Architectural Cases

Beyond the Arena: The Unseen Worlds of Olympic Competitors

Laila Edwards and Caroline Harvey: Teammates and Roommates Off the Ice

Laila Edwards, 22, and Caroline Harvey, 23, two accomplished ice hockey players, exemplify a life fully dedicated to their sport. Their daily routine revolves around hockey, extending beyond the rink to their shared two-bedroom apartment within walking distance of their training facility at the University of Wisconsin. Despite their demanding schedules as college seniors, they find time to cook and work out, prioritizing functionality over elaborate decor. Their apartment, which they humorously describe as a "frat house," is a testament to their focus on their athletic pursuits, with bright red Wisconsin Badgers jerseys proudly displayed. Their decade-long friendship, solidified through shared experiences in elite hockey programs, makes cohabitation a natural fit, providing mutual support and understanding in their Olympic journey.

Ben Ogden: Finding Solace in Vermont's Rural Landscape

Cross-country skier Ben Ogden, 25, frequently travels for training and competitions in the European Alps, but his true sanctuary is his family home in Landgrove, Vermont. His childhood residence, nestled on a sprawling 50-acre property, offers him unlimited space for exploration and training, allowing him to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. The passing of his father, John, in 2023, brought a poignant dimension to his connection with the home. John, a craftsman, had built a significant portion of the house and barn, and his workshop has become a "sentimental zone" for Ben. Engaging in projects like restoring his 1973 Land Rover in the workshop provides a valuable outlet and a way to honor his father's legacy, balancing the rigors of his professional skiing career with personal fulfillment.

Evan Bates and Madison Chock: A Harmonious Partnership On and Off the Ice

Ice dancing champions Evan Bates, 36, and Madison Chock, 33, navigate a unique dynamic as partners both in their sport and in their marriage. Their three-bedroom, two-bathroom rental in Montreal, their second Canadian residence since moving from Michigan seven years ago to train with their coaches in Quebec, is evolving into their shared home. Despite the challenges of being far from family, they've embraced "adulting" and are meticulously curating their living space with meaningful items, such as a vintage Shinola record player inherited from Bates's grandfather. Their apartment doubles as an occasional practice space, with dance rehearsals sometimes unfolding in their kitchen. However, their primary goal is to create a peaceful sanctuary where they can unwind after grueling training sessions, cherishing their roles as "homebodies" alongside their toy poodles, Stella and Henry. They envision building a custom home in the United States in the future, closer to their families, while holding onto fond memories of Montreal.

Zach Miller: Speed, Family, and a Mountain View in Utah

Para-snowboarder Zach Miller, 26, finds his Salt Lake City home to be a deeply personal reflection of his identity and journey. His four-bedroom, four-bathroom house is dominated by a garage filled with mountain bikes, motorcycles, his 2025 Toyota GR Supra, and a snowboard tuning bench, all testaments to his "speed problem" and competitive spirit, fueled by his experience growing up with left hemiplegic cerebral palsy. A tapestry in his garage, proclaiming "We do this not because it is easy, but because we thought it would be easy," serves as a constant reminder of life's perfectly imperfect nature. His new Supra symbolizes the profound impact of Mike, the man who stepped in as his father figure, making his house a true home. With his late grandmother's paintings and grandfather's dining chairs, the house is rich with family history, creating a "cozy cabin lodge" aesthetic that includes a year-round Christmas tree. The stunning mountain view from his bedroom window sealed his decision to settle there, reaffirming his deep connection to the sport and the place that brings him joy.

Bea Kim: Embracing Family and New Beginnings in California

For 19-year-old snowboarder Bea Kim, her parents' home in Palos Verdes, California, serves as a vital anchor amidst her demanding schedule of training and competitions across the globe. Despite her rising career, her family home provides a comforting space where she can simply "be chill" and enjoy the small comforts of everyday life. Her parents, Kathy and Drew, along with her younger brother, Walter, have cultivated an open and welcoming environment for family and friends. Kim's journey into snowboarding, initially a fun family activity, escalated into an Olympic dream after witnessing Chloe Kim (a fellow Californian snowboarder) win gold at PyeongChang 2018. As she prepares for her first Olympic Games and anticipates attending Columbia University in New York City, Kim maintains a "controlled chaos" aesthetic in her room, reflecting her belief that snowboarding is a cherished part of her life, but not her entire identity. She looks forward to new adventures, though the logistics of moving her extensive wardrobe to a college dorm remain a humorous challenge.

This article explores the remarkable transformation of a London residence, skillfully redesigned by Natalia Miyar to embody a vibrant and comfortable aesthetic. The owner's vision for a peaceful, color-rich sanctuary within the city was brought to life through a thoughtful integration of saturated tones, diverse textures, and organic forms, creating a unique and harmonious living environment. The design narrative unfolds through a series of meticulously curated spaces, each reflecting a distinct mood while maintaining a cohesive stylistic thread, notably through the consistent yet varied use of green accents that echo the home's lush surroundings.

The collaborative process between the homeowner and designer highlights a shared commitment to bold design and personalized expression. Despite initial hesitations regarding a darker palette, the client ultimately embraced the designer's innovative approach, particularly in creating a deeply comforting snug. This project serves as a testament to how creative interior design can not only overcome structural challenges but also profoundly enhance the emotional connection residents have with their living spaces, turning a house with compromised conditions into an exceptional and deeply personal home.

Harmonious Color and Texture Integration

The transformation of this London residence into a vibrant and serene retreat was a collaborative triumph, marrying the Jordanian owner's desire for a color-saturated haven with interior designer Natalia Miyar's exceptional technical skill and design sensibility. The property, initially two conjoined houses, offered ample space and a tranquil garden square setting, providing the perfect canvas for a complete refurbishment. Miyar's approach focused on crafting unique yet comfortable spaces through a rich interplay of colors, textures, and fluid lines, departing from traditional accents to use saturated tones as defining elements for each room's mood. The owner's openness to a bold color scheme, particularly the pervasive use of green, allowed for an interior narrative that was both deeply personal and harmoniously connected to the leafy urban environment.

Each room in the house tells its own story through a carefully selected palette and tactile elements. The kitchen, for instance, is a striking example, featuring green Calacatta marble that covers the island, countertop, and backsplash, complemented by a pendant light from CTO Lighting and green glass coffee tables, all contributing to a rich and elegant atmosphere. The living room exudes comfort with its curved cream sofa, Lierna upholstery fabric, Pierre Frey velvet stools, and a sculptural side table by ceramicist Milan Pekar, showcasing a sophisticated layering of materials. The dining room, deliberately understated, contrasts a bold artwork by Bob Baxter with bespoke furniture and a Sacramento wallcovering. Even the media room adopts a distinct evening ambiance with custom midnight-blue sofas and compelling artworks. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that while each area boasts its individual character, a cohesive and inviting aesthetic permeates the entire home, culminating in a design that is both visually stunning and deeply functional.

Personalized Sanctuaries: Bedrooms and the Snug

Beyond the communal areas, the upper floor of the London home is meticulously designed to offer personalized sanctuaries, with each of the four bedrooms adopting a distinct color theme. The main bedroom, a prime example of this bespoke approach, features a statement upholstered headboard in pale green velvet, complemented by the elegant curves of a custom sofa and upholstered bench. Subtle contrasts are introduced through a burlwood side table by Six the Residence and custom bedside tables, contributing to an atmosphere of refined comfort. This deliberate design strategy extends into the private dressing rooms and bathrooms, most notably in the owner's ensuite, which is a testament to fully customized design.

The owner's dressing room and adjoining bathroom are a celebration of soft pink, entirely custom-designed from the joinery to the daybed and pendant light. Namibian Pink marble on the floor and walls, alongside wall art by ceramic artist Myung Nam An, extends the rosy, color-saturated theme, creating a truly luxurious and personal retreat. Perhaps the most compelling space, however, is the snug, which the client initially approached with hesitation. Encouraged by Miyar to embrace a darker, bolder palette, the snug was transformed into a supremely comfortable sanctuary furnished with bespoke sofas in Tsuga chenille by Larsen. With a textured wallcovering by Arte and deep forest green painted ceilings and woodwork, the room evokes a comforting, canopied feel. This space, initially a point of contention, ultimately became the client's favorite, embodying a cocooning and calming atmosphere that perfectly illustrates the transformative power of bold and personalized interior design, balancing dramatic flair with tranquil comfort throughout the home.