Moving In: Villa Labarba

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

How amazing is this California mansion? Well, I think it's just fab! This over 12,000 sq ft house that sits on over an acre of ocean front property is an incredible place to live. The home was built in 1997, and has many classic California design embellishments, yet still feels fresh and clean. (ABOVE) The center motorcourt is a classic feature. Love the clean, front facade as well as the boxwoods that surround the house. Every classically designed home needs a fountain. I love that the fountain is surrounded by some pink flowers.     

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
1
(1) The views are the highlight of the property. Waking up and walking around such beautifully landscaped grounds would be truly amazing. I like how the water from the upper level fountain spills over into a collection of smaller fountains running toward the ocean. 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
2
(2) The back of the home is as beautiful as the front of the home. I love the hedges, and center fountain. The back of the home screams traditional, with a touch of modernity. The terrace just off the main house is the perfect place to entertain. Beautiful architecture and views of the ocean surround you!

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
3
(3) A long slide carries water from the upper level fountain to the lower level fountain. This idea is a more environmentally friendly alternative, which is always a good thing! I could see myself laying on one of those blue outdoor sofas and looking out at the ocean and sandy beaches. 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
4
(4) The property features a garden space. I recently started learning some tricks when it comes to planting and gardening. I love having a garden in the back of my home and would die for this large one that overlooks the water. What do you think of the home? Would you move in? 

Follow (BAD) on Pinterest Follow (BAD) on Twitter Follow (BAD) on Facebook 

Featured Post: Italian Style

http://www.italy-pictures.net/

Yesterday I had the honor of being featured on LDV with this post. Here it is in case you missed it...

The architecture of Italy is very broad and diverse in its design. Before the Italian unification, Italy was a divined nation, therefore, each city had a different architectural style. Italian architecture is not to be classified by region or period, but rather by its architectural achievements. (ABOVE) The city of Venice was influenced by a style known as Venetian Gothic, which combined Byzantine and Moorish architecture. The Gothic period, was a time when Venice was prosperous and the upper class funded the building of new churches and lavish properties for themselves. (BELOW 1) Architect Andrea Palladio, modeled the facade of the San Giorgio Maggiore after a Greek temple. The beautiful white facade, with four columns and ornate details, is impeccable and makes a strong statement against the brick church. (BELOW 2) The Trevi Fountain in Rome, is the largest Baroque fountain in the city. The statues bordering the iconic fountain are so beautiful. (BELOW 3) Completed in 126 AD, the Pantheon in Rome, is a well respected building in the Roman architectural style. The Pantheon is still well known for its impeccable dome, which is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. Which structure is your favorite? 

http://venice.umwblogs.org
1

http://fwallpapers.com/
2

http://students.cis.uab.edu/
3

(1) Parker Combo Dress, (2) M Missoni Diagonal Stripe Colorblock Dress, (3) tuleste market Solid Petal Necklace, (4) Oliver Peoples Eyewear Mande Polarized Sunglasses, (5) M Missoni Shoulder Bag, (6) Maison Martin Margiela Open Toe Booties

The Fashion: For the looks above, I was inspired by the Italian city. Bold prints and bright colors represent the energy found in Milan, Rome, as well as the other iconic cities in Italy. The Missoni dress is a perfect choice. It's bold, and features a great stripe print. I am a huge fan of the petal necklace. What a perfect statement piece to go with the Missoni dress. Pair both dresses with the Missoni shoulder bag, and you've got the perfect Italian inspired ensemble. Which piece is your favorite?

http://www.ecardmedia.eu
4

(ABOVE 4) The architecture found on the Amalfi Coast is greatly influenced by Medieval and Byzantine styles as well as the sharp lines found in northern architecture. (THE DESIGN PIECES) For the above home accessories, I was inspired by vintage Italian finds and bright colors. The 1960 Italian crystal chandelier is from Orange. What a great piece for an entrance foyer. The vintage Rya rug is from Nazmiyal. I love the color and pattern. What a perfect piece for a Master bedroom. The 1950 Italian vessel is from Lobel Modern. I would place the vessel on a vintage 1970s square table and place the table in the center of my entrance foyer. When guests walk in, they'll be greeted by a beautiful crystal chandelier and vessel. What do you think?

Click Here To Follow (BAD) Blog About Design on Pinterest

Hotel Design: Rambagh Palace

http://nexustravelsolutions.com

The Rambagh Palace was build in 1835 and is located in Jaipur, India. During the 19th century the palace served as a royal hunting lodge. In 1957, the palace was converted into a luxury hotel, because the royal family had found it to be too costly to upkeep the palace and its 47 acres. The architecture of the palace is in the Rajput and Mughal style. (ABOVE) The front of the palace is carefully designed with many impeccable details. Domes and archways are very popular in architecture found throughout India. The planting around the palace is well maintained and adds much beauty to the overall property. (BELOW 1) The 47 acre property has gorgeously manicured gardens. This center courtyard features one large fountain with many hedges surrounding it. As guests pass through the breezeways to get to their suits, they have a wonderful view. (BELOW 2) There are many fountains on the property. This stone fountain looks to be in the shape of a flower. I like how the property surrounding the fountain is not overly landscaped. One can really appreciate the architecture. (BELOW 3) The palace's main restaurant is a mixture of Rajput and Mughal architectural design and modern western influences. The stone walls and wood furnishings are so elegant and classic together. The red Persian rug grounds the furnishings, what a great color! What do you think of the Rambagh Palace? Would you stay here, or have you already? 

http://nexustravelsolutions.com
1

http://www.cntraveler.com
2

http://nexustravelsolutions.com
3

Castle Design: Castle Howard

http://www.britainexpress.com

Castle Howard was completed in 1712 in North Yorkshire, England. It was designed by noted architect John Vanbrugh in the English Baroque style for the 3rd Earl of Carlisle. (ABOVE) The front facade of the castle is very detailed and quite grand. I like how the center fountain shows its age as it gives the fountain character. (BELOW 1) The roof features many sculptures as well as chimney's. The dome is the key attraction, and without it the castle would not feel as grand. I love the gold detailing. (BELOW 2) The estate has multiple gardens that are wonderfully designed. From the garden you have a clear view of the castle. (BELOW 3) From this wider shot, you have a clear view of the right and left wings. Much of the castle's details are on the roof. If you happen to visit the castle, you will see many Peacocks roaming the grounds! What do you think of Castle Howard?

http://www.britainexpress.com
1

http://www.britainexpress.com
2

http://africanlimelight.com
3

Architecture Around The World: Italy

http://en.polyglot-tutor.com/higher-education-in-italy/

The architecture of Italy is very broad and diverse in its design. Before the Italian unification, Italy was a divined nation, therefore, each city had a different architectural style. Italian architecture is not to be classified by region or period, but rather by its architectural achievements.  During the 8th century BC, ancient Rome was one of the largest empire's in the world. This time saw the construction of arches, domes and similar structures. During the late 14th and 16th centuries, the Renaissance architectural movement placed a great emphasis on symmetry, geometry and proportion. Italy is known as being the homeland of Palladianism, a style that inspired movements such as that of Neoclassical architecture, which places a great emphasis on tall columns, triangular pediment, and a domed roof. Neoclassical architecture can be found all over the world from the White House in the USA to the Australian Museum in Australia. Italian architecture has widely influenced architects throughout the centuries. British architect Inigo Jones, brought the ideas of Italian Renaissance to England during the 17th century. American architect Alexander Davis, brought the ideas of Gothic Revival to the USA during the 19th century. (ABOVE) The city of Venice was influenced by a style known as Venetian Gothic, which combined Byzantine and Moorish architecture. The Gothic period, was a time when Venice was prosperous and the upper class funded the building of new churches and lavish properties for themselves. (BELOW 1) The architecture found on the Amalfi Coast is greatly influenced by Medieval and Byzantine styles as well as the sharp lines found in northern architecture. (BELOW 2) The Trevi Fountain in Rome, is the largest Baroque fountain in the city. (BELOW 3) Verona is known for its iconic red roofs. The city is greatly influenced by Medieval architecture. (BELOW 4) Manarola is a beautiful small town located in Northern Italy, full of colorful buildings. (BELOW 5) Completed in 126 AD, the Pantheon in Rome, is a well known building in the Roman architectural style. The Pantheon is still well known for its impeccable dome, which is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. 

http://www.ecardmedia.eu/r_city_places_around_the_world_49_atrani_amalfi_coast_italy_41665.html
1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Trevi_Fountain,_Rome,_Italy_2_-_May_2007.jpg
2

http://www.fotopedia.com/items/flickr-3572758197
3

http://puddlz.deviantart.com/art/Manarola-Italy-8502436
4

http://students.cis.uab.edu/mehtsham/labs/etruscansandrome.html
5

Like Italy, Italian home pieces are all different and are not designed based on a specific region or period. Italian home pieces are absolutely remarkable as each piece has a unique form. The Sciolari Chandeliers are quite popular in Italian design. The 1970s rare Sciolari chandelier is from Gaspare Asaro. The 1690 Italian cabinet is from Hansord. The piece reflects much of the intricate details found throughout Italian architecture. The 1989 Italian "Mongolfiera" chair by Atelier Fornasetti is from Holly Johnson Antiques. The chairs colors reflects the architecture found on the cost of Italy. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

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
1

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
2

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
3

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.

Weekly Start Off: No 15

Happy Tuesday, April 2, 2013 readers! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and holiday! I took a little three day weekend. I can't believe we're already in April, is it me or did March just fly by? For today's Weekly Start off post I decided to focus on architecture. The following homes all have different architectural influences and fantastic outdoor spaces. Each home has something that makes it standout. Prepare to be inspired!

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

1. Located in Virginia, this home's architecture pays homage to both classic American and early Italian design. I love the architecture, and landscaping. The center courtyard leads you to a fantastic fountain. The backyard is a very calming place. The variation in planting is what gives this backyard that 'wow' factor. A great new top for tending to the garden. 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

2. A classic white house, located in upstate New York. This home is very grand and looks like the perfect place to entertain. After one arrives they are greeted by a large staircase that leads to the front door. I'm not a huge fan of the far left expansion to the house. A new look to make your entrance down that fantastic front staircase. 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

3. Talk about a fantastic front porch! This home is located in Italy and has sweeping views of the city and lake. The architecture of the home is extremely Italian. What makes this home impressive is the moldings around the windows. I can definitely see one entertaining on either the first floor porch or the second floor terrace. A new look for an afternoon entertaining outside. 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

4. Placed on an archaeological park is this brilliant, historic villa located in Italy. The drive that leads to the house is lined with fantastic lilac. The home is surrounded by trees and flowers. What a wonderful place to raise a family. In addition to being around such wonderful greenery is a pool. A new look for a picnic on the back lawn.