Give me a home with lots of history where you don’t have to worry about scratches on the floors or paint chipping off a door and I am in my glory. This time-worn, historic beauty in the Spanish town of Oropesa is magical. It is a feast for the senses with a beautiful assortment of colours and textures. Designed by Marta de la Rica.

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What is it with all Parisian designers consistently rocking my world?!?! Here is a new-to-me designer Fabrizio Casiraghi and snippets from several of his fabulous projects. He experiments with color, creates surprising melanges and masters the use of light. His experience at the French architecture studio of Dominique Perrault and his formative years at Polytechnic University of Milan, enabled him to achieve the perfect balance between lyricism and milanese sophistication, austerity and purity. Fabrizio Casiraghi redefines a free modernity that isn’t opposed to the past but rather incorporates historical references, a discrete ambiance and a taste for the intimate while also being daring with bold combinations and through the imaginative use of light and space. Casiraghi delights in overturning the codes of interior design with surprising contrasts: neon light with ancient mirrors, precious fabrics with industrial resin, and antique furniture with extravagant plant displays, always with a seductive harmony and an invitation to travel, sometimes calm, sometimes exotic.

Thank you to Silje for sending us the link to this now-sold apartment that was recently listed in Oslo, Norway. She says this is typical of the style that is happening there at the moment and I have to say, it is very easy on the eye! The colour palette is so warm and inviting. Combined with the exposed brick walls, the bright light flowing through each room and the collection of greenery it is no wonder this apartment was snapped up! Link here.

A dacha is a country house or cottage in Russia, typically used as a second or vacation home. I found this dacha owned by designer sisters Ilona Menshakova and Irina Markidonova at Architectural Digest Russia and I am completely in love with the outdoor spaces, particularly the use of black which adds a modern edge. And well, black is always a winner in any application. 🙂 The interior is beautiful too – a mix of rustic cabin, antique glam with a Swedish touch.

Photos: Mikhail Stepanov

A big thanks to interior designer Cyrille Maurice for letting us know about this awesome modern industrial kitchen he renovated for a client in Montreal. It had to flow with the rest of the lofty open floor plan and kept sleek and minimal. The refrigerator was hidden, and huge sliding doors hide lots of storage for things like the microwave, cookbooks and a wine fridge. I really dig the detail of the sink with the faucet installed to the left instead of behind it. The butcher block countertop and section of the island add warmth. Gorgeous!!!

photos: Valérie de l’Etoile