Time to stalk Sydney with me. We are in my favourite hunting ground Paddington. Oh to be able to afford a home here! How about this grey one? Presenting a stylish but private face to the outside world, it’s what’s going on out the back that has all the drama. I can’t get enough of the black sunroom and the black deck is bliss. Join me for a cool drink and perhaps a splash in the pool? Life can be tough when out stalking! Link here while it lasts.

I think I’ve died and gone to heaven. We have Tiina to thank for the link to the apartment we are stalking today. Classic meets modern in Helsinki, Finland. Warm buttery creams, white floors, sparkly chandeliers, stainless steel, timber and Ghost chairs. I’d gladly be Cinderella and sleep beside the stove in the kitchen. Then again there is always that comfy iron bed. The link is here while it lasts. Stay tuned I have another stalking in Sydney in a few hours.

From dining rooms to family rooms. That’s Volume 7 of The Practical Encycylcopedia of Good Decorating and Home Improvement. Along the way there are dishwashers, dividers, dressing rooms, eclectic style and exercise rooms. So much retro goodness. So many reminders that it is good to move on (or run away screaming). I love the pink dressing room. Curly cane… yum. The shag pile stairs however remind me how much I hate housework. Thank goodness that one has passed… for now. Images scanned from The Practical Encyclopedia of Good Decorating and Home Improvement, Vol 7 DIN to FAM, Greystone Press, New York, 1970.

I love nothing more than rediscovering portfolios. Australian stylist Deb McLean has been featured on DTI before. I visit her wonderful blog Busy Being Fabulous often. I love the clean fresh aesthetic of her work. It’s so modern Australian. How did I miss her new website? I only stumbled upon it through her rep’s site. It’s so obvious that Deb does what she loves for a living. Glad I found more of her work. More to gorgeous images to drink in.

 … restoring 40s plywood chairs

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?

• Start them young 🙂 Australian company little nest miniaturizes modern classics for children.  Eames Lounges, Egg Chairs, Bertoia Chairs, LCW Chairs and more. Now available in the US too. Richard emailed to tell us introduce us to little nest. “We believe it’s important to introduce children, from an early age, to the benefits of great design. Most of our chairs are suitable from about 18 months – or when they can safely sit – to around 12.  I sit in a yolk chair (our children’s egg chair) most nights to read stories to my daughter. They are built to last and it is our intention that these will be pieces that are handed down to future generations.” Midcentury classics for 21st century kids.

•  Jewellery for your drains? Why not! I love these nickel patterns by Designer Drains. A pretty finishing touch where you least expect it. The everyday should be lovely.

• Inside Out magazine is holding an online auction of stunning art works by leading Australian artists, designers, stylists and artisans as part of their 10th anniversary celebrations.  One of my favourites is this Megan Morton print. Very Old Masters in a modern day. Rich and lush and perfect for an ultra modern dining room. The auction for Megan’s work and lots more including a fabulous David Bromley work begins 27th April, 2010 at 10am (Australian time).

Head to Homelife to find out what is up for bid already and what is coming up. It’s all to help HeartKids.

• Indoor/outdoor rugs by New York textile and product designer Liora Manné. The process is called lamontage, combining handmade artistry with high tech processing. Using acrylic fibres it’s like felt and is treated with an antimicrobial finish. An amazing range of patterns and colours. My mind is racing with ideas for these.