An Elegant Italian Farmhouse

This incredibly elegant, luxurious 17th century Italian farmhouse, situated on the border between Tuscany and Umbria, was masterfully decorated by designer Eric Egan in a mere twelve months. The designer, who often designs five-star luxury hotels, gave the same attention to detail to this vacation property for a family of six as he does for his hotel projects, delivering a perfectly-designed home--down to the food in the refrigerator!--making it ready to be lived-in and thoroughly enjoyed on the day the family moved in. 

Egan has been living and designing in Milan for over 20 years, making him the ideal designer for this project. In those twelve months, he somehow procured a magical blend of old, new, and custom-made furnishings, to complete designs for the property's six buildings and garden. 

My favourite features of the home are the hand-painted tree mural in the entrance hall, the amazing arched window, glistening brass table, and Claude Lalanne chandelier in the dining room, the custom screen, made of panels of de Gournay wallpaper, in the master bedroom, and the stunning views over the Umbrian hills from the gorgeous terrace. 

Who wouldn't fancy having a holiday in such a luxurious home?

{all images via Elle Decor}

a little romance

Beautiful, romantic interiors always make me sigh a little, bringing a moment of calm to my day...

I hope they will do the same for you.

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 Portrait of Madame Du Barry via Château de Versailles

Gustav Interiors in the Netherlands 

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 Veranda

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 Living etc

home of decorator Monique Meij in Holland

{P.S. Mazzy Star's "Fade Into You" is playing on the radio right now, and it somehow seems to go so perfectly with these rooms.}

Lounge love...

Today I'm taking comfort in the images of this soothing and elegant lounge. 

Normally, I'm not a huge fan of warm colours. Perhaps the cool winter weather we've been having is making me long for a bit of warmth. In fact, the other day, I got a lovely coral-coloured drapey knit cardigan. That's quite a shift from my usual wardrobe choices of greys, blues, greens, and violets.

Back to the lounge love... Don't you just love this room? Peach, buttery yellow, and russet accents warm up the pale grey space. A dark carved wood screen between the lounge and dining areas, along with casual floor cushions, keep the mood cozy, while pretty lamps add romantic ambiance. My favourite element in the room would have to be the gorgeously moody photo hung above the banquette seating. I can imagine a wonderful gathering of family and friends enjoying this beautiful room.

{Source: Rue Magazine, June 2012 Issue; Photography by Marjon Hoogervorst, seen here}

geometry lesson

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 Faceture light shade

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Designer: India Hicks 

Ahrens table

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Designer: Kelly Wearstler

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 Smith & Watson pagoda cabinet, found here

 adore home magazine

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Although I usually tend to favour romantic and pretty styles, sometimes I enjoy seeing more linear and angular looks. Simple geometry can produce such striking results in a room, especially when juxtaposed with curves and soft elements. I love the little geometric paper shapes in the glass dome. I would like to make something like that.


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P.S. Speaking of decorating ideas... G and I got approval to hang artwork, etc. on the walls of our rental unit. I'm excited to have a reason to get back into painting! I'd like to do a few new paintings, as well as frame a print or two (eventually, as these things take time). 

On a not-so-happy note, we were told that we are not allowed to have any pets here. Oh well. At least we can enjoy the affection of a grey and white cat, who visits us almost every day. He's a sweetie.