Actress, designer and hotelier Anouska Hempel is a doyen of design. As an actress her most memorable role was as Blond (Lust) in the questionably tasteful The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins in the 1971. As designer and owner of the renowned hotels The Hempel and Blakes her style is epitomised by intimate luxury, fine detail and theatre. When asked back in 1998 about future trends her answer was that there will be a reaction to technology and a trend away from minimalism and back towards more opulence. There will be more comfort zoning in people’s surroundings. How right she was.

Ashley sent us a great link to Saunders Architecture a firm owned by Canadian Todd Saunders who has lived and worked in Norway since 1997. The work combines a Nordic design sensibility with environmental concerns. The summer house Ashley wants to share came about this way…… “When we first started our firm, instead of looking for clients we went looking for plots, to build an experimental structure. Doing this, we could pursue our architectural vision in line with our convictions: uncompromising, original and respect for the landscape.” Check out the other amazing projects on their website especially the Aurland Lookout. Thanks Ashley!\

Nick Olsen from Domino’s Daily Dose gave us a great shout out. Sounds like he’s just as hooked on desire to inspire as we are. If you’re here because of Nick’s lovely post then welcome. Make yourself a cup of tea and settle in to browse through our archives. Hope you enjoy our blog as much as we enjoy finding all these great rooms for you.

P.S. Just a little taste of Nick’s own place from Domino Magazine.

how much I love this house! Greg Natale has done it again. Bold, glamorous and oozing attitude this 1940s family home was renovated and furnished by Greg and his team and is the latest project featured on his inspiring website. It’s a sophisticated mix of traditional pieces, design classics, lush colour and pattern, lots of glorious glam pattern. Thanks for the pictures Greg!

Husband and wife team Cortney and Robert Novogratz are Sixx Design. Turning chaos into fabulous and creating sumptuous, well-designed spaces from wrecks and empty lots, this design duo (and their six kids) create developments from the derelict carcass all the way to triumphant completion. Inspiring. Check out the website too many great pictures.