(BAD) Blog About Design: November 2011

Incorporating The New Into The Old

Located in Óbidos, Portugal this home sets its self apart from the surrounding homes. This home is painted a clean white, and boasts colored windows. The home was constructed in 2008 by Ricardo Bak Gordon Architects. (ABOVE) The home contrasts beautifully with the red clay tiled roofs of the surrounding homes. I love that this home has its own identity and does not copy the typical homes of this region in Portugal. (BELOW 1) At the rear of the home, one can view the multicolored windows. The windows add a pop of color. I like how this newer home moves into the older homes with the red clay tiles. (BELOW 2) Possibly the coolest pool I have ever seen. I love how half of the image displays the pool and the other half displays the pool deck. The older structure to the left of the image adds stunning contrast against the white pool deck.

© Leonardo Finotti
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© Leonardo Finotti
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Labels: Architecture

Holiday Decorating: The Wreath

http://www.marthastewart.com/

Yesterday, I decided it was time to buy a few wreaths for my home as the holiday' s are drawing closer. Buying a few wreaths is a great way to add a touch of color and a great smell to your home. Whether you hang your wreath in the living room or on your front door, be sure that the colors work. During the holiday's I host several parties. I love to place a wreath on the inside of each window to give my home a festive feel. (ABOVE) This wreath has a feminine touch. I love the pink berries and delicate bow. (BELOW 1) The gold on this wreath is very elegant. Until I saw this wreath I never thought of using different colored cedar on one wreath. It works beautifully and the small gold bells add a gentle touch. (BELOW 2) The beautiful blue peacock feathers of this wreath are very unique. Unlike the wreaths above, this wreath can be used for years to come. (BELOW 3) This wreath is constructed of yarn. This wreath is sure to make a statement. (BELOW 4) I love adding lights to a wreath, it adds a different dimension. (BELOW 5) I love the deer perched on this wreath. In addition, the colors blue and white look very elegant together. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://www.marthastewart.com/
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http://www.elledecor.com
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http://www.craftstylish.com
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http://www.housetohome.co.uk
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http://furnitureandesign.com/
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Labels: Design, Holiday

Wednesday Fashion Update

Sweet Emotion by blogaboutdesign featuring black diamond earrings

Good as Gold by blogaboutdesign featuring onyx jewelry

Love In Vein by blogaboutdesign featuring leather jackets

Labels: Fashion

Celebrity Mansion: Mariah Carey

http://www.joycerey.com/photos.php?property_ID=52

The Fleur de Lys is a lavish estate located in Beverly Hills, California. Purchased by Mariah Carey, this home was priced at $125 million. With over 35,000 square feet of living space, this celebrity mansion is sure to impress. Built of Italian marble walls, French limestone floors, gold embossed leather wall coverings and gold leaf crown moldings, this estate is built to last. (ABOVE) I would have no problem coming home to this at the end of my day! I love the two columns straight ahead. They are in perfect line with the center of the mansion. Even though the estate is very large, it still feels like home. (BELOW 1) An aerial view of the estate, shows the wonderfully manicured grounds, pool, and front courtyard. This estate, was used in the film The Green Hornet. To the upper left of the image is the garage, which can hold over ten vehicles. (BELOW 2) Rear view of the estate. (BELOW 3) View from the rear landing, facing the yard. (BELOW 4) The estate at night.

http://www.joycerey.com/photos.php?property_ID=52
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http://www.joycerey.com/photos.php?property_ID=52
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http://www.joycerey.com/photos.php?property_ID=52
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http://www.joycerey.com/photos.php?property_ID=52
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Labels: Architecture

Holiday Decorating: The Dining Table

http://www.marthastewart.com

With the holiday's amongst us, decorating the dining table is a necessity. Plastic plates, spoons, and knives, should be hidden away, and only the finest China should be given to your guests. Decorating the dining table for the holiday's is one of my favorite things to do. (ABOVE) This is my favorite holiday dining table. It is incredibly elegant, I love the simple pink and gold color palette. (BELOW 1) I love bringing elements of the outdoors inside when decorating my table as it puts me in a more festive mood. Placing a miniature Christmas Tree on the table adds a brilliant touch of green. I love the natural candles and snow on the table. (BELOW 2) I like how the red bulbs are placed above the table. (BELOW 3) I love that this dining table is not a traditional holiday table, I love the pillows and patterns. This table has a very fresh feel to it. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://www.designdecoridea.com/simple-table-decoration-ideas-home-table-decor/
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http://www.jomalone.com/gift_guide/holiday_08.tmpl?ngextredir=1&CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY19884
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http://roomdesignsite.com/18-christmas-dinner-table-decoration-ideas/
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Labels: Design, Holiday

An Exquisite California Estate

http://www.christiesrealestate.com/PropertyDetails/113097/998182/7071/27#113097/998182/7071/27

Nestled behind beautiful trees, sits Chiltern, an estate located in Hillsborough, California. If you have a spare 43 million, it can be yours! The estate is situated on more than six acres with 60-year-old gardens, a 50-tree orchard, and has 36,000 square feet of living space. (ABOVE) As you make your way past the iron gate, you will be greeted by a piece of art. Even though this home was built in the 1990s it has a beautifully old quality to it. I love all the trees and I find the home uniquely its own. (BELOW 1) How could you not want a front gate like this? It has a very elegant and stately presence. I have a good feeling no one will be breaking in! (BELOW 2) If Tennis is your thing, this estate has one to remember. Well manicured, and with a brilliant stone wall, this court is gorgeous. (BELOW 3, 4, 5) The gardens of this estate are stunning. Rose gardens, and mazes, give this home a vacation feel. (BELOW 6) I like how the shrubs are placed in wood pots. It allows the shrubs to be easily changed.