Afternoon to one and all! It would appear that the pretty autumn sunshine has disappeared in favour of the quintessential English gloom we know and loathe. But fear not, good citizens, because although I have failed miserably in my aim to get the news blog up earlier, the mydeco team have managed to find some real gems for design lovers today.  Don’t say we never give you anything…

my deco’s pick of the top three news stories:

1.Design Milk: Facebook’s Offices in California by Studio O+A

Image credit: Design Milk

The average office usually comprises of three standard elements: fluorescent lighting, swivel chairs and a micro-kitchen. These do feature in the new Facebook HQ, but seemingly as token references to the traditional workplace in what is essentially a modern utopia. Gourmet meals are provided for employees at all hours, desks are largely shunned in favour of ‘impromptu work spaces’ (comfy sofas and chairs), and when the stress all gets too much, the ever-trendy Facebook crew can unwind in the DJ area. Still, we got a new water cooler in the office last week…

2.dornob: Small Remodel, Big Ideas: Tiny Townhouse into Cool Condo

Image credit: dornob

I usually consider remodelling classic into contemporary akin to putting ketchup on steak: ruining a good thing. However, so stark is the contrast between the intricacies on the exterior of this townhouse with the stark minimalism of the interior that I am almost convinced. On the surface it’s quaint, picturesque; open the door and it’s like falling down the rabbit-hole into a completely different world. Inspired contemporary design solutions make the most out of awkward narrow spaces, but my favourite feature has to be the spectacular courtyard.

3.Cool Hunter: Architizer

Image credit: Cool Hunter

Launched today, Architzer combines the informality of social networking with opportunism. Essentially a website to unite architects across the globe, it gives those in the business the chance to advertise their work to potential employees, and those merely interested in the business (like me) the chance to have a good old nosy at some incredible design projects, both complete and incomplete. The map selector tool will also be particularly useful to any travellers interested in checking out some architecture that won’t be found in a guide book.

The best of the rest:

Daily Mail: Ossie Ardiles’ Marbella dream home goes on the transfer market

Daily Mail: Graham Norton’s Cape retreat is so sold

Daily Mail: It’s women who decide when to move home

The Times: Architects: Catch a rising star

The Telegraph: Word on the street: Rent the Killers’ party house

The Telegraph: Let out a spare room and let the money roll in

The Telegraph: Property in London’s suburbs: welcome to Superbia

The Telegraph: No odd jobs for Tom Parker Bowles

The Guardian: My Space: Neisha Crosland, textile designer

The Guardian: Orchids all around

That’s all for today folks, hope you enjoyed your daily fix! Do come again tomorrow.