Some homes are beautiful because they’re perfectly decorated. Others are memorable because they tell a story.

This remarkable Grade II listed Georgian house in Surrey does both.

Originally built in 1750, the home had unfortunately lost much of its historic character after extensive renovations by previous owners. When the current owners, originally from France and Sweden, purchased the property, they envisioned something very different. They wanted to restore the home’s architectural grandeur while creating a calm family retreat that reflected both of their backgrounds.

Working with Covet Noir, the result is a home that feels undeniably timeless. Classical Georgian architecture forms the foundation, while Parisian sophistication and Scandinavian restraint soften every room into spaces that feel luxurious without ever becoming overwhelming.

Throughout the house, rich natural materials, thoughtful craftsmanship, and subtle layers of texture prove that elegance doesn’t have to shout.

There are minimalist interiors, and then there are interiors that feel like a curated gallery. For anyone seeking Paris apartment design ideas, this stunning Saint-Germain apartment designed by Félix Millory is firmly in the latter category.

At first glance, the space feels calm and restrained. A palette of travertine, smoked oak, gray marble, and soft ivory tones creates a sense of quiet luxury. But look closer and you’ll discover that every room has been carefully composed around art. Sculptural objects, abstract forms, and striking statement pieces become focal points that transform the apartment from beautiful to unforgettable.

If you’re looking for Paris apartment design ideas that balance warmth, texture, and contemporary sophistication, this home offers plenty of inspiration.

A beautifully designed St. Germain apartment has a way of feeling both elegant and effortlessly lived in at the same time. The proportions are grand yet intimate, the architectural details feel timeless, and every room feels layered with art, texture, and personality in a way only Paris interiors can achieve.

This particular St. Germain residence, reimagined by London-based interior designers Studio Ashby alongside French architect Antoinette Zalewski, captures that balance perfectly. What was once two separate units has been transformed into a seamless home filled with restored architectural character, bespoke craftsmanship, and thoughtful moments of color inspired by the soft, muted tones of Paris itself.

The apartment blends classical Parisian architecture with contemporary warmth in a way that feels refined without ever feeling cold. From the restored wall paneling and custom staircase to the sculptural lighting and richly layered textiles, every detail feels intentional, elevated, and quietly luxurious.

Take a quick tour with me through this exquisite Connecticut home owned by Jane Keltner de Valle and her husband Giancarlo Valle. Jane is a co-founder of the children’s skincare line Paloroma and was also formerly Architectural Digest’s style director. Giancarlo is on the AD100 list for interior designers.

Here are some sneak peeks of their home. The pictures are all provided by Architectural Digest and photographed by Stephen Johnson.

I went to Martha’s Vineyard a couple of weeks ago and spent around three weeks there. Everything was amazing, including the house I was staying at. While at Martha’s Vineyard, I also got to see my friends Peter and Randi Farmsworth’s newly renovated home. It is a 4,200 square feet property, with five bedrooms and nine bathrooms. The interior designer of the home is Louise Barzilay. She also runs an amazing leather jacket business! Also, big thanks to the photographer, Arletta Charter, for these wonderful pictures.

Randi’s house there went through some major transformations that I thought had to be shown. It is spectacular!

Today – a house tour from the COCOCOZY archives. While scrolling through my blog archives, I came across this blog about an East Hampton Compound. It reminded me of when I visited at a very famous compound during the summer. Back in 2013 I wrote about being invited to the historic Kennedy Compound years before right after I graduated from college. The Kennedy estate is nestled on Cape Cod in the picturesque town of Hyannis Port, MA. As I strolled through the white houses surrounded by lush, green lawns leading to the sparkling waters, I felt like I was in a dream. This blog post captured my imagination and brought me back to that visit to Kennedy compound. Although I lack photos from that memorable day, the images are forever etched in my mind—a testament to the grandeur and charm of this iconic family’s estate.

“Okay.  I have said I want a castle, then I said I wanted a farm with a beautiful barn, then I dreamed of a beautiful city penthouse apartment with sparkling city views…I’ve now changed my mind again…I want a compound.  I want my own compound.” — Coco (2013)

By the way…It’s now 2023 and I still want my own compound.

September 10, 2013 | Updated: June 30, 2023

Let’s take a look inside legendary writer Patrick Leigh Fermor and his wife Joan’s Grecian home. The stunning stone house is located atop Mount Taygetus, overlooking the serene Messenian Gulf. Surrounded by ancient olive and cypress trees, the house sits between two bays for one of the most stunning views from every angle. This home was a peaceful place to get away and write for the accomplished couple.

Tucked away a few hours from Athens, the Kardamyli house embodies a blend of rustic and Tuscan. While the home is on the smaller side, the way it is furnished combined with the many windows, makes it feel open and spacious. Follow along below to take a closer look at the details of this Grecian home.

Years ago, back in 2013, I covered this wonderful two toned farmhouse style Hamptons home’s amazing kitchen on COCOCOZY (old post is here).  I loved the striking open kitchen area with a dark black painted ceiling with the color creeping down onto the walls and down below the second level clerestory windows.

Now, I just learned that new photos of this lovely East Hampton kitchen on Further Lane designed by Dan Scotti Design have surfaced!  I spotted the new snaps on designer Dan’s website and on Architectural Digest’s website too.  The home is fantastic.  Still my favorite room is the kitchen…but I am loving the pool area too.  This one is for bestie AM and her hubby JE…take a look at the pool…ideas ideas perhaps for their East Hampton outdoors….