I can’t believe it! My how time flies. Est Magazine turns 2 with Issue #9 out now. No terrible twos tantrums for the Est team though, just wonderful, wonderful homes and lifestyle the very best from Australia and around the world. Seriously my favourite online magazine. Here’s a little sneak peek at what you’ll find in the latest issue… the contemporary French inspired home of the Hilary Gwillim from Melbourne homeware emporium, Manon. The photographer is Tara Pearce and producer/stylist Stephanie Stamatis.

Take me away this long, lonely Monday to the island of Föhr off the north coast of Germany. To a hay barn cleverly converted to a holiday home. Ancient brick and thatch enclose a modern renovation that references the island’s history of bed-boxes and the traditional blue green colours of Friesland. Wood and tile and 500m of blue polypropylene rope. By Swedish firm Karin Matz Arkitekt.

Stalking a stylish renovation of an art deco apartment in Double Bay, Sydney. Tastefully restrained with water views and drowning in beautiful light. One little surprise though. The ensuite or rather where the owners have built it. Balcony bathing anyone? Perfect for the exhibitionists. The rest of us can roll down the blinds. Link here while it lasts.

New work from San Francisco based interior designer Antonio Martins. The Atelier is the room he has created for the 2013 San Francisco Decorator Showcase, opening Saturday. Layers of design, layers of textures and finishes, layers of meaning. A small space that spins a story through the most basic of materials, burlap, but is refined and elegant in the telling. A man’s space, an artisan’s lair, a collector’s sanctuary. A place away and yet in the present, a place beyond and always in contact with the world. A beautiful place.

Just a few more houses from Sydney interior designer Karen Akers. The first, in Roseville, is a finalist in the 2013 Dulux Colour Awards. The second, in Gladsville, made the same finals in 2012 and was shortlisted for the Australian Interior Design Awards as well. Traditional and contemporary. Light, bright and colourful. Joyful, fun and fab.