Bergen's former "weird corner" sat within the large, open room in her 1920s Edwardian San Francisco apartment that serves as both her dining and living areas. "What I didn't like was how impractical it felt; it was wasted space," she says. "What I did like was the potential - the corner was tucked, naturally cozy, and I could imagine it becoming a perfect little nook with the right design ... I wanted to honor [my home's] charm while giving it a modern, folk-inspired twist."
A round bed in the center of this 968-square-foot Milan apartment seems to hang in the air, with only a beam of light as its base. It appears and disappears behind by a metal fabric folding door by Dooor (a company that acclaimed Italian designer Gio Ponti also worked with). Elsewhere in the room, historic design pieces and timeless antiques reflect the homeowner's passion; they run Antichità Moglia, a store specializing in antique doors.
It is this iconic scene that architect Mark Monaghan says springs to mind when he thinks of his own home. "That's always stuck with me," he says. "From the outside, it looks like it should fit into its environment, but once you go inside, there's no reason why you can't have that feeling of space that most Irish houses just don't have."
"I've always believed in the necessity of loving where you are while you are there and building a home that truly feels like home," Gail begins. "When I step through my door, I am welcomed and held by the space that I've created and curated for myself. Here I can fully let go and simply just be. The hope is that my guests, whether it be friends or family (I do love to host) will feel the same way."
Sometimes, older buildings that have been converted into condos or apartments can be oddly shaped and sized. That was the case with this particular Madison, Wisconsin, condo located in Capitol Square. The one-bedroom, one-bath residence featured a generous living, dining, and kitchen area - but also featured a tucked-away, highly angular bonus room that offered a unique challenge in regard to furniture configuration.
While this space has become indispensable in many abodes, it often looks sterile and purely utilitarian. Instead, think of a home office as a great place to show off your personal style in a way that wouldn't be possible in a more corporate setting. Decor is a great place to start. A beautiful vase, layered artworks, or even a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into your 9-to-5, all without breaking the bank.
