Take me away to a land of snow, a land of steep mountains and tumbling valleys. I want to hide away from the world in a wooden house clinging to the slopes in an age-old hamlet. Annalisa and Peter Zumthor’s timber houses perch above their age blackened neighbours in Leis in Val, Switzerland (population 20). Once inside the houses wrap you in their close embrace, while classic midcentury and modern furniture plays against the soft golden gleam of the wooden walls. But turn outwards, look through those windows and a wonderland awaits, winter or summer. Zumthor Ferienhäuser – holiday homes to rent.

Oh my! What a day! I think a stiff drink is in order. Perhaps some good company to help me wind down. Somewhere dark and moody. Quirky, stylish, fabulous. Now if I was just on the Lower East Side in New York. The Experimental Cocktail club designed by Chzon.

A mix of farmhouse, nautical and a touch of industrial loft. Neutrals married with textures, dappled sunlight filling bright friendly rooms, kitchen and bedroom alike. A fresh take on classic design. Modern with a rustic twist. Beautiful rooms by interior designer Lisa Kauffman Tharp. She calls it barefoot simplicity, casual elegance.

A sleek and clever kitchen and living room combo designed by Michael Bechara. An easy fusion of much needed storage and retro cool. Small space style and flair. (You can see more of Sydney based Michael’s work in this earlier post.)

Inspired by the über cool (or should that be très cool 😉 interiors of the new Hôtel Paradis in Paris. With a quirky mix of vintage, midcentury and modern, the rooms in the 3 star boutique hotel designed by Chzon are layered with colour and pattern. Funky and fun and very reasonably priced. After all staying in style shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. I’ll take the room with the view thanks!