I'm sure many of you have already seen the home of designer Michelle Smith (of the fashion label Milly) blogged about on countless blogs as well as the October 2007 cover of Elle Decor. However, I just recently discovered her space and became absolutely smitten with the entire apartment. I love all of the choices she has made and would not change a thing...literally, not - one - thing. These photos will definitely go into my inspiration folder as this is the exact feel and look I want my apartment to have. I love the way she has mixed bold patterns, punches of colour, gold (my fave!), eclectic pieces and modern pieces to create a home that is totally chic but also totally liveable. That's how I judge really good design/designers/interiors - does the home look liveable? Usually, I see beautiful homes but it looks like a museum. I could not picture anyone living there - can't imagine getting home and kicking your feet up on the couch and just...relaxing. But this space - perfection! In her interview she said "I knew it was the perfect apartment when I realized the Christian Louboutin shop was right across the street." How much do you love that??

"We wanted the overall mood to be a young, sexy feeling," Smith says. "Like moving into Grandma's apartment and making it modern and whimsical, but still classic." Take away tip #1: stick with a neutral colour sofa (everyone has heard this already right?) that way you can add pops of colour with simple cushions. Take away tip #2: add at least one 'hold-your-breath WOW factor to the room' in this case the stunning 50s brass-and-crystal chandelier (that looks like a giant dandelion - love it!) AND the large portrait of a nun over the sofa do just that (btw - is it just me or does the nun look like Jessica Biel???). Vintage chairs in zebra striped silk, vintage mirror and 19th century Chinese cabinet add a touch of unexpected and a dash of exotic to the living room. Take away tip #3: zebra print (though pretty trendy right now) is always a sure fire way to add a touch of chic and the unexpected - but zebra print in a colour other than black & white, in this case yellow, is REALLY unexpected and totally hip. The graphic black and beige (with gold highlights!) David Hicks wallpaper adds major punch to the entrance hall. Take away tip #4: go bold in a small space! Perhaps, if I have my apartment has an entrance hall, I too will add a really graphic wallpaper - a thought I've had but am even more sold on now. Golden floral wallpaper (did I mention I love how she's used gold in her apartment!), art-deco table, mid-century chandelier and 1940's chairs take the tiny dining room from so-so to wow. Take away tip #5: in a small space, with not a lot of architectural details (did you notice there weren't any windows) go for the wow factor! If you're brave enough...why be small and timid when you can be small and f-i-e-r-c-e?!?! "Sensual and playful" is how the rooms are described by Smith. Note the curves on the mohair bed. Take away tip #6: quietly suggest moods/feelings with shapes and lines. The curved headboard and mirrored bedside table whisper, not shout, feminine and sensual. Less obvious than a bedroom decked out in florals but just as effective - if not more so I think. Pretty simple and straight-forward the bathroom is timeless and chic. Take away tip #7 when in doubt black & white is always right. I love the pop of hot pink and the wicker basket totally adds warmth to the space (plus storage!)

The common thread? "A little unexpected flourish or sparkle," says Smith. Take away tip #8: a little bling never hurts :) I find gold metals warm up a space and add a sense of age & history whereas silver is a bit more cold and 'modern/future-esque'.

Kudos to her designer, Shaun Jackson, who did a fantastic job. (I've tried to find a website for Shaun Jackson but can't...if anyone knows it please tell me it! I'm curious to see more of his/her work)

Hope you enjoyed the pictures and picked up some handy tips!