Space's I'm Loving: Part XXIV

http://www.mybestdecor.com

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's brick tile walls, stainless steel hardware, and use of wood   

This kitchen is the perfect mix of warmth and modern. Often times, a modern space can feel cold and uninviting. By using wood for the kitchen island, and floors, the kitchen feels inviting. The stainless steel hardware is my favorite element in this space. The handles have a noticeable weight to them, and the light bounces beautifully off them. Rather than having a generic tiled backdrop and upper cabinets, the designer of this space used a brick tile and forwent the upper cabinets. This aids in the modernity of the space. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://www.elledecor.com

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's vanity, use of marble and glass

I could see this bathroom in my home! Couldn't you? This bathroom is all about that modern-vintage looking vanity. The clean lines, marble finish, and design is the perfect example of 70s-80s design. The use of marble in this space is shear perfection. The marble finish highlights its movement. The bathroom in my home stretches from the sink to the ceiling. Having a large mirror is perfect for getting ready and making the space appear larger. By dividing the mirror into sections it doesn't feel as overwhelming. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://trendland.com

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's vintage furniture and overall design

This space could fit right into a home located in the mountains or an apartment in New York City. The wood paneled walls give this effect. The furniture in this space falls on the more modern side. It' simple and functional. My favorite piece in this space is the bar. The circular shape and gold legs are very retro. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do. 

http://www.mrkate.com

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's use of color, and light fixture 

This bright colored space have so much energy and life. I love the use of color in this space. It makes the space feel incredibly inviting and fun to be in. Through I'm not a fan of the sofa, I do like the armchairs. In a space like this a unique shaped sofa, something a bit more unique would be the perfect piece. The light fixture in this space calls all the attention. I love its unique design. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

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Energize Your Floors

http://www.kwid.com

http://www.grantkgibson.com/

Your floors are a very important element of your home. Energize Your Floors! Floors not only support your furniture and accessories, but they are also a design element that must not be forgotten. Often times we overlook how the right flooring can have an impact on our space. Old wood and vintage marble floors are my favorites, because they withstand the test of time. However, these looks are very basic and not necessarily interesting. Walk into a handful of homes and chances are you’ll spot old hardwood and vintage marble flooring.  Spice up your floors with a unique pattern. A pattern can be achieved by varying the marble, wood, or whatever material you choose to use. I am a fan of stripes on the floors. If you have a wood floor in your space that you don’t mind painting on buy some tape and lay down either vertical or horizontal stripes. Altering between as many colors as you choose paint in between the tape. A stripe floor is very bold and will have an impact on your space. You can add as little or as much to your floors as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do. 

http://marymcdonaldinc.com/

Colonnes de Buren Installation

http://somethingsighted.blogspot.com

The "Colonnes de Buren" is an installation in the courtyard of the Palais Royal in Paris, France. The installation was designed by Daniel Buren in 1986. It is constructed of black and white marble. In 1985, the French Ministry of Culture had the installation commissioned to take the place of a parking lot. In my opinion, this is much more attractive to look at than a parking lot! Shortly after the installation was completed however, a few people begged to differ and wanted to installation to be dismantled. (ABOVE) Many different sized black and white marble columns are seen creating a pattern in the courtyard. The work which is 3000 square yards consists of 260 columns. What I love is the contrast between the modern architecture of the installation and the classic architecture of the palace behind it. (BELOW 1) The columns here rise from shortest to tallest. It's a cool photographic composition. (BELOW 2) A view of the same composition at night. At night the columns are beautifully lit up. It must be so romantic walking through the courtyard. I love the symmetry of this photographic. (BELOW 3) A top down view of the installation. From this view you can really see the pattern that the columns form. What do you think of the "Colonnes de Buren" installation? 

http://www.flickriver.com
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http://www.etsy.com
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http://grandcanyon.free.fr
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Castle Design: Castle of Racconigi

http://en.wikipedia.org

The Castle of Racconigi is located in Italy. The castle supposedly dates back to around the year 1000. The castle's architecture pays reference to many different architectural styles. (ABOVE) I love the contrast of red stone and white marble. The front facade has a very commanding presence. (BELOW 1) An aerial view of the castle located in Racconigi. As you can see, the back of the castle has many gardens and trees. The castle is the focal point of the city. (BELOW 2) The rear of the castle is far less embellished. Gone is the contrasting white marble, found only on the front facade. (BELOW 3) A close up of the center dome. The pagoda style roof, adds a very unique architectural detail. I find the dome to be rather modern, however, the four columns give it that neoclassical look. What do you think of the castle? 

http://en.wikipedia.org
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http://inchiostroindelebile.files.wordpress.com
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The Power Of Stone

http://www.ohiostatehouse.org/multimedia/medialibrary/Media.aspx?fileId=102653

One of Mother Nature’s greatest gifts to the design industry is stone. Stone is full of surprises and magic, it’s a piece of art. With so many choices, finding the right stone for a space can be difficult. Stone can be used for furniture, walls, floors, ceilings and jewelry. One of my favorite stones is onyx, I am amazed by its beautiful colors and sophistication. (ABOVE) The floor of the Ohio Statehouse is composed of 4, 957 pieces of marble. This floor plays with your mind if you stare at the center for a period of time. (BELOW 1) The George Deli, in Amsterdam has a beautiful white marble counter. (BELOW 2-6) Various Onyx Slabs. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.   

http://www.flickr.com/photos/48692166@N04/5260661752/in/set-72157625596672174/
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http://www.eskandaristone.com/onyx-slab/
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http://www.eskandaristone.com/onyx-slab/
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http://www.stoneworldimports.com/products/onyx/
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http://www.eskandaristone.com/onyx-slab/
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Hotel Design: Pantone Hotel

http://www.pantonehotel.com

Walking into the Pantone Hotel is like stepping into a color wheel. Located in Belgium, the hotel is in the heart of Brussels. If you're someone who fancy's bright colors and modern interiors than book yourself a stay. (ABOVE) The exterior of the hotel is white stone. Several windows and balcony rails are tinted with a bold Pantone color. This gives the hotel some break from its stark white exterior. I think it would be way cooler if they painted the hotel a deep blue! (BELOW 1) The lobby of the hotel is painted white so that the bright Pantone colors stand out. I love the color blocked sofa! I definitely need a Pantone bike. (BELOW 2) The hallway's are painted a deep orange. Definitely a big contrast from the white exterior and lobby. I love how the orange strengthens from a lighter to deeper color at the bottom of the wall. I would have done an unusual onyx and marble floor pattern instead of the brown carpet! (BELOW 3) Each suit is painted with one dominate color. For example, this suite is painted with green as the dominate color. What do you think of the Pantone Hotel? Have you stayed here? 

http://www.pantonehotel.com
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Room Spotlight: Modern Simplicity

http://www.elledecor.com

I love this kitchen featured in Elle Decor. It's simple, modern, and elegant. The focal point of this kitchen is the floor to ceiling door. The door is just wonderful, it opens up the narrow kitchen and looks like a framed piece of art. Instead of painting the walls and adding a backsplash, the kitchen features a floor to ceiling tile backsplash. The white tile is very New York. The steel cabinetry reflects lots of light, giving the kitchen a little shine. The marble countertops blend into the backsplash and cabinetry. The red brick building outside the kitchen brings some color and life into the kitchen. What do you think of the kitchen? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

Room Spotlight: Precious Metal

http://www.elledecor.com

Isn't this kitchen designed by Jean-Louis Deniot just amazing? It's a jewel in a gorgeous Parisian apartment. Despite its narrow size, the space feels large because, of the reflective cabinetry which is clad in hammered silver. It's an unusual material for kitchen cabinetry, but nonetheless fabulous. I love the marble floors and countertops! What a wonderful design and lightness to the space. The vintage brass chandelier is the perfect touch. This is definitely my idea of a dream kitchen! What do you think? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do. 

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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Glass In Between

http://artfrontgallery.com

I'm a huge fan of this series of glass in between rocks and books by Japanese-born artist Ramon Todo. To create this wonderful juxtaposition, Todo used fragments of the Berlin wall, volcanic rock, and books, and placed in between the two surfaces a perfectly cut, very smooth, fragment of glass. The result is an incredible combination of opaque and translucent. (ABOVE) This Marble and stone piece is my favorite in the series. I like the lighter colored rock, and water-blue glass. There's a coolness to the piece. I could see a desk surface in this material, a counter top, or even a light fixture. 

http://artfrontgallery.com
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(1) I like how the glass pops against this dark volcanic rock. The very coarse rock surrounding a very smooth fragment of glass creates a beautiful contrast. 

http://artfrontgallery.com
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(2) This piece of stone and fragment of glass share a similar likeness. What do I mean? Well, both the piece of stone and glass are linear, and have straight lines. They work well together and create a strong piece. 

http://artfrontgallery.com
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(3) A piece of orange stone found in Paris. I love the color of the stone and would use this color for my staircase. The way the light hits the glass causes the glass to change it's movement, complementing the rock's movements well.

http://artfrontgallery.com
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(4) A blue book houses a larger piece of glass. I love the simplicity of the book. I wonder if one can open the book? What do you think of the series? 

 

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Person Of Influence: Andrea Palladio

http://architecture.about.com/od/greatbuildings/ig/Palladio/Villa-Almerico-Capra-.htm

Andrea Palladio was born in Italy in 1508. Palladio was influenced by Roman and Greek architecture and is widely considered the most influential person in the history of Western architecture. Many of Palladio’s buildings are of brick covered with stucco, which was an advantage to his more financially pressed clients. Palladio’s success and influence came from his structures extraordinary beauty and ornate details, that were harmonious with the culture of the time and surpassed his clients expectations. Even though Palladio’s buildings were all in a relatively small part of Italy, his influence is far-reaching, inspiring many architects to create structures that mirrored his style.  (ABOVE) The Villa Almerico Capra is symmetrical with a temple porch in front. The structure is also referred to as the Rotunda, which refers to the villa's circle within a square design. Palladio's inspiration for this structure was the Roman Pantheon. Thomas Jefferson was inspired by the Villa Almerico Capra when he designed his home, Monticello. (BELOW 1) 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 make a strong statement against the brick church. (BELOW 2) The Villa Foscari was built between 1558 and 1560. It is relatively different from Palladio's other works. The touch of green ivy that runs the perimeter of the structure adds a natural touch to the structure by softening the brick. (BELOW 3) The Villa Contarini is a baroque structure. The exterior window moldings define the structure.

http://venice.umwblogs.org/exhibit/john-ruskin-the-adopted-venetian/ruskins-the-stones-of-venice/
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Foscari
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Contarini
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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 Andrea Palladio's buildings in your home is to bring in stone, neutral colors, and intricate subtle details. The "Mongolfiera" 1980s Italian chair by Piero Fornasetti is from Holly Johnson. The beautiful design on the back of the chair resembles the details seen throughout Palladio's work. These details can be seen in the window moldings and sculptures. The 21st century, Italian Taksim side table by Konstantin is from Siglo Moderno. The marble and color resembles the facade of the San Giorgio Maggiore. The vintage Turkish 1940s rug is from Keivan Woven Arts. The rugs color and details resembles the Villa Almerico Capra, and Villa Contarini. The 1970s Italian chandelier by Kamer is from Visiona. The shape resembles the columns, in addition, the crisp white resembles the simplicity of Palladio's work. What inspires you about Andrea Palladio's work? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.