It’s all about the light. I know we say it over and over but these pictures from the portfolio of photographer Hector Sanchez prove it. These are wonderful rooms that don’t need the glare of the spotlight to shine. I think the blue undertones that Hector captures in his shots are beautiful. Cool and elegant. Speaking of cool and elegant how about that lounging nook in the bathroom! Indulgent.

Up a winding lane in a village nestled beneath the Swiss Alps. Climb a rustic stair and… wow! This amazing renovation is by Christian Speck of Formzone. Lashings of rough and just enough luxe. It’s sleek and minimalist modern meets stone monolith and I love it. Age old beams and so fresh you can smell it pine. I dream of a view of the alps like that. A remarkable house in a remarkable part of the world.

I couldn’t resist. I needed more garden inspiration from Rick Eckersley and his team. A contemporary Aussie garden? Why not this one as a perfect example. See more of Rick’s work in the post below.

It’s a quiet start to the week on Desire to Inspire. Our American friends are celebrating the 4th of July long weekend away from their computers but that doesn’t mean that the rest of us don’t want something inspiring for a Monday. Rick Eckersley designs gardens that are, quite frankly, gorgeous. Practical, livable and just so inspiring. Rick and partners Scott Leung and Myles Broad are some of the foremost garden designers in Australia and it’s not hard to see why.  The website is a treat with so many beautiful gardens as well as sections on focal points, plantings, pools and more. Today I’ve chosen two of their designs. The first is a suburban backyard complete with veggie patch and chickens. The second is a new twist on an Australian native garden. Love!

… it’s cold in Australia… bbbbrrrr

WINKS – weekend links. Here we list what has come in during the week, things we’ve found and things we think you’ll want to see. If you’d like to see your blog or website featured email us and if we think it fits with our readers we’ll link you. So what’s in this week?

• Beautiful, beautiful bone inlay furniture from Sang and Serena.  A chance meeting in India, the desire to promote artisan creations and the result? Stunning furniture and gorgeous textiles.

• Good looking and good for you. Previously available only to the trade the Q Collection uses carefully selected natural and non-toxic materials and heirloom craftsmanship. Love the look!

• There’s a tactile sensuality about Rosemary Hallgarten’s designs. Gorgeous rugs and pillows and this OTT shag leather chair and ottoman. Shake it baby!

• The Lace Glass by Lasistudio. Reclaimed beer and soda bottles transformed into gorgeous new drinking glasses. The romantic side of eco-design. Available through Matteria.

• Colour is Gretchen Langner’s tool. Vibrant energizing colour. This artist turned textile designer creates a hand screened contemporary range of fabrics, dZign, perfect for a modern look. And as if the choice of colour ways isn’t enough (I loved playing in the colour lab) there is always custom!