Many of the elements in this Watch Hill, Rhose Island beach house of designer Carmiña Roth are a nod to the traditional architecture of the home, but love how she pulled together some more contemporary elements to keep things fresh and relaxed. The result is timeless and comfortable, perfect for a family.

Photos: Read McKendree

It’s been a few years since I featured a project by Paris-based interior designer Adrien Pillay. This time it’s an INSANELY GOOD and VERY drastic renovation of a home in the south-west of France (Périgueux). He sent a before photo for each of the afters and lawd half mursey was this an undertaking of the century! I’m blown away by this transformation and grateful he shared it with us. (After photos by Sophie Lloyd and Céline Hassen)

Over the past few months I’ve gotten my hands on some gifted books that I wanted to share with you. This first one was special and I had to share because I was honoured to be a part of this book in a unique way.

Interiors journalist Kate Watson-Smyth recently launched her third book – Mad About The House: 101 Interior Design Answers and in it is a photo based on one of the photos I had posted on Instagram of my foyer looking into my dining room. It is such a beautiful drawing and I was so stoked with how it turned out and to be a part of this best-selling book. Thank you Kate!

I was sent a book that is one of the best sources of eye candy I have seen in a while and I am dying to devour it a 3rd and 4th time. It is THAT GOOD. I have been a fan of New Orleans interior designer and antiques dealer Tara Shaw for several years and her ability to mix styles and create really unique and elegant spaces is  really incredible.

Soul of the Home: Designing with Antiques showcases several of Tara’s projects as well and helps readers understand how to select the best antiques, including details about Tara’s favourite antique-hunting spots and negotiating tips, and how to use them to create dynamic and unexpected spaces. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

Tuttle Publishing kindly sent over a few of their new gardening titles and given the season they have got me wanting to get some new plants and get my yard landscaping going. The first book I’ll share had me soooo excited because I have an odd obsession with moss. Moss Ball Bonsai by Satoshi Sunamori is all about creating kokedama – koke (moss) dama (ball).

I really didn’t know much about this but WOW they can be so beautiful!!! This book shows you how to grow moss, how to make moss balls, where to find moss and 100 different moss ball creations you can make yourself. I am in love!

Next up is The Ultimate Bonsai Handbook by Yukio Hirose. I have always been intrigued by bonsai plants and this book is a perfect guide for beginners.

It has over 1000 photos and features 70 (!!!) different types of bonsai, and for each type it takes you through basic management tips, transplanting, pruning, arranging and wiring and sprout plucking.

And last but not least, for all you succulent lovers out there (like me but OMG I can’t keep them alive!!!) is The Gardener’s Guide to Succulents by Misa Matsuyama.

A handbook identifying over 125 plants from 40 different genera of succulent and cacti, this book is a great reference to have on hand. It goes through basic information on what each genus needs and where it thrives, descriptions and ratings on ease of growth and maintenance, ideas on plantings, and lots of photos.

Since it is Sunday and none of us have been able to enjoy a meal at a restaurant in weeks, I thought I would share this quirky Bangkok restaurant called Sundays, where their motto is “Making your everyday a Sunday”. It is filled with colour and art and random vintage bits and bobs, and is overflowing with personality and creativity. I would absolutely love to be hanging out here right now enjoying a meal. Via Yatzer, photos by Chaovalith Poonphol.

Today I’m sharing another prime example of how incredible original details can look whilst modernizing through furnishings and art etc. Designer Claire Larritt-Evans turned this 1880s former dance school in Melbourne into a drop-dead gorgeous family home. Elegant yet chic and current, it may be a bit minimal but it is brought to another level with the beautiful stained glass windows, fireplace and tile floor. (Aside from, well, everything here I’m head over heels for the ball/chain detail in the kitchen and the bedding)

Photos: Eve Wilson