Asian Influence

Many of the top designers today are infusing their interiors with asian furniture and objects.  Conjuring up images of farflung travels, these items inject an exotic influence that adds richness and history.

This modern kitchen was inspired by old feudal Japanese palaces. Designed by Michael Smith, the kitchen also has a healthy dose of 21st Century minimalism.  Up against the wall is an absolutely beautiful 18th Century Japanese Tansu Chest.  The unique light fixtures hovering above the island were actually salvaged from a department store in Japan during World War Two. They are made of fabric over a wooden frame.  The rich walnut covered stainless steel island doesn't go without notice.

Interior Designer, Mary McDonald, frequently uses antiques from Central Asia in her designs.  Asian sculptural objects abound in this first two rooms and an Asian bed takes center stage in the bottom photo.  I love the eclectic mix that heightens the interest and depth of the rooms.

Interior Designer Kelly Wearstler uses asian accessories to spice things up in these living rooms.  Never one to shy away from making a dramatic statement, Kelly often uses exotic objects from Southeast Asia to create her theatrical aesthetic.

Vicente Wolf's designs are inspired by his many travels.  He almost always includes items from these travels in his designs.

A black laquered tansu chest stands in the adjoining living room.

An overscaled asian table stands out in this minimal spare room.

In this living room, an antique cart wheel rises from behind the sofa creating a unique sculptural focal point.

Accessories from Central Asia add history and a global influence to any style decor.  Antiques and global artifacts such as this black laquered screen create a rich and authentic feel. 

With their unique and naturally weathered appearance, large hand-hewn wood cart wheels make eye-catching sculpture.

Michael Smith's Breathtaking Interiors.

Designer Michael Smith's style has been described as a blend of classic European style and American modernism.  He is one of Architectural Digest's 100 Top Designers and in January 2009 added the Obamas to his list of famous clients when he won the White House commission.  Everything he touches looks timeless and classic yet fresh and modern. 

He defers to classic design, but isn't afraid to mix modern elements ingenuously into the palette.  In this unassuming bedroom, as in everything he designs, nothing jumps out at you and says "Look at me!"   The Zuber wallpaper wraps the space with a country scene complete with rolling hills and trees creating the illusion of grandeur.

He isn't afraid to combine different styles, periods and colors.  I love the vibrant Southeast Asian textiles and black laquer Chineese screen which add history and depth to his library.  Porcelain, vases, a marble obelisk and antique French maps infuse the space with character.

In this living room designed by Michael Smith, a naturally serene color palette combined with a mixture of antiques gives the room that "undecorated" look.  Photo via Elle Decor.

Custom etageres line the walls of this library designed by Michael Smith.  The ceiling has been meticulously paneled in walnut.

The mantel in this sunroom displays an antique Spanish door panel, Burmese wheel, and Cameroonian shields.  Stunning architectural detailing and furniture and flooring covered in natural fibers give the room an elegant relaxed feel.  Photo via Elle Decor. 

Smith’s style is heavily influenced by the English country look which can be seen in many of his works. His knack for combining the historical and classical with modern family items and decor is part of why his popularity has soared.

The walls in this Palladian villa have been decorated with Venetian plaster in the style of the original Palladio villas in Venice.  Each of the two separate seating areas has it's own fireplace as a focal point.

In the midst of preparing this post, I raced to the gym for a quick workout.  While there I stumbled upon the March 2011 issue of Architectural Digest.  And, lo and behond, within those pages I found this gorgeous home designed by none other than Michael Smith.  I couldn't resist adding them as they only further testify of his talent as a designer.... 

For the complete article and photos, go to ArchitecturalDigest.com

LA Mansion Home To The American Idol Contestants.

I recently saw a post by Mark David on ShelterPop.com in which he introduced to his readers the Los Angeles mansion which is home to the top thirteen American Idol contestants.  This 15,000 square foot Tuscan style mansion can be found on Mulholland Drive in Beverly Hills.

With unobstructed views, the property consists of  two plus acres of lavishly landscaped grounds, including a waterfall and koi pond. A 2,000-square-foot, two-story guesthouse adjacent to the swimming pool and spa has been remodeled for the contestants into an entertainment pavilion with a pool table fashioned from a vintage Ford Mustang.

Wrought iron and glass doors swing open to a gargantuan great room measuring 45 feet by 60 feet with a 28 foot high coffered ceiling.  Two mirror-lined staircases rise to the second floor gallery which wraps around the space and looks down on the enormous room.  A carved stone fireplace, travertine floors and a two-story wall of windows heighten the posh vibe.  To further the luxurious feel, a fifteen foot projection screen drops out of the ceiling at the touch of a button.

Just off the great room is a spacious kitchen.  Complete with dark cabinetry and travertine floors, the kitchen boasts professional grade appliances and ample room for preparing food for a crowd.

The home consists of nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms in addition to staff quarters.  There are two master suites, each of which has a panoramic view, fireplace, sitting area, spacious spa-like bathroom and walk-in closet.  A kitchenette aids in avoiding long trips down to the kitchen.

The property has been on and off the market since the spring of 2008 when it was listed for $19.5 million.  Almost three years later, it is now listed at $12 million. 

Pedestal Sinks.

Pedestal sinks are gaining in popularity with the resurgence of period style details.  Used in the following bathrooms, they add elegance and style. 

In this bathroom, designed by Michael Smith, pedestal sinks sit on either side of a charming elliptical window.  The armoire, round wood table and rug bring warmth and make the space seem less utilitarian and more like a sitting room or foyer than a bathroom.  Light floods in through french doors.  The lantern adds rustic charm. 

In this stylish eye-catching bathroom, not only do the pedestal sinks have large aprons to compensate for the lack of counter space, but have a lower shelf and towel bar as well.  A sparkling crystal chandelier and fabric covered sconces heighten the charming chic atmosphere.  I love it when additional seating is included in a bathroom design.  

I love the abundant use of marble tile which covers the entire wall and surrounds the space in glistening shades of white and gray.  It creates a very posh vibe.   

Using a pedestal sink in this small bathroom opens up the space and creates a more spacious feel.  I love the wainscoting which consists of crisp white subway tiles.  A period style door and lighting infuse the room with character.

Glass legs make these pedestal sinks appear to float as they extend from the wall.  Placed on opposite sides of the room, with an alabaster light fixture dangling above, the pedestal sinks allow the stunning bathtub to be the focal point.  The all-white scheme creates an etheral atmosphere that feels fresh and current.

This white pedestal sink is beautifully juxtaposed with a natural wood oval mirror and vintage sconces.  The wood floor and table add rustic charm.

A separate vanity makes up for the loss of counter and storage space that results when choosing a pedestal sink.  The white pedestal sink blends into the white waiscoting that wraps around the room.  Kelly Wearstler's Imperial Trellis wallpaper adds a punch of color and pattern and enlivens the space.

Halle Berry's Mediteranean Style Home

Halle temporarily listed her house for $5 million around this time last year when she was in the midst of her split with her boyfriend Gabriel Aubry. She bought the two bedroom, two bathroom Mediterranean-style home in 2001 for $2.275 million.  It was built in the 90210 zip code in 1948.

The restrained palette in the master bedroom is warmed by a fireplace and chandelier.  The Spanish style bed is a striking focal point.

The galley kitchen is warm and friendly with an abundant use of wood and granite.

Iron railing and brick walls add texture and interest.

The guest bedroom has wood floors, ornate vintage furniture, upholstered headboards and a charming chandelier.

The house beautifully blends into the landscape beyond.

The Barcelona Chair by Mies Van Der Rohe.

The Barcelona chair was designed by Mies van der Rohe for the German Pavilion at the 1929 Barcelona Exposition.  At that time only two chairs were produced.  One chair was manufactured for each member of the royal couple, King Alfonso XIII and his wife Ena.  However, these Spanish royals never actually used them.  An icon of modern living, the chair's design was inspired by the campaign and folding chairs of ancient times.

I love the sleek white Barcelona chairs contrasted with the natural rough textured flooring.  A grand piece of contemporary artwork makes the perfect backdrop. 

Placed on a shaggy white rug, the Barcelona chairs provide additional seating in this fresh modern library.  A glass coffee table heightens the fresh current feel.

 

The boundary between inside and outside melts away due to full height wall-to-wall windows in this living space.  Black Barcelona chairs, ottoman and daybed coexist naturally with the landscape beyond.

The Barcelona chair's extreme clarity and simplicity makes it an artistic statment in any room.  When originally designed for the Spanish royalty, the ottoman was intended to be used as seating for their servants.

The black Barcelona daybed rests peacefully in front of a simple smooth concrete fireplace.  It maintains a quiet sculptural presence.    

The clean simple lines of the Barcelona daybed are an extension of the clean simple lines and minimalistic decor used throughout the space.

This living room includes a beguiling eclectic mix of furntiure.  White Barcelona chairs beautifully coexist with more traditional furniture and elements.  

Stunning Bathrooms. Good-Looking Bathtubs.

Do you prefer the bathtub or the shower?  If you would rather soak in the tub after a long work day, then you'll want to take a look at these elegant bathrooms and bathtubs.

Made of natural stone and sitting on a pedestal, this bathtub is a work of art.  And, did you notice the television mounted on the corner wall?  I'm assuming someone is planning on spending an extended amount of time here.... and I can see why!  This bathroom, designed by Vicente Wolf, is elegant, serene and glamorous.

Also designed by Vicente Wolf, this bathroom juxtaposes a medley of textures and finishes.  The copper bathtub, with it's beautiful clean simple lines, sits sculpturally away from the wall and in the center of the room.  A large quirky photograph enlivens the space with color and interest.

The stone bathtub is advantageously positioned next to a large expanse of windows, allowing the occupant to capitalize on the sunshine streaming in.  Crisp white walls, clean lines and open shelving keep the space looking airy and spacious.

The majestic stone bathtub adds texture to this sleek handsome bathroom.  Double doors make a grand entrance to the more formal symmetrically designed space.  Dark mahogany vanities ground the all-white scheme.

A beveled stone ledge adds both functionality and visual appeal to this tub.  I love that the same stone was carried up the wall and used as wainscoting around the room.  Both the dark mahogany vanity and tub appear more furniturelike than utilitarian elements.  Paneling the tub enhances that furntiure feel.  French doors and a fantastic light fixture infuse the room with style and grace. 

A clawfoot tub, whether vintage or a reproduction, adds charm to any bathroom.  I love the black and white tiled floor and white beadboard wainscoting.

A clawfoot tub can be a stylish centerpiece in any bathroom.  Behind the tub is a vintage wood headboard.  It adds rustic charm which juxtaposes so beautifully with the sparkling crystal chandelier.

This beautiful tub is by Kallista.  Paneled in dark wood and topped with a stone ledge, it makes a stunning focal point.  The detailed ceiling and molding infuse the room with architectural interest.

With smooth clean curved lines, this tub is a modern version of the Kallista tub above.  I could see it contrasted beautifully with more rustic elements. 

This modern luxury bathroom includes a sunken tub that's barely visible at the end of the galley.