Remember this photo from earlier this month? I found it in photographer Eric Johnson’s portfolio. So often we never find out the designer or stylist responsible for the room itself. Not this time. All these gorgeous rooms are by interior designer Lori Graham. And her style? It’s old world meets urban cool. It’s layering and textures, brave colour choices and a modern twist on elegance. It’s perfectly lovely!

…. and I found this little gem. On a tiny vacant lot between period terraces Kavellaris Urban Design have not only created an environmentally sustainable family home but pushed the envelop of what we think of heritage values and the cultural significance of the built environment. It’s not just a “decorated shed” though but a space that reacts with and to its inhabitants as well as challenging what is private and what is public. Now for sale, you’ll find the real estate link here while it lasts.

… but your decorating dreams want to soar. Birdhouse Design’s Jessica McKay focuses on affordable design. She believes that everyone can have a gorgeous home regardless of how much they have in their budget. Her’s is a reuse and reinvent mantra both for its cost effectiveness and the green approach. You never know what’s lurking in the attic or basement especially when a lick of paint and some new fabric will transform the ugliest of ducklings. I love work like this because so many of us can’t afford a house full of high end designer pieces. Sometimes a guiding hand is all we need to transform our homes with what we have.

Once I start I cannot stop. I’m fatally attracted to staring through people’s windows even if it is a virtual stare online. Perhaps the real estate market is picking up because the interesting stuff is popping up again. Love the industrial meets Asian vibe of this home in Melbourne. Talk about position. You can’t be closer to all that is hip than Gore St Fitzroy and there is even a self contained studio. I’m crying with jealousy. Please new owners who ever you may be can I live in the studio at least and come borrow a cup of milk every so often?

Up to my old tricks real estate stalking in Sydney. Here while the link lasts.