Those who wish to maximise exposure to sunlight (or themselves) should check out this spectacular glass pavilion in the Hamptons.

Restaurant design specialist Studio Modijefsky has created a funky restaurant in a former tram depot in Amsterdam that combines industrial chic with delightfully quirky features.

At first glance this unusual structure in a suburban plot on the outskirts of Madrid looks more like an industrial installation than a family home.

As part of its ongoing charm offensive to bolster its creative credentials, Airbnb has teamed up with Pantone to create a whimsical house based on Pantone's colour of the year, a lush shade of yellow-green known as Greenery (Pantone 15-0343).

Always complaining about not having enough time?  French designer Bina Baitel has designed a unique clock which encourages you to take the time to enjoy time.

Never one to let creativity restricted by material limitations, Swedish designer Erik Olovsson has created a series of highly appealing stools using nothing more than pine blocks and paint.

Small can be beautiful.  In the case of this diminutive but perfectly formed apartment in London, also functional, clever and very cool too. 

For many people, apartment living is an unfortunate but unavoidable aspect of modern urban life. 

What do you get when you mix mid-century design style with a dash of contemporary attitude?

As we freeze our socks off in the frigid northern European winter, our fantasies turn to the sunny shores of Australia with its promises of sun, sand and beautifully designed houses.

After the excesses of Christmas, wouldn't it be great to start the new year in a state of zen?

Thinking of building an extension?  There are plenty of great design inspirations from this pod-like addition to a Victorian house in the suburbs of Melbourne.