Clements Design Curates Interiors with Olson Kundig

With the latest images unveiling the interiors of Olson Kundig‘s Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Telluride, California-based Clements Design offers a glimpse into a sensibility attuned to stillness and shelter. Tasked with shaping the hotel and residence’s amenity spaces, the studio brings its signature blend of relaxed refinement to the Colorado mountains, curating interiors that are both tailored and unpretentious, grounded in the drama of the landscape but never overwhelmed by it.

The lobby pavilion, central to the hotel’s social experience, is imagined as a light-filled retreat with floor-to-ceiling glazing that gives precedence to the surrounding peaks. Anchored by a stately fireplace, the space captures a sense of quiet grandeur — echoing the ‘prospect and refuge’ approach described by Olson Kundig in its vision. Clements Design draws on natural textures and warm tones, offering a counterpoint to the elemental vastness just beyond the glass. See designboom’s previous coverage of the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Telluride here.

Clements Design reveals Four Seasons amenities with a tone of quiet luxury | visualization © Hayes Davidson

Amenities for Wellness in Telluride’s Mountains

Throughout the wellness amenities, the team at Clements Design leans into material tactility and atmospheric restraint. The spa comprises seven treatment rooms, a silent Relaxation Lounge, and a Thermal Lounge that introduces a contemporary bio-sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and cold plunge. These spaces are composed with an almost meditative stillness, reinforcing the developers’ ambition to raise the standard for mountain wellness. As a subtle intervention, oxygenation systems integrated into every room demonstrate the studio’s attention to context at high altitude.

The indoor pool and adjacent outdoor hot tub are framed by mountain views, extending the wellness experience into the landscape. Clements Design avoids theatrical gestures, opting instead for generous proportions and subdued palettes that emphasize sensory comfort over spectacle. The inclusion of cryotherapy, LED light therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen treatments signals a forward-thinking approach to spa design, while still grounded in the restorative spirit of the mountains.

Fitness and family-oriented amenities are similarly composed, as the state-of-the-art gym and kids’ club share a common language of ease and functionality. Ski-in/ski-out access and a dedicated ski valet point to the team’s fluency in both the rhythms of resort life and the expectations of Four Seasons clientele.

visitors are introduced to the rooftops and ridgelines before ever entering a room | visualization © Binyan Studios

Four Seasons Draws from Spirit of the Mountain Town

In addition to the amenity spaces, Clements Design is also crafting the interiors of the hotel and hotel residences. The firm’s casual and deeply textural approach provides a strong complement to Olson Kundig’s architecture, which fragments the massing into three low-slung structures to preserve views and respect the mountain town’s intimate scale. This collaborative tone resonates throughout the interiors, which mirror the rugged quietude of the landscape.

The unfolding of the project, from the public lobby to private spa chambers, suggests a choreographed guest experience. Much like the arrival by gondola described by architect Tom Kundig, which introduces visitors to the rooftops and ridgelines before ever entering a room, the interiors invite a sense of slow discovery.

The project is being developed by Fort Partners and Merrimac Ventures, with construction set to begin this summer. Upon completion, the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Telluride will offer 52 hotel keys, 43 hotel residences, and 26 private residences — each shaped by an ensemble of designers attuned to the nuances of place. Where Olson Kundig’s buildings embrace topography and tectonics, Clements Design lends interiors a subtle, grounded rhythm that keeps the guest experience tethered to the spirit of the mountains.

the lobby frames Telluride’s peaks through full-height glass and natural materials | visualization © Binyan Studios

Clements Design opts for generous proportions and subdued palettes | visualization © Binyan Studios

May 2, 2025

From Disorder to Renewed Identity

French studio Tectoniques approaches the Maryse Bastié Secondary School in France as one might approach a long-overlooked manuscript — worn, disjointed, but full of structural intention. Located on the southwestern edge of the medieval city of Dole, the 1974 campus was originally designed in a rigid orthogonal layout by Jouven et Phelouzat. Over time, its fragmented buildings and isolated functions led to a site that felt both illegible and dysfunctional. More than to simply renovate, the challenge was to rethink the entire complex.

The team sees the site as emblematic of the often-criticized architectural legacy from the 1970s. Instead of treating the school as an outdated facility to be corrected, the architects treat it as a latent resource to be recalibrated to meet contemporary needs. This perspective reframes the school’s history as an asset rather than a liability.

images © Maxime Verret

Understanding the Challenge

The 1974 campus, with its rigid orthogonal layout, had become disjointed and dysfunctional over time. The team’s approach was not only to renovate but to rethink the entire complex, treating the school’s history as an asset rather than a liability.

Tectoniques’ Strategic Approach to Phasing and Expansion

Tectoniques plans the Maryse Bastié renovation in France with sensitivity to both construction logistics and educational rhythms. The school currently hosts 550 students, with a goal of expanding to 600. The strategy involves phased construction to ensure the site remains operational, while also reprogramming its layout for clarity and cohesion.

The architects begin by stripping back the overgrowth of past additions to reveal the rational grid beneath. Working with the prefab ‘Striwick’ box-and-beam system, the architects reinterpret the existing framework as a generator of form rather than a constraint. New additions mirror the rhythm of the old without mimicking its proportions, creating a quiet dialogue between past and present.

Responding to the spatial disorganization, the team introduces legibility and hierarchy. An upper-level volume bridges existing classroom blocks to house new specialized programs. This move reconnects the previously isolated SEGPA unit, while creating a new floor of pedagogical continuity. The interventions prioritize clarity and reinforce the school’s academic identity.

the Maryse Bastié Secondary School is reconfigured to bring clarity to a fragmented campus

Tectoniques repositions the entrance to the Maryse Bastié Secondary School to the south, forming a generous public axis aligned with an upcoming cultural center. A broad central hall becomes the new spatial anchor, articulating the school’s internal wings and improving orientation. The addition of vertical elements allows the complex to breathe within its larger suburban context.

The transformation is grounded within a framework of environmental performance. By using locally-sourced Douglas fir, the design reinforces both sustainability and regional craft. Prefabricated timber envelopes and wood-fiber insulation contribute to an upgraded thermal performance while accommodating the logistical challenges of a live site.

Facades are enclosed by vertical green larch cassettes and folded metal elements. The materials balance vernacular references with technical precision, giving the volumes a tactile depth. Extended eaves, shading devices, and aluminum joinery articulate the building’s new energy-conscious profile without sacrificing architectural expression.

locally-sourced Douglas Fir is employed to support sustainable construction

the original prefab structure is revealed as a framework for new extensions

May 1, 2025

Mogo Fuses Japanese Jazz Culture with Industrial Milanese Edge

Giorgia Longoni Studio has created a unique bar and dining concept in the Isola district of Milan, called MOGO. The venue is centered around a handcrafted, 360-degree sound station, wrapped in steel, velvet, and carved wood, drawing inspiration from the communal concept and retro aesthetics of Japanese Jazz Kissa listening cafes that emerged postwar in the mid-20th century.

The design team has reinterpreted these influences through Milan’s own material language, infusing industrial finishes and tactile, contemporary details. The result is a space that embodies the contrasts of layered materiality and an atmosphere of analog intimacy, bringing people together. A luminous ceiling shifts color and tone throughout the day, casting bright light across the interiors before warming into amber hues at night.

The venue’s name, MOGO, is derived from the Sotho word for “together,” encapsulating the soul of the venue. It is a gathering place where people can share unique moments over good food, excellent cocktails, and refined sounds. The listening bar creates a natural space that draws people in to gather over a drink or music, positioned as both a social core and a spatial anchor. Giorgia Longoni Studio has also carved out more intimate spaces, such as a private relaxation room veiled behind moss-green curtains, inviting people in for barefoot relaxation.

The material palette layers warmth, texture, and contrast, with terracotta tones referencing both the earth and the venue’s Japanese influences, while aquamarine extends across floors and walls to evoke fluidity and add a contemporary edge. These are paired with natural textures, such as carved wood fixtures, custom tapestries by Andrea Corvino, and washi paper accents, which soften the industrial framework and lend the space a tactile, lived-in quality.

The color scheme follows suit, with a focus on warmth, texture, and contrast. The overall design is anchored by a 360-degree sound bar, which draws on the popular Japanese Jazz Kissa listening cafes. The space embraces layered materiality and an atmosphere of analog intimacy, with steel, velvet, and carved wood winding through the interior.

Giorgia Longoni Studio has completed the interiors for MOGO, creating a unique and inviting space that fosters togetherness and a sense of community. The venue is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the perfect blend of Japanese jazz culture and industrial Milanese edge.

In conclusion, MOGO is a unique and innovative bar and dining concept that seamlessly blends Japanese jazz culture with industrial Milanese edge. The venue’s focus on community, intimacy, and tactile details creates a truly immersive experience, making it a standout destination in Milan’s vibrant culinary and nightlife scene. With its unique design and welcoming atmosphere, MOGO is sure to become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Project Info:

Name: MOGO

Architect: Giorgia Longoni Studio | @giorgialongonistudio

Location: Milan, Italy

architecture studios of porto through marc goodwin’s lens

Continuing his global exploration of architects’ workspaces, Archmospheres photographer Marc Goodwin turns his lens to Porto. Traveling across the city, Goodwin visited a diverse group of architecture studios, many housed in carefully renovated buildings that speak to Porto’s layered urban fabric. This latest series highlights the character and daily life of each practice, from young collectives to long-established offices, offering a glimpse into the spaces where projects take root. Through Goodwin’s thoughtful photography, the distinct personalities of each studio — and their relationship to the city’s historic and contemporary architecture — come quietly into view.

Nuno Melo Sousa | all images © Marc Goodwin

architectural affairs

Architectural Affairs is a contemporary architecture studio founded by Portuguese architect, curator, and academic Andreia Garcia. With a strong foundation in interdisciplinary research and curatorial practice, the firm engages in projects that rethink the relationship between architecture, the city, and the environment. Known for its critical and conceptual approach, Architectural Affairs operates at the intersection of design, pedagogy, and cultural discourse — extending Garcia’s vision for architecture as a tool for sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking change. Before the studio moved into the 1970s-era building, captured here by photographer Marc Goodwin / Archmospheres, the space served as a garage and art gallery.

Architectural Affairs

ata atelier

ATA Atelier is an architecture practice based in Porto, founded in 2021. The firm works out of a previous retail space in a building designed by Depa Architects. Focusing on using analytical methods to guide its design process, the team pays particular attention to how architecture relates to place. ATA explores key themes such as typology, materiality, form, and space, aiming to create thoughtful, functional responses that align with both project needs and the surrounding urban context.

ATA Atelier

atelier da costa

Located in Póvoa de Varzim, a short drive from Porto’s historic center, ATELIERDACOSTA inhabits a space of quiet transformation. Once an empty shell, the studio was reimagined by its own team within a contemporary building originally designed by architect Jean Pierre Porcher in 2008. Like its architectural work, which often reveals a thoughtful attention to landscape, light, and community — as seen with its Casa de Férias project — ATELIERDACOSTA’s workspace reflects a spirit of careful calibration. Its approach tends toward clarity and warmth, balancing sturdy material choices with a sensitivity to surroundings that extends from their residential designs to the everyday atmosphere of its practice.

ATELIERDACOSTA

Atelier Local

Located in Valongo, just outside of Porto, Atelier Local occupies a quietly storied building that once served as a bakery, grocery store, and residence. Renovated by the studio in 2020–2021, the early 19th-century structure now reflects the thoughtful sensibility of João Paupério and Maria Rebelo, who founded the practice after formative experiences in Brussels and Porto. Since establishing its workspace, the studio has continued to deepen the dialogue between research and practice. The space echoes its architectural approach — grounded in history, yet attentive to the subtle possibilities of renewal.

Atelier Local

colectivo mel

Located in a former private house dating back to around 1890, colectivo MEL has made its home on Rua Dr Alves da Veiga since 2014. The architecture studio describes itself as a ‘wandering architecture office,’ open to projects that seek to meaningfully improve the world. From its Porto base, MEL approaches design as a catalyst for collaboration between technicians and users, encouraging dialogue, dismantling preconceptions, and fostering community action. The practice is rooted in conscious, responsible work that respects both people and the environment, reflecting a belief that ‘work must signify a pleasure and a creative act.’

Introduction to Villa Nagiso

Villa Nagiso by studio OTAA unfolds in a corner of Japan‘s Nagano Prefecture where the forest presses close and the past is preserved with the wood. In Nagiso, a town scarcely known even among Japanese people, the terrain speaks louder than the built environment. Dense forests of Kiso hinoki — a prized cypress native to the region — have shaped the spirit of local craft, from woodworking to hinokasa hat-making. For OTAA, this landscape of memory and material offers a way to imagine architecture’s role in a shrinking, aging Japan.

The place is born from a decision not just to build, but to stay. As rural towns across Japan face decline, Nagiso stands as a mirror to the nation’s future. Rather than retreat from this reality, OTAA embraced it — purchasing land and existing structures, then methodically restoring them into a hotel for rent. This act of embedding into the local context reframed architecture as an ongoing negotiation with community, time, and place.

images © Takashi Uemura

Light, Framed in Wood

OTAA’s Villa Nagiso opens itself first to the landscape, prioritizing the tea fields and mountain ridges that roll beyond its walls. The original fixed sashes were replaced with new wooden frames, a gesture both practical and poetic. Within the former timber hut, a once dark atrium space was painted silver, shifting the atmosphere from rustic to elemental without erasing the memory of the building’s original form.

The architects ground the home’s interiors with a material that could only belong to this region. In collaboration with Katsuno Lumber, a local forestry company, OTAA developed a flooring board made from the bark of Kiso hinoki trees. Where traditional tatami mats once lay, this richly textured material now covers the floor — a luxurious reimagining of what is typically discarded, and a reaffirmation of the possibilities embedded within local resources.

contemporary sensitivity arrives to a remote town in Nagano Prefecture

OTAA Celebrates Craft as a Daily Ritual

With its Villa Nagiso, OTAA extends the act of building beyond what can be seen. During construction, the architects invited fragrance designer Megumi Fukatsu to work with students on distilling the scent of Kiso hinoki into an original aroma for the space. This sensory layer, ephemeral yet grounding, weaves fragrance into the architecture itself, reminding visitors that memory is built as much through atmosphere as through form.

Craftsmanship is carried into the smallest details. Even the cups used at the hotel were created using the Nagiso roroku technique, a local lacquer craft. Rather than outsourcing these elements, OTAA incorporated DIY methods and hands-on workshops, allowing architecture to emerge organically from a series of small, deliberate acts rather than a single overarching plan.

OTAA reclaims an aging structure to create a quietly transformative hotel

Reflection and Impact

The project reflects an understanding that the future may not be sculpted by grand gestures, but by a cumulative layering of humble efforts. Each renovation choice, each handmade object, each collaborative workshop feeds into an ecosystem of place-specific creativity. In this way, the project becomes less a hotel and more a quiet proposal for how architecture might evolve in a world where permanence is no longer the norm.

OTAA does not attempt to escape the realities of rural decline, nor does it romanticize them. Instead, it suggests that in working carefully with what is already present — wood, fragrance, craft, memory — new forms of permanence can be made. Through its modest scale and deeply rooted approach, the project offers a reminder: sometimes architecture’s most enduring impact lies not in what it builds, but in how it chooses to belong.

the building opens onto the surrounding tea fields and mountain landscape

custom handmade cups are created with the Nagiso Roroku lacquer technique

Conclusion

In conclusion, Villa Nagiso by OTAA is a testament to the power of thoughtful, community-driven architecture. By embracing the local context and working with the existing landscape, OTAA has created a hotel that not only reflects the beauty of Nagano Prefecture but also contributes to its preservation. The project serves as a model for sustainable, place-specific design, reminding us that the most enduring architecture is that which is deeply rooted in its surroundings. As a celebration of craft, community, and the quiet persistence of rural Japan, Villa Nagiso stands as a beacon of hope for the future of architecture in a world where permanence is no longer the norm.

Introduction to Nu Drom Offices

In the rolling landscape of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, Matière Première realizes its Nu Drom Offices. The architecture feels less like a new construction and more like a natural extension of its site. Designed and built by the Quebecois architecture studio together with its design-build company Nu Drom, the project introduces a permanent workspace that brings together design, craft, and place into a cohesive whole.

The architects envision the offices as part of a two-building campus alongside an artisanal production facility, both crafted to read as a unified ensemble. Situated on a pine-forested site at the edge of Magog, the timber buildings embody a shared sensibility: careful placement, coherent materiality, and an ongoing dialogue with the mountainous setting, including a direct view toward Mount Orford.

Matière Première and Nu Drom create a new office complex outside Quebec | image © Ian Balmorel

Design Approach

With the new offices, Architecture office Matière Première and design-build studio Nu Drom approach the site’s layered history with sensitivity, honoring its past as a beloved local gathering spot. As project leader Etienne Chaussé explains, the process began by listening — to the land’s subtle contours, its memory, and the evolving needs of the team itself. Each building takes shape with a low-slung silhouette, echoing Quebec’s vernacular rural architecture, using restrained forms to blend architecture with environment.

Full-height windows orchestrate shifting patterns of light and shadow throughout the day, while untreated white cedar cladding will weather into a soft gray, allowing the building to mature gracefully within the rolling fields.

Landscape Integration

Landscape architecture is at the heart of the project. The site’s natural character is carefully maintained, while a clear threshold demarcates the built and the wild. Low concrete planters, native grasses, and quiet paving gestures establish a gentle transition that asserts human presence without overwhelming the fragile local ecology.

landscape design is integrated to define a subtle threshold between built and wild areas | image © Ian Balmorel

Interior Design and Sustainability

Matière Première interiors balance openness with intimacy, featuring a sculptural staircase of folded steel and oak that acts as a vertical anchor. Exposed wooden beams and fabric-lined millwork enrich the tactile and acoustic atmosphere, while the flexible ground floor — currently a showroom — is designed to evolve easily into future workspace needs.

With Nu Drom, Matière Première Architecture makes natural light and passive thermal strategies central to the design, orienting glazed facades to modulate seasonal temperature changes. A recessed glass wall on the southern side provides a thermal buffer zone, while a timber brise-soleil on the western facade filters strong afternoon light, ensuring comfort without severing the vital connection to the outdoors.

Daylight is used not just as an environmental factor, but as an architectural material in itself. Sunlight animates the interiors, shifting across surfaces with the seasons, making light a fundamental element of the building’s identity and reinforcing the studio’s tactile, nature-driven design ethos.

a rural-inspired silhouette evolves with the surrounding environment | image © Alex Lesage

Project Completion and Legacy

the project honors the site’s history and natural memory | image © Alex Lesage

the two buildings are designed as a unified ensemble facing Mount Orford | image © Ian Balmorel

Conclusion

The Nu Drom Offices by Matière Première and Nu Drom stand as a testament to the power of thoughtful, context-driven design. By embracing the natural beauty of the site and incorporating sustainable practices, the project not only minimizes its environmental footprint but also creates a unique and inspiring workspace. The blend of traditional materials with modern sensibilities results in a building that feels both rooted in its surroundings and forward-looking, making it an exemplary model for future architectural projects.

Rattan is one of those gorgeous materials that is adaptable to a range of interior styles such as the Hamptons look, plus it’s an affordable way to restyle your home for the season. Inviting rattan into your home can be as subtle as updating your kitchen stools, changing lighting or refreshing decor items such as baskets; it won’t break the budget but will create an impactful statement.

Here are three decorating tips when styling with rattan:

1. Don’t go overboard with “matchy-matchy” rattan: As this is a big seasonal trend try to not go over the top when curating rattan in your home as small updates like dining chairs or rattan lighting can be more impactful on their own. Rattan works best when styled with pre-loved furniture in natural timbers such as oak and recycled timbers. This season we are seeing a shift from the natural blonde rattan finishes to more of the darker tones like chocolate brown which has a strong colonial influence.
   <img class="styles__StyledImage-sc-17n6uwl-1 hlcJVa size-full wp-post-496246 wp-image-496477" loading="eager" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-496477" width="1500" height="2000" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (max-width: 939px) 60vw, (max-width: 1112px) 70vw, 800px" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1500 2000"%3E%3C/svg%3E" srcset="" alt="rattan bedhead"/>

   Rattan in darker tones has a strong colonial look.

   These darker tones look great when paired with leafy prints and earthy tones like olive, mustard and sandstone. Rattan certainly isn’t limited to furniture and can be a fun way to introduce indoor planters, bar carts and decorative bowls which will create a gorgeous bohemian feel within your home.

2. Choose two-tone rattan finishes for a contemporary look: This season we are completely lusting over the two-tone rattan trend that is visible in a lot of home decor pieces. The contrast of the black with the natural rattan creates a more contemporary look and feel than the coastal style we have traditionally seen in the past.
   <img class="styles__StyledImage-sc-17n6uwl-1 hlcJVa size-full wp-post-496246 wp-image-496475" loading="eager" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-496475" width="976" height="1301" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (max-width: 939px) 60vw, (max-width: 1112px) 70vw, 800px" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 976 1301"%3E%3C/svg%3E" srcset="" alt="two tone rattan"/>

   Contrasting black with natural rattan creates a contemporary look.

   This colour combination looks great in occasional chairs, bedheads and dining chairs. Another style we are seeing is rattan paired with powder-coated steel which makes it more adaptable in ultra-modern homes.

3. Style with linen and other natural fibres: Thanks to its natural Hamptons feel, rattan complements other natural fibres like jute and sisal rugs. Take inspiration from Byron Bay-style homes and pair oversized jute rugs with rattan coffee tables for an on-trend update.
   <img class="styles__StyledImage-sc-17n6uwl-1 hlcJVa size-full wp-post-496246 wp-image-496473" loading="eager" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-496473" width="1818" height="1364" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (max-width: 939px) 60vw, (max-width: 1112px) 70vw, 800px" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1818 1364"%3E%3C/svg%3E" srcset="" alt="rattan and sisal rug"/>

   Rattan complements other natural fibres like sisal and jute, as is seen in this living room.

   If you crave something a bit more bold in your home, then Persian rugs pair really nicely with rattan. Linen bedding and rattan bedheads are also a match made in heaven and can create such a dreamy feel in your bedroom.

In conclusion, incorporating rattan into your home decor can be a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. By following these three decorating tips, you can create a beautiful and unique space that reflects your personal style. Whether you choose to go for a classic Hamptons look or a more contemporary feel, rattan is a versatile material that can be adapted to suit any interior style. All images courtesy of Temple & Webster.
Read next: 8 beautiful living room ideas
This article was originally published on 18 Jul 2019 at 9:00am but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.

Introduction to Lei Homestay

In the shifting landscape of North Yangjiaqiao Village, Beijing, where colored steel roofs and Western-style houses disrupt the memory of traditional courtyard homes, ARCHSTUDIO steps in with a grounded response. Named Lei Homestay, the project transforms a 400-square-meter site in Pinggu District into a serene guesthouse organized around three cherished family trees—two persimmons and one walnut. These trees not only inspire the homestay’s poetic name—Lei (耒), an ancient agricultural tool composed of three ‘wood’ radicals—but also structure the architecture itself. Guided by a framework of laminated timber, the building is a contemporary take on the village’s vanishing courtyard typology, offering a breathing, tree-hugging sanctuary.

all images by Wang Ning, unless stated otherwise

Design and Layout

The site, once cluttered with incongruous structures and temporary sheds, is now reimagined as a thoughtful composition of interlocking volumes and open courtyards. Beijing-based ARCHSTUDIO’s Lei Homestay balances intimacy and openness, enclosing the ground floor with solid brick walls for privacy while carving out sunlit social spaces—living, dining, and kitchen areas—that open inward to the trees. The second level introduces six guestrooms floating above the street wall like a timber canopy. Their staggered platforms mirror the organic rhythm of the trees, blending lofts, tatami-style rooms, and family suites into a fluid yet distinct hospitality experience.

the project transforms a 400-square-meter site in Pinggu District into a serene guesthouse

Construction and Materials

Local constraints—height restrictions, setback rules, and a limited footprint—became tools for invention. To double the site’s original volume without disrupting the village scale, the architects leaned into prefabricated timber construction, ensuring both environmental performance and spatial richness. Scots pine serves as the primary structural material, offering warmth and tactility, while reclaimed bricks from the site lend texture and memory to the walls. A ribbon of gray asphalt shingles slips down from the pitched roof and partially clads the facade, giving the building its defining silhouette—a floating, forest-like dwelling nestled in the rural fabric.

Community Interaction and Beyond

Beyond offering seven guest rooms and generous common areas, Lei Homestay is designed as a future node of community interaction. The owner’s vision expands beyond commerce: the space is intended to double as a social and cultural hub for the village, a place where guests and locals can meet under the canopy of trees, quite literally.

Lei Homestay is organized around three cherished family trees

the building is a contemporary take on the village’s vanishing courtyard typology

a breathing, tree-hugging sanctuary

April 27, 2025

A mortgage may clamp a significant financial chain around your ankles, but with that great responsibility also comes great freedom. Namely, to do what you like to your own home (subject to council approval, of course). Rental tenants, on the other hand, have traditionally seemed stuck with whatever dodgy decor, poky layout or boring bathrooms their landlord bestows upon their digs. But while you may not be knocking down walls any time soon, there are plenty of solutions you can use to make your rental feel much more like your own.

“We would argue strongly that any commitment to making your space feel personal and homely is of utmost importance to your happiness, success and health,” says Sara Chamberlain, director of The Real Estate Stylist. Here are a few of Sara’s top tips for improving your rental while treading lightly. And if you’re ever in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and check in with your landlord.

1. Replace or remove the window coverings

They frame your view outside and can dramatically improve the feel of a room, so it’s worth taking another look at ugly window coverings. “You certainly don’t have to put up with heavy window dressings that don’t work, block light or collect dust,” says Sara. “Remove these items and store them carefully; they can be re-hung when you leave.” She recommends replacing unwanted coverings with some nice sheer curtains, hung with removable brackets – or even leaving private windows without coverings. “If you have some panels that you’d prefer to block out for privacy but want natural light from above, consider using removable window decals to cover lower parts of the window,” she suggests.

2. Add extra bench space

A tiny or awkward layout may seem to dictate your dining destiny, but it doesn’t need to, insists Sara. “Extend the kitchen with a tall bench or a work bench,” she says. “We adore this work bench and it elevates (pun intended) any kitchen or dining space to a real hub of the home. Everyone dreams about their ideal kitchen, but in rentals they can be either very dated or very small – this, with some stools, will change your world… and extend your storage options and prep area at the same time”. You can also get more tips on sprucing up a rental kitchen, and even find ways to improve a bathroom in dire need of some love.

3. Use floor lamps instead of ugly overhead lighting

Lighting really can set the tone of your home, so harsh, office-like lighting or dated, unsightly ceiling fixtures can be a renter’s nightmare. Sara’s advice? “Take control of your lighting plan and never turn on the overhead lights provided!” Floor lamps cast a more flattering light and provide height and drama for your space. Says Sara: “Everyone wants ceiling pendants, but restrictions on updating fixtures is a reality for renters.” The solution? “Explore the incredible range of floor lamps that provide height and drama for your space.” To make a statement in your entryway, she suggests trying something like a brass floor lamp with various bulbs; or, for smaller spaces, try using a table lamp in your kitchen or bathroom to add some understated style.

4. Beautify the outdoor areas with planter pots

Garden or balcony space comes at a premium, yet often rentals lack the love that an owner-occupier might put into creating a beautiful, calming outdoor oasis. In these cases, says Sara: “Working with planter boxes can really help to define spaces. Use planter boxes to line a balcony edge, create a herb garden on a small Juliet balcony, or create zones in a lucklustre backyard.” They’re also fantastically versatile in terms of what you can grow – and, importantly, they’re movable: “[Planter boxes] can be used to grow veggies and creepers and create backdrops for seating arrangements,” explains Sara. “If you’re staying in a space for a while, investing in your own garden to tend to will create a sense of home that you can remove when you go.”

5. Invest in stylish (removable) storage

Here’s a two-in-one opportunity to create both storage space and a platform to add some individual style. “One of our favourite products ever for styling and storage is the IKEA PS Cabinet – this little gem is the perfect profile and size to add extra storage anywhere, from the bathroom and entrance to the bedroom, living room and kitchen,” says Sara. “Run two or more together along a longer wall and you can create storage heaven that looks like built-ins but can be taken away easily.” They also create a platform to prop up artworks and knick-knacks, creating stylish displays (handy, given the issues with hanging heavy artworks and mirrors in a rental home).

In conclusion, making a rental property feel like home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By implementing a few simple and removable changes, such as replacing window coverings, adding extra bench space, using floor lamps, beautifying outdoor areas with planter pots, and investing in stylish storage, you can create a space that reflects your personality and style. Remember to always check with your landlord before making any changes, and don’t be afraid to get creative and make your rental property feel like your own. This article was originally published on 1 Aug 2019 at 9:00am but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.

There’s nothing quite like lapping up the luxury at a five-star hotel or falling asleep between sumptuous sheets at a well-heeled holiday rental to remind us of the finer things in life.

And while most of us save such decadence for a special occasion, sadly returning to a cluttered kitchen and unmade bed, adding luxurious touches to your home is surprisingly easy and could be a life game-changer.

We expect luxury in our cars, so why not bring some into your own home? Yet for many of us across Australia, the idea of upping the luxe factor at home can be a test in endurance; time-consuming, daunting and expensive.

Help is at hand however, as Kerena Berry, co-founder and director at designbx.com, divulges seven simple ways to add a touch of five-star luxury to your own home.

1. A sumptuous bed

A well-dressed bed is an underrated luxury. Picture: Lucas Muro

Few things guarantee a good night’s sleep in the way a stylish and sumptuous bed can. Make it the focal point of your bedroom, and start with a supportive mattress before layering with luxury touches like Egyptian cotton sheets, plump-down pillows and a weather-appropriate doona. Final touch? Add a tasteful throw in a neutral tone for an elegant finish.

2. Lavish lighting

Tasteful lighting is a subtle, but important luxe finish. Picture: Getty

Visit any expensive hotel or luxury home, and you’ll notice the one thing they have in common are well-lit rooms with tasteful chandeliers, floor lamps, wall sconces, art lights, and mood lighting in every crevice and corner. Begin your own lighting overhaul by updating the overhead lights in your house with modern fixtures, and consider having a dimmer for that all-important mood-lighting.

3. Fresh flowers

Artfully arranged vases deck hotel halls, and could become a staple of your home too. Picture: Erinna Giblin

Many of us see flowers as an infrequent and unnecessary purchase, but there’s no reason why you can’t make elegant and aromatic bouquets a key staple in your home. Having blooms in your rooms adds colour, life, perfume and texture, and can make a tired space feel like a cherished home. It needn’t be an expensive addition – garden-picked blooms always hold an extra charm.

4. Artwork

When it comes to purchasing art, start small before you make a big investment. Picture: Tamara Graham

“Many of our clients feel they have made it if they can buy art,” says Kerena Berry from DesignBx. If you want to treat yourself to some artwork for your home, Kerena suggests choosing an artist you’ve always cherished, or a piece sourced while travelling. “Art evokes memories and feelings, so it’s a very personal investment. Start small and buy what you love,” she says.

5. Mirrors

A mirror can not only make a room feel larger, it’s a decadent feature in its own right. Picture: Tamara Graham

Another recommendation from Kerena is to invest in some decadent mirrors: “They can create such grandeur in a room, having the ability to reflect natural light and change the scape of a room simply by altering its depth of field. The bigger the better I say!”

6. Sensory overload