ITCH, an architectural studio based in Milan and Lugano, has renovated four apartments in a building in Milan. The block itself may be conventional but the interior decor of the apartments is distinctly contemporary.

Once, the grand cities of Europe were filled with handsome hôtels particuliers, built as much for impressing guests as for living in. The CR apartment in Lisbon has been transformed into a family home by Vitor Almeida at ESQVTA architects.

Connecticut-based artist Fabian Oefner is preoccupied with the boundary between space, time and reality. He is also in possession of a very sharp cutting device, which he uses to slice everyday objects into bits and pieces. 

The brief for the architects at RM\Architecture is to capture the essence of Brazilian style in a 115 square metre apartment in Rome, a challenge the team pulled off with the grace of a capoeira master.

The designers at Bangkok-based Onion take inspiration from the mature tropical trees on the site of SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort's sister property to create a tranquil oasis a world away from the hustle and bustle of the beach.

Japanese zen style goes far beyond minimalist white spaces. It is about thoughtful spaces which encourage the contemplation of light, colours, textures and shapes - the building blocks of nature and beauty. The Shutter House in Perth is a great example.

There was a time when the use of marble was largely restricted to floors, posh kitchen counters and grave statutes. And then, at some point around the mid-noughties, marble was everywhere. Could the same be happening to terrazzo?

Curves - they are organic, playful, comforting and sensual - what's not to like? The architects at Toronto-based Partisans certainly agree, and they are masters at applying curves in their projects.

Minimalism is about much more than empty spaces. It is the artful use of light, colour and objects to define spaces, creating an atmosphere that is warm and contemplative. The BU1H house, designed by Igor Sirotov Architects, is a great example.

American artist-designer John Eric Byers cites, amongst others, Donald Judd and Richard Serra as sources of his inspiration. The influence of these American masters of minimalism are clear to see from the furniture he has created.