
“Located along the coastline of Port Phillip Bay and within arm’s reach of the Portsea Pier, Portsea Beach House is the refurbishment of an existing cliff top residence. The proposed scheme pays homage to the understated character of the house which is reminiscent of the modernist era and adopts a sympathetic palette that draws inspiration from the surrounding coastal context.”
Simple, stylish, so satisfying. Respect for the past informs new design decisions. Finishes are luxe but restrained except those crazy paved floors. They’re just outrageously good. Portsea Beach House by Melbourne-based Studio Esteta.























Where would I rather be on this cool and rainy Sunday? How about lounging poolside or soaking in a tub at the beautiful Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach (formerly a dilapidated Motor Inn). Hotel Joaquin was designed by Studio Robert McKinley to embody chic, playful, and layered décor. Inspiration for the décor was taken from the island of St.Barths, the 1950s Southern California beach culture, and the timeless and pristine aesthetic of the Mediterranean coast. Each room was individually designed with one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, customized furniture, and curated artwork. Luxurious bathrooms feature monolithic imported stone offset by glinting solid brass fixtures. Hand-cut and crafted tile pays homage the timeless work of coastal craftsmen.














Haute eclectic in its finest form in a jaw-dropping apartment in Saint-Germain-des-Près designed by Stéphane Olivier. The mix of Italian and Scandinavian mid-century furnishings is stunning with the architectural features. I could certainly do without the rhino head though 🙁 (Photos: Gilles Trillard)











What was an office in Madrid is now a drop dead gorgeous duplex with original details maintained such as marble fireplaces, cast iron columns, high ceilings, herringbone floors. The eclectic furnishings add a warmth and a somewhat Parisian vibe that I’m really falling for. Designed by Noel Marichalar. (Photos sourced from Noel’s portfolio and this story in Nuevo Estilo with photos by Montse Garriga)


















San Francisco based interior designer Rachel Blindauer may have called this project a neutral retreat but what I see is an almost painterly approach to breathing new life into a mid century home. Daubs of colour flash through washes of greige, catching the eye, drawing you into a space. Calm yet colourful with a relaxed sophistication.











