journal

There’s an old rule of design everyone must follow: if you have an opportunity for a trapdoor, you take it! Take Giovanni Settesoldi of Umamma in Tuscany for example. When designing this unique escape in the Italian hills, he couldn’t help but incorporate a hidden gem into the house, and a trapdoor leading to the […]

The Chambourcin Cottage is a bright, contemporary one-bedroom cottage set among vineyards on the North Island of New Zealand. The cottage was built in 1975 by architect Steve McGavock for his parents, but was recently renovated by interior design team Bibby+Brady. The print in the living room caught our eye, and we knew we had to find […]

In the hills of sun-soaked Puglia, within a vast stretches of orchards, olive groves, and gardens, you’ll find the lovely Tenuta dell’Alto. This lavishly expansive villa was restored from 19th-century ruins and brought back to life with a tender eye for preserving its historical integrity by owners Patrizio Fradini and Mark Steinberg. Though keen on […]

Sun-soaked grounds and sprawling vistas are just the beginning at Mas La Romaine in Provence, France. Owner and interior designer Meilin Bristiel restored the 18th-century art-filled home with eco-friendly updates for the lowest environmental impact, and is committed to continuing to make choices that better the planet. And she’s not all talk. From her use […]

Some of our BoutiqueHomes are filled with so many eye-catching details and intriguing decor, it’s hard to choose just one thing to feature. From the moment we listed the Dubrovnik Coastal Villa we were faced with this predicament. The historic Croatian house built in 1938 is loaded with design gems and unique finds we were […]

The Bunkers is a special property within vast stretches of polder on the border of Belgium and Holland. From the remains of two farm buildings and war-torn ruins, owners Margaux and Axel Corman have brought new life to these historic grounds which served as bunkers during both world wars. There are plenty of intriguing details included […]

When it comes to design, one spark of inspiration can set you off in a completely new direction. Just ask Cindy Steinman, owner of The Brexley in Scottsdale, Arizona. “I had already had a design drawn up for what was to become The Brexley,” she explains, “then I saw this amazing door on the internet. […]

Just like people, home furnishings have stories to tell. Each chair, credenza, and table lamp carries a history that deserves appreciation, even if it’s been long forgotten. This idea is one of the key concepts at the core of VLAB Design, an Italian furniture company created in 2008 by Francesco Iervolino and Valerio Rinaldi. They revive old, discarded objects […]

Each listing on BoutiqueHomes is carefully selected so that we only bring you the best of the best from around the world. One thing that sets our homes apart are the hidden treasures that sometimes go unnoticed! That’s why we highlight some of these features in the Found section of our online journal. Read on […]

From the ruins of a dilapidated 20th-century farmhouse, the Malderen Barn in Belgium has been brought back to life by owners Michel Rochette and Birgitta Seghers.  They’ve reinvigorated the space with a bright color palette, sleek appliances, and modern decor. Birgitta has played a particularly special role in creating the barn’s new interiors, as the artist […]

There’s something about Casa di Monti in Puglia, this vision in white set on an arid Mediterranean parcel of gnarled olive groves and bunny-eared cacti. As a minimalist confection of stone, cement, glass, and corten steel—all rather cool ingredients that lend it a terribly chic, magazine-ready aesthetic— it emanates a surprisingly earthy, approachable vibe. This […]

When we visited Hillside Drive in Topanga recently, we couldn’t help noticing the unusual light fitting above the dining table. It’s shaped like a barrel, but completely rusted and perforated with countless tiny holes, some of which have crumbled away completely. We asked owner Jill Young Rosenast what it was and where it came from – […]