Help! I am working 16 hours a day at the moment. Too many jobs. Too many exciting projects coming to fruition. I need a holiday. Even just a weekend break. But alas! Looks like it will have to be a “virtual” holiday instead. You’ll find me here in my dreams this weekend. Casa Federica in the rolling hills of Noto in Sicily. A minimalist box perched above the sparse landscape with views to the sea. Still and stylish. A perfect retreat.

Architect – Maria Giuseppina Grasso Cannizzo, via Urlaubs Architektur.

Nixon Tulloch Fortey Norman Avenue

What is hiding behind the straight laced period facade? Not quite what you think. Melbourne based Nixon Tulloch Fortey Architecture has created an extension that pushes the possibilities of this historic home. Its open plan with bright colour flashes in the new while the renovation of the existing house provides contrast with its dark, rich palette.

Via Australian Interior Design Awards

A library in the bedroom or is that sleeping in the library? A perfectly sexy setting if books are your fetish. Interior design by Andrew Waller of Mr Waller.

Golden glow in the countryside, golden touches to a stylish contemporary interior. A beautiful country retreat. Interiors by Nexus Designs.

While googling country kitchens (I have a hankering for simple, clean Shaker style lines in my hopefully soon to be renovated kitchen) I stumbled upon British bespoke kitchen designers deVOL. Beautiful freestanding kitchen furniture… islands, cabinets, butcher’s blocks, shelves and more. I love the display kitchens they have installed in Cotes Mill, the historic 16th century listed water mill that is their showroom. That’s if you can call such an amazing building a “showroom”.