Displaying posts labeled "Outdoors"

I may be in the depths of winter in my part of the world but that doesn’t stop me from daydreaming about the perfect summer garden. To me it’s all about al fresco entertaining, easy care gardening and a dip in the pool on a hot, hot day. A tiny garden gets a big makeover by Perth-based landscape designer Ascher Smith. I can’t believe that pool used to be a trampoline.

As many of you know by now, I absolutely adore Mexico, and have dreams of moving there one day. When Edward sent us photos of his incredible home in Mexico, I was so excited to share it with you all. It’s stunning, and I love how you have no idea what you’ll find on the other side of the very unassuming front door. My wife and I are from England, and live in the beautiful city of Merida, state capital of the Yucatan in Mexico. Many of the old colonial buildings in the city centre have been renovated, some very grand, some quite modest. Casa Cool (CasaEA64) is an old colonial but with contemporary addition. We used a local architect with  their construction people. The house is in the city centre (Barrio of Santa Ana), but as you can see from the garden, quite secluded for a city property. The architects drew up the plans taking into account our requirements.
My wife and I did the decoration using our possessions and stuff acquired from our travels. The plan was not to make a Mexican ¨theme¨ house, but to keep it all rather eclectic. We tried to keep it simple and free of clutter, thinking that empty space is as important as ¨things¨. The idea was to continue with the high ceilings because of the heat in the Yucatan. But we also wanted every space to have its own source of natural light. We wanted to blur the distinction between interior and exterior. Thus the large sliding windows by the kitchen which is the heart of the home. Internal courtyard means plenty of open doors to assist airflow. Bedrooms are air-conditioned, but we rely on natural cross breezes for ventilation in the living spaces. Ceiling fans and air-gaps provide this. Floors are white polished cement with local pasta tiles in diamond pattern to mimic the Moroccan Beni Ouarain. The patterned floor tiles in the studio are original. There are 3 Scottish portraits hung vertically in the entrance. The frames of these were made from the cedar wood of the old original front doors which were beyond saving. Little things like that provide a bit of a link with the history of the house and added a touch of character to the place. This home could not be more perfect and if I get the opportunity to move there one day, I hope to be able to find a home this enchanting. Architect: Taller Estilo Arquitectura Photography: Apertura Arquitectónica

“A village of black timber and white brick living spaces … The new dwellings are built around a courtyard of an almost chequerboard geometry, designed to take in an abundance of natural light from all sides. A place of utter privacy and retreat, cool in summer with the shade of vine leaves; sheltered in winter to catch and store warmth.”

Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE the interiors but you’ll find me in that courtyard full stop. Courtyard House by Melbourne-based Powell & Glenn.

Photography by Sean Fennessy

Did someone say they’re dreaming of escaping for a little beach side R & R? How about this beach shack brimming with colour and pattern? Southern Island Charmer by Charleston, SC based interior design firm Jenny Keenan Design.

Photography by J. Savage Gibson

If I had a home in a warm/tropical climate like Florida, (or in my case, Mexico) I would want it to look like this. Inside and out. This home in Alys Beach, is a bohemian beachy dream in white. Bits of blingy brass, lots of textures and earthy accents, it’s just what the weather calls for. Designed by Bohlert Massey.