I have an unhealthy love of avant-garde clothing, most notably from 2 designers, one of them being Barbara Í Gongini (the other is Rick Owens). One day I discovered Femina had done a story on Barbara’s home in Copenhagen and I was pleased to see her minimalist home was as stylish as her clothing. I love the simplicity of it, the contrast of black and white and the subtle textures and patterns. 

It was a while back that Jo featured a few of the photos from this home, and when I stumbled across it on architect Laurent Bourgois‘ website recently my heart melted and I thought it deserved a complete post. It is quite clear that I am becoming soft for traditional spaces that really highlight and celebrate original architectural details now that I finally have a home where I can celebrate in my way (adoring my wainscoting, curved ceilings, archways, leaded and stained glass windows). I don’t really know what exactly it is about this house, only that it has a very magical quality to it. And its elegance is indescribable. (Photos: Nicolas Tosi, Interior design: Mlinaric, Henry and Zervudachi)

Switzerland-based interior designer Marianne Tiegen always blows me away with her interior design projects that take rustic to a whole other level. This chalet was given a dose of classy understated elegance and comfort with the plush furnishings and wonderfully cozy fabrics to cuddle on or under during cool nights. So gorgeous. (And in case you missed it, this is my absolute favourite project of hers). 

In this home renovation by Australian architecture firm Flack Studio, some original history is maintained while updating with some modern touches. And I love it. And the crazy stair carpet is explained: The charm of this house lies in its exceptionally cool architectural heritage. As a late 1960s build by Holgar + Holgar, nothing short of a contemporary redux of 1970s interior style would do it justice. Boldly black angular lines in the staircase and window frames juxtapose brilliantly against the original luxuriant curves of the building. Ultra slick, tightly grid-patterned bathroom tiling is a confident nod to the modernists’ geometric interests, while the original tiger print wool carpeting remains an incredible focal point of a modern family home that celebrates its pimping pad origins. (Photography: Brooke Holm, Art Direction: Marsha Golemac)

Oh York House by Patrick Lewis Architects, HOW I LOVE THEE!!!York House is an imposing mansion block on Upper Montagu Street in Marylebone, Central London. Our client purchased a large 2nd floor apartment, which had not been refurbished for over 45 years. Significant structural works were undertaken to produce an elegant apartment, which suited contemporary living requirements. Bedrooms were converted into ensuite bathrooms in a considerate manner without marginalizing the purity of the plan. Lastly, the living space was combined and the kitchen was moved away from the dark internal lightwell and relocated at the front of the property enjoying wonderful light and views. The palette was developed during visits to reclamation yards throughout Oxfordshire and London and the majority of materials where sourced from them. The strip flooring was reclaimed from the BBC in White City, Encaustic handmade tiles from Tuscany, Georgian Shutters from Oxford. We designed the kitchen to be an eclectic mix of different element from the French Armoire, to the concrete worktop, to industrial ductwork all made by local crafts people.