Designer Jake Arnold discovered a hidden gem in Hancock Park, Los Angeles, during an open house tour with clients. The Tudor-style home, though in need of updates, immediately impressed Arnold with its charm and potential, offering a refreshing change from the clients' previous single-story residence. Despite having more houses to view, the unique character of this property stood out. Arnold’s design transformation revitalized the house, elevating it from its previous drab state to one of the most appealing homes on the street, perfectly blending historic charm with modern updates.

Templeton House, a Georgian residence in London, defied the odds of demolition during the 1930s, surviving significant urban development. Originally part of a deer park created by Sir Richard Weston, the property evolved through various owners and transformations, including periods of institutional use and later, extensive restoration. Purchased in 2009 by David and Laura Rich-Jones, the house was meticulously restored to merge its historic elements with modern family needs. The renovation, guided by specialists and informed by the building's history, preserved original features while updating the interiors and landscape. This sensitive approach demonstrates how historical preservation and contemporary living can harmoniously coexist.

Pressed Juicery CEO Hayden Slater is known for his obsessive attention to detail, a trait evident in his renovation of a Belgian-inflected ‘50s Venice bungalow. Slater's hands-on approach included learning CAD to design plaster walls, meticulously placing bathroom hardware, and overseeing every detail of his bleached French oak floors. Despite working closely with his father and brother, who were also contractors, Slater’s perfectionism led to occasional tension. His aim was to create a minimalistic, artful space that contrasts with his former loft’s busyness, inspired by the serene designs of Aman resorts. Slater embraced a minimalist philosophy, letting go of excess items and focusing on the intrinsic value of each piece. His approach resulted in a strikingly clean and austere home, reflecting his desire to simplify while still maintaining a deeply personal and aesthetically unique environment.

Peter van Cronenburg is a leading figure in the design world for architectural hardware, celebrated for his unique and meticulously crafted pieces. His workshop in Ghent, Belgium, houses an extensive collection of historical and contemporary designs, including Venetian door handles, Shaker knobs, and Bauhaus latches. Van Cronenburg’s journey began as a cabinetmaker in the 1980s, where he grew frustrated with the limited, often poorly made hardware available, prompting him to start reproducing historical designs. In 2008, he and his partner Régine Yvergneaux transformed their passion into a full-fledged business. Their hardware, characterized by a blend of purity in shape, function, and proportion, is now sought after by top designers and installed in high-profile locations worldwide. The intricate craftsmanship involves hand-chasing details and applying unique patinas to enhance each piece's character. With a growing global presence and an expanding showroom in New York, van Cronenburg's work is a testament to the beauty and significance of well-designed architectural elements.

At van Cronenburg's historic foundry in Ghent, Belgium, Peter van Cronenburg and Régine Yvergneaux oversee the creation of exquisitely crafted architectural hardware. The foundry, operational since 1802, specializes in both bespoke and classic pieces, serving a prestigious clientele that includes renowned designers. Recent projects include a striking brass tap designed as an owl, involving detailed processes from 3D printing to hand chiseling. The foundry's extensive archive, which features thousands of pieces ranging from antique to contemporary, supports their unique approach of digitally scanning, casting, and aging hardware to achieve a distinctive patina. This patina, carefully developed through traditional methods, reflects the history and usage of each piece, enhancing its personal and timeless quality.

With the help of Bories & Shearron Architecture, Los Angeles design maven Suzanne Rheinstein creates a tranquil retreat.