Displaying posts from September, 2018

A modern batcave is what local Ottawa designer Henrietta Southam has dubbed this project of hers. I LOVE when a theme is carried throughout a home, and in this case it’s dark, dark, DARK! (Oh and brass accents baby!) The drama is real folks. Also to note is that all the ceilings are painted out dark as well. Because if you’re going to do it, do it right! P.S. The kitchen tumbling block patterned tile is what I almost used for my foyer/kitchen floor before  settled on black/white hex.

Photos: Marc Fowler. And in case you missed Henrietta’s home last week, it’s here.

Here is how you take a mansion (I will take any mansion, any time) and make it look absolutely fabulous without it being ostentatious. A casual beachfront beauty where art is key, located in Watch Hill, Rhode Island designed/architected by Giancarlo Valle.

Photos: Stephen Kent Johnson

Original materials, historical features (the towers date back to the 16th century), a mix of antiques and a bold contemporary touches. I love the charm. I love the fun. I love the careful consideration that has gone into the restoration of this Spanish farmhouse by London-based interior designer Ana Engelhorn.

I don’t know about your part of the world but here in Australia “Hamptons” can be a dirty word. There is a group of people who will paint any piece of old furniture white, toss in a mix of coastal influences and load the look down with disparate blue and white china and throw cushions. Rugs will be striped, pineapples and parrots may or may not appear (an Australian touch perhaps?) and the only deviation from the universal blue and white palette is the occasional soft grey (usually painted over old kitchen cupboards). Then there are those who despise this faux Hamptonization of the local vernacular architecture. They believe the Hamptons look looks best in, well, the Hamptons … where meanwhile there is a change afoot. This modern barn home (yes actually on Long Island) by Michael Del Piero breaks the stereotypes. No clichéd blue and white, no beachy-keen tchotchkes or striped cotton rugs. Instead there is a wonderfully airy and bright home, richly textured, approachable and sophisticated, simple yet beautiful and as for the outside space … the perfect spot to spend your summer. A new Hamptons look I wouldn’t mind being adopted in other parts.

I spotted this Copenhagen apartment on Skönahem and had to share because it features some of my favourite things, like bold graphic artwork and an eclectic mix of antique and mid-century furnishings. And that bedroom is so sooooooooo pretty.