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.     

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(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. 

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(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!

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(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. 

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(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? 

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Featured Home: Tony Duquette

http://blog.vogueliving.com.au/2011/09/14/behind-the-scenes-tony-duquette/

The home of legendary set and costume designer, Tony Duquette is full of surprises. Duquette's home reminds me of a painting, because each time you view that painting you discover something you didn't notice before. Duquette's work began in the 1930s, where he gave the stage a splash of Hollywood glamour. Despite his death in 1999, Duquette's home still remains the way he had left it. (ABOVE) Duquette's Living Room is filled with glamour and surprises. The screens with circular mirrors are a very powerful element in this space. They ground the space, as well as add texture. The sofa in the center of this photograph is very unusual, it is three cushions stacked on top of one another. The deep blue and purple rug is magical. It is simple, yet brings much energy to this space. (BELOW 1) A different view of the Living Room, displays Duquette's unique furniture, art and accessories. I wish I owned the yellow table to the left of the photograph. Its form is very unique. What gives this space a great flow is how Duquette positioned the furniture. Duquette created two seating areas, in a space this large it works. (BELOW 2) The floors in Duquette's 'Garden Room' feature one of my favorite patterns. In Duquette's 'Garden Room' I am fascinated by the individual objects, rather than the space as a whole. The white console table to the left of the photograph, has a very interesting spotted design. I wish that table was in my entry vestibule. The green walls add a unique texture to this space, they almost remind me of a stone, or seashell. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do. 

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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?

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Too Hot To Handle: Florals

(1) Rachel Pally Marley Strapless Dress, (2) Tucker Classic Smocked Mini Dress, (3) Lulu Frost Fin Necklace, (4) Lulu Frost Bells Beach Wrap Bracelet, (5) Elizabeth and James Sibil Wedge Platform Sandals, (6) Clare Vivier Neon Stripe Flat Clutch

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Elegant Stone Manor

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

I love this home located in Virginia! It's set on over five acres of a wonderfully landscaped grounds. With six bedrooms and over 20,000 square feet of living space, you'll surely find privacy. (ABOVE) A great stone wall and iron gate protect the home and add curb appeal. From the street the home looks fabulous! (BELOW 1) As you pull around the driveway you'll be greeted by shrubs, a manicured lawn, and stone facade. It all looks so perfect! (BELOW 2) This courtyard joins the two separate wings. I love the hedges, trees, and flowers. It looks like such a wonderful place to relax. (BELOW 3) The backyard patio is a great place to dine and relax. Isn't the stone floor beautiful? (BELOW 4) The pool feels like it's apart of the main property, yet feels private. You can relax under the trellis or get some sun on the pool deck. (BELOW 5) A private garden leads you into an open backyard perfect for playing with the kids or the family dog! (BELOW 6) I love wide open lawns like this. Having a dog, I can just picture a good chase back here! What do you think of the home? 

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Historic French Country Estate

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Located in Perigord, France on over 150 acres of land, this estate is stunning. Each building set on the large property has so much character and architectural significance. The French Cottage design is very fitting. (ABOVE) This aerial view of the home and the property shows the wonderful landscaping and position of the structures. I love the look of the hedge garden to the left. (BELOW 1) The front facade of the house has so much details. I love the look of the old slate roof and stone. The ivy growing on the side of the wall softens the structure. (BELOW 2) The estate features a large swimming pool. How gorgeous is the pool deck tiling? You can tell that the structure around the pool was built at a different time, as it has a different colored roof and darker front stone. (BELOW 3) This little alcove located on the grounds features old stone walls and ceilings. The beautiful wall carve outs and arched doorways add so much character. What a great space architecturally. What do you think about the estate?

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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!

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

Weekly Start Off: No 13

Happy Monday, March 11, 2013 readers! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! For this week's "Weekly Start Off" post I decided to turn my focus towards architecture. From classic Swedish estates, modern Spanish mansions, to gorgeous French properties, this week I'm featuring a diverse selection of properties. Which property is your favorite?

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1. Built in Switzerland in the 1970s, this classic home has many classic elements. What I love about this property is both the simple landscaping, ivy, and roof. Even though this home was built in the 1970s it manages to look like it was built in the 1920s. I like that the home is not extremely tall, it blends into its surroundings much better. A great new look for an afternoon sitting in this Swedish backyard. 

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 2. A modern home located in Spain! The wall of windows and glass railings allow lots of natural light to pass into the home. In addition, one has unobstructed views of the sea. The landscape is minimal as to complement the architecture of the home. The architecture of the home reminds me of a ship at sea. The larger first floor terrace has a pool! A great new look for an afternoon sitting by the pool and looking at the ocean.   

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

3. A wonderful home located in Paris! The home is located in the 16th arrondissement. The property features a large garden and open terraces, a two car garage and four floors. The architecture is classic French. I love the mansard style roof. The outdoor space's are wonderfully landscaped. How gorgeous are the sculptures? Being that the property is located in Paris, such a wonderful outdoor space is a dime in the rough! A great new look for an afternoon walking though Paris. 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

4. Located behind a fantastic iron gate in Palm Beach, Florida is this sophisticated mansion. The home was built in 2008 and has many modern day amenities. I love the three large iron detailed front doors. Once you pass through the iron gates you are greeted by a center motor court. The motor court is done with large stone tiles, between the tiles is grass. Tall green hedges, hide the stone fence. A great new look for an afternoon in Palm Beach, Florida, relaxing in this home.