Guess where in the world each of these houses is

I just took Architectural Digest’s latest IQ test and it was really quite hard. You have to figure out where each of the houses pictured below is located. I am ashamed to say I failed abysmally, guessing only 5 out of 12 correctly. It all goes to show that you can create any style of house wherever in the world you are…

a. Australia
b. Hawaii
c. Mexico

a. Napa Valley
b. Tuscany
c. South Africa

a. South Africa
b. New England
c. Australia

a. India
b. Morocco
c. Dubai

a. France
b. England
c. Quebec

a. Spain
b. Italy
c. Czech Republic

a. Puerto Rico
b. Costa Rica
c. Jamaica

a. India
b. Bali
c. Morocco

a. Fiji
b. Belize
c. Bali

a. Japan
b. New Zealand
c. Hawaii

a. San Juan, Puerto Rico
b. San Miguel Allende, Mexico
c. Panama City, Panama

a. Canada
b. Switzerland
c. England

Click here to take the test and see for yourselves and please do let me know your scores!

Greek heaven continued…

As you might have realised, I’m feeling a bit homesick these days (always happens following the summer holidays!), so here are some more lovely pictures of houses on Greek islands (to keep the spirit alive…)

The owners of this house (on the island of Paros) have not only gone for pure white but have also kept decoration to the absolutely essential – with very limited decorative accessories, no art on the walls and practically no soft furnishings (no curtains, no cushions, no throws)… Against all odds though, the house still looks beautiful and cosy and I think this is because of the abundant use of textures, from the cemented ceiling to the stone floor and bamboo strips on the walls.

In fact, this is what a summer house should look like in my opinion – simple and laid back…

A light blue table, a few chairs and a lone stick are practically the only items in this room, making it look simple and unfussy. I can totally imagine opening those double doors every morning, letting the sun shine through and enjoying my breakfast there… bliss!

The same “naked” style is continued in the main bedroom – the built up bed stays true to tradition, whilst the white bamboo screen gives a sense of privacy and serenity.

The uber-modern kitchen contrasts perfectly with the grey stone flooring and the white glossy units are an excellent choice for this space as they reflect the light coming in through the double doors and make it look bigger.

The striped nautical cushions and light blue shutters are the only hints of colour in this house and serve to remind guests that they are on holiday and by the sea… enjoy!