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}

New Orleans Manor Transformation

When I saw this beautiful 19th century manor home's incredibly elegant transformation, I just wanted to slip right into every photo! The renovation of this Garden District home in New Orleans has been brilliantly executed, bridging original features with contemporary design and luxuries, as you can see. 

Built in 1884, the Italianate house has a lovely white wedding cake facade. It was in serious disrepair, when the owners bought it. They saw the property's potential, and bravely dreamed of restoring the home's former beauty, while also modernising it, to suit their young family's lifestyle. Thanks to the efforts of designer Ann Holden and architect William Sonner, the home has been given a new lease on life.

Every room is simply exquisite. I would have to say that my favourite spaces are the breakfast nook and lounge, with those magnificent walls of windows, looking onto the garden, and the elegant formal dining room, with its glorious chandelier and pale grey chairs. The bathroom and study are also really lovely. 

This home is such an inspiration! It makes me want to find a falling-down old cottage, and transform it into a splendid family home.

{all images via Veranda}

An Everlasting Impression

Combining her love for French, English, Pennsylvania Dutch, and Charleston decorating styles, antiques dealer Jeannette Whitson has designed a new home in Nashville, Tennessee, which somehow seems to feel timelessly beautiful and soulful. 

You may recall that I showed her gorgeous deep blue library in a recent post. I have since had the pleasure of finding images of the rest of the house, featured in House Beautiful. I'm equally enchanted by every room, as well as the lovely outdoor spaces. 

In Whitson's design work for her company Garden Variety Design, she loves to use garden-inspired elements. Naturally, she wanted her own home to seamlessly blend the gardens with the interiors. The house wraps around the terrace, to maximize the garden views, and every entrance into the house requires passing through a garden. 

Another timelessly appealing design element of the home is the use of restoration glass windows, which filter sunlight in a soft, painterly way, reminding Whitson of the Impressionist works her father used to collect.

Subtle colours such as greys and blue-greys, along with aged-looking patinas, garden views, and, of course, antiques, make this home feel very special. No wonder Whitson calls it her family's "forever home". How could anyone possibly want to leave such an elegant, comforting haven?

{all images found here, along with a wonderful interview with Jeannette Whitson}

Room Love: Blue

I'm in a blue mood today...

Jeanette Whitson's library painted Farrow Ball’s Hague Blue

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 Shangri La Hotel, Paris

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Glam Furniture

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 Living etc

Study designed byThom Filicia

I've been daydreaming about the Dream House again. I'm picturing blue design elements being used throughout the house. I'm envisioning the front door being painted a beautiful blue (the same colour as the one shown above), and the study being painted a gorgeous blue hue (much like Jeanette Whitson's library painted Farrow Ball’s Hague Blue, top image, shown above)--actually, they seem to be nearly the same shade. I have always loved blues, from light to dark, cool to warm, I love them all.

Maybe the reason I'm in the mood for the colour blue today is because, two days ago, Glen and I found out that we are having a baby boy. I'm 20 weeks along, which means that I'm halfway through my pregnancy. It's so exciting to imagine our life with this new little person. As much as I'm a girly girl, and I adore all things pink and pretty and feminine, I will certainly love this boy of ours.