Colors of the World

An old-worldamansion rendered anew, a jungle enclave enriched sical decor, or a freestanding treehouse perched on the glittering Pacific coastline bold hotel design has the power to unleash the imagination and cement a sense of place. Beyond the scenic landscapes they occupy, these luxury properties are travel experiences in themselves, with scene-setting details spanning from clever color palettes and artisanal textures to historic architecture and bespoke furniture.

Q: What paint color is as versatile as a little black dress?

“Like an infinitely wearable LBD, a great paint color can give home interiors eternal flexibility, so I asked experts and designers to share their go-to shade.”

Gazing Inward

A newly built West Palm Beach home's sense of place comes from within.

Risky Business

A home in the heart of North Carolina pushes— almost beyond—the limits of layered vibrancy.

EURO STAR

Bright paint, glossy tiles, and custom cabinetry turn a once-cramped California kitchen into a sunlit oasis worthy of a Provengal farmhouse

Washington's Heights

A house in the Pacific Northwest gets the ultimate California cool treatment, making a family of transplants feel right at home

New Build, Old Soul

This circa 2021 home in Birmingham, Alabama, could pass for a historic landmark

PRECIOUS STONE

Marble has never been so versatile: One designer uses the material in three surprising ways

Palette Pleasers

Neutrals are, well, neutral—they blend in with everything. But some design enthusiasts prefer to stand out. “Our clients’ appetite for color has increased in the last year as they look to embrace their personal inspiration and preferences versus planning for resale,” says designer Emilie Munroe of Studio Munroe. Striking and chic, colorful cabinetry can do the heavy lifting in a renovation, setting a tone and making the space look carefully considered and beautifully finished. Play up the mood by matching cabinets to the window trim, island, and appliances. And remember, a colorful kitchen is vivid and versatile. Should you decide to switch up your space, all you need is a fresh coat of paint

French Connection

A historic home in Montecito, California, gets a lift that honors its European roots

A Family Homecoming

Three grown siblings scoop up a 1900 Victorian in their hometown of Laurel, Mississippi, and tap (who else?) local celebs Ben and Erin Napier to help restore it

Class of 2023

They have roots everywhere from Korea to Lebanon to Minneapolis, and training in fields including law, fashion design, and hotel management. But these 15 design stars on the rise share two things in common: a talent for telling stories through spaces and a guaranteed spot in tomorrow's list of top designers

So This Is LOVE

Budding designer walks into a dreamy Colonial, fireworks ensue-but first she has to figure out how to buy the house...

Survival Instinct

For an artist working between Kingston, Jamaica, and Chicago, the botanical world is not what it seems.

Pave the Way

WHAT GOOD IS A BACKYARD IF YOU DON'T USE IT AS AN EXTENSION OF YOUR HOME? MADE OF long-lasting materials like stone or cement set right into the ground, patios are the perfect way to gently activate an outdoor area for gathering. (And \"you'll save on water consumption as opposed to maintaining a lawn,\" designer Kate Anne Gross points out.) Lounge in fresh air, enjoy a meal under the stars, or chat with loved ones by the fire-without worrying about tracking mud into the house. Integrated as part of the landscape, patios endure beautifully with minimal upkeep, and there are countless ways to create them: Flip the page to see how designers do it. -Kelly Allen

"It Moves..with the Trees as They Sway"

A treehouse overlooking Puget Sound offers a winsome escape for multiple generations.

The GALLERY on the 17th FLOOR

An art-stocked pied-à-terre overlooks Houston's Museum District.

Shades of GRA

A cheerful designer gives a white-box new build a surge of life.

The Cottage Next Door

How do you redesign a fixture of your childhood? For one architect, the answer came easy: You don't.

The Quiet Place

Stripping away heavy Tuscan-inspired millwork allowed this California home to totally reboot.

A Historian's DREAM

On NYC's Upper East Side, a classic McKim, Mead & White apartment is reimagined in vibrant color.

The Hunt for BURIED TREASURE

It took three shopping trips to the European countryside to truly complete this wine country getaway.

8 Steps to Alfresco Success

Whether you're driven by resale value or simply boosting your backyard, these pro pointers will help you whip your space into shape.

Sweet Relief

OUR LIVES LITERALLY REVOLVE AROUND THE SUN, BUT NEVER MORE THAN ON BALMY DAYS THAT beg for a dip in the pool or a round of lawn games. Just as essential as getting outside is having a shaded place of refuge from the heat-call it a pool house, pavilion, or cabana. The goal, says architect Stan Dixon, should be to "design a space that feels enclosed yet is full of light." Screens, slats, big windows, and canopies allow a breeze to drift through and may offer some UV protection, but they won't encumber a view of the action. (Ideal for, say, parents taking a time-out while their kids play!) Flip through these designer-approved ideas for poolside living, and picture yourself reclining with a good book and a canapé. -Hadley Mendelsohn and Amanda Sims Clifford

Open Calm and ALIGNED WITH NATURE

Every tiny detail—including its interaction with the lush surroundings— was painstakingly considered in this serene Hamptons retreat.

Beautiful Things

Beloved makers fair Field + Supply is back in full swing with its Spring MRKT in Kingston, New York, this Memorial Day weekend. We went behind the scenes to see how four vendors create homewares that have folks flocking to shop in person.

PAINT THE TOWN

When a pair of coastal bon vivants visit their elegant a pied-à-terre in Atlanta, colorful cocktail parties are on the menu.

FORCE of NATURE

After painstakingly restoring this 1895 Colonial Revival outside Boston, one daring designer went all out for the interiors.