An artist, some architects, a designer and a hotel

What do these have in common? A photographer. More than a photographer, a genius with half light and shadows, a magician at capturing mood and modern intimacy. Elegant Swedish spaces without being bright, white and overexposed. Grown up, sophisticated and calm. The photographer is Magnus Mårding. The first apartment is that of illustrator Mats Gustafson, designed by Fernlund + Logan (and just to be complete the shoot was styled by Jacob Hertzell). After the jump another design leader and more rich and moody Swedish rooms.

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Stalking subtle

Sometimes one can just have too much boulle and ormolu. Sometimes there is such a thing as too much fun. Today's second house is a more subtle take on luxury. Starting with an equally impressive historic building the owners in this case have chosen an understated elegance. Greys and whites play against dark floors and modern, clean lined furniture and an open plan design play against the period features. Favourite here? The office. I would gladly home invade, er sorry, move in just for that office and of course the location. Gore St, Fitzroy, Melbourne. Sigh. Link here while it lasts.

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The studio at the end of the garden

Down at the end of the garden is a little shed but this is a shed with just a little more than you would expect. A stylish work space/studio appears like a screen in a suburban garden that has been decked to connect it with the new kitchen extension at the rear of the Victorian era house. Ornamental pond, hidden paddling pool, sand pit and fire pit complete the backyard transformation by Ashton Porter. The attention to detail in this project won it the NLA (New London Architecture) "Don't move, Improve" Award 2012. Definitely filing some of these ideas away for my own renovation.

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Stalking the cool life

Too cool! I mean, really, too cool. If I wanted to be a hipster with an apartment to match, if I wanted to be a cool dude on the scene then I think I have found the pad. (OK I think I just gave away my dweeb, nerd status by using words like "hipster", "cool" and "dude".) But I don't care. Look .... a top floor art deco flat in Manly, Sydney. There are even water glimpses. The cafes are just down the road. My new life beckons. A bright, young space for a bright, young thing. I'd beg to keep the furniture. It would complete my hipster transformation. Is it wrong to crave this apartment and this lifestyle at my age? Real estate stalking for a life that isn't mine. Link here while it lasts.

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More from Iceland

I had to share this home, also from Home & Delicious (photos by Gunnar), as it is serene like the last one but has quite a bit more drama and elegance. It is the home of decorative painter Auður Skúla and her family. The grey and white colour palette is beautiful, and that kitchen is absolutely dreamy. *sigh*

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