Trendsideas

Warm wood cabinetry and joinery contrasts and celebrates the use of monolithic concrete forms that continue inside this home as an extension of the exterior cladding

Here, orange plants, libertia peregrinans, provide a border between lawn and path – creating a colourful, interesting contrast while softening the strong lines

Fairly demure from the street, this home opens up at the rear with expansive glazing to take in dramatic views of New Zealand's tallest mountain

However, running without them is okay in this kitchen thanks to the soft cornered Caesarstone benchtops, chosen here for their relaxed feel 

The groove lines of the beadboard wall finish in this study/guest bedroom downplay the presence of a wall aperture where a drop-down bed is concealed 

This shower stall strikes a dramatic chord, courtesy of moody Burnished Porcelain tiles – the same tile also covers much of the ensuite's walls

Open-plan living, high stud, a show-stopping kitchen, a lift – just some of many elements that shape this upmarket home, and its neighbours, with a view to selling

Shades of blues and warm natural materials infuse this riverside bathroom with an appropriate ambience – louvre windows invite gentle breezes in

Architectural innovator Studio Gang creates a dynamic new addition to the American Museum of Natural History – the inside-out design creates myriad new exhibit spaces and links existing ones

Forming part of a traditional villa, this stone-rich kitchen reflects the wider aesthetic in a pared back way – underpinned by contemporary functionality

Flying used to be glamorous, you even dressed up for it – this nature-infused, de-stressing terminal, by Boiffils Architectures, again romances the flier experience 

While much of this marble and wood kitchen is highlighted to glorious effect, the Miele integrated fridge/freezer has a down-played presence