You know what I say. If you have to drag yourself into work on the weekend then it better be somewhere stylish. Figma’s San Francisco offices by Geremia.

Time for our Friday escape. Yes if you’re chained to your desk at work and need a virtual getaway then why not join me at Hotel Julien in the heart of the historic Belgian city of Antwerp. Two 16th century properties lovingly restored, their historic features effortlessly combined with contemporary furnishings. I’ll meet you on the terrace with those lovely rooftop views. Well at least in my daydreams.

The conversion of a rundown barn in Berkshire saw London-based Indigo Design Associates create a beautiful contemporary home within the old stone walls. A soft colour palette of greys and whites is enhanced by injections of blue while natural fabrics and old timbers add warmth to the minimalist shell. Simple clean modern lines celebrate the vast barn space while private spaces are more intimate.

“Additions reflect upon the lives of both the inhabitants and the houses themselves. The in-between room is a small, celebrated addition at the rear of an existing Queenslander, one which binds and redefines an existing detached two level tower and claims the interstitial space as its own.

This new room is designed as a counterpoint to the interiors present in the original house. An ‘exploded space’ which recognises the external walls of both house and tower as its positive edges and treats the remaining elevations as transparencies. A threshold territory engaged with the landscape, accessing the long distant views. The internal belly of the folded plywood ceiling follows the geometry of the frame, drawing the eyes up in an unobserved chapel effect. The grounded concrete slab alludes to the notion of an external courtyard, indeed the in-between room has been designed as an ambiguous space considered more natural when opened than closed.”

Exciting new Australian architecture that explores the sense of place and space as well as the interaction between occupants and building. In-Between Room by Brisbane-based Phorm architecture + design.

There are several words which when combined make my salivate with anticipation. “Mid mod” and “country home” are combinations that definitely tweak my interest but “mid mod country home” definitely has my quivering. Add in “Shelter Island” and well it’s all over. What’s that commandment? “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s goods.” When it comes to this wonderful holiday home then I’m definitely a sinner. Architecture by Andre Tchelistcheff Architects and interior design by Gachot.

Photography by Seong Kwon