Small mosaic tile in the centre of a marble floor looks like a carpet atop larger tiles.

The contemporary surface of Gluckstein’s home has a classical foundation, and his master bathroom is no different. For intimacy and unique decoration, the tub is partially encircled by shelves full of leather-bound books. A mirrored side table holds bath essentials and complements the chrome touches found throughout the room.

Bring harmony to your space with hallmarks of Japanese design.

In Japan, black is considered a colour that is used to emphasize form. Look for shapely black items such as leggy cocktail tables or a curvy webbed chair. As a finishing touch, decorate white walls with traditional calligraphic scrolls; fashioned into a kimono and hung on a bamboo pole, their inky script becomes gorgeous graphic art.

A cascade of pretty pleats from a ceiling-mounted canopy frames this bed and softens the space.

Take cues from the poetic mix of flowing silk chiffon and chunky knits seen on the fashion runways and inject wistful charm into a sparely decorated bedroom by layering muddy hues in different textures. Perfectly rumpled linens dial down the fuss factor, while an ancestral portrait bestows a noble air.

Smooth over industrial edges with playful textiles and classic vintage furniture.

Decorator and former H&H style editor Sabrina Linn’s loft is bursting with personality. Sabrina’s vision was a Palm Springs-inspired space lit with hits of tangerine and chartreuse. In her stylish living room, a pair of vintage swivel armchairs from a local junk shop were recovered in orange velvet. They balance the lighter neutral pieces, like the teak chairs and glass-topped coffee table. Mirrors atop the console add a touch of glam and sparkle.

For more, watch an Online TV tour of this loft and browse photo galleries of the interior and patio transformation.

A curvy chair with nailhead trim offsets the sleek lines of this room’s pewter grey-green furnishings.

“This home’s boldness gives it a real western Canadian feel,” says homeowner and designer Douglas Cridland. From his Calgary home’s coffered walnut ceiling and arched windows, to its olivewood built-ins and honed black granite floor, the luxe materials reflect Doug’s well-travelled tastes.

For more design & decorating ideas, browse our Inspiring Calgary Interiors photo gallery.

Create a sleek restaurant-style space with reclaimed vintage stainless steel pieces.

Made from a rebuilt shop table, topped with butcher block, and surrounded by drafting stools, the kitchen island is the focal point in this industrial-looking space. An eye-catching dentist lamp hung over it can be repositioned easily with its hydraulic arm. The upper cabinets — from a lab — are backed and clad with stainless steel to strengthen them and tie them with the lower cabinets. With its 11-foot ceilings, painted brick wall and factory windows, its hard to believe this kitchen was designed a decade ago.

Ebony-stained floors add impact to this neutral space.

“This living room is the room that sold me on the house,” says House & Home editor Suzanne Dimma. “It has soaring 12′ ceilings, so it feels really spacious.” A mix of modern and traditional touches, like the William Birch sofa paired with a low Eames chair and stool, blends the personal tastes of both Suzanne and her husband, Arriz Hassam of 3rd Uncle Design Inc. “I did a salon-style gallery wall in this house, too. It lends the room a library feel that is so inviting come winter time. I have lots of fun changing things up in this room, including drapes, seat covers, throw cushions and slip covers on the sofa,” says Suzanne. “The antique globe was in my dad’s library when I was a kid, and he let me have it when I moved in. I love the way it casts a soft glow in the room.”

See more rooms from Suzanne’s new house, plus her old house, in our gallery of Suzanne’s houses.

This family’s personality shines through their collection of eclectic objects.

“I want people to walk into my house and feel comfortable,” Sharon says. You can see how effectively she invites conversation by surrounding her guests with beautiful arrangements of objects she and her husband, Joe, have collected. Cotton slipcovers and a sisal mat add a cosy informality, while an oversized zebra-stripe ottoman spells glamour.

Tour this house on Online TV, plus find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Traditional Living Rooms and Montana Burnett’s Favourite Spaces.

Choose soft cool colours to create a winter wonderland in your dining room.

A lovely combination of rough textures comes together to create a modern farmhouse look. Tailored meets rustic with a slipcovered wing chair and a raw wooden table. Blue pottery and linens pop against a white background, reminiscent of a frosty winter landscape.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Thanksgiving Tables and Holiday Tables.

Impressive proportions create an entryway like no other.

Panelled walls, abundant natural lighting and original pegged beech plank floors make a definite statement in this entrance. A Mission-style pedestal table set on a modern zebra-print rug greets visitors. The glossy black stairs and railing stand out against the crisp white walls.

For more beautiful interiors by Lloyd Ralphs Design, see our photo gallery.

The elegant architectural backdrop sets off traditional-style furnishings.

This luxurious 1,500-square-foot master suite, complete with two fireplaces, dressing rooms and a balcony, resembles the finest European villa. Collaborating on the newly built house from its inception, interior designer Brian Gluckstein added cathedral ceilings, which lend a majestic quality and used architectural details, a soothing palette and soft furnishings to create an inviting, tranquil aesthetic.

White, shaker-style cabinets offer a fresh look in this kitchen reno.

In design editor Stacey Smithers’ kitchen, 16-inch-deep open shelving makes the space feel bigger and provides a great place to display vintage pottery and art. “I tire of trends quickly, so I knew I needed to keep the kitchen’s shell as simple as possible,” says Smithers. “The solution was white walls, counters and cabinets. This way, it’s easy for me to restyle the kitchen simply by changing up my dishes and accessories.”

See how Cameron MacNeil transformed Stacey’s kitchen in our online video tour.

Neutral walls and grey furniture call for bright accents.

Pair pale or white walls with a dark ceiling or splashes of a bright accent colour like pink or green. This living room from our special Condos issue in 2008 has high, lofty ceilings and minimalist furniture, but the hits of pink art and orange throws infuse warmth into the space.

See more photos from 2010’s Trendsetting Paint Colours Gallery.

A pendant light and mirrored night table add glamour to an otherwise modern room.

Deep charcoal-grey paint adds depth to this bedroom’s panelled walls. Crisp hotel-style bedding enhances the space’s clean, streamlined feel.

Show your personality with worldly pieces collected through travels.

This elegant Montreal home boasts classic style with French flair. In the living room, the oversized armchairs, silk-upholstered sofa, Klimt-inspired painting from Prague and Bohemian crystal chandelier heighten the luxe factor. A sea of neutrals keeps the look elegant and chic.

Modern and romantic elements mix beautifully in this space.

This room’s statement piece, a delicate Fortuny chandelier, sits gracefully above a heavy modern table and benches. An abundance of natural light bounces through the room thanks to the creamy white walls and large, unadorned windows.

Mixing and matching styles redefines country living.

With its bare wood floors, comfy seating and a palette of white, ocean blues and sunny yellows, the screened porch off the family room has a breezy “coast of Maine” aesthetic. Ideal for dining, gathering with friends or simply curling up with a book, the homeowners of this weekend home spend every moment they can in this cosy space.

A fresh, lofty twist on classic farmhouse comfort.

With a soft palette of muted colours, the designers of this Vermont home put emphasis on the richly varying textures of nubby fabrics, wool, wicker, washed linen and worn barn wood. Anchoring the vast interior are dark-stained, wide-plank floors. In the kitchen, the island is designed to resemble an old store counter. The stools are by the Shaker Workshops in Massachusetts. A Spanish cast-aluminum table and rattan chairs were used in the breakfast area to complement the room’s raw look.

The rich eclecticism of these furnishings demonstrate a taste for rare materials and exotic grace notes.

Designer Katherine Newman reclaimed this room’s elegant neoclassical panelling, the decorative plaster details on the ceiling and the parquet flooring. The walls were coated a soft pink, reminiscent of the shade British designer David Hicks used at his family home in England. It’s an effective foil for the neutral furnishings and colourful art throughout the room. Katherine’s approach was to use pieces with a clean modern aesthetic and employ relief and interest with a few exotic pieces. “What evolved, against a highly classical background, was a unique modernist language with a focus on comfort,” she says.

Find more inspiration in our Traditional Living Rooms photo gallery.

Boldly hued grass-cloth wallpaper, comfortable seating and rich patterns invite homeowners and guests to curl up with a good book.

“Every layer adds a dimension,” says designer Anne Hepfer. In her library, seagrass walls are layered with an antique suzani that Anne picked up in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar.

A luxe high-rise condo breaks all the rules about decorating in small spaces.

Panelled walls, regal colours and floor-to-ceiling collectibles dominate this compact home. Not a corner of this condo was left undecorated. A work from the homeowner’s collection of “society portraits” dominates a softly lit corner of the dressing room. A leafed library table displays flowers and collectibles.

Add interest by mixing and matching pieces found on world travels.

A black island provides a furniture-like focal point in this kitchen. Woven stools, kudu horns and a screen made of antique chinoiserie wallpaper also add a global feeling to the space. Pine wood floors look like bare wood when treated to a pickling stain, which helps imbue the space with a sense of airy lightness.

See the before photo plus other stunning before-and-after shots in our Bold Renovations gallery.

Antiques dealer Youssef Hasbani has a flair for mixing styles and cultures in his lakeside retreat.

Youssef’s cottage is like a lodge, filled with the beautiful objects he loves and collects. In his rustic dining nook, he showcases four vintage hurricane lamps above a rough, nature-inspired cedar pedestal table. Making use of every square inch of the space, he built an L-shaped banquette seat, covered in white terry cloth, which he also uses for storage.

See more great cottage and country rooms in our Cottages & Country Houses gallery, Traditional Cottages gallery, plus see more cottage photos.

Top interior designer Philip Mitchell transformed a dated penthouse into a timeless, elegant home with high-end finishes and architectural details.

A faux fireplace wall flanked by built-in shelving creates a focal point in the living room. Philip added extensive panel mouldings, deep cornices and high baseboards throughout the space to create architectural interest. The parquet flooring was stained a dark walnut for a more sophisticated look. A mix of artwork styles and quirky treasures keeps the space from appearing too stuffy.

View more photos of this home in our August 2009 issue. Plus, see more incredible spaces from 2009 in our photo gallery.

A refined sofa, chair and side table let fabric and colour take centre stage in this room.

Framed Donghia fabric becomes artwork, adding instant drama to this living space. The occasional chair was a curbside find; new legs and upholstery in a fuchsia damask print give it a trendy new life.

To watch Michael Penney and Joel Bray demonstrate framing fabric, watch Styling Tricks: Instant Art.

See our photo gallery for more fast decorating fixes.

A nature-inspired centerpiece makes a grand impression.

A slender Japanese maple standing on its burlap-wrapped base makes a seasonal statement in this pretty entryway. Majestic but not manicured, it gives the foyer a lovely unfussy feel while bringing a touch of the outdoor, in.

Bright colours and patterns look sophisticated when paired with on-trend neutrals.

Yellow drapes with a box-pleat valance and patterned wallpaper combine for a polished tone-on-tone effect in Victoria Webster’s living room. The sofa, carpet and trim in pale grey balance the graphic impact of the yellow wallpaper without stealing its thunder.

See more sunny spaces in our photo gallery of 26 Happy Yellow Rooms.

Glass-fronted cabinets and a pale green colour palette create a bright and airy atmosphere.

In this farmhouse-style kitchen, ceilings are a soaring 16 feet high. A large table in the center of the room can seat up to six, or be used as an island for additional workspace. Painted floors and painted wood furniture lend a light, fresh feeling.

For more beautiful French country interiors, see our photo gallery.

Dramatic pendant lights and a large marble island create a warm eat-in dining area.

The kitchen’s cool marble-topped eating counter has become Lynda’s favourite place to serve her guests a sophisticated meal, and her guests’ preferred place to dine. The table is also wired with outlets so can also serve as a work surface.

Use white to keep diverse styles cohesive.

White walls are a crisp foil to aged antiques and darker finishes. “This is the first really white living room I’ve ever done,” admits Tommy — associate designer with Sarah Richardson Design and co-star of HGTV’s Sarah’s Cottage and Sarah’s House — whose past homes were distinguished by dark, dramatic walls. “The windows are this home’s best feature; white shows off the light and makes the room feel big.” Since the sofa is also neutral, it blends in and doesn’t overpower the small space. “White is also the perfect backdrop for layering in strong colours, which I chose to give the room a youthful, happy feel.”

See more of Tommy’s houses, from past to present, in our photo gallery, plus get more Budget Decorating Ideas.

Old wood panelling was removed to reveal stunning fieldstone walls.

Once a room in an old schoolhouse, this dining area is now warm and inviting. The woodsy table was built by owner Carmen Dunjko with a wooden plank wrapped in artist’s canvas and birch stumps, reflecting the home’s Eastern Ontario pastoral setting. Sleek beech and rush dining chairs by Italian designer Vico Magistretti offer contrast and polish.

See more photos in our Storybook Cottages gallery.

See more great cottage and country rooms in our Cottages & Country Houses gallery, Traditional Cottages gallery, plus see more cottage photos.

Asian and French decor pair beautifully in this busy hall.

This chic and artful vignette is as fresh today as it was four years ago. In a small hallway off the main hall, Chinese ginger jars and a dramatic amethyst geode adorn a French console. Below, a flowering plant adds life and colour to the high-traffic area.

Handsome antiques and formal furniture pieces give this lakefront cottage polish and sophistication.

Comfortable, relaxed and a bit luxurious are traits the homeowners were aiming for when they renovated this summer home. A large table surrounded by Windsor chairs and anchored by a striking iron lantern, seats ten in the generous dining area. The soothing paint colours and tongue-and-groove panelling found throughout the home enhance the lakeside look.

Street style meets sophisticated fashion in this space.

A mod mix of black, indigo and burnished gold rakishly blurs the line between hipster hangout and members-only hideaway. To get the look, introduce retro polish with smoked-glass accents, then enliven the moody ambience with vintage leather pieces and graphic patterns, from handsome stripes to exotic tribal prints.

This cooking space features a crisp, uncluttered aesthetic and seaside-inspired palette.

In Alexandra and Eliot Angle’s open-concept kitchen, a long maple table is paired with Gio Ponti’s iconic Superleggera chairs while a modern Octopus pendant balances the rusticity. White-washed wood flooring creates a sleek, clean look. Panelled cabinets and butcher block countertops add warmth.

See more incredible spaces from 2009 in our photo gallery.

Burlap and black velvet upholstery mix in an unexpected way.

Layering fabrics, patterns and colours turns any space into a snug refuge from falling temperatures outdoors. An on-trend grey wall colour and soft grey striped rug underfoot add to the cosy feeling, while unfitted windows keep the space from becoming fussy or visually cluttered.

See more beautiful autumn decorating ideas in our Fall Decorating Ideas gallery.

This lucent space is defined by a prevalence of glass, white and light.

With cloud white walls and an abundance of windows, designer Dina Theodoropoulos’s mid-town Toronto loft offers an dreamlike atmosphere. The double-storey main living area, with a 20-foot ceiling, is overlooked by a U-shaped mezzanine. Dark sucupira floors and a mix of richly toned rustic and modern furnishings ground the ethereal all-white space.

A reclaimed oak table offers extra counter space.

“Another stunning space is Viki Mansell’s kitchen that was featured in our October 2009 issue,” says House & Home editor Suzanne Dimma. “It offers a fresh take on the all-white kitchen with the light weathered wood lower cabinets, whitewashed floor and crisp white accents. I’m a fan of the low, white leather armchairs, slightly deco inspired, around the table-style island. The exaggerated custom hood is unique and the open upper shelving has graphic appeal.”

See more of Suzanne’s favourite kitchens in our gallery.

For more island inspiration, see our Kitchen Tables As Islands photo gallery.

Painting the walls and ceiling white brightened an old wood cottage.

This great room — designed by Anne Hepfer — has two sitting areas, an ideal setup for weekends spent entertaining. The huge mirror (custom-made in Bali with tiny seashells) balances the fireplace at the other end of the room. The ottoman is made of antique mats from Borneo. Keeping the backdrop and major pieces neutral means the owner can add bold colour and pattern in easy-to-update accessories.

For more chic interiors by Anne Hepfer, see our photo gallery.

See more cottage photos in our White Cottages gallery, Traditional Cottages gallery, Cottages & Country Houses, plus more cottage photos.

The curving staircase and black-and-white fashion photography in this hall evoke glamour.

With its sweeping architectural staircase and white honed-marble finishes, the house of fashion designers Joe Mimran and Kimberley Newport-Mimran has a distinctly Hollywood feel; one almost expects to see Bette Davis swanning down the stairs with a martini held aloft.

This staircase was actually the toughest design challenge; they sought the twisted effect of an old Parisian staircase. The simple spindles have an almost antique feel, but their dark-grey hue and slender, handmade wood handrail lend the structure a modern look.

See more photos of the Joe Fresh Style and Pink Tartan designers’ house in our gallery and in the September 2008 issue.

House & Home’s Meg Crossley finished her basement with warm country style.

A faux-brick wall, fireplace mantel, slipcovered sofa and vintage finds combine in this rustic space. Meg cleverly concealed wiring and ductwork into one long, 40-square-foot closet behind the doors flanking the new fireplace.

See a tour of Meg’s basement renovation with Lynda Reeves on Online TV. Plus, get more Budget Basement Decorating Tips.

A white country-style home with European flair.

What makes Michelle Lloyd-Bermann’s home so unique is its eclecticism: the juxtaposition of old with new, inexpensive with antique and found objects with family mementoes. In the breakfast area, sunlight streams through a wall of French doors opening onto the garden. “You feel like you’re in a French café in the morning,” she says. Shallow kitchen cupboards were built by Michelle’s husband, David, to store glass, china and collectibles. He stripped the old Ontario farmhouse pine doors and fitted them with pigeon wire and brass hardware for an authentic French country look.

Elegant furniture contrasts with exposed pipes and beams.

The home of DwellStudio founder Christiane Lemieux and her family, this SoHo loft in New York perfectly blends old-world style with industrial accents. Matching black columns and lamps add punch in an otherwise neutral space. Gilt offers a feminine note.

See more photos of Lemieux’s glam and graphic New York loft.

An 18th-century French side table with its original paint holds towels next to the tub.

A Persian carpet is an unusually luxurious choice for a bathroom, but stands up well to wear and tear. An antique wrought-iron chandelier from Europe illuminates the tub area. To the left, a display cabinet stores towels, bath accessories and cleaning products.

See more Dramatic Bathrooms and Spa-Like Bathrooms.

This bright and spacious living room features a marble fireplace, sandblasted glass windows, and a set of facing sofas on a golden-coloured rug.

A mirrored sideboard and modern hanging pendant light add sparkle and a touch of glamour. The Fred Herzog photograph above the mantlepiece and a petrified tree stump layer in an edgy, contemporary note.

A small arched doorway creates a sense of intimacy.

In this elegant dining room, large-format Chinoiserie wallpaper lends rich colour while white mouldings keep the look crisp. The Chippendale-style chairs were the starting point of the room. Upholstered in an understated Ralph Lauren plaid, these mahogany reproductions combine striking old world looks with new world durability and comfort.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Party-Ready Dining Rooms and Holiday Tables.

This upstairs sitting area doubles as a guest room.

Toronto interior designer Mazen El-Abdallah of Mazen Studio wanted to create a room that was meaningful, useful and beautiful. Wall-to-wall sisal carpet throughout the second floor is a cosy option that also dulls the sound of footsteps. A narrow daybed — a housewarming gift from friend Suzanne Dimma — is the perfect option for an overnight guest. Details such as the large mirror and credenza are practical pieces for a guest room, yet do not look out of place when the space functions as a den.

See video tours of El-Abdallah’s main floor, second floor and attic, plus more gorgeous guest bedrooms.

An old Catholic school dormitory gets a contemporary revamp.

These clever bookcases run the entire perimeter of this open-concept room, offering storage without cluttering up or breaking sight lines. At only 27” tall, these open shelves are perfect for storing books and curios, freeing up concealed storage areas for less aesthetically pleasing objects. Be sure to limit the number of pieces placed on top of the bookcases to maintain the open feeling.

Get more great ideas in our Organization Tricks photo gallery. For more on this condo, take a tour on Online TV.

Bring the outdoors in with wicker furniture.

Wicker chairs and an oversized pendant lantern bring old Muskoka charm into this open-concept living/kitchen area. The floors are low-key antique hemlock, keeping with the theme of using natural materials.

Create a charming, casual feel with a mix of floral prints.

Painted beadboard combined with pine and bare wood is very country. The chandelier is painted out the same shade as the walls, along with ornate cornice above the doors. Punchy red crewelwork on the chairs injects pattern. An antique beetle cartouche draws eyes up to the vaulted ceiling.

Tour this cottage designed by Colette van den Thillart in this online video. Plus, see more photos in our Storybook Cottages gallery.

See more great cottage and country rooms in our Cottages & Country Houses gallery, Traditional Cottages gallery, plus see more cottage photos.

A Palm Springs desert retreat gets a cool white reno.

Canadian actress Kathleen Robertson took an outdated post-and-beam bungalow and turned it into the minimalist abode she dreamed of. In her open-concept kitchen, black Bertoia chairs punctuate the neutral kitchen and dining area. A sleek rectangular light fixture is suspended from the original tongue-and-groove ceiling. Stark white walls and cement floors lend the space a gallery-like vibe, which Kathleen and her husband were aiming for.

A sea of wood connects the interior to its inspiring natural Muskoka surroundings.

The shorter back and longer but lower armrests make this stunning chair a good option for around a dining table, but the 1950s Danish icon also makes a statement on its own. Many finishes are available; our favourite is this soap-treated beech wood.

Saturated grey hues lend gravitas to bleached floors and furnishings.

The wall’s rich tone gives the space warmth without dampening its light, airy feel. A picnic-style table paired with boxy wicker chairs evokes the pleasure of dining al fresco, while luxe accents, such as metallic and grey-velvet pillows, keep the look elegant.

For more lighting options, see our Statement Lighting photo gallery.

Juxtapose matte and glossy finishes to add drama.

A modern chair in a glossy black finish is the perfect accent in a room with matte hardwood flooring and stark white walls. Industrial-style, wall-mounted lighting like this needs a simple backdrop, so keep walls white or neutral.

High-gloss, honey-coloured chevron flooring reflects the sunlight streaming through a large bay window flanked by two tall mirrored cabinet built-ins.

A stunning Murano glass chandelier hangs above elegant black upholstered dining chairs with contrasting piping in this effortlessly chic and modern dining room.

See more of Sharon Mimran’s elegant home through our online video tour.

A gallery wall above the bed makes good use of the room’s high ceilings.

Scour discount department stores for on-trend lamp bases and top them with elegant fabric shades for a sophisticated look. This chrome lamp base was a steal at $40 while the shade cost $17.

See the entire Luxury For Less photo gallery. Plus, get more cheap chic ideas in Michael Penney’s Affordable Style blog.

Lamp base, $40. At HomeSense. Shade, $17. At Sears.

Serene colours and polished accents create a spa-like escape.

Quiet artwork and a blue Fortuny light transform a principal bath into an elegant retreat. A deep ledge circling the panelled tub keeps essentials at hand. Towels and toiletries are tucked away in symmetrical floor-to-ceiling storage cabinets. Panelling and glass-front built-ins create a clean, custom look that exudes luxury.

See more Spa-Like Bathrooms in our photo gallery.

Layer texture and pattern for a luxe look.

In designer Theresa Casey’s home, the decor-inspired dining room’s navy velvet banquette was inspired by one in a Parisian café and is perfect for hosting dinner parties or lounging with the Sunday paper. Built-ins provide ample storage and decorative brass-grilled doors hide radiators and unsightly wires and cables.

See more of Theresa Casey’s projects in our photo gallery.

A designer country house that’s effortlessly artful and cosy.

Toronto designer Melody Duron’s restored barn boasts a living room that eschews the trappings of “country cute”, taking on a sophisticated-rustic look instead. All the stones that make up the commanding fireplace were found on the property. She installed new pine flooring, but the width of the planks and an oiled finish lend it a timeworn patina.

For more inspiration, see our Traditional Cottages photo gallery, Cottages & Country Houses photo gallery, plus more Melody Duron Interiors.

Create a bright, beachy feel with light walls and natural materials.

A low profile, all-white daybed (actually a boxspring and mattress) sets the pace in this living room. The white African Juju hat, vintage lamp and beige-and-white embroidered fabric from Mexico on the throw pillows infuse the room with personality. Teak folding chairs continue the organic, outdoor feel.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of White Cottages and Suzanne Dimma’s Favourite Dreamy Retreats.

Part-cutting edge modern, part Asian fusion, part Craftsman, this home challenges established ideas about residential design.

Because this site lacked traditional front and back yards, architects and homeowners Christine Ho Ping Kong and Peter Tan ingeniously organized the layout around a central courtyard. Their inspiration was the intimate courtyard houses they’d spotted on their travels to Europe, Asia and India, which they admired for their easy flow between indoors and out. “The courtyards are the heart and soul of the house,” say the homeowners.

Watch a video tour of this award-winning house.

Industrial designer Matt Carr and fashion designer/retailer Joyce Lo’s home offers offbeat charm.

In their dining room, a rustic table is flanked by vintage industrial-style chairs and an antique high-back settee, and anchored by a huge Moooi pendant light hung from one of the house’s original ceiling medallions.

See a full video tour of their house, too.

Rustic meets modern in this spectacular upscale home.

Designer and shop owner Viki Mansell put her sophisticated taste and gift for mixing eras to good use when decorating her stunning country cottage. In what Viki calls the “winter” living area, Ultrasuede-covered tuxedo sofas invite people to gather. The stripped-pine fireplace and early-19th-century armoire are traditional elements. Uplights sitting on the floor beside the fireplace cast an unobstrusive glow. Mounted animal horns and antlers from North America and Africa, cowhide carpets and faux-fur throws also add to the cosiness.

Panel moulding and a chair rail look grand.

This feminine space has a timeless, sophisticated style. Here, a settee and two armchairs upholstered in pea green velvet were updated with glossy white-painted frames. A sleek chrome and glass drum table sits elegantly between the chairs. Pearly white walls keep the overall look light and fresh.

This daring space perfectly embraces old and new.

Homeowner and designer Colette van den Thillart’s London home is a reflection of her signature style: edgy, witty and utterly fearless. In her living room, the walls are striated with charcoal grey and lacquered a dramatic peacock blue to create a glamorous look. Rich green accents enhance the saturated look, while touches of warm white and brushed gold add a fresh and luxe touch to the space.

See more of Colette van den Thillart’s London Home in our photo gallery.

British Colonial style goes casual.

Come the weekend, Canadian expat Donald Robertson escapes New York in favour of a Long Island family getaway. “We didn’t want a ‘precious’ house,” he says. On the second floor, the drywall was removed to reveal a huge vaulted ceiling in the master bedroom. Inexpensive Indian cotton-print bedspreads and cushions mix effortlessly with mattress ticking-covered wicker chairs and sisal rugs.

See more cottage photos in our Traditional Cottages gallery, Cottages & Country Houses, plus more cottage photos.

The colour and texture of this house’s aged materials create a cosy feel.

Nestled in the Niagara Escarpment, antique dealer Jill Kantelberg’s country home is a stunning winter escape. Inspired by some of the homes she has visited in her travels through France, England and Belgium, her home is a cross between a great old barn and a country manor. The master bedroom is a luxurious retreat all in itself. With a limestone mantel and wide plank floors, every detail suits the room’s rustic aesthetic. The raised fireplace allows Jill to put her feet up on the hearth and feel the warmth when sitting here. The English tester, or four-poster bed, was made from reclaimed linen-fold oak panelling.

A stark contrasting palette welcomes soft touches of pink and blue.

Influenced by her designer mother’s sense of style, Toronto homeowner Jennifer Young took cues from her childhood home to create a trendy space. “We had a David Hicks rug in the dining room when I was growing up, and I find myself with one now,” she says. Filled with pretty and unusual travel finds, this living room benefits from a myriad of prints and textures in a monochromatic colour scheme.

Designer Anne Hepfer gives her Georgian-style home a current but timeless quality.

When looking to move to Toronto, Anne — a former New Yorker — was charmed by the 10-foot ceilings and lofty elegance of this home, found in Toronto’s Forest Hill neighbourhood. In her airy dining room, Anne chose a round dining table to encourage conversation. For larger dinner parties, she squeezes in as many chairs as possible to create a sense of intimacy. Neatly displayed across the wall are early 18th-century French architectural prints, a reflection of Anne’s passion for architecture.

Add dimension to a two-tone room with an eye-catching tiled floor.

A Vancouver home furnishings entrepreneur chose tailored lines and a high contrast palette to create a stunning eating nook adjacent to the kitchen. For a cosy touch, an antique love seat and matching chairs were slipcovered in white and paired with two Carrara marble-topped bistro tables.

See more indoor-outdoor spaces in our photo gallery.

Add character with a vintage convent table.

White walls are clean and contemporary, but infuse warmth into a white kitchen with bright yellow art and appliances. In artist Bobbie Burgers‘ Okanagan weekend home, the gas range is the focal point when installed with glossy white cabinets. An 1890s Quebec convent table adds vintage character — and counter space.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Kitchen Tables As Islands, Colourful Kitchens and 26 Happy Yellow Rooms.

An unexpected circular shape adds instant impact.

Inspired by childhood vacations to Los Angeles and Bermuda, homeowner Victoria Webster opted for loads of colour in her bedroom. The Art Nouveau designer Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann-inspired bed is the focal point, and a backdrop of textural green wallpaper makes the oversized, nailhead trimmed headboard stand out even more.

See a video tour of this bedroom. Plus, learn how to make a DIY upholstered headboard from House & Home editors Joel Bray and Morgan Michener.

See more statement beds in our photo gallery. 

Limestone tile, a glass shower and modern lighting deliver contemporary style.

In this principal bathroom, walls, floors and countertops are covered in the same limestone, creating a seamless and sophisticated look.

Beadboard painted out bright white evokes country charm.

Older homes often already have beadboard, but to fake this rustic cottage style, install it yourself and paint the wooden slats white. In this colourful children’s bedroom, regatta flags, buoys and patriotic rugs break up the white walls and complete the seaside look.

For more beachy and nautical rooms, see our Seaside-Inspired Interiors photo gallery.

To learn how to make your own coiled-rope lamp, view Michael Penney’s Online TV DIY segment.