Constructed from solid wood treated with natural oils that create variations to the woods finish these cabinets and sideboards by Il Pezzo Macante are beautiful. Each unit has a Carrara marble inlaid top with sand cast brass feet of varying shapes.

When visiting the St Michiel Church in Leuven one might overlook that the church has no dome. Designers Pieterjan Gijs and Arnout Van Vaerenbergh took this as a challenge to build an installation to generate the missing dome in a remarkable way. The incredible installation casts light on the architecture as one of the most prestigious Baroque churches from a contemporary perspective. The Upside Dome is a real size scale model, comprised of hundreds of meters of chain.

You'd be forgiven for thinking it's not possible to create 3D wallpaper with large porcelain components. However, Daniel Pirsc has done just that. His new collection of interior wallpaper stands out because of the 3D component. Available in a small number of designs, he envisages it will suit public spaces in commercial environments, and for people that want to create a sense of texture and difference with their designs.

This tiny studio situated in Londrina, Brazil, was under redecoration for over ten years by young Brazilian architect Guilherme Torres. The redecoration included removing wall coatings whilst the architect-come-furniture-designer designed a brick table and couch. He wanted something 'permanent and stable' for his furnishings that also reflected an air of versatility. The table is used to hold books and collections whilst remaining functional as somewhere to eat; whilst the couch stands impressively from wall to wall with two fabric mattresses. The master bedroom resembles a loft with exposed brick walls. The entire design was inspired by Paulo Mendes da Rocha who won the Pritzker prize in 2006 in which industrial elements like hydraulic and electrical pipes are left in sight. 

It's the staircase detailing that set this Parisian 95 square metre apartment apart. Designed by Ecole, a French architecture and design studio, they created this steel staircase (without a handrail, where each stair appears to float mid-air) to link the living room and mezzanine floor. Facing the Eglise Saint-Gervais on one side and the Hotel de Ville de Paris on the other, the apartment occupies the two top floors of an 18th century building. Relatively small in size, space is well utilised with the entrance, living room and kitchen operating as one space to create a sense of open plan. The first floor comprises of all the living areas and the guest bedroom and bathroom, whilst the owners sleep on the mezzanine.

Inspired by Arabic calligraphic art and the icon of the classical candelabrum is Il Pezzo 3 by Il Pezzo Mancante a collection of lamps with a hand forged brass structure and elegant “candles” crafted from hand blown crystal; the candles are illuminated by modern shaped LEDs creating a sophisticated light.

Above: An authentic Star Wars character stands in the entrance way

Above: The library's wall of lacquer shelving serves as a backdrop for a custom-made sofa, armchairs and cocktail table all by Ralph Lauren Home

Above left: Vintage light fixtures hang above a dining table and leather-upholstered chairs by Ralph Lauren Home. Above right: The bathroom looks out over Central Park

Ralph Lauren was motivated by the 'simple, almost primitive desire for clean, open space' in his downtown Manhattan apartment, where he's raised his children with his wife Ricky. 30 years after moving into the space, the renovation is now complete thanks to designer Angelo Donghia who was commissioned to really 'modernise the apartment.' Three bedrooms that once belonged to his children have now been re-purposed to make the spaces within the apartment seem larger. The original space was 'beautiful, but not me' Ralph Lauren explained, 'I'm too casual to live in a stuffy apartment'. Complete with original herringbone floors stained medium brown, accompanied by predominantly white furniture and fittings, the space feels minimal and clean - which is surprising given the level of detailing we've observed in his recent collections from Ralph Lauren Home. Art plays a big part in the apartment, however, Lauren asserts that he's not about status paintings, 'they have to be important to me or Ricky' [his wife]. Unique elements include an authentic Star Wars figure that stands in the entrance hall, a batman painting completed by his nephew and two telescopes, that if he had the time, would enable him to look at the stars. Many of the accessories within the home are from his own Ralph Lauren Home collection.

To see more images visit Elle Decor here.

The Ralph Lauren Home collection is available locally here.

It's rare to be able to observe the power and detail of opera theatres with not a soul in sight. Thankfully, photographer David Leventi has traveled the world to do just that. He's able to capture the emotion of these spaces in such a way that you can envisage the many lives each has had. Absolutely breathtaking.

New York based lighting designer Lindsey Adelman's 13-globe Branching Bubble light is finished in 24 karat brushed gold. Adding a subtle - yet completely complimentary glamorous touch.

French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier is best known for his nautical themed fashion, short man skirts and Madonna's cone bra. So what then would you expect from the fantastical designer for the home? His new furniture collection for Roche Bobois shows a somewhat more subdued side to the Parisian designer. While there is still the presence of his favourite blue and white stripes, there's also a uniquely glamorous side to the collection that will no doubt afford it 'must-have' status amongst his cult followers.