Design with a spine

"This single story house is located on a leafy well established street in Kyneton, Victoria. Stretching east to west across the site, the dynamic double skillion roofs provide ample northern light into every room in the house. A central spine between the two roofs splits the house into public and private functions. Years ago, the client and Marcus O’Reilly shared a furniture workshop and the pair have collaborated extensively in the past. The longstanding working relationship between the two led to a very smooth, efficient and effective construction process, where both client and Architect were consistently on the same page. The clients ease in understanding the design intent, left time to focus on more intimate detailing such as the fine tapering of the roof eaves, the pocketing doors and exterior cladding systems. The home was beautifully put together by the client, who brought his cabinet making sensibility to the intricately coordinated construction of the home." - Marcus O'Reilly Architects

"Puts the some backbone in suburbia. A stunning contemporary home with attention to detail and a killer outdoor space just perfect for the Australian lifestyle. No more ticky tacky boxes! I love the way it addresses the site and the connection between interior and exterior spaces. I also really like the volume, it's openness and the simple relationship between living, dining and kitchen. It's streamlined and crisp but the attention to detail and finish take it beyond just a generic 'open plan'. Maybe it's the wall of windows, the expanse of deck, the solid versus vast out there. Sorry I'm waffling on but it is really good. What a wonderful experience to work with such a client. Oh and I have a serious need to have that bathroom!" - Jo, Desire to Inspire

  

  

Charleston Homes remodel

Nataleigh emailed Jo and I the other day asking our advice on a vintage chair she was thinking of purchasing (which she thankfully did because it was REALLY cute) and also sent us a link to photos (taken by Chris Colegrove) of a home her mother, Wendy Roach, remodeled for someone a few years ago. The name of her company is Charleston Homes, located in Fort Worth, Texas. It is a beautiful house with stunning views. I can't decide what I prefer more - the deck and huge party dock, the 2 story wall of windows, the front door, the open kitchen shelving, the HUGE bathroom...(And Nataleigh, a 24 year old recent college graduate, has promised to send us photos of her first home that her mom also remodeled.

  
  

Karl Anderson

Take a New Zealander. Wind his career path through Australia, the States, Singapore and land him in Sweden after training with some of the best photographers around and who do you get? Karl Anderson. Love the vibe of these photos. As you can imagine there are influences from all around the world but with his present base that bright white Swedish light shines through in many of these. As for the iconic furniture pieces in a number of these shots, well what can a blogger do but sigh! Great shots, great talent. Images from Karl's website and from his rep's.

  

  

  

  

  

David Mikhail Architects

The more time I spend searching for photos for the blog and the longer I live in my architecturally-lacking home, the more I appreciate the work of architects like London-based David Mikhail who just ooze creativity. There is no space I did not fall in love with when I was devouring his website. A mesh staircase, a super fun kid's room, sliding walls of glass, an indoor-outdoor kitchen (!!!), a FAB penny round tile bathroom....ALL going in my inspiration folder. Prepare to have your socks knocked off.

Stella Nicolaisen encore

There's a grittiness yet a softness to stylist Stella Nicolaisen's work. The shots come across as so real and everyday but each room is so special and beautiful. Stella's work was featured here almost a year ago but she has changed  rep agency and that means more lovely photos for us to "ooh" and "aah" over. I love the soft washed out feel of these images. Drowsy, blowsy, cozy and comforting.