The slow movement. I have always been attracted to slow food but now I’m falling for the idea of slow design and slow holidays (if I can call it that). I love the restoration of significant buildings to their former glory and instead of hiding them away in private hands, throwing open the doors as a hotel/holiday rental to experience all the cultural richness of the area. You have seen my obsession lately with Italian idea of albergo diffuso now I have fallen in love with this Swiss 17th century Engadine farmhouse, Chesa Wazzau in the village of Bever just a short drive from St. Moritz. A typical Engadine house had everything under one roof, house, barn, family, cows and now paying guests. A house party is in order don’t you think? The long table is already set.

Take one part modern. Sift with a dash of traditional. Add ample energy and a stick of youthful verve. Mix on high for a fresh and fun take on interior design. You won’t need a cookie cutter here. Original is the way to go. Bake on a medium heat and you’ll have a stylish home with a lots of colour to spice things up. Southern flair has never been so glam and fresh. Interior designer Barrie Benson shakes it up and serves a perfectly wonderful confection.

Real estate stalking in the hills above the ocean at Lorne in Victoria. An interior pared back. Simple style. Not too much. Just enough luxury and space. Lots of space. A little bit linen, a little bit french, a little bit casual elegance, a lot Aussie bush. And a view, such a lovely view. Not what I would call me usual taste but add just a little more boho, some art… I’d move right in. Such beautiful surroundings. So much potential.  (Just wish that some of the images weren’t stretched.) Link here.

Dear readers,

I’m not here. No not really. My body is stranded in my day to day job, on the train, washing up and ironing clothes, blowing my nose and cursing my head cold. My mind though is on holidays in Bali… still. I just moved hotel that’s all. To the sister property of last week’s virtual trip to paradise. This week I have moved my luggage on over to the Alila Villas Soori. Nestled between rice fields and volcanic black sand beaches. Ah the luxury, the relaxation. Maybe my body should hustle on over and join me.

Cheers, Jo

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 comes from Mish, a woman of few words who feels the need for change.

Hi love your blog.  Can I send u some pics of my home? Am so bored with it. Hate try hard or suburban. Love modern. Can u and your readers help with an upgrade. It has good bones. Due for a change need some inspiration. Want to throw a bit of money at it.

I’ve bought a voucher for a glass picture and I don’t know what to put in it.  It’s 80x80cm and I don’t want to get it wrong. Don’t want any family pics.

(Jo says… It’s a customised glass display piece where the image is printed directly onto the glass like the one below.  Except remember no family pics.)