With editions around the globe ELLE Decoration has its finger on the pulse in every continent. That’s why we are so proud to introduce the A-list, our new annual showcase of the most remarkable design projects, chosen by the editors of those 25 international titles. It’s a chance to celebrate not only exceptional interiors, but the local talents who shape them.
United Kingdom
Beihouse by Linda Boronkay
Situated just across from the location of the port explosion that devastated Beirut back in 2020, this members’ club is designer Linda Boronkay’s attempt to ‘rebuild and reshape a small part of the city’. She worked with local artisans to create one-off designs for the space, many of which are deep in meaning – the wildflower mouldings around the ceiling of one room were a nod to a symbol of resilience during the Lebanese civil war. This is a thoughtful design, but also one that is deeply opulent, featuring luxurious marbles, rich colours and a level of detail that means you’ll always spot something new to delight the eye. boronkay.studio
‘Linda Boronkay is a designer respected as much for her level of detail as she is for her penchant for the theatrical. Both are at play here in the most fabulous way possible, with a real understanding of the local design scene and cultural impact of this project married with a flair for luxurious materials and palettes.’ — Ben Spriggs, Editor-in-Chief, ELLE Decoration UK
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See the full United Kingdom A-List
Czech Republic
100DOLA by Neararchitekti and Arki Studio
Tereza and Michal Hosek, founders of Neararchitekti, transformed a former farm building into a modern fusion of heritage, innovation and self-sufficiency. Designed with architect Tomáš Beránek of Arki Studio, the new structure is nearly energy-independent, with a bold interior that reflects both nature and creativity. It is, according Head of ELLE Decoration Czech Republick Eva Sluneckova, ‘full of bold ideas, striking in its minimalist clarity and rich in surprising contrasts’. nearchitekti.cz
See the full Czech Republic A-List
France
Le Printemps by Laura Gonzalez
So much more than a shop, Laura Gonzalez has invented an exciting new retail model in New York that places the skills of artists and artisans centre stage. Her distinct yet impeccably harmonised spaces, ranging from the iconic Art Deco Red Room (pictured) to the Sneaker Room and flawless Beauty Corridor, deliver a perfectly pitched whole that, says ELLE Decoration France Editorial Director Daniele Gerkens ‘straddles the line between department store and immersive work of art’. lauragonzalez.fr
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Germany
Penthouse by Fabian Freytag
The owners of this Berlin apartment asked Freytag to reinterpret their space with the eclectic style they admired. The most dramatic gesture is a raised stone platform in the living area that turns the lounge into a glamorous stage. To evoke a 1970s spirit, Freytag layered browns, jungle greens and lobster reds. ‘It shows how surprisingly bold and colourful German design, normally more known for clinical Bauhaus white, can be,’ argues ELLE Decoration Germany’s Editor-in-Chief Franziska Frosh. fabianfreytag.com
Italy
Casa Zanini by Giuliano Andrea Dell’Uva
‘This project in Posillipo thoughtfully restores the historic relationship between landscape and interior,’ says ELLE Decor Italia Editor-in-Chief Livia Peraldo of this property that feels like a lookout, suspended above the sea. Andrea Dell’Uva has created a subtle visual continuity between the interior and exterior of this stunning home that is reinforced by a neutral palette – most notably the bright white walls and resin floors that reflect and amplify the Mediterranean light. giulianoandreadelluva.it
See the full Italy A-List
Lithuania
Kukla Beauty Box by Ruta Bagdzeviciute
This hair salon in Vilnius occupies a reimagined manor house. The floorplan is untouched, but the palette is daringly new: purple, lilac, petrol blue, pink and red accents provoke a reaction. Mirrors are a necessity for a salon, but here they are intentionally placed to reveal new perspectives, letting the clients observe what’s going on around them, it is this ‘sculptural use of mirrors,‘ says Edvardas Zickus, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Decoration Lithuania, ‘that creates an interior with unmistakeable character’. kukla.lt
Netherlands
The Rosewood by Piet Boon
‘A space that feels both timeless and thrillingly modern,’ is how ELLE Decoration Netherlands’ Creative Director Monique van der Reijden describes this hotel in Amsterdam. Piet Boon’s masterful design restores original details of the former courthouse, from the preserved holding cell to the grand staircases and ornate ceilings, while the interior is profoundly art-driven, with curated pieces of modern art animating every space – there’s even a playful vending machine full of modern objet d’art. pietboon.com
See the full Netherlands A-List
Poland
House of Color by NOKE Architects
Designed for artist Magda Grabowska-Waclawek (Bovska) this private house in Warsaw is a vibrant retreat located on a challengingly narrow, trapezoid plot. A cherry-red gate and a path of red stones introduce the home’s expressive spirit, while the compact structure opens to the garden. Inside, raspberry hues, plywood, and eco-stained surfaces create a space that is both refuge and artistic statement, celebrating individuality, intimacy and a connection to the landscape. nokearchitects.com
See the full Poland A-List
Spain
Casa Myttas by Casa Josephine
Inspired by a trip to Venice – its soft light and Titian’s colours – this private home in Madrid is, says Jesus Cano, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Decoration Spain, ‘a jewellery box’. In Casa Josephine’s hands its lack of light has become its greatest virtue, with light-reflecting materials such as travertine marble, stucco and brass enhancing its luxurious atmosphere. The different rooms unfold like a theatrical stage set in which colours, textures and layers of history are allowed to shine. casajosephine.com
See the full Spain A-List
Sweden
The Segelthorp House by Christian Persia
A transformation of a classic 1960s house into a retreat that honours its architectural roots, this project reflects Studio Persia’s philosophy, which Cecilia Von Mentzer, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Decoration Sweden, defines as ‘design that respects history, highlights materials, and emphasises tactile experience’. Vintage pieces and works by artist friends create an eclectic yet cohesive atmosphere in the designer’s private home, which is further enhanced by a dedication to craftsmanship. studiopersia.com
Ukraine
Gunia Concept Store by Temp Project
Located within the former Embassy of the Republic of Panama, this design gallery in Kyiv celebrates the dialogue between heritage and modernity – a central theme of Gunia’s identity. Original timber ceilings were preserved and softened with pastel hues, stainless steel and gentle lighting creating a calm, emotionally resonant environment. It captures Gunia’s essence, says Sonya Zabouga, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Decoration Ukraine: ‘refined yet soulful, rooted in Ukrainian craft while open to the world’. guniaproject.com
See the full Ukraine A-List
Brazil
Sete Apartment by Arthur Casas
A sepia-toned atmosphere envelops this apartment featuring a minimalist architectural language that connects seamlessly with the urban landscape of Sao Paolo. Every inch of the interior has been considered to foster a tranquil lifestyle, full of art and community. Among the materials, light-hued Santa Margherita terrazzo stands out, visually unifying the entire living area, while timber, present in panels and custom cabinetry, complements the rich array of textures on display. arthurcasas.com
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Canada/Quebec
Deep Cove Project by Plaidfox
Perched on a cliff, this home is blessed by 180-degree views of Vancouver’s Indian Arm, so it stands to reason that its owners main desire was not to obscure any of the landscape. With the help of PlaidFox co-founder Ben Leavitt they settled on a palette of mint green and dark orange – colours that speak to the peaceful, secluded nature of the place. ‘Every detail has been chosen with intention, and it truly shows,’ says Marouchka Franjulien, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Decoration Canada/Quebec. plaidfox.com
Mexico
Issi by Rio Estudio
‘Feeling nostalgic when entering a space is the ultimate sign of perfect design,’ believes Claudia Candano De La Peza, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Decoration Mexico. And this restaurant in Mexico City feels as familiar and warmly inviting as visiting a beloved uncle’s home, but with a contemporary twist. Materials, such as parota wood, volcanic rock and stainless steel, coexist with custom resin and metal furniture pieces, balancing inherently Mexican design sensibilities with modern craft. rio-estudio.com
See the full Mexico A-List
USA
Harbour Island by Alessandra Branca
‘You have Mother Nature to compete with, and you can’t compete,’ says Branca of her decision to keep the design of this Bahamas retreat largely neutral, full of natural materials. ’The result is a paradise of easy seaside living with a distinctly Mediterranean bent,’ says Stellene Volandes, Editorial and Brand Director of ELLE Decor US. ‘What sticks out most, though is Branca’s mission: this is a family home, for “children” and “grandchildren.” Detailed, but unpretentious, the perfect escape.’ branca.com
Argentina
Palermo Home by Rosa Benedit
‘If a place calls for colour, you have to give it without fear,’ says Benedit, renowned for her artist’s eye. In this case, she designed a complete renovation of an apartment, located in a small art deco building in Buenos Aires, focusing on a playful combination of materials and textures. ‘Rosa once worked for Yves Saint Laurent, so her work has a strong fashion influence,’ explains ELLE Decoration Argentina Editor-in-Chief Arlette Barrionuevo. ‘This home’s rich palette enriches daily life.’ rosabenedit.com
China
The Yard by Neri&Hu
‘This adaptive reuse project in Dalian, a port city in China, transforms a 40-year-old compound into a mixed-use creative hub. Unifying six existing buildings, it introduces a courtyard inspired by Chinese gardens, creating a contemplative refuge within the city. The scheme integrates galleries, retail, hospitality and offices, while a new system of walls and canopies enhances spatial cohesion and a palette of corten steel and raw finishes embraces the site’s industrial past and evolving character.’ explains ELLE Decoration China Editor-in-Chief Jun Li.’ neriandhu.com
See the full China A-list
India
Matchbox House by George Seemon of Stapati
‘Designed by Stapati CEO George Seemon, this home in Tamil Nadu, sits on a serene mango orchard. Conceived as two interlocked volumes, it was built on the only tree-free patch of land. Guided by a philosophy of simplicity and honesty in design, it embraces essentialism through raw, local materials, from rammed earth to stone. ‘It proves that architecture is not about perfection. You let the house live its life, and you live with it,’ says Mrudul Pathak Kundu, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Decor India. stapati.com
See the full India A-list
Japan
Hand-in-Hand House by Nendo
This weekend house is organised around a terrace, opening to lush forest and views of Mt. Asama. Six ‘cottages’, each with a specific function – living, dining, kitchen and bedrooms – are arranged along the terrace at slight angles and with varied roof heights, allowing the architecture to blend naturally with the terrain. The gently linked forms evoke ‘a family holding hands’. The design reflects Nendo’s distinctive approach: site-sensitive, quietly inventive, and guided by a blend of clarity and playfulness. nendo.jp
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Korea
House in Cheongun-dong by Hyoyoung Kim
Guided by a belief in the expressive power of contrast, Khy Architects’ Hyoyoung Kim turned a 1987 hillside home in Seoul into a bold composition of materials and forms. Red-painted steel columns, glass-block walls and a vivid red metal front door counterbalance the original weathered brick, celebrating difference rather than uniformity. The atmosphere is at once nostalgic and contemporary: a home that embraces memory while opening a new chapter. khyarchitects.com
See the full Korea A-list
