{Inspiring Spaces} Should Location Matter?

I was browsing through old magazine issues that I purchased at a thrift store when I came across these two spaces featured in the March 2009 issue of Architectural Digest magazine. But before I get into more detail about the spaces themselves, I must admit that I was torn. I liked these spaces but something wasn't fully resonating with me. Can someone have too much floral print? Is there such a thing as texture and pattern overload? You hear about it ... and these two spaces definitely demonstrate a high frequency of texture, pattern and colour. Take a minute to look at the spaces and decide whether you give a thumbs up or thumbs down. Then let me tell you their location. The first flowery house is actually in Florida and was designed by Mario Buatta. The second location is also in Florida, more specifically Key West. When reading that, I thought, "Okay, these spaces do reflect their geography. There's something tropical about both spaces." But would I feel the same way if, let's say, the spaces were in Iceland or Greenland? {Basically somewhere less exotic.} Should it even matter? And what's with all these preconceived notions that I, and others, have? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Image source ~ Architectural Digest. March 2009.

Inspirational Spaces ~ Modern Day Chateau de Frontenay

 Photographs by Tim Beddow

Who hasn't had the fantasy of living in a castle? And if you're anything like me, you've wondered what a modern day castle may look like. When I came across these recent images of the 16th-Century Chateau de Frontenay in the Architectural Digest archives, I got my answers. Who can resist the tree-lined driveway, the modern outdoor pool or the simple breakfast setting on the gravel-covered veranda? What I like about this space is that it kept its historical roots without loosing its modern-day appeal. My favourite room? The kitchen! I'm drooling over the navy-and-gold appliances. They have a regal flare to them, something that's definitely fit for a King. I'm also a big fan of the kitchen's neo-Gothic millwork a well as the romantic and serene energy that exudes from the entire space, especially the outdoors! What do you like about this castle and which room is your favourite?

Inspirational Homes: Julianne Moore's West Village Backyard Oasis

 

Images via Architectural Digest. March 2012. 

Who says that you can't have a park in the middle of a city? I couldn't help but be inspired by Julianne Moore's green oasis in her backyard, as featured in Architectural Digest's March issue. Her NYC townhouse is located in the heart of the West Village and has a very romantic appeal to it. Landscaped by Brian Sawyer, the space looks breathtaking, filled with raised beds of boxwood and ivy. Check out the image showing the two antique English stone troughs filled with moss and succulents. Check out those black accents on the house. They really capture the mood of the space. Finally, those branches - which look sort-of like a glorified beaver house - actually functions as a tree house! How cool is that? 

Living in the downtown core of a major city myself, I often feel disconnected from nature. And parks are great but sometimes they don't cut it for me. (Although I'm lucky enough to walk through a park everyday.) This verdant space makes you feel refreshed and tranquil in the middle of an urban jungle. Which backyard feature is your favourite?