David Kent Richardson Decorations + Interior Design 
The client is an academic and a serious collector who owns a number of fine pieces, many of which were placed throughout the home, including 12 dining chairs. Due to the large dinner parties the client often hosts at home, the designer set off to find another dozen chairs that could seamlessly blend with those already in the client’s collection. The room’s two dining tables are custom made, resulting in an overall look that is a bit formal but with a relaxed feel suitable for both fellow staff members and students alike. (Photo courtesy of David Kent Richardson)

Jessie D. Miller Interior Design 
The homeowners, wanting to create an immediate wow factor at the entrance to their home, elected to strip the previous taupe damask wallpaper and paint the walls white and the banister a contrasting black lacquer. The designer hired Area Environments to create the large-scale marbleized mural installation with graphic qualities that feel organic and add movement to the space. “I love the dramatic wall covering!” exclaims Brooklyn-based designer Joe Human. A simple brass–and–black granite console table grounds the look in style. (Photo by Megan Lorenz)

Johnson Design 
Striking a balance between a need for privacy and a desire for natural light was a priority. However, because the windows are positioned at different heights and feature arched tops of varying radii, the designer needed to problem solve first. To compensate for the discrepancies, she hung recessed panels on the front window behind a reclaimed beam using concealed hardware. The addition of linen sheers at the same height as the wall paneling provides privacy and continuity, while bathing the room in light. To pull it all together, stationary panels emphasize the height of the windows. (Photo by Alise O'Brien)

David Kent Richardson Decorations + Interior Design 
After the client downsized from a large home to a high-rise condo, the art collection was in need of an edit, and the pieces that remained needed a place in the home. To that end, a large gallery hall, adjacent to the hearth room, is used to create an elegant statement-making wall. The designer chose a faux-finish paint in a neutral shade with reflective qualities to draw guests closer in. (Photo courtesy of David Kent Richardson)

Amie Corley Interiors 
This is a joint playroom/kid’s room designed around custom built-in cabinetry and bed. The colorful design is suitable for a youngster, but sophistication abounds, and the room will transition with the child as she grows. The ceiling is papered in a pattern called “The Great Migration,” featuring an eclectic array of animals that the young resident can explore. The ceiling light, custom painted to infuse the space with a splash of bright color and fun, provides a great contrast to the black-and-white wallpaper and aqua cabinets. “Love the space and color mixture,” says judge Joe Human. (Photo by Ashley Gieseking)

Studio|Durham Architects, Full Circle Design Works
One of the winning entries from this property is inside, and the other is outside, but a smart minimalist aesthetic ties them together. Inside, the architect removed an obtrusive traditional wood railing to allow light to filter downstairs and illuminate a formerly gloomy foyer. Suspended glass panels were added to offer an unobstructed view of the stainless steel railing and crisp, warm treads. Outdoors, a shallow profile overhang and minimal deck yield a space that’s ideal for entertaining and relaxing throughout the year. Benches edging the area ensure ample seating and help cut down on wasted space. (Photo by Alise O'Brien)

Amy Studebaker Design, Mitchell Wall Architecture & Design, PK Construction
The clients wanted to incorporate heirloom pieces into the creation of a master suite that looks fresh and reflects their personal style. In the master bedroom, wallpaper with a hand-blocked pattern covers the upper walls and ceiling, and custom-designed draperies flank the windows. An original light fixture was refurbished, and a custom slipcover brought new life to a vintage chair. A small dresser was fitted with a marble top and painted a gray-blue with golden highlights. The colors and textures flow from the bedroom into the bath, which has the same linen draperies and pretty blue shade from the bedroom’s wallpaper to emphasize the trim, millwork, and vanity. Similarly, the home’s powder room highlights inherited pieces—for instance, a patterned area rug—as well as the home’s traditional aesthetic, through the use of brass fixtures, a bronze mirror, and wall glazing that evokes an aged quality. (Photo by Alise O'Brien)

Mitchell Wall Architecture and Design 
The designers achieved unity in this condo through the use of light-gray semi-gloss panels that run along its interior circulation path, hiding closets, incorporating a bar, and wrapping around the library. The office houses an extensive museum-quality collection of rare and antique miniature cars. The open shelving and casing allow the homeowner to enjoy the surroundings as he works in his private retreat. (Photo by Alise O'Brien)

Marcia Moore Design, Amherst Construction, Lancia’s Fine Furniture & Cabinetry
To create cohesion, horizontal lines of the fireplace match those of the entertainment center, both built as part of the project. With the addition of a tray ceiling, it was important to minimize the potential for a busy look. To that end, a custom stain unites the wood floor with other pieces in the room, and a minimalist tile preserved the millwork’s place as a standout feature. “Calm, elegant, and won’t look ridiculous in 10 years,” says judge Arrol Gellner. (Photo by Suzy Gorman)

Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath 
This architectural-significant home features a breathtaking stone exterior, but the kitchen—with its dated finishes and dysfunctional layout—was something akin to a hall of funhouse mirrors. The new design combines optimal cabinet space planning, windows throughout, and a classic island with seating. The bar is a focal point of the kitchen, with an arched valance and antique mirrors. Gold and brass tones perk up the subtle gray and white color palette. The homeowner’s antique rug offers the perfect pink accent, imbuing the space with a feel of age, charm, and warmth. (Photo by Lisa Mitchell)

Retta Leritz 
The homeowners share a love of art and desired an out-of-the-ordinary look, though the husband tends to like a traditional aesthetic and the wife a more modern style. To achieve harmony, the designer kept the palette to a clean black-and-white. The room is centered on a custom bed that doubles as an art piece. It’s clad with brass and comprises more than 700 pieces—plus a television that pops out from the base. “Unique, interesting, and artful!” exclaims judge Angela Tafoya. (Photo by Alise O'Brien)

Goebel & Co. Furniture 
The custom Calypso table was created from solid Mexican ziricote, or rosewood, and accented with custom-fabricated mirror-polished brass shoes and end caps. All elements of the table’s fabrication, including metal and wood-working, were made by hand. (Photo courtesy of Goebel & Co.)

Amie Corley Interiors 
This kitchen design revolves around the custom brass-and-stainless hood and La Cornue range. A timeless space is achieved with just enough elements of surprise, such as the lighting from Urban Electric, with its combination of antique silvered mirror glass and hewn brass that adds a touch of modernity to an otherwise classic look. The sink, backsplash, and countertops are made of Calacatta Oro marble and a lovely mix of metals—stainless steel, polished nickel cabinet hardware, and brass accents on the hood, range, and lighting—create interest.  (Photo by Ashley Giesking)

Chouteau Building Group, Sasha Malinich of S. Aleksandr Malinich Design
In the design of this kitchen, the wall between the kitchen and the breakfast room was removed, and a covered porch was transformed into a walk-in pantry. Wide-plank oak flooring was installed and inset Shaker cabinets and floating shelves share space in the room. The countertops, backsplashes, and a stone niche are fashioned from Carrara marble. Drawing inspiration from the kitchen of Julia Child, the designer lined the pantry walls with pegboard for storage of tools and cookware. No space is wasted; there are even hidden drawers in the cabinets’ toe-kicks! (Photo by Alise O'Brien)

Jessie D. Miller Interior Design, NJL Custom Homes
On entering the foyer, guests know that they’re in for something special. Individual marble tiles, procured off the rack from The Tile Shop, were cut to shape on site and installed in a classic cubed pattern. On the walls, gilded wallpaper is framed by ornate black molding. An antique French bench offers a spot to remove shoes or a perch for mail and books. A photograph by artist Nicole Cohen hangs above the space, illuminated by a spiked crystal light fixture. (Photo by Megan Lorenz)

Retta Leritz 
“Warm and inviting,” says architect Arrol Gellner. “Rejects the usual chilly monochrome modernism without veering into Baroque territory—the usual two extremes of kitchen design.” A palette of warm oak, green granite, and faint taupe complements the metallic details seen on both the light fixtures and the cabinet hardware. The original wood floor has been replaced with faux travertine tile, and a custom table, made from ziricote wood, lends visual weight to the space. The table’s surrounding vintage chairs, upholstered in metallic hair-on hide, are real showstoppers. (Photo by Alise O'Brien)

Amie Corley Interiors 
This master bath replaced an eyesore of a room complete with plastic tub and corner sink. Although gutting the room didn’t add square footage, the designer made the most of the small space by opting for a pocket door, repurposing a closet to create a larger shower, and using smaller washstands with glass legs to open up the space visually. Unlacquered brass fixtures and handmade tile round out its glamorous feel. Inspired by London’s Connaught Hotel, a favorite of the client’s, the bathroom now showcases a beauty befitting the 1920s home. (Photo by Ashley Gieseking)

Retta Leritz 
A cumbersome tub and a tight layout made it impossible for two people to move in the space at one time. To permit better flow, the designer removed the tub altogether and flipped the locations of the shower and toilet. A single door was converted into a double door and moved to the center of the wall, aligning it with the windows to create a dramatic visual entry. By placing the washbasins underneath the low window, floating the mirrors, and installing a vanity in the corner, the designer managed to use an otherwise wasted portion of the room. (Photo by Alise O'Brien)

Amy Studebaker Design 
A mix of simple lines, brass details, and neutral colors informs this bathroom’s classic yet contemporary design. Gold leaf antique mirrors and brass-and-crystal sconces coexist with a modern ceiling light fixture and a black Johnathan Adler chest with acrylic details. Marble tile and brass plumbing fixtures imbue the shower with a sophisticated feel. At the client’s request, glass blocks were used in the shower wall and the window. The vanities, inspired by the classic beauty of washstand sinks, are custom built with a marble shelf below. (Photo by Alise O'Brien)

Marc Christian Fine Cabinetry, Amy Studebaker Design
This butler’s pantry, located in a previously underused area, now serves as both a functional and a decorative space. The custom cabinetry is designed to be integrated into the casework, with beaded inset construction and panels on all exposed ends. The pantry’s working area includes a sink and refrigerator drawers, a dishwasher drawer, an icemaker, and a wine fridge. The arched-door cabinetry really makes the space shine: Solid-door cabinets provide storage, and a wall of decorative glass cabinets lets the owner see and show off items. Bolt hardware provides the finishing touch. (Photo by Anne Matheis)

Lauren Sweet-Schuler, Chris Powers
Function took precedence in this kitchen remodel. Once walls had been removed and support beams installed, the formerly dark, closed-in kitchen was transformed into a spacious central hub. Placement of the prep sink, trash compartment, and pantry area have been carefully considered to optimize traffic flow and efficiency. Pretty details, such as a custom-designed hood, beautifully combine with the beveled linear subway tile. The cabinet hardware is brushed gold, and faucets are finished in polished nickel. (Photo by Alise O'Brien)

Jessie D. Miller Interior Design 
The condo’s curved floor plan and lack of right angles challenged the designer as she planned the room. To create unity, she replaced the cherry flooring with gray wide-plank hardwood installed on a diagonal and removed a standard floor-resting firebox in favor of a sleek floating structure surrounded by marble. Handmade base cabinets with coordinating floating shelves flank the fireplace, providing storage and a place to display a collection of pretty, monochrome accessories. A fresh coat of paint, custom-upholstered furnishings, and new window treatments have yielded a look that’s warm and visually interesting. (Photo by Alise O'Brien)

Frisella Nursery 
The challenge here wasn’t to work within a limited space, or around permanent obstacles, but instead to create a beautiful and functional oasis from nothing at all. To that end, naturally styled landscaping has been placed around a pool, complementing a fireplace and kitchen, deck, and round paver patio. Gold Lace juniper and weeping Norway spruce add color, and Fine Line buckthorn and a weeping blue Alaskan cedar gives the fireplace its unique look. The focal point, a Purple Fountain beech, is framed by Incrediball hydrangeas and dry streams to route water runoff. (Photo courtesy of Frisella Nursery)

Liquid Assets Pools 
In this relatively small, suburban backyard pool, gold limestone boulders were used to fashion a waterfall design that feels natural to its environment and that surrounds a custom-made slide accented with plants and trees. The pool’s glass mosaic tile floor, and the rich blue pebble material doting specific areas around the landscaping, work in harmony to create a finished look. The pool’s stone coping and edging has been assembled using the same gold limestone as seen in the boulders. A two-tiered pool deck, in a stamped concrete, overlooks this inviting, backyard oasis. (Photo courtesy of Liquid Assets)

Mademan Design 
This modern residence was designed to complement its environment. Situated at the end of a country road, the 4-acre site abuts 40 acres of untouched woods. The designers nestled the home into the hillside and engineered its timber structure to frame the scenery. The floor plan is an L-shape meant to direct views out and to create a rear courtyard. The home was built for $325k by the owner, a local trandesman, and with the help of family. “Kudos to the applicant,” writes judge Arrol Gellner, “for rising far above the usual faux-traditional claptrap and doing so without insulting the environment or spending money like water.” (Photo courtesy of Mademan Design)

Killeen Studio Architects, Millennium Restoration & Development  
At the entry to this home, a globe chandelier announces an environment of sophistication. The theme continues into the main living area with a set of French Empire chandeliers. In the kitchen, glass pendants hang above the island, a bistro globe fixture adds a contemporary pop, and a bay window frames a silver-and-glass globe pendant. The master bathroom’s crystal chandelier creates a classic look, and two amber glass industrial pendants illuminate the double sinks. (Photo courtesy of Killeen Studio Architects)

Hellmuth & Bicknese Architects 
Challenged to use net-positive regenerative building practices at The College School’s Jan Phillips Learning Center, the architects structured the building to focus on multi-sensory experiences that include a daily and seasonal sundial. The building arrangement lends 360-degree views, providing optimal orientation for passive solar heating, solar electric panels, and natural ventilation. “Good on these folks for possessing the formula for a 10, at least in my ledger—thoughtful design with a social conscience,” says judge Arrol Gellner. (Photo courtesy of Hellmuth & Bicknese)

Savvy Surroundings
When Bissinger’s decided that the time was right to renovate its Central West End chocolate shop, the chocolatier called on Savvy to make it happen. After an extensive renovation, the space now features a lounge area with Midcentury-inspired furniture upholstered in classic blue and white, plus an eye-catching “wine wall.” The casual café offers several seating areas, with a combination of low and high tables made of reclaimed wood. Tables for two feature personal fireplaces built into the wall. The tour de force of the shop, now known as Handcrafted by Bissinger’s, is a freeform art installation. (Photo by Loren Doughty)

Stückenschneider Decoration & Design, Winkelman Architecture
This home is located in a fishing camp on a remote New England lake. The traditional log cabin is filled with vintage furnishings designed to give the camp a rustic look that’s been assembled over several generations. Fireplaces built of local river stone and handwoven rag carpets complete the relaxed setting. Archival images of 20th-century wicker furniture hang inside the screen porches. Hand-turned wooden spindle beds are outfitted in cashmere blankets with tartan flannel linens. The camp also features a 1930s stove, gas lighting fixtures, and a working ice house. (Photo courtesy of Stückenschneider Decoration & Design)

Tamsin Design Group 
This project required the designer to transform a dreary basement into an entertainment area complete with full kitchen, wine cellar, and guest quarters matching the clients’ love of bright and cheery rooms with touches of rustic and industrial design. The result features a neutral palette with navy and stainless steel accents. Handcrafted design elements include Missouri black walnut shelving built by Architectural Elements and a custom live-edge walnut slab fabricated by Lamp Wine Cellar. (Photo by Megan Lorenz)