The mammoth phalanxes of white-brick apartment houses that proliferated in the 1960s occupy an architectural purgatory; generic, with boxy interiors devoid of detail, many aren’t even interesting enough to excite a raised eyebrow. Our solution for this exemplar near Astor Place, which fortunately was blessed with premium skyline views, was to relieve the interior ordinariness by stimulating the senses with tactile variety. Axis Mundi created a complexly layered textural palette that injects visual adrenaline into the architectural envelope: a television set into a waxed steel panel topped by clerestory windows with a built-in planter for grasses; wenge wood walls rising from richly figured walnut floors; white subway tile surrounding a subtly colored penny-tile mosaic tub and wall; in the kitchen, Venetian plaster, steel, stone and wood mix harmoniously as a surprisingly spiced exotic concoction. The interiors exude a confident masculinity that challenges the complacency of bland, white-box living. Project Team: John Beckmann and Esther Sperber | Studio ST Photography: Andrew Garn © Axis Mundi Design LLC

photo credit: Kris Tamburello

Chicago luxury condo on the lake has been recognized in publications, received an award and and was featured on tv. OUR client wanted family friendly yet cutting edge design. This colorful condo overlooking Lake Michigan [with views of Navy Pier]. celebrates the couples Indian heritage. A gorgeous Odegard custom rug sets the aesthetic for the great room colors. Indian hammered silver furnishings contrast with an Odegard copper metal chair, upholstered in Clarence house fabric. The patina of the antique cocktail table inset with stone-is practical as much as it is beautiful. Bright orange and red upholstery pops against the blue in the custom made tibetan rug, Chicago Interior design

Photography: Jeff Cate

Lincoln Barbour

Photography by Michael J. Lee

VHA provided complete interior design services for this 900 SF apartment within a new concrete-and-glass high rise. The work included specification of furnishings and window treatments, as well as design of custom carpets and built-ins. VHA’s use of a customized modular shelving system makes efficient use of the unit’s limited wall space by incorporating a workstation, television and book shelves. Photos (c) Eric Hausman

photos by Halkin Photography, LLC http://www.barryhalkin.com/

Le Bureau Prive: Raji Radhakrishan/Raji RM & Associates http://www.houzz.com/pro/rajirm/__public Photo by: Rikki Snyder © 2012 Houzz

Contemporary high-tech living room features elegant furnishings and smart home automation from Control4 to enhance the ambiance and add the ultimate in convenience. Broadcast the music of your choice using a whole-home audio solution, powered by Control4. The recessed smart lighting and access lighting is designed to create the perfect personalized ambiance. Other automation options may include smart appliances, programmable thermostat control for comfort and energy management, home security system integration, shade automation, and full A/V control. And everything can be controlled from virtually anywhere - using your Control4 app with a smart phone or tablet device or a convenient touch screen.

Outdoor Roof deck in Los Angeles, Russ Cletta Designs

Chicago Rooftop decks are challenging. This small but well thought out deck space is just the right size to enjoy some free time.

May Pearl Photography

Alder wood | Contempo door | Espresso Bean finish Cabinetry by: Custom Cupboards (Wichita, KS) Designed by: Hall Brother's Custom Cabinetry (Saint Charles, IL) Photographed by: Al Argueta Photography

Christopher Stark Photography

A cozy dining area situated within lush plantings creates a quiet hideaway from Bostons busy downtown. Woodwork by Studio Fkia