Antonio Virga Interiors

We are in awe of designer Antonio Virga's work. Discovered on Remodelista, we immediately fell for this Paris-based designer's restrained aesthetic within these historically rich spaces. There is some irony in that such a large part of Virga's appeal is his ability to preserve the space - that is, to not design it. For more, visit Antonio Virga Architecte.

Paul K Guillow

Something so simple and beautiful about these planes. Snoopy and warm summer days come to mind. Made in Wakefield, MA since 1926, the gliders were 2 cents in 1941. Learn more about the history of the company here. Got one for my birthday yesterday. Good clean fun.

Whackpack by Brendan Magennis

Just discovered these bad boys on Dezeen and I am in love. Featured as part of Dezeen's ongoing series of open-forums at their Dezeen Space, Brendan Magennis' Whackpack collection exudes both design-clarity and adorability. Engineered to be constructed with just a mallet and wooden wedges, the design comes off less as flatpack and more like a project out of old Popular Mechanics do-it-yourself handbook. Brendan's website is still in the works, so in the meantime visit Dezeen for more info.

Barware by Aurelein Barbry

Always on the hunt for the perfect bar-top accouterments, we were pleased to come upon this refreshing barware set by France's Aurelein Barbry. Designed for Norman Copenhagen, Barbry balances the texture of steel and cork to produce a firmly timeless feel. We especially admire the circular bottle opener for both its visual simplicity and its apparent, and surprising, ergonomic proportion.

Available at Royal Design.

Via Remodelista.

Pino

Just a great design from Kyoto-based katsunobu tasho architecture + unvoice. Really inspiring use of the plot, deferring one corner of the home's potential footprint to a gravel courtyard and, in the process, creating a surprisingly intriguing roofline. Its modest materials and decidedly sterile interior adds to its sense of quiet, while its openness to the street adds a new, welcoming dimension. For more, visit k tasho. Via designboom.

The Orchard House

We're sort of on a Remodelista kick lately. That being said, we were predictably excited to come across this project by the Czech firm Nachazel Architects. Built long ago with utility in mind, its reincarnation as a pared-down living space results in a definitive sense of calm - the perfect place to escape. Plus, painted brick? Can't beat it. For more, visit Nachazel Architects.

A London Conversion

Spotted on Remodelista, we're all pretty impressed by this 2006 carriage house conversion in London. Its modest exterior is betrayed by interior stone tiles and ample natural light. It's always fun to see what can be done with the big open spaces you find in formerly non-residential buildings. For more visit, The Modern House Estate Agents.