Trendsideas

Symmetry, sophistication and a timeless aesthetic result when a contemporary-use, new kitchen is married to a character villa

Renovating an apartment presents many different challenges to renovating a house – here an architect describes such an undertaking and offers some sage advice along the way

Sustainability was high on the agenda for this bold yet understated home, strategically designed to see between the trees – a far greener option than felling them

This sheltered outdoor room with integrated BBQ and black steel-formed fireplace can be enjoyed year round – it also has a slight indoor feel

There's nothing like mesh cabinet panel inserts to add to that farmhouse feel – perhaps a throw back to pre-refrigeration, where mesh panels kept things breezy, cool and fresh

This outdoor living space was inspired by sleek, low-lying American West-Coast Modernism – the pavilion's skylights allow natural light to inform the al fresco space

It's not just weather that can make things cool – this bedroom, part of a wider interior makeover, is transformed with a tactile headboard, a cosy area rug and soft furniture 

This kitchen's island, benchtop, splashback and scullery walls are in Dekton Shell Liquid – capturing the look of water movement beneath the surface

Can't put your finger on why this bathroom has a refined air? Well the clue is right there with antique finger tiles forming a feature wall behind the tub

The built-in wardrobes in this bedroom may once have held previous owner Cher's famous 'nude' dress that she wore when accepting an Oscar

The warmth of pine is a feature of this renovation, seen here on the ceiling and skylight directly above a widened staircase – optimising natural light on the floor below

Nothing says character like dark and moody, as exampled in this bathroom with a Vela 1700 freestanding bath in charcoal – may the atmosphere be with you