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. 

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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.

Castle Design: Malbork Castle

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The Malbork Castle is located in Poland. The castle is the largest castle in the world by surface area, and the largest brick building in Europe. The castle is a classic example of a medieval fortress. (ABOVE) The classic medieval fortress is done in brick. You can see the scale of the wall by looking at the people walking along the side of the wall. I love the two towers in the center. (BELOW 1) The center courtyard. From the courtyard the castle has a much less grand feel. It's more inviting. The castle is located along the river Nogat. (BELOW 2) Inside the tall walls of the castle is a cobblestone walkway and lush greenery. The castle looks like a college campus. The brick walls are full of history. (BELOW 3) I love this shot of the castle. The roof has this fantastic pattern on the main building. What do you think of the castle? 

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Castle Design: Château de Pierrefonds

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Situated to the north of Paris in the commune of Pierrefonds is the Château de Pierrefonds. It's a gorgeous medieval castle full of architectural details built in the 12th century. During the 19th century the castle underwent a major restoration. (ABOVE) With a thin blanket of snow the castle looks more gorgeous than ever. It has a grand feel, but still feels like a home. The windows are a definite favorite of mine. (BELOW 1) You can really see the front of the castle here. Both the castle and the Vanderbilt's "Biltmore" estate share similar architectural elements. (BELOW 2) A view of the castle from farther back. The castle has many turrets, all of which adds to its medieval look. What do you think of the castle? 

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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? 

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(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?

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(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?

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Architecture Around The World: Prague

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Prague is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic. Architecture in Prague is largely in the Medieval, Baroque, and Renaissance styles. Most of the buildings have been meticulously restored, as a result, one is able to admire the smallest of details. (ABOVE) This photo was taken in Mala Strana, a wonderful district in the city of Prague. In 1541, a devastating fire destroyed most of the city. As a result, most of the structures are in the Baroque style. I love the red roofs and colorful facades. The buildings I'm used to seeing are beige and not nearly as colorful. I'd love to own one of these buildings for a spring getaway! (BELOW 1) This photo was taken on the Charles Bridge of the Smetana Museum. The museum is in the Renaissance style, and is dedicated to the life and works of Czech composer Bedrich Smetana. I love the facade of the third and fourth floors as you can really admire the detailing in the stone. (BELOW 2) The Rudolfinum is a Neo-Renaissance music auditorium, situated on Jan Palach Square. Since the 1940s, the Rudolfinum has been the home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. (BELOW 3) The Old Town Square is a historic square in the Old Town quarter of the city. Many different architectural styles can be found here, making it the perfect place to soak in the city. During the summer the square is bursting with tourists. Have you ever been to Prague? I'd love to read about your experiences!

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The English Manor

http://www.architecturaldigest.com

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http://www.architecturaldigest.com/

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/

Located in the UK sits a home designed and built in 1904 by architect Edwin Lutyens. The home is built of chalk, a material that has not been used often for the past two hundred years. When I saw this home I almost melted. Architect Edwin Lutyens did a beautiful job coordinating the facades white chalk with the hipped roof. I love how the home looks like it could belong in medieval England, yet its only 107 years old and built on a farm. I find the way the windows are positioned on this home quite unique. If you look at the first photo. The windows follow a certain symmetry, yet they are not perfectly symmetrical. This slight imperfection adds character to the home. If you look at the right side of the home, slightly below where the roof overhangs you see the rolling hills extend. This causes the viewer to be immediately drawn to the roof of the home. 

Architecture Around The World: Dublin

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I'm so excited about today's "Architecture Around The World" post. It's been a while since I've last posted one of these, and Dublin is the perfect place to get us back and running! The city's architecture is this wonderful combination of old and new. The most popular architectural style in the city is Georgian architecture. During the 18th century, much of the city was being designed in this style, which shares many similarities to the style of Palladio. (ABOVE) What I love about this photograph is the medieval architectural influence to the right and the more contemporary architectural influence to the left. Just like in downtown New York City (holla at ya city) each building has its own unique look. (BELOW 1) The Samuel Beckett Bridge was designed in 2007 by architect Santiago Calatrava. The structure's design is meant to look like a harp laying on its edge, the harp is a secular item icon for Ireland. The bridge crosses the River Liffey and is named after an Irish writer. (BELOW 2) The Georgian House Museum is the perfect building to get a good sense of the architectural style. I absolutely love the door way. That blue door is such a statement. (BELOW 3) If you've been to Europe before, you know that the streets are very narrow. In the distance is an old church. Again, you can see the combination of new and old. (BELOW 4) Trinity College was established in 1522. The school was design by architect Thomas Burgh. You can really see the Georgian architecture here. (BELOW 5) An aerial view of the city. Have you been to Dublin? How beautiful is River Liffey? 

   

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Look up, sitting!

http://www.kellywearstler.com/dohenyestate.html

 http://www.kellywearstler.com/bgatbergdorfgoodman.html

Ever wish you could find a chair that made you feel warm and cozy? A chair that made made you feel strong and powerful? A chair that has many names...Canopy chair, Ballon chair, Porter chair. Ever since I spotted this chair in a magazine I have called it my only love. Its tall figure and enclosed back causes you to Look up, sitting! The Canopy chair is the perfect chair to add to any type of space. During medieval England, the chair was placed by the front door of a home for use by a servant who was in charge of welcoming visitors. The Canopy chair can have many colors and styles, so if you want to reupholster it in leather, suede or velvet you can. It’s a chair that can be used in a modern home, a restaurant, or traditional space. In addition, the Canopy chair is a great buy as it skews ones idea of proportion. You can add as little or as much to your Canopy Chair as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do.

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