What makes a space great? It needs to serve its purpose, of course: If the world’s most beautiful kitchen lacks a sink, then it’s not a great space. It needs to be comfortable; what’s the point of a dazzling sofa that’s too hard or too ergonomically awkward to sit on? A great space should make the most of its size, shape, and any distinctive features, whether they’re graceful moldings or oddly positioned windows. And perhaps most important, it should reflect the people who live there.
Among the homes we were lucky enough to spotlight this year, we think the 10 spaces featured here more than meet the criteria. See if you agree, and maybe you’ll find some inspiration for making your own spaces even greater.
Thanks to the fresh blue walls, the floral upholstery, and the eye-catching millwork, it’s impossible to be unhappy in this dining room by GordonDunning. See the rest of this bright and beautiful Atlanta home here. Photo by Emily Jenkins Followill.
Serene blues and graceful symmetry give this Manhattan living room its restful ambience. So does stain-resistant upholstery, which enables the family of four, which includes two young boys, to really use the space on a daily basis. See more of the makeover here. Design by One Kings Lane Interior Design; photo by Tony Vu.
You’d be forgiven for thinking this courtyard is located somewhere on the Iberian Peninsula—those cobblestones are from Portugal, after all, and that is an olive tree. But this space is actually part of a Southern California family home designed by Insert Design Studio. See more of how the designers blurred the lines between indoor and outdoor living here. Photo by Molly Rose Photo.
For the St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild Decorators’ Show House and Gardens, Tiffany Skilling used blue-gray paint and upholstery to differentiate the breakfast nook from the rest of the kitchen. Complementing the glossy marble counters with matte backsplash tiles and warm woods, meanwhile, ensures that the working areas of the kitchen are just as inviting as the eating space. See more of the Indianapolis show house here. Photo by the Addison Group.
Drama, playfulness, and impact, all in one petite space: Chandos Epley Dodson pulls no design punches in this powder room. The rest of the colorful New Trad home is equally memorable; see it here. Photo by Julie Soefer.
Effortless glamour is the calling card of designer Nikki Chu and her actress friend Nicole Ari Parker, who made a splash in the Sex and the City sequel, And Just Like That…. So of course the Manhattan apartment Nikki designed for Nicole is undeniably chic. Case in point: this entry. See more of the home here. Photo by Erin Kunkel.
Red and lavender might seem an unlikely color pairing, but in this dining room, Kara Adam shows how to make it work: Start with a neutral foundation, and ensure that no one color or pattern overwhelms the room. See more of this Dallas home here. Photo by Michael Hunter.
Even without the view of the verdant grounds, this bedroom designed by Heather Hilliard would be a blissful space to wake up in. The soothing neutral palette, the layers of luxe texture, the rhythmic molding that echoes the square panes of the glass doors… ahhh. See the rest of the home here. Photo by David Duncan Livingston.
Melanie Millner of the Design Atelier used a large upholstered panel in lieu of headboards in this guest room, adding to a calm cohesiveness. The large wicker basket at the foot of each bed offers easy storage and contributes to the laid-back lodge vibe. See more of this Georgia lake house here. Photo by Emily Jenkins Followill.
Designer Jenny Wolf added layers of glamour to this living room: ruched bucket chairs, luscious velvet sofas, the aged patina of the mirrored table, golden accents. But like the rest of the home, it’s surprisingly practical as well as luxurious. Photo by Read McKendree.
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