This home is earthy, modern, somewhat minimalist and a touch bohemian and I adore it. Seen from the street, the crisp form of this home offers some compelling contrasts. The elevation is grounded by a plaster privacy wall, while the second floor floats beyond it. Slim cedar louvers break the otherwise solid, symmetrical façade, allowing a screened view through the upper level. Inside, the louvers cast linear shadows throughout the rooms and the glass-enclosed corridors. The L-shape footprint defines the outdoor spaces and a large atrium frames a beautiful ginkgo tree. Natural light pours through all spaces. The interior design was closely coordinated with the building design. Richly textured fabrics and floorcoverings counter the palette of hard plaster, metal, and glass. Custom furnishings maximize the usability of the spaces while their curving, organic forms complement the architecture. Designed by Woods + Dangaran. Photos: Joe Fletcher.

This gorgeous Connecticut country home was designed by the legendary Robert Couturier and is a real stunner. Designed with a plethora of antiques, it looks fairly traditional but upon closer inspection there is evidence of subtle modern touches. I love the black and white tile floor through many of the main spaces. Always a classy and graphic choice.

Last year I featured the pattern-a-licious Guatemalan home of designer Rodman Primack. It seems he has since packed up and moved to Mexico City where his new home is awash with colour and patterns and some groovy mid-century furnishings. So much fun!!! (Photos: Stephen Johnson)

I want to give this post-war townhome in London a great big hug. It is so serene and thoughtfully designed, which only makes sense as it is home to interior designer Sheena Murphy, founder of London-and-New-York-based studio Nune. Her signature style is calming, minimal, modern and bright. I prefer a bit of contrast in my interiors but this is too pretty to argue. Photos: Renée Kemp.

Be still my heart. This 15th century manor home in the countryside of Normandy, called La Carlière, is home to British fashion designer Peter Copping and his French husband Rambert Rigaud. The 6 year renovation of this spectacular home transformed it into a liveable, comfortable home that is an absolute dream. (Photos: Alexis Armanet for Architectural Digest France and Billal Taright for the Financial Times)