Starbucks Drive-Thru (Chicago, Illinois) This demi-sized, 700-square-foot coffee shop in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood is one of a growing number of modular experiments from the big chain. This LEED-certified structure is hopefully a play towards better building practices as opposed to a means to plop a store on any available space.

A freestanding tub from the Water Monopoly.

Keen Home's Smart Vent lets users remotely close heating and cooling vents in unused rooms, or rooms that tend to get excessively cool or hot—slight adjustments that could add up to big savings on the next utility bill. Decorative faceplates may be purchased for $20.

The space includes a vent-free fireplace in the dining room from EcoSmart Fire.

Spot color printed balls of woodfree paper dangle kaleidoscopically above children with the Themis Mobile. The mobile's geometric patterns designed by Clara von Zweigbergk modernize this classic.

Having found a 100-acre farm in Ontario featuring rolling corn fields, the residents asked architect Cindy Rendely to design a place that was "comfortable and modern and appropriate for the country." Though technically all one space, the living room, dining room, and kitchen are separated by the double-sided fireplace.

The kitchen features a concrete island topped with marble. Deja-Vu stools by Naoto Fukasawa surround the island. A print by Guy Gormley, as well as a painting bought during holiday in St. Tropez, hang on the walls.

The kitchen is streamlined and modern, with a black seamless backsplash, a minimalist faucet, and a wood-clad vent hood.

In the open living and dining room of a hillside family home in Japan, Eames shell chairs surround a custom walnut table by Kagura. The upholstered seating is by Arflex. The architect, Masahiro Harada of Mount Fuji Architects Studio, also designed the custom kitchen island and stove vent.

A sculptural freestanding washbasin by Gessi is found in the first-floor powder room. The hex tiles are courtesy of Dear Human.

see thru fire place

Finn Juhl designed the Poet Sofa for his own home in 1941. Inspired by the modern free art movement, which influenced much of Juhl’s designs, the sofa has a decidedly sculptural shape that rests on four walnut legs. Today, the sofa represents a part of Danish cultural history and modern furniture that exudes the values of craftsmanship, thoughtful design, supreme function, and aesthetic appeal.

Sunken Living Room with See Thru Fireplace

At the top, the view from the roof deck reveals a patchwork of garages and yards surprisingly free of neighbors.

In the kitchen, an “Alpine Mist’ Caesarstone slab tops Alder cabinets. A mint green custom steel hood conceals a Vent-a-Hood insert, and Ann Sacks ‘Context’ tile in Frost covers the backsplash.

In the living area, a Tufty-Time sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia, a Soft Grid blanket by Established & Sons, and a wood-burning stove by Stûv keep her comfortable.

The stove was kept in place in order to retain the position of the gas and venting. The designer dropped the sill on the right-side window to the floor. Sleek black cabinetry is topped with Essastone Concrete Pezzato weathered stone on the perimeter, and custom terrazzo on the island.

The layout of the site appears as a free form drawing in concrete.

Upstairs, the clutter-free bedrooms of Segal’s teenagers reflect their father’s less-is-more ethos.

Rail-free stairs are unnerving for a first-time visitor, but they amplify the home's free-flowing sense of space and structure. The stairs were built inside one of the six concrete towers, and they lead from the central living space to the front door. The experience of moving from the enclosed stairway into the expansive open family area is dramatic.

The 510 Cabin is one of Leggitt's designs, executed with the help of student apprentices.

Jellies Family by Patricia Urquolia for Kartell Moulded without a seam, this hefty plastic tableware makes every meal feel like an occasion. www.kartell.com/gb...

Vent free fireplace and HD tv

The architects explain that sleek European furniture adds strength to an otherwise flat, airy room with several sheer walls. Vol au Vent by Mario Bellini dining chairs complement the granite dining room surfaces. The sofa is Hamilton Islands by Minotti.

Kitchen with custom floating tiled hood vent

The H Series Vent-Free Fireplace by European Home.

Silver Art ZX800 Juicer by Krups: A cordless model that will hold up to 1¼ quarts of juice. $80

Clean Bottle's newest design comes in five colors: green, blue, black, orange, and magenta.

The Square by Clean Bottle opens on either end for easy cleaning.

The counters and backsplash are Imperial white marble, and the hood vent received a custom metal surround.

She was even able to squeeze in a compact stacked washer and a vented dryer.

The backsplash and counters are Caesarstone, and a floating white oak shelf was positioned flush with the hood vent for a cleaner look.

The bed sits atop a platform; above it is an HVAC vent.

Mechanical equipment and vents are hidden in between the two peaks of the irregular sawtooth roof.

front entry thru garden

The brick vents, openings, and chimney flue are protected from falling embers.