My Property Life

A 22-part Dwell series extensively chronicled the home’s multiyear construction process. One of Los Angeles’s newest listings is a serene retreat that got its start right here at Dwell. Featured in our November/December 2013 issue shortly after its completion, the…

A family’s sunny spirit defines a radiant extension with bold design choices. When a family of four asked Auckland-based design practice Pac Studio for help with a home renovation, the architects knew early on that the project would be a…

A furry swing and a playful pink palette combine in a whimsical feline-friendly home by the sea. With careers in graphic design and fashion, the Yehs have cultivated a passion for bold and unusual design. So, when Ms. Yeh decided…

Right now, the logistics of “going back to normal” are a mystery. We asked some prominent voices to give us their predictions of what we can expect when the worst is over. While scientists and policy makers strive to help…

Creative projects are energizing and therapeutic. During this ongoing global pandemic, we’re all spending a lot of time at home. Many of us are on a tighter budget than usual. For some of us, free time is abundant, and for…

The monolithic Casa Sierra Fría by industrial designer Hector Esrawe conceals a verdant interior with an imposing brick front. The concept of home is often synonymous with that of a sanctuary—a secluded retreat that offers escape from the world. It…

There’s virtue to be found within four walls. Ho-hum activities are now the highlights of the week, and a fastidious routine helps me find solid ground. At the beginning of March, things were rocky. Under San Francisco’s shelter in place…

There are times when all we can talk about are colors, styles and hot trends when it comes to home decorating and design. Then there are occasions when we go down the less taken path and have a bit of…

With a budget of $13K, Intervention Architecture revamped a 388-square-foot flat into an airy home/ballet studio with shape-shifting furniture. Creating live/work areas can be challenging in tiny apartments—and all the more so when the homeowner’s occupation requires room to move.…

A possible Neutra design, the current owners spent the last two decades restoring original details and are now ready to pass on the keys. Another midcentury stunner recently popped up on the L.A. market. The 1958 property is set in…

Built in 1940 for a reported $4,500, the John and Mary Lautner House is now on the market for $1,590,000. Before he became a monolithic figure in American architecture, John Lautner’s first significant solo project was a home he designed…

With warm weather on the horizon, we suggest you take notes on these superb patios from the Dwell community that caught our editor’s eye this week. Featured homes were submitted by members of the Dwell community through our Add a…

The idea of adding wall art to an interior is undoubtedly a very personal choice. Some like to go with the understated look while others want a wide range of amazing pieces to be combined to create that perfect gallery…

The idea of integrating an existing home with a new, more modern extension can come in many different forms. Landscape, specific needs of the homeowners, style of the existing building and budget are the factors that define every new extension…

Spending days together indoors as you wait out the current global pandemic can be a really difficult thing to do; even if it is the correct way forward. This is especially true for many who cannot work from home anymore…

Giving the old home a new lease of life while preserving its existing, vernacular charm is a task that demands careful balance of elements. Originally built in 1965, this ranch house in Johnson City, Texas was recently given a fresh,…

Interior designer Hope Mendes rejuvenates a dated, 700-square-foot cabin in Northern California to use as a family hideaway. Nestled among towering fir trees and magnificent dogwoods in Cobb, California—just an hour north of Napa Valley—is the 700-square-foot cabin Hope Mendes…

Crafters and designers are offering DIY instructions and options to “buy one, give one.” When New York City photographer Juliana Sohn found herself recovering from COVID-19 in the early days of the lockdown, she started to realize the importance of face…

An outdoor enthusiast’s eco-friendly retreat on the shores of Wallis Lake embraces the beach and bushland. Architect Matthew Woodward jumped at the chance to build a home for his friend and fellow Mid-North Coast beach enthusiast, Adam, who also served…

In a spectacular South Tyrol valley, Plasma Studio designs an L-shaped home that blends traditional elements with contemporary design. Finding affordable property in Italy’s stunning South Tyrol region is no easy task, as Andrea Holzer and her husband Roland Graf…

A budget-friendly remodel clears the air and connects a cramped Victorian to garden views. This turn-of-the-century Victorian is located in Kensal Rise, a popular West London neighborhood known for its down-to-earth charm, trendy pubs, proximity to railways, and typical period…

The occupants of the Aperture House by Formwerkz Architects take shelter under lush foliage and expansive eaves. The portfolio of Singapore-based Formwerkz Architects is filled with unusual projects—from a home with a ramped running path to a residence with a…

The unforgettably colorful exterior hides a calming and contemporary interior. Another darling floating home in Sausalito has hit the market. Like Shel Silverstein’s former balloon barge that’s currently up for sale, this two-story residence comes with a boatload of charm—pun intended. While…

With a portfolio that includes some of San Francisco’s Painted Ladies, Phil Schinman was up to the challenge of a home’s shocking blue stairway. Phil Schinman can tell you many stories from his 30-year career as a paint contractor. Color…