Monthly Archives: July 2026

Studio &Space Transforms 1930s Amsterdam Home into a Sophisticated Family Haven

Dutch design firm Studio &Space has breathed new life into a timeworn 1930s Amsterdam house, turning it into a luxurious family home adorned with bespoke furnishings and refined finishes reminiscent of a high-end hotel.

The homeowners, a female entrepreneurial couple with two young children, commissioned Studio &Space founder Maike Borst to modernize the property in Amsterdam Zuid after returning to the city from the countryside.

Preserving Heritage, Embracing Modern Comforts

The 275-square-metre interior had not been renovated for decades. Studio &Space undertook an extensive renovation that brought the home up to date while preserving its original charm—bay windows, stained glass, and elegant arched doorways remain central to the design.

“I have always admired 1930s architecture for its craftsmanship, detailing, and simple geometric forms. This house is a beautiful example,” Borst told Dezeen.

One of the home’s standout features is its iconic spiral staircase, which Borst extended to the attic level. “I fell in love immediately with the staircase—it defines the character of the home. From the start, I wanted to honor the original details while designing an interior that respects the home’s heritage.”

Family Living Meets Luxury Hotel Aesthetics

The renovation balances original details with contemporary family needs. The home now includes a gym, sauna, two bathrooms, four bedrooms, a walk-in closet, and a play/TV room. To accommodate these additions, the main house was connected to a garage and a rear shed, creating a seamless internal entrance.

The attic-level gym and sauna were added alongside a dormer window, ensuring functionality without compromising the home’s architectural integrity.

The interior palette draws inspiration from the clients’ travels, particularly to the south of France, where they enjoy staying in luxurious hotels. Rich, tactile materials—aged brass, warm wood, and natural stone—blend with custom and contemporary furnishings, creating a space that feels personal, bold, and intimate.

A Kitchen to Impress

The kitchen, designed in collaboration with Amsterdam-based Eginstill, features a central island with a lacquered relief pedestal and a patterned quartzite countertop that anchors the room. Upholstered bar stools, velour-clad chairs, and a curved dining bench create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, complemented by ambient lighting and a mirrored-back bar.

Bedrooms That Feel Like a Getaway

The principal bedroom evokes a luxury hotel experience, with natural woven wall coverings and a walk-in wardrobe crafted from aged wood. The bathrooms feature tactile materials like onyx countertops, slatted timber accents, art deco-inspired lighting, and aged brass fixtures, balancing sophistication with comfort.

The children’s bedroom is a layered, tactile space featuring a custom-built bunk bed with a playful hideaway, crafted from sculptural wooden panels inspired by the home’s original teak garage doors.

A Thoughtful, Cohesive Renovation

Studio &Space’s renovation honors the home’s 1930s heritage while embracing contemporary needs and family life. The result is a home that feels luxurious yet approachable, sophisticated yet lived-in, and utterly unique—a testament to thoughtful design that bridges past and present.

Other Amsterdam homes recently featured on Dezeen include an apartment in a former sugar refinery and a renovated 1920s Amsterdam School-style house, showcasing the city’s rich architectural diversity.

Forth Atlanta Hotel Wrapped in Striking Concrete Diagrid by Morris Adjmi Architects

New York-based Morris Adjmi Architects has transformed the skyline of Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward with the design of Forth Atlanta, a 16-storey hotel and members club that fuses bold architectural innovation with sophisticated interiors. Situated just steps from the city’s beloved BeltLine and overlooking a historic park, the new-build property reflects both the industrial heritage and the vibrant, modern energy of the neighborhood.

At the heart of Forth Atlanta’s visual identity is a striking concrete diagrid, a criss-crossing exoskeleton that wraps around the glass tower and defines the building’s presence from every angle. Morris Adjmi Architects carefully crafted this structural feature to serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. “The diagonal columns not only enhance the building’s visual character but also contribute to its structural integrity,” the studio explained. Behind the cast-in-place concrete framework, a window wall allows natural light to flood the interiors while creating an elegant sense of depth and transparency along the façade.

The building’s lower three floors are clad in grey brickwork, a nod to the industrial fabric of nearby Ponce City Market, itself a restored historic complex that now functions as a bustling retail and dining hub. These podium levels extend outward to create terraces, including a 2,300-square-foot open-air terrace with a swimming pool to the south and a more intimate terrace for members to the north, providing the perfect combination of leisure and scenic city views.

Inside, Forth Atlanta blends industrial charm with warm, sophisticated touches. The hotel lobby is expansive yet welcoming, featuring slate floors, dark wood panelling, and textured plaster walls that create a tactile, layered aesthetic. Plush furniture clusters around a statement fireplace clad in thin ceramic tiles, while low ambient lighting enhances the intimate, retreat-like atmosphere. Art and design play a key role in the interiors: a whimsical diorama by Becca Barnet sits behind the concierge desk, incorporating taxidermy foxes, pinned butterflies, and natural foliage to bring curiosity and charm to the space. A painting by Jack Spencer depicts a forest entrance, greeting visitors with a nature-inspired motif, while a BDDW mountain tapestry anchors a seating area with a mix of vintage and contemporary furniture.

The guest rooms and suites continue the theme of refined comfort, with the concrete diagrid casting dynamic shadows across the windows. Interiors feature rich earth tones, textured surfaces, and patterned wallpapers that balance sophistication with warmth, creating spaces that feel both modern and deeply personal.

Forth Atlanta also boasts four distinct dining and drinking destinations, each offering a unique atmosphere. A street-level café and bar provides casual dining, while Il Premio, an Italian steakhouse, impresses with dark wood finishes, jewel-toned accents, and luxurious patterned upholstery. The poolside restaurant and bar, Elektra, channels Mediterranean influences with sage green tones, turquoise accents, and warm wooden furnishings, creating a relaxing outdoor dining experience. On the rooftop, the 1970s-inspired cocktail lounge Moonlight offers a retro yet refined ambiance, with glass-block windows, brown leather sofas, and chrome-finished furnishings and lighting that capture the era’s playful sophistication.

The Forth Atlanta hotel exemplifies how architecture and interior design can merge heritage, modernity, and luxury into a single cohesive experience. From its bold concrete diagrid and terraced podium to its curated interiors and bespoke furnishings, every element is designed to offer guests and members a unique, immersive environment.

Situated in a neighborhood that has undergone remarkable transformation over the last two decades, the hotel sits alongside landmark developments such as Olson Kundig’s glass-clad office buildings and the revitalized Ponce City Market. Forth Atlanta not only contributes to the architectural narrative of the Old Fourth Ward but also elevates the standard of hospitality with a thoughtful balance of aesthetic daring, functional design, and human-centered comfort.

Exploring the Designs of Arne Jacobsen: A Celebration of Architectural Genius and Design Versatility

Arne Jacobsen is widely recognized as one of Denmark’s most influential architects of the 20th century, yet his extraordinary contributions to design extend far beyond the built environment. From textiles to furniture, lighting, and even cutlery, Jacobsen’s work embodies a rare synthesis of architectural rigor and playful elegance. The new book, The Designs of Arne Jacobsen: Interiors, Furniture, Lighting and Textiles, 1925-1971, authored by Thomas Dickson and Henrik Lund-Larsen, seeks to illuminate the breadth and versatility of his creative output, highlighting projects that are as relevant today as they were decades ago.

While Jacobsen is often celebrated primarily for his architectural achievements, Dickson and Lund-Larsen emphasize that his design sensibility permeated every scale of his work. “Most books about Arne Jacobsen focus on him as an architect,” the authors explain. “In Denmark, he is primarily seen as a building designer who happened to create furniture, lamps, and other products on the side. Our aim was to explore the untold stories of his design work beyond architecture.”

Indeed, Jacobsen’s creations, whether monumental or intimate, have a timeless quality. “His designs still feel remarkably modern,” the authors note. “They carry an air of sophistication and freshness that makes them look contemporary even today. That’s why his chairs frequently appear in music videos, advertisements, and interior magazines. The Egg Chair, for example, provides a perfectly framed stage for a public figure without demanding all the attention—it’s both functional and visually compelling.”

Here, the authors highlight ten of Jacobsen’s most remarkable projects, spanning architecture, furniture, lighting, and textiles:

1. Søllerød Town Hall, 1941
In the suburban town of Søllerød, ten miles north of Copenhagen, Jacobsen, alongside classmate Flemming Lassen, designed a town hall that exemplifies his holistic approach. Every detail of the building—from chairs and lamps to door handles, clocks, and signage lettering—was carefully considered. Completed in 1942, the listed building still stands today, largely unchanged internally, demonstrating Jacobsen’s enduring attention to detail and craftsmanship.

2. Lemons in Net for Textil Lassen, 1948
During World War II, Jacobsen and his wife Jonna fled to Sweden, where they began designing textiles to support themselves. Their early designs were romantic, colorful, and optimistic, often depicting flowers, plants, and everyday scenes. The 1948 design Lemons in Net exemplifies this cheerful aesthetic. Over time, their work evolved into more abstract and geometric patterns, suitable for upholstery, curtains, tablecloths, wallpaper, and even women’s dresses.

3. The Ant Chair, 1952
Jacobsen’s experience in textile production revealed the potential of industrial manufacturing, which he later applied to furniture design. In 1952, he introduced the lightweight laminated Ant Chair, followed by the 7 Chair, the Grand Prix, and other variants. Featuring a three-dimensional shell for seat and backrest, mounted on minimal bent tubular steel legs, these chairs became iconic for their innovative use of materials and simplicity of form.

4. Furniture for Munkegaard School, 1955
The post-war baby boom in Denmark prompted extensive school construction. Jacobsen designed the furniture, lamps, and even loudspeakers for Munkegaard School, a project completed in 1957. Each classroom received its own courtyard garden, offering students a secluded space during recess, and the furniture was custom-sized for different age groups. Jacobsen’s attention to detail extended to the layout, natural light, and integration of classical sculptures, reflecting his love for architecture and gardening.

5. The AJ Door Handle, 1956
To counterbalance the sharp angles of many of his steel-and-glass buildings, Jacobsen designed objects that engaged the human touch organically. The AJ door handle, first used in The Royal Hotel (1960), exemplifies this philosophy. Its elegant, tactile form remains in production today, offering a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetic grace.

6. Rødovre Town Hall, 1956
Jacobsen closely monitored architectural trends and often drew inspiration from international examples. The Rødovre Town Hall, completed in 1956, reflects influences seen in Eero Saarinen’s General Motors Technical Center in Michigan. Jacobsen’s design translates these modernist ideas into a distinctly Danish context, blending functionality, proportion, and elegance.

7. AJ Cutlery, 1957
Jacobsen’s philosophy of minimalism and proportion extends to his smallest creations. The AJ cutlery series exemplifies this, with every curve meticulously crafted to please the eye as much as the hand. Designed for The Royal Hotel in the late 1950s, the series continues to be celebrated for its elegant simplicity and enduring appeal.

8. The Swan and The Egg Chairs, 1958
Jacobsen embraced new materials and technologies in the 1950s, including hardened styropor, which allowed him to create contoured, upholstered furniture for The Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. The Egg and The Swan chairs, along with The Drop and The Pot, became iconic for their organic shapes, comfort, and sculptural presence, reflecting Jacobsen’s commitment to both industrial innovation and human-centered design.

9. Kubeflex Modular House, 1969–70
In the final years of his career, Jacobsen experimented with flexible, transportable architecture. Kubeflex, a modular cube-like housing system, allowed prefabricated units to be delivered and assembled on-site. Although only one was completed, it functioned for many years as a vacation home for the Jacobsen family and now resides in the Trapholt Museum in Kolding, Denmark, as a testament to his forward-thinking approach to residential design.

10. Textiles, Lighting, and Interiors Across Decades
Throughout his career, Jacobsen consistently applied his design principles to textiles, lighting, and interiors. From romantic patterns in the 1940s to the sleek modernism of the 1960s, his work demonstrates a seamless blend of creativity, precision, and practicality. Jacobsen’s designs remain influential today, frequently referenced in contemporary interiors, fashion, and media.

The Designs of Arne Jacobsen: Interiors, Furniture, Lighting and Textiles, 1925–1971 is published by Prestel Publishing and will be available on September 2, 2025. The book offers an in-depth exploration of Jacobsen’s diverse work, highlighting why he remains one of the most admired and relevant figures in design history, whose creations continue to inspire and captivate the modern eye.

London-based designer Nick Vinson, in collaboration with heritage specialists Avanti Architects, has undertaken a meticulous renovation of the Italian Embassy’s residence on Grosvenor Square. The project was conceived to celebrate and showcase the very best of Italian design, blending contemporary elegance with the building’s historic character. Featuring products from renowned Italian brands such as Molteni & C, B&B Italia, Flos, and Poltrona Frau, the interiors now function as both a refined home for the Italian ambassador and a carefully curated exhibition of Italy’s design excellence.

The residence occupies the second and third floors of a Grade II-listed building dating back to 1868. The interiors had last been remodeled in 1932 by Wellesley & Will, leaving a layered historical context for Vinson and his team to work with. “We preserved all the significant details from both periods,” Vinson explained, “and paired them with modern Italian furnishings from the latter half of the 20th century up to the present day, chosen for their timeless quality and enduring appeal.”

Central to the renovation was the desire to project a contemporary vision of Italy. As Italian ambassador Inigo Lambertini noted, “The previous interiors no longer reflected modern Italy. Our aim was to blend tradition with modernity, showcasing the elegance of the building while reflecting the vitality and innovation of our country.” The updated residence now serves as a platform to promote the “Made in Italy” ethos, highlighting a diverse array of industrial and artisanal products.

The bedrooms, including the presidential suite, feature iconic Ribbon beds designed by Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen for Molteni & C. In the presidential suite, the bed is complemented by the D.847.1 writing desk by Italian designer Gio Ponti, a Pagoda Piantana floor lamp by Ignazio Gardella for Tato, and a signature rug designed by Vinson in collaboration with CC-Tapis. Additional furnishings include a chest of drawers by Piero Lissoni for Porro and wall lamps by Charlotte Perriand, supplied by Nemo Lighting. These pieces harmoniously blend heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary design sensibilities.

The main living area is anchored by a Kyoto coffee table designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Poltrona Frau, accompanied by a Catalina armchair by Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena, and a custom rug conceived by Vinson and CC-Tapis. A striking mirror by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Flos complements the red kitchen, tying together form and function with a sophisticated Italian aesthetic.

In total, the renovation showcases products from 42 carefully selected Italian manufacturers, spanning furniture, lighting, textiles, marble, glass, paint, bathroom fittings, kitchens, radiators, rugs, curtains, and accessories. The residence also displays works by 15 modern and contemporary Italian artists, blending fine art with design to create a holistic representation of Italy’s creative output.

Vinson’s vision for the embassy residence was to create an environment that demonstrates Italy’s design legacy while embracing contemporary lifestyle needs. The project illustrates how historic buildings can be sensitively updated to serve modern purposes, celebrating craftsmanship, quality, and innovation in a context that resonates both politically and culturally.

Other recent projects involving embassy renovations include a US consulate along the Arizona-Mexico border and a distinctly Australian embassy in Washington, D.C., highlighting Vinson’s expertise in merging diplomatic prestige with design excellence.

This renovation not only provides a luxurious, functional residence for the Italian ambassador but also transforms the space into a living showcase of Italy’s rich design heritage—a space where tradition, artistry, and modernity coalesce seamlessly.