It’s easy to see why Stiff + Trevillion are leading U.K. architects. Theirs is not a definable “style”. It’s modern, clean lined and addresses the connection between heritage and the future, preservation and everyday use. It’s about light and volume, the client’s needs and beautiful spaces. More than inspiring.

Could you do it? Could you live so minimally? I’m both fascinated and frightened by this recently renovated worker’s cottage in Woollahra, Sydney that I stumbled across in my stalking. Such a beautiful and serene house but where do I put my things? Lots of storage I’m sure but could I have maybe just one or two (or in my case several dozen) retro vases? Stunning simplicity for sale here while the link lasts.

Today I’m featuring interior designer Sarah Spongberg. I was going to start my usual little word play describing her lovely portfolio when I realised that her website had already said it best…”Simplicity, comfort, light and beauty are the bedrocks of her design approach. She looks for the unusual in ornament, luxury and comfort in personal spaces, and form and function in workspaces.” Simply lovely traditional rooms combining Sarah’s Southern roots and her New England surrounds. (Pardon the quality of some of the photos from Sarah’s site but the rooms were just too gorgeous to leave out.)

Welcome to a new week and welcome to the portfolio of photographer Ragnar Ómarsson. Don’t let the fact the I’m highlighting yet another Swedish Icelandic living in Sweden photographer hold you back from devouring all the fabulous photos on Ragnar’s website. Great shots with all the Scandinavian touches one could wish for. Check out the lifestyle section to inspire and delight at this time of the year.

P.S. The last photo is for all those readers in the Northern Hemisphere who are “snowed” under at the moment. Spring will come!

…. from my collection of “evil” vintage Santas.

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?

• Vintage Industrial Hardwood Slab Industrial Workshop desk. Steel factory base with time worn patina. Sigh! At Factory20. I’m currently lost in the lighting section if someone wants to come find me. Is there such a thing as lamp lust?

• This is about the only Hedge Fund I’ll be investing in at the moment. Watch your money grow in these tough economic times.

• Kitsch? Art? Bespoke chairs. Tea towel travellers’ furniture by Suzie Stanford. Reworking vintage 100% Irish linen tea towels to bring a smile to your face.

• And to go with our tea towel chairs? These simply stunning chandeliers by Marie Christophe. Please Evil Santa please!

•  The Ignatius Bed by Stone Blitzer. Made from reclaimed douglas fir (gym bleachers from St Ignatius College, Chicago) and soon from other timbers. Rugged and clean lined.