Displaying posts labeled "Outdoors"

Have you heard? Monday has been cancelled. No need for the weekend to end. No need to get the kids off to school or head in to work. Instead we can all spend the day by the water at this Palm Beach Pool House north of Sydney. Well maybe not all of us. It’s the perfect get away for two. Where else would I find such a gem? At Contemporary Hotels of course.

My New York townhouse spree has not stopped. This West Village home that was completed a few years ago by BWArchitects is fan-freaking-tastic! Located in historic Greenwich Village, this extensive reconstruction of a 1840s townhouse fuses past and present into a new, sophisticated 4,000 square foot home. Striking a balance between historic and modern guides all aspects of design in this reinvigorated Greek Revival townhouse. Steel and glass windows line the basement and parlor floors’ South facades, drawing in natural light and air from the garden. Daylight is also funneled through the home via a skylight-topped 4- story open staircase. Industrial details of structural steel and an exposed manually-geared hardware operate a pivoting glass and steel Penthouse wall. Interior design by Poonam Khanna.

The best spot in the house – above leading into below 🙂

Australians love the great outdoors. We’ll do anything to get out of the house. We love the beach. We love the bush. We love our local park. But most of all we love our own back yards. Outside our homes is just as important as inside. It’s not hard to understand considering our wonderful weather. If only we all had such fabulous gardens like these two designed by Melbourne-based landscape architect and horticulturist Ben Scott. “Elegant and sophisticated gardens that are created to be lived in and enjoyed.”

I have always thought that the best soundtrack to have in “playing” at home is the sound of waves lapping on a beach. I guess I can also say that the best “artwork” is a stunning view. I’m stalking a Peter Stutchbury designed home in Newport, northern Sydney. Don’t miss the video. It really helps make sense of the layout. Link here while it lasts.

Back in 2012 I published this post that featured some outdoor spaces by Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture which included some photos of the Santa Barbara backyard of interior stylist Elizabeth Burns. Elizabeth had the plans from Jeffrey for the remainder of her yard and finally implemented them this year. The result is so freaking gorgeous! GAWD how I wish I lived WAY more south in order to be able to grow such beautiful plants and enjoy such a wonderful backyard all year round. Congrats Elizabeth – I bet Jeffrey is very pleased with what you have done.