Stephen Falcke - South African interior is making me weak in the knees

Stephen Falcke has the ability to make layering looks completly effortless.

stephenfalck@telkomsa.net

www.stephenfalcke.com

http://my-wishfulthinking.blogspot.com/

The Southern Accents brings a taste of the English countryside to Texas

With a nod to 1930s Art Deco glamour, Minton used a cool palette of pastels in the master bedroom. The simplicity of the canopy-style bed frame and its dressing lends a modern feel, and the pearlized woodwork reflects additional light throughout the room. “It just glows,” says Minton.

Inspired by tiger-stripe and paisley linens, Minton limited himself to a completely neutral scheme of gray, beige, taupe, and white for the guest suite. “We wanted the drama of no color,” he says. The stenciled pattern on the walls, played down by the choice of muted tones, gives an exotic but not overpowering feel.

From the Siamese figures flanking the center archway to the tomato-colored French chairs, the living room reflects the layered look typical of English design. “The British brought back many different cultural influences from their colonies, so we didn’t just stick to one type of furniture or style,” says Minton. “We created a look that made it possible to easily move a piece of furniture from one room to another.”

With an arrangement of antique Chinese and Japanese porcelain and English-style furniture, the entry hall is an inviting ode to eclectic English design and designer Joe Minton’s classic aesthetic.

For more pictures and credits:

http://www.southernaccents.com/architecture/showhouses/2009-showhouse-riverhills-texas-00400000057150/

Sleek and modern in Malibu

Designed by Rockefeller Partners Architects this house is located off a walk street with great views of the Pacific Ocean and Malibu coastline. Its design is all about a careful space planning. The site is a narrow 30×60-foot area but it includes not only the house but also a garden. This garden is an open green space in the center of the structure at the ground floor level. On one side of this area is a children’s room and a master’s bedroom with a bath. Not only this Zen garden makes the interior to be closer to nature. There are a lot of woodwork that also do so and adds a touch of comfort to the house. [ Rockefeller Partners Architects | Photography by Eric Staudenmaier ]

http://www.digsdigs.com/4500-square-feet-tropical-house-on-a-very-small-lot-but-with-a-garden/#more-16049

Max and Lubov Azria's home in Los Angeles

To balance the intense colors and high drama, a few spaces were left
with a softer gray palette, but are still just as striking.

photo credit: Douglas Friedman

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/max-azria-tour-0609

L'Andana, Tuscany Hunting Lodge

Set in splendid isolation in the heart of the Maremma countryside, L'Andana is a historic hunting lodge with a spa and hammam, black-slate hot bath and indoor pool. Massage and beauty treatments are available. The outdoor pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the gardens and there is also a tennis court, a small golf course and mountain bikes. Cookery classes are given by the hotel's chef.


http://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/italy/tuscany/landana/

Eileen Kathryn Boyd

Image from http://www.traditionalhome.com/design_decorating/showhouses/statements-style-2008_2.html

It is no surprise that Eileen Kathryn Boyd is one of New York’s most influential interior designers. Her eclectic style and impeccable taste leave each of her design projects undeniably brilliant.

Design Tips

DO start a reference file of inspiring pieces for the room you want to decorate.

DO use jazzy fabrics on pillows and ottomans that can be easily changed out according to season.

DON'T be afraid to use a strong color on the walls. Paint is the least expensive way to totally change a room's appearance.

DO avoid using floral fabrics on sofas—unless you know you'll never tire of it. Try and keep to solids and small geometrics.

DO consider the lighting effects in the room. Will there be an influence of natural light? Will you need ceiling lighting or will lamplight be enough?

DO keep your vision clear—you can be easily seduced in other directions.

DON'T use a rug that's too small—the furniture will appear to hang off of it, making the room appear smaller.

DO beware of scale and proportion and how all the elements come into play.

DON'T forget to break some rules and most importantly to have fun with it!

http://www.ekbinteriors.com/

Kristen Hutchins

California-based designer Kristen Hutchins, recently launched her own design company after working for both Ruthie Sommers and Kelly Wearstler.

Out of this world rooms in Cape Town, South Africa

Mount Nelson

Cape Grace

http://www.ihavenotbeenthere.com/Hotels/South-Africa/Cape-Town-More.html

Eclectic Style

A Style For Those Who Want It All

Eclectic style is about mixing rather than matching, though all design elements should coordinate to achieve a look that is fresh and avant-garde. Eclectic style is the fingerprint of innovation and creativity. Borrowing from different sources and periods, eclectic style is a highly individualized style and is easily changed on a whim. A person with an eclectic style is a person with a lot of favorites who finds a way to indulge in them all. Purple and pink together? Why not? Modern and traditional furniture? Absolutely. The eclectic minded person finds a way to have it all and make it make it visually cohesive. Eclectic style is casual and approachable, making it a natural choice for home or business decor. The unexpected is always the focal point; here, the modern red pendant lamp gives the room a super hip and modern look, while the bubblegum pink walls vie for your attention. The cruel, hard edge of the desk is offset by the chair’s welcoming curves and plush fabric. Far from generic, eclectic style is the harmony in contrast. Experiment with eclectic style in your home; assess what you consider your “favorites” and unleash your inner artiste.


http://www.invitinghome.com/home-decor/style-eclectic.htm

Country retreat in the Southern Highlands of NSW Australia

Country retreat in the Southern Highlands of NSW Australia
- gorgeous property of seasoned renovator, a former model ,
a fashion boutique owner and a decorative art business owner
Suzanne Dougall featured in House and garden magazine.

John Jacob Interiors

John Jacob Interiors

http://www.jonncoolidge.com/

Grant K. Gibson Designs

Kara Mann

http://www.karamann.com/#/about/kara

Ethnic flair

http://vtinteriors.blogspot.com/2009/08/africa-in-style.html

Comfortable, Stylish, Original, Livable Spaces by Mally Skok

http://www.mallyskokdesign.com/

Wonderful white rooms

Talented designer and blogger, Joni at Cote de Texas

Kara Mann's style is clean and uncluttered.

Each piece of furniture, each accessory is carefully selected, even if they're more understated in nature. There aren't a dozen pillows crammed on the sofa, but the two throw pillows that are there really make a statement. The larger pillow fabric is Donghia's suzani print in pink passion and it's one of my all-time favorite prints. The coffee table is the brickmaker's table from Restoration Hardware and I love the ambience in brings to the room.

David Brittain photography

Images via skonahem, countryliving, roomenvy and houzz

Fresh and inspiring with an ethnic twist

http://inspiracionline.blogspot.com/2010/02/living-rooms-at-pottery-barn.html

Chocolate is not just for eating

Living room furniture layout around the fireplace

Sleek and stylish