I was following the links to our co-contributors on the Inside Out piece and found beautiful gardens designed by Spirit Level Designs, a Sydney based landscape firm of architects, designers, artists, horticulturists and stone masons. What wonderful lush spaces. I love the use of stone and the layering of textures and shapes. These are gardens you want to wander into, to become part of the landscape, to belong. I wish the images on their website were just a little larger so their lush green beauty would jump out of the screen a bit more. Still I have no trouble imagining myself brushing against the leaves by the path or hearing the soft tinkle of water features. Lovely.

It’s not often that I am excited by a supplier’s website. Lots of close-ups of tile or timber but no juicy photos. That is until I stumbled across Royal Oak Floors by Harper & Sandilands. Swoon! Not only a stunning product but a gallery of work that leaves you breathless. Is there anything more beautiful than natural finishes like oak masterly installed? Harper & Sandilands, an Australian company determined to lead their niche market have worked with the best of the best Australian designers and architects. Think Carr Design,  Ellenberg Fraser, Atticus & Milo, BARstudio, B.E Architecture, Hecker Phelan & Guthrie, Leeton Pointon Architects and Woods Bagot to name a few. Head to the website to see more projects. I’m still lusting after a room just like these.

The Anchor Council is a design & branding agency with an artisan approach. Olga Naiman, a leading set designer and prop stylist in New York (you’ll know her work from Domino) and Amy S. Morris, dynamo media strategist but always with one foot firmly entrenched in interior design, develop signature styles for boutique hotels from interior design to all the details that tie the look together. Their latest project however was an unusual challenge. For this Peruvian jungle retreat at Chimbre on the Bolivian boarder they re-designed 21 rooms. In the process they worked closely with local craftsmen (love that green chair!), scoured markets for accessories and completed the whole project in 10 days. It’s a monastic look (this is a retreat after all), spartan but relaxed. From bland (the last photo is a “before”) to colourful and all in remote jungle!

What an amazing house. Bedroom after bedroom, bathroom upon bathroom of vintage meets shabby, Swedish meets upmarket fabrics, calm and stylish,  family friendly and fun. I’d kill for an entry hall that big. A dream. From my new favourite locations site 1st Option. You’ll find this beauty here.

chocolate overdose!

The final day! What a long weekend. I love them but they are so tiring! I have eaten so much chocolate and so much seafood (and a little too much wine to wash it down) that I can see me having to run up and down the stairs at work for weeks to atone for my excesses. Today’s beverage of choice to sip on during my blog adventures is ginger tea, so refreshing yet calming and perfect for when you’ve overindulged like I have. Help yourself to a cup and come with me on the last part of our holiday reading guide.