Peacocks are such a grand dame of a bird. They’re big show offs, too. All those opulent plumes. Some associate peacocks with birth, rejuvenation and new life, while others wouldn’t dare bring their feathers into the home. Have a look at this cabinet finished in gold leaf, and what about this De Gournay wallpaper? Anyone for a mural? Personally, I’m a little weary of peacocks. But one can’t deny the decadence and drama they bring to a decor.

I like the variety of fabrics I see here, I count ten, all in a similar palette of pinks and grey and greens. I’m not keen on decor that feels overly “done” but this has a lightness, subtlety and spontaneity to it that is appealing. Plus, I love the friendly hand-stitched elephant.

If I were a chaise longue –– play the game with me –– I’d be this one. Crooked legs, mismatched, too; soft, and a little lumpy; smaller than your average chaise. I’d be pink, because, well I’m a chaise, and what other colour could I be? And I’d position myself near a window, weird objects, and chandeliers that sparkle.

These pendents, can we even call them that, are the most beautiful lights I’ve ever seen. Yes, I’m wild about shells, but these winged beauties are ark clams with angel wings. They look enormous, which just adds to the drama, and I love them against this soft greenish-blue wall.

Just look at these Pratesi linens, so soft, delicate and feminine. I’m a sucker for a scalloped edge. With ceilings this grand, you know we’re in Italy, and this just happens to be Dede Pratesi’s Tuscan Villa. Have a spin around, the kitchen is a cook’s delight. And I love the ochre, green and powder blue walls.

‘I lost my mother in the UK and she left me a bit of money, so I decided to put a pool on the roof because I knew it would make her very happy to see us sitting in the pool.” says Aussie costumier, Rose Chong of her little block of blue in the heart of Fitzroy. Chong says she does all her thinking up there, and that you can see the pool on Google Earth. She calls it the Good Room, and even holds meetings up there. “I mean it’s not suitable for high class swimming, it’s only suitable for sitting around, floating on the pineapple and a bit of drinking.” 

Just look at these fabulous old rockers! They’re made in Oxfordshire in England, and fashioned from velvet, linen and voile. The candy stripe has a decidedly 20s feel –– it reminds of those beach tents you see in the French countryside –– and I love the Schiaparelli pink one with flirty tassel. Don’t these pictures whisk you to a world of Pimm’s, bonnets and late summer plum cake? There’s even a photo of HRH Prince Charles happily settled into a raspberry rocker. No doubt, he’s had a Pimm’s or two.

Now this is a room with a view. It looks like the Aegean, but it’s hard to say, for sure. It’s designed by Sebastien Caporusso, an architect from Belgium, whose modern coastal homes will take your breath away. If you have a moment, and are so inclined, please take a look at his work. It’s simple, serene, and utterly arresting.