Image of the day – the sweet smell of summer
What a fab picture! Taken by super talented London- based photographer Chris Everard.
The stuff of romance
Well it’s here again, the most romantic day of the year is just a day away. And in the spirit of the day, we’re having a look at some beautiful and romantic settings.
First up, the fabulously decadent Mayfair Hotel in London…
Talk about co-ordinating… Even the shoes match the cushions! I have to say, I think the colour is just amazing. A paler pink would make it all very sugary. The darkness of this however adds a touch of sophistication.
Speaking of sophistication, I think I might be a little bit in love with the spa in the Watermark Hotel…
It just looks like the perfect place to relax with your partner. The muted colours, the plants, the candles… On second thought, it looks like the perfect place to relax on your own! And while we’re on the topic of bathing away the stresses of the day, check out the bathroom in The Bale hotel in Bali..
Now that is pure indulgence! Once again, it’s all about the candles and the flowers. Is there anything those little things can’t improve?! And fortunately, this little talk of candles brings us seamlessly (ahem…) to this little picture of paradise, courtesy of the Bucuti beach resort in Aruba…
I realise of course that this is not really interior design, but I just couldn’t help myself. This for me, is just the essence of romance. But I should probably stop staring at it and just post this!
Filed under Uncategorized | Tags: beach, candles, cushions, flowers, hotel, Interior Design, pink | Comment (0)Hampton house in Something’s Gotta Give
I watched Something’s Gotta Give again last night and fell in love with that Hamptons house all over again. Many say this house upstaged the actors and script and apparently Architectural Digest’s article on it was their subscribers’ all-time favourite!
Simply put, this house is elegant yet simple, beautiful, but not overly designed and has such a sense of warmth and tranquility, you almost feel like you’re surrounded by the ocean. The architectural features are stunning: huge french doors, soaring high ceilings and lots of natural light whilst the interiors are a soothing palette of beach colours…
The living room really did it for me… Of course, the architectural backdrop, the fireplace, covings, balcony etc., is great, but the furnishing is also very successful.
The room is brimming with home accessories – no less than four lamps, tons of candles and shell ornaments, cushions and throws in a variety of colours scattered over the sofas and books piled on nearly every surface – yet it doesn’t look cluttered. Everything seems to blend in and kind of disappear, nothing really stands out except of course the wonderful striped nautical rug that covers the whole floor and the Mora clock with its sensuous curves.
Another important element is the contrast between light and dark: the dark wood floors against the light cream walls, the light blue fabric of the sofas against the dark wood legs and tables. Even the balusters and risers are painted white whilst the handrails are dark.
This corner of the living room oozes warmth and coziness and I can totally imagine myself sitting here happily reading my book with a hot chocolate in hand. I’m not sure if it’s the beautifully shaped wicker chairs and striped cushions, or the pretty vase and flowers on the side table, or simply the super neat array of books on the shelves, but the whole thing just really works for me…
In the dining room, the look is softer and more feminine, with the plate display and large iron chandelier taking centre stage. I don’t really understand the fuss about the slipcovered chairs – I personally don’t like them all that much – I think they make the room feel a bit fussed and girly, but that’s just me nitpicking because the overall result is great…
The same style is carried outside into the patio – the lounge chairs and cushions, again in blue and white, and the simple white umbrellas create a relaxed, beachy feel, whilst the candles, wall lanterns and pool lights perfectly finish off that wonderful atmosphere.
It’s the kitchen that seems to have attracted the most press however and although I’m not a fan of country kitchens, I think I understand why. Firstly, it must be because of its size – I don’t know any woman that wouldn’t love to have all this storage space and TWO island units!! Secondly, the contrast of the dark floors and worktop against the white cabinets, combined with the industrial appliances, country kitchen handles and bathroom- style taps, the result is unique and quirky but at the same time very visually appealing!
Here’s a small shopping list to help you achieve this look:
- Duck egg blue striped Dhurry rug £45
- Carrick sofa £1040
- Butlers tray table £40
- Kim dark wicker chair £35
- Mora clock £773
- Wooden candlesticks £23
- Rhea table lamp £100
- Cushions in pastel colours – a variety starting from £25
ALL PHOTOS BY BOB MARSHAK/SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE © 2003 COLUMBIA PICTURES INDUSTRIES, INC.
Filed under Interior Design, Uncategorized | Tags: accessories, beach, Interior Design, movie | Comments (2)
