This extension to an old weatherboard home in Northcote, Melbourne is good design, plain and simple. The repetitive use of timber boxes gives a clean lined and contemporary feel while the retention of heritage features does not detract from this modern family home. Light filled, open, blending old and new. Who would know what is hiding behind the old facade? Stompbox by Melbourne based building designers Altereco.

Photography by Tara Pearce.

The soaring ceiling in this two bedroom duplex in a converted 19th century schoolhouse in Cobble Hill, New York lifts this otherwise small space to another level. Natasi Vail Design has exploited the height during their renovation of the space with clever built ins to maximise storage and provide architectural detail. Splashes of blue and pink play against white walls while a gallery hang of small art pieces accentuates the height. The original kitchen has a low ceiling height but by removing upper cabinets and replacing them with open shelves the space appears more open. An awkward apartment soars to new heights

A room that is a promise of summer to come. With zest and zing and joyful squeals of colour. Like scoops of fruit gelati on a hot day this wonderful bedroom, or should that be boudoir, is just the antidote to long, lingering winters. By interior designer Robert Passal.

If you have to work on a Saturday then this is the sort of office you’d want to do it in. Advertising agency SON Helsinki by Finnish inteior architect and designer Joanna Laajisto.

A sunshine yellow way to start your day or a lemon? And by that I mean the tree at the end of the shower;) A retrolicious bathroom reinterpretation by multiplicity.