This timeless hotel combines history,design and craftsmanship

This timeless hotel combines history,design and craftsmanship

Five historic buildings brought seamlessly up-to-date provide a place for people to slow down and connect in this charming Porto hotel.

  • byKaren McCartney

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More social space,less traffic noise:The award-winning reno on a busy intersection

More social space,less traffic noise:The award-winning reno on a busy intersection

With a series of strategic courtyards merging indoor and outdoor spaces,this transformation of a Federation-era home in St Kilda has won a slew of gongs.

  • byKaren McCartney
Double vision:Working inside and out to make a ‘stay forever’ home

Double vision:Working inside and out to make a ‘stay forever’ home

Sisters Nadine and Romaine Alwill,architect and interior designer respectively,worked together on this stunning off-form concrete house.

  • byKaren McCartney
Staying in character:Creating a family home by blurring the new with the old

Staying in character:Creating a family home by blurring the new with the old

There is no better real-estate story than when a down-at-heel house with an architectural pedigree finds sympathetic buyers.

  • byKaren McCartney
A light touch:Creating a sense of expansiveness in your space

A light touch:Creating a sense of expansiveness in your space

By stripping back interiors while keeping important bits – think cornices or fireplaces – you’ll help retain the inherent character of a place.

  • byKaren McCartney
The architect’s family weekender that doubles as a prototype kit home

The architect’s family weekender that doubles as a prototype kit home

Hannah Tribe’s beach house was designed as a retreat from the city,and to promote a slower way of living.

  • byKaren McCartney
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Living the beam:transforming a space with good lighting

Living the beam:transforming a space with good lighting

Radiant beauties from some of design’s leading luminaries.

  • byKaren McCartney
Why comfort has proved king in interior design this year

Why comfort has proved king in interior design this year

The way forward is to embrace the notion of small,local and handmade.

  • byKaren McCartney
Can customised storage make your wardrobe work smarter?

Can customised storage make your wardrobe work smarter?

Stylist and writer Megan Morton employs customised wardrobing to crash-tackle the threat of the “dysfunctional dress-up box”.

  • byKaren McCartney
Using movie magic to give the personal touch to interiors

Using movie magic to give the personal touch to interiors

Her new coffee-table book,Élan,is layered with objects and art,fabrics and furniture,much of it custom designed.

  • byKaren McCartney
What the right coloured stone says about you

What the right coloured stone says about you

Once confined to kitchens and bathrooms,stone and marble are today used in everything – even candle holders.

  • byKaren McCartney