First home buying in Australian capital cities can sometimes mean sad, down at heels 70s apartments (or 60s or 80s… you know what I mean). Cheap and often larger than their modern counterparts the temptation is to paint, change the flooring, slap up some white tiles in the bathroom and figure out how to fit in an IKEA kitchen. Not in this case. Here’s how you bring the 70s right up to date. Not your everyday cookie cutter first apartment. Stalking a funky pad in Armadale, Melbourne. Link here while it lasts.

A long, narrow, one bedroom apartment in a complex with great facilities. So often the private space pales in comparison with the public areas. But the girl with the pearl earring seems to have settled in a stylish pad. 80 m²and in most part only 3.2 m wide. Slick finishes, mirror and drama. Stalking an apartment in Redfern, Sydney. Link here while it lasts.

Bathing would be bliss don’t you think. The Randwick House by TFAD in collaboration with interior designers Arent & Pyke.

A 1915 era apartment in Sydney’s inner city suburb of Darlinghurst has been transformed by architectural practice TFAD (Tom Ferguson Architectural Design). The extensive renovation means the apartment is fresh, bright, light filled and stylish. Small in space big on ideas. Love the ensuite and the use of mirrors in the kitchen. Who am I kidding. I love it all.

Run away with me? France? A château? A mix of modern and traditional, history and innovative new design. Château de la Resle in Burgundy is a mélange of luxury retreat and design shop. Just the sort of holiday escape to inspire and revive.