Matthew Patrick Smyth

family room in the Colonial-era country house.  I love that he left the original beamed ceiling alone, while adding a simple new stone surround by local stonemason, Andy Savage, to the fireplace. Where else would you want to curl up on a Sunday afternoon?

This bedside table in his bedroom in Connecticut is filled with small, meaningful possessions. I like that he used the seat underneath as an impromptu bookshelf.

Sometime less is more—especially if the less in question is a James Mont table and chairs beside an original James Dean photomosaic by Robert Silvers. Perfection.

COOL

L House Buenos Aries

This residence was completed in January this year, yet it exudes a classic, modernist elegance that will ensure it will look just as timeless 50 years from now. Located in Buenos Aires, the “L House” by architect Mathias Klotz is a main residence of a small family.

Although this could be categorized as yet another grouping of concrete boxes representing the tiresome trend that just does not seem to want to die, this residence avoids all of the pitfalls most of such houses fall into.

In contrast to the stacked-concrete-boxes syndrome, not one section of this residence sticks out over anything, nor jut in an odd angle. No vanity ideas, no statement characteristics, no ego trip.

The house looks unpretentious and serene. All of its parts belong together and, loveliest of all, the structure appears to have sat on the site for some time. Simply put, it belongs. It all works.

European modernist sensitivities are apparent both inside and out. The use of wood, glass, steel, concrete and travertine limestone creates a coherent composition of materials and allows light and shadow to complete the decorative touches.

Without being too severe or controlled, this residence is composed of order. Some angles offer a Japanese or Scandinavian vista, as the indoor and outdoor spaces interact harmoniously.

This kind of simplicity is difficult to achieve and therefore it is so rare.
The architect, Mathias Klotz, was born in Viña del Mar, Chile, in 1965. He is one of Chile’s best known architects whose work includes private residences, hospitality and public buildings. In 2001, he received the Borromini Prize for Altamira School in Santiago de Chile. - Tuija Seipell

Hollywood Hills Spanish Villa

The Spanish-style pad features details like vaulted ceilings and, according to Real Estalker, antique French limestone and ebony saltillo tile floors. sweeping city views. French doors throughout the home lead to the walled exterior, a private pergola, and lush garden patios. The “cook’s kitchen” has Viking appliances and a full-sized wine refrigerator.