Techné – to make poetically. I had to return to this Melbourne firm’s work for another dose of inspiration. Creative, contemporary, edgy and exciting this home is a bright and cheery ode to family life. Both dark and colourful choruses break the sunny white providing contrast and interest, tying the old to the new. Hang it! I’ll stop trying to wax lyrical. I just need to say it’s fabulous!.

The library rules. No not “ssshhh no talking”. I mean this amazing library rules! The house too. The book lined shelves provide transition between the old house and the new extension, screening the open plan living areas from the hallway and front door. Black, white and wood, my favourite combo, are accentuated by the polished concrete floor and occasional burst of colour. By Melbourne based design atelier Techné.

Heaven is dark and moody. No bright, white light. No pearly gates and fluffy clouds. No, it is an apartment in a Collingwood, Melbourne warehouse by Wolveridge Architects. Exposed brick, old timbers, leather, a slightly fussy wallpaper. Bliss. No, I mean heaven!

The quintessential Aussie dream brought to life by interior designer Karen Akers. A place for family and friends to come together and celebrate summer. Once an old bowling club house that had been moved by previous owners to the dunes of Gerroa beach on the New South Wales coastline, the decision was made to renovate not demolish. No beachside McMansion this. No, Karen has created a casually elegant family home with a sense of place and style. And the view! It has been shortlisted for the 2013 Sydney Design Awards. Head here and cast your vote before September 8.

Monday is the perfect day to dream of weekends away, of girlfriends and wine and fine food and a hideaway cottage in the countryside. Nestled between the vines and the orchards is a country chic getaway for up to 10 people on 10 acres in the heart of Red Hill, Victoria. Inside wood burning fireplaces, linen sofas and vintage furniture. Outside two large kitchen gardens to raid for the casual feasts we’ll be whipping up. That will be the most work we’ll do. I promise. That and trips to vineyards. Orchard Keepers is our destination. Count you in?