Stalking in church

Hallelujah I've found another church to stalk! Long time readers will know that Kim and I love a good church conversion. There is something about the challenge of doing justice to what is the often imposing, original architecture and accommodating the needs of modern living. On the outside today's offering is a sombre red brick edifice from the 1890s. Inside fresh and contemporary open-plan living merges with heavy old church doors and arches. Link here while it lasts. 

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Palo Alto punch

You can describe San Francisco designer Jeff Schlarb's work with two words ... rad elegance. Classic yet contemporary with an artistic eye and a design bravery. Cool, collected and innovative, this Palo Alto home pulls no punches. Dinosaur bones in the living room and moss like carpet mounds in the bedroom, a killer art collection and a carefully curated collection of furniture. Rad elegance indeed. 

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Stalking a family home in Melbourne

We're stalking a family house in the Melbourne suburb of Northcote, a house of two halves, old and new. You'd never know from its weatherboard cottage facade that behind is a light-filled, contemporary open plan home perfect, as you can see from the photos, for a young family. Inside and out meld seamlessly through sliding glass doors, extending the living space out into the courtyard garden. Stylish and kid friendly. Link here while it lasts.

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My next DIY project?

I much as I'd love to reproduce this amazing bed canopy by interior designer Emmanuelle Simon I don't think I would have the talent or patience. It's a striking centrepiece for this zen-like bedroom. That is until you look up and see the cloud of floating drapes above or across the room to another of Simon's creations, the Rakù-Yaki Cabinet. Whereas the bed canopy is earthy and grounding the ceramic encased cabinet is a hidden treasure, opening to reveal its golden (brass) centre. Bedroom as sculpture. Bedroom as theatre. Bedroom as dream space for dreaming.

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Could you? Would you?

I’m sure it has the wood aficionados screaming at their computer monitors but if you’re going to paint how about stopping half way? And that’s not the only contrast. Super modern, almost space age rooms AND Haussmannian confection. Colombie by Paris-based RF Studio.

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