Clean and white, pure and bright

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdw8sgYGNZdbwqYtB9xBmPSEcOM15r2q36pT99MZVWEG9vay4_p427jDkLyiqIgb30t9WXygdvkzXXBgC59Bxq1-vEjdVhe_siA8Qn6k-bm4jK0N_aisHXXvu8NTCs7_FUnSCAPkN2T0/s1600/white+bathroom.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547399885289038514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdw8sgYGNZdbwqYtB9xBmPSEcOM15r2q36pT99MZVWEG9vay4_p427jDkLyiqIgb30t9WXygdvkzXXBgC59Bxq1-vEjdVhe_siA8Qn6k-bm4jK0N_aisHXXvu8NTCs7_FUnSCAPkN2T0/s400/white+bathroom.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> As I've said before, there is nothing as satisfying as a white bathroom. This example by <a href="http://www.wisemangroup.com/wisemangroup.html">Paul Vincent Wiseman </a>from the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/House-Beautiful-Color-Sally-Clark/dp/1588160122/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1291605016&sr=1-6"><em>House Beautiful Color</em> </a>fits the bill nicely. I especially love the use of frosted glass at the window (instead of fussy curtains) and echoing these with mirror around the tub makes for a great enclosure.<em><br /></em><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOErgVWIwQJKiD_i5AGk7Xpqivefx2k83AM7YdtccqQ-XaadsH2hNvU2UjnjfFkR2WSELN6b1EDO5KSz-htyQKYM-2gJ-7D8jbo8QvKlins9Inv8zTMgyLTL6czPEEOEcEagrBAfXQWjY/s1600/sconces.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547399880676355986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOErgVWIwQJKiD_i5AGk7Xpqivefx2k83AM7YdtccqQ-XaadsH2hNvU2UjnjfFkR2WSELN6b1EDO5KSz-htyQKYM-2gJ-7D8jbo8QvKlins9Inv8zTMgyLTL6czPEEOEcEagrBAfXQWjY/s400/sconces.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> White doesn't date; this photos spread is 20 years old but, in my opinion, is timeless. You can't miss with the classics!</div><div>Photographs by <a href="http://www.site.johnvaughan-photography.com/Home.html">John Vaughan</a></div>

Clean and white, pure and bright

As I've said before, there is nothing as satisfying as a white bathroom. This example by Paul Vincent Wiseman from the book House Beaut...

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Remembering La Ronda

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDP1nMs8GWLEV9vJd6fauusYWUG0fl-WQdkYMOfgt8PATMqY_nRjlpgi_GUS8bg6r_IseaPltj2Uh-TJxQ59-ZLj5En43U28-XHHulZat965Xn7iCYwFtrL_DIVDguyq4BmpJ_Cz6iRlk/s1600/La+Ronda.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514744646249218802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDP1nMs8GWLEV9vJd6fauusYWUG0fl-WQdkYMOfgt8PATMqY_nRjlpgi_GUS8bg6r_IseaPltj2Uh-TJxQ59-ZLj5En43U28-XHHulZat965Xn7iCYwFtrL_DIVDguyq4BmpJ_Cz6iRlk/s400/La+Ronda.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 262px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>Hard to believe, but it's been nearly a year since <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2009/10/rip-la-ronda.html">La Ronda</a>, the Mizner designed Mansion outside of Philadelphia, met with the wrecking ball. The day it was torn down proved that although the historic preservation movement has come so far in the past 20 years, we still have a long way to go. Obviously a lot of people in this country still don't value the importance of our heritage.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKak1SulkF6ByQ8hBbyRAQtlU12gsUjKUD6LztOH4sEXo9f1ve2brXFs_HYM9FQjc9kX0a2RPGmBWNL-c1tTjkbiQ9XHgQMKPaxTGRI4Qw8fRuUNrq9VLXRtLCXCXiUESFtgmCv5kKzjU/s1600/bedroom.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514744643000321778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKak1SulkF6ByQ8hBbyRAQtlU12gsUjKUD6LztOH4sEXo9f1ve2brXFs_HYM9FQjc9kX0a2RPGmBWNL-c1tTjkbiQ9XHgQMKPaxTGRI4Qw8fRuUNrq9VLXRtLCXCXiUESFtgmCv5kKzjU/s400/bedroom.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 325px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>The great start of historic preservation in the US may have been the destruction of Penn Station in 1963, which even Jackie Kennedy couldn't save. Many organizations (and bloggers!) brought much needed attention to the fate of La Ronda but it was sadly too late. However, the bright spot is that it again brought our architectural heritage into the media spotlight and I hope none of us loose this passion we had for this place. As <em>La Ronda</em> had fallen into obscurity, hopefully other great works will come to light before it is too late.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zuGQ4T2R558lazN7Xp5EYlmVEm64eFayGjxkhDB6Ua_GvRVgz2VG3kKy40K6yEC_g0dYKsLtOsfr5I8dhKDPmstBM6WuR6UiyblAn_hX5jbuuuAK4z79SSM9Pj_WgItEEvoiuIS-bIk/s1600/grand+hall.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514744619540842002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zuGQ4T2R558lazN7Xp5EYlmVEm64eFayGjxkhDB6Ua_GvRVgz2VG3kKy40K6yEC_g0dYKsLtOsfr5I8dhKDPmstBM6WuR6UiyblAn_hX5jbuuuAK4z79SSM9Pj_WgItEEvoiuIS-bIk/s400/grand+hall.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 235px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> A great article summing up the whole debacle is in the October 2010 issue of <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/">Architectural Digest</a>, written by Jay Pridmore with fantastic photographs by <a href="http://www.archinect.com/links/detail.php?id=353_0_26_0_M49">Craig Kuhner</a>. Hopefully this fantastic issue (the best I've seen in years) heralds the direction of the magazine under its' new editor. I'll leave you with the strong closing statement from the article, a quote from Lori Salganikoff:</div><div><em>"People have to think past their personal ownership of resources because there are some things that ought to outlive them"</em></div><div>Ditto, Lori.</div></div>

Remembering La Ronda

Hard to believe, but it's been nearly a year since La Ronda , the Mizner designed Mansion outside of Philadelphia, met with the wrecking...

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House & Garden

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0HbvR2_K2anJX6p_JZ3-D5NzkkoYLuc41bB9WessRUg9tPmPoa0sHVa18PCUsulcQCZw3ruOXOO9NReQK8c0Mn6WZV-t7WGBps2aZT_J9_IOLBiTMLe3GghCGNQ5AW9aOISeuBEEKMY/s1600/saloon.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509053258724868370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0HbvR2_K2anJX6p_JZ3-D5NzkkoYLuc41bB9WessRUg9tPmPoa0sHVa18PCUsulcQCZw3ruOXOO9NReQK8c0Mn6WZV-t7WGBps2aZT_J9_IOLBiTMLe3GghCGNQ5AW9aOISeuBEEKMY/s400/saloon.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I know many of us still mourn the loss of many of our state-side magazines, but don't forget that there are some great foreign magazines out there! While at the beach I had picked up a copy of the British July 2010 <a href="http://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/">House & Garden</a> which always is pretty fantastic. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509053253947623730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvef2mhDu_tBkTWQHci0YJr4rhbw25ckgxRSoskHr6v443CXlGJEuRCsKgJzAQSXxhFmxCtxNZ5W5GkQ7uKQUPFPrILiO1HhhbBsFSEuDt79dWOEdR7egKP9kIwbSGP2vBag-N0gEenI/s400/irish+mansion.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />In this issue was the much talked about restored ancestral home of John Coote, Bellamont Forest, which he had put on the market (seen in these top 3 photographs). I especially love the main saloon seen in the top image -who knew I could like pink! I especially am into that ceiling and those yummy white slipcovered armchairs.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVDpIlB08btp4hpOeEC-imzoAS2CUYjJ1dFekNdARm1i43p7LC5iAnb0_yk-zKG9uwmJJFbAEuDXBw1WV-XDMNQThHQcl3UuoynXfUVwMmAGO69Rhv9BxXYYsdco54WaqBj6K29Fs-34/s1600/hallway.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509052965253539138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVDpIlB08btp4hpOeEC-imzoAS2CUYjJ1dFekNdARm1i43p7LC5iAnb0_yk-zKG9uwmJJFbAEuDXBw1WV-XDMNQThHQcl3UuoynXfUVwMmAGO69Rhv9BxXYYsdco54WaqBj6K29Fs-34/s400/hallway.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 283px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The front hall is only made better by the addition of the pooch :-) The article proclaims it as 'Ireland's most perfect Palladian villa' and I just may have to agree! <em>Photographs by </em><a href="http://www.lukewhite.com/"><em>Luke White</em></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6YkG5uBOPJ5Fw4lFMn_OgABzwyD1IZHuC2jZDbMjCUK0JtVn_mucimQO2JnJCBm5Qmf83grVB7nSSd1lCMvAqAD58OET00-1SGS9_vQIN1mamZN1tX6lJHec9RXMM1xI3K4oeIMWVWU/s1600/french+manor+house.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509052959174710402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6YkG5uBOPJ5Fw4lFMn_OgABzwyD1IZHuC2jZDbMjCUK0JtVn_mucimQO2JnJCBm5Qmf83grVB7nSSd1lCMvAqAD58OET00-1SGS9_vQIN1mamZN1tX6lJHec9RXMM1xI3K4oeIMWVWU/s400/french+manor+house.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 365px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> If Bellamont Forest is the most perfect villa in Ireland, then a house recently restored by Russell Page in Normandy may just hold that distinction in France! <em>Photographs by </em><a href="http://www.fritzvonderschulenburg.com/"><em>Fritz von der Schulenburg<br /></em></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPz5414XzDTr9jb1_olqOLzFP1nJ1f653PbP9RJPKy0JfM-ZivNfs6JE8klu6hcYg5t72FwyZCPPyFMqqUwG4wBkwlfBC33uezGjBDiUdxdI-wUn-hebEpc5lcm-BS5T41mlureDy7BcA/s1600/library+dining+room.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509052951859704642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPz5414XzDTr9jb1_olqOLzFP1nJ1f653PbP9RJPKy0JfM-ZivNfs6JE8klu6hcYg5t72FwyZCPPyFMqqUwG4wBkwlfBC33uezGjBDiUdxdI-wUn-hebEpc5lcm-BS5T41mlureDy7BcA/s400/library+dining+room.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 398px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The library / dining room is probably my most favorite room I've seen in a few years in any magazine. I could live in that room and never want to leave!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMwbUNMVVREXZ8d-e5Lq8S6K0OWOmCD0zJumWILatVjtdkp1iuHMffrmDGr37udMYawafT-kmVE-16LGobHIYafCOrmpdjKZaC89W3se2bOHMG2PzTpsdSbej501ROEHigemHyIzd9rY/s1600/mirror+detail.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509052940306734162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMwbUNMVVREXZ8d-e5Lq8S6K0OWOmCD0zJumWILatVjtdkp1iuHMffrmDGr37udMYawafT-kmVE-16LGobHIYafCOrmpdjKZaC89W3se2bOHMG2PzTpsdSbej501ROEHigemHyIzd9rY/s400/mirror+detail.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 371px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I was also intrigued by an article about antique glass and different uses for it in interiors. I'm not generally a fan of any chintz or overly floral fabrics, but I loved the notion of putting it behind VERY antiqued glass for a ghostly appearance as seen in these bottom 2 beautiful photographs by <a href="http://www.adrianbriscoe.com/">Adrian Briscoe</a>.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhk46Db2jyfU5uBk4ogCXPCgxBubFZGaOAS0AFDKZ8l_PZEom1Cgpff_ICIeUZy0wscjJKKNsoov6Y26g01jiCz0UZ3I3yayikmWPhjkc2yDd9NC7dAuWSEtrLjuoJMEF32-eLi_Rq80/s1600/antique+mirror.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509052936730443602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhk46Db2jyfU5uBk4ogCXPCgxBubFZGaOAS0AFDKZ8l_PZEom1Cgpff_ICIeUZy0wscjJKKNsoov6Y26g01jiCz0UZ3I3yayikmWPhjkc2yDd9NC7dAuWSEtrLjuoJMEF32-eLi_Rq80/s400/antique+mirror.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I especially like this idea in a bathroom, as in the image above -just windex your bathroom clean! What do you think of this technique, I know it's somewhat unusual. Has anyone done this before themselves?</div></div></div></div></div></div>

House & Garden

I know many of us still mourn the loss of many of our state-side magazines, but don't forget that there are some great foreign magazine...

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SPACES Kansas City

<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8fijNytUt7SbIqJ2ejebxsEKBSLf2KobUUgzH8TaOy4UYEpFAJbI759015-4dSplsAM98UvmH6UdEX34cAj1Ac9VLWj2vnjSS3fNU0lqB_Hb5bSs88tsQZlOWAhBcgiH1jJ6X3kephby/s1600/magazine+cover.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483197403553482354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8fijNytUt7SbIqJ2ejebxsEKBSLf2KobUUgzH8TaOy4UYEpFAJbI759015-4dSplsAM98UvmH6UdEX34cAj1Ac9VLWj2vnjSS3fNU0lqB_Hb5bSs88tsQZlOWAhBcgiH1jJ6X3kephby/s400/magazine+cover.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Many thanks to David Jimenez for including me in his article on color stories in the June/July 2010 issue of <a href="http://spaceskc.com/">Spaces Kansas City </a>Magazine. Not only is David a talented designer (see his beautiful portfolio <a href="http://www.djimenez.com/">here</a>), he is a VP at Hallmark Cards, Inc and in his spare time writes for a magazine; Wow, now I feel lazy!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483198306248579090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAI4a3SuDvK6QyH65M7R-_xIeeoYYr0WH8FMqiBgofco5WzhxXrJu0vla0Waa_Db87oaZUiixKkI72nQ2HKcKNKvZoXV8edwLCMHY-n321WIflbw16UjRKROr4ZQQYSianbvNbwSvxSwJq/s400/Page+1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 209px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The article is really useful for anyone who is thinking about painting a room with tips from practical application to color options. In the 2nd half of the article, he asks some bloggers we all know and love for their opinions (cleverly typed out in the very colors we recommend!).<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483198297459817010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljVlSlJu-695QRCfqG_qxsLwNm7e4XB5ZNdpMDDul6kS20Me4HuDyuLHed6BuPTqDnF1KdOhyphenhyphenUSecudNPQIv_ozuIaZxyGGg97bFCr0z3UpYbMmjFfdAqgG76Cqovy8eeuUC3ShH75pWY/s400/Page+2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 371px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I recommended the use of a lovely warm French gray.</div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>"A paint color I have used in three separate projects now (including my last apartment) and really love is the absolute perfect French gray color: </em></span><a href="http://www.myperfectcolor.com/Match-of-Glidden-20YY43-083-Scroll-Beige-p/mpc0098248.htm"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Scroll Beige by Glidden</em></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>. It's color that changes throughout the day but remains crisp and architectural - the perfect neutral. Pair it with white moldings and you have an amazing space."</em></span></div><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em> </div><div>Many thanks to David and SPACES for including me!</div></div>

SPACES Kansas City

Many thanks to David Jimenez for including me in his article on color stories in the June/July 2010 issue of Spaces Kansas City Magazine. N...

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Glass hood

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRL2S81KACQnZ4-fZn7ZnTJkBRnpUUPh_JNMJaYNKt91JZEvuseWjFzHvMx9gkJxAMYMN-NeN_3zX5jre-Jp_Dbhov7Zr9XfXNMKfSv1YXa3Pwf9hF_SjtDKuQBuVZ2tmS0z43hIjMfkxe/s1600/hood+vent.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471508297725340770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRL2S81KACQnZ4-fZn7ZnTJkBRnpUUPh_JNMJaYNKt91JZEvuseWjFzHvMx9gkJxAMYMN-NeN_3zX5jre-Jp_Dbhov7Zr9XfXNMKfSv1YXa3Pwf9hF_SjtDKuQBuVZ2tmS0z43hIjMfkxe/s400/hood+vent.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Did you notice this glass hood from the May 2010 issue of the <a href="http://www.worldofinteriors.co.uk/">World of Interiors</a>? Obviously architect designed (why ARE we architects obsessed with straight lines?), Lina Bo Bardi created the hood for her kitchen in Sao Paulo, Brazil, <em>The Glass House</em>. While not sure it's the MOST practical, I really love it. Just keep a supply of windex handy! What do you think? Could you do the glass box hood in your kitchen?<br /><em>Photograph by </em><a href="http://www.matthieusalvaing.com/"><em>Matthieu Salvaing</em></a>

Glass hood

Did you notice this glass hood from the May 2010 issue of the World of Interiors ? Obviously architect designed (why ARE we architects obses...

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The real Brideshead

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUpbhvsl-eDp3xebFhNLx4nxPi0riPUgsIGN-2kSM_eHyrq-5aERbK451JDl6p4H3YXa2RmOYELm-4o8V8C429_MjD1hsidfb3rk-bOS3R9aZzAioD4GZFKFGLDAsiD7xSRY0WaKyotld/s1600-h/madresfield+court.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449619582489144578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUpbhvsl-eDp3xebFhNLx4nxPi0riPUgsIGN-2kSM_eHyrq-5aERbK451JDl6p4H3YXa2RmOYELm-4o8V8C429_MjD1hsidfb3rk-bOS3R9aZzAioD4GZFKFGLDAsiD7xSRY0WaKyotld/s400/madresfield+court.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Have you read this month's <a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/">Vanity Fair</a> (they have a great website btw!)? Featured is a book called <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mad-World-Evelyn-Secrets-Brideshead/dp/0060881305/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268839280&sr=8-1">'Mad World: Evelyn Waugh and the Secrets of Brideshead'</a></em> by Paula Byrne and I can't wait to read it. As most of us know, Brideshead Revisited was highly autobiographical for Waugh and this book digs into the details. I can't wait to read it! <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449626973819980210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNFw3qQK3BlYlK-Hrb49tjSHK1QN7EeMpXELmwKra7P9IJ6wzo7kqEbTZt3wyvFY3QF2_pUZAxs2S46VdaEC2-1z2xKDRuM3lzz37SddC8c1VDKdhx8AzWrvyEZt7ymR1yBFNzuMws5qF/s400/Evelyn+Waugh.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigXnTQJbPeyoG-xnmPPuqli7rK-XWWOq37H0CH3F9CVBQGoDDPUHziy-qqbPXFwKzkgyWC1NeO3tNxb3nApVw6BKw0mQX6HlMlBltlEZdBh11bNlPyu5jcwkRSkqg23xUsUnypLr9wQOY/s1600-h/Evelyn+Waugh.jpg"></a>I had to include this photo of Waugh from his wedding to Laura Herbert as it was so charming. How elegant is Laura - so wispily pretty and that dress is very modern!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJ2fAfmzMOK9RCwhKQylpy1XQRu6tV9_hzp7j8VVCismi3g2UD3tWK8lQcPJsI9HUGVXxBks74hrnTc8KOGcd6qgKf79DdqikGEKeDP9vDw59izBgMcODURrzluiyTSxyGUOFBBS4T1ak/s1600-h/staircase+hall.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449619556911764610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJ2fAfmzMOK9RCwhKQylpy1XQRu6tV9_hzp7j8VVCismi3g2UD3tWK8lQcPJsI9HUGVXxBks74hrnTc8KOGcd6qgKf79DdqikGEKeDP9vDw59izBgMcODURrzluiyTSxyGUOFBBS4T1ak/s400/staircase+hall.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 351px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> You may recognize Madresfield Court, the<em> real</em> Brideshead, at the top of this post as well as the stairhall above, as it has been used in numerous masterpiece theater mystery episodes. I love this room! Cozy yet grand, mixing the best of the antique with the new -photographs and portraits, electric light and fireplace. During World War II, the house was planned as a place of evacuation for the Royal family.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449621642204342722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMYguU6AcS5QtDO6fy57x08MrhrcKf6BY1SFWno4UYdaGaT46LljWDFk1is0WTaGh0PMhYHQGOKGzf_JeAgg1b7nAE3h4lNkMgX8p8RuwkZmXp8Rlo1PcRhE8h3K5CfXbLziPxI5P43Ea/s400/Hugh+Lygon.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Here is Hugh Lygon, the '<em>real</em>' Sebastian -quite dashing in his double breasted suit and slicked back hair- but not quite as handsome perhaps as Anthony Andrews who played the part in Brideshead revisited from 1981.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449626411547328722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJx19AgWOz9KDz7sn_swPL_eYKg0HXztsCUvHxvmof7oVhEel3cw_GqmmvfcHM1NKDvFyqz-EmYFNBfZfiPGKGkeWzxLLjwF1NlHRJ7S8aepnMvpznVfztsPTvLZgaV9QZDPpjLf5k776/s400/lord+beauchamp.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 356px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Above is Lord Beauchamp, the inspiration for Lord Marchmain, who was in exile from England like in the book, but for much more scandalous reasons! The real story behind this family was even more extraordinary than depicted by Waugh in Brideshead, hopefully this new book is a good read. I'll let you know! <div><br /><div>See great 3-d tours of Madresfield <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/features/360/worcester/madresfield_index.shtml">HERE</a></div><br /><div>All images from Vanity Fair</div></div></div></div>

The real Brideshead

Have you read this month's Vanity Fair (they have a great website btw!)? Featured is a book called 'Mad World: Evelyn Waugh and th...

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Color of the moment

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkMgdqXX8rOMOkk3P-QyRB0-lwwfMAsxG3GsCRTNIpjj24km_4mof4WwEJ7ymXwVv1VzMG7tolyYL3EGIqbcapVjDrukjAFKnQotLRUaTSbiexPbugO5EziiRTtkPq__b0n-d1jAhbnG0/s1600-h/ELLEDECOR-AprilCover.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446388188543731746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkMgdqXX8rOMOkk3P-QyRB0-lwwfMAsxG3GsCRTNIpjj24km_4mof4WwEJ7ymXwVv1VzMG7tolyYL3EGIqbcapVjDrukjAFKnQotLRUaTSbiexPbugO5EziiRTtkPq__b0n-d1jAhbnG0/s400/ELLEDECOR-AprilCover.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 331px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> It seems everyone is talking about the April issue of <a href="http://www.pointclickhome.com/elle_decor">Elle Decor</a> in the blogosphere, which will hit newstands next week, <em>the travel issue</em>. However, I'm mostly interested in seeing the stylish Paris apartment of <a href="http://www.gagnere.net/">Olivier Gagnere</a>......well, that and 12 things Nate Berkus can’t live without, my favorite monthly column! I'm sure Nate will have fascinating finds to share with us.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCi2WwKmbJINThuB-r28YYpe6Hcn4Wyj6N6y_IC2shwBKulMxg5HiouqG4OPPxRQ2GM5wVLAE13C62E687HBkDb7YwPslh6qXBUcMXn5beiOdee9ixEtssSGJHrO3oR-6hJl4pwtprivrH/s1600-h/purple+chair.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446388175969122914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCi2WwKmbJINThuB-r28YYpe6Hcn4Wyj6N6y_IC2shwBKulMxg5HiouqG4OPPxRQ2GM5wVLAE13C62E687HBkDb7YwPslh6qXBUcMXn5beiOdee9ixEtssSGJHrO3oR-6hJl4pwtprivrH/s400/purple+chair.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 273px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Purple seems to be everywhere this year. I tend to scoff at trends and have not been on board with purple until I saw this photo. I love this chair with velvet upholstery paired with accents of red and black against a gray background; this is a trend I can get on board with! I'm thinking a purple accent pillow for my couch in my gray apartment with black accents. Start small, baby steps, and maybe someday I'll be trendy!</div><div>Cover photo for Elle Decor by <a href="http://www.simonupton.com/main.html">Simon Upton</a></div>

Color of the moment

It seems everyone is talking about the April issue of Elle Decor in the blogosphere, which will hit newstands next week, the travel issue ...

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Beauty from nature

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid03OK08lHieqX2FNyILXx-Ul27vuoAtncIJxiSUjUmc-vyRg5GWpHERO3WlGxoO3eAaX1axHifFQQcVAupOpHeXg3bMSTDlg-v_ntn9sz0SU8JkSiq-mw6AphEwtbzQ0qbXpo3netRhoQ/s1600-h/stair.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444610156825638882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid03OK08lHieqX2FNyILXx-Ul27vuoAtncIJxiSUjUmc-vyRg5GWpHERO3WlGxoO3eAaX1axHifFQQcVAupOpHeXg3bMSTDlg-v_ntn9sz0SU8JkSiq-mw6AphEwtbzQ0qbXpo3netRhoQ/s400/stair.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 393px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The January 2010 issue of the <a href="http://www.worldofinteriors.co.uk/">World of Interiors</a> featured a stair that I just couldn't get out of my head; it looked so familiar. The Copenhagen police headquarters is a masterpiece of modern Neoclassicism from the 1920s that contains this gem.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlv3J8i_77zp_-qM3esy6VfN3cG0MHETTyjHKOL1uuULBzPdIFCMvzNS9azpK3RctoV232-R76Otg6EiA-aDTGLGe3wbVB5bsFS8nEUe-08ttPo71xPoPyhlqtH0taz2RWZR09pmB200C3/s1600-h/dome.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444610149154693474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlv3J8i_77zp_-qM3esy6VfN3cG0MHETTyjHKOL1uuULBzPdIFCMvzNS9azpK3RctoV232-R76Otg6EiA-aDTGLGe3wbVB5bsFS8nEUe-08ttPo71xPoPyhlqtH0taz2RWZR09pmB200C3/s400/dome.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 396px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> This image looking up towards the skylight finally reminded me of where I had seen this before. Nature! <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444612208565010914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvoH8PWtv0sXn6eYSVIQGUDJQvfgYERzHW4ZIPRtFlaysK7RKv9P4VEgr4-vZG1iS_et3i5E2SYBzaRhQudx6IkB_OdxjISkCVah9jhNDTShdoQV1Sbe42vAUEXcks9KsXNDciZHpxqlZ/s400/conch.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div>The spiral stairs perfectly mimic the shape of a chambered nautilus shell. Does this prove that most beauty is derived from nature? Perhaps not, but it sure is an arguement for the statement!</div><div><em>Photographs from WOI, January 2010 by </em><a href="http://www.phizphotography.co.uk/photos.htm"><em>James Mortimer</em></a></div></div>

Beauty from nature

The January 2010 issue of the World of Interiors featured a stair that I just couldn't get out of my head; it looked so familiar. The C...

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Oscars Greenroom

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5r5m-5xu612Ckuj4gJGVVFPJY_EFiAzU_MiD69Jto_J83EvDPA_dYrCm-ujJZ79xzx26_UBCdC-7BuDzSVgVeMgkWs1FOCf0x4RuQNO9s77zCnjOyk_ImgXahfaU0z_H9uIsQuVhrq7J/s1600-h/greenroom.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442629055917558322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5r5m-5xu612Ckuj4gJGVVFPJY_EFiAzU_MiD69Jto_J83EvDPA_dYrCm-ujJZ79xzx26_UBCdC-7BuDzSVgVeMgkWs1FOCf0x4RuQNO9s77zCnjOyk_ImgXahfaU0z_H9uIsQuVhrq7J/s400/greenroom.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Are you looking forward to this year's <a href="http://oscar.go.com/">Oscars,</a> anxious to know who will win? Precious, Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock? Well, one person who is winning is <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/">Architectural Digest</a>. Each year they do the greenroom for the presenters to relax in and this year they are outdoing themselves with a room by <a href="http://www.rogerthomascollection.com/bio.php">Roger Thomas</a>. He was inspired by Hollywood movies from the 1930s (an era I love) but there are a lot of items that hit current trends as well, such as the Chinese screen backdrop.<br /><br />The floors will have a polished black base with speckled paint to look like the backlot of a movie studio, or as Thomas says “<em>a contemporary version of those that Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers would glide across in the 1930s</em>.”<br /><br />I can't wait to see the finished product in the magazine. Also of note, the design drawing is by noted illustrator Jeffrey Schneider and is really a piece of art!

Oscars Greenroom

Are you looking forward to this year's Oscars, anxious to know who will win? Precious, Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock? Well, one person ...

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A very Vervoordt stair

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wQOoagPEqaJ09b4c1wRSSENm0Nshkd9wH4y9D-t2WTrjgDzMC3d5VqAwXi3eG39s5Jd0bcZO6QSUSCp2vezEVhBgpdvZPyKheI0wHASnYyx2GfatLOtk0hJv_2wALSMcLTPS0VCilcRC/s1600-h/staircase.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425300905798138594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wQOoagPEqaJ09b4c1wRSSENm0Nshkd9wH4y9D-t2WTrjgDzMC3d5VqAwXi3eG39s5Jd0bcZO6QSUSCp2vezEVhBgpdvZPyKheI0wHASnYyx2GfatLOtk0hJv_2wALSMcLTPS0VCilcRC/s400/staircase.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>In the heart of Antwerp lies a 16th century warehouse which now bears the Vervoordt stamp. Not Axel, but his son Boris.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvxbOt5RU2UTJz8u-SYc0dslQR1cSipxATDkeCcfkCj01VO_-jOSaK3M0GBV3uk5iMw2axo139V2pnK2THeLg3id9xP5vZKhXRmkJ_JLJzjzmg57dtkR3S9Kuo9rp89YQ1NskvKfLNjXU/s1600-h/vervoordt.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425300899686480898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvxbOt5RU2UTJz8u-SYc0dslQR1cSipxATDkeCcfkCj01VO_-jOSaK3M0GBV3uk5iMw2axo139V2pnK2THeLg3id9xP5vZKhXRmkJ_JLJzjzmg57dtkR3S9Kuo9rp89YQ1NskvKfLNjXU/s400/vervoordt.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The former coffee warehouse, from 1577, was one of many in Antwerp owned by the family. In 1995 Boris moved in and slowly took over, floor by floor, turning it into his private home. A feature which most caught my eye, the staircase from a 1970s renovation, is a pre-cast concrete structure with chunky wood treads seen in the top photo and through the dining room above. While I don't think the staircase would meet code here in the US, I would be tempted to try. This is a seriously sexy stair.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7-ANG-sLEOwRtZ2RGEpg7pCAnnOCVkUCyrMmyk90JB3Lm0ju3K46QC9hAlBMn30iYRpa8MQk59GwLPULrqLFkHva3eG9UBo3meqhNl60GzJ8LxSy382Jd47Z8Js_1rHSWeFyP6hCMOLR/s1600-h/fresh+vervoordt.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425300896666612770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7-ANG-sLEOwRtZ2RGEpg7pCAnnOCVkUCyrMmyk90JB3Lm0ju3K46QC9hAlBMn30iYRpa8MQk59GwLPULrqLFkHva3eG9UBo3meqhNl60GzJ8LxSy382Jd47Z8Js_1rHSWeFyP6hCMOLR/s400/fresh+vervoordt.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Boris, while having his own eye, is still very much his father's son: see his living room above. Time worn finishes, oversize sofas, natural linens, rough wood and honed stone: all similar to a space by his father, Axel, but with a new twist. I hope to see much more of Boris in the future and that staircase is just a divine inspiration!</div><div>photographs by <a href="http://www.einsiedel.com/">Andreas Von Einsiedel</a> for British <em>House & Garden</em>, January 2010</div></div>

A very Vervoordt stair

In the heart of Antwerp lies a 16th century warehouse which now bears the Vervoordt stamp. Not Axel, but his son Boris. The former coffee w...

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storage with style

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmq5BlKBmDGyjLE2ikko5FtGdChYaaeyZ1LvILgTPu3NMa9s_n36LLbGMkPUhyOR6OZGTU4tga2GDrVbo2q0L3aEogOR0MujrdH-7ByjUvIZO710rnLk44S2l5uziKm0eLFK5uUbTI_hqh/s1600-h/marie-pierre+morel+-+home+of+safia+bendali.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422289361092492018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmq5BlKBmDGyjLE2ikko5FtGdChYaaeyZ1LvILgTPu3NMa9s_n36LLbGMkPUhyOR6OZGTU4tga2GDrVbo2q0L3aEogOR0MujrdH-7ByjUvIZO710rnLk44S2l5uziKm0eLFK5uUbTI_hqh/s400/marie-pierre+morel+-+home+of+safia+bendali.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I'm loving this image from the kitchen of Safia Bendali, as captured by Marie-Pierre Morel for the Oct. 2009 issue of Elle Decoration. Her collection of beautiful china (i spy wedgwood jasperware!) is elegantly housed alongside of cookbooks in a practical but beautiful storage application. If I could only have shelves like that! The table from Astier de Villatte is unusual and I'm not sure what I feel about it -what do you think? Too bulky or just right? I can't help but think it looks like a flat topped pool table!

storage with style

I'm loving this image from the kitchen of Safia Bendali, as captured by Marie-Pierre Morel for the Oct. 2009 issue of Elle Decoration. ...

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Beachhouse blues

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwepGvFd6fJoAKwzfKOP91ZobH10LL1ioVp9bhIheIzuLU9CECVQozPFnT1zw2fjftRwOOYqTNKnMC75O5jXKUlVcP_MlsucLhH0QBeMYlap2hn8tBNRCd4acQ0FGXknYysuOFiJmavkaf/s1600-h/normandy+house+facade.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422284738972533650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwepGvFd6fJoAKwzfKOP91ZobH10LL1ioVp9bhIheIzuLU9CECVQozPFnT1zw2fjftRwOOYqTNKnMC75O5jXKUlVcP_MlsucLhH0QBeMYlap2hn8tBNRCd4acQ0FGXknYysuOFiJmavkaf/s400/normandy+house+facade.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 371px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> This frigid weather has me thinking of warmer climates and the beach: What about you? In the October 2009 edition of Elle Decoration is a beautiful house on the water in Normandy.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWpzfE-CcDpmCUfAYdV47PPX3OtOrC0XPAKWeTNAsAE8pPGtSXYXqUtYCQyf2JmtaRI_2HJkEwVwsJkg9YeEzyuG8RLqHeB_OJpRP-N7bxeW3JkYyhbpGgCa-vXaBLRXv8wjhhBkK8g2U/s1600-h/terrace.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422284686503589138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWpzfE-CcDpmCUfAYdV47PPX3OtOrC0XPAKWeTNAsAE8pPGtSXYXqUtYCQyf2JmtaRI_2HJkEwVwsJkg9YeEzyuG8RLqHeB_OJpRP-N7bxeW3JkYyhbpGgCa-vXaBLRXv8wjhhBkK8g2U/s400/terrace.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Look at that view from the terrace! Would love to have a glass of iced tea on this terrace and soak up the sun.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHquC8ZwEDNKLEpm_u9YpqtvVN5dsh9J-CQcjYcg9SGmC_F0jCqBGu9n5hIeszS2xz5Arma6knRS33woi23nRYQSXtbyA1TGXU36I8VIeRm8HAN1wEU46-zSu5bApUspgdomhi0pijMeje/s1600-h/window+seat.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422284681965298546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHquC8ZwEDNKLEpm_u9YpqtvVN5dsh9J-CQcjYcg9SGmC_F0jCqBGu9n5hIeszS2xz5Arma6knRS33woi23nRYQSXtbyA1TGXU36I8VIeRm8HAN1wEU46-zSu5bApUspgdomhi0pijMeje/s400/window+seat.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The interiors focus on the magnificent views as well, thanks to the gracious color scheme which does not compete for attention. I think this lends a very relaxed atmosphere. It's not fussy but you know a lot of care and planning went into this decoration.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvc4AaWpcLBkoSKzoMLgLbtTKrOYXpOp2HNEsVw9N4RJ1QIwGy63GuGR_lJttVmwHBrmDOJkDWUNyQXfN_FSLF_Rex3LDHI-LrUpU9LNCr0vJEtXPo5PE2WzX18krDct892NyaBPjrBkT/s1600-h/settee.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422284678017726546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvc4AaWpcLBkoSKzoMLgLbtTKrOYXpOp2HNEsVw9N4RJ1QIwGy63GuGR_lJttVmwHBrmDOJkDWUNyQXfN_FSLF_Rex3LDHI-LrUpU9LNCr0vJEtXPo5PE2WzX18krDct892NyaBPjrBkT/s400/settee.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I especially liked the white washed wood walls found throughout the house. The seagrass carpets help make some of the more formal antiques feel casual. The simple treatment of the interiors throughout adds to the vacation 'aire' of the house.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmLsPOuP7n6svNL0xlODPPeI8ERdlyRrFAFFUuYVTVQYWhX7iBSLm1LtIMK99SxiHc52BGLJNY5Vk3pd49aUDqdFrliCH7w1e9C1_b1ssVY6ah_57PI_yZQi2zKjpy90xw_5IpZzMiMhP/s1600-h/living+room.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422284674764634850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmLsPOuP7n6svNL0xlODPPeI8ERdlyRrFAFFUuYVTVQYWhX7iBSLm1LtIMK99SxiHc52BGLJNY5Vk3pd49aUDqdFrliCH7w1e9C1_b1ssVY6ah_57PI_yZQi2zKjpy90xw_5IpZzMiMhP/s400/living+room.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 291px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The living room has ample seating for a large group of friends. I can imagine sitting around the fireplace on chilly nights with a few bottles of wine. Even the artwork fits into the color scheme which generally I find a little forced, but works in a beach house such as this for me.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHK2CNHvVze1IRTciZBq-QwFUaNe7totbg6pngmLMsbned1G-AYmNjh2AeQE9rIlhH0782RLYAZjaS3noXPgEzP-kuJeKkOZffLLxBYr9HfI0eFm1URROIMAOKc4PbuNKDPr2NlsqshFL/s1600-h/kitchesink.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422284670899243266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHK2CNHvVze1IRTciZBq-QwFUaNe7totbg6pngmLMsbned1G-AYmNjh2AeQE9rIlhH0782RLYAZjaS3noXPgEzP-kuJeKkOZffLLxBYr9HfI0eFm1URROIMAOKc4PbuNKDPr2NlsqshFL/s400/kitchesink.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The kitchen continues the gray and mirrored surfaces. The space looks small and efficient with some interesting storage ideas. I love the all glass cabinets which seperate the cooking area from the breakfast room. Check out the interesting glass ventilation hood.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLv3tq5pMoHXXen3SLIT8NKOJbWhTluiaGWgH293vhaYVR8rit02LNBZ-mPIR9c-oz5-DCXnahXA08y23Ku2nKev3rNgdNeOaotZNPT8fPJv_nIJXsHCM9f9udFZM7uxn9YKiGRbFFm60j/s1600-h/kitchen.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422284522986806802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLv3tq5pMoHXXen3SLIT8NKOJbWhTluiaGWgH293vhaYVR8rit02LNBZ-mPIR9c-oz5-DCXnahXA08y23Ku2nKev3rNgdNeOaotZNPT8fPJv_nIJXsHCM9f9udFZM7uxn9YKiGRbFFm60j/s400/kitchen.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The house seems to have a great flow to it. Very few doors and lots of big windows.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0R2gm6_Wa2Hc5l4pppt98sYI2MITj1IQkSMYLbELHUlx3xxweUyk5JiQJ9W_BmqzvkvhNi7pgrKhqy52Ptnr5puTYAKddL9oadI9GjtXZ8U-zChmJ4GOXHsHLyAo5HgVjBTP4SNnue03j/s1600-h/hallway.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422284519009862098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0R2gm6_Wa2Hc5l4pppt98sYI2MITj1IQkSMYLbELHUlx3xxweUyk5JiQJ9W_BmqzvkvhNi7pgrKhqy52Ptnr5puTYAKddL9oadI9GjtXZ8U-zChmJ4GOXHsHLyAo5HgVjBTP4SNnue03j/s400/hallway.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 281px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The small den looks like a great place to curl up with a book on a rainy day. I think the high placement of the sconces is unusual, but helps to bring the high ceilings down a bit for a less formal feeling.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90rJWT56bMA9OWxSKtmXK76JpisRBPU2WHgkfLn8SfYRa4FXzG_2B9Ok26N2wZvu0wt4BEgUXKIdNKnsBIfljs30wWRAW86vMtg0G-qBvklVQnwnsyVkU0UchZbgKwh3byrrRCRHac0da/s1600-h/den.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422284508441094162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90rJWT56bMA9OWxSKtmXK76JpisRBPU2WHgkfLn8SfYRa4FXzG_2B9Ok26N2wZvu0wt4BEgUXKIdNKnsBIfljs30wWRAW86vMtg0G-qBvklVQnwnsyVkU0UchZbgKwh3byrrRCRHac0da/s400/den.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The master bedroom is an ocean of white and blue which is so inviting!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWyLXC9GHFiPx0ms07_8rgeqpVY7CqejOVCMbVP2EGou_2TlPhcu_5jmJscruObF6b8Qf1kIIn3YYzlob9574k_gqL3Pakwh3_P5Ecmxae2SenOmOzB48n78jIBwpW1LZ0bYA7LKK7i69/s1600-h/bedroom.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422284510815977506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWyLXC9GHFiPx0ms07_8rgeqpVY7CqejOVCMbVP2EGou_2TlPhcu_5jmJscruObF6b8Qf1kIIn3YYzlob9574k_gqL3Pakwh3_P5Ecmxae2SenOmOzB48n78jIBwpW1LZ0bYA7LKK7i69/s400/bedroom.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Even the master bathroom has a cozy nook to curl up onto with the built in bench. A lot of thought was obviously put into how this house is used daily. Quiet private areas as well as more gracious entertaining zones coexist in a grand but informal style without sacrificing the flow of spaces.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGOkqrIbbzWMAmMJtKdnD4LAWBntLHMUrHFPZkJHqIBIp87XaexUyj09nLZcQZC1GMwlefr9f4QrBKbEDffry2qqgJrulfhVVa3hyphenhyphenIaIvRpg0WVmtk_K9eM3icuowwH8tgRVO0uGyCEpz/s1600-h/bathroom.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422284502114354930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGOkqrIbbzWMAmMJtKdnD4LAWBntLHMUrHFPZkJHqIBIp87XaexUyj09nLZcQZC1GMwlefr9f4QrBKbEDffry2qqgJrulfhVVa3hyphenhyphenIaIvRpg0WVmtk_K9eM3icuowwH8tgRVO0uGyCEpz/s400/bathroom.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>I hope this house reminds everyone of warmer days to come!</div><div><em>House of Sophie Seguela as photographed by <a href="http://www.nicolastosi.com/">Nicolas Tosi</a>.</em></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Beachhouse blues

This frigid weather has me thinking of warmer climates and the beach: What about you? In the October 2009 edition of Elle Decoration is a b...

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A modern renovation

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420727187323261650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgkBEjDLwLbZvAkseyCmq9PN89uaWrJ5obVpW2jfuPY6KHdD8Xqa5XkkUj6EHKiZAj2GAM80c2BJjIW3ye71lGPEy0tPM9qcXiOmNDf36ArlmmwQGl1Z12ffNo1_d7ErLE7JFuO9wSBm9/s400/fireplace.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 312px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Featured in the March 2008 issue of Metropolitan Home magazine was an example of a city apartment with great bones which was renovated efficiently and beautifully. The great bones were there, natural light, outdoor space and tall ceilings on a high floor.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420727443496580642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MIT1BqLEBcw7W-cM-NCHcCaIMqWO7QvCdI3hdZPQz33an1tYZBg-BjeBIpPm-vHFa3ZwXayr-Y0fsVaB8KsM093ayD8gwbhznIzG5oOjurxoUe1G-IdMIAXWGLepl_hxGBU33U1PBIiH/s400/floorplan.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><a href="http://poandco.com/">Jeffrey Povero</a>, an architect in NYC, renovated the space for himself and his partner in a 1914 hospital buiding which had been converted to apartments in the 80s. The space was a bland box when he found it, but he saw promise in the 11 foot ceilings and views of the brooklyn bridge. I'm sure the huge terrace and three exposures didn't hurt either!<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg697LucI4XQh2Vj54Cdok2uRQYJATiDOAUhnnacCh2WMAKBMctyldHP7adYYrnFS7D2x6KnBlElSZ5lvfE0wzowb-e9q6mu8Ud7l9NqmEg75jToOsdrKyVTHgzHd1_0PsVMHKYhoXohWCr/s1600-h/living+room.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420727425105629282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg697LucI4XQh2Vj54Cdok2uRQYJATiDOAUhnnacCh2WMAKBMctyldHP7adYYrnFS7D2x6KnBlElSZ5lvfE0wzowb-e9q6mu8Ud7l9NqmEg75jToOsdrKyVTHgzHd1_0PsVMHKYhoXohWCr/s400/living+room.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>What started out as plans for minimal renovations turned into a gut job, as these types of jobs often do. Why do anything half way? While not a small apartment by New York standards at 860 SF, it still had to operate efficiently for the two.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420727432856127682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9rB_wXhGur_QUqrUM_EsJOA3pQ0Afl6NyMqPEoT5sA7isGVv3hWIF1uH82pS1TxwQm7AbeEWHG3LKXmyvOwPApt6S5A0vvYaVfxjHc20KMT5JosKa8FiEVJEdcXmfpQtEBCi6QCqK8DR/s400/terrace.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I would buy a rat filled shoebox of an apartment for that terrace. Amazing! I'm in love with the walnut paneling Povero had installed behind the fireplace (top image) and in the kitchen below and with the acres of white marble. I would have used a beefier countertop at the island though I think.....it looks fragile and skimpy.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-5C8MYW7ImDIZcj2q6-TW9Uoi63qOjUne8KlFJ25mv-SZF4udEZtBQQXAOVWakXBuIQ24Ych4OLif3Oajd4uKkPqFfpy8CzXzsttpfnR0aEeIoqM4x_qSsIlfx1evogUS44dTjhrjTWl/s1600-h/kitchen.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420727422659523090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-5C8MYW7ImDIZcj2q6-TW9Uoi63qOjUne8KlFJ25mv-SZF4udEZtBQQXAOVWakXBuIQ24Ych4OLif3Oajd4uKkPqFfpy8CzXzsttpfnR0aEeIoqM4x_qSsIlfx1evogUS44dTjhrjTWl/s400/kitchen.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Povero wanted to create a modern men's club, which I think reads very strongly. While a bit minimal for my personal tastes, I think the apartment is stunning.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiY4hbGRUJ08w37ptH0jYph1Id3rurso1NWIuS9i54Opu1dPfSG4DPVSCp2TzgKzTBZv8gfU-usPzhIoAOLq2T_9sCh3KEumPFOSky-W_9ZA_EDLFGjCSau4unXGDDeKtsENgkSRrbRf2/s1600-h/workspace.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420727179266449218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiY4hbGRUJ08w37ptH0jYph1Id3rurso1NWIuS9i54Opu1dPfSG4DPVSCp2TzgKzTBZv8gfU-usPzhIoAOLq2T_9sCh3KEumPFOSky-W_9ZA_EDLFGjCSau4unXGDDeKtsENgkSRrbRf2/s400/workspace.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>One thing Povero and I share is a love of organization, although he takes it further than I; his books, seen above, are arranged in Dewey Decimal order! He worked for years at <a href="http://www.ramsa.com/">Robert Stern</a> designing libraries: I suppose that will do it for you!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420727173112298802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNd9QDFSMqKBd_ZoVuC0UKB662kq5CRmDGk8wahdQq3_y9P8CO-XUh20FYwfnJfFCzaQxHPdDC00b1-vkmh5qvZmBB2_PSSQmh1npnyrOQNaN5_rSx3ERudORUegJjxsxGk4ZtWQ9vmSl8/s400/round+mirror.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div>Mirrors were used in the apartment advantageously to reflect the light and views and make small rooms feel bigger. The photo below looks like 2 rooms almost!<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-I1yR3kFPHKpbT-Jbh1hUq2tLJsz6QBbtcHFdNUn_bgswvWssBWmzSjwSfeUN3uBPqR08Q0WJpML16PV6rlPwcrvJU3nDhlmE95hLlBSzvAMaNuSA-hFdO93A405ZCFhE832cYMQGH4h/s1600-h/bedroom+corner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420727164097905954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-I1yR3kFPHKpbT-Jbh1hUq2tLJsz6QBbtcHFdNUn_bgswvWssBWmzSjwSfeUN3uBPqR08Q0WJpML16PV6rlPwcrvJU3nDhlmE95hLlBSzvAMaNuSA-hFdO93A405ZCFhE832cYMQGH4h/s400/bedroom+corner.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The closet is also a work of supreme organization. How many closets get published in magazines? I drooled over this.....<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420727166159212482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXpdf4LaMymd6KAO4lWXWabw9Ah4uIWfLEZPfsdtqdJJVgyLlDGNQgs831FoEpflO346AI8E6s7VRb-bnYu7RyAYlGTrzJEZxqbIGaJqk-EWLGMX5SNBKmvaCqEWd59uLuZoz723xaf4j/s400/closet.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div>Even if it's not your style, I think everyone can appreciate the work that went into this space!</div><div><em>photographs by</em> <a href="http://petermurdock.com/"><em>Peter Murdock</em></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

A modern renovation

Featured in the March 2008 issue of Metropolitan Home magazine was an example of a city apartment with great bones which was renovated effic...

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