Displaying posts labeled "Traditional"

Cozy British vibes from designer Caroline Holdaway. What a fabulous sitting room with the double height ceiling and massive window. (Photos: Simon Brown)

This property is a former Victorian purpose built artist’s studio brimming with north and south facing light. The façade is filled by an over scaled two storey window the generosity of which we matched by the addition of a double height oak framed bay window at the back. This gave us the additional space we were looking for and the glorious play of light. The roof came off so we could remove dividing walls and put in a new staircase, two bathrooms and a delightful generous landing that had the ability to be used as a work space should that be required in the future. The galleried double height sitting room is a rare and coveted luxury in the heart of London two minutes walk from the tube, an urban paradise in the centre of leafy London.

I was a tad embarrassed to realize we have never featured iconic British interior decorating firm Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler before. This round up of spaces from their portfolio shows their style is quintessentially English but with some fun subtle touches that make it a bit more modern and edgy.

“We also respect and honor the history of your home, celebrating its legacy while nurturing its future.”

It’s one thing to enforce contemporary needs on a historic home, demolish, reconfigure, makeover. It’s another to carefully bring it into the future while embracing its past like this classic Arts and Crafts house by Minneapolis-based Anne McDonald Design.

I am suffering from heart palpitations over this absolutely magical home designed by Blyth-Collinson Interiors. Especially the exterior. Seriously – be still my heart.
Set in famous and bucolic grounds, this residence has a fascinating history and has been used in various ways, most notably as a hunting lodge. With this as inspiration, we turned a somewhat bland interior into a warm and sophisticated home, where our client’s extensive collection of important art and antiques could be displayed to their best advantage. Set over several levels, we refurbished rooms, installed furnishings, curtains, and fittings, and worked with specialist experts to ensure artworks were hung correctly. We commissioned bespoke furniture and cabinetry to blend seamlessly into the scheme and bedroom walls were upholstered with exquisite fabrics.  From cushions to candles, furnishings to fabrics, we created a convivial atmosphere, where our client loves to entertain and enjoy the pristine country surrounds. 

Ariel Okin is the founder of her eponymous firm, Ariel Okin Interiors, a New York based, full-service interior design firm. Ariel’s signature style can be interpreted as “traditional with a twist” – warm, livable and elegant spaces, with an edited, contemporary and practical approach. A deft use of color, emphasis on clean lines, and mix of bespoke and antique items are hallmarks of her aesthetic, yet no two projects are alike; Ariel believes every home should reflect its owner. Many of these photos are from her home in Westchester, NY which I adore for its whimsical, slightly boho and inviting vibes.