“Living contentedly is to a great extent feeling comfortable in ones own surroundings. Facilitating this is our principal objective.”
Chester Jones is a master at combining modern and traditional elements to create classic designs that are timeless.
“The contents play the major part. Whether old or new they can stimulate the intellect and appeal to the emotions. We use antiques and artifacts from many different cultures and periods, not for their nostalgia but through careful juxtaposition they can excite one another, become re-energized and relevant in the present.”

The following home was submitted to us by a devoted DTI reader, Seba D’Ovidio, and I freaking love it. The Rock Instrument House is Seba’s and partner Roy Garcia’s home located in the Delta of Tigre, near Argentina, Buenos Aires. It is 110 square metres of home/studio space built with Delta style classic materials like pine & machimbre wood and is surrounded by alamo trees. The glass-front can be fully opened. And if you are looking for a rad place to stay when you’re in the neighbourhood, Seba does rent it out when he’s not working there. I’m not sure what I like more, the home itself or the surroundings. Thanks Seba!! (Photos = Pablo Franco, Marc Fecchino, Model = Romina Senesi)

I came across the portfolio of Vancouver-based interior designer Robert Bailey when he sent an email a few weeks ago with a submission for a pets on furniture post (his entry is the second one here). I immediately took notice of his cool “boxy” shelving (ok maybe not immediately as I first totally fell in love with his French Bulldog). His timeless designs are modern and contemporary, perfect for funky downtown Vancouver lofts. And I HAVE to show my husband the built-in TV surrounded by storage – genius!

***Pets on furniture posts will resume in a couple weeks when I return from holidays! – Kim

The other day my sister called me and said “OMG Kim, you have GOT to blog Lexie’s house!!!”. Lexie is a furniture designer and her husband is an architect (his firm is Mork-Ulnes Design) – which explains why her house is so freaking amazing. In 2006 his firm was responsible for extensive renovations of this 1896 Victorian home located in San Francisco, which features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and is just over 2600 sq ft. I absolutely adore every square inch of this home, from the architecture to the decor. And for those who may house hunting in the area, this home can be YOURS, as the family is moving to Norway in the summer. This has got to be one of the top 5 homes I’ve ever blogged. (MANY more photos after the jump).

When this post publishes I will be madly cleaning house and doing last minute packing for my trip to one of my favourite places on earth (not that I’ve been to many), Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I worked my arse off to get some posts done to publish while I’m away (11 days – we leave tomorrow morning) so you won’t even notice I’m gone. While you’re not noticing I’m gone, I thought you’d enjoy some eye candy from one of my favourite magazines that I’ve mentioned on occasion (here, here and here), Décormag – which happens to be French Canadian. 🙂 (I saw those chairs above at Beige, and almost bought one for my desk…kicking myself now that I didn’t buy a whole set!)