Stunning water views surround this chic and comfortable porch with limestone floor, fieldstone fireplace, chocolate brown wicker and custom made upholstery. Photo by Durston Saylor

This is an original historic mirror which was re-framed and integrated with the custom designed painted wood surround and mantel of the new gas fireplace. Carrara marble frames the metal fireplace and serves as the hearth. Sally Schoolmaster, photographer

This venerable 1840’s townhouse has a youthful owner who loves vibrant color and the folds of fabric. Part whimsy and part serious, these rooms are filled weekend after weekend with family and friends. Out of town guests love the simple old dependency rooms, once intended for servants and rowdy 19th century boys. The trick was to use every alcove and passageway to create places for gathering. No question the billiard table conjures up fabled Southern habits of idling. Just in case that sounds too serious, throw in a jukebox stocked with vintage country and rock. High style doesn’t mean the good times don’t roll.

This project is the definition of where the finesse of craftsmanship and structural brute must meet and far exceed client expectations. ​ The massive undertaking of excavating 700 cubic yards of soil to add a new basement below the existing structure took this 2-story home to 4,000 square feet. This now 3-story Victorian boasts 1,800 additional square feet of useable space including a third living room with soundproof insulation and custom built-in cabinetry, a wet bar, full bathroom with Waterworks fixtures and intricate marble tile, private office, laundry room equipped with a chute from every floor, and a gym & guest room. ​ Restoring, the original upper 2 floors of this stunning Victorian to its former glory was another challenge in and of itself. Rehabbing vaulted coved ceilings & original early 19th century mantels, renovating the bedrooms and bathrooms, updating the kitchen and creating an indoor/outdoor experience by installing doors in the former window locations between the dining room and patio were just a few key elements of this project.

We chose a beautiful inky blue for this London Living room to feel fresh in the daytime when the sun streams in and cozy in the evening when it would otherwise feel quite cold. The colour also complements the original fireplace tiles. We took the colour across the walls and woodwork, including the alcoves, and skirting boards, to create a perfect seamless finish. Balanced by the white floor, shutters and lampshade there is just enough light to keep it uplifting and atmospheric. The final additions were a complementary green velvet sofa, luxurious touches of gold and brass and a glass table and mirror to make the room sparkle by bouncing the light from the metallic finishes across the glass and onto the mirror

Informal family sitting room/ library in Victorian detached house. Decoration by Kate Renwick. Modern glass extension to side by Giles Pike Architects Nick Smith Photography

Upper landing light fixture - Brussels, circa 1920s Chandelier - Sweden, 19th century Herring bone flooring installed by Polish craftsman 4 piece mantle - Italian cararra marble, 19th century Window rails - Hungary, 19th century Stair landing chandelier - Louis XIV style, 19th century Photo by KuDa Photography

Rob Karosis Photography

A Nash terraced house in Regent's Park, London. Interior design by Gaye Gardner. Photography by Adam Butler