Fluted glass: 14 homes that embrace the trend

The emergence of glass houses stands as a pinnacle of modernist design, with materials like glass, steel, wrought iron, and concrete defining a significant architectural movement and captivating the imagination of architects worldwide. Glass structures, renowned for their lightness, transparency, translucency, and reflectivity, offer an unparalleled ability to reveal a home's interior while fostering a deep connection with nature. Iconic examples such as Mies Van Der Rohe’s Farnsworth House in Illinois and Philip Johnson’s Glass House in Connecticut are celebrated as seminal works that ingeniously captured the zeitgeist. The period of postwar America saw a boom in experimentation and expansion, leading to the widespread popularity of glass as a primary building material for residential homes. This architectural style has since transcended geographical boundaries, inspiring architects across continents, including South Africa, Vietnam, and Brazil. A new publication from Phaidon showcases 50 such homes, highlighting extraordinary architectural achievements that thoughtfully and compellingly incorporate glass. This article spotlights 15 of these beautiful glass houses, making a strong case for integrating glass into modern home design, suggesting a departure from traditional materials like brick, stone, timber, and concrete. Among the featured homes is the Shokan House in New York, designed by Jay Bargmann, which appears to organically emerge from the Catskills hillside. Despite its imposing structure, the house's highly reflective glass panels and black steel frame create an immersive natural experience. Similarly, the Glass Pavilion in Spain’s Gorafe desert, by Ofis Arhitekti, offers a tranquil retreat. Its triple-glazed, mirrored-glass panels effectively deflect sun rays and withstand extreme desert conditions, providing an essential and serene holiday escape. The Tower House in upstate New York, by Gluck+, features an unconventional design that minimizes its footprint by elevating living areas into the sky, supported by a V-shaped beam. The upper floor provides an expansive, nature-enveloped view, reminiscent of a modern treehouse. In Paris, the Maison de Verre, designed by Pierre Chareau and Bernard Bijovet, challenged architectural norms by using industrial materials like glass blocks and steel beams in a residential setting. The Sheats-Goldstein Residence in Los Angeles, by John Lautner, built in 1963, seamlessly integrates with its landscape through floor-to-ceiling glass panels, offering panoramic views of the city. Philip Johnson’s Glass House in Connecticut, an homage to Mies Van Der Rohe, is a celebrated example of glass architecture, serving as Johnson’s primary residence for nearly sixty years. Lina Bo Bardi’s Glass House in São Paulo, Brazil, known as Casa de Vidro, is celebrated for its wrap-around glass windows and stilted design, creating a treehouse-like feel amidst lush rainforest vegetation. The Flip House in San Francisco, by Anne Fougeron, is recognized for its innovative floor plan, utilizing a prismatic custom-built glass façade to maximize natural light and offer dynamic city views. The Kramlich Residence and Collection in Napa, California, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, integrates art and living spaces through two intersecting curved glass panels, showcasing a significant collection of video and media art. The Glass-Block Micro House in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, by Room+ Design and Build, demonstrates an affordable and functional use of glass bricks for a small 18-square-meter home, allowing ample natural light and creating a lantern-like effect. Pierre Koenig’s 1960 Stahl House in Los Angeles, also known as Case Study House #22, epitomizes postwar modern living with its glass and steel construction, offering sweeping views of the city. The Conservatory in Zwavelpoort, South Africa, by Nadine Engelbrecht, features a double-height glass and steel conservatory as its focal point, blending indoor and outdoor living. Villa Kogelhof in the Netherlands, by Paul de Rutter Architects, is a futuristic, energy-neutral home that harnesses wind, sun, and rain, encapsulated by a functional glass façade. Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House in Illinois, built between 1945 and 1951, challenged notions of privacy by using floor-to-ceiling glass windows, relying on the surrounding forest for concealment. Finally, the Mirror Houses in Bolzano, Italy, by Peter Pichler Architecture, reflect their idyllic surroundings with mirrored-glass façades, offering autonomous holiday homes that subtly blend into the landscape. #GlassHouses #ModernistDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #SustainableLiving #LuxuryHomes #InternationalArchitecture #HomeDesign #ContemporaryArchitecture #ResidentialDesign

Fluted glass, a style characterized by vertical, undulating grooves, has been present in design for over a century but is now gaining significant traction as a prominent interior design trend for 2026. This type of glass is highly valued by designers for its ability to diffuse light and subtly obscure objects behind it, making it a versatile material for various applications within a home. It is being incorporated into projects in several ways, offering both aesthetic and practical benefits. One primary application of fluted glass is to add texture and depth to furniture. Designers, like Linda Hayslett, have replaced traditional wood cabinet doors with fluted glass panels, particularly in areas such as bars. This technique softens the overall appearance of cabinetry and allows for a hint of the items stored inside, rather than a full, clear display. The unique ripple effect created by the glass adds movement and elevates a simple storage piece into a notable design element. Another key advantage of fluted glass is its capacity to obscure storage while maintaining an elegant look. Designer Claire Staszak notes that fluted or reeded glass panels in cabinets create visual movement, bounce light, and introduce a vintage or historic aesthetic. While not completely concealing clutter, it effectively hides items better than clear glass, making it suitable for areas where a neat interior is desired but not always perfectly maintained. However, it is not recommended for spaces intended to hide significant disarray. Fluted glass is also instrumental in softening the ambiance of a room by scattering and refracting light. This makes it an excellent choice for spaces where a moodier, more diffused glow is preferred over bright, focused task lighting. For instance, Julie Bradshaw utilized white fluted glass in a historic Texas home to preserve its architectural heritage while introducing a modern touch. The refined lines and texture of the glass create a bridge between eras, complementing classical millwork with a light, contemporary counterpoint. Furthermore, fluted glass is being used to create warm and cozy moods, especially in lighting fixtures. Lee Thornley, founder of Bert & May, highlights how fluted glass shades in dining rooms produce a dappled, warm glow that enhances comfort. In rustic settings, the delicate nature of the glass pendants balances more robust elements like wooden paneling and reclaimed tiles, contributing to a softer overall atmosphere. This makes it ideal for spaces where intense focus is not required, unlike home offices. Finally, fluted glass provides an excellent contrast with other materials, particularly in kitchens. In environments where functionality often dictates a uniform material palette, such as wood in many kitchens, fluted glass introduces much-needed dimension and texture. Joelle Kutner of Ome Dezin emphasizes that fluted glass in kitchen cabinetry achieves a perfect balance between beauty and practicality by adding depth without overwhelming the space. The ribbed surface helps achieve this harmonious blend of aesthetics and utility in interior design. #InteriorDesign #FlutedGlass #HomeDecor #DesignTrends2026 #TextureInDesign #LightDiffusion #CabinetryDesign #AmbianceCreation

The article highlights six new collections that showcase the enduring appeal and versatility of glass in contemporary design. These works demonstrate designers' fascination with the fragile material, utilizing rigorous techniques to create both decorative and functional pieces. The featured collections primarily come from emerging designers who are challenging and elevating traditional glassmaking practices. One of the highlighted collections is Agmes Anniversary, a collaboration between jewelry brand Agmes and glass artist Anthony Bianco of Bianco Light & Space. This collection marks Agmes's sixth anniversary and includes an organically shaped handblown bud vase and a textured small dish, available in various colors, alongside personal accessories that revisit an earlier glass jewelry line. Another notable collection is PhilaTerra, a charitable initiative by Colony, a New York City-based cooperative design gallery, creative firm, and studio, in collaboration with artist Deborah Czeresko. Czeresko, a winner of Netflix's 'Blown Away,' produced a limited edition of 100 glass vases, some colorless and others vibrantly hued, designed by Colony founder Jean Lin. Proceeds from the PhilaTerra collection support the Environmental Defense Fund and the Rainforest Foundation US. Heath Ceramics, known for its experimental and collaborative approach beyond clay, partnered with glassblower Cedric Mitchell for a new collection. Mitchell, based in Los Angeles, created a series of elegant bottles and vases with subtle Memphis influences, as well as jewel-toned cocktail stirring glasses and tumblers. Mitchell is also an instructor and a team member of Crafting the Future, a nonprofit that funds young talent for craft school experiences to promote diversity in the field. Sophie Lou Jacobsen, a sustainably-minded glassware designer, introduced her "Asking for a Friend" collection at Assembly Line in Brooklyn. This collection, on display through July 1, features Jacobsen’s distinctive silhouetted works, which were produced at Keep Brooklyn’s studio. The "Vetro Alga" exhibition by multidisciplinary designer Dana Arbib, curated by Alex Tieghi-Walker’s Tiwa Select, was showcased during New York Design Week at Galerie Michael Bargo. Arbib's work explores her Libyan heritage through glass, collaborating with Venetian artisans to honor Venice's rich glassblowing history. The collection, whose name means "seaweed glass" in Italian, draws inspiration from her distant relative Salvatore Arbib, a prominent Venetian glassblower from the early 20th century, resulting in textured vessels and bowls made in Murano. Finally, Swedish artist Annika Jarring's Line vase is recognized for the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize. Jarring’s innovative technique involves shaping 392 small glass elements with silicone to create an architectural vessel. Inspired by the ornamental jade pieces of ancient Chinese burial suits, this sculptural piece is one of 30 works shortlisted for the prize and will be exhibited at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art. #GlassDesign #HomeDecor #ContemporaryGlassware #DesignCollections #EmergingDesigners #ArtisanCraftsmanship #InteriorDesignTrends #CharitableDesign #GlassArt

Glass partition walls are a versatile and aesthetically pleasing design element gaining traction as a contemporary alternative to traditional internal walls, particularly in modernist and mid-century homes. These partitions offer numerous benefits, including opening up layouts, maintaining defined areas, enhancing natural light flow, and providing architectural interest. They are increasingly favored over completely open-concept living spaces, especially in the post-pandemic era, as they address issues such as noise and a lack of coziness often associated with fully open plans. Experts in interior design and architecture advocate for glass partitions as a means to achieve "broken-plan living," which strikes a balance between openness and defined zones. Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors highlights that glazed partitions allow light to freely permeate spaces while effectively separating areas for diverse uses and privacy without completely isolating them. Mike Stiff, director of Stiff + Trevillion architects, notes that glass partition walls ensure light flow, help maintain warmth within homes, and facilitate the creation of quiet zones. Architect Phil Coffey emphasizes their utility where a fully open-plan kitchen or living space is not desired, but a visual connection to an adjacent room, outdoor areas, or windows is beneficial. This approach can be particularly effective in entrance halls, where a glass wall can replace a solid partition to create a more expansive feel. Interior decorator and architect Natalia Miyar underscores the importance of glass divisions in creating divides without sacrificing light. She incorporates zoning into her early design process to determine the lifestyle of a space, viewing glass walls as both a feature and a functional tool for separating distinct areas. Miyar suggests that while the concept of living in a series of boxes with solid walls is fading, the need for defined areas for different purposes remains, and glass walls skillfully meet this demand. Choosing the right type of glass is crucial for a successful partition. Max de Rosee of De Rosee Sa architecture and design studio recommends considering options like clear, frosted, ribbed, or textured glass. He expresses a preference for ribbed glass to provide privacy and its slightly retro appeal, while advising against frosted glass due to its corporate aesthetic. Sara Cosgrove, an interior designer, observes a trend of fluted glass transitioning from hospitality settings to residential projects, praising its ability to maximize light and add texture. Mirrored glass offers another alternative, creating an illusion of expanded space and providing more privacy, making it suitable for creating cozy home offices or studies, as suggested by Clara Ewart, head of design at Kitesgrove. Strategic placement of glass partition walls is also important. In functional areas like kitchens and utility spaces, Tom Cox of Hám Interiors advises planning furniture layouts first. Semi-glazed walls are particularly effective in kitchens, allowing for cupboard runs beneath the glazed portion while maintaining an airy feel. These partitions are also practical for containing cooking smells and kitchen sounds, addressing common drawbacks of open-plan designs. For older homes, architect Richard Parr suggests two approaches: either being historically authentic to the building's era by replicating original glass panel sizes, ironmongery, and details, or intentionally inserting contemporary glazed partitions that celebrate modern design through frameless installations, structural use of glass and silicon, and maximizing sheet glass sizes. This flexibility allows glass partition walls to be integrated into diverse architectural styles, from traditional to contemporary. #GlassPartitionWalls #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #ModernLiving #BrokenPlanLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #SpacePlanning #NaturalLight #DesignTrends

This blog post compiles recent articles and projects from Designboom focusing on the application of glass in art, architecture, and design. The collection highlights the versatility and aesthetic potential of glass, ranging from large-scale public installations to architectural facades and interior elements. The articles showcase how artists and designers are pushing the boundaries of traditional glass use, incorporating it into innovative structures and artistic expressions. Key examples include a luminous forest in Hanoi composed of mirroring steel branches, demonstrating glass's role in creating immersive public art. Another project features an 'invisible Tokyo bar' that utilizes heated, transparent acrylic glass panels to distort reality, illustrating glass's capacity for experiential design. Architecture projects frequently employ glass for facades, as seen in Selgascano's transparent seaside café in China with three parallel glass volumes, and Cossement Cardoso's Helsinki museum concept, which features a textured glass skin forming a curved roof. The DA VÀNG studio in Vietnam also uses 3,000 glass bricks to create a curved, translucent house facade, emphasizing both structural and aesthetic applications. The articles also delve into the use of glass in smaller-scale design and art pieces. For instance, Bottega Veneta's summer show features 'lucid murano blown-glass stools' that mimic sea waves, showcasing glass as a medium for elegant furniture and decor. Artists like Vincent Leroy use floating lenses in an optical mobile, and Ben Tuna transforms a Porsche 911 into an art car with cathedral-inspired stained glass, highlighting the material's artistic adaptability. Sarah Brahim and Ugo Schiavi explore ancient rituals through glass temples and vessels, linking glass to cultural and historical narratives. Further architectural applications include a gradient brick facade by Delmulle Delmulle in a Belgium house, transitioning from terracotta to glass, and Vinklu's triangular prism coffee shop in Romania, using glass to fill narrow urban gaps. SICIS uses decorative glass to create glowing swimming pool surfaces in Cambodian villas, while BBWORKSPACE's Thai café employs iridescent panels to evoke gemstones and refract light. EcoLogicStudio's microbial installation at Triennale Milano reimagines domesticity with glass components, and Apropos Architects use a translucent glass facade for the Czech pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, demonstrating its use in significant public structures. Industrial design also features glass, such as Bugatti's Brouillard Coupe, which includes a miniature glass sculpture in its gearshift. Fredrik Nielsen's Stockholm studio explores glass's resistance to fragility and embraces chance in its creation. Atelier Échelle’s lakeside gallery residence subtly integrates glass within dark clay brick structures, harmonizing modern elements with traditional aesthetics. The variety of projects presented collectively underscores glass's multifaceted role in contemporary design, from enhancing visual experiences and light manipulation to contributing to structural integrity and artistic expression across diverse scales and contexts. #GlassArt #GlassDesign #ArchitecturalGlass #PublicInstallations #InteriorDesign #ContemporaryArt #BuildingMaterials #DesignInnovation #SustainableDesign

Fluted, or reeded, glass kitchen cabinets have maintained their popularity in contemporary kitchen design, evolving from a novel choice to a more common yet still fashionable element. These cabinets, characterized by vertical grooves, soften natural light and add visual interest, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. The textured surface provides a degree of privacy, obscuring cabinet contents while allowing light to penetrate, making them ideal for displaying select items while concealing everyday clutter. According to Artem Kropovinsky, founder of Arsight, fluted glass kitchen cabinets remain on trend due to their adaptability across various design styles, from minimalist to classic. The subtle texture introduces depth without overpowering the overall design, and the grooved surface diffuses light, creating a softer, more ambient atmosphere. This semi-obscured view of cabinet interiors offers a balance between display and discretion. Understanding the pros and cons of glass kitchen cabinets, including fluted options, is important for homeowners considering this design choice. One application of fluted glass is in classic white cabinets. Here, the textured glass adds depth to the pristine white finish, contributing to a light and airy feel, particularly beneficial in small kitchens where reflective qualities make spaces appear larger. White cabinetry, often a go-to for its versatility and ability to brighten compact areas, can sometimes lack depth. Fluted glass inserts address this by introducing texture without compromising the clean aesthetic. The ridged glass diffuses light, preventing harsh reflections, and is relatively low-maintenance, as the textured surface helps to mask fingerprints and watermarks. Another approach involves dark-toned cabinets with fluted glass accents. Amelia Hunter, co-founder of Space A, notes a rising trend toward richer, darker hues in kitchens. Deep shades like navy blue, charcoal gray, or forest green, when combined with fluted glass, create striking contrast and add depth and dimension. While dark cabinets can feel heavy, especially in dimly lit spaces, the translucent fluted glass allows light to filter through, preventing the kitchen from feeling enclosed. Strategic lighting, such as pendant lights or under-cabinet lighting, can further enhance this effect. Natural wood cabinets with fluted glass doors offer a blend of rustic and contemporary styles, appealing to homeowners seeking natural materials and warmth. The visible grain and imperfections of wood create an organic aesthetic that complements the structured lines of fluted glass. This combination is suitable for kitchens that integrate both classic and contemporary elements, offering a timeless yet current design. This pairing is considered a strong contender for future-proofing kitchen designs. For modern and minimalist kitchens, full-length fluted glass panels are a compelling solution. These designs utilize uninterrupted panels that span the cabinet's full height, drawing the eye upward and enhancing the perception of space, making ceilings appear higher. This is particularly effective in kitchens with lower ceilings. In open-plan settings, these cabinets can serve as functional storage and subtle room dividers, sometimes designed as freestanding units or glass-enclosed pantries. LED strip lighting can be incorporated inside for an ambient glow. From a practical perspective, fluted glass provides discretion for those who appreciate the look of open shelving but prefer to keep contents slightly hidden, allowing for a silhouette display effect. The versatility of fluted glass allows it to pair well with various materials, offering extensive customization options to suit diverse kitchen aesthetics. #FlutedGlass #KitchenCabinets #InteriorDesign #KitchenTrends #HomeDecor #GlassCabinets #DesignTips #ModernKitchen #Cabinetry

Art Nouveau, an architectural and interior design style characterized by flowing lines, nature-inspired motifs, and intricate ornamentation, which emerged in the late 1800s, has resurfaced as a popular trend in 2025. This revival follows a brief resurgence during the 1960s, indicating its enduring appeal. The style initially arose as a reaction to late 19th-century industrialization in Europe, aiming to integrate creativity and organic beauty into all aspects of art and design, emphasizing handcrafted quality over mass production. It quickly gained popularity across Europe, particularly in major cities, becoming a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Art Nouveau draws inspiration from natural forms, Japanese art, and the Symbolist movement, utilizing curvilinear shapes, asymmetrical compositions, and a focus on ornamentation. These fluid lines and organic motifs stood in stark contrast to the rigid, geometric forms of earlier styles, reflecting a desire to reintroduce nature into urban environments. Its connection to nature is further highlighted by its strong alignment with biophilic design, a concept that emerged about a century later. Biophilic design focuses on creating harmony between modern architecture and the natural world by incorporating natural resources and elements into buildings and landscapes. This suggests that Art Nouveau was an early manifestation of biophilic principles, bringing strong biophilic cultural tendencies into design at various levels, from jewelry to architecture. Distinguishing Art Nouveau from Art Deco is important, as the two styles, though often confused, have distinct characteristics. Art Nouveau flourished from the 1890s to the early 1910s, with nature and craftsmanship as its primary inspirations. Its designs feature organic forms, flowing lines, and motifs derived from plants and flowers, often incorporating intricate, sinuous patterns, curves, and asymmetry through materials like stained glass, wrought iron, and ceramics. Art Deco, in contrast, gained prominence from the 1920s to the early 1940s, inspired by the modern machine age, geometry, and industrialization. It embraced sleek lines, geometric shapes, and a more streamlined, symmetrical aesthetic, favoring bold, geometric ornamentation and modern materials such as chrome, glass, and plastics. Key elements of Art Nouveau interior design include organic forms and curved lines, which create a sense of movement and grace, often utilizing materials like brick and stone for interior arches and curved exterior designs. Floral and natural motifs are central, incorporated into wallpaper, textiles, and decorative elements. Stained glass and metals like wrought iron, brass, and bronze are also characteristic, adding color, light, and intricate patterns. Intricate woodwork and furniture feature detailed craftsmanship, with wood often carved into flowing shapes and adorned with inlays. The current resurgence of Art Nouveau is attributed by cultural observers to a desire for a “therapy from nature” in response to technological and digital overload, making it a growing trend in home design, as indicated by recent luxury e-commerce reports. #ArtNouveau #HomeDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #BiophilicDesign #ArchitecturalStyle #OrganicForms #NatureInspired #StainedGlass #WroughtIron

Creating a timeless kitchen requires careful consideration of various features, and one element that often comes into question is the glass-fronted kitchen cabinet. While these cabinets align with a traditional aesthetic, their current relevance and ability to remain contemporary are subjects of discussion among interior designers and kitchen experts. With numerous kitchen cabinet ideas available, the chosen style significantly influences the overall feel and aesthetic of the space. It is crucial to select cabinets that complement the interior design without making the space appear dated. Historically, glass-fronted kitchen cabinets experienced a dip in popularity when more contemporary and minimalist designs dominated kitchen trends. However, there is currently a resurgence in their appeal, driven by both their aesthetic and practical advantages. Glass finishes are effective in maximizing light flow into darker areas of a kitchen, preventing cabinets from appearing as solid, overwhelming blocks. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in small kitchens, where even a minor alteration to upper cabinets can significantly enhance brightness and spaciousness. Beyond small spaces, glass-fronted cabinets are well-suited for various kitchen styles, including traditional, farmhouse, cottage, and rustic designs, providing a timeless charm and a visual break from extensive built-in surfaces. Glass also introduces an element of interest and texture to a kitchen scheme. Clear glazing allows for the display of contents, a desired effect for showcasing attractive tableware. Alternatively, reeded glass can be employed to diffuse the view of items, offering a balance between openness and concealed storage. The versatility of glass-fronted cabinets allows them to be tastefully integrated into diverse interior design styles. There are several effective approaches to incorporating them, ranging from tall cabinets to distinctive focal points. One popular method is to opt for fluted glass, which, while allowing visibility, provides a blurred effect. This obscures the precise contents of the cabinets, reducing the need for immaculate tidiness and enabling a 'display-ready' appearance without constant effort. Fluted glass cabinets contribute a vintage charm and can break up the visual bulk of wooden storage, especially in floor-to-ceiling applications. Another approach involves using glass-fronted cabinets to frame specific kitchen features, such as a cooker. Instead of outfitting every cupboard with glass, selecting one or two glass-fronted units can create an attractive focal point and introduce symmetry. This 'less is more' strategy allows these special features to stand out and contributes to a more bespoke kitchen design tailored to individual needs. Furthermore, incorporating antique or vintage glass-fronted pieces, such as upcycled islands or old medicine cabinets, can introduce significant character and a sense of 'old-meets-new' to the design. When using vintage items, it is advisable to place them away from high heat or dampness to preserve their condition, or reinforce them with stronger glass if they are to be in high-traffic areas. For a bolder aesthetic, the interior of glass-fronted cabinets can be painted a vibrant color, offering a fun and personalized touch. This creates a striking contrast with the dominant cabinetry scheme and adds visual interest. Finally, integrating glass-fronted cabinets into kitchen islands is becoming increasingly popular, particularly in open-plan kitchens. This design choice softens the island's appearance, making the kitchen area feel more inviting and creating a cohesive flow into an adjacent living space. Toughened glass should always be used in such applications, with specific styling enhancing the transition from the living room to the kitchen. In conclusion, glass-fronted kitchen cabinets remain a relevant and stylish design choice. The key lies in thoughtful curation, ensuring the glass elements complement the existing space and aesthetic rather than overpowering it. Whether used to enhance an open-plan layout, frame a range cooker, or introduce a pop of color, this revived trend offers numerous possibilities for creating a contemporary and cohesive kitchen design. #KitchenDesign #Cabinetry #InteriorDesignTrends #GlassCabinets #KitchenRevival #HomeDecor #KitchenStyle #VintageDesign #FlutedGlass

Oriented Strand Board (OSB), an engineered wood product, is gaining recognition among architects and designers for its aesthetic and practical qualities. Traditionally utilized as sheathing in walls, flooring, and roof decking and often hidden beneath other finish materials, OSB is now being showcased prominently in modern interiors. This material, composed of compressed layers of large wood strands held together with adhesives, wax, and resin, offers stability and strength. Its origins trace back to postwar America, a period marked by the development of numerous new construction materials aimed at cost-effective and durable building. The article highlights OSB's unique visual appeal, characterized by its irregular wood flakes, which provide a rough, variegated surface. This texture contributes to a lively and unexpected aesthetic, blending an industrial, unfinished look with earthy wood undertones. The article presents thirteen examples where OSB has been innovatively incorporated into home design. These examples demonstrate the material's versatility across various architectural contexts and design philosophies. For instance, in an 1850s threshing barn in rural England, OSB was used to finish the interiors, evoking the straw previously stored within the structure. In a Brooklyn loft, a large, multi-functional OSB structure houses skylights, a bathroom, a baby's room, and a master sleeping alcove, serving as a dominant feature. A Scandinavian island retreat utilized OSB walls in conjunction with a simple gabled design and a sheet metal facade to maintain low expenses. An Arizona home features a bathroom with sanded and sealed OSB for its vanity, demonstrating the material's application beyond structural components, even in high-moisture environments after proper treatment. Further examples include a 625-square-foot apartment renovation in Barcelona, where OSB was selected for a wardrobe due to its minimal resin content, aligning with sustainable design principles. In Namibia's Skeleton Coast, prefab cabins for a boutique hotel extensively used OSB for interiors, supporting a low-impact, budget-conscious construction approach in a harsh desert environment. A Parisian loft renovation combined OSB with black steel and bright blue accents to create industrial vibes. An A-frame cabin in the Hamptons features structural-grade OSB floors, noted for their durability and visual appeal despite the material's informal nickname. A garden studio in New Zealand utilized OSB for interior walls, floor, and ceiling, with structural supports forming a geometric aesthetic. An urban cabin in Italy incorporated OSB-clad living and sleeping areas leading to a bold blue bathroom. London's modular, affordable housing units, known as SHEDs, employ OSB alongside lamb’s wool insulation and recycled polyester, emphasizing sustainability and rapid construction. Finally, a Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh's historic New Town features black-painted OSB on its upper floor, retaining its variegated texture as a decorative element. These diverse applications underscore OSB's potential to be a stylish, budget-friendly, and sustainable material in contemporary architectural design. #OrientedStrandBoard #OSBInteriors #ModernDesign #BudgetFriendlyDesign #SustainableMaterials #ArchitecturalInnovation #InteriorTexture #EngineeredWood #HomeRenovation

Fluting, an ancient architectural technique characterized by shallow grooves across a surface, is experiencing a significant resurgence in interior design. This trend is valued for its ability to add texture, character, and a touch of Art Deco glamour to modern homes, moving beyond its traditional use in columns to become a key feature in various interior applications. The article highlights nine ways interior designers are incorporating fluting into their projects, emphasizing its versatility and aesthetic appeal. One prominent application of fluting is in kitchen islands, transforming them into chic focal points. Design experts like Laura Butler-Madden favor fluting for its textural quality, often using it in gloss finishes to create a contrast with matte cabinetry and allow other design elements, such as wooden flooring, to stand out. Australian Maek Residences demonstrate how fluted kitchen islands can beautifully juxtapose with darker elements and serve as a backdrop for smooth, pale wood furniture. Fluted wall dividers and glass paneling offer an effective solution for maintaining light while ensuring privacy. Interior design studio Day True utilizes fluted glass in cabinet doors and bespoke feature elements like room dividers and shower screens. This application adds texture and a play of light, drawing inspiration from classical architecture to create dramatic backdrops or conceal joins and doors. Kitchen cabinetry also benefits from fluting, allowing for bold and serene statements. Victoria Spencer-Eves of VEVES interior design emphasizes fluting as a way to add texture and depth without relying on obvious patterns that might quickly date a design. She notes the tactile nature of fluting, which invites interaction and appeals to human senses, aligning with a minimalist yet architectural design approach. Bathrooms incorporate fluting in vanity units, adding elegance and texture. Ham Interiors showcases blush pink fluted vanity units, highlighting how fluted pieces can integrate into both contemporary and traditional schemes. Michelle Gerson Interiors further demonstrates fluting’s potential in bathroom design with wide vanity units featuring integrated drawers and cabinetry. Beyond large surfaces, fluting is used as a subtle detail in furnishings, such as banquette seating in dining areas. California-based Dart Studio illustrates how fluted seating can create an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere, reminiscent of smart restaurant interiors. Fluting is also making its way into bedrooms through hotel-style headboards. Russian interior design agency Quadro Room uses fluting both vertically for grandeur and horizontally for a luxurious feel, often as a fixed installation behind the bed. Art Deco-inspired fluted lighting fixtures are currently popular. Emily Bizley of Studio Bizley notes that this trend, while nodding to 1930s elegance, is made more accessible by modern manufacturing techniques like CNC cutting. Fluted lighting, along with reeded glass in cabinets, adds fine lines and texture, creating balance and harmony, especially when paired with monolithic elements like ceramic baths or swirly marble surfaces. Finally, fluting serves as a wall material, offering intriguing design possibilities. Day True's dining room design uses fluted walls to define open-plan spaces, providing an architectural counterpoint to large windows and potentially offering acoustic insulation. London-based Studio Clement demonstrates open fluting for dividing galleried open-plan areas, allowing light to filter through and adding architectural interest, warmth, and texture to hallways. #FlutingTrend #InteriorDesign #TextureInDesign #ArtDecoGlamour #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #ArchitecturalDetails #HomeDecor #DesignVersatility

Internal glass doors are increasingly popular for their ability to enhance light and style in a home, serving both aesthetic and practical purposes. These doors, which range from simple glass panels to elaborate Crittall designs, sliding screens, and full walls of glazing, offer a contemporary alternative to traditional solid doors. Their primary benefit lies in maximizing natural light flow throughout a space while also providing a sound barrier. For concerns regarding privacy, various films and screens are available to obscure visibility without sacrificing light. One prominent trend in interior design, facilitated by internal glass doors, is the move from open-plan layouts to a 'broken-plan' home concept. This approach uses glass panels to define distinct zones within a larger space, maintaining an open feel while offering a degree of separation. Italian design brand Rimadesio, for instance, offers customizable glass panels with a wide array of finishes, including metal frames and rippled glass, to suit diverse interior styles. Their Velaria and Maxi sliding doors exemplify how open rooms can be reconfigured into functional, adaptable spaces. Maintenance for these glass surfaces typically involves dusting with a soft cloth and washing with neutral or specific glass detergents, avoiding abrasive or solvent-based products. Beyond simple functionality, internal glass doors, especially sliding and pivot types, are considered design statements. They introduce a contemporary aesthetic, optimize light, create a seamless flow between areas, and conserve space compared to traditional hinged doors. Portapivot's 5730 design, featuring an anodized aluminum frame with a bronze finish and invisible pivot hinges, illustrates how doors can become central artistic elements in a home. These pivot doors, which rotate on top and bottom mechanisms rather than side hinges, are often bespoke and chosen for modern home extensions due to their streamlined profiles. Smooth sliding doors offer significant space-saving advantages, particularly for creating separate areas like home offices or playrooms within larger rooms. These systems are highly customizable, with options for various glass types—mesh, transparent, colored, reflective, satin, and mirror—and numerous lacquered colors for the aluminum structures. Rimadesio's Velaria system, for example, emphasizes customizability, smooth operation, and structural integrity. Internal glass doors also excel as room dividers, with metal-framed glazed doors being a popular choice for their ability to allow light transmission. If privacy is a concern, sandblasted or decorative glass can block visibility without impeding light. Aluminum frames can also be powder-coated in various RAL colors to match specific design schemes. Sustainability is another key consideration. Many manufacturers, including Rimadesio, prioritize eco-friendly production methods. Their products often utilize 100% recyclable materials like glass and aluminum, with production processes powered by solar energy. Water-based paints, free from harmful substances, are used for finishes, and packaging is made from recycled, recyclable cardboard. The design of these systems allows for complete disassembly at the end of their life cycle, promoting proper recycling of each component. For homeowners contemplating a change, internal glass doors offer a modern aesthetic upgrade. While a full replacement can be an investment, the visual impact is significant. It is crucial to consider privacy needs for spaces like bathrooms and bedrooms, although solutions such as films, drapes, or specialized glass are available. Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper fitting and to prevent damage. For safety, internal glass doors should be made of toughened or tempered glass, which is more durable and shatters into safer, rounded pieces if broken. Toughened glass also contributes to soundproofing, reflecting sound within a room rather than transmitting it to adjacent spaces. #InteriorDesign #GlassDoors #HomeImprovement #ModernDesign #SpaceSaving #ArchitecturalElements #SustainableLiving #HomeRenovation #LightMaximization

This blog post highlights a 4,000-square-foot, cedar-clad home in Rumson, New Jersey, designed by Narofsky Architecture, which seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings through extensive use of windows and doors. From the street, the home appears to be a single story, but closer inspection reveals a second ground level and a prominent glass-encased stair tower. The full geometric and angular composition, coupled with expansive glass, becomes evident from the rear. The homeowner, Kerry Ancheta, sought a modern yet organically harmonized dwelling. Narofsky Architecture achieved this by strategically placing the main living spaces on the lower level, fostering a strong connection to the outdoors. The design team incorporated solutions from Kolbe Windows & Doors' VistaLuxe® Collection to enhance this indoor-outdoor flow. The ground level, featuring an open floor plan encompassing the kitchen, living, and dining rooms, along with a guest bedroom, is enveloped by nature through floor-to-ceiling windows and doors. Stuart Narofsky, FAIA and principal architect, noted that the VistaLuxe Collection allowed for maximum heights and widths, accommodating doors along the entire length of the kitchen and family rooms. A unique aspect of the home is the absence of a traditional bedroom wing. Instead, sleeping quarters are arranged in separate areas, connected by the home’s open layout. A catwalk extends across the center of the home, linking the master bedroom to additional rooms on the opposite end. A cantilevered cube on the top level houses a second guest bedroom, projecting over the backyard. All these spaces are unified by a glass-enclosed floating pine staircase, which serves as a light-filled passageway. The stair tower, which travels vertically above a Zen garden, allows residents to look down into this tranquil space. The selection of windows and doors prioritized maximizing sight lines and complementing the home’s modern aesthetic. The VistaLuxe Collection's clean, minimalist design offers narrow sight lines and slim corner posts, creating a nearly frameless view from the interior. The collaboration between architects and Kolbe resulted in a wide selection of windows and doors with low-maintenance extruded aluminum exteriors and warm wood interiors, ideal for modern floor plans and large expanses of glass. For instance, a corner window unit in the living room provides an unobstructed view of the swimming pool, further blending the interior with the exterior. #ModernArchitecture #WindowDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableDesign #HomeIntegration #GlassWalls #NewJerseyHomes #NarofskyArchitecture

The article explores the silent revolution occurring in the design and technology of contemporary windows and frames, highlighting their evolving role from mere architectural elements to essential components that redefine living comfort. Innovations in this sector are setting new benchmarks for brightness and significantly improving the overall well-being within a home. The prevailing minimalist design trend, characterized by clean lines, maximizes the influx of natural light, which is beneficial for both physical and mental health. This increasing demand for transparency, driven by a desire for a stronger connection with the natural environment, is facilitated by advanced technologies that enable customization and adaptation to diverse architectural requirements. Modern glass can be tailored in various thicknesses and sizes, integrated with advanced seals and insulation systems to deliver superior thermal, acoustic, water, and wind performance. The article presents several examples of cutting-edge window and frame systems. FIN-Vista by Finstral is introduced as a modular glass wall system comprising fixed and operable elements, including sliding versions. This system allows for widths and heights exceeding 5 meters and extends across multiple floors, offering extensive customization options and easy installation due to its pre-assembled components. Another innovative product is Prolux+ by Oknoplast, which features glass bonded directly to a sleek frame, enhancing structural stability, creating a continuous aesthetic, and improving insulation. This system incorporates triple Low-E glazing with argon gas and Warmatec spacers to reduce heat loss by 10% compared to standard solutions. It also boasts a triple gasket system for effective protection against air, water, and noise. Aesthetically, the absence of glazing beads and an ultra-slim sash with a narrow central mullion create an expansive, open-view effect, making spaces feel larger and more inviting. Prolux+ offers a variety of finishes, anti-burglary hardware, and a low threshold ideal for large installations. Ponzio’s WS75IL hinged system blends traditional charm with modern technology, providing excellent insulation and comfort. This system is perfect for renovating older buildings, preserving their classic aesthetic while upgrading to contemporary performance standards. It offers finishes like Micaceous Iron or Smoked Brass that mimic historical frames, alongside double or triple glazing, high air and water tightness, wind resistance, and acoustic insulation up to 47 dB, ensuring superior thermal efficiency. SOFTLINE 76 by Veka is highlighted for its durability and thermal efficiency, designed with Class S PVC for harsh climates and Class A thick-wall profiles. Its five-chamber internal structure prevents heat loss, and internal steel reinforcements provide stability for large windows and glazing up to 48 mm thick. It offers two sealing levels for wind, rain, and acoustic insulation, and can be customized in over 60 colors, including ultra-matt, soft-touch, and wood/metallic finishes. Finally, Velux offers a range of flat roof windows—fixed, opening, roof-access, and smoke-and-heat ventilation models—suitable for various roof slopes. These solutions enhance natural light penetration and air circulation, with an optional external sunshade blind to prevent overheating, further contributing to indoor comfort and energy efficiency. #WindowsAndFrames #HomeComfort #NaturalLight #ArchitecturalInnovation #EnergyEfficiency #ModernDesign #InsulationSystems #GlassTechnology #InteriorDesign #BuildingMaterials

Glass bricks, originally popularized in the 1930s by architects like Pierre Chareau and Arne Korsmo, and later embraced by Tadao Ando in the 1970s, are experiencing a resurgence in interior design. This lookbook presents ten contemporary projects that highlight the versatility and aesthetic appeal of glass-block walls in various settings, demonstrating their ability to manipulate light and shadow while providing privacy and unique visual effects. The featured projects showcase how these glazed masonry units can illuminate and transform interior spaces, ranging from compact bathrooms and hallways to restaurants, co-working offices, and residential dwellings. Among the examples is Maido, a sushi restaurant in London designed by Child Studio, which converted a 1960s post office. The design incorporates a semi-circular glass-block wall that pays homage to the building's modernist origins, complemented by dark cherry wood and a soft-blue coffered ceiling. In Hiroshima, Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP's Optical Glass House features a towering, two-storey wall of 6,000 specially crafted glass bricks. This innovative partition separates the house and its planted courtyard from the busy city streets, creating a play of shadows and refractions that extend into the living spaces, which can open completely to the garden. Remi Connolly-Taylor's self-designed London home, Maryland House, utilizes glazed inserts in a small statement staircase and as a balustrade for an adjacent balcony. These glass bricks filter light into the interior, maintaining privacy while ensuring sunlight reaches two bright-white bedrooms. Buckle Street Studios, a hotel in east London by Grzywinski+Pons, features a glass-brick facade with radiused corners on its top floors, giving the building a lantern-like appearance at night. The interior guest suites echo these curves with custom-made furniture designed to fit the rounded corners. In Athens, Studio Andrew Trotter transformed a 1970s warehouse into 10AM Lofts, a bright and sunny event space. The renovation involved replacing a significant portion of a concrete wall with glass masonry and inserting new windows on the ground floor, enhancing natural light. The Glass-Block Micro House in Ho Chi Minh City, designed by ROOM+ Design & Build, is a Dezeen Awards-shortlisted renovation where frosted glass bricks entirely replace the walls, even in the second-floor bathroom. This design choice transformed a dark and cramped space into a private, sun-dappled sanctuary. Spacial, a co-working space in Montreal by Ivy Studio, employs a glazed-block wall to delineate public and private office areas while allowing light to permeate. The interior predominantly features a greyscale palette, accented by large circular blue mirrors and a zinc-plated reception desk. Jun Murata's Diamant Glass Art Gallery in Japan utilizes glass bricks of various textures and translucencies to create shimmering refractions, mimicking light filtered through water. The sparsely furnished interior, including a classic Barcelona chair, allows the glass wall to be the focal point for temporary product displays. J Boroski, a bar in Shanghai by Atelier XY, incorporates a glazed wall that bisects the space, separating the main bar from an intimate lounge. This wall also serves as a ledge for drinks and is part of an unusual interior design reflecting the owner's fascination with insects, including a display of preserved tarantulas. Finally, the Vizor office in Minsk, Belarus, by Studio 11, reinterprets Soviet-era design. A snaking wall of glass blocks, combined with a deep red colour palette, geometric flooring, and hanging ferns, integrates traditional elements into a modern workplace. These diverse projects collectively demonstrate the enduring appeal and adaptive qualities of glass bricks in contemporary interior architecture. #GlassBricks #InteriorDesign #ModernArchitecture #ArchitecturalTrends #LightAndShadow #RenovationProjects #HomeDecor #CommercialInteriors #SustainableDesign

Stained and tinted glass, while an ancient art form, is finding renewed relevance in contemporary interior design. Designers are increasingly incorporating colorful glass accents and large planes of tinted glass to introduce an energizing glow and unique visual interest into modern spaces. This trend moves beyond traditional stained glass windows to include experimental geometric patterns and lighter color palettes, alongside minimalist applications of uninterrupted tinted or filtered glass in features like room dividers and interior windows. Fiona Stone, design development director at Róisín Lafferty, highlights that tinted glass diffuses light and creates an ethereal glow, noting its increased versatility beyond traditional windows and doors. The incorporation of colorful glass transforms both the light quality and the overall ambiance of a room. One approach involves using jewel tones, as seen in a Haussmannian flat designed by Uchronia for a jewelry designer. A rounded, rainbow-hued stained glass window leading to the kitchen infuses the space with a timeless, sanctuary-like feel. Designers suggest that for those unable to install such windows, arranging colorful vases and jugs on windowsills can achieve a similar light-catching effect. Another application is imparting a modern glow through elements like tinted glass balustrades. In a Dublin home, Róisín Lafferty utilized a cobalt blue tinted glass railing for a central staircase spanning four levels. This feature, complemented by surrounding blue surfaces, creates the impression of a growing blue cube, saturating the space with its striking hue and serving as a dramatic visual centerpiece. Tinted glass can also warm up a scheme. César Béjar Studio in Mexico employed a thin layer of amber paper to tint a window in the uppermost part of a house, which, while out of sight, floods lower levels with warm yellow light. This technique contributes to naturally warmer atmospheres, aligning with a current design emphasis on less industrialized materials and enhanced natural experiences. Color can be used to tell a story, as demonstrated by YSG Studio in a Melbourne Victorian home's living room extension. Colored panes were chosen to match the homeowner's Egyptian heritage, perfuming the kitchen and dining area with shades of turmeric and saffron, and reflecting the colors of the tiled floor, thereby harmonizing with the interior's overall color scheme. Colored glass can also be utilized for zoning with decorative screens. Maksym Dietkovskyi of Modektura used textured, multicolored stained glass to create an abstract wall and door behind a headboard, effectively zoning off a walk-in closet. This solution allows natural light to pass through while maintaining visual interest and providing additional lighting from the wardrobe in the evening, blending retro aesthetics with modern functionality. Finally, a warm filter can be added to bathrooms, such as a yellow-tinted shower screen in a Balearic islands bathroom designed by Laplace. This creates a glowing atmosphere, acting like a lens to bestow modesty, add interest to a minimal interior, and reflect the golden light of the environment, softening the space and segmenting the room effectively. #ColoredGlass #StainedGlass #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LightingDesign #ModernInteriors #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends