Hannotte Interiors – “uncommon design for common folk.” Hear hear! Stylish, inspiring and real is what Toronto based designer Jenn Hannotte does best. Part vintage, part modern, a little organic and always with a zest for life. It’s not so much about bags of money but using the right resources. Just my sort of design.

A little studio apartment with a stylish wall unit/seating combo in Centennial Park. The perfect virtual crash pad for my imaginary shopping trips to Sydney. Someone has already snapped it up though. Sold. Link here while it lasts.

Take me away to an historic family home. Fill it full of cherished antiques, some Biedermeier, some Jugendstil with a mix of modern and some rustic stone. Surround it with working vineyards and place it on the slopes of the South Tyrol in Italy and quite frankly I’d be in heaven. For when your hotel needs that personal touch, like staying with family friends… the Ottmanngut.

Beautiful rich colour studies by stylist and artist Helen Quinn. Dark and brooding and saturated her work plays with texture, juxtaposition and natural dyes and finishes. No pictures of stylish chairs in beautiful rooms but just as inspiring. The dark side still tugs at my heart strings.

A narrow 3.6m, south facing semi in Freshwater, Sydney. Not much space, little light. What do you do when you need more space, don’t have a wad of cash to throw at your problem and are looking for a cool design solution? Architect David Boyle has extended the rear of the house, opening it up to double height and turning a wall of glass to the coveted northern light. Timber plays off white surfaces adding richness to a casual family home. Although the budget was limited style is definitely not.