This country house was previously owned by Halle Berry and sits on a private lake north of Montreal. The kitchen was dated and a part of a large two storey extension which included a master bedroom and ensuite, two guest bedrooms, office, and gym. The goal for the kitchen was to create a dramatic and urban space in a rural setting. Photo : Drew Hadley

Ric Stovall

Au centre du vaste salon une juxtaposition de 4 tables basses en bois surmontées d'un plateau en terre cuite prolonge le plan vertical de la cheminée. Crédit photo Valérie Chomarat, chalet Combloux

A custom home builder in Chicago's western suburbs, Summit Signature Homes, ushers in a new era of residential construction. With an eye on superb design and value, industry-leading practices and superior customer service, Summit stands alone. Custom-built homes in Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, Western Springs, and other western suburbs.

BESPOKE

This turn-of-the-century original Sellwood Library was transformed into an amazing Portland home for it's New York transplants. Custom woodworking and cabinetry transformed this room into a warm living space. An amazing kitchen with a rolling ladder to access high cabinets as well as a stunning 10 by 4 foot carrara marble topped island! This open living space is incredibly unique and special! The Tom Dixon Beat Light fixtures define the dining space and add a beautiful glow to the room. Leaded glass windows and dark stained wood floors add to the eclectic mix of original craftsmanship and modern influences. Lincoln Barbour

On the West Shore of Lake Tahoe this home boasts not only impeccable location but impeccable craftsmanship. Distressed beams; custom railing pickets and grip rail; Savant Home Automation; and, Lutron Homeworks lighting control are just a few of the features that complement this 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath lakefront home.

chadbourne + doss has completed a modern master bathroom that is a study in contrasting materials. The warm natural and black ebonized wood form the roof, perimeter walls, and floor of the home's interior, while smooth white walls, floor, and casework define the bathing and dressing spaces of the Master Bath. Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

The owners of this beautiful Georgian property have been renovating for over two years with one distinct aim: to transform their house from boring bricks and mortar into an entirely original home. They wanted a kitchen that was sleek and stylish, but entirely open to put their own personal stamp on. All the units are hand-crafted from Quebec Yellow Timber and painted in Farrow & Ball ‘White’ to create a crisp, clean canvas for this modern couple. Warm English Oak worktops inject a sense of cheer and avoid the clinical feel that can accompany white installations. This minimal kitchen is finished with chrome knobs with square backplates and Scopwick Mouldings, for extra oomph. Special features include a floor-to-ceiling wine rack, a concealed cutlery block and a Tepan Yaki hot plate deftly hidden under a chopping board to maximize space and functionality for this couple of keen cooks. Photo: Chris Ashwin

This lovely home sits in one of the most pristine and preserved places in the country - Palmetto Bluff, in Bluffton, SC. The natural beauty and richness of this area create an exceptional place to call home or to visit. The house lies along the river and fits in perfectly with its surroundings. 4,000 square feet - four bedrooms, four and one-half baths All photos taken by Rachael Boling Photography