Antique with modern, a mix of cultures and all with a holistic approach. These stunning interiors are by Dutch firm Decoration Empire. Not constrained by trend or fad Anne Noordam, Thong Lei and their team of architects, interior designers and artisan craftsmen create homes that intrigue, that captivate. They live for beautiful things, work to bring out the soul of a building. It’s luxe and aged but modern and expertly crafted.

… about a getaway destination. No 5 star luxury for me this time. Just views and friends and water and maybe some fishing. If I’m lucky there will be power and facilities. If I’m even luckier there won’t be. Lanterns and wood stoves and solar panels. I’ve been real estate stalking again. First house here and the others here and here.

So too much rough and not enough luxe? The first one at least has electricity but these next two? Just what you can pull from the sun… if you need it. I love the idea of a boat in with only what you can carry in and out. I think I’d spend the first day cleaning though. Actually the second day. The first would be swimming and exploring.

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?

• Alischa from Bespoke Press“I wanted to let you know about a super exciting project we have launched today. Its called the Bespoke Letterpress Illustrators Project and in a nutshell we have commissioned 10 young emerging illustrators from across the globe to illustrate a 3 colour illustration for us – they are now part of a select team of Bespoke Illustrators and we hope to be able to help promote them and their emerging careers through the lovely land of letterpress. We are also having an online sale as well as running a competition for one lucky winner to win the complete collection of all ten prints! That’s Au$650 worth, or US$560 worth of letterpress loveliness!” These are gorgeous! You can find more information about the project and the giveaway here. My favourite? The Smell Of The Sea by Inês Fernandes. Entries close soon but you still have time.
• New from Gecko Stickers – side tables, lamps and candlesticks. Acrylic meets sticker. Taking the decal up a notch



• Dear Santa, I’m letting you know super early that I’d really really like this Coral and Turquoise Beaded Hat from Pagoda Red’s warehouse sale. I’m a sucker for ethnic pieces in the home and this will go very nicely on the hall table. Thanks Santa!



• Loving these quintessential French architect lamps. The Lampe Gras, designed by Bernard-Albin Gras, can claim the distinction of being not only the original architect lamp, but the favorite of the godfather of modern architecture himself, Le Corbusier. So the spiel from Brook Farm General Store goes. LOVE these. Want these. Available in the bricks and mortar store in Brooklyn, NY, or shop online.



• In contemporary design, less is more. That’s the idea behind the Minimal Beauty Collection by MGS. Simple shapes, stainless steel and sexy. Can faucets have you salivating?



• Lovely crafty goodness for your little ones (or even you) by Madeleine Sargent at Made by Mosey. I’m smitten with her Flutter Mobiles but her hankie quilts and bunting are too cute too. Etsy store here.

I was going to title this post “Sweden I have a crush on half your population because they are all so talented and everything is so gorgeous” but…. it was too long and our Swedish readers will write in and say that I am exaggerating (or perhaps not). Another stunning portfolio from another super talented photographer. I’m still in awe of how someone can point a camera and capture a dream. Martin Cederblad can.

High style and high drama join forces to give a look that is high end. Australian interior designer Greg Natale has established himself as the leading exponent in this country of what one could call Hollywood Regency but with an Australian twist. What results, especially in this recent residential project, is the elevation of everyday living to something glamorous, something just a little more special, something with just a touch of the unexpected.