Sunday, January 31, 2010

all kinds of craziness

furGirl
Sometimes fashion seems to short circuit...when the rest of the world up-ends why shouldn't fashion? I'll be interested in seeing the collections next week but on the streets I feel like there is a really edgy energy right now which is seen in the revival of a quasi-punk aesthetic and a really anything goes attitude. This girl fits right in with that with her 2-toned half shaved hair, old fur over a kimono, accentuated eyemakeup and (following in the footsteps Ms. Roitfeld) the pantless look...I guess that's a look for less!

Scandinavian Style House

This fourteenth century cottage is located in the heart of one of the most beautiful valleys in Switzerland, near the Austrian and Italian borders. It was modernized and restored in the typical Scandinavian style.
The first part of the house dates back to 1300. The structure was classic, with space reserved for animals on the ground floor, two living rooms upstairs with a tiny bedroom and a living room scarcely larger. Food, hay, animal feed and equipment used to be stored here. The house had never been remodeled and was not maintained. More than one meter of the ground had to be digged out as the smell was persistent when the central heating was installed... A large fireplace was added, and a staircase and even a lift to access the second floor.

La façade d'origine


Bienvenue !


Un cocoon sous le toit


La cuisine du bois et du bio ?

Profiter des beautés de l'hiver


Partager un moment chaleureux


Une salle de réception pour repas gargantuesques


Des étagères costauds


On voit double dans la salle de bains


Se détendre dans son bain

More images right here.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Oh Sweet Jane

JanesCloset
I'm deviating from my normal style posts to give a shout out to Jane's Closet. They have a website but now will be opening a pop-up shop at 60 N 6th Street in Williamsburg February 1st with a 15% off everything sale. They carry younger designers like Charlotte Ronson and Corey Lynn Calter as well as a wide range of accessories from bags by Deux Lux to unique jewelry by Jill Schwartz to fun winter wear by Wooden Ships. (They'll also have a Valentine's Day sale February 12-14.) It takes guts to open a small boutique in the current economy, so I encourage those of you living large off the L train to shop locally at Jane's Closet.

An Exquisite French Manor in Utah

Earlier in the week I promised you a tour of a wonderful newly constructed house in Utah. Built by a reader of WD and her husband (who previously worked for Christopher Peacock Kitchens). The house is an wonderful example of true craftsmanship.
We were able to get a private sneak peak into this home which they refer to as the "French House". The home is currently for sale, and unfurnished.
More often than not designers spend large amounts of time bringing interest and depth to plain rooms. I think it's important to show how wonderful and warm a home can look, even unfurnished, for you to have a true appreciation what good architecture and craftsmanship can bring to a space. Even empty this home is stunning.
The main entry, though not grand in size is really beautiful. Notice the key details here: herringbone floors, hand forged iron railings, exquisite moulding details and a beamed ceiling. Beyond we see an interesting curved hallway.
Here is a close up of the reclaimed hand hewn barn beams
Of course when the builder is also a world class cabinet maker you know the kitchen will be the jewel of the home and this one is gorgeous! It has a very Christopher Peacock feel, but I think this particular kitchen has even more personality. I love the front X detailing on the center island. Also notice the coffered ceiling. I also like the choice of light fixtures!
Notice the the first center island has a soft curve to it, which was harder to see in the picture above. Having a conversation at a curved island versus a straight one is much more enjoyable. You should always try to incorporate even a soft curve in a kitchen island if possible.
I love the subtle diamond shaped marble tile backsplash. As expected the kitchen is outfitted with top of the line appliances.
The first island has been thoughtfully designed with a step down so guests can't view a messy sink. The second island is topped walnut for food prep.
Here is a close up of the corner detailing on the island! Wonderful!
A close up of the walnut top - notice its tongue in groove and bread board sides.
Coffered ceilings continue in the Living room, which also has a stunning fireplace and surround. Can you imagine how wonderful this home would look furnished?
The dining room with French doors and interesting moulding details
The family room continues the coffered ceilings. I love the fireplace! My imagination is going wild furnishing it in my head!
The curved staircase is just stunning - hand forged iron railings are beautiful.
A quick peek into the master bath which reveals a coveted zinc soaking tub.
This porch off the Master bedroom is one of several porches to take in the spectacular mountain views.
Notice that the outdoor detailing and stonework are as elaborate and thoughtful as the indoor detailing. This shows just part of the back of the home. See the mountains on the right.
Here is a side view - a lovely landscaped path - notice the copper gutters and cedar shake roof. More spectacular mountain views.
I adore the charm of these shutters!
No detail was left out. Look at the close up of these iron fleur de lys.
Even the garage was not overlooked. I love the heft and depth of the stone outside the garage. Look closely to see the herringbone brick detail in the driveway.
This gorgeous house is a spectacular example of craftsmanship. It was recently on the local "Parade of Homes". For more information on this home and to see
the real estate listing click here.
For more information on the iron work and railings click here.

Celebrity Home: Joan Rivers

Actress Joan Rivers lives in an 84-acre estate in Connecticut. Ms. Rivers calls her 5,000-square-foot home a "Connecticut country manor."


The home straddles the New Milford-New Preston line in Litchfield County.


"I wanted a place where the dogs can get up on the furniture, where I can make a mess in the kitchen," she said. "My biggest thrill is making omelets for my friends. In New York I don't even know where my kitchen is."


The foyer.


The home has five stone fireplaces and antique beams.


Ms. Rivers in the backyard.
So, what do you think about her home? Pause for a second and let me know!

Photo: Chris Ramirez for The New York Times

All images from here

House Between Rocks

I'd like to show you this unusual house called Castel Meur, also known as The House Between the Rocks or La Maison de Plougrescant. It was built in 1861. It's nestled between two natural granite pillars on the English Channel coast in Brittany, France.
How I'd love to see the interiors as well! Maybe some day the owners might let us take a sneak peek.









Love this black & white photograph.

All images from here.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Interior Design Living Room

 
Post by: Interior Decorate

Interior Design Living Room

Post by: Interior Design Degree

Interior Design Living Room

 
Post by: Interior Decorate

Interior Design Living Room

Post by: Interior Design Degree

Maiden Fair

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Okay, I'm not sure what her headpiece/hairband is exactly. But it reminds me of what I wore for my First Communion...except that had a veil as well. Maybe hers did originally as well but it got lost between the church and the nightclub. Then again, maybe not!

Inspirational dining rooms

Indeed, I have changed my blog lay-out. I adapted my blog less or more to the lay -out of the website of my company http://www.lefevre.be/. I tried to use the colours of the site in my blog.

Some days ago I was reading an interesting post about 10 tips to create a well designed blog (here). The post was written by Maria Killam at the Colour Me Happy Blog.

Since a few weeks I really wanted to publish larger pictures. My goodness, what a difficult job it was to me!! But in this blogger community there are such a nice people, who are so patient and willing to help! I have to thank Vanessa from the Decor Happy Blog and Julie from the Being Ruby Blog for their support!

I also want to thank my sister-in-law Nathalie to help me with the use of photofilter to create the new header of my blog!

Enough about my blogchange!

Today a post about beautiful, inspirational dining rooms. I am working on a dining room re-do for one of my clients and I was searching for pictures of dining rooms to show my client. Going through my files I stumbled upon some dining rooms of different styles that I wanted to share with you today.

This dining room by John Saladino is one of my favorites.

Foto 1

Beautiful colours for this dining room. And a beautiful chandelier.

Foto 7

No clutter for this contemporary dining room.

Foto 9

Classic furniture in a contemporary area.

Foto 10

A mix of classic and country style. I love the contrast of the dark brown painted walls and the white painted mantelpiece and doors.

Foto 12

Very classic but classy.

Foto 6

Sitting at this dining table makes you feel like a “chatelaine”.

Foto 24

Country style with a Swedish touch.

Foto 5

Solid table and gorgeous lighting.

Foto 15

Love the beach chairs around that table.

Foto 23

Don’t you love the combination of a dining corner and a sitting area in one room?

Foto 11

Royal dining room.

Foto 8

I love these chairs!

Foto 13

Royal dining room again ! This is one of my favorites!

Foto 19

Blue and white in combination with mahogany is always successful.

I always have loved a pair of wall tables placed at each side of a window.

Foto 16

Dining room by N. Haslam.

Foto 21

Not only the design of these chairs but also the colour of the fabric that matches the colour of the paneling, I adore in this room.

Foto 22

Comfortable chairs I guess!

Foto 20

I simply love this dining room.

Have a wonderful weekend!

xx

Greet