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It takes vision and a good dose of daring to conceive a minimalist contemporary extension to a grade II listed cottage. Luckily, the architects at Found Associates have abundance of both.

Designed by Paris-based Stera Architectures on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea in Sardinia is a remarkable house which feels very much at ease with its surrounding environment. 

This 124 square metre apartment in Madrid, designed by Gon Architecture and Ana Torres for a young bachelor, shows how a small space can be transformed into a perfect abode for modern life.

Melbourne-based WOWOWA Architecture aims to "celebrate Australian culture, the kitsch and a love of daffy colloquialisms translated into architectural ambition". This mission statement is best illustrated by this wonderfully whimsical house in the suburbs of Melbourne.

Perched on the clifftops of Clifton, an exclusive suburb of Cape Town, the Pengilly house is an uber-luxurious home disguised as a Bond villain's lair.

Inspirations can come from anywhere. For multidisciplinary designers Victor Lefebvre and Mei-Lan Tan, the richest sources of inspiration are the artisans around the world who apply age old skills to create unique objects.

Ground floor and basement spaces are notoriously difficult to work with, especially if the building is deep and narrow. Architects Lucas y Hernández – Gil succeeded in creating an attractive and stimulating space by applying clever design tricks and a few quirky touches.

Mention mid-century architecture and images of boxy low slung houses with flat roofs spring to mind. There are, surprisingly, many joyous and exuberant mid-century buildings waiting to be rediscovered. The Antler House in East Hampton is one such gem.

At these difficult and uncertain times, our thoughts turn to the perfect way to cocoon ourselves. A great place to start is to create a luxurious bedroom which delights all your senses. This swanky hotel suite, known as Lost in Translation, provides plenty of inspiration.