Oh my what’s a girl to do when she finds an interior designer’s portfolio that is overflowing with refined yet relaxed high end interiors? Why show as many as I can! Californian designer Christopher Gaona is a man who understands elegance, creates rooms with sophisticated layers but just when you think you’ve got him pegged he pulls out a Palm Springs classic or a Beverly Hill mid-century with a twist. Aspirational lifestyle, inspirational interiors.

With a fusion of Asian and European aesthetics interior designer Mimmi O’Connell brings a calm and elegant sensibility to her rooms. Linen is mixed with iron and timber, whitewash with Asian antiques and world travel finds. It’s a look that is evocative of warm lazy afternoons, a siesta in Southern France or Tuscany. Fine wine and a fine life surrounded by simple yet fine things.

And because it is then it’s time for a holiday reading guide. OK OK I’ll fess up that I’ve been so busy today helping a friend with some art pieces for her new place that I had no time to sort through all the links that came in for WINKS. Perfect excuse to spread the love and introduce some of the blogs I’ve lurked on lately.

What a fabulous way to end the working week with these beautiful shots from Toronto photographer Angus Fergusson. I’ll chant the usual mantra about great light, composition, angle, grasp of colour but really it’s the photos that do the talking. That old cliche about a picture painting a thousand words…. true.

If minimalism is you’re thing then French photographer Jean-Pierre Lemoine has a portfolio that will warm your heart. When you think of minimalism as cold Jean-Pierre’s shots make it cool. His photos are clean and crisp at the same time adding that hip French touch. And don’t get me started on the light!