Sleek and sophisticated, a contemporary take on classic Spanish style. Welcome to the portfolio of Joan Lao. It’s all about the contrasts.  Dark cocooning rooms providing respite from the strong Mediterranean sun. The clean crisp lines of furniture against voluminous drapes. Velvet against stone. It’s spare but luxe. Cool yet hot.

It looks pretty certain that with my husband’s new job (yay!) that we will be moving to the next city (not so yay!) in a few months. The house search starts all over again and in a new town, my old home town. Never thought I would be going back after I escaped left 30 years ago. One consolation though is that the real estate is cheaper and the place is full of gorgeous old timber homes. Today I’m stalking this home. Built in 1890 it oozes the old house charm I’m craving. Needs work though. Lots of painting, tweek the kitchen and bathroom, bring the garden back to life, fences, deck and of course it’s much more than we can afford right now. Do you think it can stay unsold for say… oooh… 8 to 10 months? Then we could just about do it 🙂 A girl can dream.

P.S. Because I really really want this house even if I can’t afford it and no one else can have it until I can here is the general link to the real estate site but no direct link…. wouldn’t want someone else to buy it! I know I’ve jinxed my dream already 😛

Bright yet soft, dark yet bright? Personality shining through just as much as the light. These images are so calm, so everyday special! Don’t you just want to soak in those tubs, curl up in that bed, reach up for a cup for your tea? Cosy, comfortable, family and friends. Inspiring and real. Sorry I’m just brain storming the portfolio of photographer Holly Jolliffe. It is just so obvious that Holly loves what she does. It shines in her work. I’ve featured her before but when the portfolio is updated then that’s all the excuse I need to wax lyrical about her work again. Enjoy!

Kim and I were so excited when we received an email from Jason Grant, style director for Real Living magazine. He has a new website (I’ve been lurking for a few days Jason. Your old blog was redirecting) and an exciting peek into his apartment in the latest issue of the magazine. Jason kindly sent over some pics of the tearsheets and well I’m lusting after everything. Those Koskela chairs! OMG!. Couldn’t just leave it at a few pics of Jason’s home though when his new website is brimming with fab tears of his work.

… sweet photo “stolen” from Kim

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?

• New slipcovers from Bemz in Designers Guild textiles. The new Barcelona Collection will be available as slipcovers for over 70 sofa and chair models to transform IKEA sofas and chairs.  Think of the outrageous pattern fun you could have with these. Eclectic boho madness!

• So tactile so beautifully simple. Felt bowls by Gräf & Lantz. Perfect for your keys and smalls, the remotes or just by themselves. P.S. Want a wine quiver as well. Too cool!

• Hola Amiga from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bags, pillows, art. What can I say? YUM! Modern with a retro vibe, stand out statement pieces, now colour combos.  These are so hot!

• The Clothes Track clothes rack from Italian firm Rocket. Fun and functional it’s design amplified (oooh sorry about the pun). Great for keeping your little musos tidy… or your grown up ones as well!

• I’m loving these beautiful limited edition hand turned timber stools by artist Jo Wilson. Actually I’m loving everything on bricks and mortar Prahan, Melbourne and online store Safari Living. Sweaty palms from lust and longing for just about everything there.