Displaying posts labeled "White"

I don’t know about your part of the world but here in Australia “Hamptons” can be a dirty word. There is a group of people who will paint any piece of old furniture white, toss in a mix of coastal influences and load the look down with disparate blue and white china and throw cushions. Rugs will be striped, pineapples and parrots may or may not appear (an Australian touch perhaps?) and the only deviation from the universal blue and white palette is the occasional soft grey (usually painted over old kitchen cupboards). Then there are those who despise this faux Hamptonization of the local vernacular architecture. They believe the Hamptons look looks best in, well, the Hamptons … where meanwhile there is a change afoot. This modern barn home (yes actually on Long Island) by Michael Del Piero breaks the stereotypes. No clichéd blue and white, no beachy-keen tchotchkes or striped cotton rugs. Instead there is a wonderfully airy and bright home, richly textured, approachable and sophisticated, simple yet beautiful and as for the outside space … the perfect spot to spend your summer. A new Hamptons look I wouldn’t mind being adopted in other parts.

I spotted this Copenhagen apartment on Skönahem and had to share because it features some of my favourite things, like bold graphic artwork and an eclectic mix of antique and mid-century furnishings. And that bedroom is so sooooooooo pretty.

Many of you have likely seen this to-die-for SoHo loft already, when it was owned by actress Meg Ryan and featured in Architectural Digest, but I had to share and give you a second look because it is has a Parisian vibe I live for and is designed by one of the best – Monique Gibson. A prime example of how mostly black and white can work so sooooooo well. And why subway and hex tiles will always be at the top of my list.

Photos: William Abranowicz

Light reacting with the surfaces of this house just like light bouncing onto clouds, that was the concept behind this house in Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Openings facing east allow sunshine to pour in, while a courtyard at the centre of the two sections of the building increases the flow even more. With the downstairs dedicated to public spaces, including a double height living area, the upper level’s bedrooms, timber batterned for privacy, are accessed by a staircase and walkway beneath a glass skylight. There’s that word again … “light”. It’s what this fabulous contemporary home is all about.  Cloud House, again by Akin Atelier.

When it’s not all about work and family, commitments and never ending errands. When it’s all about you, your well being, your inner peace. Then it may be time to visit Willow Urban Retreat, a wholefood cafe, movement and meditation studio, day spa and detox facility by Melbourne-based architecture and interior design studio Meme.