A perfect backyard. Stylish and fun, contemporary and compact. Lush plantings and welcome shade, a playful pool spot for summer splashing. Entertaining is covered… and uncovered. Pure sunshine! By Sydney landscape design firm Secret Gardens.

A secret garden by Secret Gardens. An inner city oasis. A haven from the hustle and bustle. Lush and stylish. Can you believe this is in Potts Point, Sydney? It’s a hideaway, a respite, a little slice of heaven in the city.

A few steps from the spice market in the Marrakech’s medina is the home of stylist, art director and designer Valérie Barkowski. Dar Kawa, a riad overflowing with style and a timelessness. Authentic with a twist. A modern take on the historic. A perfect escape in an exotic locale.

In bed with a bad cold. Great way to spend the weekend…. actually it is a great way to spend the weekend. Sleep, hot cups of tea and ignoring the chores. So I’m being lazy and posting a stalking piece. Mind you it is a wonderful early 70s house by Robin Boyd brought sympathetically into the 21st century. Link here while it lasts. Dear hubby could you make me a hot whiskey? I’m sure it would work a treat on this cold.

An eclectic mix of vintage, industrial and modern pieces defines the latest home by San Francisco interior designer Antonio Martins. Starting with an impressive concrete and steel base in a home designed by Zack de Vito Aarchitecture, Martins has layered not only furnishings and finishes but meaning into the modern decor. Favourites besides the Cassina Cab chairs in the dining room? The fab string of lights hanging through the stairwell and the personal touches like the b&w photos of family and friends casually propped on steel shelves. (More of Antonio Martins’ here and here.)