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.”

LIGHT HOUSE

A century-old Missouri grande dame warms up and wows-with an unlikely muse.

High Impact

For a family keen on modernizing their stately D.C. home, one designer zeroed in on unifying moments.

CREATIVE LICENSE

A Nashville ranch's palette feels personal and harmonious with the outdoors.

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.

Practically Perfect

Ingeniows design tricksiturn thig\Jacksonville, Florida, homefintoia kid-friendly neighborhood gem.

A Storybook Ending

A book reviewer revised a disjointed home into the perfect setting for her family

EURO STAR

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

Splendid Isolation

When they left the city, all this Toronto pair wanted was space for a garden and their dogsand the world's prettiest mudroom

Washington's Heights

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

Divine Energy

For one designer returning to her Texas roots, a former parsonage becomes a heavenly 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

So Let's Talk About Kitchen Islands

They’ve become a must-have feature, taking up a sizable amount of square footage in a modern kitchen. But do you really need one?

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

A Fork in the Road

A welcoming Montana vacation home sits at the intersection of rustic and refined

French Connection

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

The Big Chill

Bathed in cool blue, this Kansas City home gets warmth from rosy accents

On the Sunny Side of the Street

How to bring a storied San Francisco Victorian up to date for a young family? Embrace its surroundings

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

ESCAPE ARTIST

To suit a glamorous couple, one Boston designer turned a simple condo into the crash pad of their dreams

Fantastic Voyage

Retooling a sea captain's house to suit a modern family requires all sorts of clever reinvention

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

A Tale of Two Gardens

In Fairfield County, Connecticut, two landscape designs rely on clean, formal geometry-but with strikingly different results.

The Deep End

In a tranquil corner of Napa Valley, two designers create a hillside compound to host family (and unforgettable parties).

2023 CREATOR CLASS

The Content Innovators Changing How We Live

Open Season

One family finds comfort amid the vineyards of California's majestic wine country.

off the Beaten Path

An eco-conscious designer crafts an enchanting family home in northern Florida that blends into its surroundings.