lamb & blonde: January 2013

31 January 2013

A French Chateau

Let's explore a beautiful French chateau today...

Located in the Lower Normandy region of France, the creamy stone chateau was built in the 17th and 18th centuries. The rooms have been sparingly furnished by the owner, a British fashion designer. In the surrounding grounds and gardens, we find a ruined 11th century chapel, as well as a walled vegetable garden, woodlands, jardin a la francais with fountain, ancient elm avenue, summer house, stream, paddocks, and abundant wild flowers.

Faded grandeur, along with rustic charm, and almost endless possibilities for creating beauty throughout this impressive house are filling my mind with so many ideas this afternoon.

I can imagine enjoying long holidays with family and friends, and hosting extravagant yet informal dinner parties in such a house. Couldn't you? It would also be a splendid setting for a wedding.

{all images found here}

Wedding Wednesday: Enzoani 2013 Collection

I meant to do this Wedding Wednesday post yesterday, of course, but--since it is still Wednesday in some parts of the world, I am doing it now. Better late than never, right? Just as with finding true love.

I hope you will enjoy seeing these beautiful wedding gowns today, as much as I enjoy sharing them with you.

{all images found here}

29 January 2013

The man has a gift...

You've probably heard of designer Nate Berkus, right?

His stunning Manhattan apartment, in New York City, which was featured in Architectural Digest recently, caught my eye when I saw it on one of my favourite blogs, here. Although I usually go for softer, more feminine home styles, this place made my jaw drop.

The mix of classic styles and a dash of bravado creates bold beautiful rooms. Berkus combined beloved pieces he had owned for years with bespoke fittings, new oak parquet flooring throughout, fresh paint and wall coverings, as well as clever architectural features and details, to transform the apartment into his dream home.

My favourite space is the library-dining room. As you may recall, I did a post on library-dining rooms, because I love them so much. Another impressive element in this apartment is the glass partitions between some of the rooms, including the kitchen and a guest room.

I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more work by this amazing designer. I may even consider letting some manly elements into The Dream House, which would definitely make my partner happy.

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To read the full article, see all of the photos, watch a video about the apartment's transformation, and find out source information, visit Architectural Digest here.

{top image found here; all other images found here}

28 January 2013

utterly elegant

This has got to be one of the most elegant apartments I have ever laid eyes upon. From the subdued colour scheme to the gorgeous mirrors, touches of gold, and beautiful details throughout, this home seems to be bathed in an air of serenity and grace.

A lovely French console table used in the entryway inspired the home's decor. I love the wonderful use of every inch of space, such as a nook for drinking glasses, and the clever desk/ dining table for two attached to a sideboard. The kitchen is just adorable. Every detail works beautifully, but my favourite bit is the patterned backsplash. After seeing these spaces, I'm dying to go up those stairs to see what fabulous rooms must surely be up there, as well! Maybe we will be lucky enough to see more of this lovely home soon.

This incredibly stylish home proves that great things really do come in small packages.

{home designed by Sarah Richardson and Tommy Smythe; images found here and here}