An email was sitting in my box this week from photographer Brian Park. Brian has always been generous with keeping us up to date with his work. Glad he does because Brian has a new website featuring shots for the book Restoring a House in the City by  former House and Garden editor Ingrid Abramovitch. After devouring them online I’m off to order the book. Yum! Can’t wait to turn the pages. Brian’s work is stunning.

The last time we featured Douglas Friedman’s work a few comments popped up revealing that not only are his photographs gorgeous but he’s a looker too. (I think the word was hot.) Having googled for photos of Douglas I can now confirm the veracity of the comments but more importantly 😉 it’s obvious from these new shots that Mr Friedman is still one super talented snapper. Favourites? The minimalist white rooms that thanks to the wonderful lighting are warm and inviting. The man has a fabulous eye!

I’ve been stalking again and have found a warehouse in Sydney. I’m in two minds though. I love many things about this conversation and others just don’t do it for me. The intimate spaces are fabulous. That bathroom is so much fun and has just the right amount of glamour. I love the room with the red couch. Is it because of its smaller scale? The open living areas are spectacular but the bells aren’t ringing for me I’m afraid. Is it the styling? Are the real estate photos that conform to the real estate mantra of get it all in shot, don’t miss a well apppointed thing the problem? If a good photographer and a clever stylist controlled the shoot would I be “ooohing” and “aaahing”? My favourite spots in this house – the roof top garden with hints of the historic facade and the wine cellar carved from the sandstone beneath. Just lock me in the cellar and throw away the key. It will be a noble death! Here while the link lasts.

Sophisticated and glamorous but with just a touch of the earthy. It’s a look that is grounded and yet well travelled. It’s part grand tour, part drama and tension, part family estate, part luxury hotel,  part Out of Africa and always elegant. South African interior designer John Jacob doesn’t just interpret his client’s needs and he creates a dream home. Sundown drinks on the patio? Maybe after a soak in the tub… glass in hand of course.

“For the newly-wed, the about to-be-wed or indeed any young couple, setting up home is one of the most exciting of adventures. But although it is – and should be – a marvellous experience, real problems can arise which may create anxieties, perhaps even mar the pleasure of the occasion.” – introduction from The Complete Homemaker,  edited by Isabel Moore, Marshall Cavendish, London, 1976. And here dear readers are some of the solutions for a harmonious life together. Enjoy!