Nestled in a subtropical garden is the small office space of Brisbane-based styling team Indigo Jungle designed by local architects Marc&Co. Like a piece of origami tossed aside it is the ultimate backyard shack. Enter through its narrow door and what opens before you is not a small, pokey room but a light filled creative space with framed views of its suburban “jungle”. My dream design atelier. Of course the interior design is by its resident stylists.

Photography by Alicia Taylor.

By building in under the original house and adding a two level extension to the rear, Brisbane architects Marc&Co have increased the usable footprint of this Queenslander style house while maximising the space available for a garden at the rear of the inner city block. From the street the old home retains its original features and now contains the bedrooms while the additions allow for the open plan living with the indoor/outdoor connection so prized by Australian families.

I really can’t complain. Winter comes and goes here with only some minor bickering on my part. Days rarely drop to zero degrees and climb into the 20s with monotonous regularity. And I can’t think of a better place to spend my winter days than at a beachside getaway just a couple of hours north of where I live. Welcome to 180 Degrees Noosa. I’m packing a summer wardrobe… and maybe just a jumper or two.

Oak beams and half timbered walls, flagstones and horse brasses. It all adds up to a quintessential English cottage but this house by i gigi is layered with contemporary, French and Asian influences. A monochromatic melody of old and new, local and global, natural and neutral.

I’m stalking a lovely family home in inner city Sydney. The Woollahra property is by Dowse Architects with interiors by Anna Carin Design. Ah you say. You thought it looked familar. Yes I featured it a few years ago but it’s great to see how the house has matured and to peek into other rooms not seen on the designer’s website. Link here while it lasts.