We've been crushing on Australian photographer Derek Swalwell for a long time. A really really really long time. Not only are his photographs absolutely dreamy, but he has had the opportunity to visit some of the most architecturally fabulous homes I think I've ever seen. I am envious. At least we are able to "visit" them virtually through his lens. I'll take what I can get.
My love affair with New York firm Selldorf Architects continues. A vast, lofty, wide open, light streaming in, killer industrial windows type of lovin'. Stark white expanses anchored by dark floors and warmed by wood and colour blocks. And the whole idea of descending down into a TV "pit" just makes me grin like an idiot. Great bones brought to life with great design.
Artekt is an architecture and design agency with offices in Paris and Shanghai. This is their renovation of a tired and typical Shanghai apartment into a stylish contemporary space. The before and afters are amazing. I'm particularly taken with the bathroom transformation and the entrance/dining bar/lightbox is a clever use of the space. Bold colour adds warmth and clean lines improve the flow of the small apartment. Great to see design from this part of the world!
I LOVE this little 775 sq ft apartment located in Malmesbury, UK (it's a unique hilltop market town established in 880AD!!!). This property dates to 1850, is solid stone and has been totally renovated. I'm forever a fan of old, rustic homes brought into the 21st century - love the stone walls and the beamed ceilings. It has such a cosy feel to it. The kitchen design is pretty creative - I take it it's for folks who mostly eat out (although it even has a dishwasher!). How cool that it's accessed from the road via a courtyard so it's totally private. More details here and the agent's page here.
We received an email from Italian photographer Francesca Pagliai about a luxury guesthouse she photographed called Casa Montani, located in the heart of Rome. It's so classy and perfect for a getaway in such a magnificent city.
Lazio, Rome.
It’s Monday morning and Campo dei Fiori greets me with its fruit, Indian spices and souvenir stands.
Giuseppe and Charlotte Montani have just finished renovating their little apartment in nearby Piazza dei Satiri, in which you can find a fountain right next to the entrance that delivers water from the aqueduct of the capital.
On the corner of the building you can see an ancient marble mullion that was probably put there from the builders to indicate that it was an illustrious palace, that came from an important history.
To confirm first owners’ lust, we find the interior staircase, that brings you from the ground floor up to the top floor. The design and how it's made are really similar to those of Borromini made for the staircase that accompanies you to the crypt of San Carlino alla Quattro Fontane Church, obviously changing the proportions.
The architect, responsible for the restoration of the beautiful space, is Miss Liliana Sciacca, one of the most renowned architects in Rome. Her touch is unique: clean in the structures, refined in the definition of the details, really careful at the fine-tuning and at functionality of the spaces.
The brands that we can find in the house are Chelini and Artemide in the bedroom, and in the study a Poppi Clei.
Thu, 23 May 2013