Displaying posts labeled "Elegant"

Perfectly Picardy

Posted on Wed, 5 Mar 2025 by KiM

We were given the opportunity to turn a beige and brown historic country house into a cheerful and welcoming forever home for one of our very favorite families. We tended to the deferred maintenance first and once all of that was sorted, we made small but significant architectural changes like removing the small wooden and shingled little porch stoop cover and replacing it with a cheerful striped awning and draperies, opening up the living room fire box to its original glorious size and dressing it in a French carved stone surround, hung crystal chandeliers, installed gas lanterns, and hung a sixteen foot tall custom made rose trellis, and window boxes every place we could fit them. When it comes to the project, we lovingly referred to as #perfectlypicardy it could be said that we have a ruthlessly edited more is more aesthetic choosing layers of chintz, plush pink mohair, tufted everything and multiple bar carts stocked to entertain all summer long…
You’d think this was a villa in the south of France, not in the heart of Missouri. Such a fabulously glam, elegant makeover by the queen of glam, Annie Brahler of EuroTrash. Photos: Shannon Duggan.

Spanish elegance

Posted on Thu, 9 Jan 2025 by midcenturyjo

I love the refined elegance of Spanish interiors. Beatriz Aparicio masterfully blends styles with harmony, balancing current trends and timeless elegance. She specializes in combining neutral tones with vibrant accents, skillfully evoking emotions through colour … or the lack thereof. Collaborating with skilled artisans and sourcing treasures from galleries and antique shops, she creates unique, personalized spaces that reflect her clients’ personalities.

Photography by Montse Garriga.

Serenity in London

Posted on Mon, 28 Oct 2024 by KiM

Nestled alongside the riverside in Southwest London, this comprehensive renovation of a Victorian terraced residence exudes tranquillity, elegance, and sophistication. The spatial planning was meticulously crafted with the needs of family life in mind, prioritising the optimisation of natural light and riverside views. This involved strategically removing obstructing walls and thoughtfully designing layouts to seamlessly draw the eye outdoors. Crafted specifically for the space, bespoke furniture intertwines with carefully chosen antique pieces, complemented by layers of soft, ambient lighting and sumptuous fabrics in muted spring hues, creating an atmosphere of timeless luxury. The addition of a newly formed basement floor has significantly enhanced the available space, accommodating a secondary kitchen, family sitting room, gym, wine cellar, and utility rooms.
Designed by Murudé, this home is so serene and the design so thoughtfully executed. Imagine a busy day at work and walking through the front door in the evening to this. *sigh*

Just a few minutes from downtown Nîmes, the chateau can be seen through the century-old trees of its nearly two-hectare (4.9 acres) park. Although its origins date back to the 18th century, the building was something of a well-kept secret until the current owners undertook a major, state-of-the-art restoration. The imposing door opens onto a sumptuous entrance hall (829 sq ft, over 32 feet high ceilings). You’ll be moved by the 12th-century chapel (646 sq ft, 33 feet high), nestled in the heart of the chateau, which can be seen halfway up, framed by the two staircases. The living areas are cleverly positioned on the first floor. On one side, two adjoining rooms with large volumes and keystone ceilings, highlighted by central moldings and arches. The first, with its terracotta floor and period fireplace, is currently used as a living room. The second, with its terrazzo floor, is a media room. We cross the sumptuous entrance hall to reach the opposite wing of the chateau and its kitchen-dining room. A scullery and laundry room follow. A climb up the central double staircase leads to the chateau’s second floor. On one side, the bridal suite features soaring ceilings and a period fireplace. The opposite wing has four bedrooms – two of which are on mezzanine – and two bathrooms. Two more sections await us. In the entrance hall, a door to the left of the grand staircase gives access to a completely independent bedroom and bathroom. A few steps also give access to the chateau’s cellars. A spiral staircase leads to the top floor, the only unrenovated part of the building. 
WHOA. This château has to be up there as one of my favourites. Not that fancy with the exception of that spectacular chapel. How cool would that space be converted into a library!! For sale via Poncet & Poncet for €1,595,000.

Modern & classic in a San Francisco home

Posted on Fri, 6 Sep 2024 by KiM

Classic, yet unique and unexpected. Livable. Legit antiques, cool vintage, modern art, good bones, texture and materials, custom and found….
Next level sophistication and spaces for every possible need, including relaxing, drinking, dining, chilling, sleeping, lounging, smoking, cleaning…. I am obsessed with the stick figure art grouping in the living room (by Jean-Marc Louis). Pacific Heights I by Lisa Hilderbrand. Photos: John Merkl.