It is about colour and pattern, fabrics and finishes, detail and layering. It is a fresh and vibrant twist on traditional and classic. If the bleached out, overexposed, white, black and wood of Scandi design is leaving you wanting more then drink in the designs of Ashley Whittaker. (And even more in Kim’s previous post.)

A neutral colour palette. Contemporary meets midcentury with a touch of Greek history. Sleek lines, warm woods, cool stone. Pull back the curtains to reveal glass windows framing an amazing view of the Acropolis. Greek architect Minas Kosmidis‘ renovation may have turned the layout of this Athen’s house on its head with bedrooms on the ground floor and living above but it is easy to understand why. Understated, earthy elegance.

Every cloud has a silver lining… unless it’s the Cloud House in Fitzroy North in Melbourne by McBride Charles Ryan. The Edwardian era facade is left relatively untouched out of respect to the existing streetscape. The old house’s original interior has been painted white with a carpet of flowers providing the surprise. Linking the old and the new is a red box, the heart of the home, the kitchen. What opens beyond is a fantastical cloud shaped living area. No silver lining though. Warm timbers cocoon the space. Unexpected, child like but meticulously crafted.

At this time of the year severe electrical storms are a daily feature where I live. I’m racing a roiling storm cloud as I type this. Please excuse me if I don’t stay on too long. I’d hate to fry my computer. This Northcote, Melbourne house is by FMD Architects and the garden by Eckersley Garden Architecture. Oh that lightning strick was a bit too close. I’ll have to leave you to stalk this house by yourself. Link here while it lasts.

It’s mid week and I’m still craving a getaway. Today I’m dreaming of Hotel San José in Austin, Texas. Concrete floors and minimalist interiors. Funky, cool and comfortable. And oh the lush green surrounds. What more could you want?