Chocolate brick is cool again

I knew the day would come when chocolate brown brick was cool again, when hipsters would embrace the bain of the 70s and 80s, re-inventing and re-invigorating the humble little brick. Those of us who lived through its last incarnation gladly waved goodbye to the light-sucking, prison-like boxes that were often made from it ... but not now. It's back and it's bold and bright. It's all in how you use the little blighter. Welcome back chocolate brown brick! Dolce Lane house by Klopper & Davis Architects.

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Balmain Semi

An early 1900s two bedroom single-storey semi-detached house has been reimagined with alterations and an extension by Sydney-based CO-AP Architects. Maximising daylight and green space were the priority and a materials palette of off-form concrete and Australian timbers was used. The sense of space and light is evident but it's the stairwell that's the hero of the renovation ... oh and the bedroom with its retractable wall of windows and elevated planter is hot too.

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Backyard dream

The designer calls it an urban soul garden, this tight city backyard is now filled with outdoor inspiration. Internal and external merge and meld with the new garden design zoned into pool, cooking, al fresco and studio space with a gritty industrial edge and the promise of lush green plantings. Naroon Road by Melbourne-based C.O.S Design.

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A tale of two gardens

Two grand old homes in Sydney, two gardens full of delight. One, an entertainer's garden, sits on the harbour's edge and has an almost Mediterranean feel with stone and whitewash. The other, a green escape, cascades down a steep slope with a hint of mysterious rainforest. Both beautiful, both inspiring, both by Bates Landscapes.

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A modern midcentury pool

You could be excused for thinking that you had time travelled poolside to 50s Palm Springs - breezeblock walls, long sleek lounges for sunning, architectural plantings, graphic black and white palette with that oasis of blue water screams Mad Men and Sinatra. Except this is Perth in Western Australia and the time is now. Midcentury mod perfection. Applecross residence by Tim Davies Landscaping.

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