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. 

Room Spotlight: A New York Family Room

http://www.architecturaldigest.com

How gorgeous is this Family Room designed by Delphine Krakoff? The New York townhouse is very clean and simple, a break from the hustle and bustle right outside. The art piece over the fireplace mantle was done by Frank Stella. The art piece to the right was done by Yoshimoto Nara. These two pieces really make the space. The furniture is very simple, and minimal. I love the two black arm chairs, and Benni Ourain rug. The most beautiful feature in the space is hands down the two story window overlooking the courtyard. The amount of light and nature that enters this New York townhouse from that window is amazing. What do you think of the space? 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.

Room Spotlight: Classic Contemporary Mix

http://www.windsorsmithhome.com/

This wonderful Living Room designed by Windsor Smith Home has such a great classic contemporary mix. The placement of the sofa in front of the window is a great idea as it creates a focal point and balance in the space. I am a huge fan of the two arm chairs, what beautiful woodwork and leather upholstery. The Gothic inspired side chair to the left of the photograph is full of amazing detailing. What a great piece for a classic contemporary space. I could defiantly see this space in a NYC townhouse. What do you think? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do. 

Space's I'm Loving: Part XII

http://www.michaelhamptondesign.com

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's monochromatic color theme and simple elegant pieces

Sometimes a space with a monochromatic color theme and simple elegant pieces makes more of an impact on a person than an elaborate, colorful space. This space designed by Michael Hampton, has a fresh, relaxing, yet stylish feel. The chaise lounge chair, keeps the space open. Without having a back, the space appears larger. The walls are done in a cool parquet type design. Do you like such a simple 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 space's unique furnishings, and proportions

This space has a relaxed, put together look. It feels designed, but not overly designed. The sofa is hands down one of the statement furnishings in the space. The sofa brings a dimension of color, and a striking form into this townhouse. I love the brass standing lamp, table lamps, as well as the case piece under the windows. They all have a unique shape and look. The furnishings all have a different height. The coffee table is rather low, while the table lamps are quite tall. This mix really works. What do you think of the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do. 

http://blog.vogueliving.com.au/

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's mix of classic art and laid back furnishings

I'm a huge sucker for classic art. Yes I love my vintage 60s/70s furniture, but I love to pair classic art with them. In this space, brilliant classical portraits are paired with very unassuming laid back furnishings. That difference in style makes the space far more visually interesting. When you're styling a look you never match your shoes with your bag. In design, why should one have to match classic art with classic furniture or modern art with modern furniture? What do you think of 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 that bathroom is fully mirrored

Who says you can't have a mirrored bathroom? Hey, at least it makes sharing the bathroom in the morning far less stressful. I love this bathroom featured in Lonny Magazine. The bathroom is fully mirrored, it sort of reminds me of the "What Not To Wear" 360 mirror. The space feels open and bright. If you look at the hanging mirror over the sink, you'll spot a vintage photograph behind it, pretty cool detail. What do you think of the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.