Displaying posts labeled "Rustic"

I’m still battling the chaos of the holiday season and I could use another short virtual holiday right about now. Jo blogged about Greek photographer Vangelis Paterakis last year and a reader recently reminded us of the fabulousness of his portfolio (thanks Zoe!) I love the simplicity of this home and the use of stone and concrete. It’s modern yet rustic at the same time. Love that.

It’s been a bit of a trying week, and I thought I’d keep things simple for today’s post. I’ve always been drawn to spaces with lots of rustic charm, and there are so many wonderful rustic homes featured in the French magazine Art & Décoration which I manage to find at a couple book/mag shops here in Ottawa. So to end off the work week, sit back, relax, take a deep breath and enjoy the following photos…

I think I need a holiday. I have spent the past 2 days in bed with a migraine. Too much stress, too many deadlines, not enough time to breathe. I’m dreaming of running away to a piece of paradise somewhere special. Welcome Beyond hand picks the most beautiful and unique vacation properties around the world. I lost my heart in Florence on my first and only visit. A truly magnificent city and beautiful people (perhaps that is why I lost my heart!). My fantasy return involves this beautiful hotel, Riva Lofts. The trouble is there are too many stunning properties on Welcome Beyond‘s books as you will see…

Still dreaming of a getaway. Perhaps Locanda al Colle in Camaiore, Tuscany. Stylish and well appointed with an eclectic yet luxurious decor with hints of the 40s and 50s. A relaxed retreat for international travellers. Even better this is not an hotel but a home open to guests. Perfect base for exploring a part of Italy that I can never forget.

And as much as I love the easy elegance and luxury of the above properties (hardly rustic I think you would agree) the property that tugs at my heart is The Beachouse in Vendays-Montalivet, Medoc, France. Memories of lazy family holidays in a shack right on the beach come flooding back. A house that is not too precious. Where it is all about family and friends, fun and days spent lost in the sand dunes. Bliss! Want to join me?

Not too long ago I blogged about a mid-century style California ranch designed by Charles de Lisle. I find his work and the photographs in his portfolio so impressive and since I’m taking a lazy holiday week here on the blog while gallavanting around Prince Edward Island, I thought I’d feature another of his projects. This time a mountain retreat in Montana. I wouldn’t mind a little vacation here either.

Hi everyone and welcome to a new week on Desire to Inspire. I’ve been thinking of imperfection over the weekend. I went to see a house and I’m trying my hardest now to buy it. We should know in a few of days after the banks and building inspectors and valuers and agents have prodded and poked, massaged figures and stared down sellers. The house was built in 1860 and got me wondering about imperfection and the beauty of gently aged things. If we are successful I don’t want to gut renovate but to slowly add my own layers to the old house. To leave a crack or an unevenly plastered walls. To cherish the footsteps worn in the cedar stairs. To gently clean the wood burning stove and live with the warped floorboards. I don’t have photos yet to show you but instead I wanted to share the tattered beauty of another home, this one English, one of the locations from Oak Management. Why do we so often race in and rip out ?