furthers this influence.
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The bar’s convenient location allows it to serve as extra seating in the living room while allowing residents to watch television while working, eating, or playing.
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Typographic art always make a great addition to interiors inspired by minimalism. These prints also serve to distribute color balance (especially white).
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Tucked away as cozy as can be, the kitchen occupies a small space to the left of the central volume. It might look small, but the layout offers plenty of workspace and storage.
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Perhaps the most surprising part of this little studio is the bed – it occupies a very compact footprint but its position near the window opens it up to the entire world outside. Storage hides within the platform beneath.
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The tropical wallpaper adds even more character and cheer.
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A corner shower, compact washer, and convenient storage solutions ensure the bathroom feels spacious despite its small footprint.
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Visualizer: Maxim Tsiabus
If you’re looking for a __home that pulls off wooden wall panels without pushing into rustic territory, this space combines those luxurious dark wood boards with greyscale tones to create an aesthetic that feels warm and comfortable without sacrificing an ounce of modern appeal. The space-saving features in this apartment are detailed later – some are quite surprising.
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Chain link fencing is a strong addition, an easy DIY project for anyone who wants to cover a radiator or add a cool industrial effect to the home.
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One of the most striking and hard-to-replicate features is the abundance of inset lighting that traces the ceiling and even parts of the floor. These strips likely contribute to a moody atmosphere in the evening.
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The layout is very open but sensibly divided thanks to a variety of large walls and pillars.
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The open seating area extends its functionality with plenty of storage above the television and versatile multi-purpose trays that attach to the sofa.
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It may seem like this wall remains intentionally blank just for visual effect, but it’s actually just a very clever disguise for a Murphy bed.
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Without relying on a hideaway bed like this one, the entire attitude of the apartment would feel altered. It saves an incredible amount of space.
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The addition of extra lighting elements hidden in the headboard portion of the wall serve as a fantastic complement to the stripes that trace the ceiling, walls, and floor.
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While this half of the room lacks the dividing walls that mark out the other functional areas of the open layout, this one separates living room from bedroom with a transition from matte black to white and then to those gorgeous wood cabinets.
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At first glance, the kitchen looks like one smooth expanse of cabinets with no worktops in sight. It allows for a clean and minimalist appearance, but the real surprise hides inside.
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Sliding doors reveal a fully equipped workspace with a small range and sink. Large cabinets expand storage space overhead.
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Dining and office areas share the same general area. The breakfast bar easily looks over the living room, outfitted with practical stools from the MIURA collection by Konstantin Grcic.
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Visualizer: Eno Design
While this living space approaches almost studio-levels of openness, a sense of division also allowed the designer to choose two different takes on a natural color theme to suit the distinct needs of private and public areas. Private spaces adopt an earthy neutral theme while the living room goes big with bright and vivid colors reminiscent of summertime. You’ll notice this interior does a lot within the primary living space – it’s multipurpose and very flexible.
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Eclectic decor gives the eye a unique focal point from every angle. And of course, it’s impossible to overlook that fabulously unique cabin-style ceiling! Combined with the animal prints and patterns, this style seems like a modern take on the lodge look.
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This color theme is especially admirable because of its sense of thematic integration. Without those rustic elements, the bold primaries might have instead evoked a more of a rigid Mondrian-esque attitude.
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This combination of color and pattern comes together brilliantly in the tiny corner reading nook. Urquiola’s famous Husk ottoman, an oversized beanbag chair, and a handsome Grasshopper floor lamp all contribute their own distinctive appeal.
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The little office has a few inspiring details as well. The storage system offers a mix of open and closed cubbies to keep things looking tidy, and the furniture itself is quite minimalistic.
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Both seats are from the About a Chair collection by Hee Welling. You can buy those from here. If you are a fan of minimalist scandinavian style chairs like these, do check out our post: 50 Stunning Scandinavian Style Chairs.
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The kitchen occupies a little space down the hallway from the living and bed areas. It’s exceptionally simple and compact.
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Hee Welling’s chairs join a comfortable upholstered bench, working wonders to save space in an already small area.
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And finally, a look at the bedroom first spotted through the door in the living room. It’s outfitted with a neutral theme distinctly in contrast to the rest of the home.
Globally renowned architect Zaha Hadid died unexpectedly on March 31 at age 65. One of history’s most prominent female architects, the Pritzker Prize winner is remembered for her spellbinding curvilinear designs and outspoken demeanor. Her projects include Azerbaijan’s Heydar Aliyev Centre, the Guangzhou Opera House, and London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympic Games. Read the full obituary here.
Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan (2013). Photography by Iwan Baan, courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects.
London Aquatics Centre (2012). Photography by Hufton+Crow, courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects.
2. Vladimir Kagan
Vladimir Kagan. Photography courtesy of Vladimir Kagan __design Studio.
An early pioneer of modern design, Interior Design Hall of Fame member Vladimir Kagan passed away on April 7 at age 88. Kagan’s furniture designs morphed the linear and biomorphic (he brought “swooping” sofas into the limelight) and are on display in the permanent collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum and Vitra Design Museum. Read the full obituary here.
A custom Serpentine sofa, 2007, in a New York town house by Julie Hillman Design. Photography by Bärbel Miebach.
A 28-year-old Kagan in his Two Position rocker and ottoman, 1955. Photography by Hans van Ness.
3. Teddy Edelman
Arthur and Teddy Edelman.
Edelman Leather co-founder Teddy Edelman passed away at age 88 on October 4. Originally the fashion industry’s leading leather supplier, Edelman transitioned her namesake company in 1980 into a provider of luxury upholstery for architects and interior designers. Read the full obituary here.
Edelman Leather's Spice Market Collection.
Kyle Bunting's graphic hides for Edelman Leather.
4. Anna Hernandez
Anna Hernandez at Luna Textiles' San Francisco headquarters.
Anna Hernandez, founder of Luna Textiles, died at 56 in late October. Hernandez’s marketing acumen distinguished the company from the beginning. She often showcased her textiles in the form of fashion, one of her greatest inspirations. Hernandez was actively involved in the IIDA and frequently collaborated with her husband, Interior Design Hall of Famer Michael Vanderbyl. Read the full obituary here.
Notion Collection by Luna Textiles.
Luna Textiles showroom at Chicago's Merchandise Mart.
5. Ali Tayar
Ali Tayar.
New York–based architect Ali Tayar passed away in late February at age 57. Renowned for his residential work, Tayar created some of the world’s most beautiful interiors, layering luxurious details onto standardized, Erector-set-like parts. He also designed groundbreaking products for the likes of USM and Maharam. Read the full obituary here.
A mountainside Beirut house, Tayar's penultimate project. Photography by Joshua McHugh.
Tayar's table at DIFFA's Dining by Design 2016. Photography by Garrett Rowland.
6. Claude Parent
Claude Parent. Photography by Christian Schaulin.
Visionary architect Claude Parent passed away at age 93 on February 27. In his seven-decade career, which began in Le Corbusier’s office, he became known for “Fonction Oblique,” a theory of vertigo-inducing diagonal orientations inspired by World War II bunkers that had fallen down sand dunes.
A 1966 house in Versailles, France by Claude Parent. Photography by Christian Schaulin.
A 1966 house in Versailles, France by Claude Parent. Photography by Christian Schaulin.
7. Richard Sapper
Richard Sapper.
Industrial __design icon Richard Sapper passed away at 83 on December 31, 2015. Throughout his career, he designed for companies such as Mercedes, Pirelli, Fiat, and IBM. Sapper’s notable designs include the K 1340 chair for Kartell, the Genia bookshelf for B&B Italia, the Tantalo table clock for Artemide, and the 9090 espresso maker for Alessi. Read the full obituary here.
La Cintura di Orione collection of copper pots and pans by Richard Sapper for Alessi. Image courtesy of Alessi.
9090 espresso coffee maker (1978) by Richard Sapper for Alessi. Image courtesy of Alessi.
8. Jens Risom
Jens Risom. Image courtesy of Knoll.
Esteemed Danish designer Jens Risom passed away on December 9 at age 100. Throughout his life, he created furniture that exemplified mid-century modernism, such as the famous Risom lounge chair that Knoll introduced in 1943. Read the full obituary here.
The Risom Lounge Chair. Image courtesy of Knoll.
Ven storage system by Risom and Chris Hardy for DWR. Image courtesy of Design Within Reach.
9. Ken Schindler
Ken Schindler.
Walters Wicker president and owner Ken Schindler died on October 7 at age 56. The third generation to run the family-owned business, Schindler expanded the furniture distributor into an industry leader in contract, residential, and hospitality markets.
Randi Resin Wave chair by Walters Wicker. Image courtesy of Walters Wicker.
Paramount Sofa by Walters Wicker. Image courtesy of Walters Wicker.
10. Walter Hunt
Walter Hunt. Image courtesy of Gensler.
Gensler leader and former AIA NY president Walter Hunt passed away on May 27. Instrumental in Gensler’s expansion, he helped found the firm’s Denver and New York offices, eventually becoming the firm’s northeast chair by the time he retired in 2012. Hunt oversaw large-scale projects such as MGM Mirage’s CityCenter in Las Vegas, the Novartis campus expansion in Hanover, New Jersey, and the Heart of Doha project for Msheireb in Qatar.
MGM Mirage's CityCenter in Las Vegas. Image courtesy of Gensler.
Novartis in Hanover, New Jersey. Image courtesy of Gensler.
11. Lella Vignelli
Lella Vignelli.
Architect and industrial designer Lella Vignelli passed away on December 21 at age 82. The Interior Design Hall of Famer founded Vignelli Associates in 1971 with her husband Massimo Vignelli (d. 2014), where they gained recognition for their modernist furnishings and iconic branding for companies such as Knoll.The couple is responsible for Knoll’s famous Handkerchief chair, among other celebrated designs.
Handkerchief Chair by Vignelli Associates for Knoll. Image courtesy of Knoll.
Affordable and slightly old fashioned in the best possible way, let crepe paper streamers, paper chains and starry garlands be the final flourish to your Christmas decoration scheme. Here are our favourite ways to use them.
Other things you may find useful: Christmas Decorating Ideas | Christmas Living rooms | Christmas Bedrooms | Christmas Tree Ideas | Christmas Table Settings
PAPER CHAINS
So affordable and pretty, with a process of assembly easy enough to get even the youngest crafters in the family involved, yet they still look suprisingly sophisticated.
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Sarah Hogan
Simple white paper chains adorn this rustic cottage scheme.
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Jan Baldwin
Foil paper chains, '10576', 180cm, £5.10 each, from Gisela Graham. Wrapping paper, from £3.50 a sheet, from Paperchase. Velvet ribbon, from £1.65 a metre; satin ribbon, from 55p a metre; both from V V Rouleaux. Alphabet stickers, by Meri Meri, £4.95 each, from Liberty. Gold paper stars, by Livingly, £8.75 for 3, from SCP.
PAPER GARLANDS & CRAFT PUNCHED SHAPES
Invest in a craft punch - basially a giant hole punch that when applied to coloured card yeilds various pretty shapes - you won't regret it. String your craft punched bounty in to pretty gardlands, or stick straight to walls.
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Lucas Allen
The bunting hanging across the hall is perfect for vintage style Christmas decorations. Make your own using a craft punch like this one from Woodware.
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Rachel Whiting
Gold dots are a fun - and, crucially, very temporary - way of adding a Christmas feel to the home. Gold dots cut from foil card, £3 for an A3 sheet, from Paperchase; using 'XCut Large Palm Punch Circle', £6, from Hobbycraft.
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Sarah Hogan
This cosy living room decorated for Christmas features many stylish details. Paper and cotton garland, 'Vintage Music', at The Original Pop Up Shop. Paper bunting at Toast. Pine-cone garland, at Anthropologie.
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Carolyn Barber
Home-made paper garlands are the perfect way to add a festive flourish to bedrooms. These were hand-made using shapes punched from coloured card using a craft punch fromWoodware.
CREPE PAPER STREAMERS
Crepe-paper streamers are an affordable and effective way to add festive cheer to walls and furniture.
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Rachel Whiting
Paper streamers - very simply made by rolling a sheet of crepe paper and cutting into slices like a swiss roll - can be garlanded around for a village-hall-celebration look. Handmade bespoke paper and straw chandeliers, 'Pajaki',from £90, fromKarolina Merska. Garland in crepe paper, £1.75 a 2.5-metre roll, from Paperchase. Nineteenth-century Kashmiri hand-painted wooden
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Paul Raeside
Here House & Garden decoration editor Gabby Deeming has twisted them round the posts of this Eighteenth-century Spanish daybed. Decking its canpoy with a bushels of fir and multi-coloured baubles.
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Paul Raeside
Old fashioned crepe paper streamers give an instant pop of colour. For full captions click here.
Paper Fans and Flowers
For those who embrace colourful, kitsch decorating. Decorations derived from traditional Mexican and Polish styles are prefect for maximalists. See how to make your paper flowers
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Rachel Whiting
Paper streamers, £8.50 for 3 x 4-metre lengths; hanging paper decorations, from £15 each; metallic fans, £9 for three; all from Talking Tables.
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Paul Raeside
House & Garden decoration editor Gabby Deeming has created a jolly Christmas dining room, strewn with velvet ribbon from Macculloch & Wallis and crepe streamers from Pipii. The gold hanging paper snowflakes and diamond piniata are from Talking Tables, while the pink honeycomb ball is from from Pearl & Earl. Draped on the table the orgami star garland made from Paperchase wrapping paper was handmade (find instructions for creating your own here).
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Rachel Whiting
Paint two metal hoops, suspend them from the ceiling with string and garland them with paper chains - and wild abandon. Paper flowers can be attached with twists of florist's wire, and will helpfully conceal joins and ties. Paper decorations are easy to make at home, but there are also plenty available to buy. Traditional Polish paper chandeliers, calledpajaki, have a similar look and can be bought online, or you could try garlanding a simple chandelier with bright fake flowers or paper pompoms.
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Damian Russell
The hand-made rosettes over the fireplace are made from plain-coloured wrapping paper from The Conran Shop.
Paper Stars
A classic Christmas motif, stars are a failsafe way to bring beauty to a room. Follow our guide to making origami paper stars if you're feeling crafty.
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Rachel Whiting
There is something visually striking cascade of stars, the charm is in the looseness of the arrangement and in the tones of white on white. Made of papier mâché, the stars have to be dipped in paint and hung up to dry. Once dry, string them on to long lengths of clear wire and hang them at different lengths, building up more density lower down. Then scatter the same number of stars on the table. However, be prepared to buy in bulk: this arrangement took nearly 200 stars. Papier mâché stars, from £4.75 for a pack of six, from The Littlecraftybugs Company.
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Paul Raeside
Paper stars (white), large, 60cm diameter, £8.60 each; medium, 45cm diameter, £6.13 each; and small, 12cm diameter, £16.15 a set of three. All from House Doctor.
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Give traditional Christmas decorations a colourful twist. Gabby Deeming creates a scheme inspired by the holiday season, using this year's most stylish decorations paired with patterned textiles and hung with garlands of origami stars. See the full shoot here.
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Rachel Whiting
Go oversize on decorations for impact. One of these paper rosettes would hold its own in a small room. Bespoke giant paper rosettes, by Comeuppance, from £75 each, from Etsy.
