Another clever apartment design by Brazilian architects Ouriço. Panels slide and walls open. Doors swing wide and secrets are hidden.

This dark and moody apartment is in Rio de Janeiro may well be the nest of that spiny creature deep within the earth but no, instead it is the creation of Brazilian architectural firm Ouriço (Portuguese for hedgehog). Outside it may be bright and sunny and tropical but inside it is calm and cocooning with graphic punches and vintage finds. Love the hero wall of books, the industrial lights and the warmth of the wood. Like a den, a club, a nest.

On a street corner in once gritty inner Sydney suburb sat the remains of an old cowshed, brick and timber standing against the ravages of time. From another era and another way of life the building should not have survived as the surrounding suburb was gentrified. The new owners turned to architects Carter Williamson to save it. Not as a time capsule though but as a vibrant and lively modern home perfect for family and friends, for entertaining or for retreating from the hustle and bustle of the big, brash city.

That’s how I intend to start my Saturday. A spot just like this would be perfect. Have a great weekend!

Crisp contemporary lines are warmed by wood and an earthy colour palette. Shots of colour are used sparingly to punctuate the calm spaces. Changes in level and the repetition of strong vertical elements define each zone. Pared back sophistication is the signature of this Lycabettus Penthouse by Athenian architecture firm esé studio. Modern Greek design at its best.