Let’s talk about the elephant. Not the usual elephant “in” the room, the one “outside” the room. That view. OMG! I’d live in a broom cupboard if it had that view. Fortunately this Point Piper, Sydney apartment I found on one of my stalking safaris is larger than a broom cupboard and almost as simply stunning as the view. No gaudy competition. Simple, elegant, restrained and likely more than most of us can afford. Link here while it lasts.

Layers of colour and pattern are expertly combined with texture and styles. Modern meets vintage and traditional. Floral flirts with geometric and colours are at one time clean and cool and at another warm and earthy. Silk sits with sisal and wool washes across vintage vinyl. Pillows are plumped with down and strewn here and there are piles of books and simple floral arrangements. Casually elegance imbued with comfort. Sink into a sofa and relax. Beautiful homes by Boston based Hudson Interiors.

An unremarkable suburban brick and tile semi-detached 80s/90s house. Neatly painted white. You’d probably drive on by. But catch a glance through the windows (as all good stalkers do) and things are not quite as they seem. This is what happens when hipsters move to the burbs. An open plan redo with lashes of white and wood, concrete and black. Throw in scandi style furniture and accessories, expose the rafters and you would hardly imagine that you are 26km south of the Sydney CBD. This is why I love stalking. You never know what’s going on behind those staid facades. Link here while it lasts.

Classic environments seen through a modern eye. That’s how interior designer John K. Anderson describes his work. Anderson takes contemporary, mixes in some mid century, always with traditional references and what evolves is a modern urban vibe. It’s about livability and loving the space you’re in. Fresh and  fun and fabulous.

I need your thoughts. Is it wrong for a woman in her 50s to strap on a backpack and head to Barcelona? Check into a hostel? Belly up to the bar? Is it? When the hostel looks as great as Generator Barcelona? And when I’m finished I can jump a train to Venice, London, Copenhagen and more.