Little Simmons and Sam

I want to introduce you to the cutest little renovators I've ever seen, Mr Simmons and Sam. Ruth tells the story, "I can't help but email you a couple of photos of kitten and dog during our own renovation. Little Simmons (later known as Mr. Simmons due to his white cuffs and pinstripe suit of fur) could sleep through anything; the sink is set on its back right in the middle of our demo and he slept soundly.) Sam in the sweltering summer heat slumbered on anything as well. My husband is a residential architect in Nashville, and we did our own home with a lot of sweat and help from friends."

The renovation you ask? Wow! A remodeled ranchhouse with a lot of bang for a little buck. Look at the before and after shots! As Ruth emailed, the couple performed much of the work and used several do-it-yourself systems such as Ikea cabinetry and site-glazed windows to further reduce labor costs. Come back in a couple of hours for a full feature on Ruth's über talented husband Marcus.

TZG

I saw the home of Australian architect Brian Zulaikha in the latest issue of Dwell and was so enthralled by it I had to go poking around his firm's website. Tonkin Zuliakha Greer Architects "has always preferred buildings to be made of materials which are unfinished and direct. Natural materials such as stone and timber, now becoming luxuries, are strategically related to areas of high occupancy. Brick and concrete are used as a thick or solid matrix which holds the building together. Steel, with its demanding grammar of connection and exciting delicacy, is celebrated for its sculptural richness. Thin cladding is used only where necessary, preferably in unfinished durable metal – copper, stainless steel, zinc." Such a natural and organic feel to the spaces, which insist on uncomplicated decor so as not to distract from the beauty of the architectural details.

Bates Masi Architects

Bates Masi Architects is another architecture firm that believes strongly in blending their structures with the environment. Such attention to detail. And I love the strategically placed windows in a few of the photos below, that serve almost as peepholes, or look almost like a piece of artwork.

Lake|Flato Architects

The work of Lake|Flato Architects is jaw-dropping gorgeous. Architecture merges fluently with landscape. Spaces that leave you with a sense of serenity. Land, light, sustainability and community are all crucial principals they follow. The amount of windows and views they take advantage of are stunning. I'll take them all.

212 box

Clever. Yes clever, clever, clever. 212box not only design good looking spaces (and can turn their hand to a number of styles) but they have a talent for spatial solutions and storage. Visit the website and work your way through the images and all will be revealed. That cosy nook above? It's crammed with clever extra sleeping. Love a clean lined kitchen but can't get enough gadgets? Plenty of inspiration here.