When old becomes new, and no expense appears to have been spared in the renovation of this semi-detached 4 story, 3,700 sq ft Victorian in Brixton, London. The dark grey stained herringbone hardwood floors are fantastic, and so much drama was added simply by painting the stairs, doors and their frames and some built-in bookcases black. This is classy yet liveable and significant attention to detail in the finishes. Glorious! Available as a location home through the one and only Shoot Factory. 

If you are going to live in a 1930’s high-rise in New York City, the only way to go is GLAM GLAM GLAM! This apartment on the 33rd floor of Robert A.M. Stern’s 15 Central Park West is owned by a luxury bag designer, so no doubt interior design firm The Archers had to go luxurious with it. Drop dead gorgeous wallpapers by Gracie and Fornasetti adorn many walls, and the Gracie paper in the dining room is EVERYTHING – especially with the yellow curtains to play up the bold colour. The bedrooms are a playful mix of light/art deco and dark/gothic and I am totally smitten with each one. (This would make the best Airbnb!)

Cristina Jorge de Carvalho is a force to be reckoned with in the Portugese design scene, creating contemporary/modern spaces that are works of art and creating her own furniture collection that is very impressive. This 170 m² apartment in Estoril is owned by a successful Brazilian couple as a holiday retreat and with space, openness, light and modernity as the briefing key-words, Cristina set out to create a timeless and contemporary apartment. Among classic pieces by Harry Bertoia, Flos, Hans Wegner and others are several from her own line, such as the storage unit and rug in the entryway. Cristina also made two significant interior architectural alterations to the apartment: the original wall that separated the entrance hall from the living/dining room was replaced by a rotating structure in brass and stainless steel and, with the impressive ocean views in mind, she added a mirror wall to the bar area which not only opens up the kitchen and bar area, but also reflect the light and view. The result is an incredibly beautiful space. 

(Another project of Cristina Jorge de Cavalho’s can be found here)

I love Spanish style homes. They have such beautiful architectural details, and lend themselves well to eclectic decor, as in the case of this home by SVZ Interior Design. Accents of blue throughout are a lovely addition to the mix of mid-century and global-inspired furniture and textiles. It’s comfortable, effortlessly random and vibrant.

(Other features by Sayre V. Ziskin here and here)

Sometimes I come across homes while doing research for the blog that are just TOO MUCH. Too ornate, too large, trying too hard etc. Located in Savyon, Israel, the F House by Pitsou Kedem Architect seems to be over the top in terms of size (ceilings that seem to be up in the heavens – and it’s 700 m²) and minimalism. Perhaps this is exactly what the client asked for. What I love about this is that the sculptural qualities of the outdoors makes up for everything the inside isn’t. And in the evening this home is magical with lighting to emphasize the beauty of the plants, trees and wood walls. 

(More of Pitsou Kedem’s work can be found here and here)