I don’t know what it is about designers in Spain, particularly Madrid, but WOW they are some of the most brave and creative people out there and create some of the most unique and colourful spaces I have ever seen. Had someone showed me a couple of these photos without saying a word I would have guessed this was in Madrid. This is the courageous and vibrant home of designer Carlos Tomás of Estudio Reciente. Photos: German Saiz

This 19th century château is located in Calvados (Normandy region), and originally, the building consisted solely of the large tower dating from the 17th century and used as a hunting lodge. The second part was completed in 1869. The property is set in more than two hectares of partly wooded parkland, with a heated 11 m x 5 m swimming pool near the manor house. The property has three entrances, each with its own wooden or wrought iron gates, and storage buildings. 450m² of living space with 7 bedrooms and an attic floor that has yet to be renovated. The property also has 2 luxury “gites” (holiday rental home) within the wooded area.
A classic French château that is really breathtaking, though I am horrified the current owners decided a boho vibe was the way to go, and included cheap Ikea lighting (and string lights in the kitchen? really?), Ikea units in the kitchen and what looks like faux wood laminate? engineered? flooring. Praying for this poor beautiful home that the next owners do it justice. For sale for 1,690,000 € via Sotheby’s.

This five‑story neoclassical townhouse, built in the 1890s in London, is all about saturated bold colour choices and using them tonally in each space, creating sooooo much drama and eye candy. And is a wonderful example of one of my favourite paint techniques – taking one colour and using it over trim, walls, ceiling, doors etc. In this case Golden Design took the same shade onto curtains, and carpet, cabinetry and furniture and headboards etc. It’s one way to go a little crazy with colour but in a soothing, easy on the eye sort of way. And it’s so much fun. Photos: Michael Sinclair

The peacefulness and warmth that this Newport Beach, California home exudes with its soothing pastel colour palette, and it’s classic décor with pretty florals and stripes, makes it so family friendly and comfortable. Designed by Casey Hill, it is just oozing with feminine, pretty vibes and I can’t help but smile from all of the charm it exudes. Photos: Laura Resen; styling: Lisa Rowe.

What is the importance of plants in a person’s home living space? This is the story about a 95 square meter apartment with 4 fronts and full of light that as part of a renovation is dealing with this question. The love of the members of the house for growing house plants challenged us to find surprising design solutions all over the house. Examples of solutions can be seen in opening a balcony to the green boulevard at the expense of the living room space, planning furniture that is adapted to growing plants and thinking ahead about utilizing areas for growing plants even at height, and even in the bathroom. We wrapped the entrance hall with carpentry, which makes it possible to store all of the entryway’s stuff: glasses, a dog leash, bags…. We also incorporated a bench that allows you to sit down immediately when you enter the house and take off your shoes. This carpentry rotates inside and also becomes the kitchen’s storage cabinets.
I am envious of all of the light and storage in this apartment. As much as I adore old homes they typically lack in both of those areas. Plants sure do seem to thrive here, unlike in my home 🙂 Located in Tel Aviv and designed by Ma/Deux. Photography by Sivan Askayo.