Contemporist is an online community that celebrates contemporary culture, focused on architecture, interiors, design, art and travel. https://contemporist.com/custom-rss-768-width-images/ en-us https://www.contemporist.com/how-a-raised-kitchen-and-open-staircase-shape-this-home/ A change of just two steps separates the kitchen from the living and dining areas at Woodycrest Residence, a contemporary home in Toronto's east end designed by VFA Architecture + Design. The raised kitchen is part of an interior where changes in floor level, open spaces, and a long skylight create interesting connections between rooms. Tue, 03 Nov 2026 11:16:45 GMT https://www.contemporist.com/?p=260909 Erin

]]>Design https://www.contemporist.com/this-house-brings-an-unexpected-look-to-a-familiar-suburban-street/ From the street, Kyeemagh Courtyard House is defined by curved white walls, a tall grey column, and warm wood detailing. But inside the two-story family home in Sydney, Australia, Studio HMD has organized the design around something less visible from the outside: a north-facing courtyard that brings natural light into the living spaces and creates a connection to the outdoors. Tue, 03 Nov 2026 11:15:44 GMT https://www.contemporist.com/?p=260928 Erin

]]>Design https://www.contemporist.com/this-interior-designer-had-too-many-ideas-for-her-own-family-home/ When interior designer Phyllis Lui of PippyLui Design Studio set out to renovate her own family home, she faced a challenge familiar to many designers, having too many ideas to choose from. Working with Frits de Vries Architect, she wanted Vibrant Hillside House to reflect her personal style while accommodating two young children and pets. The project would also prove far more complicated than expected when a major structural problem emerged during construction. Tue, 03 Nov 2026 11:05:05 GMT https://www.contemporist.com/?p=260881 Erin

]]>Design https://www.contemporist.com/a-new-cottage-inspired-by-memories-of-the-original/ A family cottage built in the 1970s and later destroyed by fire has inspired an unusual new home in Quebec, Canada. Wrapped in silver corrugated metal, the two-story building has a trapezoidal shape that responds to the constraints of the property. Inside, interior design studio Pavillon, working in collaboration with Sophie Lalonde Architecte, has created spaces that bring memories of the original cottage into a contemporary home. Tue, 03 Nov 2026 10:46:47 GMT https://www.contemporist.com/?p=260857 Erin

]]>Design https://www.contemporist.com/two-homes-inside-a-former-church-show-how-old-and-new-can-work-together/ In Melbourne, Australia, a former Gothic Revival church contains four townhouses, two of which have had renovations designed by CHEG Architecture for separate clients. Although the homes share the same historic building, their interiors have developed different personalities. Both renovations removed outdated additions to reveal original brickwork, structural beams, and church windows, while introducing modern features that make the spaces more comfortable and practical. Mon, 02 Nov 2026 11:21:17 GMT https://www.contemporist.com/?p=260814 Erin

]]>Design https://www.contemporist.com/the-garden-not-the-house-was-the-focus-of-this-renovation/ When Reign Architects designed a renovation for this home in Toronto, the focus was largely on the spaces outside its walls. The project, named The Urban Garden, transformed the front and rear yards with new plants, a raised deck, an outdoor dining area, and a redesigned entrance. The work focused less on the interior, and instead, they made better use of the property's existing outdoor areas. Sun, 01 Nov 2026 11:43:44 GMT https://www.contemporist.com/?p=260774 Erin

]]>Design https://www.contemporist.com/in-this-house-drawing-on-the-walls-is-encouraged/ When CHEG Architecture renovated Pomegranate House for a young family, the goal was to create a home that could accommodate their busy, active lifestyle while also providing calm, relaxing spaces. Three features in particular help achieve that balance, a playful chalkboard wall with a sliding door, a folding room divider, and a redesigned staircase with concealed storage. Sat, 31 Oct 2026 11:06:22 GMT https://www.contemporist.com/?p=260743 Erin

]]>Design https://www.contemporist.com/she-moved-back-to-illinois-but-brought-her-love-of-florida-interiors-with-her/ When a homeowner returned to Naperville, Illinois, to be closer to family, she wanted to bring some of the atmosphere of her much-loved home in Naples, Florida, with her. For the renovation of Salt & Story, interior design firm Dawn Reeves Design, Inc. drew inspiration from the Gulf Coast's relaxed interiors, combining coastal colors and natural textures with furnishings and artwork that reflected the homeowner's personal history. Fri, 30 Oct 2026 10:54:07 GMT https://www.contemporist.com/?p=260683 Erin

]]>Design https://www.contemporist.com/a-bedroom-above-the-kitchen-is-just-one-surprise-in-this-apartment-renovation/ In Prague's historic center, Facha architekti has renovated Staromestska Apartment and divided it into two independent units. The larger home retains generous rooms framed by original architectural details. The smaller studio takes a different approach, with a kitchen counter that becomes a staircase leading to a sleeping platform overhead. The contrast between the two units is central to the project, one uses large furniture pieces to shape generous rooms, while the other makes use of the space above the kitchen. Fri, 30 Oct 2026 10:53:02 GMT https://www.contemporist.com/?p=260706 Erin

]]>Design https://www.contemporist.com/after-10-years-this-family-decided-to-transform-their-lakeside-home/ After living in their 1990s house for ten years, a family of five knew they wanted to stay on their lakeside property in Minnesota. However, the garage and small entryway were blocking western sunlight from reaching the main living spaces. Working with Imprint Architecture + Design, the family undertook a major renovation that transformed the house while retaining the parts of the original building that already worked well. Thu, 29 Oct 2026 11:10:54 GMT https://www.contemporist.com/?p=260638 Erin

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