Marion Hall Best

Jo has posted over at Mark Cutler's blog about Marion Hall Best, Australia's most influential and inspirational interior designer. I have to say that it's a must-read.

Photos courtesy of Historic Houses Trust

Oh please can I live here?

I am smitten by this house, totally consumed with the idea of pacing it's floors and gazing out to sea. A spectacular building to match the spectacular site. If you are afraid of heights don't go too close to the windows. The Holman House by Durbach Block Architects in Sydney . Where else!

Images from Durbach Block Architects

New Queenslander

This is the future of the Queenslander house. Just as the old houses addressed climate issues, today’s architects are taking a holistic approach in climate consideration and design. Houses are often only one room wide to improve cross ventilation and louvers, sliding doors/walls and breezeways are an important feature. Natural vegetation is left not only to provide privacy and views but to shade the house from the hot sun. Once again houses are raised to improve air flow. What results is a stunning home like this one by Andresen O’Gorman Architects. (Recently sold for $1.3 million AUD)

Images from realestate.com.au

Classic Queenslander

I can across this wonderful house while checking the local real estate online. From the outside it’s a great example of a late 19th century Queensland house, wide timber tongue and groove walls, lovely pine floors and verandas to provide shade from the hot tropical sun. Inside it’s a sensitive modern upgrade that respects its heritage but has that wow factor. A central corridor with rooms on either side is typical of these houses. It helps funnel any breezes through the house. Homes were often raised off the ground to also allow the air to circulate. Here the under house space is taken up by more bedrooms and a massive games room. And the asking price? $2.69 million. It’s in a great suburb, has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a pool but it lets you know just how outrageous prices have become in my neck of the woods. Lovely …. but I’m just dreaming.

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Images from realestate.com.au

Shannon Fricke and her Sense of Style

A little while ago I featured a photographer, Prue Ruscoe whose work I adore. My favourite pictures of Prue's appear in one of my favourite books, A Sense of Style. Colour, by Shannon Fricke, interior stylist, TV presenter and now regular contributor to Inside Out. My copy is well worn and well used. Shannon was kind enough to email thanking me for mentioning her book and with the news that she has a new book, Sense of Style. Space. These are the images she sent to share. In her first book she explores the world of colour, revelling in it's cheekiness and life enriching beauty. Her books, while informative, are joyous celebrations of life, style and lifestyle. Each is a feast for the eyes with glorious photos of homes, mood boards and vignettes styled by Shannon. Her new book takes us on a journey through space, sacred, personal, transitional and functional spaces. Once again her insightful holistic approach is matched by Prue's stunning photographs. If you find her books I know they will become well used sources of inspiration. Both books can be found readily in Australian bookstores and here. Unfortunately both are not yet available in America but that's what online ordering is for!

Images above by Prue Ruscoe courtesy of Shannon Fricke. Don't forget to click on these to supersize.

Images from Prue Ruscoe's portfolio at The Names Agency

P.S. Thank you so much for the copy of the new book Shannon. It's gorgeous from cover to cover!