Mediterranean Villa In California

http://www.christiesrealestate.com/

Situated on over eleven acres, with views of the mountains, ocean, and harbor, this Mediterranean villa in California is absolutely breathtaking. (ABOVE) Right from the front gate, you are a greeted by beauty. Surrounded by nature and a winding path, this villa is a breath of fresh air. (BELOW 1) The villa's backyard is beautifully landscaped. I love the grass around the pool and the higher elevated portion of the lawn. Both the landscaping and architectural style of the villa compliment each other. (BELOW 2) I love the variation of shrubs. Overall, I find this villa to look very relaxing. It has great seclusion and is not overpowering architecturally. What are your thoughts about the villa?

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When I choose these pieces I focused on unusual shapes and soft colors. Around the home you'll find great pops of color in the landscaping, however, the villa is a lighter color with a signature red Mediterranean style roof. These pieces would look amazing if placed in this home. The 1960s Doria Ball Chandelier is from Prime Gallery LLC. The Ceramic Vases are from Blend Interiors. I love their organic shapes. The vases are also in the same color family as the villa. The Vintage Swedish Rug is from Nazmiyal. The rug represents the beauty of a Mediterranean styled roof. Which piece is your favorite? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

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A Texas Dream Home

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

Located on a fantastic hill in Austin, Texas is this Mediterranean inspired villa. I love a Mediterranean villa! The home is situated on over four acres of land. (ABOVE) The home has a great symmetry and balance. Once you turn onto the slopped driveway you are surrounded by views of the country, and city. The front landscaping is minimal, the focus is the home and the views. (BELOW 1) The Infinite pool makes you feel like you are floating in the sky and amongst the top of the trees. The backyard features a few terraces and balconies, which allows you to enjoy the views and be shielded from the elements. (BELOW 2) While you are lounging in the pool take a few steps over to the outdoor dining area, and put some food on the grill! The fireplace comes in handy during the cooler Texas months. What I really love is the wood ceiling. It adds a rich texture, and warmth. What do you think of the property? 

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17th Century Swiss Chateau

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

Located in Switzerland, and originally built in the 17th century, this Swiss chateau has much character, and historical details. With roughly 9,000 square feet of living space and plenty of outdoor space, this home is ideal for a family. In 1996 the home was fully renovated and is listed as an Eco-friendly built home. (ABOVE) The home's backyard features beautifully manicured hedges and flowers. I love the ivy that is growing on the stone facade. Off the left side of the home is a small elevated patio, perfect for entertaining and soaking in the the views. (BELOW 1) Directly off the back of the home is a ground level patio. I am a huge fan of the gardens around the patio. It's not overly landscaped and has a great variation of flowers and greens. (BELOW 2) As you walk around the grounds you'll be pleasantly surprised to see a trellis. Under the trellis are small seating areas, perfect to rest under the green. The seating areas are private, yet one can still soak in the views and admire the well kept lawn. (BELOW 3) From the upper floors of the home one can admire the hills and mountains of Autigny, Switzerland. It's so nice to see so much undeveloped land. (BELOW 4) This close up view of the home's back, really shows the overscaled  roof. For me, the roof makes the home as gorgeous as it is. The roof is the heart of the home. The wood beans really soften the white stone facade and add much Swiss character. The home has both a mixture of Mediterranean style and country style. What do you think of the home? 

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Moving In: Miami Beach House

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

I sort of have an obsession when it comes to water front properties. Maybe it's the fact that I've been a swimmer my whole life. There's just something super relaxing about waking up in the morning to see the water out your window. This gated water front home is an absolute beauty. Located in Miami, the home boasts over 5000 square feet of living space conveniently located to shopping, as well as the beach and restaurants. Could you ask for anything better? (ABOVE) The home is nestled behind a wall of hedges and a gate. I love the larger stone driveway. The home has a Mediterranean flair and has its own unique character.

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(1) From the front lawn the house doesn't look quite as large as it is. The blue shutters add a bit of a kick. The architecture of the home is very California to say the least. I usually like having the garage in the rear of the house, however, I don't mind its place here. 

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(2) The back of the home features a fantastic shaded back deck. The perfect place to entertain guests or just take a nap away from the hot Florida sun. I like how the table blends into its souroundings. 

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(3) The pool is right off the back porch. Take a nap and then dive in. The proximity of the pool to the house gives the home a bit more shade, perfect for those hot days. 

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(4) The back of the home has a wonderful deck and 2nd floor terrace. From the terrace you have an unobstructed view of the water. What I like about the back of the home is the simplicity of the architecture. The back looks designed, but without trying too hard.  

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(5) I love the landscape design of the backyard, however, I just wish the property were bigger. Then again, a larger property would come with a heftier price tag. I like how the palm trees flank the entrance to the boat deck.

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(6) How great is this dock? You can't park an enormous yacht here, but an average size water vehicle will do. I could get use to living here! What do you think of the home? Would you move in?

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Featured Post: California Glamour

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Yesterday, I had the honor of being featured on LDV with this post. Here is the post in case you missed it...When I think of California, I think of large estates set on perfectly manicured lawns, stylish women dressed in stunning outfits, and views of mountains and pristine beaches. (ABOVE) Designed by Warren Callister on Belvedere Island, this stunning California home has views of the Golden Gate Bridge.  The landscaping gives the home an intimate feel. The mansard roof was a great choice as it plays up the home's elegance. (BELOW 1) Nestled behind trees, this modern home is located in Santa Barbra. It has a very 70s inspired architecture, very modern California glamour. The landscaping surrounding the home stays in line with the home's modern architecture. It's clean, simple, and well maintained. (BELOW 2) This European inspired villa is located in Holmby Hills. The front doors are absolutely stunning. The black stands out against the limestone facade. I love the tree in front of the left window. It has such an unusual form and makes a big statement as people come to the front door. (BELOW 3) The backyard of this Santa Barbra mansion is breathtaking. The many boxwoods create a nice "fence" around the pool which has sweeping views of the sea. I could see the most glamorous photoshoot taking place here. Which estate is your favorite? 

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(1) Milly Joselyn Beaded Dress, (2) Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti Jeweled Collar Sweater Dress, (3) Noir Jewelry Neon Crystal Pendant Necklace, (4) Alexander McQueen Metallic Two Tone Sunglasses, (5) Anya Hindmarch Valorie Clutch, (6) Elizabeth and James Paige Flat Metallic Sandals

The Fashion: For the looks above, I was inspired by both Malibu and Beverly Hills. The beaded Milly dress could be worn for a stroll with your loved one on the beach or to chic restaurant in Beverly Hills. The Noir necklace has both a casual vibe with the robe chain and formal vibe with the crystal pendant. It's the perfect Malibu-Beverly hills inspired piece. The Anya clutch is just the right amount of sparkle for you outfit. A little black glamour? Which piece is your favorite? 

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(ABOVE 4) The Mediterranean Revival, Hearst Mansion located in San Simeon, has sweeping views of the mountains and shore. The home was designed by architect Julia Morgan who had originally planned to design a small bungalow for William Hearst. After a month of discussion the decision for a small bungalow grew into a large scale castle. What are your thoughts on the Hearst Castle? (ABOVE 5) Designer Kelly Wearstler is well known for her love of Hollywood Regency. This fantastic sitting area has all the elements for California glamour. How amazing is that large sculpture to the far right? I love all the stone! What do you think of the Kelly Wearstler space? 

Spaces I'm Loving: Part III

http://www.lonnymag.com/decorate/living_rooms

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's eclectic mix of styles

The way the furniture is positioned adds to the space's eclectic feel. My favorite piece in this space is the Brutalist style sculpture that sits on top of the console table. The tiled stairs give the space a more Mediterranean touch, which contrasts with the Asian, modern, and contemporary pieces. What do you love about this space? 

http://www.architecturaldigest.com

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's traditional elegance with a modern touch

This space is full of beautiful traditional and modern pieces. The surrealist painting over the fireplace works beautifully with the ornately decorated sofa. What makes this mix of styles work in one space is the colors. The red moves from the painting to the chair, to the pillows, to the flowers. The blue moves from the painting to the chair to the sofa to the lamp shade. What do you love about this space? 

http://www.lonnymag.com/decorate/dining_spaces

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's Asian eclectic mix

The furnishings in this space are very elegant, laid back, and have a great Asian pop to them. What gives this space its laid back feel is the low seating, sofa and pillows. The deep green walls and wall murals give the space a natural earthy feel. What do you love about this space?

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Why I Love This Space: I love this space's 60s style glamour

The Warren Planter furnishings are the perfect pieces for a 60s inspired space. The painting is my favorite piece in this space. Without the painting the space would not tie together. The shag rug is great because, it gives the space a dose of texture and feels great under your feet as the floors are stone. What do you love about this space?

Restaurant Design: EOS At The Viceroy Miami

http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/miami/

Located on the 15th floor of the Viceroy Miami, the EOS restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine. Designed by Kelly Wearstler, the EOS restaurant is bold, edgy and very glamorously designed. (ABOVE) I am a huge fan of these unique modern black dining chairs. They have a bit of an Asian flare and work beautifully with the other pieces Wearstler has used in the space. The columns are very simple and the black dining chairs mirror that simplicity. (BELOW 1) The floors feature a great black and white pattern, and are mirrored onto the ceiling. Normally, one would see floors like this and expect serious, classic design, however, Wearstler added orange dining chairs. These chairs add a pop of brilliant color to the space and have a great shape. (BELOW 2) I really like how Wearstler has brought yellow to this part of the restaurant. In the first photograph, yellow is used as cushions on the black modern dining chairs. Here, yellow is used for the booth, this unifies the space. In addition, the screens incorporate a brilliant pattern and the pillows on the orange chairs add a great touch of purple. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do. 

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Architecture Around The World: Tel Aviv

http://museumchick.com

It has been quite some time since I last published an "Architecture Around The World" post, so I'm thrilled to inspire you with one today! With over 2.5 million international visitors yearly, Tel Aviv is known as "The City That Never Sleeps". With stunning beaches, and phenomenal shopping, it's no surprise that Tel Aviv was named the third "hottest city of 2011". In addition to the city's incredible social life, the city's architecture is highly looked at. (ABOVE) The Hechal Yehuda Synagogue was built in 1980 by architect Yitzchak Toledano. The structure is built of white concrete, because of its unique design the structure was given the nickname 'Seashell Synagogue'. (BELOW 1) This structure is part of a collection of buildings referred to as "The White City". "The White City" refers to over 4,000 Bauhaus or international style buildings built from the 1930s. Bauhaus architecture was brought over from Germany. Bauhaus buildings have flat roofs, smooth facades, and cubic shapes. (BELOW 2) Bauhaus architecture is not the only architecture movement found in Tel Aviv. Bright colors and architectural details can also be found throughout the city. I love the Mediterranean energy this structure brings to the street. (BELOW 3) The Synagogue of Tel Aviv University was built by Swiss architect Mario Botta. The building's exterior is built of reddish stone from the Dolomite Mountains of Italy. What do you think of the architecture of Tel Aviv?   

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