I was looking up the work of designer Nicholas Haslam and found a couple of articles about one of his latest projects – his new home in the Cotwolds. It’s charming and resourceful and small yet filled with beautiful things in every nook and cranny, furnished with pieces from nearby auction houses and local dealers, and objects that he has frequently transformed from their original purposes. For example, the library chandelier is made up of a cake tin, a plant support and a tin star with pods of an Indian oak-apple tree painted green, all hanging from a red plastic chain bought at a local agricultural store. The central light in his bedroom is an upturned Ikea fruit bowl; cardboard butterflies are silhouetted inside an outsize round paper lampshade in the hall; and painted corrugated cardboard makes a sensational dado in the library. A large ceramic vase, marbleised in viridian green by the potter, stands under a console in the hall; it needed a top and by cutting in half and marble-painting a rubber ball that fits it exactly, Nicky finished it off with appropriate panache. (Photos: Simon Upton via House & Garden and Galerie)

Midland Manor is a 19th Century grade 2* listed Manor House restored to its formal glory over the past 6 years by the new owners. There is 6000 sq foot of living space split over 2 floors, 3 formal reception rooms, large galleried hallway, large kitchen, all with ornate, intricate plasterwork and ceilings, cinema room, original wooden floorboards, Versailles parquet, travertine marble flooring, historic stencilling throughout cellars. Master with decked terrace overlooking gardens, lake and parkland 1.5 acres of terraced formal gardens, children woodland play area, fire pit area, pergola, gravelled carriage driveway. Additional farmland, a lake, woodland and barns.
Some of the stenciling and colours in this home are questionable but other than that this is a real beauty. Available as a location home via JJ Media.

This beautiful and inviting house is located in Oxfordshire and is home to interior designer Taline Findlater of Olivine Design and her family. Some of the home dates back to the 17th century, which means there is some really great character inside and out. Add in some really fun colours and patterns (Taline is a trained fabric expert), and the result is a really fun and eye-catching, modernized home. (Photos: Simon Brown)

Several months back an issue of Architectural Digest appeared in my mailbox that had rendered me extra smitten. It was thanks to this wonderfully eclectic West London townhouse designed by Rachel Chudley. Filled with a variety of antique pieces from various eras, tapestries, rugs, suzanis, leopard wallpaper….the home is warm, thoughtful, and fabulously random. (Photos: Simon Upton)

Absolutely loving the European modern vibes in this Nebraska lake house designed by Light and Dwell. The exterior is has many dark elements which adds so much character, and when you walk in it’s very white and bright, but turn the corner into the kitchen and WHAM, it’s a mostly black kitchen that is so fabulously dramatic. I am OBSESSED. I cannot stand white kitchens so this is a dream. Other mostly black spaces tie all the black together and keep that flow. LOVE. Photography: Amy Bartlam