(BAD) Blog About Design

Portugal's Villa Extramuros

Built and designed by Vora Arquitectura in Portugal, this stunning 2011 modern home reaches all the right heights. Much of the architecture surrounding this home is heavily influenced by the Neolithic period. The architecture of the home moves forward, however, still has certain influences of that time and style. (ABOVE) Walking up to the home you are immediately taken back by the shear size and weight of the structure. It has a solid look, and many hard right angles. The minimal landscaping keeps with the architecture of the home. The large window to the left of the front entrance opens. You really feel like you're bringing a piece of the outdoors inside. (BELOW 1) The home is built around a central courtyard. I'm a huge fan of courtyards. It's a great way of connecting the home, and making each space very accessible. (BELOW 2) Rooms on the second floor are connected by a large breezeway. The contrast in materials creates much visual interest. Walking the breezeway one can look onto the central courtyard. (BELOW 3) A large balcony above the front entrance allows one to soak in the view and architecture. A large central cut separates the upper and lower levels of the structure. This creates a "peak hole", very cool. (BELOW 4) The home is set on wonderfully landscaped grounds. How gorgeous are those trees on opposite sides of the walkway. The pool is fabulous! What do you think of Villa Extramuros?

© Adrià Goula
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© Adrià Goula
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© Adrià Goula
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© Alexandre Gempeler
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Labels: Architecture

Living Luxuriously On The Waterfront

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

Nestled between the trees, on the shores of Lake Geneva, Switzerland, sits a 1923 mansion. With a beautiful tan stone and white façade, with mint green shutters and meticulously groomed lawn, the mansion is at once grand, but inviting. (ABOVE) The grouping of shrubs adjacent the fountain separate the open lawn by defining the space. The semi-hipped roof allows for the instillation of windows. (BELOW 1) A breezeway connects the two structures and a large driveway accommodates guests. The touch of shrubs on either side of the front entrance soften the driveway and home. (BELOW 2) The shrubs at the edge of the pool deck define the space. The balcony is functional as it permits entertaining on the deck and below. The ivy softens the black iron fence. (BELOW 3) The stone pool deck is modern and contrasts with the traditional architecture of the mansion. The green tiled pool bottom complements the beautiful green lawn. The black arm chairs feature a design that resembles the iron work of the fence.

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
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http://www.sothebysrealty.com
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Create This Look In Your Home:

Whether you buy these items or ones at a cheaper cost, the key to recreating the look of this mansion in your home is to bring in neutral colors, metals, and subtle details. Neutral colors can be brought in through rugs, furniture and paint. Metals can be brought in through vases, sculptures and light fixtures. Subtle details can be brought in through a unique pattern and an unexpected item. The 1980s Milo Baughman, originally upholstered arm chairs with a gold base, are from Talisman. I choose these arm chairs because, they are in the same color family as the tan stone and white façade of the mansion. In addition, the soft lines on the back of the arm chairs mirror the windows grille pattern. The vintage 1960s brass ceiling lamp, is from Rewire LA. The ceiling lamp resembles the lush landscaping and shrubbery. The vintage Wool 20th century Moroccan rug is from Nazmiyal. The rug is in the same color family as the pool deck, the black pattern on the rug resembles the iron fence and lounge chairs. The 1970s bronze figurative sculpture, is from Talisman. The sculpture's intricate details and rich movement resembles the iron fence. The 1960s porcelain plates are from Vandekar. They remind me of the beautiful tile found at the bottom of the pool. The 1940s Barry Reid vase is from Sam Kaufman Gallery. The rich blue color of the vase is in a similar color family as the window shutters. In addition, the cracked design of the vase resembles the balcony deck floor. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

Labels: Architecture

Castle Design: Arundel Castle

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Arundel Castle is a restored Norman style castle located in England. It was founded in 1067 by Roger de Montgomery. Currently Arundel Castle is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk and their children. "Arundel Castle was built during the reign of William the Conqueror as a fortification for the mouth of the River Arun and a defensive position for the surrounding land against invasion from the continent. The original structure was a motte a double bailey castle" (C&MH). (ABOVE) The front of the castle is a magnificent site. As you drive along the driveway you are surrounded by a stunning castle that holds so much history. What I find architecturally beautiful is the variation in window shapes. The three large "u" shape windows directly in front are gorgeous. The roof of the castle is also beautiful with its different shapes and heights. (BELOW 1) To enter the front courtyard you must pass through either the left or right archway. The archways are portals into a different world! A world of pure architectural beauty. (BELOW 2) A view looking down shows the breezeway. This photograph clearly calls to attention the different building materials used. I love how each face of the exterior uses a different material. (BELOW 3) A birds eye view of the castle. What a stunning view! I wish I could be the Duke of Norfolk for a day, just to experience what it's like to live here! The only downside is the castle is haunted...What do you think of the castle?

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Labels: Architecture, castles

NY Country Estate

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

I was mesmerized by this grand Chappaqua, NY estate when I came across it. It's spread on over 80 acres of land and features a tennis court, basketball court, pool, and much more. The home has over 20,000 square feet of living space, it was build in 2004 and has many different architectural influences. My first thought when I learned of its 20,000 square feet--who needs so much room? It's definitely not the home for a couple! (ABOVE) I really like the center motorcourt. It's not obnoxiously large, like some new constructed homes like to make them. The boxwoods and shrubbery soften the facade and add much curb appeal. I like the breezeway to the left and symmetrical Bow windows. (BELOW 1) The large infinite pool is to the left of the main house. The separate pool house makes changing and showering very convenient. The pool deck is a wonderfully designed relaxing escape. (BELOW 2) Nestled within the large oak and spruce trees is this fantastic tennis court. What a great place to exercise and get your A-game on! (BELOW 3) Directly behind the home is this gorgeous large yard. The different levels with flowers and rock wall really make the space feel right. It's such a great place to play with the kids or dogs! (BELOW 4) The back of the home is stunning. I love the center dome. The back of the home has a very Colonial Revival-Neoclassical architectural style. What do you think of this estate?