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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Moving In: Stockholm Country Estate

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

"Moving In" is an all new series on BAD. The series will explore fantastic homes across the world that I would love to be moving in to, how I'd furnish my new home as well as a few clothing picks for those days and nights on the town. This home is located in Stockholm, and has over thirty acres of land. With views of the water and its own private tennis court, it's a sure beauty. (ABOVE) The architecture of the home is quite stately. I love the simplicity of the facade. It's not overly adorned. I think the roof would be better flat? (BELOW 1) An aerial view of the home. The water is only a few feet away. All the trees surrounding the home create much privacy. (BELOW 2) The rear lawn is naturally landscaped. No hedges, or flowers, just freshly cut grass. The pathway leads to the water. (BELOW 3) A private dock sits on the water behind high bushes. What a romantic spot for a dinner. (BELOW 4) From the dock, one has incredible views of the surrounding area. Would you move in? 

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The Dining Room: (1) "LB-71" by Lou Blass from Ad Lib Antique, (2) Pucci de Rossi Dining Table from 20C Objects, (3) Modernist Collage Signed Gerard from Avant Garden, (4) Copper Frame Dining Room Armchairs from Morentz, The Kitchen: (5) Pair of Industrial Adjustable Bar Stools from Blend Interiors, (6) Pair of Art Deco Chandeliers Attributed to Petitot from Rearview Modern, (7) Modernist French Rug from Alberto Levi Gallery

The Casual Look: (1) Alexander McQueen Embellished Cotton T-Shirt, (2) Tibi Neon and Metallic Jacquard Straight Leg Pants, (3) Linda Farrow for The Row Rounded Leather Sunglasses, (4) Marc by Marc Jacobs Top Chicret Solid Cross Body Bag, (5) Tibi Edita High Heel Sandals, The Formal Look: (5) Chloé Smocked Silk Blend Chiffon Dress, (6) Venessa Arizaga Pretty in Pink Necklace, (7) Reece Hudson Stendahl Minaudiere, (8) Sergio Rossi Slingback Heels

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!

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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. 

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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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JFK To SFO

http://pauloctavious.com

It seems like whenever I'm flying 32,000ft above the ground with my camera, the shots never do the scenery justice. Chicago based photographer Paul Octavious, has better luck with his camera (thank goodness)! Without artists like Octavious we would never have such stunning photographs of our world below. (ABOVE) On his journey Octavious photographed wonderful landscapes. (BELOW 1 & 2) These photographs resemble a fabulous quilt or a brilliant collage. The muted colors are fantastic, as you really see each defined patch in the landscape. It looks unreal! (BELOW 3, 4, & 5) The desert looking terrain stands out against the deep blue water. Because the water is so blue it looks like a blanket. This effect creates powerful images, that should be hanging in my home! (BELOW 6) I love all the different variations in orange. I'm immediately drawn to the body of water that cuts the landscape in half. (BELOW 7) This shot looks like it was not taken on Earth. It's so odd, and really had me thinking. The green and beige disks look like they were plopped there by Aliens! (BELOW 8) The final shot is really great. I always love seeing the small cars and homes when I'm flying in the sky. What do you think of Paul Octavious's work? 

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The Waterfront Estate

http://www.sothebysrealty.com

This gorgeous classically designed estate in Cold Spring Harbor, NY is located on four acres of land. (ABOVE) A long driveway leads to a center courtyard. The greenery around the estate and white moldings around the windows and doors soften the home and make it more approachable. (BELOW 1) This estate is located on the water. I love how it is secluded and on such a wonderful plot of land. The amount of trees surrounding the home is impeccable. (BELOW 2) The pool overlooks the water. The tree-free deck keeps the pool warm without need for water heaters. (BELOW 3) I like the elevated deck to the left and the lowered pool deck to the right. The hedges around the pool define the space. Having the raised deck to the left is perfect for entertaining and playing soccer or volleyball. (BELOW 4) These stone stairs and wall are architecturally beautiful. Without the green ivy the wall would not have the same beauty. (BELOW 5) After you walk down the stairs you are greeted by a wonderful green lawn. What a perfect place for a picnic. This wonderful lawn is located to the left of the property. What do you think of this estate? 

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Nature Meets Design: The Jellyfish

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com

Nature has a strong influence on the way I design, because of its constant change and unexpected beauty. The Jellyfish Cotylorhiza is a magnificent creature. Its burst of color is both beautiful and unexpected. As it sits just beneath the surface of the Mar Menor coastal lagoon, it captures the magnificent light of the sunrise. As beautiful as it may look, the Jellyfish Cotylorhiza can give you a nasty bite. The photographer has beautifully curved the surface of the water as to mirror the curve of the Jellyfish's body. (BELOW) Whether you buy these items or ones at a cheaper cost, the key to recreating the style of the jellyfish in your home is to bring in purple and different shapes. Purple can be brought in through rugs, furniture and paint. Different shapes can be brought in through tabletops, sculptures and lighting. The impeccable 1960s, purple Vistosi discs chandelier is from Venfield. It resembles the tentacles of the Jellyfish. The purple 1980s Vladimir Kagan swivel  armchair is from Talisman. The curved form of the armchair resembles the curve of the purple tip of the Jellyfish's tentacles.  The pair of Beranek 1970s glass vases is from Mary Ann Lembo. The unique form of the vases resembles both the movement of the water and Jellyfish. The mid 20th century Scandinavian rug is from Nazmiyal. The rug and Jellyfish posse similar colors. What do you love about these pieces? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.   

Create This Look In Your Home:

A Well Traveled World

http://www.katerentz.com

I have a bit of a weak spot when it comes to travel photography. Kate Rentz's photographs of her international travels are making me beam from cheek to cheek! Looking through her photographs, I literally feel like I'm in a different part of the world for a few seconds. The Ohio-born, California-based girl photographs not only travel, but also fashion, lifestyle, portraits, etc. (ABOVE) The country of Argentina is gorgeous. The picturesque mountains, crystal clear blue water, and white sand beaches are making me crave for a beach getaway to the country right now! 

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(1) Big Sur, California. Look at the mountains for a second. Don't you feel like the rest of the photograph would just be desert? The amazing blue color of the water stands out against the very martin like mountains.

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(2) I wish I knew where this photograph was taken! I did a post on the Grand Canyon a little while ago and this photograph gives me that vibe. What I find particularly beautiful about this photograph is the vastness of the landscape, cloud shadows, and the different variation in colors of the mountains. Can I say colorblocked? 

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(3) This looks like it was taken in the good old South West, any ideas? I'm not an avid camper, however, I'd consider camping more often if the camp grounds had views like this.  

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(4) Desert vibe. I feel like we're in Arizona here? The way in which this photograph was taken looks like Kate was on the road. Makes me sort of want to go on a road trip. 

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(5) Every good traveler has got to have a travel journal. I have a good feeling my journal would start with words and quickly change into architecture, design, and fashion sketches. 

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(6) Finally, a photograph with a location! A volcano in the gorgeous Costa Rica. Costa Rica's beauty lies in it's lush landscapes. What a place to explore some forests, perfect place to whip out your designer boots (hehe). 

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(7) Guess I spoke to soon! This location has a Northeast feel, any ideas? I really like the look of moss growing on the trees. Can I just say, sledding here would be quite the challenge! 

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(8) Death Valley, California. This is one of my favorite of Kate's photographs. It's so eerie. It's such a simple shot, yet says so much about the landscape. Doesn't seem like much of a place to explore! What do you think of Kate Rentz's photographs? 

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