(BAD) Blog About Design

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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Labels: Architecture

Arch In Pictures: Top 10 Picturesque Villages

10. Bibury, England

http://en.wikipedia.org

9. Savoca, Italy

http://en.m.wikipedia.org

8. Shirakawa-Go, Japan

http://my.opera.com

7. Wengen, Switzerland

http://www.ferienwohnungwengen.ch

6. Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

http://www.panoramio.com

5. Eze, France

http://www.citypictures.org

4. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

http://www.citypictures.net

3. Ronda, Spain

http://lupochet.blogspot.com

2. Göreme, Turkey

http://www.barefoot-travel.com

1. Cua Van, Vietnam

http://www.sharewonders.co

Labels: Architecture

Living Luxuriously On The Waterfront

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

Nestled between the trees, on the shores of Lake Geneva, Switzerland, sits a 1923 mansion. With a beautiful tan stone and white façade, with mint green shutters and meticulously groomed lawn, the mansion is at once grand, but inviting. (ABOVE) The grouping of shrubs adjacent the fountain separate the open lawn by defining the space. The semi-hipped roof allows for the instillation of windows. (BELOW 1) A breezeway connects the two structures and a large driveway accommodates guests. The touch of shrubs on either side of the front entrance soften the driveway and home. (BELOW 2) The shrubs at the edge of the pool deck define the space. The balcony is functional as it permits entertaining on the deck and below. The ivy softens the black iron fence. (BELOW 3) The stone pool deck is modern and contrasts with the traditional architecture of the mansion. The green tiled pool bottom complements the beautiful green lawn. The black arm chairs feature a design that resembles the iron work of the fence.

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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 this mansion in your home is to bring in neutral colors, metals, and subtle details. Neutral colors can be brought in through rugs, furniture and paint. Metals can be brought in through vases, sculptures and light fixtures. Subtle details can be brought in through a unique pattern and an unexpected item. The 1980s Milo Baughman, originally upholstered arm chairs with a gold base, are from Talisman. I choose these arm chairs because, they are in the same color family as the tan stone and white façade of the mansion. In addition, the soft lines on the back of the arm chairs mirror the windows grille pattern. The vintage 1960s brass ceiling lamp, is from Rewire LA. The ceiling lamp resembles the lush landscaping and shrubbery. The vintage Wool 20th century Moroccan rug is from Nazmiyal. The rug is in the same color family as the pool deck, the black pattern on the rug resembles the iron fence and lounge chairs. The 1970s bronze figurative sculpture, is from Talisman. The sculpture's intricate details and rich movement resembles the iron fence. The 1960s porcelain plates are from Vandekar. They remind me of the beautiful tile found at the bottom of the pool. The 1940s Barry Reid vase is from Sam Kaufman Gallery. The rich blue color of the vase is in a similar color family as the window shutters. In addition, the cracked design of the vase resembles the balcony deck floor. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

Labels: Architecture

Weekly Start Off: No 11

Happy Monday, February 24, 2013 readers! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! For this week's "Weekly Start Off" post I decided to turn my focus towards classic architecture. I love classic architecture, because you can furnish your home in a wide array of styles. Like modern, traditional, eclectic, and live in a classically built house? No problem! All these interior styles will work and look great in any one of these homes.

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

1. A beautiful Neo-Classical home located in Newport Beach, CA with unparalleled views of the water. Despite the home being rather new, it looks like it has been around for quite some time. I find the many windows, and doors to enhance the overall architecture of the house. The well maintained lawn and planting add to the beauty. I wish I was kicking back by the pool right now!

http://www.christiesrealestate.com

2. A wonderful manor house located in Switzerland. The home's architecture has a classic Swiss feel. I absolutely love the center dome. It's a touch of the unexpected. If you place your finger over the dome and half circle entryway the home has a very ordinary look. The dome and half circle entryway make the home. The potted flowers and shrubs, add color where needed.

http://www.stribling.com

3. London has some of the most magnificent looking townhouses. Townhouses like the one above, for example, are clean and manage to add a little green life to their facade. The window cornices are necessary to give the facade some architectural pizazz. When you think about it, a townhouse only has the front face to make a statement. Heavily adorned cornices, and doors, and detailed window fences as well as phenomenal edging is needed. I love the flower boxes!

http://www.christiesrealestate.com

4. This house pays homage to many different classic architecture styles. Greek, Italian, French, English, styles have influenced the architecture of the home. The triangular design above the front door is very Greek as well as Italian, Palladio. The windows, doors, and Manson roof are very French. And the way the stone is arranged on the front facade, reminds me of an English townhouse.

http://www.christiesrealestate.com

5. Located in Italy, this home has commanding views of the sea. The home's architecture is heavily influenced by Greek design and the work of Palladio. If you image the home without the columns it would have a completely different look. It would not have the same grandeur, nor the same elegance.

Labels: Architecture

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

Architect Of The Week: Le Corbusier

Centre Le Corbusier (Heidi Weber Museum) in Zurich-Seefeld (Zürichhorn)

Born in 1887, Charles Jeanneret otherwise known as Le Corbusier, grew up in Switzerland. Known as a pioneer of modern architecture, Le Corbusier has dazzled many with his creative visions. His career spanned well over fifty year, with his buildings constructed through Europe, Asia, North and South America. Le Corbusier was also a well known writer, designer, and urban planner. (ABOVE) I love the unique patterns used. In addition, the arched roof is a very smart decision, as it allows wind to pass through. (BELOW 1) I am a huge fan of the curved roof. It make this average looking structure take on a new life. (BELOW 2) By far my favorite of Le Corbusier's works. From the roof, to the unique angles of the walls, this structure has an element of surprise around each corner. The windows also tell a unique story, as no two are the same size. (BELOW 3) The pops of color and usage of shapes truly liven this structure.