Tag: Luxury design

Luxury Interior Design: Mayfair

This elegant residence, finished in marble and gold leaf, set a new standard for luxury interior design in London’s Mayfair district. The exceptionally refurbished apartment is located on the city’s largest and oldest garden Square, Grosvenor Square.

Grosvenor Square is the centerpiece of the Mayfair property developed by the Duke of Westminster in the 1700’s. The area was designed to serve as residences for the fashionable elite of its time. Today, with three centuries of distinguished aristocratic history behind it, Grosvenor Square remains synonymous with style and luxury design.

This apartment is the creation of super-prime developer AION who brought in luxury interior design specialists 1508 London and Taylor Howes to complete the interior design and specification. It is ideally situated on the fourth floor with expansive views overlooking the garden. The 3,500 square-foot home features bespoke designs of the highest quality and fine attention to detail. The interiors combine clean, contemporary design with an understated classical elegance for a timeless mix of exquisite detailing and modern sophistication.

LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN INSPIRATION

The home’s double volume reception room spans 42 feet wide and boasts five south facing windows providing panoramic views. Here and throughout all the principal rooms, the white wall paneling and moldings feature hand-gilding with a gold leaf. A herringbone pattern completes the hand-laid solid oak floors. A full-height polished marble fireplace punctuates the room at both ends for balance. The spacious room holds both the formal living and dining spaces. A bespoke designed rosewood partition with antiqued bronze trim separates the two. On the living room side, leather inserts create bookshelves. Contemporary furnishings, upholstered in soft, neutral shades gather symmetrically on the custom silk and wool rug for a serene setting. I like this look a lot.

The formal dining area includes a bespoke dining table that seats 10-12 comfortably with plush upholstered chairs arranged on a pale, cream-colored custom rug. On this side of the rosewood partition, antiqued mirror backing, and lower cabinets create a full bar feature wall.

The entrance hall’s luxury interior design provides a stunning first impression for visitors. The spacious passageway radiates out from a central bespoke cube which the design team had entirely clad in antiqued mirror; laser etched with a diamond pattern for added interest. The mirrored cube captures and reflects the natural light from the reception room throughout the center of the home. The coffered ceilings, here and in all the principal rooms, glow from within with bespoke LED lighting features. Low-level runway lighting creates a dramatic effect as it shines across the honed marble Serpeggiante floors. Gilded French salon chairs pair with an ebony console to emphasize the timeless appeal. The look is high gloss and glamorous.

The residence features a very sleek, custom-designed Modulnova kitchen with an eat-in breakfast area. Naturally, only the best-integrated appliances from Gaggenau and Miele complete this kitchen including a wine refrigerator, plate and food warming drawers, and soft touch controls. The marble floors continue from the hall in here with Silestone Quartz on the counter tops and backsplash. Without a doubt, this is a seriously stylish kitchen.

The 19-foot-long master bedroom suite includes a large bedroom, a dressing room with floor-to-ceiling, hand-crafted, leather fronted wardrobes and the master bathroom. The entire suite features classical proportions complete with specialist materials of the finest quality and a bespoke lighting scheme. The same serene color palette established in the formal reception room continues in here. Of course, the upholstered walls and deep pile carpet render the suite a tranquil cocoon.

The spacious master bathroom’s luxury interior design features book-matched, polished statuary marble on the floors and the full height of the walls. The bespoke designed marble double vanity unit with high gloss oak fronting includes THG faucets. Very handsome indeed!

The residence includes four bedrooms, each with an en-suite marble bath and custom created dressing areas. Our last photo shows one of the guest suites with its bespoke headboard reaching the full height of the room. All of the bedrooms are supremely comfortable due to their customization and expert space planning.

The apartment also includes a private screening room. A secluded little pocket theater, located adjacent to the reception room and kitchen area, provides a comfy spot just for relaxing and catching up on the latest shows.

Once on the market with its record-breaking asking price, the agents described it as a “jewel box” of perfection and luxury interior design. This description found agreement, as did the price, for the home quickly sold.

That concludes our design inspiration for today.

I hope you enjoyed the luxury interior design details of this apartment on one of London’s finest garden squares in Mayfair. Be inspired by the incredible transformation of this historic apartment into a sleek contemporary-classic home. One perfectly equipped with the best for today’s modern luxury lifestyle.

For another inspiring Mayfair Luxury estate, be sure to see:

Classic Mayfair Penthouse: Oro Bianco

Alexander McQueen Penthouse: Style Homage

Mayfair Luxury Interior Design

Residential Development: AION

Interior Design:

1508 London

Taylor Howes

Thank you so much for reading along with me. Let me hear from you in the comments. What do you think of today’s Luxury Interior Design in Mayfair?

Have a wonderful day!

June 25, 2016
Classic Mediterranean Style In Arizona

Our design inspiration for today comes from a 23,000 square-foot classic Mediterranean style estate located in Scottsdale, Arizona. The impressive residence, with its lushly landscaped grounds, is positions grandly in the natural desert surroundings overlooking a golf course. The stately mansion, designed by the luxury residential architectural firm Candelaria Design Associates with interior design by Kimberly Colletti, features many old-world inspired architectural elements and elegant design details to create a rich and formal home.

The opening photo shows the regal living room. The polished marble floors, decorative ceilings, and ornately carved, honed limestone fireplace feature here and throughout the entire Mediterranean style home. Interior arches line up with exterior arching windows and French doors which welcome the view of the gardens. The size and style of the windows play an important role in every room. They are integral architectural components necessary to create the desired dramatic effect. Gilded framed mirrors hang over a pair of marquetry chests on either side of the fireplace. A custom silk upholstered sofa anchors the sitting area on the traditional rug while a large crystal chandelier sparkles above.

CLASSIC MEDITERRANEAN STYLE INSPIRATION

The formal dining room features hand-painted coffered ceilings and wainscoting highlighted with white gold. The full height limestone fireplace gives the room an air of dignity. A Regency-style walnut dining table surrounded by painted and distressed silk upholstered dining chairs gather on a traditional design rug. A grand crystal chandelier suspends above. Elegant silk window treatments with stacked passementerie trim and double tassel tie-backs dress the windows. The colors throughout the home remain soft and subtle creating a perfect backdrop for the fine antiques, some dating to the 16th century.

The very handsome library features solid walnut floors with an inlaid brass perimeter while walnut paneling lines the walls. The soaring vaulted ceilings display hand-painted, gold accented design details. A series of grand traditional design chandeliers suspend through the room. The rich wood tones and gold accents create a sense of warmth. A 17th-century Italian rectory table commands the center of the library on an antique rug. Bronze figures, bust, and Neoclassical design details accent the room with a noble feel, while a pair of simple chenille club chairs placed before the fireplace eases the formality and provide a place for some real comfort.

“The estate presents beautifully while remaining livable and inviting.”

The gracious entrance hall features two bisecting galleries crowned by an exquisite domed ceiling. One enters the home into a light-filled gallery that crosses at its center. The hall continues forward leading all the way through to the other side and out onto the series of outdoor living spaces. The long passages also extend both left and right running the full length of the estate giving access to the home’s rooms and courtyards which all comprise on a single floor. The gleaming marble floors continue in all directions as does the repeated arches and French doors. The groin vault ceilings feature highly decorative hand-painted designs in 23-karat gold. A Palladian sense of balance and symmetry throughout is in keeping with its formal Mediterranean style. The mathematical repetition creates a sense of rhythm and order.

“The estate is a visual feast for the eyes.”

The polished marble floors continue in the kitchen. Perimeter counters are topped with marble, while a dark textured granite tops the center island. The classical architectural elements continue here in the kitchen, including niches where life-size hand-carved statues reside. Velvet upholstered barstools create an elegant eat-in breakfast area. Two large crystal chandeliers sparkle above. Of course, this grand kitchen has only the best commercial grade, high-end appliances, many faced to blend with the surrounding cabinetry. A cooking area created just outside the kitchen allows for additional outdoor entertaining as well.

Stained and glazed alder wood completely envelopes the home office. The antique burl wood desk includes an inlaid leather top, and the antique chairs still have their original upholstery. The French doors open the office onto a garden graced with fountains. Sounds like a wonderful place to get some work done.

The master bedroom is full of grace and charm though this photo only shows this one perspective. The silk upholstered headboard and bed frame, dressed in elegant custom silk bed linens, serve as the focal point here. On either side of the bed, a pair of matching chests, each with a large framed antique painting hanging above it, perfectly establishes balance and symmetry. The room, of course, is crowned with a glamorous gilt and crystal chandelier.

The tinted plaster walls and glazed woodwork glisten softly in the natural light that washes over the master bathroom. Polished marble covers the floors, counter-tops, and the tub surround in the bathing niche. Mosaic mother-of-pearl sinks pair with crystal handle faucets. Crystal chandeliers feature in here too, along with crystal-dripping wall sconces. Custom silk draperies dress the windows.

In true Mediterranean style, arches and stone columns frame the loggia located off the living room and entry. All-weather furnishings provide year-round comfort for the multiple outdoor entertaining spaces. Statues, fountains, and planters punctuate the gardens creating focal points in every direction. The view is very “man has mastered nature” with all this lush greenery and abundance of water in the middle of the Arizona desert.

The red clay tile roof and stucco exterior are signatures of classic formal Mediterranean style. The estate is a visual feast for the eyes. That is apparent the moment you enter the carved limestone and iron gates. Hand-carved statuary from Italy greet you when entering the auto court.

Though the home is grand in volume and square footage, it still maintains a comfortable level of intimacy. The estate presents beautifully while remaining livable and inviting.

That concludes our design inspiration for today.

For more beautiful residences, be sure to see:

California Mediterranean: Enchanted Oaks

Montecito Italian Palazzo: SFA Design

MEDITERRANEAN STYLE IN ARIZONA

Candelaria Design Associates is a premier architecture and interior design firm committed to enhancing the way people live through the design of beautiful, luxury living, entertainment and work environments. The firm was founded in 1999 by architect Mark Candelaria, who currently works with a team of architects and designers creating high-end, award-winning custom homes throughout Arizona and the Southwest.

Architecture: Candelaria Design Associates

Interior Design: Kimberly Colletti

Builder: Schultz Development

Landscape Architect: Berghoff Design

Photography: Werner Segarra

Additional: Tuscan Style-Summer 2015

Thanks so much for reading along with me! I hope you enjoyed this formal Mediterranean style estate in the Arizona desert, and you have found much inspiration in its delightful design.

Have a great day!

June 11, 2016
Contemporary Regency Design in Belgravia

Today’s design inspiration comes from a supremely elegant, ground and garden level duplex apartment located in the heart of London’s exclusive Belgravia district. The four-bedroom Regency period residence has been recently redesigned and impeccably refurbished by the multidisciplinary luxury design practice 1508 London. The design team has sensitively restored and enhanced the classical period details while also integrating cutting edge technology and modern luxury features for a contemporary Regency design. The apartment combines exceptional bespoke materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The results are both fresh and timeless!

The beautifully proportioned rooms and soaring ceilings lend a sense of grandeur and scale to the property. A mix of antique and contemporary pieces furnish the interiors.

The home’s exceptional formal reception room, which holds the formal living and dining areas, features high ceilings and huge windows that flood the space with natural light. The design team fully restored the Regency period architectural features including the ornate decorative ceiling, intricate cornice, and the full-height paneled walls. The floors are solid French oak in a chevron design with a high gloss finish.

The sitting area arranges in the center of the room using the fireplace as the focal point to build around. The elegant furnishings gather neatly together on a rug beneath the glow of the beautiful 24-arm silver and crystal-dripping Marie Therese chandelier. The dining table and its eight chairs occupy the front of the room.

Balance and symmetry create perfect classical order, and the restrained use of color allows the contemporary Regency design details to shine. Look at how nice this looks! Old and new seamlessly mix and combine. A small traditional portrait painting hangs above the hand-carved polished Statuario marble fireplace while an abstract artwork balances it on the opposite wall. The room also includes a pair of Victorian giltwood oval mirrors. The layering of neutral fabrics, textures, and accessories creates a cohesive, sophisticated look that enhances the luxurious feel of the residence.

The reception room opens to the limed-oak-paneled library, and it’s more casual sitting space. The bespoke finished paneled walls include full height shelves with integral LED lighting. The French oak floors and ornate ceilings continue into this room. The comfortable traditional style furnishings gather on a contemporary design geometric rug from Stark. The rooms customization includes a large television with a full dynamic surround sound system. The library offers a more relaxed ambiance for a less formal living style.

The impressive entrance hall into this luxurious apartment is light and spacious. The floor design includes a combination of Bardiglio and Statuario marble in gray and white, laid in a subtle chevron pattern. Moiré silk adds subtle texture and sheen to the walls above the lower paneling. A fabulous giltwood Chinoiserie mirror hangs above a handmade console table. Above it all, an ornate French birdcage chandelier sparkles like a crown jewel. From the moment you arrive, the traditional and new flawlessly present together creating brilliant and very contemporary Regency design. I adore this space. I love the floors that to me feel like a modern version of those in the grand stairway hall in the Petite Trianon at Versailles. The large window adds to that effect. Classic styling for a fabulous modern lifestyle.

202 Design created the custom finished kitchen. Bardiglio marble surfaces and the same light colors used throughout the home create a streamlined, contemporary aesthetic here. Classic and traditional are lovely in every room except the ones you most want to function: kitchen, bathrooms, and such. The sleek Silestone central island is spacious enough to allow for casual breakfast bar seating. The handcrafted ceiling-height cabinets make full use of the space which also includes an extensive range of Miele, Wolf, and Sub-Zero appliances. The pendant lighting and the large painting add warmth and character.

The 1508 team created an elegant, sophisticated design for the powder room. Bardiglio marble, gray linen wall coverings, ornate gold and fluted-glass taps from THG Paris and a walnut-framed mirror from British-based design brand Pinch. Very handsome indeed!

An impressive cantilevered carved Portland stone staircase leads down to the lower garden level bedrooms. Drawing influence from traditional stairways, this impressive structure makes a real statement. Behind it, a double-height antiqued mirrored wall adds further drama. The floors are high gloss French oak.

The light-filled master bedroom suite opens up onto a landscaped garden. The bespoke upholstered headboard, designed by the 1508 team, anchors an antiqued mirrored wall that further enhances the feeling of light and space. I’ve seldom encountered a mirrored wall that didn’t like. Love this contemporary Regency design! Striking pieces of art, hand-selected by the design team echos the color palette throughout the property. Luxury deep pile carpet covers the floors. Leading from the master bedroom is the dressing room, with full-width, custom-made wardrobes in the same limed oak as in the library, this time featuring inset leather panels.

The master bathroom is sublime. I love it! Polished Statuario marble envelopes the entire room. There is a large soaking tub as well as a separate large walk-in rain-shower. Nickel trim highlights the bespoke marble and limed oak double vanity unit complete with faucets from THG Paris. I seriously like the lighting under the vanity.

Two more en-suite bedrooms, a study/fourth bedroom, and a utility room complete the garden level. The materials and finishes used in the master bedroom suite echo through every room, creating a sense of continuity and harmony while also allowing each room its individuality.

The design brief for this residence centered around the restoration of the period architectural details and the introduction of fresh, modern materials and a controlled color palette to create a contemporary Regency design. The design studio 1508 London has more than met the brief with a sophisticated design of superior excellence.

That concludes our design inspiration for today, my friend!

To see another beautiful Belgravia residence, be sure to check out:

Contemporary Mews House: Belgravia

Bespoke Luxury Design: Chester Square

1508 London’s Contemporary Regency Design

1508 London is a London-based interior and architecture design studio that creates exceptional spaces worldwide. The designs they produce are not formulaic or style driven but derived from measured principles, inspired by history, geography, and the architectural vernacular, creating designs of incomparable value.

Interior Design: 1508 London

photography: Richard Waite

Thanks so much for reading along with me today. Let me hear from you in the comments! What did you think of this beautiful contemporary Regency design?

Have a great day!!

June 3, 2016
Contemporary Luxury Design: Hyde Park

The exquisite tailoring of this chic London apartment is a testimony to contemporary luxury design in the historic city. The residence is set within a grand, iconic mansion block in Bayswater with beautiful views over Hyde Park. Chelsea-based luxury interior design studio Elicyon has transformed this four-bedroom residence into an exceptional home finished to superlative standards.

The design studio restored many of the home’s original architectural features while completing it with a polished contemporary luxury design for elegant modern living. Renowned for their turnkey lifestyle design, Elicyon expertly managed the entire process from conception through to completion. The results are quite remarkable. Come see for yourself!

BAYWATERS MANSION CONTEMPORARY LUXURY

The living room features a sophisticated neutral color palette of creams and grays, highlighted with a layering of metallic hues. Two gray sofas and a pair of quilted armchairs anchor the furniture arrangement around a two-stepped coffee table on a graphically carved silk rug, all from the iconic luxury brand Fendi Casa. The entire home has a sophisticated air with contemporary glamorous interiors.

A large bespoke artwork by the art studio Based Upon, acts as the room’s focal point with its prominent position located above the center sofa. On either side of the bronze-and-brass work is a custom display cabinet. The home’s design notes every detail. Almond cream leather with brass trim fronts the cabinets and drawers beneath the display shelves complete with lacquered inner sides. A structured tiered chandelier echoes the design of the room perfectly. Silk draperies and luxurious cushions in an array of shimmering and textured silk, satin, velvet, and suede create a soft balance for this very luxe rendition of an inspired industrial space.

The elegant and refined entrance hall welcomes visitors with soft pleasing colors, clean lines, and an array of rich touchable textures. The far feature wall functions as a complete work of art. A pair of basket-weave lighting sconces flank the bronze antiqued diamond-pattern mirrors with bronze framing. A sculpture by Lorenzo Quin, Give and Take III centers the scene.

A custom rug runs the length of the hall, while a custom Murano glass chandelier illuminates the space from above. A crocodile leather Fendi Casa console and mirror position across from a contemporary luxury low-profile sofa layered with indulgently soft, silk cushions. The designers had the oil painting above the sofa, like all of the paintings throughout the residence, custom created specifically to complement the color palette around it.

The formal dining room is gracious and glamorous. A custom dining table composed of a walnut tabletop on a brass sled base groups with ten button-tufted velvet dining chairs gathered on a custom silk rug with another structured faceted crystal chandelier sparkling above. Sleek walnut side pieces with brass detailing echo the table’s design creating an Art Deco feel. A pair of brass sculptural light sconces flanks an octagonal shagreen mirror above the buffet.

The look is both classic in its design and very now. The room’s location right beyond the living room makes for an easy flow when entertaining. The luxurious, sophisticated design of this entire apartment demands the return of the “cocktail hour” before dinner. How would you like your drink tonight dear?

The master bedroom features a custom silk-upholstered and grid-designed mirror headboard. Golden yellow accents kick up the soft glistening color palette. Custom upholstered chairs fit into and soften the corners of the room. Crown molding along the ceiling line conceals the window drapery panel’s fittings for a smooth, flawless finish. The beautiful fabrics here and throughout the apartment are sublime in their design simplicity, yet rich in texture and supreme softness. Nothing is plain and ordinary. The combination of the finest materials and iconic luxury brand furnishings mixed with bespoke pieces creates an entirely contemporary and custom luxury experience without being loud or showy. The effect is smart, serene, and very inviting.

The following photos show the remaining bedroom’s rich features. The same level of detail and care used in the rest of the house continue throughout.

That concludes our design inspiration for today, my friend. I hope you enjoyed this exquisitely tailored London apartment and its contemporary luxury design. Bespoke cabinetry, Fendi Casa, crystal-dripping chandeliers, luxurious fabrics, and plenty of mirrors; This is an exciting interior design that I applaud! Let’s amp up the glamour in our homes today!

To see another fabulous residence completed by this award-winning design studio, be sure to see:

Glamorous Luxury Design: Elicyon

To see more contemporary Luxury, be sure to see:

Bespoke Design: Contemporary Luxury

Manhattan Contemporary Luxury Apartment

ELICYON’S CONTEMPORARY LUXURY DESIGN

Elicyon is a luxury design studio based in Chelsea, London. The studio creates unique and exclusive environments, tailored with precision, care, and meticulous attention to detail. The professional and sophisticated design team at Elicyon discover and bring to fruition the vision of their clients. The design team ensures that every project is perfectly tailored to the client’s needs, personal taste, and lifestyle.

Interior Design: Elicyon

Photography: Elicyon

Thanks so much for reading along with me today! Let me hear from you. Please share in the comments some ways you create glamour in your home. We want to share the experience with you.

Have a great day!

May 13, 2016
Beverly Park Chateau

Today’s design inspiration comes from a grand French chateau-inspired residence located within the exclusive guard-gated community of Beverly Park in the lush hills overlooking Los Angeles. The architectural design captures the essence of the fine country estates once owned by the ancient nobility in France. The newly built 40,000 square-foot mansion, designed by architect Richard Landry, interprets the classic European style for contemporary living appropriate to Southern California. The modern layout observes human proportions, with interior design by Joan Behnke, and offers up a restrained sense of luxury. This Beverly Park Chateau was not created to be a show house, but is show-worthy. Let’s take a look!

The home sits back on its lot and spreads out across the width almost entirely. Custom entry gates located on one end of the property open to reveal the residence hidden beyond them. A cobblestone driveway winds across the lawn to the centrally located motor court created before the main entrance. The drive then proceeds, running along the front of the property and either around to the garages situated along the side, or else out to the exit gates located on the opposite end. The estate appears as though it has existed here for centuries.

Great efforts went into creating the time-worn variation and texture for a genuinely old-world finish. Salvaged rubble stone covers the exterior facade with distressed limestone forming the door and window surrounds. Blue slate covers the massive Mansard roof, punctuated with dormer windows and roof spires. Weathered pavers form the path from the motor court, through the formal parterre garden, up to the front entrance creating a scenic procession.

GRAND BEVERLY PARK CHATEAU

The grand double-height entrance foyer, crowned with a glass dome above, ensures a definite sense of arrival and makes a lasting first impression. The vast light-filled, open space gives way in all directions. Visitors pass through a pair of massive wrought-iron doors backed with glass Behnke found in a French antique shop. A 19th-century hanging lantern suspends beneath the dome. Two glass-topped tables with 18th-century French bases arranged on a contemporary silk rug display a pair of vases by Hervé van der Straeten and a Bernar Venet sculpture. Classic and Contemporary designs combine effortlessly for a timeless appeal.

To make the large home more inviting, the architect divided the floor plan into clusters of rooms arranged around their function. The first group off the foyer are rooms for entertaining including the living room, the formal dining room, and the library.

The gracious formal living room features loads of charm and character. The design evokes the style and spirit of an elegant Parisian apartment. A custom created antiqued-furniture finish gives the wood-paneled walls their French gray-green color. The reclaimed antique limestone fireplace came from an old European estate. A notable contemporary painting hangs over the mantle for balance. Antique furnishings and decorative objects spanning centuries gather with new custom pieces bespoke designed by Behnke creating the impression of being accumulated over time. Rich colors and a variety of textured fabrics further enrich the senses. The room arranges on a custom contemporary silk rug. There is a worldly sophistication without being overly formal or stiff as one often finds in large homes. Along the back of the room, multiple sets of French doors flood the room with natural light and open onto a garden terrace.

The formal dining room features layers of rich wood trim and hand-laid herringbone floors composed of reclaimed antique French oak. The rich, saturated colors and contemporary interpretation of traditional design elements remind me of the French Quarter in New Orleans. The wrought-iron doors provide passage to a spiral staircase leading down to the wine cellar. The home includes a specific professional grade catering kitchen to allow the owners to serve any number of guests with ease. The design of this Beverly Park Chateau gives itself to entertaining with style on a large scale.

The library embraces a “gentlemen’s club” version of traditional design with its polished wood-paneled walls, intricate Oriental rug, and navy blue with gold accents. An artist custom created the ceiling designs by applying hand-painted canvases between the coffers. French antiques alongside new bespoke furnishings maintain the warm and intimate atmosphere while remaining completely functional. You are sure to be offered a Brandy, perhaps a Louis XIII Remy Cognac. A contemporary painting by Guy Diehl hangs above the Belgian marble fireplace.

No French country estate would be complete without a loggia with a fireplace. This one has glass walls that slide away to open two of its outer walls to the outdoors. The loggia embraces the best of Southern California’s indoor-outdoor living and gives way to the outer entertaining areas. The multi-purpose family gathering place located off the living room and library has comfortable all-weather wicker furniture. This arrangement of the rooms provides an excellent flow for guests when entertaining.

On the opposite end of the first floor, another cluster of rooms exists for the family and private living. These rooms have a far more casual French Country style. Here we have the family room with rough reclaimed wood beamed ceilings and a warmer color palette. Less formal traditional furnishings give the room the feel of a relaxed country home. It’s a luxe take on rustic!

The formal dining room we saw above and the catering kitchen mentioned are really used for formal entertaining purposes mainly. The home also includes this less formal, open flow family living-dining-kitchen area. This kitchen is where the family prepares their regular meals. The comfortable living area includes a large screen TV where the family really kicks back, and this more intimate, relaxed dining area is the one the family uses normally. The warm French Country vibe created in the adjacent family room carries into this area as well. The kitchen features a large center island topped with striking white-and-gray marble and is complete with a breakfast bar. The appliances are arranged around the island for easy access. The dining table is actually placed in a space that arches out and is lined with large windows which look out onto the back lawn.

The wine storage room on the basement level can be accessed directly from the dining room or from the home’s lower-level entertaining area. The room holds approximately 2,600 bottles of wine perfectly displayed in custom cases. The space includes an inner sitting area separated from the actual wine-storage by glass walls which allow for dual climate zones. This design team leaves no detail untouched. The rough-hewn timber and brick barrel vaulted ceilings paired with the weathered and aged floors give the space the look of an authentic forever old wine cellar whose wines have aged for years.

The home includes a basement level cluster of rooms designed for informal entertaining. The lower subterranean level entertaining area includes a circular sitting lounge with a big-screen television, along with a series of billiards/casino-style spaces complete with a pool table, card playing tables, and other games tables, as well as a full bar. The entire lower level expresses an Art Deco theme which unifies the spaces and gives it an air of refinement.

Also located down on this level is the home’s superb custom theater. The room includes custom mohair upholstered furnishings, silk draperies, and luxe finishes to complement the latest visual and sound equipment. The custom mill-work is all mahogany.

The second floor of the home holds a fully equipped private gym, a home office, and most of the bedrooms suites including (shown here) the expansive master bedroom suite. The master suite includes a sitting room, a generously scaled bedroom with another sitting area, and his-and-her bathrooms and closets. The walls are fabric upholstered and the floors are covered with custom silk carpet. The focal point in the room is the canopy bed with hand embroidery on the headboard and canopy drapes composed of four layers of sheer panels. A cabinet behind the sofa holds a pop-up television to watch from bed.

His bathroom impresses with dark walnut paneled walls and polished golden marble. Her spacious marble and paneled bathroom calms with pale shades of creams and pink. Both feature classic design detailing and both are quite grand and perfect in this home.

Here we see the homeowner’s private terrace overlooking the back lawn. It can only be accessed from the master bathroom making it the perfect place to escape.

These meandering cobblestone paths running between the stone structures of the main residence, guest house, and other outlying buildings appear as though they are part of an old European village and are very charming. Can you imagine? Don’t you agree? The entire Beverly Park Chateau is a wonderful work of art and craftsmanship. Most importantly, it evokes a light heart, cheer, and amusement. The whole point is to not take any of it too seriously. That is the most brilliant point in these details!

That concludes our design inspiration for today, my friend.

For more projects from these great talents, be sure to see:

Beverly Hills Deco Villa: Joan Behnke

Villa del Lago: Tuscan Inspired Estate

BEVERLY PARK CHATEAU DESIGN INSPIRATION

Designing projects all over the globe, Landry Design Group strives to raise the international standards in custom residential architecture. The award-winning design studio was founded in 1987 by Richard Landry. Recognized for designs in a wide range of architectural styles, the team of service-oriented experts collaborate to create residences spanning from classical estates to rural villas and cutting-edge contemporary structures.

Richard Landry has multiple beautiful Architectural Design Books that showcase many of the extraordinary homes created by his firm. If you love exceptional architecture, you must be sure to see these.

***

Founded in 1999, Joan Behnke & Associates, Inc. is rooted in the deep belief of interior design as both a fine art and a profound opportunity for self-expression. The firm, now grown to an internationally acclaimed design practice, thrives on working intimately with their clients to transform the spaces they inhabit and infuse them with a deeper kind of beauty that transcends the imagination and continues to flourish and inspire for a lifetime.

Architecture: Landry Design Group

Interior Design: Joan Behnke

Photography: Erhard Pfeiffer

This home was named Robb Report Ultimate Home

Thank you so much for reading along with me. I hope you enjoyed this lovely estate. Let me hear from you in the comments! What do you think of Beverly Park Chateau?

Have a great day!!

February 19, 2016
Classic Mayfair Penthouse: Oro Bianco

Our design inspiration for today comes from an elegant penthouse in central London’s exclusive Mayfair district. The classic Mayfair penthouse boasts excellent views of the city’s skyline including Green Park and Buckingham Palace. The new owners, an international family, purchased the 7,000 square-foot residence, located within a 1904 heritage protected Old Park Lane building, to establish for themselves a London base for when they were in the city. Luigi Esposito and his team at Oro Bianco Interior Design transformed the space into a luxury home where the family could both comfortable reside and entertain with great style.

The family asked the design team to restore the noble proportions of the main public rooms, and where possible, to extend those proportions into the more intimate family areas as well. The interior architecture had to be reconfigured a bit to create a home suitable for modern living, while also preserving and restoring the exquisite period architectural details. The design team was to create a home that was classic in its design, but completely contemporary in its function. The completed residence would also need to properly display their extensive collection of modern art, and perform a list of other special functions. The home was to be turn-key complete with everything in place including the linens and dishes. Note: The design house had just come together and this was their first project as a team.

CLASSIC MAYFAIR PENTHOUSE DESIGN

The classic Mayfair penthouse is designed to allow the foyer, entrance hall, drawing room, formal dining room, and living room to serve two functions. When the series of lacquered wood and glass double doors connecting them are open, they serve as grand entertaining space. The doors can also be closed to create more intimate areas where the family can relax together. Above, we see the foyer as it opens onto the entrance hall. The design team anchored the room with an ormolu-mounted Louis XIV commode, inlaid with tortoiseshell marquetry and a dazzling mirror above it.

A grand formal entrance hall sets the tone for the home’s glamorous interiors. Polished black and white marble floors shine as brilliantly as the lacquered doors. A pair of crystal chandeliers reflects forever in the large antique gilded mirror on the far wall. An ebonized and ormolu-mounted Louis XV-style marquetry desk in the Boulle technique centers this space, topped with an ink-well in the same style. The designers expertly restored the crown molding to its original splendor. Imposing sets of double doors give the room an air of grandness while allowing natural light to flow through into the rooms beyond.

Here we have the double volume drawing room. Paneled walls emphasize the room’s height and volume. Another fabulous large crystal chandelier illuminates the space. The colors are soft while the surfaces are smooth and reflective. Lead designer Luigi started his career in fashion and it really shows here. An antique c.1870 Hepplewhite secretaire bookcase serves as a focal point dividing the two seating arrangements. Luxurious silk and velvet cover the Soane sofas with skirts trimmed with bullion. Two layers of tailored curtains frame the sets of French doors that open to balconies.

The drawing room flows into the cozy library. Bespoke designed shelves and cabinetry frame a traditional fireplace mantle topped with a contemporary painting. The property, of course, features discretely managed complete automation and includes Lutron lighting, underfloor heating, motorized blinds and concealed speakers, along with all of the other amenities necessary for a modern luxury home. Nothing was allowed to impact the classical design features. The Bianco team worked very closely with the Conservation Department to ensure that they fully understood and approved their designs.

The formal dining room includes a bespoke hand-crafted table designed by the team and created by Linley; the woodworking company founded by the nephew of Queen Elizabeth II. Brazilian Mahogany, Amboyna, and American Walnut form the beautiful inlaid designs. It can seat as many as eighteen people comfortably under the glow of the crystal chandelier.

The powder room is just an exquisite jewel box of details.

The bedroom corridor features back-lit, hand-painted eglomise glass panels which give the impression of natural light streaming in from both sides. The series of translucent glass panels form an English Garden theme.

Blue is the client’s favorite color, and it serves as the primary color in the master bedroom. Blue silk covers the head and footboard of a Rosewood Simonetto bed. Bespoke designed silver-leaf damask covers the walls. Beaumont and Fletcher bespoke designed blue silk drapes, hand-embroidered with silver thread and Swarovski crystals dress the windows. The closets were custom made in Italy and installed on site. They were perfectly planned and finished with rich lacquered wood, inset with mirror panels. An antique Persian rug layers on the silk carpet. Even the desk chair features hand embroidery. Another beautiful crystal chandelier, sparkling like jewelry completes the room.

The master bathroom displays serious luxury detailing. The Pietra Dura floor includes a mosaic of over 30,000 pieces of semi-precious stones, such as amethyst, lapis lazuli, mother-of-pearl, and carnelian. The bespoke vanity, fabricated with Brazilian Mahogany, is inspired by traditional French furniture. All this rests beneath beautiful layers of crown molding above.

The home includes two guest bedrooms with en suite bathrooms finished out with as much care and attention to detail as the rest of the home.

That concludes our design inspiration for today, my friend.

This was Oro Bianco Interior Design’s first official project as a team, and it was a big success. It firmly set the design group into a solid position. This project gave solid credibility to Luigi and his entire team of architects and designers. The home received plenty of press in London and Internationally. The luxury design has received endless praise and critical accolades.

“True craftsmanship defines us. Using the most specialist of traditional crafts from every corner of the world, we work alongside talented artists to create truly bespoke interiors by designing and producing joinery and wall panels, furniture, and lighting, pietre dure floors and breath-taking tapestries – true beauty with strong attention to detail.”

For more residences featuring Classic Design for modern living, be sure to see:

Knightsbridge Townhouse Reinvention

Fifth Avenue Classical Design

Oro Bianco’s Classic Mayfair Penthouse

Oro Bianco Interior Design, founded in 2011 by Luigi Esposito, Stefania Mazzarini and Killian Thomas Lynch, is a luxury design house once distinguished by its sole focus on London’s super-prime property market. Their initial decision to focus solely on super-prime property created an interior design powerhouse, ideally positioned to bring the best in luxury design to London’s super-prime property owners.

Today, Oro Bianco Studio specializes in creating magnificent architectural interiors for international clients around the world. The multi-national team of RIBA architects and interior designers work on global projects for the luxury high-end interiors market. The company includes Oro Bianco Milano, which designs and produces their luxurious furniture and decorative lighting.

Interior Design: Oro Bianco Studio

Photography: Barry Murphy

Press Release

thedesignawards.co.uk

Thank you so much for reading along with me. I hope you enjoyed this classic Mayfair penthouse with its architectural details paired with both traditional and contemporary furnishings and finishes. There was no shortage of inspiring interior design ideas packed into this one today!

Have a great day!

December 19, 2015
Ambassador’s Mansion: Contemporary International

Today’s design inspiration comes from a diplomatic ambassador’s mansion overlooking the Potomac River in McLean, Virginia. The 20,000 square-foot wooded, hillside residence underwent a comprehensive renovation which included the altering and customization of nearly every floor, wall, and ceiling within. The personalized, art-filled contemporary home brilliantly mixes elegant internationalism with comfort.

Built into the hill and organized over four floors, the home serves for both private casual family living, as well as for public entertaining on a grand scale with separate spaces dedicated for each. Throughout, the mood is light with an open and airy flow and a warm, neutral color palette. The extraordinary level of customization and the quite sophisticated design details are where the ambassador’s mansion shines.

The renovation centered around the transformation of the interiors. The interior design primarily informed the resulting architecture. Los Angeles-based interior designer Joan Behnke came in to realize the owner’s vision with her signature level of understated elegance. David Cooper, principal of ACG Architects in McLean completed the architectural work, with BOWA, a McLean area contractor organizing and facilitating the project.

The opening photo shows the entrance foyer with its barrel ceiling and custom-finished walls. The entrance hall includes a Eurofase chandelier with cascading glass bubbles, along with an eclectic mix of art and custom furnishings.

AMBASSADORS MANSION RENOVATION

In the living room, four Ingo Maurer pendant light installations inject a contemporary feel in an otherwise traditional room. Behnke assembled a collection of furnishings, objects, and art that reflects the Ambassador’s youth, sophistication, and worldliness. The design’s mostly neutral palette of golds, creams, and coppers complement the dark, cerused oak floors. The furnishings gather on a rug by Tai Ping, here and in the adjoining room below.

Custom furnishings with clean lines are both contemporary and comfortable. Behnke designed and placed these throughout the public and private spaces. A pair of Pendant lights by Satori Light Sculptures illuminate the room. All the lighting fixtures throughout the home display a sculptural quality and function like jewelry. Each of the rooms designed for public entertaining has its own character yet flows together seamlessly.

The ambassador uses this stately dining room to host formal dinners. Behnke upholstered the walls with luxurious Alpaca wool from Peru. The cabinets feature a washi paper hand-made in Japan inserted into the face and lighted from behind.

A custom table and chairs furnish the formal breakfast room included in the renovation. In every case available, the architect created floor-to-ceiling windows as well as lift and slide doors with the ability to slide and stack to the side to take advantage of the natural views and open the interiors fully to the outdoors.

The media room includes a 108-inch television within a custom millwork surround, finished with eight coats of enamel. The designer furnished the room with a custom sofa and ottomans along with a sculptural iron table by Philip Norman. I love the trio of pendant lights of various styles.

The adjacent billiards room features a custom two-ton aquarium within a lacquered millwork surround echoed in the media room. A crane hoisted the tank over the house and lowered it in through the side. It is supported by a structural beam and maintained by equipment housed below in a separate 10-by-20-foot room. The colorful tank mirrors the habitat of a saltwater reef with lights that simulate sunrise, daylight, and sundown. The room also features a pool table custom created in Spain.

The home has a service kitchen for entertaining and catering purposes equipped with multiple stainless refrigerators, dishwashers, and cooking appliances as well as ample preparation space.

The ambassador also has a private kitchen located off the media room designed for casual meals and hanging out with personal friends. This kitchen features Caesarstone countertops and a custom eat-in dining bar.

The home office occupies the entire top level of the residence. It features a barrel ceiling and walnut built-ins polished to a furniture-grade finish. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors frame a perfect view of the Potomac.

The master bedroom is a haven of calm with access to the outdoor terrace. Behnke furnished the room with contemporary furnishings with clean lines and simplicity of form, custom-created to meet the owner’s taste and needs. Custom and bespoke designed furniture require more time and effort, but it is worth it to get what you want. Don’t you agree?

The master bathroom is the contribution of the second interior designer involved with the project, Tony Chi & Associates. It features Italian glass mosaic tile floors, limestone walls, and shagreen-covered vanities imported from France. Custom Verre eglomise designs in platinum leaf enhance the glass walls along the center leading to a sculptural limestone tub from Mexico. An open shower with both rain and waterfall fixtures connects to a traditional Hinoki wood Asian sauna. The designer took his design inspiration from the many luxury hotels that the ambassador has stayed around the world.

The owner frequently entertains his friends down on the lower level in the pool cabana space which opens to the pool and outdoor entertaining areas. The cabana includes a charming and relaxed lounge and dining area as well as a cloistered wine storage and tasting room.

A new glass balustrade system from Scandinavia envelopes the expanded pool terrace. A new wet-edge pool with three successive infinity edges and eight laminar jets shooting water across the surface replaced a standard version. The outdoor entertaining areas include an alfresco kitchen with a dining area and a fire pit with a seating area. The terrace appears suspended in the air along the treetops. It is a favored gathering place for visiting friends. The ambassador accommodates his guests in a self-contained, fully functional guest house.

The ambassador’s mansion exudes a delightful mix of contemporary international flavor. Most of the transformation was able to be completed in less than a year with the work occurring in three phases. In addition to the architect, contractor, and two interior designers noted, there were also subcontractors, craftspeople from all over Europe and the United States, art consultants, lighting consultants, civil and electrical engineers, and on and on. This completed home renovation is the product of well-executed collaborative design involving a team of professionals at the very top of their fields.

That concludes our design inspiration for today, my friend.

For more design inspiration from the principal interior designer involved with this project, be sure to see:

Beverly Hills Deco Villa: Joan Behnke

Beverly Hills Modern

AMBASSADOR’S MANSION ON THE POTOMAC

Architecture: ACG Architects

Contractor: BOWA

Principle Interior Design: Joan Behnke

additional Interior Design: Toni Chi & Associates

photography: James Tetro Photography

Thank you so much for reading along with me. I hope you enjoyed this mansion renovation and found it educational and inspiring. I look forward to hearing from you in the comments.

Have a great day!

October 23, 2015
Modern Classic Design: Golden Mile

Today’s design inspiration comes from a brilliantly renovated 4,000 square-foot historical apartment in Montreal reconfigured for modern luxury living. The residence is within one of the rare remaining structures erected during the cities gilded age in its glittering Golden Square Mile. The modern classic design created here perfectly recaptures the glorious past through restoration and renders it for today through innovation.

The stunning Neoclassical architectural details that defined many of the palatial homes in this once noble area live on here. The old is new again, architecturally speaking at least. The splendor of the Golden Square Mile, whose mansions were built from the mid-nineteenth century until the ending of the 1930s will never be the same. In those days, the Gentry, business titans, bankers, and both the old and newer fortunes resided here. All these holders of significantly concentrated wealth competed to outshine one another which produced grand aesthetic achievements. Some of the greatest moments in design history occurred at such times, think Versailles. The residents dazzled with their audacious ornate residences and decadent living.

In time, changing attitudes swept away the glory. New business models, the war, and the introduction of the income tax broke the hold. The biggest call for the end of the golden mile excesses was the widening social and income inequality gap which reached its natural tipping point as it always has through history, again- think Versailles. By the 1980s, less than 30% of the magnificent mansions remained, and only a small fraction was held by private owners. The neighborhood around is predominantly commercial now with only the occasional reminder. Our residence today happens to be one such reminder.

MODERN CLASSIC DESIGN INSPIRATION

Completed by Interior Designers Jay Britto and David Charette of Britto Charette, with offices in Miami and New York. The designers created a luxury home that embraces the best from the old while infusing the best of contemporary design for a home suitable for its sophisticated and worldly new owner. Careful preservation closely guided every decision. From this exacting labor of love, a beautiful Golden Mile restoration emerged. The completed re-design includes the addition of a formal master suite, a rebuilt foyer, a sweeping staircase, and a sleek new kitchen, to complement the beautiful living spaces. Britto Charette also infused practicality by adding heated walls and floors throughout to ward off the frigid Canadian winter temperatures.

The designers created a luxury home that embraces the best from the old while infusing the best of contemporary design.

In the living room, luxurious Macassar ebony with carved silver detailing forms the bar, humidor, and sleek coffee table. These special pieces were handcrafted in Paris by designer Patrick Baguech. The fabulous graphic rug is by Kyle Bunting. Great lengths were taken to select the perfect marble to go over the fireplace which serves as art itself. The handsome herringbone floors are original to the apartment, as is the molding. When the originals couldn’t be saved, the design duo enlisted a plaster specialist to carefully recast the originals ensuring authenticity.

Julian Opie’s Maria 2 presides over the chess game area located at the rear of the living room. Very elegant indeed! Many of the elegant pieces throughout display a strong Art Deco design inspiration.

The dining room features a brilliant work by Paul Beliveau. A custom dining table from Europe pairs with chairs accented with Missoni upholstery by Reagan Hayes on a custom silk rug. The elaborate plasterwork features stunningly throughout the home.

I love the bright white, the articulated architecture, the beautiful floors, and the french doors which I envision as inspiration – I can’t get enough. In addition to that, there is a story that we can learn that is so relevant today. Plus, I am thrilled that the designers preserved the stunning Neoclassical architectural details. The modern classic renovation didn’t sacrifice any of the home’s grand proportions and maintained the hierarchy of the rooms.

The sleek new eat-in kitchen features glossy black and white cabinets and a lacquered Poggenpohl system. The stainless steel and marble countertops have stone slab backsplash. Stainless steel designer appliances including a glass front wine refrigerator add sophistication. Carrara select marble floors and a mirrored ceiling complete the kitchen with ultimate style.

Christopher Hyland fabric upholsters the bespoke designed curved banquette that defines the breakfast area. The designers raised the banquette so that the radiant heat could flow with ease. As with most homes, this area receives the most activity.

The comfortable enclosed family room also serves as a library with silk upholstered walls, built-in shelves, and bespoke designed furnishings.

No modern classic designed luxury home would be complete without a room for watching television.

Versace’s New York showroom inspired the brilliant chevron marble design surrounded by the mosaic spray on the flooring in the foyer and upper landing. The landing features a glimmering sculpture of a Hermes Bag by Jonathan Seliger, along with Russell Young’s Marilyn Crying, which gives the space a very luxe contemporary vibe.

In the master bedroom suite, Macassar and ebony millwork form the bespoke designed bed structure, giving the room a refined air. At the foot of the bed, a chest holds the pop-up television. A visit to the Tom Ford boutique in Las Vegas served as inspiration for this bedroom.

The master bathroom features Calacatta gold marble on the walls and countertop and includes a free-standing soaking tub. The designers included lots of hidden luxuries throughout the property such as the television hidden within the mirror here. It’s so perfect to have classic-inspired formal rooms and sleek contemporary kitchen and bathrooms. Britto Charette is on point!

One of the bedrooms features silver-leafed walls by de Gournay, painted over in gouache.

The home now has room for noise and play, for watching television and for entertaining, for conversation and for contemplation. A Modern Classic designed home lived in with love in the heart of the Golden Mile.

That concludes our design inspiration for today, my friend.

For more fabulous homes by these designers, be sure to see:

Firethorn: Contemporary Mountain Retreat

Marquand: Refined Contemporary Design

Seaside Contemporary Residence: Regalia

BRITTO CHARETTE’S MODERN CLASSIC DESIGN

Britto Charette Interior Design reflects the modern tastes and design demands of today’s discerning global clients. Their bilingual and well-traveled team brings the best in global design innovations to their discerning clients. These include luxurious finishes, cutting-edge trends in color and patterns, and trusted building materials. Offices in Miami and New York City allow them to help clients around the world plan and develop luxurious interiors.

Interior Design: Britto Charette

Photography by David Giral

Thank you so much for reading along with me today. I hope you enjoyed this wonderful home restoration by these talented designers! Let me hear your thoughts in the comments!

Have a wonderful day!

***UPDATE***

Britto Charette is expanding! The design firm unveiled a new room at Casa Cor in Lima, Peru! Great festivities accompanied the reveal after months of planning, designing, and building the incredible dining room for Casa Cor. From October 1st through November 8th, BRITTO CHARETTE celebrated the unveiling of their spectacular dining room. The new room features an all-Peruvian cast of artists and manufacturers. For more info: Britto Charette Casa Cor Lima

October 11, 2015
Sexy Bachelor Pad Luxury Design

For our design inspiration today, we are taking a look at a dark and sensual penthouse apartment located in the International shipping center of South Holland. This urban residence, with its cosmopolitan style and luxurious interiors, was designed by the Netherlands-based, internationally acclaimed, interior design star Eric Kuster. The designer has created this sexy bachelor pad for a young single guy who wanted a sleek and contemporary design that was classic, yet sophisticated and edgy.

The owner requested a luxuriously appointed residence that would be a personal reflection of himself and his lifestyle. The home was to be inviting, relaxing, and indulgent. A place for entertaining with style, and maybe a little partying. Kuster responded with a design that seduces the senses with a mixture of fabrics and finishes, sights, and scents.

SEXY BACHELOR PAD DESIGN INSPIRATION

All the furniture used, along with the floors, doors, carpets, drapes, leathers, and textiles are from Eric Kuster’s collection- Metropolitan Luxury, and all are classic design hallmarks of the designer’s style. The combination of materials and textures give this sexy bachelor pad it’s luxurious and opulent ambiance.

Crocodile embossed and printed textiles combine with the softest velvet, satin, and fur, along with the thickest of carpet, for a luxurious feel that demands to be touched. Intriguing shadows and the moody combination of deep rich colors; black, gray, brown, and purple, give the space a dramatic effect.

The inspiring interior design plays with contrast for effect; light and dark, earthy, and glossy, dangerous, and fun. This contemporary design is indeed personal and intimate. Kuster has included plenty of statement-making pieces that reflect the personality of the owner. Indeed, this entire sexy bachelor pad is a reflection of an exciting life lived with style.

A high-gloss life requires a high-gloss setting! The designer created a sophisticated design with an edgy-but-playful mood. Metropolitan Luxury is all about taking advantage of what life has to offer, being yourself, taking a step into the unknown, and making it all your own.

“Luxury is about comfort and feeling content. Your possessions should be personal to you, creating a source of serenity in your surroundings! “ EK

Dark colors = Warm moods. This sexy bachelor pad feels like it is just on this side of dangerous. There’s an energy here that suggests – step through these doors, and you may never be allowed to leave. Although, with poetically glamorous interiors such as these, why would you want to?

“I believe everything made in love is beautiful!” EK

“I ABHOR VIOLENCE, BUT I ADORE THE SHAPE OF A GUN!” EK

“Beautiful people deserve beautiful spaces with beautiful things.” EK

INTERIOR DESIGN IS AN APHRODISIAC!

Interior design is about a lifestyle choice, and life is about enjoyment!

The unique atmosphere created here makes this an around-the-clock apartment.

“Embrace the day, but bring on the night.” EK

Eric Kuster designed the state-of-the-art kitchen by Barletti. The wood floors used throughout are from StudioDL. The doors are from Bodor, and the glass fronted fireplace is from Modus, all designed by Eric Kuster, who has exclusive lines with all of them.

That concludes our design inspiration for today my friend.

To see other fabulous homes created by Eric Kuster, be sure to see my post:

Contemporary Design: Eric Kuster

Contemporary Lakeside Villa: Eric Kuster

Sexy Bachelor Pad with Metropolitan Luxury

Since launching his business in the Netherlands in 1999, Dutch-born Eric Kuster has built up a reputation as a pre-eminent provider of luxury, glamor, and quality in high-end homes worldwide. Moreover, his interest in all elements of design has seen him apply his talents to developing multiple lines of luxury home furnishings, fashion, footwear, home fragrances, etc., as well as publishing large coffee table books featuring his work and a twice-yearly magazine. The designer’s label lives under the marque of Metropolitan Luxury. There could not be two words better suited to sit side-by-side and describe his inimitable style, which relies on the perfect balance of classic and contemporary, European, and international.

Today’s Sexy Bachelor Pad is featured in his Metropolitan Luxury Book XIV. This beautiful book shows the designer’s recent international projects and provides the reader with a fascinating look behind the scenes of the lives of the exclusive few; various trend-setting places and people, always state of the art. Kuster’s interiors are a combination of refined designs, stylish glamour, and a meticulous attention to the smallest detail. This book takes the reader on a voyage to the unique world of Eric Kuster.

Interior design: Eric Kuster

Photography: Paul Barbera

Thank you so much for reading along with me. I look forward to hearing from you in the comments. I hope you enjoyed this sexy bachelor pad with its luxurious interiors.

Have a great day!

September 8, 2015
Koket- Luxury For The Home

For today’s design inspiration we are featuring one of my favored sexy, exotic, luxury home brands… Koket. Launched in 2010, under the creative direction of interior designer Janet Morais, the brand offers up a highly edited collection of head turning and attention commanding statement pieces for the home. The collection includes dramatic case goods, luscious upholstery, exquisite lighting, and decadent furs- all manufactured by master artisans and jewelers who leave no detail or element forgotten.

These photos are from various campaigns and feature a selection of some of the delights obtainable from Koket. All pieces are hand made with a variety of techniques which allows for changes and customization in texture, colors, and dimensions to suit your decor needs, and are available worldwide through a select network of interior designers and luxury home retail stores.

The photo above features the Orchidea Console, whose sensuous curves and subtle gold gilt make it an irresistible choice. It has an oval top in ebony veneer, structured in high gloss black lacquer with two drawers lined in black velvet and adorned with cast bronze orchid handles, supported by a polished brass base. The mirror shown is the Guilt Mirror composed of sculptured gold tones of hammered and textured brass surrounding a perfectly cut convex mirror. Also shown is the Mandy Stool, inspired by a cuff bracelet, with a twisted high-gloss brass base, and upholstered seat.

In this photo we have the flirty Colette Sofa, which is a fully upholstered tight back sofa with an elegant lacquered band leading to sleek feet. A pair of Tresor Stools are also shown which are upholstered in luscious velvet, with a polished cast brass base. The pair of Chloe Sconces shown are wall mounted lights within an evocative ribbon of gilded bronze with leaf detailing. The rug is the Black Cobra Rug, which is a cowhide rug with an embossed bovine leather cobra print border.

Here we have my personal favorite, the Burlesque Console, whose contemporary design is inspired by the dazzling world of French Cabaret in its day. The base of loops and spins is polished brass, with the top covered in embossed- exotic cobra, low pile velvet, with a crystal pull on each of the 4 drawers. Also shown are a pair of Passion Sconce- lighting inspired by nature and glowing from within- made of cast bronze with exquisite leaf detailing.

In this photo we have the Obssedia Console, whose gold plated aluminium base- topped with smoked, bronze glass- is a work of contemporary design art. The Addicta Mirror- inspired by the richness of traditional design Venetian mirrors- makes for an opulent statement. The pair of Flora Sconce are tantalizing polished brass, intricately sculpted light fixtures.

The two tone gold metal ribbon base of the Intuition Dining Table symbolizes the unexpected swirls of emotions and desires, and is complete with a beveled smoked glass top. The Chandra Dining Chairs consist of polished brass bands delicately binding the sculpted fluidity of the tight back upholstery. Suspended above is the Eternity Chandelier, whose elegant silhouette takes its brilliance from the skillful application of the crystal. The eternal circles are individually wrapped in brass and placed with astonishing attention to detail resulting in an extraordinary source of light.

The lustrous curves of the Nessa Chair are designed to complement those of the modern day woman. Here it is upholstered in sultry satin with detailed stitching trailing along the edges down to the wooden legs which have been elegantly finished in gold leaf. The Kiki Side Table is another piece inspired by the romantic and seductive beauty of Parisian cabaret life. It’s polished brass hoops have delicate iris floral as tips supporting a bronze glass top embraced by a polished brass frame.

Luxury Home Furnishings by Koket

All of these items would make excellent additions to the glamorous interiors in your home.

For more info be sure to visit Koket

I hope you enjoyed the collection, my friend! Be inspired!

Thank you so much for reading along with me.

September 6, 2015
Beverly Hills Deco Villa: Joan Behnke

Our design inspiration for today comes from a grand Deco Villa in Beverly Hills, an Italian-style villa with Art Deco-inspired interiors. This award-winning, 22,000 square-foot luxury home, designed by renowned architect Richard Landry, with interiors by legendary interior designer Joan Behnke, certainly deserves our attention.

The facade forms with carved limestone sourced in Dijon, France. The design includes classic Italian features such as Doric columns, hand-carved outriggers under the eaves, and a roof covered in reclaimed clay tiles sourced in Italy. There are numerous recessed balconies, highlighted with stone tracery, and large open windows framed in Bronze. The homeowners desired a home with a formal Italian style exterior, for the neighborhood’s style guidelines dictated an approved Italianate look. Inside, they wanted interiors with more of an Art Deco inspiration.

A Seamless Fusion of Classic Italian Inspired Architecture with Art Deco Inspired Interior Design.

The New York Times describes Richard Landry as “one of the most sought-after high-end architects” and dubbed him “King of the Mega-Mansions.” He is indeed a clear favorite of the wealthy and famous seeking statement homes.

Joan Behnke’s work adorns the homes of some of the world’s wealthiest people. Forbes Magazine dubbed her “The Billionaire Whisperer,” due to her client roster that reads like a Forbes list. Her pure pursuit of the finest, the rarest, and the most fitting goes unquestioned. Her worldwide network of sources is every designer’s dream.

The moment you enter the home, the Art Deco notes shine clear. There was no strict style adherence inside or out, but the design inspiration is very evident. For the double-height entry foyer, Behnke envisioned custom hand-scalloped plaster wall treatments, actualized by Foster Reeve. The design details of the iron entry doors repeat on the balustrade and windows. They model on a beautiful Deco design discovered in Paris on one of the many research and buying trips the designer and the couple took while the house came together. Dale Chihuly’s Green Glass Reeds rise high next to the sweeping staircase. A 7-foot-tall, 400-pound bronze chandelier by Herve van der Straeten suspends from a large wrought iron skylight that crowns the entry.

DECO VILLA DESIGN INSPIRATION

For the living room, Behnke bespoke designed contemporary furnishings in delicious colors and wonderful fabrics and arranged them on a Tai Ping silk rug. An oil painting by Hans Hoffman hangs above the marble Art Deco fireplace surround, flanked by two pendant lamps by Herve van der Straeten. Along the room’s back wall, accordion doors open wide to the loggia. Here, and throughout, Behnke custom designed all window draperies.

Lacewood paneling and shelves line the walls of the home’s spacious library, filled with the owner’s extensive and cherished collections. Hanging above the marble fireplace is a 1960’s oil on Canvas by Mordecai Ardon while hanging in the nearby recess is Marc Chagall’s circa-1980 Moise et le Veau d’Or. Hand-painted canvas murals adorn the ceiling between the beams.

The family room is rich with Art Deco details and fine finishes. To relax the mood and make the space more inviting, Behnke used comfortable, casual furniture pieces of her design, and included a bar in the corner. The room features a 1,000-gallon saltwater aquarium filled with colorful coral set within the dark oak panels.

The glamorous formal dining room gives itself to entertaining with great style. A bronze and lacquered wood chandelier by Herve van der Straeten suspends from the stepped Deco inspired ceiling. Moise Kisling’s 1942 Grand Bouquet de Mimosas hangs between a pair of large antique wall sconces from Craig Van Den Brulle on the fabric upholstered walls with lacewood paneled corners. Behnke bespoke designed the racetrack table and two host’s chairs surrounded by Therien chairs upholstered in Jerry Pair leather.

The commercial style, chef’s kitchen is any cooks dream. This room includes a Landry designed stainless-steel, barrel-vaulted ceiling. Mahogany cabinetry with kosher granite counter-tops sourced in Italy make up the room. The spacious layout provides for multiple preparation areas, and the abundant stainless designer appliances make this kitchen perfectly able to serve a feast for a crowd and ideal for entertaining.

The breakfast room positions on the garden side of the kitchen and looks out on the back lawn, pool, and water features. A chandelier from Jean de Merry hangs above another Behnke-designed dining table surrounded by Michael Berman dining chairs. The draperies are Pierre Frey, with motorized shades from Conrad.

Upstairs in the Deco villa, Landry designed the second-floor hall with an Italian style groin-vaulted ceiling and wrapped it around an inner courtyard that brings in natural light. The detailing of the steel doors and windows echo the groin vault. Behnke placed wool-and-silk runners in gray and silver by Martin Patrick Evan on the floors to balance the space with a bit of modern design.

The second-floor courtyard provides an inner open-air sanctuary. A water feature adds to the relaxing ambiance.

The master bedroom and its adjoining sitting room both have barrel-vaulted ceilings with the same scallop finish found on the walls of the foyer. Mirrored panels front the fireplace surround. Behnke custom designed the iron fire screen. She filled the sitting room with pieces obtained from the Paris trips including; the rosewood desk, the antique burled-walnut side tables, and the amber glass vases on the mantle.

Large pocket doors join or separate the master bedroom and sitting room as desired. Both rooms include two sets of French doors that open onto a trellised terrace overlooking the back lawn. Formal full-height drapery panels made with Schumacher fabric and Bergamo wide trim frame the terrace doors. Behnke custom designed the Rose Tarlow leather upholstered headboard, as well as the lounge chairs, bedside chest, and pop-up television cabinet at the end of the bed.

Her bathroom is a harmony of luminous tones and mirrors. The Art Deco style continues in this room with the scallop finish around the tub and vanity. The stone-and-Italian-glass mosaic designs on the floor and in the shower also reflect the style.

Mahogany with inlaid lacewood diamond accents envelops his bathroom. Gray marble sourced in Italy forms the counter-tops and covers the floor. The room includes custom bronze fixtures from Compas and an antique Lalique chandelier.

Down on the basement level of the Deco villa, the home includes a theater with a 170-inch-wide, curved Stewart screen, and a custom shallow speaker system. Donghia fabric-paneled walls conceal the technical equipment, speakers, and acoustic panels. The round designs on the fabric echo those in the ceiling’s mahogany design. Behnke bespoke designed the cabinets behind the leather seats with Macassar ebony and mahogany, fronted with ultra-suede panels with nailhead trim.

Biometrically controlled glass doors open to the home’s spa, which includes an Endless exercise pool and a hot tub with a waterfall. Ann Sacks blue tiles line the barrel-vaulted ceiling above the pool. Travertine marble covers the floor and frames the room’s architectural details. Beyond the doors adorned with the convex mirrors, there is a salon, a massage room, and a steam room.

The stone-paved loggia, located off the living room, is a perfect example of the homes indoor/outdoor living design. The limestone mantelpiece is from Paris, and the furniture, here and all outdoors, is from Janus et Cie.

In this rear view of the home, you see the exceptional architectural highlights. You see the crescent curve of the breakfast room on the right, and the loggia on the left with all the articulated details. A pergola on the path between the house and pool includes a partial kitchen and grill for outdoor entertaining.

The guest pavilion has an intentional different character from the main house to create a visual story. Rough, rustic stone with an aged appearance forms the façade to imply that it was there long before the Deco villa. The design takes inspiration from the Italian countryside.

The guest pavilion’s open fire-pit completes our tour of the Deco villa. Two years of planning, construction, and European buying trips went into the creation of this luxury home with classic Italian façade and Deco-influenced interiors. Was it worth it? Of course, the owner views it as a masterpiece, and we agree!

That concludes our design inspiration for today, my friend.

If you would like to see more fabulous residences created by Joan Behnke, be sure to see:

Villa del Lago: Tuscan Inspired Luxury Estate

Beverly Park Chateau

Beverly Hills Modern

Ambassador’s Potomac Mansion Renovation

Joan Behnke’s Deco Villa

Founded in 1999, Joan Behnke & Associates, Inc. is rooted in the deep belief of interior design as both a fine art and a profound opportunity for self-expression. The firm, now grown to an internationally acclaimed design practice, thrives on working intimately with their clients to transform the spaces they inhabit and infuse them with a deeper kind of beauty that transcends the imagination and continues to flourish and inspire for a lifetime. This intimate, meticulous and dedicated process is one that Joan personally carries through each project as well as in the selection and training of every member of her team.

Interior Design: Joan Behnke & Associates

Architecture: Landry Design Group

Photography: Erhard Pfeiffer

This residence was named Robb Report’s Ultimate Home.

Thank you so much for reading along with me today. I hope you enjoyed this beautiful home with its rich layers of exquisite custom detailing. Let me hear from you all in the comments.

Have a great day!

August 20, 2015
Contemporary Design: Eric Kuster

Cliff House is a beautiful sea-side villa located high in the lush hills of Altea, Spain. The contemporary design luxury residence is built against a cliff, situated to provide breathtaking 180-degree views over the Mediterranean Sea. The 5,300 square-foot resort-like sanctuary spreads over multiple levels. This impressive home features awe-inspiring, luxurious interiors created by the internationally acclaimed interior designer, Eric Kuster, who drew inspiration from its beach front location for the interior design.

Kuster incorporates natural elements in the home’s interior design including coral and shell, as well as vases made from mother of pearl filled with driftwood. All these details emphasize the inescapable connection with the sea. The furnishings display the designer’s signature qualities: bespoke designs, contemporary lines, generous scale, with high-end fabrics, finishes, and ample cushions. Collectively, every detail harmoniously exists for one reason: to ensure a wealth of quiet comfort and pleasure.

CONTEMPORARY DESIGN INSPIRATION

The home’s grand, open-flow living area includes multiple seating zones, a spacious kitchen with a breakfast bar, and a formal dining area. This villa’s contemporary design remains soft and inviting. The interiors, though immaculate, do not attempt to intimidate. Kuster incorporated the right balance of coastal casualness that allows for uninterrupted peace and calm. White on white dominates, with an occasional splash of warm color for depth. The surfaces are well edited, and as always with this hot designer, very luxe.

“Natural elements- including vases made with mother-of-pearl and filled with driftwood- emphasize an inescapable connection with the sea.” EK

FIFTY SHADES OF WHITE

It is the abundance of natural light and the stunning views that make this home exceptional. These became the central theme that guided the home’s contemporary design. The large floor-to-ceiling windows throughout take full advantage and make the very most of these qualities. Thanks to expert planning and the positioning of the villa high up on a series of angles, one can see everything from inside, though without being able to be seen from outside.

A SPLASH OF WARM COLOR ADDS DEPTH

There are five bedrooms with spacious en suite baths. The master bedroom is a serene dream. It includes an enormous spa-like bathroom with an open shower, a large Jacuzzi tub, and spacious dressing areas. In a nod to the home’s location and identity, artisans created a dry-stone wall of the sort you find in the local hills. The bedroom opens onto a private courtyard.

“The fabulous view is integral to this house.” EK

The villa completes with a media room and a state-of-the-art fitness room. Additional amenities include inner courtyards, abundant terraces, gardened grounds, and independent service quarters. The residence has a 3-car garage. Of course, no Mediterranean dream home would be complete without a swimming pool. This multi-level residence features a fabulous infinity edge pool creating another stunning sight line.

It is only natural that Kuster’s inspiring interior design in this home has such universal appeal. This sea-side villa with its contemporary design and its stunning views combining with the spacious open lay out and the interior’s luxury design offer all the comforts of a resort, but with the individual personality that only a home can boast. Could one ask for more?

“I know I can deliver for clients who say they want the best of the best- after all, isn’t that what we all want?” EK

That concludes our design inspiration for today, my friend.

To see more homes completed by Eric Kuster be sure to see my other post:

Sexy Bachelor Pad Luxury Design

Contemporary Lakeside Villa: Eric Kuster

Sea Side Villa Contemporary Design

Eric Kuster’s luxurious interiors combine refined design, stylish glamour, and meticulous attention to detail. He has completed more than 600 houses and countless commercial buildings. The designer is arguably one of the most influential designers of the moment. His ability to strike a perfect balance between classic and modern design has put Kuster’s name on the map for nearly two decades.

These days we not only find him creating glamorous interiors for his A-list clients but also developing multiple lines of luxury home furnishings, fashion, footwear, home fragrances, etc., as well as publishing large coffee table books featuring his work and a twice yearly magazine. The designer’s iconic lifestyle brand, “Metropolitan Luxury” encompasses a style that at once embraces glamour, comfort, and sophistication.

Today’s residence is featured in his Metropolitan Luxury book XIV. With this book, Eric Kuster takes us on a journey that covers everywhere from Curacao to Vegas, Holland to Ibiza. While we can marvel at the glamorous diversity of his work, we can agree, too, that the recipe for true luxury combines beauty with space and comfort.

Interior Design by Eric Kuster

Photography: Paul Barbera

Architecture: Equipo Digitalarq, S.L. Architect Carlos Gilardi, and Pepe Cabrera

Thank you so much for reading along with me today. I hope you enjoyed the Contemporary design of this luxury sea-side villa.

Have a great day!

July 21, 2015