Eight Fireplace Designs from Around the World
As the colder months approach in the Northern Hemisphere, this feature showcases eight unique fireplace installations from various global locations, ranging from Lithuania to Chile. Each fireplace, whether a structured box or a sleek cone, stands out with its compelling visual appeal, serving as a focal point that brings warmth and character to the living areas it inhabits. These designs are a testament to how fireplaces can be both functional and artistic, transforming ordinary spaces into inviting havens during winter.
Top 10 Residential Interiors of 2025
This year's most remarkable residential interiors showcase a blend of craftsmanship, serene color palettes, and natural inspiration. From a timber-clad London apartment to a Singapore dwelling influenced by urban parks, these designs highlight organic materials and sculpted furnishings. Spanning the globe, these top 10 projects offer a glimpse into the prevailing trends of 2025 and hint at future directions in home design.
Studiotamat's Eclectic Renovation of a 1960s Roman Villa Blends Mid-Century Modernism with Playful Contemporary Design
StudioTamat has meticulously revitalized a 1960s villa in Castelli Romani, Rome, crafting interiors that harmoniously fuse modernist aesthetics with vibrant floral patterns and whimsical forms. The design skillfully preserves the residence's mid-century character while introducing contemporary elements, creating a captivating and livable space for a family of five. The renovation focuses on an open-plan layout centered around an elliptical staircase, enhanced by textured stone walls, colorful furnishings, and personalized wall coverings.
Discovering Tranquility: Galleri Sonja's Bornholmian Charm
The Genesis of a Community Hub: Galleri Sonja's Vision
The vision for Galleri Sonja was to forge a meaningful nexus on Bornholm, a place where the realms of artistic creation, cultural exchange, and communal gathering could organically converge. Co-founder Birgit Lyngbye Pedersen emphasized its role as a space where the island's vibrant spirit of craftsmanship could flourish alongside a welcoming atmosphere for all.
An Earthy Palette: Drawing Inspiration from Bornholm's Landscape
Norm Architects meticulously designed the 110-square-meter interior, adopting a muted color scheme that echoes the natural grandeur of Bornholm. Partner Sofie Thorning explained how the palette directly references the island's granite formations, the subtle northern light, and the windswept grasslands, allowing the walls to recede and provide a serene backdrop for the displayed art and daily interactions. This deliberate choice ensures that the materials, artworks, and daily rituals within the space are given prominence.
A Confluence of Craft: Showcasing Local and Global Artistry
Galleri Sonja proudly exhibits a diverse collection of artworks and handcrafted pieces from both emerging and established artists native to Bornholm. Complementing this local talent, a curated selection of works by Japanese artists is also featured, highlighting a shared appreciation for minimalist design and profound materiality.
Materiality and Tactility: The Essence of Scandinavian and Japanese Design
In their approach, Norm Architects drew extensively from the inherent simplicity found in both Japanese and Scandinavian design philosophies. The interior design places a strong emphasis on the tactile qualities of materials, creating an environment that engages the senses and promotes a sense of calm and intimacy. The careful selection of natural elements underscores this design principle.
Curated Textures: A Deep Connection to the Environment
The material palette for Galleri Sonja includes natural and tactile elements such as Douglas pine, oak, linen, paper, and locally produced ceramics. Thorning noted that these materials possess the soft, hand-touched characteristics and subtle, unprocessed textures that contribute to a serene ambiance. Furthermore, these selections profoundly resonate with the surrounding landscape, firmly grounding the interior within Bornholm's tranquil, earthy stillness.
Echoes of Artistry: Materials Harmonizing with Exhibits
The chosen materials within the gallery are not merely decorative but are thoughtfully selected to complement the showcased art and craft items. Co-founder Jimmy Olesen detailed how the shop's material choices align with its featured products, including ceramics crafted from local clay and fired in wood-fired ovens—a process mirroring artisanal traditions found in Japan. Additionally, exquisite glass products, made by local artisans who repurpose glass and color it with Bornholm's unique soil, are also available.
A Reflection of Pace: Embracing Bornholm's Gentle Rhythm
Beyond highlighting local craftsmanship, Norm Architects intended for the interior of Galleri Sonja to mirror the unhurried pace of life on Bornholm. This island, situated to the east of Denmark and south of Sweden, is known for its tranquil atmosphere, which the design effortlessly captures and enhances.
Bespoke Creations: Furniture Tailored for Atmosphere
All prominent furniture pieces within Galleri Sonja, including the bar counter, benches, tables, and stools, were custom-made by Norm Architects in collaboration with local furniture makers and Vena Copenhagen. Partner Frederik Werner explained that the forms are inspired by traditional joinery techniques and Scandinavian simplicity, resulting in understated yet expressive designs that enrich the space's atmosphere without dominating it. A notable feature is the bar counter, designed with removable lamellas that operate like Japanese shoji screens, allowing for a flexible and adaptable layout.