A colour palette of black, white and grey. Slick, hard surfaces. Think concrete and metal warmed sparingly with wood. Too stark? Too cold? Or just right for your minimalist style? My favourites? the bathrooms especially the white one and the box shelving in the living area. Modern interiors by Prague based OOOOX Architects.

Saturday again and you know the story. I’ve spent my spare moments flitting from real estate listing to real estate listing during the week. I’m a stalker but I’m fussy. Not quite right, bad photos, I need more photos please, house is amazing furniture is deplorable or no furniture at all! Can’t quite put my finger on it listings with something that has me nodding “yes”. It’s been a little difficult to find the “it” factor this week but leftovers include a beach house I’ve stalked before but with more and different pictures, a dark apartment and a serene hallway. All via realestate.com.au.

It’s been in the family for years. It was their grandfather’s house. Now with the help of architect Manuel Aires Mateus, João and Andreia Rodrigues have created a simple and stylish get away in Montemor-o-Novo, Alentejo, Portugal. Casa no Tempo, minimalism meets rural idyll. Rolling fields, wildflowers, cork grove, horses, pool. I can see the perfect weekend far from the madding crowd. If only I could runaway.

Sometimes you just want to curl up. Sometimes you want to escape to a quiet space. Sometimes you need inspiration. Sometimes you find it… in an image, in a portfolio, in a day dream. From the portfolio of photographer Lucas Allen.

Additions to an historic Fitzroy, Melbourne home don’t scream “look at me, look at me'” Instead they are subtle, elegant, restrained. With references to the industrial past of this inner city suburb the open plan living spaces are flexible and fabulous. By Carr Design Group.