Beachfront Retreat in Los Angeles

Today, dear readers, I have a most singular house to show you. Designer and antiques dealer Richard Shapiro built this Malibu beachfront retreat and decorated it in a rustic yet elegant style with unique period pieces. If you'd like to read the whole story just go right <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/homes/homes/2011/04/renaissance_man_article">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" class="featureimg" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2011/04/renaissance_man/01_renaissance_man.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 596px;" /><br />Richard Shapiro, antiques dealer and head of Studiolo home furnishings, at the Malibu beach house he designed with architect Douglas Burdge. The Dutch wicker chair is from the 1960s.<div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><br /></div><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2011/04/renaissance_man/02_renaissance_man.jpg" style="width: 552px; height: 598px;" /><br />Steel windows fabricated by Pierre Quinton open to a view of the Pacific Ocean.<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2011/04/renaissance_man/03_renaissance_man.jpg" /><br />The living room walls are sheathed in frescoed plaster; a 17th-century Italian gilt-wood mirror is displayed above an antique Cypriot fireplace. Shapiro designed the chairs, the wood stools are 19th-century Ghanaian, and the white-painted cast-bronze floor lamp, by Patricia Roach.<br /><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2011/04/renaissance_man/04_renaissance_man.jpg" /><br />The open kitchen occupying one end of the living space is anchored by an island made of basalt. The same volcanic stone is used for the backsplash and counters; the cabinets are black lacquer. A vintage glass waterfall table by Pace is paired with a linen-covered sofa custom fitted to the alcove. <div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2011/04/renaissance_man/05_renaissance_man.jpg" style="width: 552px; height: 598px;" /><br />The dining area is centered beneath a pair of 18th-century inlaid Cosmatesque panels. Rattan chairs and a bench designed by Shapiro.<div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><br /></div><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2011/04/renaissance_man/06_renaissance_man.jpg" style="width: 554px; height: 600px;" /><br />A sculptural staircase with a steel balustrade winds up to the master bedroom and bath. At its base is a 19th-century replica of an ancient Greek statue; the nail-studded walnut front door is 17th-century Italian.<div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2011/04/renaissance_man/07_renaissance_man.jpg" style="width: 553px; height: 599px;" /><br />In the living room, a painted-steel pedestal displays a fourth-century Roman torso.<div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2011/04/renaissance_man/08_renaissance_man.jpg" style="width: 553px; height: 599px;" /><br />The timber staircase leading to the beach was designed to resemble the weathered ramparts of a Moroccan fort.<br /><br /><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2011/04/renaissance_man/09_renaissance_man.jpg" style="width: 552px; height: 598px;" /><br />The stone terrace is furnished with rattan and wicker chairs and an early-20th-century octagonal table painted deep red; the large ceramic jar is 16th-century Thai.<div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2011/04/renaissance_man/10_renaissance_man.jpg" style="width: 553px; height: 599px;" /><br />The front door is framed by a French 18th-century stone surround and lush greenery.<div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2011/04/renaissance_man/11_renaissance_man.jpg" style="width: 553px; height: 599px;" /><br />A daybed covered in mismatched stripes is tucked into a corner of the library; the table is 15th-century Italian, and the painting is by Shapiro.<div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2011/04/renaissance_man/12_renaissance_man.jpg" /><br />The library walls feature <em>tadelakt</em>, a traditional Arabic polished plaster. An 18th-century French chair is paired with a Spanish desk of the same period; the ottoman and sofa are Shapiro designs.<br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2011/04/renaissance_man/14_renaissance_man.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 596px;" /><br />A 19th-century Uzbek suzani covers Shapiro’s bed; the 17th-century Italian Savonarola chair stands alongside an antique Burgundian roof corbel.<div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/images/homes/2011/04/renaissance_man/13_renaissance_man.jpg" style="width: 551px; height: 597px;" /><br />Shapiro conceived the master bath so that the minimalist tub has views of the garden and the Malibu hills.<div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><br />Photographed and produced by Miguel Flores-Vianna<br /><br />All images and information from <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/">Architectural Digest</a>.<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Beachfront Retreat in Los Angeles

Today, dear readers, I have a most singular house to show you. Designer and antiques dealer Richard Shapiro built this Malibu beachfront ret...

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Renovated French Country House

Today I'm taking you to have a look at this beautifully restored house, furnished in a casual French country style. This home is so inviting I feel I'm walking through the rooms as I go from one pic to the next. Come and see them with me!<br /><br /><img id="lightbox-image" src="http://campagne-decoration.dekio.fr/var/deco/storage/images/campagne_decoration/reportages/campagne/une-histoire-toute-simple/facade-maison-xixeme/341793-1-fre-FR/Facade-maison-XIXeme.jpg" style="display: inline; opacity: 0.924255;" /><br /><br /><img id="lightbox-image" src="http://campagne-decoration.dekio.fr/var/deco/storage/images/campagne_decoration/reportages/campagne/une-histoire-toute-simple/sol-en-terre-cuite/341769-1-fre-FR/Sol-en-terre-cuite.jpg" style="display: inline; opacity: 0.998135;" /><br />Hexagonal and square terra cotta tiles in most of the rooms for a rustic look.<br /><br /><img id="lightbox-image" src="http://campagne-decoration.dekio.fr/var/deco/storage/images/campagne_decoration/reportages/campagne/une-histoire-toute-simple/entree-de-la-maison/341781-1-fre-FR/Entree-de-la-maison.jpg" style="display: inline;" /><br />One of the doors in the entrance hall has been decorated with a stenciled design. It also appears on the walls leading upstairs.<br /><br /><img id="lightbox-image" src="http://campagne-decoration.dekio.fr/var/deco/storage/images/campagne_decoration/reportages/campagne/une-histoire-toute-simple/renovation-des-poutres-d-un-salon/341777-1-fre-FR/Renovation-des-poutres-d-un-salon.jpg" style="display: inline; opacity: 0.996057;" /><br />One side of the living room. The original beams were preserved.<br /><br /><img id="lightbox-image" src="http://campagne-decoration.dekio.fr/var/deco/storage/images/campagne_decoration/reportages/campagne/une-histoire-toute-simple/gravures-et-photographies-anciennes/341789-1-fre-FR/Gravures-et-Photographies-anciennes.jpg" style="display: inline; opacity: 0.97044;" /><br />On the other side of the living room, a collection of framed old photographs are displayed on the wall.<br /><br /><img id="lightbox-image" src="http://campagne-decoration.dekio.fr/var/deco/storage/images/campagne_decoration/reportages/campagne/une-histoire-toute-simple/bureau-et-canape-blanc/341757-1-fre-FR/Bureau-et-canape-blanc.jpg" style="display: inline;" /><br /><br /><img id="lightbox-image" src="http://campagne-decoration.dekio.fr/var/deco/storage/images/campagne_decoration/reportages/campagne/une-histoire-toute-simple/la-cuisine/341761-1-fre-FR/La-cuisine.jpg" style="display: inline; opacity: 0.941883;" /><br />A conservatory style addition allows lots of natural light into the kitchen.<br /><br /><img id="lightbox-image" src="http://campagne-decoration.dekio.fr/var/deco/storage/images/campagne_decoration/reportages/campagne/une-histoire-toute-simple/pochoir-guirlandes-de-lierre/341773-1-fre-FR/Pochoir-guirlandes-de-lierre.jpg" style="display: inline; opacity: 0.999615;" /><br /><br /><img id="lightbox-image" src="http://campagne-decoration.dekio.fr/var/deco/storage/images/campagne_decoration/reportages/campagne/une-histoire-toute-simple/lit-ancien-pare-de-linge-brode/341765-1-fre-FR/Lit-ancien-pare-de-linge-brode.jpg" style="display: inline;" /><br />For a softer look, wood herringbone floor was used in the bedrooms.<br /><br /><img id="lightbox-image" src="http://campagne-decoration.dekio.fr/var/deco/storage/images/campagne_decoration/reportages/campagne/une-histoire-toute-simple/mobilier-d-une-chambre/341785-1-fre-FR/Mobilier-d-une-chambre.jpg" style="display: inline;" /><br />A very feminine master bedroom.<br /><br />All images from <a href="http://campagne-decoration.dekio.fr/">here</a>.

Renovated French Country House

Today I'm taking you to have a look at this beautifully restored house, furnished in a casual French country style. This home is so invi...

Read more »

Photographer Brandon Barré

Today I'd like to introduce you to photographer Brandon Barré. Based in Toronto, Canada, he specializes in architectural interiors, still life, and portraits. His clients include<br />Elle Decor, Home Magazine, Canadian House and Home, Elle Décoration (Fr)among many others.<br /><br />1.<br /><img border="0" height="507" name="mainpic" src="http://www.brandonbarre.com/uploaded_files/interior1/677x507__width__1264735235_387.jpg" width="677" /><br /><br />2.<br /><img border="0" height="507" src="http://www.brandonbarre.com/uploaded_files/interior1/677x511__width__1263746118_941.jpg" width="677" /><br /><br />3.<br /><img border="0" height="507" src="http://www.brandonbarre.com/uploaded_files/interior1/677x511__width__1263746467_298.jpg" width="677" /><br /><br />4.<br /><img border="0" height="507" src="http://www.brandonbarre.com/uploaded_files/interior1/677x511__width__1263743904_214.jpg" width="677" /><br /><br />5.<br /><img border="0" height="507" src="http://www.brandonbarre.com/uploaded_files/interior1/677x511__width__1264720872_909.jpg" width="677" /><br /><br />6.<br /><img border="0" height="507" src="http://www.brandonbarre.com/uploaded_files/interior2/677x511__width__1287064948_985.jpg" width="677" /><br /><br />7.<br /><img border="0" height="507" src="http://www.brandonbarre.com/uploaded_files/interior2/677x511__width__1263746796_133.jpg" width="677" /><br /><br />8.<br /><img border="0" height="507" src="http://www.brandonbarre.com/uploaded_files/interior2/677x511__width__1287879813_363.jpg" width="677" /><br /><br />9.<br /><img border="0" height="507" src="http://www.brandonbarre.com/uploaded_files/interior2/677x511__width__1263752541_59.jpg" width="677" /><br /><br />10.<br /><img border="0" height="507" src="http://www.brandonbarre.com/uploaded_files/interior2/677x511__width__1263752555_528.jpg" width="677" /><br /><br />These are just a few of his photographs. If you'd like to see many more just go to his portfolio right <a href="http://www.brandonbarre.com/">here</a>.

Photographer Brandon Barré

Today I'd like to introduce you to photographer Brandon Barré. Based in Toronto, Canada, he specializes in architectural interiors, stil...

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GARDENING: Spring at Rogers Gardens, Newport Beach

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosP7HWHUloIxKdNFLDrQno8Dr7LfjdaUfqOfZ2agR3DyTOwIAqnXiK1avPeF6d_2wG5uuFb4N5VmrycG3U7a2nX8GnOH5JAeXhs8b2wLdj2Ccq6997AcnZwyCazQvDZdAKzQMtNoDud4/s1600/rgspring2011++rgardens4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosP7HWHUloIxKdNFLDrQno8Dr7LfjdaUfqOfZ2agR3DyTOwIAqnXiK1avPeF6d_2wG5uuFb4N5VmrycG3U7a2nX8GnOH5JAeXhs8b2wLdj2Ccq6997AcnZwyCazQvDZdAKzQMtNoDud4/s640/rgspring2011++rgardens4.jpg" width="480px"></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Its Spring at Rogers Gardens, located in Newport Beach, California<br><br /></div></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2011/03/spring-gardening-rogers-gardens-newport.html#more">Read more »</a>

GARDENING: Spring at Rogers Gardens, Newport Beach

Its Spring at Rogers Gardens, located in Newport Beach, California Read more »

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Restored Mountain House

Hello, dears. Saturday morning takes us to the mountains to have a look at this fantastic restored house. Its noble materials such as the stone arches outside, limestone floors and massive beams have been preserved and restored. Decorated in a soothing style with rustic and French furniture with an overall soft, natural palette.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.elmueble.com/var/elmueble/storage/images/casas/de-campo/vn-las-huellas-de-la-tradicion/bajo-unas-grandes-arcadas-de-piedra/porche/porche/650135-1-esl-ES/Porche_large.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 588px;" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.elmueble.com/var/elmueble/storage/images/casas/de-campo/vn-las-huellas-de-la-tradicion/bajo-unas-grandes-arcadas-de-piedra/porche/jardin/650143-1-esl-ES/Jardin_large.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 388px;" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.elmueble.com/var/elmueble/storage/images/casas/de-campo/vn-las-huellas-de-la-tradicion/bajo-unas-grandes-arcadas-de-piedra/porche/fachada/650147-1-esl-ES/Fachada_large.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 589px;" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.elmueble.com/var/elmueble/storage/images/casas/de-campo/vn-las-huellas-de-la-tradicion/una-generosa-zona-de-asientos-frente-a-la-chimenea/salon/salon/650165-2-esl-ES/Salon_large.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 388px;" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.elmueble.com/var/elmueble/storage/images/casas/de-campo/vn-las-huellas-de-la-tradicion/una-generosa-zona-de-asientos-frente-a-la-chimenea/salon/hacia-chimenea/650169-1-esl-ES/Hacia-chimenea_large.jpg" style="width: 501px; height: 590px;" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.elmueble.com/var/elmueble/storage/images/casas/de-campo/vn-las-huellas-de-la-tradicion/una-generosa-zona-de-asientos-frente-a-la-chimenea/salon/hacia-puerta/650173-1-esl-ES/Hacia-puerta_large.jpg" style="width: 502px; height: 591px;" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.elmueble.com/var/elmueble/storage/images/casas/de-campo/vn-las-huellas-de-la-tradicion/una-gran-buhardilla-infantil/dorm.-infantil/dormitorio-infantil/650978-1-esl-ES/Dormitorio-infantil_large.jpg" style="width: 502px; height: 591px;" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.elmueble.com/var/elmueble/storage/images/casas/de-campo/vn-las-huellas-de-la-tradicion/una-gran-buhardilla-infantil/dorm.-infantil/zona-estudio/650982-1-esl-ES/Zona-estudio_large.jpg" style="width: 502px; height: 389px;" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.elmueble.com/var/elmueble/storage/images/casas/de-campo/vn-las-huellas-de-la-tradicion/suavizar-lo-rustico-con-mobiliario-frances/dorm.-principal/dormitorio-principal/651012-1-esl-ES/Dormitorio-principal_large.jpg" style="width: 502px; height: 389px;" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.elmueble.com/var/elmueble/storage/images/casas/de-campo/vn-las-huellas-de-la-tradicion/suavizar-lo-rustico-con-mobiliario-frances/dorm.-principal/hacia-cama/651024-1-esl-ES/Hacia-cama_large.jpg" style="width: 501px; height: 590px;" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.elmueble.com/var/elmueble/storage/images/casas/de-campo/vn-las-huellas-de-la-tradicion/suavizar-lo-rustico-con-mobiliario-frances/dorm.-principal/hacia-escritorio/651028-1-esl-ES/Hacia-escritorio_large.jpg" style="width: 501px; height: 590px;" /><br /><br />Have a great weekend, my friends. Hope to see you tomorrow!<br /><br />All images from <a href="http://www.elmueble.com/">here</a>.

Restored Mountain House

Hello, dears. Saturday morning takes us to the mountains to have a look at this fantastic restored house. Its noble materials such as the st...

Read more »

House in Washington

Good Friday morning, dears. Today we are visiting Marcia Bond's house located in Spokane, Washington. Marcia worked for 22 years as an interior designer in California and Washington before “retiring” to run two restaurants and a bakery with her husband, William. She likes to combine comfort and a “little bit of theater” when she designs.<br /><br />Let's take the tour!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrentslg_10.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrents_10.jpg" style="width: 551px; height: 413px;" /></a><br />The house stands on a hilltop and looks quite unpretentious from the outside.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrentslg_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrents_3.jpg" style="width: 548px; height: 773px;" /></a><br />Double doors salvaged from a French children’s clothing shop open to the foyer. Concrete steps just inside the door lead up to the main living area.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrentslg_7.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrents_7.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 753px;" /></a><br />Marcia, happy with her home, poses in the living room.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrentslg_1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrents_1.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 697px;" /></a><br />No walls divide the kitchen, dining, and living areas. Concrete floors finished with a beeswax derivative, unites the large living area with bedrooms, a den, and a corridor-like pantry tucked behind the kitchen. A system of water pipes under the floor warms the house with hydronic radiant heat.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrentslg_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrents_2.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 737px;" /></a><br />Another view of the Bonds’ large living area; north-facing French doors admit soft morning light.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrents_5.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 414px;" /><br />Furniture groupings define the dining and sitting areas of the large room, while the kitchen is clearly designated by the impressive range hood. A food-themed mural on the sink wall introduces a hint of pattern.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrentslg_6.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrents_6.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 759px;" /></a><br />An island with old wood legs shares space with modern stainless-steel cabinets and appliances. A table base—minus the top—that Marcia found chained to a tree at a yard sale was reinvented as the 96x39-inch island. “We needed to make it taller and longer so it wasn’t dwarfed,” Marcia says. The wood base was topped with a large slab of marble, plus a 36-inch stretch of butcher block.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrentslg_8.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrents_8.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 660px;" /></a><br />An antique mirror stands against a bedroom wall. Marcia’s grandmother did the petit point on the fauteuil. An old galvanized metal barrel with a glass top serves as a side table.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrentslg_9.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrents_9.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 739px;" /></a><br />The vanity top is salvaged marble; the base is made of acrylic poles and decorative lamp parts.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrentslg_4.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_crosscurrents_4.jpg" style="width: 551px; height: 430px;" /></a><br />Two old tables slipcovered with khaki water-resistant fabric create an elegant dining surface on the loggia. Chairs came from area garage sales and secondhand shops. The loggia is on the front of the house, but is sheltered by a wisteria canopy and vine-covered courtyard walls.<br /><br />All images from <a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/">here</a>.

House in Washington

Good Friday morning, dears. Today we are visiting Marcia Bond's house located in Spokane, Washington. Marcia worked for 22 years as an ...

Read more »