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.

Dark, moody, masculine and down by the harbour. Not quite what you expect for boathouse living. Love the texture, the old wood, the play of white light against murky walls and the pops of yellow. Yes, in this case, I think pop is just the right word. A wonderful man cave by Sydney interior designer Karen Akers. Imagine sitting snug inside on a wild and windy rainy day.