I had such a wonderful day today. Up early, breakfast at our fav cafe then off to Woolloongabba (really does have that many double letters) here in Brisbane for a day of thrift shops, antique shops and those dangerously delightful designer shops that are popping up in this part of town. I spent way too much, my feet are sore but think of the calories I burned weaving up and down the streets. What’s a girl to do when all of you can’t come join the fun? Why send you to other fabulous places… time for a reading guide 🙂

Want to get lost in a portfolio that is so spectacular that you won’t be able to tear yourself away until every image is devoured? My new photographer crush is Vangelis Paterakis. Beautiful, beautiful photographs of equally stunning buildings. It is easy to see that Paterakis is a talented artist and that’s not only with the camera. His work has been in Wallpaper, the Architectural Digest and the Andrew Martin-Interior Design Review. There are so many interior stories on his website that I decided to feature just one. It highlights Paterakis’ understanding of light, how he captures the essence of a space and how he tempts us with each image to explore further. The house is an idyllic Greek retreat complete with Mediterranean view, a modern home anchored solidly in the past.

Still here? Rush now to Paterakis’ website.

Yes you read right… reader’s home. Laura from NYC emailed us these pictures of her rental. Yes you read right… rental. Apparently she’s been looking at Desire to Inspire religiously to find inspiration for the most recent apartment she rented in NYC. Laura didn’t want to spend a lot of money, so she did a lot of the decorating by painting the walls with frames and buying furniture on eBay. (Laura I need to know your secret sources on eBay! Spill the beans! And seriously those windows are to die for.) Sadly Laura may be leaving her apartment soon as she is bidding to buy a place in the west village in NYC and is already pulling 100’s of pictures for inspiration. Don’t feel too sad if you don’t get the new place though Laura. Your current home is perfect!

Just to round it out another picture of the bedroom (artwork by Russell Young) but this time with a gratuitous dog in shot. Hehe it’s Laura’s frenchie Alaia.

Swedish interior design is white. Right? What’s really hot is when Swedish designers turn to the dark side. This stunning minimalist space may just tempt you to follow their lead. Innovative, contemporary and urban. Seriously beautiful work by Stockholm based Erik Andersson Architects. Found here in their dream home section.

Beautiful grainy shots, an interesting play with focus, studies of decay and the imperfect. I’m fascinated by the portfolio of photographer Manny Rodriguez Beauty isn’t always sparkling and new or perfect and polished. I particularly love his use of incandescent light – so moody. Must see on the website – graffiti doors, leaves and Manny’s personal work.