Displaying posts labeled "Outdoors"

Winter would be way more bearable if I could spend it here. Mountain House in Manigod, France by Studio Razavi Architecture. In this highly preserved Alpine valley, stringent architectural guidelines allow for very little freedom of architectural expression. Everything from building height/width ratio to roof slope, via building material and window sizes are strictly controlled to enforce what is locally perceived as patrimony protection but de facto creating camp architecture, endlessly mimicking traditional mountain homes.

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Photos: Olivier Martin-Gambier, Simone Bossi

Welcome to São Paulo, a seething city of 20 million in Brazil. Welcome to your weekender, your bolt hole in the middle of it all. The owners of this striking home decided that being trapped in a traffic jam for hours on end with their fellow city dwellers all trying to make their summer exodus to the beach just wasn’t worth it. They, or rather spbr arquitetos, bought the getaway to the city.

Photography by Nelson Kon

It’s summer in my part of the world and I can think of no better way to spend my Saturday than pottering around in my garden after I have finished the morning’s paper. Perhaps a dip in the pool to cool off as the temperature rises. Later in the afternoon it will be time to crank up the BBQ to feed the friends whose children are dive bombing the pool. If there is a nip in the air after the sun sets there is always the fire pit. It’s a perfect Saturday… except my backyard looks nothing like this one by Landart Landscapes. Oh well in my dreams I guess!

Don’t we all dream about it? A light filled Scandinavian getaway in a summer time holiday hamlet? Perhaps in the Hamptons? For Jessica Helgerson‘s clients it isn’t a dream. Pale wood, white painted wood, handmade white tile, marble and brass. The perfect palette. It may be a departure from what we have come to expect from interior designer Helgerson but it’s simple, light filled beauty is so inspiring.

Photography by Matthew Williams

Layer upon layer, blue on white. A home for relaxing, for entertaining family and friends. Expansive ocean views and expansive hospitality. Natural elements are celebrated yet subtle and a fresh look comes with a change out of accent colours. Imagine earthy tones or shades of green. Plett House by Yvonne O’Brien of South African The Private House Company.