I’m fascinated by the spaces that architects call home, by the designs they create for themselves. Today I am posting the homes of the principles of Italian architectural studio b-arch. This is the Florentine home of Alessandro Capellaro. 300 old ballot boxes were used to delineate space, provide storage and formed the basis of furniture pieces inside an old carpenter’s workshop. Capellaro’s home explores the nature between the historic and the contemporary, between the empty and the filled and between the new and the re-used. It is a story of what has gone before, what can be re-imagined taking on a new life and what is necessary for the present. It is downright cool.

It’s the light, I think. soft, syrupy, seductive light. The rooms as retreat. Retreat from the world, the harsh light, the overwhelming “outside”. It’s about haven and home and wishes and dreams. Fantasy and fact. Too much? What about this…. it’s all about a beautiful picture. Time to take another look at the portfolio of Mikkel Vang, world traveller and dream weaver.

A tutti-fruitti confection of spritzy pastels, pattern riot and frills and frou frou. Girly girl to the max and boho to boot. Want a getaway that takes you beyond your comfort zone or need a break where everything is maxed to OTT pretty just the way you secretly fantasised? Either way this place is pure saccharine sexy. St Charles Square, another property through onefinestay.

Set in Victoria’s alpine high country is Solterra, a contemporary home of rammed earth, ironbark and expanses of glass perfect to frame the expansive mountain views. Two hours from Melbourne and 30 minutes from Mount Buller’s ski slopes it is perfect for winter fun or summer escapes. Cows wandering past the infinity edge pool is my idea of the neighbours dropping in. Real estate stalking in the highlands. Here while the link lasts.

Got a problem? Need some help? Just standing there shaking your head? Don’t know what to do? You’re not alone. Send us a link to photos of your design quandary and let the Desire to Inspire design crew help you…. that’s you lot… the readers! This week’s problem is from Kelly.

I’d like to submit photos of the master bedroom in our new apartment for the design crew’s input.  This wall is the only one that really works to put the bed on, but I’m stumped because of the windows being off-centered.  I’d like to build an upholstered headboard, but I just feel like it will look silly covering half of the window?  And I don’t want to push the bed in the corner either because then either my husband or I will have to crawl across the other to get in/out of bed! I’d love some suggestions as to what I can do to balance out this wall/make the bed/headboard work!  Don’t worry- new nightstands and bedding are on the agenda as well.  Thanks!