One part high Victorian, one part industrial, one part art deco and one part modern. Seems I stumbled on a recipe for a steampunk home except I don’t think that was exactly what the owner had in mind. Imagine living in an apartment where the living areas were once a two storey ballroom and imagine having that lovely Victorian era room for a kitchen. I love the mix of modern and antique, slick art deco and polished industrial. Lovely to see an old house divided sympathetically into apartments. I just wish the photos were better and we could see more of the intriguing details. You’ll find it in Potts Point, Sydney. Link here while it lasts.

Got a problem? Need some help? Just standing there shaking your head? Don’t know what to do? You’re not alone. Send us a link to photos of your design quandary and let the Desire to Inspire design crew help you…. that’s you lot… the readers! This week’s problem is from Alev who has made a great start (and sent lots of photos) but she needs help taking the next step.

I bought the ap. almost a year ago and I really tried to make it feel like home. I’m always wondering what it is I can do to make it look more original (and maybe add some more colors?) I feel like I haven’t finished the decorating yet – I actually think I will never be satisfied when it comes to decorating – it’s always keeping my mind busy. I never knew I would be interested in furniture and decoration. It kinda happened when I made the move.

Half of the things I own are from second hand shops (really the only place I can find furniture I feel connected to). My bed, my dining table, my sofa, the little cute chairs and all of the bigger peaces I have managed to find in outlet stores at reasonable prices (which I am very thankful for cause I love them). The drawings are made by myself. I’ve been drawing since I was a little girl and for the first time I decided to hang some of them up.

In the exclusive costal enclave of Pearl Beach north of Sydney is a fabulous modern take on the beachside holiday home. I am real estate stalking amongst the trees just back from shore. This family home is relaxed and stylish without relying too much on the coastal cliché. A muted sandy palette, floors forgiving of trekked in sand and grubby kids and dogs, swim suit friendly spots to collapse in after a hard day in the surf and a roof top spa and hang out that is seriously giving me a case of envy. If this was my holiday home I’d be moving into it all year round… just have to find the money to buy it. Link here while it lasts.

Comfortably luxe. Casually elegant. Sumptuously stylish. It’s layers of luxury and a true insight into living the fine life. foley & cox create homes (and yachts and planes… no trains and automobiles yet) that are aspirational, inspiration and just damn gorgeous. Highly individualised interiors for those with the need for the best. (See more in a previous post here.)

There is a bi-continental style to interior designer Patrik Lönn‘s work. His Swedish roots are evident but this US style shines through. With offices in New York and Stockholm Lönn’s designs are tailored and masculine, elegant and dark with layers of texture and exquisite materials. Timeless design with a carefully curated mix of classicism and modern luxe.