Displaying posts labeled "Outdoors"

If I only posted the first photo, if I had blurred the watermark, if this was a pop quiz on architects whose work features regularly on Desire to Inspire then I think we would all be able to yell out the correct answer. If there is one design firm that can fulfil the fantasy of the ultimate outdoor oasis then that would be  SAOTA – Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects. With sites that clammer for clever solutions and views that dominate any design decision this South African architectural studio embraces the site restraint, celebrates the dynamic vistas and creates a seamless indoor outdoor transition.  Sleek, contemporary with casual luxury. Victoria 73, Bantry Bay, Cape Town by interior design by SAOTA and OKHA Interiors.

It’s been only a few months since I blogged some stellar photography by Nikolas Koenig. Here is some more room porn from his portfolio I thought might tickle your fancy. (What’s up with the artwork over the bed above?!)

Down at the end of the garden is a little shed but this is a shed with just a little more than you would expect. A stylish work space/studio appears like a screen in a suburban garden that has been decked to connect it with the new kitchen extension at the rear of the Victorian era house. Ornamental pond, hidden paddling pool, sand pit and fire pit complete the backyard transformation by Ashton Porter. The attention to detail in this project won it the NLA (New London Architecture) “Don’t move, Improve” Award 2012. Definitely filing some of these ideas away for my own renovation.

It is the end of the week and a girl’s mind turns to gardening. Well this girl’s does. As the days grow longer and the temperature rises, the leaves burst forth on the branches and long forgotten bulbs shot “surprise” as they pop out of the soil, my day dreams of a lush and lovely backyard may just come true. They would that is if I left them in the creative hands of Sydney-based Secret Gardens. Perhaps a bright yet shady backyard retreat like this first garden in Randwick? Or a more sophisticated and casually elegant garden that marries contemporary landscape with a traditional home in Kensington? Either would be perfect.

Remove yourself from the modern world with an escape to a medieval watchtower overlooking the Carpini valley in Umbria, Italy. Secluded valleys, breathtaking vistas and a 12th century building lovingly restored with a minimalist bent. Mighty stone and wood marry with steel and glass while luxurious but minimalist furnishings reflect an austere past but a hedonist present. Moravola.

“The mind slips sideways a haven away from the modern world, the body unwinds as senses reawaken.”