Cabanon

A wee, white shed by the sea in the Èze region of France. It may be small in size but it's big on style. Piano on the deck anyone? Cabanon by Monaco-based architectural duo Humbert & Poyet.

The luxury of lo-fi

"Purposefully lo-fi, The Retreat embraces a low-tech aesthetic towards the operation of the building itself, fully embodying the idea of retreat and slowing down. Celebrating craftsmanship and integrity of materiality instead of technology, every wall of the building have been designed to contain components that manually fold, open and close to manipulate the space and transform the program of the building."

More and more these days I don't need large and ostentatious. I don't need transplanted and often inappropriate design styles. I do need quality and craftsmanship, beauty and a sense of purpose and place. I do need a slow building for slow living. I would love this multi-use private retreat/studio, not as a stylish folly but as my home. (I'd just need a storage shed conveniently out of sight or the willpower to divest myself of the treasure and junk I have accumulated over the years.) The Retreat in Balnarring, Victoria by Branch Studio Architects.

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Modernising a typical Amsterdam apartment

Dutch interior designer Robert Kolenik took what he described as a typical small Amsterdam apartment and turned it into a luxurious modern space in neutral tones that appears much larger than it is. As part of his concept, the first thing that interior designer Robert Kolenik did was to design a large wall unit to link together all the spaces in the apartment naturally. In narrower or smaller spaces, most people tend to use smaller pieces of furniture. 'I do the opposite. By putting in larger pieces, I emphasise a sense of spaciousness in the home. The floating block in dark oak creates a line in the apartment that visually enlarges the space.' Robert then added in a FOUR METRE LONG sofa (by Minotti) which offers tons of seating and while very long, still keeps the space very open. Those of you with small spaces, take note!

A complete renovation of a tiny Parisian apartment

Paris-based interior designer Adrien Pillay sent over some photos of one of his projects - the renovation (and decoration) of a tiny late 1800's 365 sq ft apartment, and the transformation is incredible! (Photos: Anaëlle Le Roy). I love when we are sent before photos, and in this case it really showcases the amount of work involved in this project. 

EEEEKKKK! But look at it now!! Simple, beautiful details and some great space-saving solutions. 

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Moonlight Cabin

I braved a shopping mall this morning. I lasted 30 minutes before running, screaming for my sanity, from the packed Christmas crowds. Mothers with shrieking toddlers in tow, elderly shoppers shuffling at snail's pace, gauche teenagers collecting in packs, frazzled partners fidgeting and furtive hipsters diving in and out before they can be seen in such a place. Blaring Christmas music, flashing sale signs, insistent kitchen gadget touts throwing themselves in my path, shopping trolleys with wonky wheels. At this time of year I'd love to escape to the solitude of a cabin, perched in the middle of nowhere, with only the wind to harry me. So if you're looking for a gift to give me a little stocking stuffer like Moonlight cabin by Melbourne-based Jackson Clements Burrows Architects would be perfect.