Located on a highly desirable street two blocks from the beach in the Melbourne suburb of St. Kilda is this zincalume clad extension grafted to an Edwardian home in a dramatic yet
sensitive fashion.  Old is tied to new, modern meets traditional. Bi-fold doors ensure a seamless flow from indoors to outdoors. It’s about bright sunlit spaces shaded by seasonal vines, strategically planted deciduous trees and overhangs. Think high end finishes with durability as the key and all on a tight budget.  Even the clothesline was given the designer twist, with a rock weight/peg holder adding a bit of flair to a typically ordinary domestic object. Another stunning project by Marcus O’Reilly Architects.

Don’t let these scans fool you. If you ever come across a copy of Unique Home Improvements run. Run fast. Do not look. The vast majority of this English publication is horrid. Think wall to wall bathroom carpet, tapestry chairs and shag pile, multiple platform levels lying in wait from unsuspecting punters, acres of knotty pine and brick and wallpaper covering everything from pipes to light switches. These are the few images that didn’t terrify me. You have been warned! Unique Home Improvements, edited by Harry Butler, Golden Hands Books, Marshall Cavendish, London and New York, 1975 run

…. see my latest find here

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?

• Katrien from Voila thought we might like these. Yes please! I’m at a loss for words except for ones like want, weird, way out, want and strangely inspiring. When the living room bumps into art. If you don’t already know you can also find Voila on 1st Dibs. In the mean time I’m trying to figure out how I can move in to Voila to live there.

• Granny chic reaches new heights. Crocheted lights by Moonbasket. Imagine the shadows thrown on the walls and ceiling. Cozy and chic!

• Two trends, birds and bunting. Combined and the result? These too too cute one of a kind 3D bird art by Atlanta based independent artist and illustrator Pragya. Etsy shop here.

• The gummybear chair and free-range toy boxes by Yam & Toast… designed with your kids in mind. OK team these with the birds and bunting and you’re on the way to a stellar kid’s room. Too fun!

• Modernica have a great deal running Monday April 19 to Friday April 30. They are offering free shipping and no tax on the V-Leg and Bentwood Modernica Case Study beds. This includes all single, full, queen, standard + California kings, with both metal or bentwood legs. It’s a great opportunity to get one of these timeless beds! Everyone can take advantage of this opportunity through the Modernica website  or at the Los Angeles Showroom located on 7366 Beverly Boulevard. (This promo does not include the Alpine or Fastback beds. Shipping must be within the continental United States. Residents of California pay no tax as well.) Damn don’t you hate the fine print if you don’t live in the States!! 🙂

Clever use of space with interesting storage solutions. Midcentury meets contemporary, modern urban with a clean lines. New York interior designer Robert Austin Gonzalez delivers rooms that scream stylish Big Apple apartment. I personally want the carved timber panel as sliding door, a great counterpoint to the midcentury modern vibe. Clever TV solutions too. While you’re at his website you must check out his furniture collection particularly the Grace range. Sculptural pieces so sexy and sinuous. Yum!

Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Whether a stunning space, the mundane and everyday or the down right weird, Belgian photographer Frederik Vercruysse has the touch. Images are spare but more revealing because of this. It’s a minimalist approach. No tricks, no frou-frou just a winning shot every time. (Please interior design gods, if I’m good, can I please live in that first photo? Please?)