The interior is shaped almost entirely by eucalyptus, a fast-growing tree widely used in Portugal for paper production. Policrónica sourced it directly from small forest owners and gave it a far more lasting role here, using the wood for panelling, furniture, lighting and fittings throughout the hotel.

I love the honeyed colour of the wood, but it is the details that really make the place: arched windows, sculpted ceilings and pieces of furniture that seem to have their own expressions. They belong together without becoming identical, a little like a very well-behaved group of schoolchildren.

Almost everything was designed and made in Policrónica’s own workshop. Keeping the process together allowed the studio to use more of each tree, reduce repeated transport and develop new ways of working with a difficult material. Its solar vacuum dryers reduce the eucalyptus drying time from around 18 months to just six days.

For all that careful thinking, the rooms do not feel like an environmental demonstration. Warm wood, brass, plant fibres and neutral fabrics create a simple, restful interior, with a touch of the wabi-sabi appreciation for natural materials and quiet imperfection.

It may not be the most traditionally Parisian hotel interior, but perhaps that is part of its charm. Step in from the lively streets of Montmartre and the whole place seems to exhale.

Originally found at The Spaces. Photography by Julien Labrousse.

Six wonderfully fluffy pieces of furniture

First is the Julep Sofa by Jonas Wagell for Tacchini. It looks like such a warm embrace.

The Pacha Lounge Chair is another adorable offering. Designed by Pierre Paulin in 1975, it looks like the perfect place to curl up. Just add books.

The Little Petra Lounge Chair is classic Danish design. First produced in 1938, its soft curves and wonderfully cosy upholstery still feel timeless.

This is the Atlas Pouf by Pietro Franceschini. Very Cousin Itt!

The Fluffy Lounge Chair from Eikund looks as though it might belong in a stable or be roaming the mountains. Either way, I bet it’s warm.

Last, but by no means least, is this adorable creature. The Gropius CS1 Fluffy Edition looks almost like a pet. The faux fur is begging to be stroked.

Perhaps not the most practical collection of furniture, but certainly one of the cosiest. You can find more unusual furniture and interiors inspiration in our Journal.

That led me to look at some more contemporary designs, and I thought I would share five favourites.

Ciclope Mirror

The Ciclope Mirror by Claesson Koivisto Rune, shown in the featured image above, has a lovely nautical feel. Its name nods to the Cyclops of Homer’s Odyssey, while the circular mirror and simple frame give it an almost porthole-like quality.

Entree Mirror

Entree Mirror from Bensen artfully combines practicality and elegance. I particularly like the way the shelf is incorporated into the design rather than simply added beneath it.

Circ Mirror

Circ by Estiluz has an integrated light that gives the mirror the appearance of a planetary eclipse. It is a very simple idea, but beautifully executed.

Croma Mirror

Croma from Systemtronic has a quiet confidence I admire, standing to attention and ready to be of service. Its restrained form makes it feel almost architectural.

Menteur Mirror

And finally, Menteur by Philippe Starck for Glas Italia caught my eye. It keeps the reflection clear in the centre while cleverly distorting the image around the perimeter.

I do find so much inspiration in interiors and architecture. It’s the art of collating the objects of life, working within the constraints of a building’s bones and creating those little moments of drama and peace that I am drawn to.

Nicely done. Originally found at Rue Magazine.

Located in Valencia, Italy, this eatery was the concept of Masquespacio who have created some really lovely interiors in the past. Famed for their use of colour especially, here, the pops of blue give the space a real modern vibe. What a joyful place.

These three designs have captured my attention today.

This 1970s throw-back is beautiful in its simplicity. The Easy Lounge Chair and Modular Sofa by Ahti Taskinen opens into a bed and can be grouped to create a flexible sofa arrangement. Now back in production, I love the choice of colours and fabrics, the velvety cord looks so comfy!

Sticking with the 1970s, and with the modular style, another sinkable classic. Italian leather and timeless style, the Le Mura by Mario Bellini comes complete with love handles.

Now for something completely different, I don’t even know if I would trust sitting on this piece! But what elegant design. Slithers of marble float mid air, held by sheets of glass. Bringing us right up to date, French designer Frédéric Saulou explores what he calls a ‘technical enigma’ with his new collection Delta.

These beauties were found at Sight Unseen.

Anything added to Serifos, Cyclades in Greece, might have really jared with the stark, rugged landscape. This building though cuts into the rock rather than jutting out, solving the issue of very strong winds off the Aegean Sea, and allowing the 3,660 sq. ft of space to almost disappear into the hillside.

The interior uses minimal decoration, instead choosing bold and contrasting materials to add to the permanence of the place, cool stone, wood and glass – And those views, well they are something else!

Originally found at The Cool Hunter.

Plenty of inspiration for a Thursday morning – enjoy!

It took three firms to update this family home, Walker Warner Architects, Redmond Aldrich Design for the interior and Scott Lewis Landscape Architecture for the grounds.

There were strict historical restrictions and the building had to be stripped back to its bones for earthquake protection to be added. They have succeeded though in creating an elegant and sophisticated home filled with gorgeous furniture and well-chosen art. I am particularly fond of the window treatments!

Found at The Cool Hunter.

Everything had dual purpose, stairs were shelves for example. When it came to safety rails, well there aren’t any, instead there are safety nets which double as hammocks, kid play areas or even extra places to sleep!

The house needed to be wheelchair friendly so there are lots of ramps which gives a lovely feeling of multiple storeys, a layered house that suits everyone.

Originally found at Yellow Trace.

Actually quite a bit has come back around, as it does! I love wicker baskets at the minute and rattan furniture, and wooden kitchens I think will always be my thing. Something to make you smile on a Tuesday morning.

I think that’s what makes this home cool rather than cold, the textures and materials. Marble, wood, linen and my favourite the ribbed glass, combine coherently. That staircase is rather wonderful too!

Originally found at the Dpages.

Named ‘Sacha Apartment’ after the feline, this duplex suits this young family to a tee. The little arched cut-outs in the doorways allow the cat to move freely.

The architects, SABO project, have used Baltic birch ply throughout to allow constancy. I especially like the peg board effect allowing flexible storage. The bathroom cupboards are also beautifully styled with little cutouts for handles.

The rough concrete ceiling provides some drama and the waterfall staircase can be stylishly closed for safety as well as looking quite stunning.

See more at Remodelista.