Magic in Mexico

The home I'm about to show you made me gasp out loud - in awe and appreciation! This beautiful home in Mexico City is so different to what you find here in New Zealand in terms of decorating style, but I absolutely love the brave choices and the personality it oozes.

photos: Pablo Zamora

The gorgeous use of colour and texture, and the eclecticism is breathtaking to me. Pop over to Architectural Digest to read more about this beautiful home.

Green & Gold Accents

I love starting the week with an inspirational home tour, and I think you're going to love the sophisticated style of fashion blogger, Jenny Bernheim. Crisp white walls and honey coloured floorboards have been layered with beautiful furniture pieces, art and accessories. The colour palette is elegant in black, white and soft blue, with gorgeous accents of green and gold throughout.

photos by Bethany Nauert

If you like these photos, pop over to Domaine to see and read more about Jenny's home.

Stunning Home Extension

Our little home is a constant work in progress, as I slowly turn it into our beautiful retreat. I always think of the kitchen (our last remaining room to renovate) as being the final piece of the puzzle. But as the kids are getting bigger at a remarkable rate, in a few years we will need to either move to a larger home, or extend this home. The home I'm about to show you has inspired me with the rear extension onto their double-fronted weatherboard house.

Techné Architecture + Interior Design collaborated with Doherty Design Studio
renovating the existing home to include 4 bedrooms, a study and open-plan living area.
The facade of the home was retained and a two-storey extension added, based on the form of a contemporary shipping container. The bright blue front door is the only hint that something extra special lies beyond.

There are lots of cool, creative touches throughout. I love the panel with the paint trickling down - the blue linking back to the front door.

Those office chairs are simply gorgeous and I will now be on the hunt for something similar. The leather cupboard handles are another clever touch.

The open-plan kitchen, dining, and living room open out onto a beautiful courtyard and garden. Looking up to the louvered windows of the second floor, it makes me want to explore up there to see how fabulous all the bedrooms are.

We do get to see the two bathrooms, which are both spectacular. I love the blue frame with the mirror filling roughly two thirds of it.

The wood with the white is beautiful. I love the hexagon tiles, and of course, those mirrors. Don't ask me where they're from, I've been looking and haven't found them yet.
If you know, please share with me :)

The Beach House | Homepolish

Since I first discovered Homepolish, I've been a fan (my first post), and love checking up on their projects for a healthy dose of inspiration. Homepolish works with talented young designers, their aim is to make interior design accessible to everyone.

I was super envious of this gorgeous beach house project - firstly, I love the pared back sophistication and breathtaking location; but also because the homeowner, John, briefed Orlando, the designer and Homepolish's LA Creative Director, handed over his keys and flew back to his house in San Francisco. Orlando was left with a beautiful empty shell in which to create a relaxing retreat for John and his friends. This would be a dream job for me!

Orlando has done a brilliant job designing the layout, sourcing all the furniture, delivery and installation. Colour has been used sparingly and reflects the seaside surroundings. The furniture all has gorgeous clean lines to add to the sense of calm, and the materials used are simply stunning - marble, brass, concrete, and those amazing golden jute rugs.

You know how much I love tiny nooks, and this little work space may be my favourite - so simple, so stunning.

The bedroom boasts the same simple elegance. Such a gorgeous space, if I was John, the hardest part would be packing up and leaving each time. Isn't it fabulous?! To see and read more about this project, pop over here.

Kerferd | Whiting Architects

Sometimes I come across an image in Pinterest that I love, and on further investigation I find it's just one of many beautiful photographs from the same home. That's when I know I have to share that home with you. This stunning home is by Melbourne architecture and interior design practice Whiting Architects. Obviously a dynamic duo, architect Steven Whiting and creative director Carole Whiting oversee eight more talented staff members.

I just love the beautiful simplicity and honesty of the materials used in this home. A gorgeous Scandinavian colour palette of black, white and warm wood has been used throughout, with the addition of lots of yummy texture.

There are several nooks (you know I love them!) including this small space that creates an entrance. A table and a piece of art welcome you into the house.

Pushing two tables together to create a large table top is a fantastic idea, if you're lucky enough to have the room. The tables sit on a platform raised above the kitchen floor, which helps to define the two areas.

Another little nook at the end of the kitchen provides a lovely sunny spot to relax.

Above the kitchen is a narrow office. Touches of red and pink help to bring warmth to the mainly white space.

I'm a big fan of delicious linen sheets, and I absolutely love the headboard with the buttons - do you think it's actually a duvet cover that's been re-purposed?

Not to disappoint, the bathrooms are also amazing, carrying on the colour theme and the simple, clean lines. Curves have been used to soften the straight lines, in the bath, the mirrors, the wall hooks, and the stool.

I just love this home, it's really beautiful but restrained, I'm so inspired. For more inspiration pop over and check out more projects by Whiting Architects.