Displaying posts labeled "Traditional"

The vibe here in this colourful New York City townhouse is what gives me heart palpitations. When colours and patterns and lots of layering and really unique pieces come together and every square inch is a feast for the eyes. I spent a good half hour devouring every inch of these photos. This is what design should be about (IMHO). Where the viewer is drawn in and never wants to leave. Designed by Kati Curtis. We wanted to reflect the vintage era of the townhouse, and at the same time acknowledge the hip and modern nature of this couple; we decided on “vintage with a twist.” 

One way we expressed this was through the wallpaper, by Timorous Beasties, in the dining room; it captures the Victorian feel of the home but with the most modern pattern. 

Another wallpaper, this one in “the family room,” looks like a sweet Victorian pattern…from afar. Upon closer inspection something far less benign is revealed: a pattern of evil-looking moths. The kitchen’s original cabinetry, its leaded glass and old brick had all been restored; we wanted to be respectful, yet we also wanted to give a surprising twist, so along with that crazy moth wallpaper, and a banquette we designed—we layered avery modern, lucite table on top of an antique needlepoint rug.

The tin ceiling in the master bedroom, as well as the fireplace, were both original– we added everything else– again with idea of it “being of the era” and with elements (like the wallpaper) adding an edginess. Vibrant patterns are balanced with quiet and calm moments of white and cream on the king sized bed.

Because we had the wish for the clients to be engaged in their home even before they walked in, we added an antique lighting fixture inside over the original staircase and balustrade.

It’s like a beautiful woman stripped bare of makeup, in my eyes even more beautiful. This New York country house by Michael Dawkins Home has amazing bones but it’s simple colour palette of black and white, its exposed posts and beams as well as those lusciously naked floors that allow the carefully curated furniture pieces and objet to shine … or should that be subtlely glow.

What is it about the mix of rustic simplicity and elegant living that is so appealing? Think stone, white washed walls and old wooden beams as the stage for an enviable collection of art and furniture, objet d’art and curiosities. Pops of bright colour energise the scheme and though everything is beautiful nothing is “precious”. Casa Mallorca by Spanish interior designer Ramón García Jurado.

This house in Notting Hill, London was designed by Harding and Read and is absolutely beautiful, particularly the dreamy kitchen! This distinguished Regency villa had been split up awkwardly into three flats. The key challenge was to weave the spaces back together in such a way that honoured the original proportions of the property and make best use of clumsier extensions that had been added over time. The client wanted the property to feel that it had evolved organically and also needed it to perfectly fit their modern family life. We designed architectural detailing that worked seamlessly with the original features and sourced furniture, fabrics and artworks, new and old, that celebrated the personal stories of each family member.

My sister sent me a link to a sköna hem feature of this absolutely breathtaking Edwardian villa in Johannesburg and I immediately knew I had to share. This has got to be one of the most beautiful homes I have ever seen. Those with a penchant for modern architecture, come hither and let me convert thee!!! This is country living at its finest.

Styling: Sven Alberding Photos: Greg Cox (Living Inside)