Elevated form

Posted on Wed, 21 May 2025 by midcenturyjo

Stokes 12, designed by Sydney-based Smart Design Studio, features a unique apartment above a workspace, formed by four offset brick vaults that stretch the length of the building. These arched structures frame views of the sky and street trees while creating a sculptural interior defined by stacked bricks and curved surfaces. Built with unmortared bricks, a thin concrete layer, and galvanized sheeting, the apartment includes custom-designed furniture and simple, understated finishes that enhance its industrial character and architectural clarity.

Venice Compound by Electric Bowery is a vibrant, multi-home oasis in Venice, California. Designed for multigenerational living, four unique homes are tied together by lush gardens and a central courtyard, encouraging connection and independence. Drawing inspiration from Venice’s early Craftsman cottages, the design is playful, layered and light-filled. The main residence, Tutto House, bursts with bold colour, rich textures and joyful details from chartreuse dining walls to plum-red kitchen cabinetry. A guest house and tree house each offer their own character, blending comfort and craftsmanship. The Studio, a calm, creative hideaway, rounds out the compound. The landscape, complete with citrus trees, bamboo and flowering vines, acts as a lush, ever-changing backdrop to a home that celebrates beauty, individuality and everyday rituals.

Photography by Laure Joliet.

Living in a daydream

Posted on Mon, 19 May 2025 by midcenturyjo

Plantasia designed by YSG is a playful, make-believe hideaway tucked into verdant hills on the New South Wales South Coast. It’s like stepping into a “choose your own adventure” book, where each room reveals quirky surprises from a treasure-filled dining nook to frilly lampshades and fancy carved wood. With bold colours and oversized details it’s a fun twist on old-school charm. And the sherbet-yellow Rockwell bathtub under a fruity canopy? Pure joy … like soaking in sunshine with a citrusy wink.

Photography by Anson Smart.

Working on a Saturday

Posted on Sat, 17 May 2025 by midcenturyjo

It’s like I say week in week out. If you have to drag yourself into work on a weekend it helps if it’s somewhere stylish. Boutique by Studiopepe.

Photography by Silvia Rivoltella.

Rural elegance

Posted on Thu, 15 May 2025 by midcenturyjo

Belén Ferrándiz blends modern and traditional elements to create timeless, elegant and functional interiors. In this project—a restored home in a small town in Spain’s Santander Valley—she preserved original features like stone, shutters and ceiling details, painted white to enhance light. With open spaces, soft tones and a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings, the result is a serene, cozy retreat designed for relaxation and rural charm.