12 VIRTUAL FRIENDS

Who: Our share of who we like on Instagram. Why: It provides a glimpse into celebrity lifestyles and an armchair voyage, and gives us volumes of inspiration.

Hill House Vintage

Cottagecore’s signifiers of country life, florals, rolling green hills and a beautiful farmhouse complete with romping canine abound in Paula’s (Hill House Vintage) world, pictured above. Yet her styling is less ‘prairie’ and more elegant heritage charm.

Vicki Archer

Vicki is an Australian author and boutique hotel owner living between central London and France. Her interiors are covetable, while her fashion and beauty advice is spot-on.

India Hicks

Designer, writer and guesthouse owner with homes in countryside UK and the Bahamas. An impeccable pedigree (Prince Charles is her godfather) and an enviable tropical lifestyle.

Mad About the House & Sophie Robinson Interiors

Full of beautiful interiors and how to achieve them. Kate (Mad about the House) leans toward a subtle layered palette; Sophie (below) is all about (very) bright colour.

Call it a movement; one resulting in homes that leave the visitor certain as to the attachment owners have for their space. Respect for heritage and a penchant for layering objects with meaning, involving minimal interest in the value of items, but rather maximal delight for how things ‘sit together’. A study in contrasts as energising colour and calming monochrome all have a place. An ongoing project featuring fun collecting, curating and caring for your space. The best homes take time to create – layer upon layer – as life evolves.

CONSCIOUS STEPS

WHAT: Homes that integrate nature, energy, water and food into the architecture. Driven by necessity, lived by a desire to care about our own footprint. Jungle House by CPlusC (above).

WHO: Workshop CPlusC, cplusc.com.au

COMMUNITY LIVING

WHAT: Urban multi-dwelling builds that encourage community. Affordable secure spaces, built to be ‘happy places’. Incorporating opportunities for residents to come together; cafés, balconies and rooftop gardens. Nightingale 2 (right), designed by Six Degrees Architects and delivered in collaboration with Hip V. Hype. WHO: Nightingale Housing, nightingalehousing.org

ARTISAN/BESPOKE

WHAT: Buying from makers and designers who make a positive contribution to society. From indigenous foundations to thoughtful artisans of traditional wares.

WHO: Textile Designer/Artist Sally Campbell, sallycampbell.com.au

VISIT MiNDFOOD.COM

This year is set to be all about earthy and raw interiors – with interior styling returning to nature – predicts Justine Wilson, leading property stylist and founder of Vault Interiors. mindfood.com/design-2021