Displaying posts from December, 2014

Got a good book? Packed your hat? We might do some walking. Definitely the markets. We should be able to pick up some great fresh produce on the drive there so just pack some basics. I plan to cook up a storm in that kitchen. And some really good bath salts. Soaking for an obsecene amount of time is plan B. OK. I think we’re ready. Love a weekend away in the country and nothing is more perfect than an historic house and a lush garden setting. Aghadoe Estate, Springmount, Victoria.

I am not done with the virtual vacations, because I hate winter with every ounce of my being. So now I am taking you to Los Corales de Buelna, a municipality in Cantabria, Spain. This is the holiday retreat for artist Nikolas Piper and it is the best of everything. Rustic architecture with stone and exposed beams, mostly mid-century decor, and a matching dog. It all works so well together I could spend the entire winter here. EASILY. Via Elle Decor España, photos by Manolo Yllera.

Michael Grimm sent along some of his photos that came at the perfect time because I am NOT READY for the 30 cm of snow we are supposed to get and he was complaining about Brooklyn weather. So how about a little virtual trip to Vieques, off Puerto Rico… Designed by architect John Hix, hotel Hix Island House now has a guest house called Casa Solaris, which is entirely run on solar power. The house is designed to take advantage of trade winds, and the concrete is an unexpected contrast to the lush island landscape. The addition of yellow keeps it from being too sterile. 

… dreams. Definitely when at one end of the master suite you’re floating on a cloud…

… and the other end is all tree canopy and fabulous funk. By Ann Lowengart. And then there’s the kitchen…

In case you haven’t noticed I’ve jumped on the contemporary Australian design bandwagon. I’m excited by the spaces being created in my country at the moment none more so than simple domestic spaces. Family homes with flair. Day to day living with style and storage solutions. Looks good, works well, feeds the soul. Like the latest work by Nest Architects, a renovation and addition to a small traditional inner city Melbourne house.