House Tour: Rustic chic in muted tones

Happy Friday Everyone!  I thought you'd enjoy this gorgeous home, which is not only decorated in a modest, but still elegant way, but also has some great architectural bones.

Enjoy!

Not to pick on Lonny Magazine, but is anyone else just a little bit tired of seeing every photo so over-exposed?

Homeowner Estee gives a great design tip:  "I prefer to consider everything in terms of color, texture, and pattern, rather than in terms of period or origin.  If you concentrate on the color of a piece, rather than whether it's Venetian or bohemian, it's much easier to blend different styles into a single room"

Love the white on the walls and headboard with the gray wash of the wood dresser

This is such a sweet room for a little girl, and it will grow with her with just a few simple changes

Nurseries normally don't turn my head, but this one is so serene and calm.

via Lonny Mag

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Clean and serene - a look at minimalist design

Minimalism is a popular concept that has been employed for many interior designers over the decades, including very famous ones like Jean-Michel Frank. Minimalism is a design concept inspired by famous artists such as Donald Judd, Carl Andre, Agnes Martin and Frank Stella and it has drawn its inspiration from cultural sources such as the simplicity of Japanese traditional home designs and Zen Philosophy.

I don't tend to feature minimalist spaces too often, because it's not a life style that I think I could live.  However, whenever I do a clean sweep of my apartment, which I just did this weekend, all of the bare surfaces and perfectly straightened books inspires me to try and keep it up.

The basics of minimalism is unadorned and essentials only. Of course, there is a fine line where minimalism crosses over into cold and institutional. If minimalism is something you'd like to dabble in, here are a few principles to help you attain the minimalist loft of your dreams: 

Minimalism is neutral

Think neutral and block colours. Pristine white, light grey, clean taupe, make sure to draw inspiration from fresh, clean colour palettes.

Minimalism is bare

Minimalism means adorning your loft, but still giving it room to breathe. A good place to start is with the walls. Keep them simple and clean. Windows should be free of complicated draperies. There are so many options to keep your space private yet exposed. Look at using blinds by Velux,  and maybe try playing with clean shutters and very light curtains.

Minimalism is personal

A touch of personality brings your minimalist loft to life. You have wooden crates in the cellar? Clean them up and stack them together to create side tables. Whether you get creative or opt for the creativity of others via home furnishing brands and stores, choose pieces that are streamlined and geometric, clean and straight, smooth and curved.

Minimalism is light

And not just in terms of colour. Minimalist living spaces play of the lightness of its pieces and surroundings. Furniture should be light and low, no bulk or bulge. Rooms should make the best of natural light, again with the use of things like Velux window blinds, and knowing how to play with reflective surfaces can add space to any room.

Minimalism is inspirational

Finally, in order to achieve your dream of minimalist loft, you will need to know where to look for inspiration:

• Start by doing your research. What pieces do you have in mind to help create the ideal minimalist look for your loft? What feel do you want? Get some ideas on Pinterest and get some light inspiration.

• After gathering ideas of what you want for your home, visit stores like Ikea and Dwell for a selection of minimalist furniture pieces.

 • For windows, look to brands such Velux for great ideas on what kind of windows, solar thermal installations and blinds you might want for your loft.

 • If you want exquisite lights and light fixtures, look to brands such as Artemide and Boffi, and websites such as keslighting.com.

credits: 1., 2. interior design decorating, 3., 4. Apartment Therapy, 5. Loftlife Mag, 6. Por Homme

*disclosure: This post in partnership with itzala.co.uk

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A charming upstate farm retreat

It's a dream of all (admit it, all) NYC dwellers to have a country retreat. Kathryn Windley was no exception to the rule. She was tired of her grueling hours as an art director for a Manhattan ad agencies, and was recently divorced. She added a new twist to the New Yorker turned farmer by actually marrying the realtor who found her the property a few years later on the 20-acre grounds!

This living room is kept bright and cheery by the white upholstery and brightly striped rug.

In NYC, unless you pay for a separate studio, on never has space in their apartment for a studio.
One day I hope to have the space to paint and draw again.

The barn is actually a garage they designed to look like a barn.

I adore this kitchen, and Kathryn claims the farmhouse sink is what sold her on the property.  The runner was a once a damaged full-sized carpet she had cut and bound to fit the kitchen.

What do you think?

Read the full story and see more at Country Living

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The beautiful and interesting portfolio of Amsterdamn design firm Uxus

Can you believe that this artistic white dining room is in a 1930's hunting lodge in Connecticut?
 The chairs are a nod to the residence's past.

The bedroom is also modern and white.

A beautiful, artsy loft in Amsterdam.  Notice the bedroom behind the curtains?  You can see a larger view by clicking the image.

The painted headboard is such a pretty substitution for a headboard.

The two above are from a Spanish farmhouse.  The dining chairs are actually all different, but being the same color unifies them.

I really like the pairing here of fancy wallpaper and clean-lined, rustic furniture.

The concept for the images of the townhouse (3 images above) was "Victorian Jetsons." The home is Victorian, but the couple had an extensive modern art and furniture collection.  I think Uxus did a great job at fusing the two styles.  I especially like the use of wallpaper throughout the rooms.

Like what you see?  Go to Uxus to see/read more.

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How about holiday in a charming English country estate

Well, maybe not this year, but getting a glimpse inside these gorgeously decorated homes for rent is still a treat.

The "Treverra House" in Cornwall, is one of my favorite for rent by Perfect Stays.

I like the sparse, neutral way the house is decorated.  I think it makes it easier to relax and unwind.

What do you think of the harlequin armoire?

happiness is a warm bath

I think the image above is from a different property they manage - isn't it charming?

The view is so gorgeous and the room so light-filled.  If I lived here, I would probably end up bringing my laptop and papers to the table and work from there...

You can see pictures of all of their properties on the Perfect Stays site.

via Perfect Stays

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A bright and airy home filled with reclaimed beauties

This home is gorgeous on it's own - but discovering that it's filled with reclaimed furnishings and architectural elements makes it even prettier.

Love the table with the mid-century chairs. 

Such a pretty workspace!

I'd love to have a sliding door like this one day

can't go wrong with a crisp, clean white bathroom

via Pure Green Living

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A glam Hollywood Hills home that somehow manages to also feel down to earth

Usually I hear "Hollywood Hills" and it instantly conjures up images in my head of tacky, over the top glamor, or a super-cold modern house. This house by Nate Berkus Associates surprised me though, because it's rustic touches and happy embracing of color keeps it warm and lovely.

Click on each image for a larger, better view - the details are worth it!

Adore the Moroccan rug and striped floors...and the ceiling!

Dream kitchen.  Love the saddle-like stools and the potrack

dreamy

Love the colors in this dining room.  It's so cozy and intimate

via Nate Berkus Associates

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