When the internet arrived, and in turn social media platforms, these tangible sources of inspiration were replaced by digital versions, thanks to the likes of Instagram, Pinterest, and home renovation and design website, Houzz.

Houzz is a treasure trove of aspirational images, as well as a resource for design and building professionals. The online platform recently announced its community's picks in the Best of Houzz for 2021.

The annual people's choice award from the Houzz community highlights home renovation and design professionals with the most popular designs and top ratings on a global scale, including Australia.

Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design awards recognise professionals whose work was the most popular within the Houzz community, Customer Service honours are based on several factors, including client reviews for projects completed in 2020, while Photography badges are awarded to architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular.

It recognises just three per cent of the more than 2.5 million active home professionals on the Houzz platform and therefore could be regarded as a pretty clear snapshot of what our dream homes look like in 2021.

"The Best Of Houzz awards are an emblem of trust and credibility for home professionals across Australia and around the world, and we are excited to celebrate this year's winners," said Tony Been, managing director of Houzz in Australia and New Zealand.

This year's Australian winners includes a raft of stunning offerings from regional areas. There's the Toronto House in Maitland, with its living room lake views, a couple of sunny decks in Woolongong, a picturesque patio on the Central Coast and some beautiful bathrooms in Canberra's Queanbeyan.

To swoon over the entire list, visit houzz.com.au/best-of-houzz-2021.