(BAD) Blog About Design

Private Property

http://www.renaudmarion.com

Photographer Renaud Marion, captures the beauty and intricacy of the front gate in this series titled "Private Property". When you think of a home, you often think about the entry way as the focal point. In these photographs, the front gate is the focal point. While some front gates are stately and beautiful, others have a more "natural" appearance to say the least! (ABOVE) The front gate and architecture of this house are interconnect. Both are ornately decorated and stately. I love the row of hedges leading to the front doorway. (BELOW 1) This front gate looks like a Frank Lloyd Wright home awaits you on the other side. It's very modern, clean, and simple. (BELOW 2) This front gate appears to be far more cheerful. I love the bold turquoise, it's so calming. It seems the front gate here is manually operated. (BELOW 3) I see this front gate around a home in Beverly Hills. The columns and the potted hedges soften the black iron material, giving your eye a break. (BELOW 4) This front gate needs a little love and attention. It seems like things are getting overgrown around the gate. A smart move if you're trying to conceal your multi-million dollar home on the other side! (BELOW 5) This green gate makes me feel like I'm about to enter some far off land. You can see the tall Cypress trees stick out, I'm guessing a very stately home on the other side? What do you think of Renaud's work?

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Labels: Design

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?

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

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.

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

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.

Labels: Architecture

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.

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Labels: Architecture

Moving In: Estate Nestled In The Park

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

This gorgeous stone country estate is located in Greenwich, Connecticut. The 9,600 square foot residence is situated on over 10 acres of beautifully manicured grounds. The home truly feels like it's nestled in a park. (ABOVE) From the street all you can see is a gorgeous iron gate and behind it, a park like setting. The property is exactly what a country estate should feel like, secluded! (BELOW 1) Once you've made your way through the gate and park, you are greeted by a fantastic residence. The home is designed like a ranch, a single level home that allows it to blend into its surroundings. Though I'm not a huge fan of this architectural style, I see it's purpose. (BELOW 2) A central courtyard. I really like the ivy growing along the exterior. The slate floors are wonderful. (BELOW 3) An aerial view of the pool, and tennis court. I can definitely see myself waking up to a game of tennis and taking a dip in the pool. (BELOW 4) An aerial view of the home. Here you can really see how well the property is actually maintained. Every square inch of the property is utilized and serves a purpose. What do you think of the estate? Would you move in?

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The Dining Room: (1) Sputnik Lamp Attr. Stilnovo Italy 50s from Liebe Mobel Haben, (2) Quatour Table By Carlo Scarpa from Zeitlos-Berlin, (3) Vintage Persian Gabbeh from Asiaoccidentale, (4) Tube Chairs from Cain Modern, The Kitchen: (5) Pair of Peill & Putzler Hanging Lights from Gallery L7, (6) Fine and Rare Pair of Tall Stools by Pierre Chareau from Maison Gerard, (7) Early 1930's Bidjar Vintage Rug from Art Oriental GmbH, (8) Copper Skin Series Celadon Green Cabinet from Johnson Trading Gallery

The Casual Look: (1) Thakoon Printed Scuba Jersey, (2) T by Alexander Wang Crepe Shorts, (3) Karen Walker Deep Freeze Sunglasses, (4) Frye Cameron Bag, (5) Sam Edelman Gigi Thong Sandals, The Formal Look: (5) Mary Katrantzou Jigsaw Printed Dress, (6) Stella McCartney Oversized Round Sunglasses, (7) Pamela Love Grizzly Ring, (8) Clare Vivier Flat Clutch, (9) Gianvito Rossi PVC Pumps,

Labels: Architecture, Design, Fashion

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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Labels: Architecture

Moving In: Historic Italian Mansion

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

How gorgeous is this Italian mansion located in Lucca, Italy? The home has eight bedrooms and nine full bathrooms. It was built in the XVI century, and has proven to stand the test of time with many of its original details still in tact.(ABOVE) Trees line the driveway and an iron gate marks the entrance. I love the rugged look of this driveway. You don't expect there to be anything beautiful on the other side. There's an aura of mystery.

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
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(1) The home is very fitting for it's location and the period it was built in. I love the home's symmetry as well as it's green shutters. In the center of the facade is a large medallion, really adds to the character of the architecture. An added bonus is the large property.

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
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(2) Terra Cotta pots line the home. I love the energy that these flowers bring. The yellow stucco works well with the shutters and stone window and door frames. This home looks like it belongs in a storybook, it's too perfect.

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(3) The property is stunning. I love the greenery. The greenery softens the home and puts the home in a dreamy setting. Without the greenery the property would not have the same impact.

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(4) The pool is an added bonus. I'm guessing that the structure off the pool can be used as a pool house or a guest house. What I like about the pool area is the grass section and low shrubbery. By keeping shrubbery low, the pool receives direct sunlight.

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
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(5) Adjacent the pool is a tennis court. Yes it could use a bit updating, but nonetheless it's got great bones. I like having a red tennis court, I almost like it more than a green court. What do you think of the home and its property? Would you move in?