Moving In: Authentic Georgian Regency

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

Hey BAD readers! I decided to change up my "Moving In" series. The posts will now simply focus on architecture rather than on both architecture, design, and fashion. Here is a link to my previous "Moving In" post, let me know if you prefer this layout or the previous one in the comments below. Located in Georgia is this very fitting Georgian Regency style home. It would be a dream to live in such a beautiful piece of architecture. Surprisingly the home was built in the 1990s. The home looks far older, it could easily pass for a home built in the 1920s or 30s. The home was designed by John Oetgen and Harrison Design. With over 14,000 square feet of living space and 1.35 acres of property, it's a home that one can definitely grow into. (ABOVE) When you drive up to the home, you're immediately grabbed by its architecture. It's classic, and elegant. I love the use of hedges, and ivy growing on the facade. It softens the brick, makes the home blend into its surroundings. 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
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(1) How great is this front entry way? It's elegant, glamorous, very green, and simple. No crazy colors, unusual door, or imposing scones. Just classic glamour. The  green ivy on the front part of the steps is a great detail. 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
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(2) The back of the home is extremely private. Large hedges, and shrubs create privacy. It's literally your own little world back here. I love the extended terrace. The mansard roof atop the terrace, and curtains soften the home, makes the home more laid back. 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

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(3) A view from the back terrace looking out onto the property. The curtains bring that southern flair. 

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(4) The pool is a classic rectangular shape. The slate deck works well with the architecture of the home. 

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(5) I love this entertaining area. The red brick floors look cool against the brick house, it gives off a very American colonial look. I see myself curling up, reading a book in front of the outdoor fireplace. Of course I'd probably needed a vintage armchair, but hey! What do you think of the home? Would you move in?

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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.

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
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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.  

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
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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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Room Spotlight: Overlooking The City

http://lonnymag.com/decorate/outdoors

I love this Terrace featured in Lonny magazine. It's so inviting and absolutely perfect to enjoy a wonderful day or entertain guests. Living in the city, the idea of having an outdoor space to call you own is luxury. Millions of New Yorkers would dream to have such a relaxing space off of their apartments. (ABOVE) I love the grass flooring, as it brings the 'backyard' feel to the space. The variations in planting, and pots creates interest and camouflages the brick guard rail. When designing your terrace, don't go crazy buying lawn furniture, instead buy pieces found inside the home. This will create a Living Room atmosphere. (BELOW) I love the color of the table against the floors and plantings. The tableware as well as the natural canopy are so beautiful. I could picture myself hosting a wonderful party here, wouldn't you? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://lonnymag.com/decorate/outdoors

Geometric Shapes In Concrete

© 109 Architectes

The strong clean design of the Université Saint-Joseph, in Lebanon, is designed by 109 Architects & Youseff Tohme. "This new campus takes a contextual approach, integrating physically, culturally, and historically with Beirut’s urban tissue. Conceptually an urban block with sculpted voids, the building’s hollow spaces define six autonomous blocks and construct multiple viewpoints across Beirut, connecting students to their dynamic setting. The voids also generate a street-level meeting space, which flows fluidly to the top floor in the form of a massive staircase. It concludes at a landscaped terrace overlooking the city. Light is a vital element in oriental architecture and one that shapes its style and identity; the campus exposes alternate light qualities through Moucharabieh-inspired perforations and a polycarbonate volume. Such manipulation presents a striking contrast in filtered light and luminescence. A stylized random-opening treatment is a snapshot of the Lebanese War, lending a poetic glimpse into the reality of destruction and violence." (ABOVE) The concrete stairs work beautifully with the structure and are both grand and command attention. Each window has its own unique shape, which gives the structure character. In addition, the varied window shapes, break the rigid lines of the structure. (BELOW) Another view of the structure, reveals different shapes, behind the shapes on the facade are windows. 

© 109 Architectes

Create This Look In Your Home:

Whether you buy these items or ones at a cheaper cost, the key to recreating the look of the Université Saint-Joseph in your home is to bring in patterns and shapes, and neutral colors. Patterns and shapes can be brought in through rugs, lighting and wallpaper. Neutral colors can be brought in through tabletops, sculptures and furniture. The 1990s "Sole" chair by Atelier Fornasetti is from Holly Johnson Antiques. The unique lithographically printed design, resembles the stairs and columns of the first photograph. The 1970s concrete plaster African side table by John Dickinson is from Coup d'Etat. The side table resembles the structure as a whole, because of the concrete material and clean form. The multi-arm chandelier is from Rewire. The chandelier resembles the shapes on the facade of the second photograph. The wires that connect the base to the lights resemble the white fence featured at the bottom of the second photograph. The mid 20th century vintage Swedish rug is by Marta Maas Fjetterstrom and from Nazmiyal. The clean pattern, color, and variety in shapes, all resemble the structure. How do you feel this look resembles the structure? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

 Quote: (109 Architectes)

Spaces I'm Loving: Part XVI

http://www.elledecor.com

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's bathtub and floors

I'm in love with Bobbi Flay's master bathroom. The bathtub, and the floors are incredible. My only issue with the bathtub is the color. As much as I love the shape, I'd rather be stepping into a white bathtub. The bathtub spout is pretty neat. The floors bring a Moroccan vibe into 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 the original features in this space

The original windows, doors, floors, and ceiling make this space. When designing older homes, it's crucial to save as much of the original details as possible. When I was renovating my 1934 modern brick home, I was careful in preserving as much of the original architecture as possible. There's something about older homes that feels solid, well built, and it's important not to take that away. 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.architecturaldigest.com 

Why I Love This Space: I love this terraces natural feel

This rooftop terrace transports me to a different location. Even though I'm only steps away from the hustle and the bustle of the city, I still feel like I'm outside, in a park setting. My favorite piece in this space is the fireplace. It takes you out of the city. The amount of greenery and flowers is fantastic. 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.lonny.com

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's mix in textures

This space is full of texture. From the woven rug, to the fluffy arm chair, wood coffee table, glass end table and brass lamp. This space has all the right design elements. My favorite piece in the space is the arm chair. It's the highlight of the vignette, and looks incredibly comfortable.  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.

Moving In: Villa Labarba

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

How amazing is this California mansion? Well, I think it's just fab! This over 12,000 sq ft house that sits on over an acre of ocean front property is an incredible place to live. The home was built in 1997, and has many classic California design embellishments, yet still feels fresh and clean. (ABOVE) The center motorcourt is a classic feature. Love the clean, front facade as well as the boxwoods that surround the house. Every classically designed home needs a fountain. I love that the fountain is surrounded by some pink flowers.     

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(1) The views are the highlight of the property. Waking up and walking around such beautifully landscaped grounds would be truly amazing. I like how the water from the upper level fountain spills over into a collection of smaller fountains running toward the ocean. 

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(2) The back of the home is as beautiful as the front of the home. I love the hedges, and center fountain. The back of the home screams traditional, with a touch of modernity. The terrace just off the main house is the perfect place to entertain. Beautiful architecture and views of the ocean surround you!

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
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(3) A long slide carries water from the upper level fountain to the lower level fountain. This idea is a more environmentally friendly alternative, which is always a good thing! I could see myself laying on one of those blue outdoor sofas and looking out at the ocean and sandy beaches. 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com
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(4) The property features a garden space. I recently started learning some tricks when it comes to planting and gardening. I love having a garden in the back of my home and would die for this large one that overlooks the water. What do you think of the home? Would you move in? 

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Weekly Start Off: No 15

Happy Tuesday, April 2, 2013 readers! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and holiday! I took a little three day weekend. I can't believe we're already in April, is it me or did March just fly by? For today's Weekly Start off post I decided to focus on architecture. The following homes all have different architectural influences and fantastic outdoor spaces. Each home has something that makes it standout. Prepare to be inspired!

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

1. Located in Virginia, this home's architecture pays homage to both classic American and early Italian design. I love the architecture, and landscaping. The center courtyard leads you to a fantastic fountain. The backyard is a very calming place. The variation in planting is what gives this backyard that 'wow' factor. A great new top for tending to the garden. 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

2. A classic white house, located in upstate New York. This home is very grand and looks like the perfect place to entertain. After one arrives they are greeted by a large staircase that leads to the front door. I'm not a huge fan of the far left expansion to the house. A new look to make your entrance down that fantastic front staircase. 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

3. Talk about a fantastic front porch! This home is located in Italy and has sweeping views of the city and lake. The architecture of the home is extremely Italian. What makes this home impressive is the moldings around the windows. I can definitely see one entertaining on either the first floor porch or the second floor terrace. A new look for an afternoon entertaining outside. 

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

4. Placed on an archaeological park is this brilliant, historic villa located in Italy. The drive that leads to the house is lined with fantastic lilac. The home is surrounded by trees and flowers. What a wonderful place to raise a family. In addition to being around such wonderful greenery is a pool. A new look for a picnic on the back lawn. 

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?

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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.