Visit Montreal in the winter, and expect freezing temperatures with a dose of hockey and history. We’re talking 1°F or way below-zero Celsius. Bring fur, thick socks, plentry of outerwear, and waterproof everything. I personally owe my survival to my leather, sherpa-lined L.L. Bean tall boots—stylish and, frankly, non-negotiable. We arrived via train after a record-breaking 30-inch snowfall, a winter wonderland—cute but cold.

Over the past year, we’ve been elbows-deep in our latest Boston brownstone renovation, restoring it for a young couple with an eye for Scandinavian design and European influences. She’s a Massachusetts native, he trails from London. Each bring their own version of ‘classic’ and ‘modern’ to the design. Read on to learn about the team, see our progress, and explore renderings of the backyard and primary bathroom.

We came for Eric Church and Noah Kahan but stayed for the history. I always thought all the country’s “firsts” were in Boston, but St. Augustine’s claim as the first colony? Kind of—Wikipedia confirmed it. This Florida gem is now a favorite, with historic architecture, museums, and thousands of steps exploring its charm. Read more for some serious {historic} design inspiration.